TRU RED Graphed Journal

The TRU RED Graphed Journal is a recent release from TRU RED. It’s designed as a business essential for everyday use. The notebook measures 5.5 by 8 inches. Thanks to TRU RED for providing these products for review! Last week I reviewed the TRU RED Starter Journal and Rollerball pens, congratulations to Batsheva who won the giveaway!

Front Cover:

The front cover is a flexible black cover with an elastic closure.

Inside Cover:

The front inside cover is a black and grey pattern with a small pocked that would easily fit business cards.

The Paper:

There are 256 ivory pages with a 5mm graph ruling.

The pages are not embellished in any way and are not paginated.

Writing Samples:

This paper did not handle fountain pens well-every nib feathered, bled or both. The paper is so absorbent that it made the nib and ink feel super dry and scratchy.

The paper handled some pens and pencils okay but the TRU RED rollerball pens bled through. Some ball-points and rollerball pens felt scratchy on this paper.

Rollerball Pens:

In the same collection with the Graphed Journal is this pack of Quick Dry Gel Pens in 0.7mm. The pens are green, teal, purple, red and orange.

These gel pens work okay but definitely aren’t the best gel pens I’ve ever used. They did okay in the graphed journal but skipped when used in my hobonichi.

Overall, I had hoped I would enjoy this notebook since I liked the TRU RED Starter Journal I reviewed last week but this paper is only good for ballpoints, gel pens and pencils. I didn’t enjoy the paper because it’s so absorbent and made all pens feel dry and scratchy.

Disclaimer: Both products were provided by TRU RED for the purpose of this review. All photos and opinions are my own. This post does not contain affiliate links and is not sponsored in any way.

TRU RED Starter Journal

The TRU RED Starter Journal is a recent release from TRU RED. It’s designed as a business essential for notetakers. The notebook measures 8x10 inches.

Front Cover:

The front cover is a textured grey that boasts a pen loop on the spine, a card pocket (perfect for holding business cards) and an elastic strap for keeping the notebook closed.

Back Cover:

On the back cover is an elastic strap, perfect for holding your phone.

Inside Cover:

The front inside cover has a lovely list of note-taking ideas.

Inside Cover:

The opposite inside cover has a spot for basic contract information.

The Paper:

There are 192 lined white pages. The standard pages are a basic narrow rule.

Every 5 pages alternates between a to-do list page with a perforated tear-off and a mostly blank page to sketch out ideas.

Each page has a discreet number in the bottom corner. Page numbers are my favorite detail!

Writing Samples:

This paper handled fountain pens quite well, there was a bit of feathering in the largest nib sizes but only the zoom nib bled through. It handled extra fine and fine nib extremely well, medium nibs well and broad nibs okay.

The paper handled all pens, pencils and highlighters well with no issues.

Rollerball Pens:

In the same collection with the Starter Journal is this pack of rollerball pens. They come in 0.5 tips in black, blue and red. I love the ink window so you easily know how much ink is left.

These rollerballs work well, and feel nice and smooth on the Starter Journal. They aren’t the best rollerballs I’ve ever used, but they aren’t the worst either. They are a comfortable middle-of-the-road at a nice price.

Overall, I enjoyed both the journal and the rollerball pens. I like how well the paper handles fountain pens and the details such as page numbers and to-do lists are lovely. I’m giving away one Starter Journal and Rollerball 3-pack below so be sure to enter! (The giveaway is limited to those in the Contiguous United States.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Both products were provided by TRU RED for the purpose of this review. All photos and opinions are my own. This post does not contain affiliate links and is not sponsored in any way.