my go-to notebook brands
it’s new notebook season!
Hello everyone! With the new year, not only do stationery addicts start new planners, but we also start new journals or bullet journals. Unfortunately, I decided to use my Hobonichi for everything going into the new year, and unsurprisingly, it’s failing because I want to use all the things. The urge to start a new notebook is strong. (Admittedly, I did decide to use a Leuchtturm1917 B6+ Monthly for work, but that’s beside the point.) So I thought, why not talk about notebooks today.
The following notebook brands are some of my go-tos. The paper quality varies, and I love them for different reasons.
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Leuchtturm1917
The Leuchtturm1917 is a very recognizable brand, especially in the bullet journal community. I think they’re great and have some useful features like page numbers, ribbon book marks, and a pocket in the back. They have multiple sizes, come in a variety of colors, and come in both softcover and hardcover.
Personally, I think this notebook is perfect for bullet journaling, a commonplace book, or any sort of notebook that may require to you reference things. The page numbers really come in handy for that. Also, the paper is moderately fountain pen friendly. That’s definitely a plus!
I do find that I prefer the 80 gsm paper over the 120 gsm paper. If I’m going to use a thicker paper, I’m more likely to grab a 160 gsm paper notebook, but that’s just me. Despite that though, I do want to check out their official Bullet Journal edition notebook. It has 120 gsm paper, but there’s some additional features I’d love to see.
Stalogy
If you want thinner paper and a lighter notebook, the Stalogy is a great option! Their A5 size notebook with the light gray 4 mm grid is perfection for me. The paper is only moderately fountain pen friendly. Honestly, I probably would only use extra fine or fine nibs on it, but if you write small like me, it works out well. I love a light weight notebook. So it’s really not surprising that I love the Stalogy.
I do wish their other size notebooks also had the 4 mm grid, though. I believe the A6 and B6 sizes have 5 mm grid, which is standard for most brands. 5 mm grid isn’t bad, but I do prefer a 4 mm grid. I’m also not a fan of their dot grid notebook. The light gray dots are too light in my opinion.
Field Notes
Field Notes are usually not fountain pen friendly, but I think they’re the perfect pocket notebook to carry around for quick notes. I tend to have one (or three) on hand at any time. Plus, I’m a sucker for good designs. So I’m always excited to see what the Field Notes team come up with for their quarterly edition each season. My favorite editions thus far have been the National Parks editions, Group Eleven, Clandestine, and Three Missions.
Notebook Therapy
Notebook Therapy is my go-to notebook brand for 160 gsm notebooks. I love their designs, which is typically inspired by Japan or the seasons. But the best part is that there’s free worldwide shipping for purchases over $40. (I’ve wanted to try another popular 160 gsm notebook brand, but since I live in Hawaii, unfortunately, they charge a lot for shipping.)
The Notebook Therapy paper is moderately fountain pen friendly. I have yet to see any ghosting or bleed through, but some inks may feather. Also, I find that it can capture sheening inks fairly well. So I quite enjoy it, and it’s a perfect notebook if you want to be more artsy in your journal or really hate ghosting.
Moleskine
The notebook that everyone loves to hate. Lol.
I don’t know if it’s because I grew up with Moleskine that makes me love it so much despite the fact that the paper quality has dwindled significantly. I remember getting my first one in high school and thinking that it was a “serious adult notebook” and should house important things. I used them through college and had fun comparing the bulkiness of my Moleskine against my friends’ Moleskine notebooks. I have a lot of fond memories using this brand. So whenever I see a good deal on a Moleskine at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Costco, Amazon, or wherever, I tend to snag it. Oh, and if they ever bring back the Peanuts editions, I’m done for.
With that being said, the paper is not fountain pen friendly, and if you find one that is, it’s like finding gold.
And that, my friends, is my list of go-to brands for notebooks. You may have noticed that nothing with Tomoe River Paper is on this list. Although that is my go-to paper for all things fountain pens and if I really want to highlight fountain pen ink properties, I don’t have enough experience with the newest version of Tomoe River Paper to definitively say if I love it still or not. So I kept it off the list.
I’d love to know what your favorite notebook brands are, and if there’s any thing you think I should try, please let me know! Feel free to leave a comment or reply to this email.
Happy 2024, everyone! I hope you’re enjoying your new planners and journals so far!
🩷, Amy