That being said, I went to my local store yesterday to see the Picadillys for myself. I’ve been happy so far with Markings notebook from Staples/Target (the brown faux-suede instead of the standard black; I like the rustic twist), but I’m always open to something new.

I’m a bit disappointed with what I saw. Sure, the Picadillys are a third of the price of the Moleskines, but the build quality varied greatly from book to book: different color papers, different thicknesses, poorly wrapped corners, poorly aligned bindings, bubbles in the covers, and so on. Add those things to the reports of weak elastic and frayed edges, and I can only think that you get what you pay for.

I own a Piccadilly, but would prefer any notebook with thicker pages (to prevent the see-through effect from even a Bic)

Could anyone recommend a few brands to point me in the right direction?

Much appreciated. Cheers!

Piccadilly notebooks, cover style hard book medium 5×8 1/4 black, Quantity 30 EA

Please send me the quote ASAP,

I actually was interested in purchasing a Moleskine notebook but happen to come across this website and come to find out that the one I’ve been using was the Piccadilly (medium grid) from Borders. I definitely believe that the Piccadilly version is just as well done if not, as you mentioned, a nice upgrade from the Moleskine.

I’m sold and will probably start stocking up. I’ll be honest and say I’ve put tasteful stickers on the front of mine to give it more character.

Initially, there is little difference, other than price and the inside pocket, and the lack of a “Cahier#…If lost, please return to…” page up front (I wrote it in mine).

As others have reported, my Piccadilly (which I carry with me every day – like I did/do with my Moleskine) lost its elastic (I eventually cut it off and now use a rubber band). It also has frayed at the top and bottom of the spine (again, I simply cut away the frayed parts).

Mine has gotten pretty damp and endured hip pockets, cargo pockets, backpack pockets, etc. I have to say that considering the frequency of use and amount of abuse (e.g. camping, backpacking, traveling, etc.), it has held up very well. Actually, I suppose it has acquired a sort of “cool” well-used look.

Although I believe my Moleskines have weathered a little better, I have been pretty satisfied with my Piccadillys.

I guess I’m just a little bit of a Moleskine snob, but again, I have a ton of different brands, styles and types of “little black book” journals, and will continue to buy whatever catches my fancy at the time. If I can buy Moleskine cheaply, I do. If I can’t, I buy something else.

Thanks for this site and for your reviews. I find them and the comments to be helpful. I will certainly keep them in mind in my future purchases.

Tim Keeton
Poet/Wizard/Teller-of-tales