Moleskine notebooks

[thunderball]

Hey gents, I have been wanting to get a quality journal/notebook for some time now and have been reading bits and pieces about the Moleskine stuff. Many positive reviews, but the few negative ones I've read all seem to have the same complaint - the quality of the actual paper. Those of you that use Moleskine, do you find the paper quality to be subpar? I would be writing with a Lamy fountain pen if that helps, and would be buying online so I can't really 'try before I buy'.

Any comments on the Moleskine books would be much appreciated! :biggrin:


EDIT: I will be using it to write an ongoing journal for my daughter so I want something that will stand the test of time.

[Noebie]

carry one with me at all times

i'm usually writing with a waterman phileas or a hero 329

smooth, takes the ink well...

i can't imagine what more anyone could want, honestly

[castlecraver]

IMO, it's better than standard notebooks, but nothing incredibly special. If you're used to lower-end notebooks and generic journals, you'll probably like it a lot. You might want to look elsewhere for something more high-end, but it's very well-suited for everyday notetaking if that's what you're after.

[Groundhog]

I use this Moleskine planner (http://www.moleskineus.com/moleskine-weekly-planner-large-black-softcover.html). I think the paper is excellent quality, but I admit I don't use a fountain pen. I do use the new Sharpie pens with it and get no bleed whatsoever.

[dsipari]

Works great with my Pelikan! I'm a big fan of Moleskine!!

[thunderball]

Wow, 10 minutes and already four helpful replies. That's why we love this place! :biggrin:

I'm only now getting into 'higher end' writing equipment so I'm definitely not used to anything nice yet...do most of my writing on my laptop or cheap school notebooks at the moment. Sounds like Moleskine is worth a try. :001_smile

[Alaskan Eagle]

Hey gents, I have been wanting to get a quality journal/notebook for some time now and have been reading bits and pieces about the Moleskine stuff. Many positive reviews, but the few negative ones I've read all seem to have the same complaint - the quality of the actual paper. Those of you that use Moleskine, do you find the paper quality to be subpar? I would be writing with a Lamy fountain pen if that helps, and would be buying online so I can't really 'try before I buy'.

Any comments on the Moleskine books would be much appreciated! :biggrin:


EDIT: I will be using it to write an ongoing journal for my daughter so I want something that will stand the test of time.


My wife and I each have one and we love em. However, I have only recently gotten into fountain pens so I can't comment on the different inks and how they respond to the paper. My wife got hers first about 2 years ago and it looks like it should last quite a while longer. Hopefully that helps.

[cnconner]

I use them a lot for work and write with ball point and gel pens. They hold up well to these, but I think a fountain pen may show through on the other side depending on how much ink you lay down. I don't think you'll get any bleed through though. I use Pilot G-2 .07mm pens and they put out a bold line but it looks good on the paper. Parker gel is way too much, so it depends on your ink too.

I've used all of their size and I like them all. I would say to stay away from the soft covers. They just don't hold up.

Check out blackcover.net and www.molskinerie.com for reviews and info on these types of notebooks. I think you should give it a shot. They're good notebooks.

[sol92258]

I got some of these to try (http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/99a5/), after reading such rave opinions of them, and have been very happy. I keep one with me all the time, pretty rugged for what they are.

[sklegg]

I use them for my travel journals but I've found that I can't write on both sides of the pages because of the bleed through issue. I don't press hard when I write and I use regular fine point pens. I still like 'em, though. They look cool and always hold up even after being lugged around in a backpack for weeks at a time.

[dpm802]

I carry one of these (http://www.moleskineus.com/cahier-pocket-ruled.html) at all times ... it fits nicely in my left-front pants pocket, and it is light-weight and small enough that it doesn't bog me down as I go about my day.

I write in it with a Fisher Space Pen Bullet, and it does just fine. The paper may be slightly coarse for use with a fountain pen, but if you are just scribbling shopping-lists and phone-numbers and URLs for your own reference, it should do just fine.

The pocket-fold in the rear cover is the perfect place to collect the day's receipts, business cards and other small miscellaneous papers.

The version I carry has 64 pages. It lasts me about 6 months before I have to break in a new one.

I also just bought a 2010 dated Moleskine journal ... not sure how much use it will get in the coming year, but I'll put it to the task. Its too heavy to carry in my pocket, but it will be a lot smaller and lighter than my current Classic-sized Franklin Covey journal.

[TimmyBoston]

Dave, I'm a big fan of moleskine's but for something as important as what you are doing, I would buy a custom leather journal.

[sol92258]

I carry one of these (http://www.moleskineus.com/cahier-pocket-ruled.html) at all times ....
sweet, those are the same as the ones I referenced, but now I want some red ones! :lol:

[Jethro1984]

I have both a Moleskine Monthly Planner and a Medium Journal. Both Softcover. I love them although I typically use gel ink with them and have noticed that the ink does not soak in immediately because the paper seems somewhat shiny and coated. It will smear if not left to dry for a few mintues before touching or closing.

[dpm802]

sweet, those are the same as the ones I referenced, but now I want some red ones! :lol:The one that I carry has the plain-brown-paper cover, but you can get them in all colors.

[texbilly]

Have used them for years but primarily with a felt tip pen or ball point, sometimes with fountain pens. I actually recall my felt tips bleeding through more than any other, but please defer to the other gents who use FPs more often.

Also, I have found the paper on Piccadilly journals to be quite similar to Moleskine and quite a bit cheaper. Borders carries these and I stocked up a few months ago on several as they also mark them down, unlike Moleskine which seems to never go on sale.

Good luck!

EDIT: The Piccadilly line shadows the Moleskine line in terms of size and appearance to the point most people wouldn't know the difference.

[dpm802]

and would be buying online so I can't really 'try before I buy'. You can check out Moleskine notebooks at most large bookstores, like a Barnes&Noble or Borders. Also, a place that sells fountain pens and other writing instruments is likely to have Moleskine as well ... they may not carry each and every size and color, but at least you can check out the paper quality.


EDIT: I will be using it to write an ongoing journal for my daughter so I want something that will stand the test of time.For a long-term project like that, you do want something more robust than a scribble-pad ... perhaps even something in a loose-leaf format that you can generate a volume for each year, and only need to carry a few months worth of pages at any one time. Besides Moleskine, look at what a place like www.levengers.com (http://www.levengers.com) or www.franklincovey.com (http://www.franklincovey.com) has to offer.

[thunderball]

Thanks to all of you guys for your replies! :biggrin:

[Slade xTekno]

http://blackcover.net/
"This blog is dedicated to the search for the perfect little black notebook." I spent quite a bit of time on this site before I decided on thinner, usually stapled pocket notebooks. If you like those too, try Doane Paper utility notebooks (http://www.doanepaper.com/) and Field Notes (http://fieldnotesbrand.com/). Those are the two I use most.

EDIT: Argh! I wrote my post before I realized you weren't looking for a pocket notebook. I'll leave it up anyway, because this information might be useful to others.

For a more solid bigger notebook, I would look at Gallery Leather journals, which feature leather covers, heavy archival-quality paper, and are made (or at least assembled) in the US. They can be found at Borders and Barnes & Noble, but for a much better selection, try to find a local Paperchase stationary store.

[Bertilak]

I use this Day-Timer planner. Fits in shirt pocket: http://www.daytimer.com/content/shopall/shopall_more_info.asp?shopperid=D6290F619C1145A29C A4FCFC15157A9F&aid=False&wu=0&keycode=&line=&cid=10&Origin=&solution_nmbr=16130. Remember that product number. They make it nearly impossible to find just the little booklet ($9.99). They prefer to sell you a whole "kit" with lots of extraneous stuff for $21.99.

I also like their notebooks: http://www.daytimer.com/content/shopall/shopall_more_info.asp?selected_prod_ids=96180@dayt imer.com&qid=DTWEBMRC1_i01-090929-23:47:47-88302&aid=False&keycode=&cid=10&wu=0&shopperid=D6290F619C1145A29CA4FCFC15157A9F&solution_nmbr=96180

They use a reasonably high-quality paper. I like the 2 pages per week format of the planner and I like the notebook's numbered pages, index at front, and narrow rules.

[Biffo]

I always carry a Moleskine and am impressed with it, paper quailiy is OK (not great) and used to write in it with my Rotring 600 fountain pen, had to stop because i was getting some bleed thru with the broad nib (Rotrings seem to be "wet" writers. I now use any decent pen that takes Fischer Space refills, great colours and WIDE ballpoints

HTH

[smoothjim]

FYI Barnes & Nobles, stores and online, is having a 20% off sale on Moleskine products (plus an extra 10% off for members).

http://books.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=moleskine&box=moleskine&pos=-1
(http://books.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=moleskine&box=moleskine&pos=-1)

I use their volant minis; I pop one in each of my suit and jacket pockets. I keep a reporter notebook in my brief bag.

I also use their travel "City Notebooks (http://gifts.barnesandnoble.com/Home-gift/Moleskine-City-Notebook-Paris-3-1-2-x-5-1-2/e/9788883706202/?itm=9&USRI=moleskine)". I transcribe notes, discoveries, and other info about those cities from my various logs, journals, acquaintances and memories and gift them to people who'll travel there; I look like a hero.

[TimmyBoston]

FYI Barnes & Nobles, stores and online, is having a 20% off sale on Moleskine products (plus an extra 10% off for members).

http://books.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=moleskine&box=moleskine&pos=-1
(http://books.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=moleskine&box=moleskine&pos=-1)

I use their volant minis; I pop one in each of my suit and jacket pockets. I keep a reporter notebook in my brief bag.

I also use their travel "City Notebooks (http://gifts.barnesandnoble.com/Home-gift/Moleskine-City-Notebook-Paris-3-1-2-x-5-1-2/e/9788883706202/?itm=9&USRI=moleskine)". I transcribe notes, discoveries, and other info about those cities from my various logs, journals, acquaintances and memories and gift them to people who'll travel there; I look like a hero.

Do you know how long the sale lasts?

[superbleu]

Hate to be a decenter but Moleskine paper can be a bit inconsistent.
This may not matter with many writing instruments but with fountain pens, this matters quite a bit in terms of feathering and bleedthrough.

One option to look into is Exacompta (http://www.exaclairinc.com/brands_exacompta.shtml) line of notebooks/journals

[AZShaver]

Moleskinne are pricy, bleed through, and if used daily the binding may well break.

Go to Barnes and Noble or Borders and look at their selection of plain journals.

[TimmyBoston]

Dave, check out this thread too for more recommendations

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1124&highlight=journal

[smoothjim]

Do you know how long the sale lasts?
I fired of an email to online custserv last nite. Hopefully they reply fairly quickly.

[Dennis]

I have tried both Moleskine and Rhodia. I prefer the Rhodia paper much more than the Moleskine. Claifontaine, Exacompta and Rhodia are all available from Pear Tree Pens. The nice fellow used to be/may still be a member here:
http://www.peartreepens.com/Journals-Pads-Paper-s/6.htm

[jim84]

Both of these I find superior to moleskine paper which is mediocre I use mostly fountain pen with them.

Thanks
Jim

[Ruvane]

I carry a pocket ruled Moleskine on me at all times. I have implemented a few Moleskine hacks (http://freelanceswitch.com/productivity/the-monster-collection-of-moleskine-tips-tricks-and-hacks/), so I have a day-to-day calender, and the space left over for journaling and such. I also use it for to-do lists and ideas I get while I'm out and about.

I like the binding a lot. It feels pretty high quality. The big issue I've had thus far is that when I write in it and close it, sometimes the ink bleeds onto the opposite page, making things look a little messy (which REALLY bothers me). It's not completely to blame, though: I use rollerball pens, and I probably don't give the ink enough time to dry.

Oh, and since it's hard cover and in my pocket, it sort of molds to your body, so the book gets a little mis-shapened. A little elbow grease usually fixes it though.

[smoothjim]

Do you know how long the sale lasts?

The B&N sale online and in-store is good until supplies last.

[Ken Tanaka]

Rhodia and Fieldnotes are my recommendations.

I find my fountain pen inks do not bleed through these products.

I use the Hero Parker 51 knock-offs and a Namiki vanishing point F nib as my writing instruments.


Cheers!

[persco]

http://blackcover.net/
"This blog is dedicated to the search for the perfect little black notebook." I spent quite a bit of time on this site before I decided on thinner, usually stapled pocket notebooks. If you like those too, try Doane Paper utility notebooks (http://www.doanepaper.com/) and Field Notes (http://fieldnotesbrand.com/). Those are the two I use most.

EDIT: Argh! I wrote my post before I realized you weren't looking for a pocket notebook. I'll leave it up anyway, because this information might be useful to others.

Wow. What a great blog. I love notebooks, I might get one of the cartesios. Thanks for posting this.

s.

[clemsonphil]

I have a moleskine that i carry with me at all times. I bought one for myself after buying one for my girlfriend. I had hers engraved with a cute paisley design with her initials in it. They stopped engraving the actual notebook and began making custom leather covers

http://www.engraveyourbook.com/

After I finish with that I would like to try an Allans Journal.

http://www.bibledesignblog.com/2008/02/the-allans-jour.html

[StillShaving]

You might also want to look into a notebook/system called rolla (http://www.rollabind.com/)or rollabind (http://fiveprime.org/hivemind/Tags/gtd,rollabind). It functions like a spiral wire bound notebook, except the individual pages can be taken out and rearranged as you please. You can also purchase a punch ($!) and discs to construct your own notebook, so you could intersperse some printed text or otherwise external material into the flow of the notebook.

I bought a hardback 8.5x11'' notebook from Staples about a year ago. I originally bought it because the cover was stiff and little oversized so I could stuff printouts inside and carry it around easily without bending the edges of the paper. :smile: It held up well and the flexibility to move pages was and added bonus. I just bought my second one this week, though staples only had a faux leather version to choose from. :mad3:

[StillShaving]

To see a video how the circa/rollabind pages can be rearranged (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOXp2nD5mE8).
Can read here more about these disc style notebooks (http://dnewcum.com/blog/2007/12/19/#disc_bound_notebooks), though the focus here is more on the GTD (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Getting_Things_Done)system. Still I think this would be a nice way to organize notes, pictures, or whatever.

[Bluestaco]

I horde them.
I am far worse about Moleskine notebooks than most of us are about soaps, blades, after shaves, or anything else.
I am hopeless.
I have cahiers, soft cover, hard cover, black, red, tan--all sizes. I keep a better stock of them (literally) than many stores that sell them. (I won't even go across the room and count them; it's embarrassing.)

Friends sometimes find new Moleskine notebooks in birthday cards or what not, but then I go out and buy more than I actually use.

My next job will definitely need to be located where I can't get to a Barnes & Noble on my lunch break. :blush:

[texbilly]

I have tried both Moleskine and Rhodia. I prefer the Rhodia paper much more than the Moleskine. Claifontaine, Exacompta and Rhodia are all available from Pear Tree Pens. The nice fellow used to be/may still be a member here:
http://www.peartreepens.com/Journals-Pads-Paper-s/6.htm

Although I have many Moleskines, I have to agree the Rhodia paper is superior. I also like the engineering feel and design of their their notebooks. Fine products.


I horde them.
I am far worse about Moleskine notebooks than most of us are about soaps, blades, after shaves, or anything else.
I am hopeless.
I have cahiers, soft cover, hard cover, black, red, tan--all sizes. I keep a better stock of them (literally) than many stores that sell them. (I won't even go across the room and count them; it's embarrassing.)

Friends sometimes find new Moleskine notebooks in birthday cards or what not, but then I go out and buy more than I actually use.

My next job will definitely need to be located where I can't get to a Barnes & Noble on my lunch break. :blush:

Thank you. I now know I'm not the only one.....

[TimmyBoston]

The B&N sale online and in-store is good until supplies last.

Thanks

[lamina]

Oh well, the paper is not very thick on Moleskines...i would choose Rhodia or Clairefontaine.

And i would prefer some ethical advertisement too about their history: Hemingway, Chatwin and so on...never had Moleskines. At the time, several manufacturers had their own booknotes, under their own brands or even blank/no logo booknote.They were made and customized to their own clients in workshops at the back of the store, hand sewn. Some stores in Paris, London or NY have them for a very few and lucky customers. It was a luxury object on a time when just some people could write and read...

That said, the little leaflet you read on each booknote is just propaganda...or desinformation.:frown: Trying to find some lettres de noblesse where they didn't exist or forcing a non-existing fact.Dark side of marketing?

[Alacrity59]

Interesting . . . another B&B induced item to carry in my pocket.

[TimmyBoston]

Interesting . . . another B&B induced item to carry in my pocket.

I know, I feel so weighed down since I found this site. :biggrin:

[sparkchaser]

I can't not post this (http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2009/02/24/122-moleskine-notebooks/).

[AZShaver]

Interesting . . . another B&B induced item to carry in my pocket.

TSA won't take this away, even if you draw pics of razors.

[thunderball]

Thanks for all the advice guys! An incredibly generous member has offered to send me samples of the Moleskine, Rhodia, and Fieldnotes books to try. Amazing place this B&B. :thumbup1:

[AZShaver]

Fieldnotes are great! You will probably like the Rhodia also. Both are better than the Mole equivalent.

[lamina]

Rhodia of course!!

[TimmyBoston]

Be very care buying Moleskines. I picked up several notebooks today at B&N, taking advantage of their sale only to realize after I got home and opened all of them of course, that I bought plain notebooks instead of ruled ones! :mad:

[jasonboyd]

Thanks for all the advice guys! An incredibly generous member has offered to send me samples of the Moleskine, Rhodia, and Fieldnotes books to try. Amazing place this B&B. :thumbup1:

I'm sure you'll give us a full comparison on all 3 of these?

[thunderball]

I'm sure you'll give us a full comparison on all 3 of these?

To the best of my as-yet-undeveloped ability, yes.

[dashmaverick]

I love my Moleskine! I've got the soft cover ruled pocket journal. I carry it with me everyday. I think they're great!

[TimmyBoston]

How well do the various Pelikan nib sizes work with on Moleskine notebooks? How much bleed through is there?

[razorrookie]

Shameless advertising follows:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?p=1554402#post1554402

[clubman]

http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/privileged_little_artiste

[thunderball]

Received three notebooks today from a very generous member (Moleskine, Rhodia, and Field Notes). Will post my impressions once I have a chance to try them out. :biggrin:

[arghblech]

I really prefer the Clairefontaine paper to the others. The Rhodia stuff comes in a pretty close second. My Moleskin reporters notepad isn't even in the same ballpark quality-wise.