Moleskine recommends fine, dry writer with quick drying ink

[mitaka]

I have been corresponding back and forth with Moleskine for the last month or so concerning a defective Mole. They were nice to replace mine with broken spine. Then, I sent them a thank you note and suggested that they pay a bit more attention to the quality of the paper. Here is what they recommend as far as fountain pen use with Moleskine is concerned. This is direct from Moleskine Italy's Customer Care staff:

 

"Moleskines are not especially fountain pen friendly, except with a fine, dry writer. The finer and drier the better. The best inks are the traditional, quick drying ones, such as Parker Quink and Sheaffer Skrip. But the way Moleskine paper interacts with fountain pen isn't nearly as ugly as what happens with cheap copier and notebook paper. It doesn't spread and bleed in an indescrimination manner, or even turn a fine line into a medium. Instead, the ink dyes select paper fibers and color radiates from each letter. Bleed through? Only with the wettest of pens."

 

I would have to agree with this advice. I have had the best experience with a Parker Sonnet using Parker Quink. Pelikan M200 and 4001 ink result in disappointing spread and bleed. Also, the radiation of ink along select fibers is very visible. Some people even like the effect, I am not very fond of it.

 

Overall, it is very healthy that they concede the point of not being particularly FP-friendly. Maybe, it would be even more helpful if they put a cautionary note somewhere on their website or the product brochure about what type of fountain pen and ink would be most suitable for best results with a Moleskine.

 

[eilu]

Or, to be really, really helpful, fiddle around with the paper blend and make that FP friendly. It can't be that hard, can it? Besides, there is probably a very large overlap between the FP crowd and the Moleskin crowd.

Edited May 20, 2009 by eilu

[MiniMaupassant]

Good advice that I would have to agree with. I have best results with Diamine ink and a fine nibbed pen.

[jmkeuning]

I can see where this is going.

 

And I can't wait!

 

[xmattxyzx]

Yes, what great advice!

[tawanda]

I love everything about Moles except the dodgy paper qualtiy in relation to FPs. To get around that I take a page from the back of each new notebook and stick it in the pocket at the back. Then when I load up my pens for the week (usually 6 or so) I write one line on the test page thus (eg):

 

Century II - fine nib - Diamine Blue-black.

 

That way I know which pen/ink combos behave well, and there are no disasters. The sheet stays in the pocket pemanently and can be used as a reference in the weeks to come, until the Mole is full. I do, however, start a new test page with every book as quality can vary from batch to batch.

[dizzypen]

I love everything about Moles except the dodgy paper qualtiy in relation to FPs. To get around that I take a page from the back of each new notebook and stick it in the pocket at the back. Then when I load up my pens for the week (usually 6 or so) I write one line on the test page thus (eg):

 

Century II - fine nib - Diamine Blue-black.

 

That way I know which pen/ink combos behave well, and there are no disasters. The sheet stays in the pocket pemanently and can be used as a reference in the weeks to come, until the Mole is full. I do, however, start a new test page with every book as quality can vary from batch to batch.

 

It truly is a shame that we have to go through so much just to find paper to write on! I'm testing out a sheet of moleskine now (thanks to that free paper sampler). It is just awful! Good God! The only ones that seem to be worth much at all are C.OVER and Ciak followed by the Cartesio, but even then I am not impressed! I tell you, I do better with my "Made in Brazil" Composition Book!

[gregamckinney]

A fine, dry writer? Sheesh, might as well use a pencil.

 

I don't worry too much about the Moleskine paper issues. It is very easy to find similar notebooks with good paper.

 

Regards, greg

[bardharlock]

A fine, dry writer? Sheesh, might as well use a pencil.

 

I don't worry too much about the Moleskine paper issues. It is very easy to find similar notebooks with good paper.

 

Regards, greg

I agree. I am using the new Piccadilly graph notebooks (half the price of a Moleskine for the same looks and function) and the paper is more smooth, and is not feathering or bleeding with whatever I throw at it.

[donwinn]

I use the Markings by C.R. Gibson, available at Walmart & Target for $4.99 for the small size notebook, and have no ink problems, regardless of what I use to write with in it.

 

Donnie

[Bill Smith]

I found my Parker 51s with Diamine ink behaved well with Moleskine, not so good with a wet writing Pelikan M800 with a medium nib.

[errantmarginalia]

I found my Parker 51s with Diamine ink behaved well with Moleskine, not so good with a wet writing Pelikan M800 with a medium nib.

 

 

My best results have come from using F nibs, with Aurora and Waterman inks, though Diamine inks also work relatively well.

 

Best,

David

[Pippin60]

I like my Moleskine's but the paper is hit or miss. What I find amusing is I remember they used to sell themselves as the notebook Hemingway used or some such, and I doubt he used a BIC ballpoint, perhaps a lead pencil. But at least their being honest ...kind-of...

[Ghost Plane]

The prejudice against B and BB nibs strikes again. :roflmho:

[xmattxyzx]

Yeah, that dude loved pencils.

[tawanda]

Moleskines are perfect in every other way. I tried Ciak but hate the fact that they don't lie flat (and have no back pocket either) I love Apica paper quality but loathe those 'school book' paper covers. And as far as I know Picadilly haven't reached our UK shores yet (if I'm wrong someone please tell me).

[jlepens]

The prejudice against B and BB nibs strikes again. :roflmho:

 

 

WE need to revolt. Double Broad nibs to the front!!!!! On the other hand, ...more broads for us!

[bardharlock]

Moleskines are perfect in every other way. I tried Ciak but hate the fact that they don't lie flat (and have no back pocket either) I love Apica paper quality but loathe those 'school book' paper covers. And as far as I know Picadilly haven't reached our UK shores yet (if I'm wrong someone please tell me).

No idea if they have reached your shores yet, but hey, here's their contact info, never hurts to shoot off a quick email and ask.

 

Corporate Headquarters

 

2658 Del Mar Heights Road, #162

Del Mar, CA 92014

USA

 

Main Tel: (858) 259-0987

Main Fax: (858) 259-1251

Email: mail@piccadillyinc.com

 

Departments

 

General Enquires:

Jackie Gardner

(858) 259-0987 ext. 201

Email: jackie@piccadillyinc.com

 

Production:

Simon Hailwood

Vice President

(858) 259-0987 ext. 203

Email: simon@piccadillyinc.com

 

Shipping/Order Support:

Elizabeth Gaylord

(858) 259-0987 ext. 204

Email: elizabeth@piccadillyinc.com

 

Design:

Yen Ma

(858) 259-0987

Email: yen@piccadillyinc.com

 

International Sales:

Terry Hailwood

President

(858) 259-0987 ext. 205

Email: terry@piccadillyinc.com

 

Accounting:

Mike Shakoordokht

(858) 259-0987

Email: mike@piccadillyinc.com

[Juan in Andalucia]

The best ink I've found for moleskines is Montblanc blueblack. Pelikan black (my favorite) is excellent too.

 

I'm gonna try a poll about this in another thread.

 

Juan

[pixwriter]

sailor kawaguro ink works in moleskines, even with wider nibs. I mean works perfectly with no show through, feathering etc.