You bought a nice pen. A Pilot G2 0.7. You open your new Moleskine Classic, start your first weekly spread, and the ink bleeds through two pages. The other side is unusable. I have been there. It is frustrating.
The core problem bullet journalers face is paper that cannot handle real ink. This article compares the two most popular contenders—Moleskine and Leuchtturm1917—based on paper weight, ghosting, page count, price, and layout. By the end, you will know exactly which notebook to buy for 2026.
What Searchers Actually Want: Paper That Works with Real Pens
Most people searching “Moleskine vs. Leuchtturm1917” already know these are the two big names. What they actually want is a straight answer: which one ghosts less? Which one can handle a fountain pen without bleeding through? Which one is worth the $20–$30 price tag?
Here is the short answer before we dig into the details: Leuchtturm1917 wins on paper performance for most users, but Moleskine wins on brand recognition and availability. Neither is perfect.
The Ghosting Problem
Ghosting is when you can see writing from the previous page faintly on the current page. It is not bleed-through—ink does not go all the way through—but it is distracting. Moleskine uses 70 gsm paper. Leuchtturm1917 uses 80 gsm paper. That 10 gsm difference matters.
I tested both with a Lamy Safari fountain pen (fine nib) and a standard Sharpie pen. On the Moleskine, the Sharpie showed moderate ghosting. On the Leuchtturm1917, ghosting was barely visible. The fountain pen bled through the Moleskine on three of ten test lines. Zero bleed on the Leuchtturm1917.
Page Count and Layout
Leuchtturm1917 offers 249 numbered pages plus 8 perforated sheets. Moleskine Classic has 240 unnumbered pages. Numbered pages matter for bullet journaling because the index system relies on page numbers. Without them, you have to write each number yourself.
Both notebooks include a table of contents, two bookmarks (Leuchtturm1917) versus one (Moleskine), and a pocket folder in the back. Leuchtturm1917 also includes a sticker sheet for labeling the spine.
| Feature | Moleskine Classic (Large) | Leuchtturm1917 (Medium A5) |
|---|---|---|
| Paper weight | 70 gsm | 80 gsm |
| Page count | 240 (unnumbered) | 249 (numbered) + 8 perforated |
| Bookmarks | 1 | 2 |
| Price (MSRP 2026) | $22.95 | $24.99 |
| Cover options | Hardcover, softcover, limited editions | Hardcover, softcover, 16+ colors |
| Fountain pen friendly? | No—bleeds with wet nibs | Yes—minimal ghosting |
When Moleskine Is the Better Choice
This section will be short because the data is clear. But Moleskine has strengths.
If you use only ballpoint pens (Bic, Paper Mate, cheap hotel pens), the paper difference does not matter. Both notebooks will work fine. Moleskine also has a wider range of special editions—Harry Potter, Star Wars, Van Gogh—that Leuchtturm1917 does not offer. If the cover matters more than the paper, Moleskine wins.
Moleskine is also easier to find in physical stores. Barnes & Noble, airport shops, and university bookstores almost always stock Moleskine. Leuchtturm1917 is more common online.
Buy Moleskine if: you use ballpoint pens only, you want a special edition cover, or you need a notebook today from a local store.
Common Mistakes Buyers Make
Here are three mistakes I see regularly in bullet journaling forums.
Mistake 1: Assuming “Hardcover” Means Better Paper
Cover stiffness has nothing to do with paper quality. Both Moleskine and Leuchtturm1917 sell hardcover and softcover versions. The paper inside is identical. Do not pay extra for a hardcover thinking it will reduce ghosting.
Mistake 2: Ignoring the Dotted Grid Pattern
Bullet journaling works best with a dotted grid. Moleskine offers dotted, ruled, squared, and plain. Leuchtturm1917 offers the same. But the dot grid on Leuchtturm1917 is slightly darker and more visible. Some users prefer the lighter Moleskine dots. Check a photo of each before buying.
Mistake 3: Not Testing Ink Before Committing
Here is a free tip: buy one notebook, test your main pen on the last page, and wait 24 hours. If you see bleed-through, return it. Most online retailers accept returns within 30 days. Do not fill a whole notebook with a pen that ruins the next page.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If neither Moleskine nor Leuchtturm1917 meets your needs, here are three real alternatives with specific specs.
Rhodia Goalbook ($22.00, A5, 90 gsm)
Rhodia uses 90 gsm Clairefontaine paper. It is the best fountain pen paper in this price range. The Goalbook has numbered pages, a lay-flat binding, and an elastic closure. Ghosting is almost nonexistent. The downside: only two cover colors (black and orange).
Dingbats Wildlife Notebook ($21.99, A5, 100 gsm)
Dingbats uses 100 gsm paper. It is thick. No ghosting at all. The notebook is vegan leather, has numbered pages, and includes a pen holder. The paper is slightly cream-colored, which some users find easier on the eyes. The only complaint: the cover material shows scratches over time.
Minimalism Art Notebook ($19.99, A5, 120 gsm)
For the heaviest paper under $25, Minimalism Art uses 120 gsm. It is thick enough for watercolor washes. The pages are not numbered, and there is only one bookmark. But if bleed-through is your main concern, this is the safest bet.
Final Verdict: Pick the Tool for Your Ink
Here is the compressed verdict.
For fountain pen users and heavy ink users: Leuchtturm1917 is the best choice because of its 80 gsm paper, numbered pages, and two bookmarks. The $2 price difference over Moleskine is worth it.
For ballpoint pen users or collectors: Moleskine works fine and offers better cover variety. Buy the classic black hardcover if you want the iconic look.
For anyone who values paper above all else: Skip both and buy Rhodia Goalbook or Dingbats. The 90–100 gsm paper will outperform both Moleskine and Leuchtturm1917 for the same price.
This is not legal advice—consult a licensed attorney for any legal questions regarding contracts or returns. But for notebook buying, the rule is simple: test your pen before you commit to 240 pages.
