The Best Budget Journal for Fountain Pen Users? A Look at the Quipreco Red Hardcover Notebook (120gsm)
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably tested more notebooks than you can count. I know I’m always chasing the right balance of price, quality, and fountain pen compatibility. The Quipreco Red Hardcover Journal (120gsm, A5) just might be one that sticks around on my shelf.
A First Look: Clean Design, Smart Details
This journal comes in eight vibrant colors that manage to feel both classic and bold without screaming for attention. The rounded corners on the faux leather hardcover give it a refined look, while the subtle texture adds grip and aesthetic appeal. There’s even a pen loop tucked along the spine which is a nice bonus, though I’m not likely to use it myself. Still, it’s there if you want it, and that’s more than many notebooks in this price range can say.
Paper Quality: A Win for Fountain Pen Fans
What really caught my attention is the 120gsm paper. Too often, “budget” journals cut corners with thin, scratchy pages that bleed ink like a sieve. Not here.
The paper is surprisingly smooth without feeling glassy, and when I tested it with a fountain pen, it held up beautifully. No bleed-through. Minimal ghosting. Ink dries quickly enough for regular use without feathering or fuzzing at the edges. If you write with heavy ink flow pens, this notebook can handle it. That alone puts it in a league above many mainstream competitors in the under-$15 category.
Where It Fits in the Market
I’ve used Leuchtturm1917, Moleskine, Paperage, and many of the cheaper notebooks you can find on Amazon. While those certainly offer varying experiences, the Quipreco hardcover journal offers about 90% of the experience at maybe 60% of the cost.
The price point is what seals it. For a few dollars less than similar options, you get an excellent writing surface, a solid build, and thoughtful extras like the pen loop and a back cover pocket. The value here is undeniable.
One Small Wish: Page Numbers
If I could make one change, I’d add page numbers in the corners. Especially when using a journal for project tracking or note indexing, those numbers go a long way. It’s not a deal breaker, though, just something I’d pay a dollar or two more to include.
Final Thoughts: A Strong Buy in Any Color
I picked up the red version this time, but I’m already eyeing a few of the other colors. If you’re in the market for a fountain pen friendly notebook with thick pages, this one is a no-brainer.
TL;DR:
✅ 120gsm paper – great for heavy ink
✅ Red hardcover, rounded corners, classy feel
✅ Bonus pen loop
✅ No bleed, minimal ghosting
❌ No page numbers
💰 Excellent value under $15
Verdict: Highly recommended. Finally, a worthy and affordable journal that won’t let fountain pen users down.
Interested in ultra fine-tipped pens? Check out my review of these budget .38mm pens.
Looking to deck out your desk? I reviewed the ultimate desk upgrade.
Disclosure: I received this product for free from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I was not paid to write this post, and all opinions are my own.
