I am surprised by the rough edge of that backplate too! Never heard anyone talk about that aspect! Either way I don’t like metal clanking on the table so I’ve always just admired the plotter from afar… not sure I would love to use it on a daily basis or maybe I’m just biased with the Filofax binders 😅
It's certainly an interesting aspect of the Plotter design. I've never seen any other reviewer mention the back plate in this way, but I think that it's important to discuss the issue. Thanks for your feedback as always.
Thank you so much! When I looked back at my video, I think I was a little sharp with those who have complained about the length of many of my videos, but now that I'm making two reviews (one long and one short) I'm hoping that there's something for everyone.
Hi Neil, thanks for the review. Interesting to hear about the philosophy behind Plotter. I found quite a lot of information from a blog that talks about 'system techo' in Japan of which Plotter is one of five major players. The back plate issues are a surprise. My wife did find a thread on Reddit which talked about sharp edges. That person mentioned sanding them to smooth them. Will be interested to see how it works as an EDC tool.
Thanks for your feedback. Yes, the back plate issues were a surprise for me too, but I’m prepared to accept it, probably because I’ve waited so long before buying one, and partly because there’s nothing else quite like it on the market. Interestingly, I like it so much that I’ve changed how I use this Mini 5 already, but I’ll reveal all in a future video.
Interesting that for such a quality / expensive item it has those flaws. I did see another video this morning on RU-vid talking about the rough edges, so that fact you picked that up also was no surprise, just disappointing that this is the quality that is acceptable by Plotter. I am currently researching and decide between the mini and mini 5 - I am a long time pocket user so the mini does make sense, but I love how small the mini 5 is for a commonplace notebook / wallet situation. I will need to get it sent to a friend in the US, and then she’ll send it onto me - they don’t post to NZ unless I can find a retailer that has what I want and will send to NZ. Still researching, and thankful for your review
The rough edges were certainly a big surprise. However, I’m already thinking about purchasing another. It is frustrating that there is no official retailer, here in the UK. I’ve suggested that Cult Pens become a stockist. Thanks for your detailed feedback; and thank you for becoming a channel member. I appreciate it 🙂
@@Flatability it’s frustrating for those of us that live outside of Japan or USA / Canada. I’m lucky I have great friends in the US who are my personal shoppers and often have a box of my stuff that’s been delivered to them. I just need to decide on size - I think I’m leaning toward the mini 5 after seeing your review. Thanks again!
@@FlatabilityIs it a secret where you purchased your Plotter? 😉 There are retailers in Japan that ship internationally including amazon Japan. Stationary products especially pens and hand tools (quality screwdrivers, pliers like "Engineering") are much much cheaper in Japan. I ordered a package of quite a few products a while ago with a friend. Despite shipping costs, the items were still significantly cheaper than the same Japanese brand products over here in Europe. Many of them simply can't be bought in Europe at all. I haven't checked for Plotter products at that time, but I assume that with a bit of research you'll find retailers that ship to Europe, NZ or Australia.
Not a secret. I bought it on eBay, from a Japanese reseller. I suspect that I could have bought it cheaper elsewhere, but I ran out of time. I also like the fact that eBay are well known to step in to resolve any problems with damage or non-delivery; so that gives me peace of mind. It would be great if Plotter set up satellite distribution here in the UK, in my opinion. Thanks for your feedback.
I've had one for a few months now and honestly it's perfect. I'm using it as a wallet and EDC. Regarding the metal piece, I've seen videos of people filing it down, may do that if needed, but don't really want to though. Also, the wallet accessory is great and you can use old Filofax inserts
Thank you for this review! I have the mini on my wishlist. I think I'd love it but I would want to file down the sharp edges on the backplate like you did.
The gold printing shows up clearly when it catches the light just so as you handle the binder here. It may be the minimal contrast between the gold and the green that makes it look faded.
Completely agree that more manufacturers should be using Krause rings. Leather I feel can be cheaped out on to a higher degree without necessarily impacting the product's longevity. Of course there is such a thing as too cheap leather (thinking about the Finsbury or Guildford), but I would think that on for example a Portland or a Kensington it would be the rings that give out first -- I may be wrong. Interesting that such a simple backing plate would take a year to develop, and still have such an apparent flaw. I do like that the 'manifesto' disappears with use, looks better without it to be honest (although it would have been nice if the logo stayed). Thanks for sharing this, looking forward to your updates.
With regards to the bowing of the back plate, I have been looking at these binders for a while and I have noticed the bowing in several images. Advertising images. Could it be that the bowing is either part of the design? Or perhaps an unavoidable part of the production process. I'm glad somebody else has noticed this, but it's not just you. I suspect the manufacturers would prefer them all to be dead straight, but maybe that perfection is just not possible? I have one on order myself, so if it comes in and it's dead straight I'll report back, but I am expecting some minor bowing.
@@Flatability So... I can confirm it is not completely straight, as I suspect they all are. I can't really get a good photo, but it seems there is some minor bowing from end to end. Also, the bar is slightly depressed where the logo is stamped into it. None of this is enough to make me think I have received a dodgy product. I didn't find the ends to be particularly sharp either. They are pointy, but I don't think I'll be filing mine down. I got the credit card holder with mine and it is quite nice. I have 4 cards in there and it's quite capable for those thinking of using it as a wallet. Can't quite bring myself to get the plastic wallet things which could hold cash as I don't think they look especially nice, and I don't really carry cash anymore, but it's an option for those who need that. This is the smallest binder I have ever had, and it does a very good job with the space. I have the 'To-Do' list which goes with it and that makes great use of such a small space. I really am very happy with it. Mine is red by the way :-)
Interesting thoughts. Thank you. I may discuss this in a future podcast. The bend in my own Mini 5 backplate isn't uniform. When I look closely it appears to be bent in several places. But, like you, I just accept it.
Thank you for the thorough review. I’ve been going back and forth about getting one myself and look forward to hearing your long term thoughts after a few months of usage. Off topic, I found another potential issue with the backplate in the following video. That it might start flaking? I haven’t heard anyone else mention it but wanted to bring it to your attention. Fast forward to the 14: 40 mark. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-C-Kc1HfDj5I.htmlsi=scUPiwMtGHY33nE
I don’t know how these back plates are finished but I have heard that the anodised coating on brass can flake if it becomes brittle. Personally, I’m ok with that, if this is indeed an anodised surface (and may not be), because I see it as part of the charm, in the same way that I also see the change, or even deterioration, of leather to be an aesthetic feature. But I do appreciate that many users will want their Plotter back plates to remain visually perfect.
My friend, I’m sure their customer service is extraordinary. Why don’t you ask him to exchange that one because of that defect. I’m sure it probably missed inspection.
@@Flatability I would start first with the back plate, I mean it’s clearly not gonna be up to their standards to be selling a product like that, and then the faded manifesto is definitely not proper. I would give it a try and ask them. I watched your entire video my friend and you don’t deserve a new product to be defaulting.
Thank you for your advice, which I appreciate very much. And thank you for watching the whole video. I've considered these issues carefully and, since they don't affect the function of the binder, and particularly since I bought this binder from a reseller rather than from Plotter direct, I've decided not to return it. There is, of course, always the possibility that Plotter will reach out to me and, if they do, I will naturally let everyone know how things go. Thank you once again.
