# TLDR Review: Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad

*Published: 2025-03-13 | Updated: 2025-03-13 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/strathmore-400-series-sketch-pad*

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## Product: Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad
**Brand:** Strathmore

## Pros
- Compact and portable size is ideal for quick sketches and easy to carry around.
- Made from recycled paper, aligning with environmental sustainability goals.
- Perforated pages allow for easy removal without tearing.
- Suitable for a range of dry media, including pen, pencil, and charcoal.
- Offers good value for money with a favorable price-to-quality ratio.
- The paper has a good texture and weight, holding up well for sketches and light layering.
- White pages are excellent for pencil marks and colors without bleeding.
- Encourages creative habits, making it perfect for daily drawing exercises.
- Highly recommended for its quality and versatility in casual creative projects.
- Ideal for young artists due to its manageable size and usability.

## Cons
- The paper weight, at 60 lb, is thinner than advertised, which could mislead some buyers.
- Not suitable for wet media or techniques involving heavy layering and erasing.
- Description and photos may lack clarity on product details such as paper weight.
- Less durable for complex projects or serious artwork that requires multiple layers.

## Bottom Line

The Strathmore 457-5 400 Series Recycled Sketch Pad is a fantastic choice for casual sketches, everyday drawing, and eco-conscious artists due to its recycled material. While it may not suit professionals seeking high durability for detailed work or wet media, it remains a great option for quick sketches and light projects due to its portability and good value for money.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Compact and portable size is ideal for quick sketches and easy to carry around. | The paper weight, at 60 lb, is thinner than advertised, which could mislead some buyers. |
| Made from recycled paper, aligning with environmental sustainability goals. | Not suitable for wet media or techniques involving heavy layering and erasing. |
| Perforated pages allow for easy removal without tearing. | Description and photos may lack clarity on product details such as paper weight. |
| Suitable for a range of dry media, including pen, pencil, and charcoal. | Less durable for complex projects or serious artwork that requires multiple layers. |
| Offers good value for money with a favorable price-to-quality ratio. |  |
| The paper has a good texture and weight, holding up well for sketches and light layering. |  |
| White pages are excellent for pencil marks and colors without bleeding. |  |
| Encourages creative habits, making it perfect for daily drawing exercises. |  |
| Highly recommended for its quality and versatility in casual creative projects. |  |
| Ideal for young artists due to its manageable size and usability. |  |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| Olyphant Art Supply | $5.31  | Check |
| Plaza Artist Materials | $5.43  | Check |
| MisterArt.com | $5.59  | Check |
| Blick Art Materials | $5.66  | Check |
| Utrecht Art Supplies | $5.68  | Check |
| Cheap Joe's Art Stuff | $5.69  | Check |
| Utrecht Art Supplies | $5.80  | Check |
| Blick Art Materials | $5.86  | Check |
| FLAX art & design | $5.95  | Check |
| United Art and Education | $5.99  | Check |
| Cheap Joe's Art Stuff | $6.39  | Check |
| Jerry's Artarama Art Supplies | $6.51  | Check |
| Northern Arizona University Bookstore | $6.76  | Check |
| Nasco Education | $7.10  | Check |
| Drafting Equipment Warehouse | $7.60  | Check |
| Matador Bookstore | $7.60  | Check |
| SCAD Bookstore | $7.60  | Check |
| Jo-Ann Stores | $7.69  | Check |
| Rex Art Supplies | $7.69  | Check |
| JOANN Stores | $7.99  | Check |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*