Are you looking for the best writing tool for your Moleskine journal?
If you’ve owned a Moleskine notebook before, you know that not just any pen works well in writing on that specialty paper. Some users have reported feathering and ghosting. However, using the right kind of pen will definitely prevent this problem.
In today’s review, we’re featuring the 5 best pens for your Moleskine journal.
If you’re an avid journal writer, you know that using the right pen will help your thoughts flow with ease on paper.
So, we’ve found pens that worked magnificently for the purpose, whether you’re using it for daily writing or for graphic work (as many of us also draw in our journals).
There are pens that we’ve chosen for their durability, as well as the ideal one for lefties.
Our Top Picks for the Best Pens for Your Moleskine Journals
Now, if you're a busy person who doesn't have time to read this entire review, then we've simplified everything. Here is a table to show you a quick rating of the best pens for your Moleskine journals.
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Best overall: Uni-Ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Best for durability, ideal for everyday use: Zebra F-301 Ballpoint Stainless Steel Retractable Pen | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Best marker-like pens, waterproof and fade resistant: Sharpie Plastic Point Stick Water Resistant Pen | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Best smear-proof pen for lefties: Uni-Ball Signo RT, Ultra-Micro Point Gel Pen | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Best rollerball pen for journal writing: Pilot Precise V5 Stick Rolling Ball Pens Precision Point Ink | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
Before we introduce the products in this review, let’s first discuss the importance of writing stuff by hand.
The Advantages of Writing by Hand
While it is true that with the technology we use these days, you rarely have to write by hand, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't do it.
While apps, such as the gratitude gratitude apps showcased in the video below, are convenient to use, writing by hand still has a lot of benefits.
First, it improves your thought processes. Writing longhand encourages the writer to paraphrase and summarize information during note-taking.
This means that you have to absorb the information that is being said to you and analyze which important pieces need to be taken out and written down.
Writing by hand helps you connect with the words and helps your brain to understand and learn from them.
Writing also helps develop hand-eye coordination, resulting in better agility, faster reaction time, and more productivity.
Practicing this hand-eye coordination and using your motor skills activates the parts of your brain called the reading circuit, which can help improve your memory and keep your mind sharp.
Finally, writing by hand increases language skills by slowing down a person’s thought processes in order to formulate a better expression of one’s thoughts and opinions.
This gives your brain some time to think of the most descriptive words and gives you time to double-check your grammar.
Slowing down your thought processes can also help boost creativity because writing works the parts of your brain that control your artistic expressions–so giving yourself time to absorb the content that you are writing is key.
Now that you know why it is important and beneficial to write by hand, let's look at some factors you should consider when shopping for pens that don’t bleed through Moleskine.
How Do I Choose the Best Pen for My Moleskine?
There are several things you will want to consider when shopping for the perfect pen for your journaling needs.
The paper in a Moleskine notebook is most commonly acid-free and ivory in color. While the paper is considered to be smooth to write on, some writing implements work better than others.
First, choose a pen that does not smear on Moleskine paper. This is especially important for lefties who are more often the ones to encounter smearing and smudging as their hand moves across the page.
You don't want to feel like you have to lift your hand up in an uncomfortable position when you are writing in your notebook.
You also want to avoid pens whose inks are prone to feathering or ghosting. Pens that emit a lot of ink can bleed through your paper to the other side of the page, rendering both sides of the paper useless.
This often means that you will want to avoid classic fountain pens, as these are notorious for smearing and bleeding through Moleskine paper.
Rather, it is best to stick to writing with a ballpoint pen, a rollerball, a gel pen, or simply a pencil.
In addition to choosing a pen that will help you avoid feathering, you will want to have a pen whose nib produces a fine line.
This is best for daily writing because you otherwise will not be able to fit much writing on a single page. With a thick pen, the letters may also bleed together, making your work illegible.
You also don't want to be hindered by a pen that is difficult to write with. Choose one that does not skip but writes smoothly so you can freely record your thoughts as they come without vigorously shaking your pen and trying to doodle on something to get the ink to come out.
Another factor that can hinder your writing is if your pen is too big or too small for your hand. Choose a pen that is appropriate for the size of your hand.
It’s important to choose a size that fits your hand comfortably because if the pen is either too small or too large, you will be unable to properly grip the pen, therefore writing for longer periods of time may become uncomfortable.
Try some pens out first in order to make sure that you can choose a pen that you’re comfortable holding during writing.
While one may not look to be too large or too small, once you start writing with it, you might realize that it is, in fact, uncomfortable to use.
To save yourself time and money in the long run, you will want to choose a pen that’s known for its durability.
This way, you won't have to stop halfway through your journal and pick back up with a new pen that looks completely different on paper. You also don't want to rely on cheap pens and end up throwing them away every few weeks.
If you tend to add some creativity to your Moleskine notebooks, choose a pen that’s appropriate for both journal writing and drawing.
Even if you don't think you will draw too much in your Moleskine, it is better to have a pen that is conducive to drawing in case you need it in the future.
This means finding a pen that can provide you with a fine, consistent line and is capable of variation if you choose to get creative.
Speaking of drawing, you want to have a pen that is available in numerous colors is a plus for your bullet journal spreads and layouts.
Not only will the various colors keep your journal organized by category, they can also be good to use when you are being creative and drawing.
If you intend to preserve your journals, choose pens with archival and acid-free ink to prevent fading and discoloration over time.
Many people want to preserve their bullet journals, not only because they spend so much time working on them, but also because they can be looked back upon in several years and provide you with a glance of what your life looked like at this stage.
Finally, when looking for the perfect pen, remember that expensive pens do not necessarily write better on Moleskine paper than inexpensive pens.
The most expensive fountain pen may ruin part of your journal by bleeding through the pages, while a simple pencil could work better on the paper.
The best pens for Moleskine bullet journals may even be an inexpensive ballpoint pen. You will want to try out your options to see what is best for you.
Now that you have these factors to keep in mind, let's look at the best bullet journal pens that don’t bleed
The 5 Best Pens for Your Moleskine Journals
1. Best Overall Choice: Uni-Ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens
This is the best overall option. It helps users create a text that is both clear and visible, making it perfect for Moleskine journals. It is also available in a wide choice of colors, so you can stay organized and color-coded easily.
This is the best pen for daily writing and taking notes because the ink settles well on Moleskine paper, meaning it does not bleed after the ink has touched the paper.
It also does not fade with time, so you will be able to look back on these years far into the future to recall what was going on in your life.
The rich color of the ink is great for creating archival-quality work. The pigment forms a secure bond with the paper, which gives you added document security, as everything you write will be distinct and bold.
These pens also offer a visible ink supply so you can be sure that you won't run out of ink unexpectedly.
These gel pens also feature a proprietary “uni Super Ink” that offers three-way protection against threats to its integrity such as water, fading, and fraud.
The pens also feature sleek, metallic accents, giving them an elegant appearance. Each pen measures 5.9 x 3.3 x 1.1 inches and weighs 2.4 ounces, making it an ideal fit for an average-sized hand.
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2. Best for Durability: Zebra F-301 Ballpoint Stainless Steel Retractable Pen
This is the best option if you are looking for durability and fine writing. It is ideal for everyday use due to its combination of style, durability, and value.
Its slim size allows you to perfectly fit this pen in your planner, checkbook, or portfolio.
The pen is retractable, so it is easy to click on and start writing and then keep the tip of the pen safe by retracting it. This way, you're not always looking for where you put the top when you took it off.
The elegant stainless steel design that these pens have add both luxury and strength. They have a non-slip soft rubber grip, allowing users to be comfortable while writing and maintain optimal control over their penmanship.
It is also effortless to write with these pens due to the rich ballpoint ink that leaves a smooth stroke.
These pens also offer a metal clip so you can secure them wherever you want them to be. They are also refillable, so you can continue to use these pens without hurting the environment by wasting materials.
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3. Best Marker-Like Pens: Sharpie Plastic Point Stick Water Resistant Pen
This is the best option if you are looking for a marker-like pen.
It is waterproof and fade-resistant, so it will stand up to the test of time, as they offer the performance of a typical Sharpie permanent marker, but write with the precision of a pen.
These pens have a slim design and contoured grip, allowing users to have a firm grasp on the pen when it is in use. They have a fine point that allows you to add intricate detail to your journaling as well.
The Sharpie pens also feature rapid-drying and ink that will not bleed through your paper. With 12 pens in one order, this box will last you quite a long time.
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4. Best Smear-Proof Pen for Lefties: Uni-Ball Signo RT, Ultra-Micro Point Gel Pen
This is the best smear-proof option for lefties. They have a form-fitting rubber grip that helps you write with comfort and they create clean, precise lines, making them great for using on Moleskine.
If you want a pen that is able to write with a very fine line, this may be the best option for you, not only due to the small tip and smear-proof capabilities but also the fact that the bio-polymer ink will not feather or spread once it is on your paper.
The ink in these pens is also waterproof, so you can use them along with your waterproof paint if you choose to be creative in that way.
One of the great Moleskine hacks is to write on top of any artwork you make, creating a unique background for your pages–and this pen is perfect for doing that.
The ink glides very easily across the paper, which can help improve your precision when you write as well.
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5. Best Rollerball Pen for Journal Writing: Pilot Precise V5 Stick Rolling Ball Pens Precision Point Ink
This is the best rollerball pen for journal writing. It offers users a visible ink supply cartridge that lets you see if the ink level is running low, so you won't be left without a pen unexpectedly.
They also have a luxurious feel when writing, so you will look forward to writing in your Moleskine when you have these pens on hand.
These pens are also great for school, work, or at home, as they will give you a clean line every time you use them.
The ink flows evenly and smoothly and is offered in a variety of colors, which will help keep you organized while journaling. You will experience skip-free writing with these pens, as your normal, everyday to-do list becomes elegant and fashion-forward.
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Final Thoughts on the Best Pens for Moleskin Notebooks
All of the pens reviewed today are excellent for writing in a Moleskine journal. However, the winner for today is the Uni-Ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Micro Point, Black for its fade-proof ink, great writing experience, and wide selection of colors.
Now, if you have your favorite pen already but have no idea on what to write, these journal prompts might help:
- 35 Morning Journal Prompts to Inspire the Day Ahead of You
- 55 Growth Mindset Journal Prompts for Students and Adults
- 71 Journal Writing Prompts and Topics for Teens
Finally, if you don’t know the “right” way to journal, then check out this seven-step process for building a journaling habit that sticks.
