Blackwing vs Cambridge Pocket Notebook: Which to Buy?
By PhotoLounge | Published: 2026-10-22
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Blackwing Artist Series Notebook and Cambridge Pocket Notebook side by side. Find out which notebook suits your writing or sketching needs based on size, paper, and price.
Quick answer
Choose the Cambridge Pocket Notebook if you need an ultra-portable, lined notebook for everyday lists and notes. Choose the Blackwing Artist Series Notebook if you want a premium A5 sketchbook with blank pages, lay-flat binding, and an included artist pencil.
Size and portability trade-off
The Cambridge Pocket Notebook measures just 148 x 105 mm — small enough to slip into a jeans pocket or small bag. Its 60 lined pages are perfect for quick notes or grocery lists. The Blackwing Artist Series Notebook is A5 size, which is larger and better for extended writing or sketching, but it won't fit in a standard pocket. If you need a notebook that goes everywhere, the Cambridge wins on portability.
Paper and binding differences
The Blackwing Artist Series Notebook uses 100 GSM blank paper with lay-flat binding, making it ideal for drawing or writing without fighting the spine. It also includes an exclusive Artist Series pencil. The Cambridge Pocket Notebook uses lined paper — great for organized writing — but its binding is simpler and may not lie completely flat. If you need a sketch-friendly surface, the Blackwing is the better choice.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Portability: Cambridge fits in a pocket; Blackwing is A5 and bag-only.
- Page count and paper: Cambridge has 60 lined pages; Blackwing has 160 blank 100 GSM pages. Choose by whether you prefer lined organization or blank sketching space.
- Extras: Blackwing includes an exclusive Artist Series pencil; Cambridge has no extras.
- Price: Cambridge is USD 4.27 (down from USD 7.00); Blackwing is USD 22.50 (down from USD 30.00). The Blackwing costs more than five times the Cambridge — invest if you need premium paper and binding.
Product facts
- Cambridge Pocket Notebook: The Cambridge Pocket Notebook has 60 pages of lined paper in a 148 x 105 mm size. Its compact size and lined format make it ideal for quick, organized notes on the go.
Cambridge Pocket Notebook - Blackwing Artist Series Notebook: The Blackwing Artist Series Notebook features 160 pages of 100 GSM blank paper with lay-flat binding and includes an exclusive Artist Series pencil. The blank, heavy paper and lay-flat design support sketching and writing without distractions or spine issues.
Blackwing Artist Series Notebook
Which notebook fits you?
Best for
- Writers who need a pocketable, lined notebook for daily lists and notes
- Budget-conscious shoppers who want a functional notebook under $5
Not for
- Artists or sketchers who need blank, heavy paper and lay-flat binding
- Anyone who wants a notebook with an included pencil or premium extras
