Moleskine Classic Notebook: Singapore Airlines Edition
A great notebook... just not for fountain pen lovers
Background
I bought this notebook on a flight from Sydney to the UK in 2017 during Singapore Airlines’ 70th anniversary.
It sat fully sealed in a drawer until I started to use it in March 2024!
You can read here about how I ended up using it as my Commonplace Notebook.
Basic Information
Type: this notebook is simply a Classic ‘Large’ Sapphire Blue Moleskine notebook
LPP: 30 ruled Lines Per Page (pages are not numbered)
Pages: 241 pages with back pocket for stickers or anything else you need
Dimensions: W: 13cm H: 21cm
Cost: I can’t remember what I paid in 2017, but a standard one today (Jan 2026) costs about $26 USD (£23 GBP) without any promotional discounts
Convenience
The size and weight of this notebook are ideal for carrying around in a small bag on a daily basis, taking with you while travelling, and anything in between. The notebook has a great balance of quality, weight and size.
The paper pocket at the back is very handy for storing things such as business cards if you take it with you to a conference or seminar, or for keeping stickers which enhance your notes.
Quality
The paper quality is good enough to use with ballpoint pens, but it’s a real let down with fountain pens. Having said that, it is a pleasure to write in this notebook with ballpoint pens because the paper is very smooth.
Examples
Best use case (ballpoint): Below are 2 standard pages I wrote using blue and black ballpoint pens:
Worst use case (fountain pens): Below are 2 pages where I used my Caran d’Ache Leman (F) fountain pen with Diamine Onyx Black ink. It bleeds through the paper which is very distracting when I’m trying to re-read my notes.
Note: Since buying Caran d’Ache Leman (F), I have come to the conclusion that I prefer using Extra Fine (EF) fountain pen nibs. My current favourite is the Waterman L’Essence du Bleu (EF) with the standard blue cartridge. I did not write anything in this notebook with that pen because I ran out of pages and started a new commonplace book.
Don’t try! (Midori stamp): Below I have used ballpoint pens, but experimented using my Midori calendar stamp. Bottom line: don’t do that! Moleskine paper does not like this oil-based ink.
Durability
I’m very careful with my things, so the notebook has held up well. However, below there are some tiny white bits showing through on all 4 corners of the spine.
If you’re pretty rough with your possessions in general, then I’d imagine this might not be good enough quality for you as a daily driver.
Conclusion
The Moleskine Classic Large notebook may not be perfect, but the combination of it’s size, weight and quality is very good for multiple use cases, including work or education.
If you can buy these notebooks during sales or promotions, I think they’re good value. But I don’t think they are worth the full retail price at all based on the low quality of paper when used with fountain pens.
At full retail price, other brands from France, Germany and Japan offer much high quality paper (80gsm +) and construction for equal or lower prices.
I did really like the design of this limited edition notebook to commemorate Singapore Airlines’ 70th anniversary. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy future limited or special edition versions of this notebook to mark other occasions.
Video Review
I also reviewed this notebook on my YouTube channel: watch here
Your Thoughts?
Do you use a Moleskine Classic notebook? Let me know your experiences in the comments below!