Moleskine Classic Notebook, Large, Plain, Black, Hard Cover (5 x 8.25)

Two reviews a fast one and a very detailed one. Fast review: Nice amount of pages, sleek and resistant cover, good quality paper, useful internal pouch. Very detailed one: So, let's truly examine this notebook. First of all, this is not my first time having a moleskine, therefore, some things I could truly test since some time. Let's begin with the paper. A thing that many complain is about the paper quality, and truly, it's not bad. Maybe a little thin for some persons, but definitely not bad. The paper has also a kind of light yellowish hue to itself, so if you are writing, or even reading something you wrote down and you're under a strong sun, it isn't a problem. The second thing that some complain is that the paper doesn't hold ink very well and it smears a lot. Truth is, depends. I already tried a good sort of pens, nib pens and fountain pens on this one. I had problems just with one specific pen that had liquid ink, but I had problems with this pen on every notebook I had, therefore, I don't think this aplies. Seriously, if you buy one, take the first page to test it and find the pen - or pencil; a 4B will do very nice to draw in this kind of paper - you're more comfortable and go with it. Now for the cover. It is very resistant and it surely can take and especially, give, a beating. When a doofus - that you have the misfortune of calling a friend - destroys - on purpose - not only the drawing you spent hours to make and was in the middle of inking with a nib pen, but also, almost twenty pages of your notebook, it will be nice to hear the loud sound of the full cover hitting his face. Seriously, not only you'll be sure that it hurt, but as well that your cover is intact. Still on the cover, it's also pretty simple, but nice enough to call attention - if you're looking for it or not - and pass as a book if you put it into your bookshelf. The rubberband that holds the cover is also one of the best qualities I ever saw. You can leave it in the sun for hours and multiple times and it will still hold the cover. On a last note, the page mark ribbon is smooth to the touch. To end this babbling, it's an excelent notebook. Sure thing it's just a notebook, but it's a good quality one that can endure many probations. Ah! One more thing. I know it's pretty but it is still a notebook, write in it.

There’s not much I can say about this in terms of usability or innovation, as at its core it’s simply a notebook. However, when looking at the creative choices, the unboxing experience, and the craft of the notebook, it makes you realize that this is an amazing product that anybody and everybody should own. The craftsmanship of this notebook makes you feel like an adventurer, business person, and professional writer all-in-one. It seems to be a pleather material, not quite leather, but I’m no expert. The paper is somewhat thin, but not at all fragile. I write in this with a ballpoint pen, and I’m a hard writer, meaning I put a lot of pressure on the paper. I haven’t poked a hole in a page so far! The unboxing experience of this notebook was honestly really great. The label paper that describes the product is re-usable, the backside of it allows you to write down places you’ve traveled, the mode of transportation, experiences, and more. The “manual” or introduction paper is excellent, it gives you this amazing story about the moleskine, but I won’t spoil it. Overall, this is a notebook I’d recommend to everyone. My only gripe is how small it is, but after a day or two of using it, you get used to it. The size is only an issue initially for writing, but it’s perfect for traveling and jotting down notes quickly, which is what I primarily use it for.

At first I bought Moleskine notebooks simply because of the name attached to them, but I've come to love them more and more with each one I purchase. I've been buying all my Moleskine notebooks from Amazon since they're cheaper than going to any nearby bookstore in town for them. I personally love the size of the large notebooks because they're easier and compact enough to carry around and the pages are just big enough for sketching or writing out my ideas. I don't use the pocket on the back cover, but I appreciate the elastic strap closure for keeping my pages away from the wear and tear of going to my classes. I use my notebooks for note-taking, writing, doodling, and anything else that strikes my fancy. And, the sleek look of an all-black cover looks great and professional. The paper in this notebook is thin, so if you can't stand seeing the ink from the previous page showing through, then this notebook isn't for you. I use Sharpie pens with my Moleskine notebooks because they write extremely smooth on the paper, but I have yet to find a smooth-writing pen that won't bleed through. For the writing and sketching I do, I don't need fancy and/or thicker paper, so the paper contained in this notebook is just fine for me.

Yes, these are insanely hyped. Yes, many people speak of these in terms of love poetry. But they are a great notebook, and having used them for years an amassed a small library of collected journaling, I like these best. What's Great: * the size - is around the same size as a paperback or Kindle - fits into the same spaces. * elastic - holds the thing closed, keeps these from falling open or the pages from getting crunched. * the quality - consistent and good * the price - on amazon, and with prime delivery, is much better than anywhere else * pocket in the back always comes in handy for storing things What's not great: * the cloth 'bookmark' attached always frays. always. i think I need to start 'painting' the end with clear nail polish to keep it from doing so. otherwise, i cut it out *These will not magically turn you into Chatwin or Picasso or whatever, in spite of what is implied about them. * I sometimes fear being taken as a poser for carrying one around. BUT! they really are my favorite style of notebook and I stock up on them here on amazon. * Also, I wish there was a place to put a pen or pencil on them, but oh well. These are great notebooks and this is the best place I've found to buy them.

A good, all around notebook/sketchbook. I've always preferred unruled pages for the greater sense of freedom. There will be some bleed through, depending on what kind of pens you use. I've found regular, old school ball point and the Pilot G-2 series of gel ink pens excellent choices for these pages. I use the G-2 0.38 and 0.5 points for drawing, and the .7 point for general writing. The book is well constructed and sturdy. I've owned 10 of them so far, and there have been no quality control issues. Not a good book if you're planning to splash on watercolors or scribble away with Sharpie markers, as there will be some buckling and bleed through, but the paper responds very well to B and 2B grade leads. For dense ink work, two pages can be quickly pasted together using a Scotch 3M permanent glue stick or similar to create a nice thick "plate" that won't bleed thru with india inks or Copic markers. The price is great here on Amazon, and the versatility of these books is boundless.

It may not appeal to all buyers due to its cost, but it is worth every penny for its style, elegance, and quality of paper.

The large blank notebook is my personal favorite. I have used many of them over the years and I love them. If you can find it locally, but it from a local business. The four stars is because the shipping was terrible. The notebook was by itself in a massive box and it got badly damaged. I just got it today and I am a bit heartbroken. I’m still going to use it, but Amazon can do better!

There are Moleskines in every size that fit all my needs, but this is the one I use the most. If I am researching a singular project - whether it is gardening for next year, my Mom's 75th birthday, or a trip to Paris, I start with this blank journal. I separate the sections for what I need and fill them in as I go. I start by creating separate sections for each type of information I am collecting. For my trip to Paris, I had one section filled with quotes and all the literary Paris themed books I read. Another section included all the Parisian cookbooks I had read, and all the recipes I tried and loved. Another section included web sites where I could view all the tourist Mecca's (The Louvre, Chartres Cathedral, etc.) And of course I had a travel itinerary section for planning my whole trip. I kept the book in my backpack or purse while in Paris. In the back pocket I added business cards, postcards, pamphlets, photos I took - every scrap of paper I wanted as a memory. I also used the book as a diary of my trip, adding addresses and phone numbers of new friends and new places (cathedrals, bistros, small out of the way museums.) When I got back home, I sorted out the ephemera of my trip and created a travel scrapbook with the remaining pages of the book. I use this blank canvas Moleskine for every single project I undertake in my life - from losing weight to creating a new wardrobe, from decorating my home to decorating my garden. Try it the next time you take on a project. Having your written word, photos, magazine clippings, stickers, etc. all in one place make it a welcome piece of your history to explore over and over again.