DAISO Grid loose leaf pad VS MUJI Notebook type Loose Leaf

 Recently I've noticed a new addition to the ever growing stationery collection over at DAISO. 

Noticing how similar they are to something from MUJI, I decided to pick it up to do a comparison! Here they are side by side :

For comparison's sake, I've purchased them both in A5 size / 5mm Grid / 20 holes.

At first glance, both seem similar enough with the biggest exception that whilst you can place the entire book from MUJI into a file, you will need to remove the cover before you can do the same with the one from DAISO. (The cover does not have holes)

And on the inside (Daiso in front, MUJI in the back)

You can see that the DAISO version is more white with less obvious lines whilst the MUJI version features its standard cream paper with darker lines. Both grids are the same size at 5mm. The paper from both are equally smooth but the MUJI paper is thicker. Recommended if you are worried about the ink going through.

Another difference is the amount of paper you get. MUJI one is 50 pages and DAISO is 30 pages. However DAISO is 100yen + tax (USD$1~) and the MUJI version is 250yen + tax (USD$2.50~) 

Note: Prices quoted are RRP in Japan.

The MUJI version also feels like a better product whereas the DAISO version seems a bit filmsy due to the thin cardboard used on the book's back cover. However this is hardly an issue if you are putting it in a file to start with. 

The MUJI version is definitely better overall but at the same time, its also 2.5 times more expensive than DAISO. However, I'm unable to say with conviction, which is the one to buy. I think its up to the buyer to decide if the small differences are worth the prices and that should also ultimately determine their choice.

Have you tried either of these notebooks? What did you think of them?

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Review: Daiso Washi Tape Cutter

There are many types of washi tape cutters in the market, one of my favourites is the Kokuya washi tape cutter and Daiso has released a version that looks really similar to it.

You get 2 cutters in the packaging which is such a good deal. 

However one of the cutters turned out to be faulty, but I had another one, so it worked out. 

Left: Kokuyo Right: Daiso

The Daiso cutter is slightly bigger and more boxy than the Kokuyo cutter. 

The clip mechanism is quite different too.

 Kokuyo's has 2 parts so it can adjust to the thickness of the washi tape roll, and it also has a series of grooves for better grip. 

Daiso's is more simple, it is just a plain clip with a small lip so the roll of tape doesn't fall off, in theory anyway. 

Kokuyo's has 1 set of fine metal teeth for tape cutting whilst Daiso's has 2 sets of plastic teeth, 1 fine, 1 coarse. 

The fine teeth on both are quite comparable when it comes to the cut tape edges however I found the metal one on the Kokuyo easier to use. 

I do like the coarse teeth on the Daiso tape cutter too, it gave the cut tape edge a more unfinished look which would look great in layouts. 

As you can see, Kokuyo's washi tape cutter is rounder, smoother and more ergonomic. 

It also has grip, so once you position the cutter, tearing the tape is super simple. 

This tape cutter also comes in 2 sizes to fit different widths of washi tape. 

Daiso's tape cutter is more basic and simple, it's longer which would mean it would fit most washi tapes without the need to own more than one. The disadvantage of the shape however, is that you would need to hold on to the cutter to get a good tear on the tape.

Both tape cutters are great however the Kokuyo tape cutter can cost 2-3 times more than Daiso's. The Kokuyo cutter also comes in more designs and colours. 

Kokuyo is more ergonomic so if you're someone who tears a lot of tape, I would recommend the Kokuyo tape cutter. 

However, if you only use the cutter occasionally, the Daiso would suffice, it is easy to use, produces nice cut edges and you get 2 pieces! 

Which one are you planning to buy? We'd love to know! 

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