Notebooks Reviewed! Leuchtturm, Moleskine, Midori, Muji, Roterfaden and more!

In this video, I take you on a journey through my notebook collection, sharing my honest opinions on various brands, sizes, and styles. From the popular Moleskine and Leuchtturm1917 to lesser-known gems like Midori and Muji, I explore what makes each notebook unique, whether for journaling, sketching, morning pages or just basic note-taking! I also touch on the importance of cost-effectiveness and practicality, especially when it comes to choosing the right notebook for everyday use. If you’re a stationery enthusiast or just looking for the perfect notebook, this video is for you. Join me as I dive deep into the world of notebooks!

My name's Martin Sketchley. I'm a published novelist (Simon & Schuster) and scriptwriter, and have over 30 years' experience across fiction, non-fiction, business analysis, scriptwriting and education. I'm also the founder of Urban Creative: thinking outside the constraints of the corporate box, we turn complex, often vague ideas into effective, engaging content.

#journaling #notebooks #creativity #morningpages #creativewriting #mentalhealth #productivity #mindfulness #mentalhealth #selfimprovement #personaldevelopment

[sketchley]

What's your favourite notebook and why?! If you appreciate this video, you can support my work with Superthanks, above ⬆🙏!

[kummiekins]

Add on comment; Kokuyo campus also make great loose leaf paper for cheap. Use the A4 sized ones to make your Traveler's notebook refills. However this only works with either plain, dotted or grid layout because you fold the paper in half. I just fold about 20 sheets at a time, use kraft paper as a cover, staple the centre then trim off the excess with a box cutter. It makes for a shorter refill but doable for my travel journaling.

[popparoc]

I am a fountain pen enthusiast and paper is important since so many notebooks are not fountain pen ink friendly, Moleskine is one of those and it breaks my heart. Along with their wonderful design, they used to have great paper, but not now. It is very disappointing. I write A LOT and tend to use Clairefontaine French ruled paper, but for personal writing, I like Midori paper. It is a little ... toothy and expensive, but a few years ago, I found a place here in Canada that had a sale. I bought 12. I, too, enjoy the bendy covers.
You have a great collection. Thanks for sharing and making your review. - roc

[JoeSchonbok]

For morning pages, I've been using Dynta A5 spiral notebooks. I get them from Amazon for less than $2 per in bulk. They are lined, 60 sheets/120 pages. There is a day of the week block to circle the day and also a little block of weather icons which I find very satisfying to use. But the best thing about them is they can handle most of my fountain pen inks. I love writing with a fountain pen and these Dynta books are perfect for me. For my "real" journaling, I use a mix of Midori and Leuchtturm - mostly Midori since I have an awesome leather cover for them now. Sadly, only Moleskines are at my local shops and I've had similar bad experiences with them, especially with regard to ink.

[PorschaWrites]

Really enjoyed this video! Especially the mantra "This shouldn't be expensive" i do occasionally treat myself to a nicer notebook but I've found several good quality composition books here in the states for cheap that I adore. I buy moleskine on sale because I like them but agree the price and quality don't match.

I'm a full time writer who likes to draft by hand so I burn through notebooks. Its refreshing to hear someone not exclusively recommended the expensive options.

[planningandtravelling]

I giggled at the comments about moleskine elastics not keeping your knickers up. I hate moleskine. I love Leuchtturm & it was my first introduction to dotted grid notebooks. I like MD notebooks but prefer the MD paper in traveler’s notebook sizing. I use gel pens when out & about and fountain pens at home, those TN books deal with both well. I’m a recent convert to Hobonichis because of the Tomoe River Paper. I am more likely to use a notebook that feels nice & looks good, regardless of cost

[ellieisbusy]

Glad you found the Standard size useful! 😊 My traveler’s notebook is by September Leather, much cheaper than the original ones (mine has a rigid spine, which I prefer).

[jo-annel.wright]

Suggestion: write the date, place and cost of the notebook inside the cover for reference...

[tammyhassel]

The many notebooks not quite fully used and finished and the flirting with pen comments are so relatable. Team dotted Leuchtturm A5 here 🎉

[itssammierose]

I have stocked up on some outdated daily planners from past years. They were $2 with 365 pages in them. I plan to white out the dates and just use them as i wish.

[lindsayvanniekerk]

I go through dozens of those Muji notebooks for my work each year. I add a little sticker to the outside with the dates. They cost about AU$2 each - cheapest and best quality

[Fclwilson]

Thanks for sharing. The notebooks I gravitate towards are Leuchturm, Archer & Olive, Hobonichi, and Miguel Riz notebooks. The latter are great for classes.

[davearcher]

When I first started journaling I did start with slightly better quality journals.

I now do the bulk of my journaling on the cheapest a4 writing pads I can get.
I then transfer any gems that appear on the page to an A5 moleskin journal for future reference.

I also carry a small hardbacked notebook (like the ones you shoe in the video).
Great for making notes when out and about. No idea what brand notebook.

Not a massive fan of the moleskin journal.

And I really wish I had better handwriting 😂.

[jasonmarshall]

I journal in a Traveler's Company Traveler's Journal. I also have a 5 year prayer journal that I use. October will make a year of use with that one.

[swfl]

Sinoband is my present EDC but always open to other pocket carrys. Homies are larger and hard bound. Niche always ends in obsession!

[pilesofthings]

I'm in Canada and I've found some really nice notebooks at the dollar store. It seems like every time I go theres more selection and you can get one for $1-4!

[jo-annel.wright]

I junk journal many of my A6 and fieldnotes sized notebooks now as the postage & handling and ordering fieldnotes online is too rich for me plus the 48? pages doesn't work for my notes diary. I got my first molekine three pack locally and the extra pages should work a treat.

I have an everyday carry leather River Song Travelers Notebook cover from Altguild on etsy that I populate with fieldnotes/moleskine/junk journals and pockets... it gets chunky but the passport size fits comfortably in my hand... feeling good.

I am always 'researching' notebooks, journalling, how-tos, crafting notebooks, minimal edc, etc.. My husband laughs when I do a show and tell when I organise my latest current collection.

Notebooks and organising are my stimming.

[phoenixpyxis]

The Moderno A5 dotted are my current fav find. I keep buying them in different colours, the paper is really good with no bleed and isn't too expensive. Just disappointed that I never find a plain or dotted A6 only lines.

[Tracywhited]

I use a pocket size leuchtern 1917 in a chic sparrow cover for my journaling currently and will soon switch to an A6 Stalogy in a chic sparrow for variety. I do prefer to write with a fountain pen so the paper matters Thanks for your channel. I'm enjoying it.

[kummiekins]

I just got myself a Midori 2025 Diary and yes it was pricey. But it’s more for fountain pen enthusiasts so that is reflected in the price point. The same with the Leuchtturm, but Midori even holds up to heavy tombow brush pens. For a brain dump, my cheap alternative are the notebooks from Daiso with smooth paper (ones that say Made in Japan); surprisingly also fountain friendly and cost far less than a cup of coffee. I’ve stopped spending my good money on moleskine, couldn’t even hold up to my fine gel pen and ghosts like mad.