A solid aged oak stab binding sketching journal and notebook with hinged boards.

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When I transitioned from traditional and conventional bookbinding to constructing books from wood, the Japanese stab binding was the first binding style I knew would function well with wooden boards. As the spine section is rigid and inflexible, it allows for the spine to be securely anchored with binding posts and the front and back boards to be hinged without compromising on the functionality that can be expected from a traditional stab binding.

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The book consists of single sheets that are pierced at one end and secured with brass binding posts and heavy Barbour linen thread. Traditionally only pierced holes and thread are used to hold the spine section secure, though due to the weight of the covers binding posts were needed to prevent the boards from swivelling at the spine.

 

The wood was decorated with a homemade stain to give a weathered and aged finish that compliments the metal fittings and rustic natural materials. The book is held closed with a jute strap that weaves through the back board and a brass button on the front cover.

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The limitation with this binding is the thickness of the book and the number of pages it can accommodate without compromising on flexibility and functionality. The pages push against each other when the book is opened, which can become an issue when the text block is too thick. However, the construction is sturdy and long-lasting, and it is relatively straightforward to replace the text block when the book has been filled.