18.3.2009

In re what Matthew Bodycombe said - that's rather strange. I know where he's coming from re having specific paper needs due to liking fountain pens, but I haven't had this problem with moleskine paper - in fact it's the only kind of paper I'm consistently sure will be pleasing to use (with other papers, it's not that fountain pens won't work at all; it's more that you don't get the same sensual enjoyment out of it than you get using proper paper). It helps that it is cream-colored, rather than blinding white - much easier on the eyes and looks much neater than harsh, too-white copier-style paper, which had become the standard for most notebooks and diaries alike until moleskines hit the market.I mean, it is still to be found in the majority although about the time the moleskine arrived (because of it?) the whole journalling craze took a new boost, and you finally got some other manufacturers introducing cream, soft paper - paperblanks for instance, the ciak brand he mentions also does that I believe (not sure tho')In fact, it's the only kind of paper I can easily recommend to someone needing to use it with a fountain pen - obviously in my time I've come across lots of other brands and styles, but they're the sort of thing I can only get at one store, or I have to order it specially or something like that. Until I hit on moleskines, which are available pretty widely and consistently over the entire western world, there was no simple answer a longer-standing pen geek like me could give newbies when they asked me where to get some paper that was more pleasing to use with their new pen ;-) Now I can just tell them to get a moleskine, and there's enough of a range to get them started whatever their needs (a notable exception being loose leaf sheets for correspondence or to use in a binder). I don't think it's the best (I'd vote for Kokuyo Campus in that category), but it's really bluidy good, and most of all, unlike Kokuyo, you don't have to have like relatives in Japan or something to get your hands on it!Tbh I think moleskines aren't too good to use with ballpoints or gels or rollerballs, unless you got a really light touch to your writing. The paper's pretty skinny (deliberately, to keep the thing lightweight), so if you press down hard, as you're much more likely to do with a ballpoint etc than with a fountain pen, you might be marking the next two pages with today's entry :-) (and hey, it's fine if it's a profound quote on the meaning of life, but what if it's something lame like 'BUY MILK!!! DO NOT FORGET THIS TIME!!' - sure I'm not the only one who has these!)The only way I can imagine Matthew is having trouble with a moleskine and an FP is if the pen(s) he tried it with is really 'juicy' - ie, it dumps great big wads of ink on the paper as it writes (either through design, especially with broader nibs, or because it's just wonky :-)). Similarly, the ink being used could be pretty heavy and viscous, too. I've used the moleskine with up to a size medium nib with no hassle whatsoever - and that was a european-style medium, which would be a Broad for asian/japanese pens where the nibs tend to be finer and crisper. I have also used it with Montblanc ink, which I have noticed is heavier, with more pigment than other inks, such as J Herbin if you wanna go higher end, or your basic standard pelikan in schoolroom blue ;-). Again, that wasn't a problem.All in all, it might be worth playing around with the possibilities, because the experience outlined in Matthew's reveiw isn't very common - most FP users I know get along pretty well with moleskine paper, even if it's not their favorite (we're also fussier than the average ballpoint or gel pen user, bear in mind, because FP writing comes closer to artistic-type uses than handwriting with any other kind of tool, so things like how nice and smooth the writing feels play a part in paper selection in ways that don't even register when using ballpoints or gels). So Matthew I think you should have a go, try a few things differently and you might get a nice surprise - there's hardly anything to lose now since you already have the diary, might as well try and make the most of it!Oh, and everyone, if you're worried about not liking it, try the moleskine cahiers first - cheaper and smaller than the rest, so less of a commitment if you find you really don't get along! And you can split the pack with a friend too; either someone who wants to try it out just like you or someone who already likes the stuff and knows they'll find a spot for another cahier or two somewhere :-)Good luck!

28.2.2008

I originally bought the large ruled notebook, but found that the line spaces were a little on the narrow side for me. Having now got hold of the plain version, it's obvious that this is the one I should have bought in the first place; I much prefer a blank space rather than blank lines. But each to their own.Having used mine for a few weeks, I can find no fault with the classic Moleskine design or the quality of the workmanship. I like the off-white paper which is neither too thin or too thick. The overall size of this notebook - rather than the pocket version - is perfect, neither too large or too small. And there are enough pages to store my genius ideas or inane ramblings for a long time,

7.4.2011

I have had a paperblank notebook and I thought I would try a different brand to see what is was like.I have two paperblanks, one small which I use a lot and carry around with me. The other bigger which I leave at home. The small one has got a bit battered, and the cover has come off from the notebook itself (this is wear and tear). The big one is looking still neat at home on the bookshelf.Now lets talk about size and paper quality-The same size notebook from Moleskine and Paperblanks are different. The depth of the moleskine is much less than that of a paperblank, PLUS it has more pages. I guess this additional thickness comes from the cover. The Moleskin hard cover looks pretty good and sturdy,

28.4.2013

Moleskine are the iPhone of notebooks - some people love them with a passion, others can't believe that something so straightforward is so expensive.They're both right, really. They certainly aren't cheap - you can scour bookshops, Amazon and Ebay and struggle to find a reasonably-priced one - and you could find a very similar alternative (from a supermarket among many other sources) for a third of the price.On the other hand, there is something very likeable about them. They are pretty robust and well made; the pages are stitched into the spine so that the book falls open easily; the paper is good quality and made to last; there is both a book mark and an elastic snap-band to close the book,

12.5.2016

The Moleskine plain notebooks have great quality paper. I use a fountain pen and I find the paper really smooth to write on - I personally haven't experienced the feathering effect you sometimes get with poor quality paper, where the ink spreads out uncontrollably, and I find the ink dries quickly. Because the paper is so thin I can see my writing on the other side, but I can still use the other side and read both sides of what I've written clearly. I like the plain pages as I can use it to do quick sketches and diagrams, or turn it on its side and use it in landscape. The small document pouch in the back cover is useful and the elastic closure means I can slot in more lose papers and feel

12.8.2011

The notebook is great. Well made, with hard cover in some imitation of something remembering somehow leather. I really like the paper, a bit cream-coloured, which gives a very good look; smooth surface and very good consistence. The rules are maybe a bit too close to write without leaving a blank line; I would prefer the color to be more discrete (not as dark as it is), but ok. The notebook opens completely, leaving uniform surface, which makes possible and comfortable to write close to the center. 240 pages is a good number.What I don't generally like of the moleskines is the excessive flattering tone of the brand. "Moleskine is personality, moleskine is art and intelect,

15.8.2011

carry one 24/7 fifty two weeks of the year works well in the pocket, wears well though on a couple of occasions i've had to duck tape the spine as the book aged in the pocket (transparent tape of course). Paper is fine unless you wish to draw after inked script on the previous page, but i find no problem missing the odd page. Writing script on both sides in ink i find both easily decipherable but i write in a ink drawing pen0.3mm. I find the compromise to be about just perfect for any heavier paper and you have either a book with too few pages or a much heavier/awkward tome. As with all such journals after a while the elastic can get a little slack. The pocket in the rear is magic and pieces of paper,

6.8.2014

Moleskine- the book of artists, philosophers and writers. Small and practical, with enough space for your wildest thoughts. Poetry aside, here's my review. I do like the size of the book, it's small enough to slip in my bag, and the elastic loop keeps the pages of the book together in the ebb and flow of detritus that is my bag. The book marker is practical, because I can mark pages wherever I need to. I bought the quadrilled version (the grid like squares on the pages) because I find that they force me to write more legibly. I dig it. There's a small paper pouch to the back where you can put things like receipts or little keepsakes that you tend to gather to you on holiday.My only drawback is that I wish the paper was a bit thicker.

6.10.2012

I use this as my to-do list and weekly planner at work because I wanted to add a little class to my note taking, above Tesco Value ruled paper, anyway!The finish is really nice, the size really does fit a pocket very easily, but for me that's part of the issue. I think I should have gone for the size up from this as I sometimes find myself running out of room (trying to keep each week to one two-page spread).I didn't even know it had a secret-pocket type affair at the back, so that was an interesting find. No idea what I'm going to put in there but I'm sure I'll find something!My only other complaint - and I'm not sure if this was just my notebook or all of them - but the very first page was glued too far up the page,

1.3.2010

I'm a sales engineer, so use these booklets to keep notes of customers and their factory systems which are and will be, useful to me. I personally prefer the palin notebook but there are lined books available. These notes are then electronically archived, but recent territory changes included some old customers, so I was able to dig out my old notes from previous books going back some years, thus preventing wasting customer's and my time revisiting old ground. The pocket at the back of the book also allows some technical info to be carried around in a handy inside suit pocket sized notebook that looks professional. Many others have tried to copy the format which is flattery itself but none surpass.

22.2.2013

Having recently discovered Moleskine notebooks, I have purchased a few variants. This is one of my favourite sizes and styles.The notebook is a good size, not being too small or large (13x21cm). There is a pocket at the back of the notebook, allowing me to store bits of paper, etc. The handy strap also helps keep my notebook closed and secure.Having owned this notebook for almost 3 months (using it everyday), I can find no signs of wear. As a result, I will definitely be purchasing more Moleskine notebooks in the future. Although slightly more expensive than other notebooks, the price difference is reflected in it's quality.All in all, I am really pleased with this. It looks very professional when I take it to lab'

4.9.2011

Over the past 15 years I've used lots of types of pocket sketchbooks and notebooks. I like to call them visual notebooks. Although hesitant about it at first, this little Moleskine has turned out to be wonderful, primarily because of its portability and the number of pages in it. It is so discreet. I can do notes, make little paintings and drawings almost anywhere. And it fits snugly in my back pocket. Sometimes I might use 5 to 10 pages a day. I have also become facinated by what might seem to be one of its faults - the ghost image of one page through to the next. This created a curious continuity of subject, coulour or form.I find paint works well on this rice type paper.

2.7.2014

I've been an avid note taker all my adult life. I jot down thoughts, ideas, and quotations or references I read that interest me. I've become very fussy about the notebooks I use and the pens I write with. Moleskine are great when you write with pencil or ball pen, but if you like using old fashioned fountain pens, please note: the ink bleeds through. I have Waterman, Parker and Mot Blanc fountain pens and they all bleed through the page. If you want to use fountain pens you really need note books with 90gsm paper..... I think Moleskine are 70gsm.... Also if you're buying, they do a variety of sizes, A5 and A4 included, as well as 9 x 14 cm, which is the one I use mostly,

28.1.2007

An almost unbelievably simple method by which humanity can alleviate themselves and come to understand their thoughts. Diaries allow us to present our opinions, ideas, hopes, desires, affections, infatuations, dreams, beliefs, thoughts, and so much more. And what better diary than that which came to fame from usage by the likes of Hemmingway, Gogh, Picasso, Chatwin, and many others: Moleskin.Beautiful presented, extravagant to the touch, the Moleskin diary is the perfect accompaniment to any walk of life. Be it a means of recording incessant reminders, troubling thoughts or presenting beliefs, it solves every purpose. It is perfectly presented and, as such, far surpasses other contenders.

9.7.2013

I like Moleskine notebooks because they do feel like you get a good quality book for the price. This is fortunate, because they're quite expensive!The books are well made and have both an elastic strap to keep them closed, and a page marker ribbon. There is also a small puch at the back of the book for tickets/loose papers etc.It's quite interesting to read the history of the book inside each cover as well - you're definitely in good literary company when using one of these.Overall if you know you need to take notes on the go and prefer the look and feel of a paper notebook compared to a phone/tablet then this is definitely the one to buy.

Moleskine Hardcover Medium Lined 208 pages Saphirblue - Reviews

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