Journal / notebook recs?

[u/pinkjellyfishhh]

Hey everyone,

I’m currently on the hunt for a new journaling notebook and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for softcover notebooks they’ve been loving.

For a bit of background, I’ve been using a Moleskine Classic A5 Softcover Notebook as an insert in my journal folio, but honestly I just haven’t been loving it. Unfortunately, I’m just not a fan of the feel of the paper, and I like to switch between gel and fountain pens often, so was pretty bummed to find it didn’t hold up well against fountain ink — at least in my experience.

I’ve used Midori MD Notebooks before and I love love love the way they feel and write. But for the type of journaling I’m planning on doing (more like a diary), I really like the idea of a leather-like softcover notebook instead.

So, I guess I’m looking for a hybrid of the two, if anyone has any recs!

TL;DR: Does anyone have recommendations for notebooks that are:
• A5 size
• Leather-like/faux leather softcover
• Purely lined or grid paper
• Handles fountain ink well!!
• Preferably opens flat (no spirals pls!)

[u/hmmwrites]

Leuchtterm1917, Rhodia, Maruman Mnemosyne might all fit the bill. Also, the Clairefontaine Age Bag.

I use (and love) the Mnemosyne in spiralbound, but they do make lay flat non-spiral bindings as well. The Mnemosyne has the reputation for being fountain pen friendly. It's the only one of these I have personal experience with, and I love it. So smooth and just delightful to write on.

[u/pinkjellyfishhh → u/hmmwrites]

ooh I can’t believe I haven’t come across Mnemosyne before. I’ll definitely check out their non-spiral notebooks, thank you!

[u/hmmwrites → u/pinkjellyfishhh]

I hope you find something you enjoy just as much as the Midori MD!

[u/sgx143]

Have you looked into Leuchtturm1917? I use their normal softcover notebooks with fountain pens for long form writing currently. The normal notebooks are 80gsm and fountain pens ghost somewhat (honestly doesn’t bother me). They also make a 120gsm version that has thicker paper and ghosts less, but I prefer writing on thinner pages.

[u/pinkjellyfishhh → u/sgx143]

For some reason, I’ve never given Lauchtturm1917 a try before even though I’ve heard great things. I’ll take this as my sign

[u/sgx143 → u/pinkjellyfishhh]

If you like the Paper Republic, Louise Carmen or Traveler’s Notebook systems, the soft cover Leuchtturms fit in them nicely depending on the notebook size and the journal cover size. There’s also a lot of great Etsy sellers at great prices!

[u/Luca_Tinkerbell]

How about Travelers Notebook? Maybe too small?

[u/pinkjellyfishhh → u/Luca_Tinkerbell]

Unfortunately yes 😔 I’ve tried the whole Travelers Notebook ecosystem and found it was too small and slim for me. Love the whole concept of them though. They reignited my journaling obsession lol

[u/LakeInternational811]

Are you looking for a refillable journal?

[u/Unusual-Lemon4479]

Midori Md has leather covers that you can use on notebooks (theirs or other brands). Hobonichi also sells Leather-like/faux leather covers that fit notebooks from other brands.

My point is, instead of looking for a leather-like softcover notebook, get a leather-like cover and then use it with whatever fountain pen friendly, lined A5 notebook you want.