MoleskineClassic Plain Paper Notebook, Hard Cover and Elastic Closure Journal, Color Black, Size Pocket 9 x 14 cm, 192 Pages

I needed a notebook urgently for a project. I chose the Moleskine over my usual Leuchtturm as the latter wouldn’t get delivered in time. Medium in Leuchtturm Land (blue notebook) is A5. Medium in Moleskine World (red notebook) is a lot smaller and thinner. Disappointed, but it’s my error.The Moleskine paper has less tooth than Leuchtturm and is much smoother, which I don’t like. I feel I don’t write as neatly, but this is could be my imagination. It also feels ever so slightly less thick. I’ll be using ballpoint ink only so not an issue.The stitching of the Moleskine is actually much better than the last couple of Leuchtturm I’ve had. All of the pages lie flat, while the Leuchtturm stitching has been wonky in places.The hardback covers appear to be of equal quality.The Moleskine elastic is superior to the Leuchtturm. It’s thicker and tighter which I like.I will miss the extra ribbon but that’s neither here nor there really.Later - Interestingly, I’ve already found the smaller size of the notebook a little more convenient for its intended purpose, note taking while reading books. Hurrah. I may be a Moleskine convert yet.

I have always held Moleskine in high regard, but since using the Leuchtturn 1917 journals, they are disappointing. I bought this as I needed paper that would work well with a fountain pen, which this note pad does, but unfortunately their is some bleed through the paper. This isn't a deal breaker as I am just using this for sketches, but still disappointing. The Leuchtturn journals also include numbered pages and European paper size, and I will continue to purchase them in the future rather than Moleskine.

This notebook feels great and looks good too. The cover on mine is a wonderful forest-green. The paper inside is cream, nice and smooth, and thick enough to feel good quality. The little ribbon is great for keeping track of the page you've reached.The lines on the paper are quite small, so if you have large handwriting this may be an issue for you. I find the size encourages me to write more neatly, though.If you are European, please note that this book is slightly smaller than A4 size, therefore you won't be able to stick printed sheets etc. in to it as easily.The paper accepts ink very well, and a fountain-pen writes beautifully on it. If you write with a fountain-pen, be sure to exercise some caution, though, as the paper accepts the ink a little too readily, in my opinion. If you have a particularly free-flowing pen or wet kind of ink, you may experience some bleeding through to the other side of the page, and even slight feathering. If you only write on one side of the page, this will not bother you - and even if you do write on both sides, the text you've written is still legible - it just won't look as pretty.As a rough guide, with a Parker 45 or Mont Blanc Starwalker, both with a medium nib and fitted with ink converters (the Graf von Faber Castell converter fits the Starwalker perfectly):- Parker Quink exhibits no feathering and minimal bleed-through- Noodler's regular bulletproof black exhibits no feathering or bleed-through whatsoever- Diamine Woodland Green exhibits moderate feathering and bleed-through- Beaufort blue-black displays moderate feathering and significant bleed-throughWith the smoothness and thickness of the paper, all fountain-pen inks feel wonderful to write with in this book. The Diamine and Beaufort in particular lubricate the nib excellently on these pages - it's just a pity that the end result is less than perfect. I'd say that if you only use 1 side of the page, your handwriting will really look beautiful with the combination of this paper and a wetter ink such as the Diamine or Beaufort, but if you want to use both sides, stick with a less-flowing ink, such as Noodler's X-Feather black (which is also bulletproof).

Love the thickness of paper, no ink comes through and can use a rubber without damaging the page. Perfect for meetings at this size as fits in laptop/handbag

I have been using these for years. I carry one with me during the working day and have cause to make notes every day. It takes me around 5 to 6 months to fill one. They look presentable to the last page. The back pocket and the place marker add practicality as well an air of professionalism. You can buy cheaper hardback note books but with you buy lesser quality.

Alas, when one prefers writing with a broad nib, its ink can bleed into the next page!Otherwise this Moleskine is perfect for rollerball, ballpoint and even pencil.

I've been an avid Moleskine user for years now and I love the brand. You may think they are pricey but the notebooks are quality so you are getting what you pay for - and that's a sturdy, classy looking, durable notebook. This isn't my first notebook and it won't be the last...!

Keeping daily notes