1 out of 1 found this review helpful.
Solid
The Escalada journal is great. However, be aware of the materials you use to write/ sketch in it. Basic pens, pencil, colored pencil, works fine and will not bleed through. If you use pigment ink pens, it doesn't bleed through unless you press down hard, so if you use Microns, staedler pigment liner or Copic multiliner, it will not bleed. Even Pentel Pocket Brush pen works but you have to be light. Only thing is that it feathers a little. It's not obvious but it does a tiny bit. Watercolors and heavy mix media will destroy the page. I don't know about calligraphy pens though. The thing is, like I said, if you lightly make a stroke it won't bleed through, but if you leave it in one spot, it will bleed through. The pages are 74lbs and have tooth. This is a coptic bound book, meaning you can lay it flat just like Moleskines. It has a pocket in the back.
Escalada is Made in China, just as Moleskine is, so it makes sense to buy the cheaper one, and since hobby lobby always has coupons, I got this for 5 dollars. It was a steal. I just use a good quality pen like Zebra f-301, some Verithin prismacolors and light pigment pens.
Overall, it's a modest journal. Is it the best Moleskine alternative? In my opinion, no. A quality journal is not going to sell for 7.99. I've had it for a about a month now and it hasn't torn, the elastic band is in place, the bookmark is stuck on tight. It's pretty tough for a Chinese product but time will tell. Other than that, use a HB coupon to get a great deal on it.
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