Leuchtturm all the way!!! I love the paper quality (I use fountain pens), I love the page numbering, I love the index, I love the color options…great video! Thank you!!
Nice comparison and the smell test is an absolute must when first opening a new notebook! I used Moleskine with my fountain pens for many years and then they changed the paper and the ghosting and bleed through were just so bad I couldn't use them. I found the Leuchtturm1917 in the B6+ size with a softcover and haven't looked back. It handles everything from my fountain pens to my Blackwing pencils just beautifully.
@@Carsonial They're really great! If you'd like an inexpensive recommendation to dip your toe in, Jinhao makes some superb pens. The Jinhao 86 is a solid cheap option, with a nice stainless steel cap. They come in a ton of colors too. If you'd prefer a different brand, a German pen to go with your German notebook might be nice too: LAMY makes pens that many people swear by. They have some unique features which I hear people like a lot: the triangular grip for more comfort, an inkwell window, a cap with a sturdy clip, etc. The LAMY Safari is an excellent starter pen. Regarding inks, there's just so many wonderful colors out there, but also a great selection of reliable classics. My favorite black is the Waterman Intense Black, but it was also my first ink, and I've just loved it.
You forgot to mention the index in the Leuchtturm. (Your pronunciation is great). I have used Moleskine from 1997-2008 and after that only Leuchtturm. They’re great.
I realized I've been using a Leuchtturm for several years and didn't know it. Recently got a Moleskine and was having some issues, especially with fountain pen ink bleeding. Did some comparisons on my own notebooks and decided that I'd stick with LT from now on. Just ordered my second one (in Port Red, my first is black).
I ADORE Leuchttrum, but I use the 120g as I can't stand ANY sort of ghosting/bleed through. Unless I'm using very wet inks, the Leuchttrum 120g does amazingly well.
Yoooo I had no idea there was a 120g version! I just ordered one of the Classic A5s - it lists it as 80-100g but doesn't seem to specify which... Next time I'll definitely try the 120, I prefer a thicker paper, for sure. Thank you for mentioning it, otherwise I'd have no idea.
I love leuchtturm but I just got myself a moleskine for the first time and I think I like it a little better. Honestly they are so similar it’s hard to decide. I wish the moleskine had page numbers and an extra ribbon, but it is better for traveling because the cover is more sturdy than leuchtturm and the slight size difference means it fits in my purse. I think it’s really just a matter of picking one and sticking to it. I am left handed so I also like the moleskine paper a bit better as it seems to absorb the ink slightly faster than leuchtturm. I love the pocket in the back of both. I have to make a decision but it’s just not that easy 😂😂😂😂
I have both Leuchtturm1917 and Moleskine notebooks - to be honest, I didn't realize that one of my notebooks was a different brand until a few days ago when I was looking for Moleskine alternatives, saw LT1917 recommended, and then noticed one of my notebooks WAS one. I had it buried away in my desk because I'd forgotten about it, but I've since pulled it out and been writing in it to fill it up. It's about half-way full at this point, maybe 2/3. My thoughts! - Leuchtturm1917 has better paper in general, and especially for Fountain Pens. Fountain pen ink tends to be quite wet, which I've noticed will cause bleed through regularly on my Moleskine, which I'm not a fan of. Even with heavy writes, swatches from a cotton swab, and really soaking the page, I haven't seen my inks bleed through on the LT. When it gets really wet, they'll definitely warp in those places, but never bleed. - I'm a dot grid kind of guy, and both my notebooks use one. The Moleskine's dot grid doesn't have any margins, whereas the LT does, which I like. I also like the pagination at the bottom. - The bookmark being longer on the LT... This one threw me off for a second. Why is it so long? I don't like the length when it's closed! Then I realized it's a great length for being able to pull the ribbon all the way from corner to corner and still be able to keep a good grip with thumb and two fingers, which makes opening the book with the ribbon a lot easier. I almost trimmed it, but decided to keep it. - The cover material and spine: I've noticed that the LT has held up better generally. I've had both notebooks for a while. The LT has been with me through a move, and has definitely been something I've carried around and written in for nearly 4 years. The first entry in it is dated early 2021 (in fact, I found this out because I was looking for samples of my old handwriting, before I started using cursive, and lo, there they were. I started that notebook in print, and transitioned to cursive primarily using it). The cover material is a bit softer on the LT, I think both are considered a fake / patent leather / PU leather, though the Moleskine's generally has a harder texture to it. I like both, but I prefer the LT. The spine is an interesting one. This is also partly about the binding in general: The LT's spine is flat, and has remained flat, while the Moleskine's had a slight curve to it (I think... I hope...) and over time a large crease has formed in the cardstock of the spine, where it has basically bent. Also, opening the Moleskine ALWAYS results in a cracking noise as the spine is extended, whereas the LT is silent, and I think this is mostly due to how the spine's binding is connected to the covers. Bonus thought: I appreciate that you included some context for why you're pronounce "Leuchtturm" as "Loistrum", From everything I've been able to tell, your pronunciation is close, but there's a couple subtle differences with how German is pronounced, especially in this spelling. The first syllable's vowels are pronounced sort of half way between "oi" (that oy sound) and "ai" (as in the word "daimon" (pronounced closer to die-moan, "ai" in Latin based languages makes kind of a long 'I' sound) - however, German is definitely not a Latin language, so unfortunately neither of these will work, and we have to listen for something that's kind of close to both. So the first part of how you're pronouncing it is certainly close enough. Regarding the second part, where you're saying "strum" (S instead of an SCH, and RU instead of UR) - these aren't quite how it's being pronounced. Because German has different pronunciation rules than non-German speakers are used to, it can sound a little blurry hearing a German speaker saying the word. Really what's happening is that the "S" sound you're hearing is produced by the CH, and it's closer to how we might say SH or SCH, like the word "shush", but a bit more glottal / mouthy if that makes any sense. The UR part gets sort of blurred together. Saying it as an RU (trum) is certainly close enough, but it might help to think about the "turm" part of the word as sort of one big thing. I'm not sure if I'm explaining that well at all... There's a helpful youtube video about how to pronounce this word which seems like it's probably extremely close to how the employee you heard was pronouncing it, but will be more clear, with slowed down versions too, if you're interested in digging deeper. All that shit said: who really cares? Pronounce it however you want. Your pronunciation is certainly extremely close already, and is a lot closer to the "luke-term" way I was saying it before this video.
Thanks for sharing your detailed comparison! I agree that the Leuchtturm1917's paper is much better for fountain pens. It's good to know about the bookmark, I've actually always felt like it was too long! Thanks for the comment!
Are you still using the A4 size? If so, what brand. Unfortunately the fountain pen use is still issue even I also have a spot for Moleskine. But the best paper is either Rhodia goalbook or Galen Leather with Tomoe paper.
main sizes I use is a5 and the moleskine xl. I've been primarily using the pilot g2 .38mm pen vs a fountain pen. Like the fountain pen but love how small the .38 writes.
Okay, so printed page numbers are nice, but… there is a big price difference between those 2 and an Amazon Basics A5. Last year I used the Amazon basics in grid format to journal 3 pages a day with self numbered pages (1 book for each quarter). I experimented with various pens (settled on the Pilot G2 with xf tip of 0.38) for everyday writing. The G2 doesn’t bleed in either the Moleskine A5 or the Amazon Basics A5. I save my fountain pen ✒️, a Parker, for letter writing friends that can read cursive (my secret code from kids). This year I am experimenting with a knock-off A5 with college rule, 320 numbered pages to fit in my 3 pages a day for each quarter. It is from the same company that a got a thinner A5 college rule with maybe 160 numbered pages for a special project. I liked how the paper felt to write ✍️ on with both the G2 and my Parker, and when their hardcover 320 page journals went on sale (Black Friday?) I bought 2 in dark green so I could have all of 2024 quarters in a color other than black. I was concerned that a binding of 320 pages might fall apart with regular daily use since I do that daily 3 pages of writing out of the house in a coffee shop or library or in the corner of a hospital waiting room while visiting a friend. But so far it has held up great for the first two months as I begin today 3/01 the last month of the quarter. Thanks for comparing those two. I guess I’ll have to wait for those to go one sale, or a stationary store to have a going out of business sale.
Moleskines are utterly awful for fountain pen use, a notebook that cost this much should absolutely be able to handle fountain pen ink, just my opinion.
Which notebook do YOU prefer? Leave a comment and let me know!
Leuchtturm all the way!!! I love the paper quality (I use fountain pens), I love the page numbering, I love the index, I love the color options…great video! Thank you!!
Thanks for sharing!!
Nice comparison and the smell test is an absolute must when first opening a new notebook! I used Moleskine with my fountain pens for many years and then they changed the paper and the ghosting and bleed through were just so bad I couldn't use them. I found the Leuchtturm1917 in the B6+ size with a softcover and haven't looked back. It handles everything from my fountain pens to my Blackwing pencils just beautifully.
Thanks for sharing!
I had the same experience with my fountain pen and the MS change of paper, it is quite a bit disappointing, so I will try Leuchtturm too.
moleskine classic < leuchtturm < moleskine art collection
*from my personal fountain pen user perception
Thanks for the input! I've really been wanting to try a fountain pen.
@@Carsonial They're really great! If you'd like an inexpensive recommendation to dip your toe in, Jinhao makes some superb pens. The Jinhao 86 is a solid cheap option, with a nice stainless steel cap. They come in a ton of colors too.
If you'd prefer a different brand, a German pen to go with your German notebook might be nice too: LAMY makes pens that many people swear by. They have some unique features which I hear people like a lot: the triangular grip for more comfort, an inkwell window, a cap with a sturdy clip, etc. The LAMY Safari is an excellent starter pen.
Regarding inks, there's just so many wonderful colors out there, but also a great selection of reliable classics. My favorite black is the Waterman Intense Black, but it was also my first ink, and I've just loved it.
Great comparison video! Thanks!
you're welcome!
You forgot to mention the index in the Leuchtturm. (Your pronunciation is great).
I have used Moleskine from 1997-2008 and after that only Leuchtturm. They’re great.
oh dang you are right, I forgot. Yep I'm loving it!
I realized I've been using a Leuchtturm for several years and didn't know it. Recently got a Moleskine and was having some issues, especially with fountain pen ink bleeding. Did some comparisons on my own notebooks and decided that I'd stick with LT from now on. Just ordered my second one (in Port Red, my first is black).
I ADORE Leuchttrum, but I use the 120g as I can't stand ANY sort of ghosting/bleed through. Unless I'm using very wet inks, the Leuchttrum 120g does amazingly well.
Good to know!
Same here! Leuchtturm 1917 120 g is the way to go!
Yoooo I had no idea there was a 120g version! I just ordered one of the Classic A5s - it lists it as 80-100g but doesn't seem to specify which... Next time I'll definitely try the 120, I prefer a thicker paper, for sure. Thank you for mentioning it, otherwise I'd have no idea.
Thank you for this comparison. Could you tell me which pen you used please?
You're wecome! The pen is a TUL, I added a link for it just now in the video description.
Thank you! @@Carsonial
The TUL pen is great, and they're relatively inexpensive and widely available. I think I first encountered one at an OfficeMax many years ago.
For me it is not close, Leuchtturm every time.... But, I do prefer the 120g - edition even more.
I'll have to try that one
Moleskine classic unless you want to spend $28 on the 120g leuchtturm. Using G2 pens and pencils moleskine has less bleed through
Thanks for the pen tip! Always looking to try new ones.
Pilot G2? LOL it is not even waterproof. - No serious person use that. The G2 is for kids.
Yeah…. So. I just don’t get it wet.
G2 pens are excellent. If I'm out and about and need to buy a pen in a pinch, I'll always pick up a pack of G2s over any ballpoint.
Leuchtturm for me. Don't know about the moleskine but the last 16 pages in the leuchtturm are perforated for easy removal.
Awesome!
Leuchtturm , as Moleskine are bleeding and ghosting with several pen and fountain pen inks
good to know!
ghosting 👻 😂
I've definitely noticed my Moleskine bleeding with my fountain pens, both thicker wetter ones and even my "fine" nib.
I love leuchtturm but I just got myself a moleskine for the first time and I think I like it a little better. Honestly they are so similar it’s hard to decide. I wish the moleskine had page numbers and an extra ribbon, but it is better for traveling because the cover is more sturdy than leuchtturm and the slight size difference means it fits in my purse. I think it’s really just a matter of picking one and sticking to it.
I am left handed so I also like the moleskine paper a bit better as it seems to absorb the ink slightly faster than leuchtturm. I love the pocket in the back of both. I have to make a decision but it’s just not that easy 😂😂😂😂
Ya it’s hard, I like both!
I have both Leuchtturm1917 and Moleskine notebooks - to be honest, I didn't realize that one of my notebooks was a different brand until a few days ago when I was looking for Moleskine alternatives, saw LT1917 recommended, and then noticed one of my notebooks WAS one. I had it buried away in my desk because I'd forgotten about it, but I've since pulled it out and been writing in it to fill it up. It's about half-way full at this point, maybe 2/3.
My thoughts!
- Leuchtturm1917 has better paper in general, and especially for Fountain Pens. Fountain pen ink tends to be quite wet, which I've noticed will cause bleed through regularly on my Moleskine, which I'm not a fan of. Even with heavy writes, swatches from a cotton swab, and really soaking the page, I haven't seen my inks bleed through on the LT. When it gets really wet, they'll definitely warp in those places, but never bleed.
- I'm a dot grid kind of guy, and both my notebooks use one. The Moleskine's dot grid doesn't have any margins, whereas the LT does, which I like. I also like the pagination at the bottom.
- The bookmark being longer on the LT... This one threw me off for a second. Why is it so long? I don't like the length when it's closed! Then I realized it's a great length for being able to pull the ribbon all the way from corner to corner and still be able to keep a good grip with thumb and two fingers, which makes opening the book with the ribbon a lot easier. I almost trimmed it, but decided to keep it.
- The cover material and spine: I've noticed that the LT has held up better generally. I've had both notebooks for a while. The LT has been with me through a move, and has definitely been something I've carried around and written in for nearly 4 years. The first entry in it is dated early 2021 (in fact, I found this out because I was looking for samples of my old handwriting, before I started using cursive, and lo, there they were. I started that notebook in print, and transitioned to cursive primarily using it). The cover material is a bit softer on the LT, I think both are considered a fake / patent leather / PU leather, though the Moleskine's generally has a harder texture to it. I like both, but I prefer the LT. The spine is an interesting one. This is also partly about the binding in general: The LT's spine is flat, and has remained flat, while the Moleskine's had a slight curve to it (I think... I hope...) and over time a large crease has formed in the cardstock of the spine, where it has basically bent. Also, opening the Moleskine ALWAYS results in a cracking noise as the spine is extended, whereas the LT is silent, and I think this is mostly due to how the spine's binding is connected to the covers.
Bonus thought: I appreciate that you included some context for why you're pronounce "Leuchtturm" as "Loistrum", From everything I've been able to tell, your pronunciation is close, but there's a couple subtle differences with how German is pronounced, especially in this spelling.
The first syllable's vowels are pronounced sort of half way between "oi" (that oy sound) and "ai" (as in the word "daimon" (pronounced closer to die-moan, "ai" in Latin based languages makes kind of a long 'I' sound) - however, German is definitely not a Latin language, so unfortunately neither of these will work, and we have to listen for something that's kind of close to both. So the first part of how you're pronouncing it is certainly close enough.
Regarding the second part, where you're saying "strum" (S instead of an SCH, and RU instead of UR) - these aren't quite how it's being pronounced. Because German has different pronunciation rules than non-German speakers are used to, it can sound a little blurry hearing a German speaker saying the word. Really what's happening is that the "S" sound you're hearing is produced by the CH, and it's closer to how we might say SH or SCH, like the word "shush", but a bit more glottal / mouthy if that makes any sense. The UR part gets sort of blurred together. Saying it as an RU (trum) is certainly close enough, but it might help to think about the "turm" part of the word as sort of one big thing. I'm not sure if I'm explaining that well at all... There's a helpful youtube video about how to pronounce this word which seems like it's probably extremely close to how the employee you heard was pronouncing it, but will be more clear, with slowed down versions too, if you're interested in digging deeper.
All that shit said: who really cares? Pronounce it however you want. Your pronunciation is certainly extremely close already, and is a lot closer to the "luke-term" way I was saying it before this video.
Thanks for sharing your detailed comparison! I agree that the Leuchtturm1917's paper is much better for fountain pens. It's good to know about the bookmark, I've actually always felt like it was too long! Thanks for the comment!
I love the smell test.
You bet!
Are you still using the A4 size? If so, what brand. Unfortunately the fountain pen use is still issue even I also have a spot for Moleskine. But the best paper is either Rhodia goalbook or Galen Leather with Tomoe paper.
main sizes I use is a5 and the moleskine xl. I've been primarily using the pilot g2 .38mm pen vs a fountain pen. Like the fountain pen but love how small the .38 writes.
The Moleskin XL is your planner; what's the purpose for this notebook? Thanks for your videos, it has been informative 😊
Yep, love my XL for my planner/journal, not sure what I'll use this new one for, maybe a travel journal.
Okay, so printed page numbers are nice, but… there is a big price difference between those 2 and an Amazon Basics A5. Last year I used the Amazon basics in grid format to journal 3 pages a day with self numbered pages (1 book for each quarter). I experimented with various pens (settled on the Pilot G2 with xf tip of 0.38) for everyday writing. The G2 doesn’t bleed in either the Moleskine A5 or the Amazon Basics A5. I save my fountain pen ✒️, a Parker, for letter writing friends that can read cursive (my secret code from kids). This year I am experimenting with a knock-off A5 with college rule, 320 numbered pages to fit in my 3 pages a day for each quarter. It is from the same company that a got a thinner A5 college rule with maybe 160 numbered pages for a special project. I liked how the paper felt to write ✍️ on with both the G2 and my Parker, and when their hardcover 320 page journals went on sale (Black Friday?) I bought 2 in dark green so I could have all of 2024 quarters in a color other than black. I was concerned that a binding of 320 pages might fall apart with regular daily use since I do that daily 3 pages of writing out of the house in a coffee shop or library or in the corner of a hospital waiting room while visiting a friend. But so far it has held up great for the first two months as I begin today 3/01 the last month of the quarter.
Thanks for comparing those two. I guess I’ll have to wait for those to go one sale, or a stationary store to have a going out of business sale.
Wow lots of great info! I've been wanting to try that G2 .38!
No, I have both...i prefer Moleskine's smell...
haha, ya I bet mine has just lost some smell over time.
Leuchtturm 1000%!!! Any day lol
LOL loving it!
Cool 😎
😎
Molskine's annoying call to action in the pages is a no-go for me.
Gotcha
Moleskines are utterly awful for fountain pen use, a notebook that cost this much should absolutely be able to handle fountain pen ink, just my opinion.
yep, I just made a video using a fountain pen on different types of notebooks, moleskine was not the winner.