You could say that as a desk pad, this is an example of classic overkill. And, you'd be right, until you actually start using the thing day-to-day, and that's when the stuff that at first seems superfluous starts making sense: the weight and heft, combined with the pads mounted underneath, keeping the pad anchored in place as you're writing (meaning: no fidgeting); the clamping bar, keeping the paper in place *and* providing a sharp edge that allows you to neatly tear off a page single-handed (which is also where the weight of the thing comes in, again); the quality of the paper itself - if you know of Excompta, you already know how good it is. Do you absolutely need something like this? Of course not...but once you have it, as is so often the case with The Good Stuff, you never want to be without it. Highly recommended.I purchased a second item through Amazon, the first "version" was from another vender.That being said, the version I got from Amazon, is slightly warped. It rocks a little when in use. Think uneven table. It is annoying. The other one (from a different vendor) did not have this issue.So, I don't know if it is a quality control issue on the manufacturer, or if the reason for the less expensive price is because of "factory seconds." The issue I think is the placement of the foam feet, that is making the pad rock ever so slightly.That being said, the product is very good, if you get one with good quality control.The paper holds up rather well to a fountain pen, markers not so much.The true benefit of this product is the perforation. When the brass holder bar is tight, the page rips of cleanly with one hand. Also, there "Left over" page, (the part under the brass screws) can be used for one or two lines [perfect for phone numbers that you need to hand to someone else.]It is a nice pad to keep on your desk, but I personally prefer their smallest size.This size, 21cm X 13.5cm, is about the size of a half sheet of paper ~ 7 in by 5.5 in (you loose an inch for the perforated part). I write small, so this size is very big for me.So bottom line: I DO recommend the product, I DO NOT recommend the vendor.I'm one of those people that is always seeking the best notebooks, note pads, pencils and pens. Over the years I've tried hundred of different products and I think I've finally landed on my favorite.The base of this pad is a bent piece of coated aluminum (not bronze as someone might assume from the product photos). On top are two knurled nuts attached to another piece of coated aluminum to hold your paper in place and to make it easy to tear off a new sheet. It's a simple design, simple concept, and really well executed.It looks good on your desk. People will probably ask you about it. The paper is easy to replace and fits a fairly large pad so you won't have to do replacements very often. I personally love the 21x13.5cm size. It's smaller than a full size piece of note paper but about 3-4x the size of a post-it note. for me that means I feel comfortable jotting down a grocery list and tearing off a sheet, or taking a full set of notes in a meeting.This has become my go-to desk pad/note pad and I don't imagine anything will replace it in the near future!Well made. Nicely designed. Perhaps priced at a premium but as with any such product, one is aware of the price premium. I was surprised at the paper quality. I was expecting more of a “Rhodia” quality paper. This seems fine with my fountain pen, but it is a bit scratchy paper. For a utility style note pad I guess that’s acceptable.Should you buy it? Do you want to indulge a bit? It is certainly not an “essential” commodity but it is a sweet note pad.Beware, the #4 pad as featured above, has proven difficult to secure refills for.Very beautiful and elegant industrial style. But if you are a fountain pen lover/ roller ball user the paper is not recommended. Great stability on the desk. If you like extra fine lines, don’t expect unless you are using a pencil or ballpointAn elegant desktop accessory that solves the age-old "scratch paper search" dilemma. The base of the pad is sturdy, the paper tears off neatly, and best of all, you no longer need to feel ashamed by that wimpy little Office Depot pad flopping around on your desk (like a flying fish) whenever you need to jot down a note. And — it's a great conversation starter for the ladies, guys. You simply point at the pad and whisper "Ça vient de Paris, chérie"... and go from there.It hold still while you write on it. The design is unique and I like the brass nuts/screws. The paper is really thin though. And i don’t like the other metal on the top of the pad. It doesn’t match the brass so well and looks cheap. It isn’t’ a cheap notepad so looking cheap isn’t good.This old-fashioned paper pad with brass screws to hold the paper in place is, amazingly, still made in France. For the price, that's quite amazing. You can also get the replacement paper, also made in France, for a very reasonable price right on Amazon. It comes in a nice open-top black box, sealed in cellophane, perfect for gifting. And it's a gorgeous thing to have on the desk, even if you don't use it! Really unique, authentically French, and made in France. Five Stars!In the description it states "pack of 5" and in the review questions and answers someone said it was a pack of 5. I only received one pad and have since returned it. Watch outTotal rip off. Listing claims this is 5 refills, but it is only 1. The most expensive paper I have ever bought. Will buy the cheap copy next time.I love these! My cousin bought me the pad many years ago and I buy the refills every so often. Beautifully engineered, and a good fat pad every time. Tears neatly. Useful for leaving a note on the kitchen table, a shopping list, or a to do list. Brilliant.Good paper quality. I received 5 in the pack as stated - excellent value for money.Nice quality product with excellent design for purpose.