You held up a notepad in the intro and said "terrible paper," and my brain was instantly like "LOL TEARABLE PAPER!" (Sorry, I haven't had my coffee this morning!)

I’ve really loved Midori’s MD notebooks (mostly A5) lately - just an all around pleasant experience writing in them.

@TruckManThings

9 ай бұрын

i just started using midori MD A5's in grid, and got myself an OLPR cover for them. great shit for the price, the leather cover makes it feel premium.

Thanks for laying out what to consider in choosing a paper. Extremely helpful for those of us just setting out in this journey!

I am new to this world. I love the history of the Tomoe River notebook. The idea of working with something that almost disappeared intrigues me. It strikes me as the best one to learn how the ink should behave without any distractions. Almost like a perfect world scenario.

Love the clear, detailed info. New to fountain pens and this helps me make sense of it all.

My go-to journal is now Leuchtturm. I like the hardcover, the array of colors, the layout, elastic band to keep it closed, the double ribbon, and the envelope pouch in the back. The paper has performed well for most of my pens and inks. I use Clairfontaine for more extensive notetaking, such as for school or things I'm looking up and Black N' Red notebooks for work (gifted to me by a friend) and I will use Rhodia pads for some penmanship practice and testing of inks. I also plan on testing out some other notebooks (Endless, Midori MD) once I finish writing in the ones I'm currently using! I'm also really curious about Colorverse Nebula!

@emmamariamakes

7 ай бұрын

Do you like the 80gsm or 120gsm leuchtturm? Thanks!

@ThePathOfAshes

5 ай бұрын

​@emmamariamakes I personally use 80gsm leuchtturm notebooks with my F nibs and enjoy them a lot (if you don't mind ghosting). The 120 is better if you don't want as much ghosting (I used the leuchtturm bullet journal which is heavier paper, not sure if it was 120 but heavier than the 80)

My all time favourite notebook has to be the Rhodia pads. It’s a small thing but the scored cover folding back so neatly is just perfection.

@hummuscrow1401

10 ай бұрын

Nobody does notebooks like the French.

@Macumber773

14 күн бұрын

my dog has fleas

I enjoy writing with fountain pens, broad edge calligraphy nibs, and pointed copperplate nibs. I prefer Tomoe River Paper when writing with fountains pens. Midori MD is preferred with pointed and broad edge nibs when I write cursive Italic or copperplate. I use Rhodia paper when practicing calligraphy. I have also used Clairefontaine paper on occasion. We are lucky to have so many choices available to use with different writing tools.

I recently started using Rhodia notebooks and it made a huge difference to my fountain pen writing experience. It definitely has taken it to a new level!

I started out with the Hobonichi Cousin, so that tends to be my go-to comparison for testing new inks, I am just starting to branch out and try other types of paper. I ordered a Hobonichi weeks this year and was surprised at how some inks I didn't like before actually looked better on the ivory/yellowish tomoe river paper! I've settled down a bit on pens, but now jumping down the rabbit hole of inks, so having multiple types of paper to test them out on would be a super fun experiment!!

Tomoe River is my paper of choice and these days I love it in the unassuming Musubi journal. It's 52gsm, so no good if you dislike ghosting. It doesn't bother me, so this is the perfect product. Thank you for this highly informative video - I know what I want for a journal but am always looking for notebook ideas!

Thankyou for your review for I’m wanting to get into fountain pen writing and new at it and so in turn you input has helped me greatly and thankyou 😀

Rhodia paper notepads have been my preferred brand paper until I experienced Tomoe River paper. TR paper is my daily fountain pen writing paper now! So delightful to write on!!!

Love Clairefontaine Paper. I haven’t heard of the Endless Recorder but would love to try it. You gave tips on paper and the quote you wrote is from one of favorite of movies, Princess Bride.

My favorite pen and paper combos are my Sailors + Tomoe River. Equally love the Leuchtturm 1917 Hardcover notebooks- it’s heavier 80gsm paper but shows off ink qualities really well. Plus it comes with a selection of pretty colors. Highly recommend it!

@nicolesmith1309

Жыл бұрын

Apica Premium.

@HansWeberHimself

Жыл бұрын

Yes, yes, and yes.

I haven't found my favourite notebook yet, though to be fair, I haven't had the chance to try very many. Funnily enough, I've discovered dollar store notebooks that are far more fountain pen friendly than the more expensive notebooks at Staples 😅

@Suiseisexy

Жыл бұрын

I've found that too, I think it's "bamboo paper" coming out of Thailand? But it's never labeled or anything, just all I could find on why certain essentially random cheap products are so good at peanut prices. They must not be able to source it consistently.

@MamaTomasu

Жыл бұрын

even better. if there's something cheap that can do a better than decent job, that sounds exactly what i'd love to keep purchasing :P

@cariolam8310

Жыл бұрын

The Mead composition book works beautifully with fountain pen ink. I buy them by the case.

@stareenafraser

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like you have found you favorite. Affordable fountain pen friendly paper! Perfect 🥰 where I live we don't have the dollar store...lol

@PatrikKron

Жыл бұрын

My local grocery store had surprisingly good lined paper under their own brand. But their squared paper with the same branding and design was one of the worst ones I’ve used.

My favorite notebooks, without a doubt, are the A5 Hobonichi Plain Notebooks. I especially like the Yamazakura Botanicals version. They’re basically 244 pages of Tomoe River Paper goodness.

@anitaanglin

Жыл бұрын

same!

@Linaskye143

Жыл бұрын

I wasn’t aware they even made regular notebooks. I must investigate now.

Thanks for info. Well done. I like the journal that you showed at the end of the video.

My favorite notebook/ paper thus far has been the old tomoe river paper. It really highlighted the characteristics of the inks brilliantly.

My current favorite notebook is the Hobonichi Techo which uses Tomoe River Paper! I'm a bit biased because it's the first fountain pen-friendly paper I used, but I fell in love with it immediately as soon as I started using it. As someone still pretty new to fountain pens, I'm also still new to trying out other kinds of fountain pen-friendly paper like Rhodia, but right now the Hobonichi Techo is my go-to and makes my everyday writing experience a pleasant one that I always look forward to.

My all time favorite notebook is the 68 GSM Tomoe River paper A5 hard cover Bond Travel Gear (now Lochby) notebook. They don't make them the same binding/size anymore so this video is great! More notebooks to try. Second favorite is CVS Caliber notebooks made in Vietnam this paper takes anything you splat at it .... Including heavy water brushing too ... writing wise is likes wet flowy broad nibs and inks and I use these for extensive note-taking and process journaling. Great video!

Thanks for the list. I will try them.

Coming from the UK, I'm always looking for reviews on decent paper. I default to clairefontaine and rhodia as Tomoe River is so hard to come by on home turf. For exceptional quality and huge budget we have the Smythson of Bind Street but also limited there to blue paper which limits the ink colour choices. I recently discovered the R Allen notebook which is half the price of the Smythson and yet much more enjoyable to write on. However, the ruling is narrow! Nevertheless it is a well stocked journal and stands up to everything I've used including a very wet feed with heavier inks like Noodlers. I was recently gifted a Tibaldi for my 50th and on the very same day you have released this great review. Nothing to lose here by entering to win this fantastic stack of (mostly) very hard to come by US paper stocks! Fingers crossed and thanks again!! ❤

Thanks for the info, I have not used many different papers but I'm interested in trying TR and that endless notebook you sold at the end looks like a type of notebook I would be happy with.

I use the Rhodia pads for a variety of uses since they are so versatile. I haven’t had a chance to use the various other papers available. I enjoyed this video because you covered the characteristics of a variety of paper products. Thanks.

I am very tempted by that Endless Recorder, that sounds really interesting!

For my daily journalling I use the Maruman Mnemosyne in A4. The paper is clean and bright and shows ink properties very nicely. The lines are subdued, helping to emphasize the writing and the inks, not the writing surface. It’s also well organized and the pages are easily removed if desired. I also use a Clairefontaine journal with Seyès ruling to recalibrate my handwriting. I’m regularly surprised at how small my stub nibs can legibly write. Of course, different journals have different purposes and some makes that aren’t advertised as FP friendly work quite well with all but the wettest writing at a friendly price and beautiful covers. BTW, they’ll blow away Moleskine notebooks in every way.

Persnickety: +10pts for uncommon word usage.

All time fave journal - the Springback 400 Page GatzBCN Journal I had made for me last year. 400 pages (800 sides) of 52GSM TR Paper. leather bound and hand made. It is beautiful. I am filling it with thoughts, interesting articles, book summaries, life advice, all sorts of wonderful things and it will be a precious hand-me-down in years to come :)

New to fountain pens and have only tried a TomoeRiver 52gsm notebook which I really like. This is a video I will have to watch again. Thank you.

I have not found a favorite type of paper that does not show !through on the backside…but will keep looking! I love trying different pads of paper-I like to use them for notes, to do lists, for thinking about ideas or problems. I find that if I write out my thoughts on any subject, it helps to clarify whatever decisions need to be made or simply to understand it better!

Excellent lesson on paper. Thanks a million!!!🎉

I have been using the Rhodia lined A6 size pads for most of my everyday writing. My journal for this year is in a Moleskin notebook that I received as a gift. I think I’ll purchase one of the Endless Recorder notebooks after watching this video. Very intriguing to see the interaction with some of the shimmer inks! Enjoyed this video very much. Thanks for taking the time to do this for all of us!😊

So far my favorite paper is the Clairefontaine Triomphe letter pads. I write a lot of letters and they really feature my inks beautifully. Thanks for your show!

@belwynne1386

11 ай бұрын

Where do you get them? They sound perfect!

@benkempermagic

10 ай бұрын

@@belwynne1386 most stationary and pen shops carry them. Amazon too.

Thank you for the list of papers to try. I'm looking forward to trying your suggestions. I've only used the Rhodia pad.

Long overdue talk about paper, thank you! I’m glad I have generously stocked up on Tomoe River notebooks, loving A5 with grid, 52 g. I’ll be crying when I run out at some point…

I've struggled finding a truly useful fountain pen friendly notebook, and will have to look into these suggestions.

Great video and topic! Paper is so important to our FP hobby, and I am a journal junkie. Love to try new ones and just keep ordering. I use the staple bound Clarefontaine notebooks for the office - meeting notes and to dos. I have a Nebula pad for fountain pen ink swatching and a journal for journaling. I like experimenting with inks on Japanese Bank paper and have a few Mitsubishi Bank Paper notebooks. I have a Tomoe River journal for journaling and a Midori MD notebook for memory keeping. I have notebooks from Archer & Olive and Ferris Wheel Press, but they do not quite do it for me. Now I’m totally intrigued with the Endless Regalia paper… my next must have!

I’ve can’t thank you enough for this introducing me to the Endless Recorder!! 😊I’ve been using Leuchtturm1917 notebooks for many years. They handle ink well, but it’s disappointing to see with how they dull coloured inks. After watching this video 6 months ago, I ordered an Endless notebook, and was blown away with how beautiful all my inks look on their crisp white paper. Gorgeous shading as well. It’s absolutely the best notebook I’ve ever used.

I've actually gotten into binding my own journals, but I do use the clairefontaine french ruled notebooks for handwriting and calligraphy practice! I also use a hobonichi as my planner and nothing can beat TR.

Thanks for this video--very helpful!

Love this video! This is my first time watching one of your videos. Thank you KZread for the recommendation! My favorite paper is Hobonichi Tomoe River paper, not only their planners but I also own several of their plain notebooks in A6 and A5 sizes. Now excuse me while I go dig into your website

I started using the Hobonichi Cousin this year and have truly fallen in love with the Tomoe River paper. I use various notebooks to transcribe books, just to practice neat handwriting and as an excuse to use my pens and inks 😊

@mattivirta

Жыл бұрын

what gsm paper have this tomoe river, not perfect paper but school not need perfect ,need only good paper whit fountain pen cheap paper of course.

The Oxford notebooks with Optik paper stands up to fountain pens very well and it's nice and smooth to write on. Some of my wetter stubs do tend to cause a tiny amount of bleed through, but not much. It's more affordable than most of the fountain pen friendly paper I've seen.

Recently being hypnotized by fountain pens and inks. As a watercolor artist, I am quite a paper “snob” when buying art supplies. I am slowly becoming aware that the same applies with my fountain pens and ink! I should have known.

I love the Tomoe River paper in my Hobonichi Cousin and in the various other brands of notebooks I’ve tried that use that paper. I really love the crinkle sound you get after the page is full of writing.

I think my favorite paper would have to be the Kokuyo Perpanep Notebook - Sarasara. It is nice and smooth with a little tooth and shows shading well which is my favorite ink behaivor :) Thanks for this detailed look at different notebooks, so helpful - I am very intriged by the Endless Recorder 🤓

My all time favorite notebook is the Seven Seas Microdot A5 450 page notebook by Nanami Paper. It has Tomoe River paper (52 gsm). I love the size and TR paper is my favorite paper for journaling. I like the soft cover better than a hard bound journal. It's easier to travel with and opens flat. I use cheaper journals for my work notebook. Right now I'm using a Leuchtturm 1917 softcover notebook for work and I'm really liking it. The paper is FP friendly but not as nice as TR which is fine for work! Thanks for the great video. I especially like the quote you used from "The Princess Bride" which is one of my favorite movies!!!

Great video. The Midori MD Notebook is my favorite to date.

My all time favorite notebook (currently, anyway) is the Kokuyo Campus in B5. It's technically kind of a binder, but the rings are so small that it passes for a notebook. For paper, I use Maruman Easy to Write, which is close to or the same as in the Maruman Mnemosyne notebooks, where I first fell for that paper. The big selling point for the binder for me is that I can rearrange pages or remove them cleanly (mostly for archiving). I do, however, have a set of A5 TR 68gsm notebooks from Goulet Pens that I currently use for daily journaling - where the ability to remove and reorder pages is not that important. The larger B5 size works better for writing prose, at least for me, because it gives me a little bit more space on the page, and allows for a slightly larger ruling to not feel too big. I have gone through a Rhodia Goalbook, a Rhodia A4 spiralbound notebook, an Endless Recorder with TR 68gsm, several Leuchtturm A5s, and a bunch of other paper types, and what I've landed on right now just kinda works. Bound notebooks are nice for journaling because I can just stick that on the shelf when it's full. In writing fiction, I usually juggle multiple stories at a time, never know how long any one thing is going to be or when I'm going to feel inspired to write what, so the binder gives me all the flexibility I need there.

I used to use fountain pens when in high school but living in a very small town far from anything it was hard for me to obtain supplies. Now, I'm returning to my first "love" in pens. I enjoy journaling and writing letters. That's what I usually do with my fountain pens.

My current favorite is the Midori MD notebook in A5. My previous favorite was the Leuchtturm 1917 also in A5. However, the ghosting became more pronounced with newer notebooks forcing the switch to Midori. I recently tried the Endless and enjoy that as well.

@TruckManThings

9 ай бұрын

L1917 with my Ohto Flash Dry needlepoint gel refills is great. other pens not so much. ive also been using Midori MD A5's for pretty much everything now.

Thank you for the informative paper lesson! I am new to this, but am enjoying the journey down the rabbit hole😅

My favorite notebooks are the Clairefontaine spiral notebooks - I've used the French ruled and regular and both are great. Regardless of the lines, the paper is wonderful.

This is the first video of yours that I watch, and that gigantic Lamy LX is hilarious!! 😂 Thoroughly enjoyed this video! Thanks for the great tips. 🙌

Always been a big Rhodia and Clairefontaine fan. Especially the premium pads and wire notebooks!

I'm new to writing & finding your video very helpful, thanx.

My favorite journal is the Itoya Profolio Oasis journal. It does lay wonderfully flat once the binding has been flexed enough.

While I love many different notebooks, my favorite is actually the multiple books I personally print/bind using HP's 32lb Premium paper. Unbelievable paper that checks all the fountain pen boxes!

@callucas9428

Жыл бұрын

Bruce, I couldn't agree with you more. Taking a bit of time to make ones own signatures and form your own journal is satisfying. The quality of the paper is top notch. It can hold all the ink one can put on it. I use card stock for the covers. Stapled. Bullet proof and satisfying. Glad to have that in common.

I like Midori for "best", which for me is sketching, calligraphy and ink comparisons. For everyday notes, lists and noodling I buy loose leaf Tomoe River and bind my own notebooks with a long armed stapler. I adore both MD and TR papers and this allows me to work with the latter in an affordable way.

Hi. I’m partial to Rhodia and Clairefontaine notebooks because they’re readily available and are fountain pen friendly as well as rollerball friendly. They also fit in my leather portfolio. I think I’ll look into the endless notes & colorverse products too.

My favorite is the Hobonichi Tomoe River paper plain notebooks. I like the A5 size, but I'm beginning to find that an A6 size is easier to carry in my purse. For daily notes I use the Rhodia notepads. The Rhodia notepads come in different sizes. I think I most of the sizes. I use an extra fine/fine nib so I don't have much bleed through or ghosting. 😊

This was a great video!

My favorite paper is Oasis Profolio! I love the texture and how they’re lined. Good value too!

I've enjoyed my Rhodia pads! Thanks for information!

I've enjoyed Rhodia Dot Pads to date, but am very much looking forward to trying those several suggestions of yours that will be new to me.

Thanks for the info. I am new to journaling and I have been using a Galen Leather 5A Tomoe River notebook. I also us a Rhodia pad for letter writing. I like them both equally.

My all time favourite notebook is Rhodiarama with its soft cover, in A5. Otherwise, I like very much Picasso and Paperblank notebooks.

All time favorite is hard to pick, but my Clairefontaine staplebound lined notebook is always in my backpack. I agree that the Clairefontaine paper does a beautiful job highlighting the beauty of the inks that you use, and the larger size of the notebook is great for larger sketches/brainstorming sessions! Really makes the fountainpen experience that much more enjoyable :)

@acosenza2

Жыл бұрын

Clairefontaine is my favorite. I have never been disappointed.

I use the Rhodia goal book. I use it for a bullet journal, which it is layer out nicely for that specific use. It handles fountain pen ink well with virtually no ghosting. The pages are a soft crème color which is easier on the eyes than bright white, in my opinion.

Thanks Tom for another informative video. Paper is one of those elusive things I am trying to find because I have so many requirements for different projects. I use Rhodia notepads at work because I can quickly tear off a sheet to hand someone or throw away. I love Tomoe River paper for all the reasons you mentioned which are important for me when writing people actual letters 😂. But since many of the “awesome” papers are being discontinued (Tomoe 52gsm, Cosmo AirLight) I’m voting for the Oasis notebooks for its versatility.

Hello!! Thanks for your work on this channel. My favorite of all time is Tomoe River 52 gsm. I also love Onion Skin paper, I use it to play with transparency. Such an incredible feeling 😍

I can't say I've found a favorite yet, but since I still had a bunch of 5 star notebooks when I first got into fountain pens, and they actually seem to hold up to my fountain pens pretty well, I've stuck with them for now. I'd love to try these out though! Especially that tomoe river 52gsm! I've heard so much about those!

At present I enjoy using clairefontaine and rhodia notebooks for taking notes at work and for my currently inked notes. But I am eager to try the endless regalia paper, because of the white pages and the ability to showcase inks with minimal shadowing.

Those who are artists, know how important paper is. Actually, for drawing with pencils or painting with watercolors, paper is the most important art supply. So, when you use a fountain pen, and you don't like how it writes, try to use it on other papers. It doesn't have to be the most expensive paper, just the paper that works for that pen, or for your needs or both!

Rhodia notepads have been the only true fountain pen paper I have tried. Sounds like I need to step up on my game! Thanks for a great video, Tom!

Great video! My favorite is anything with Tomoe River paper…. There’s just nothing else like it 😍

I use a Bloc Rhodia No. 16 for all my day-to-day lists, notes etc. The fold back cover is handy and pages easily tear out. I enjoy how smooth the surface is for fountain pens.

I absolutely love Tomoe River Paper. Always wanted to try out Rhodia paper, but never had the opportunity to!

Love the review. I have all of these and have gravitated toward endless for the sheen. Like you said the oils on my hand tend to ruin the sheet keep up the great content!

I think I’d have to say the Rhodia A4. I just love the feel of a fountain pen when writing on it, as well as the expanse of white paper!

Useful Information. Thank You

My favourite journal is the Leuchtturm 1917 in A5 size with dot grid paper because the paper is fountain pen friendly, and still thin enough to pack 250 pages in the compact Moleskine type form factor. I think it is good value for the money and very practical. It's a workhorse journal. I use it exclusively as my work journal/notebook. Second would be Rhodia pads and Rhodia web journal, enjoy the smooth quality of the Rhodia paper for letters and home journaling.

I'm loving my fountain pens in my a5 hobonichi techo; i have an a6 yamazakura notebook also. I use the rhodia pads for my brush markers but may pick up a smaller book for my fountain pens to see how i like that...thanks for the video!

I love the Leuchtturm1917 and Clairefontaine notebooks. They both hold ink really well.

I’ve used a lot of notebooks. Rhodia, Moleskine, Leuchtturm, etc. But my favorite notebooks for fountain pens are actually from Baron Fig. Really nice 90gsm paper with just a bit of texture, which I prefer. Their Confidant notebook has the simple but beautiful cloth covers and the signature yellow ribbon book mark. The only thing missing is an elastic closure which would be nice to see.

I haven't tried any of the notebooks you reviewed, but I'm eager to try them. My favorite notebook to date is the Leuchtturm 1917. Ghosting is the biggest problem, but from time to time, I've had bleed through.

I have been using Rhodia pads but plan to try out some of the notebooks you have recommended! I also use my pilot to sketch on watercolour paper (with carbon ink) and watercolour washes.

All time favorite is hard, but my favorite daily notebook is a Leuchtturm 1917 B5; my favorite out-and-about notebook is the Rhodia A5 Web notebook lined; and I use a Clairfontaine French rule composition to practice my handwriting. Interested in trying the Endless Recorder and the Portfolio Oasis. Also, for long-writing sessions I do use the Rhodia Composition notebook and in recent years lean more and more to the Premium version. Always enjoy your videos -- thanks very much for putting them together.

Since I'm new to fountain pens, so far my favorite all time notebook is actually a planner. The Hobonichi with tomoe river paper. I bought my first hobonichi cousin in 2021 to use for 2022 & fell in love with the smooth writing paper. Then I bought my 1st fountain pen in November of 2022 & I loved the writing experience. Now, I'm in the market for different types of notebooks that are outside of my planners & are fountain pen friendly.

Paper is almost its own "journey" I have managed to settle on three Clarifontaine / Rhodia, Mnemosyn and Life notebooks. Thanks for this overview much appreciated.

I'm ever so hopeful that one of these will work for my two new hobbies - fountain pens and large format photography! I suddenly need to take notes on every shot I take, so I need a small notebook that will work with ANY kind of pen - including fountain when I'm carrying.

My current favorite is the Hobonichi Plain Notebook - Yamazakura. Both for the paper and writing experience as well as the look and feel of the cover 😍

Nice video! If only my beginner-self could have seen it earlier, I would be way more knowledgeable now haha. The most versatile and my favorite notepad would be the Rhodia one for sure! I have exactly the same dot n°16 one. Very convenient to test inks out with and so handy when you want to take quick notes or take it anywhere with you. I wrote a big part of one of my stories on it! Though it's a shame that Rhodia paper doesn't show off the sheening properties of inks so much. I'd love to try out Tomoe River paper. Usually I keep a notebook for my "fountain pen journaling" where I write about thoughts about my pens, inks and next purchases!

Tomoe River is my hands-down favorite paper, in either weight. I also love Clairefontaine.

I am generally a Rhodia guy, but here's the "secret": it is great fun to try them all and to switch occasionally. Just like using a variety of pens, a variety of papers makes the experience great!

@kevalmain5730

Жыл бұрын

Just got a Rhodia A4 pad blank and I see some show through which annoyed me a bit. What other papers do you use?

There some Composition notebooks including Top Flight costs $1.50 which works just fine with my Twisbi Eco , Lamy Safari , Pilot Metropolitan and Jinhao X750 with Diamine Jack Frost, Diamine Oxford Blue and Pilot Iroshizuku ink. No feathering or bleeding. I have just double checked to confirm. The expensive Rhodia I purchased is sitting on my bookshelf. However, I’m sure these expensive papers has its place.

✨👍 lovin’ this content!! My favourite ink notebook would have to be the Ferris Wheel Press sketchbook, it’s large, it’s bright white and incredibly smooth and strong paper!! Thanks so much!

Rhodia A4 wirebound notebook. The endless recorder notebook is next on my list; lots of pages and lay-flat-ish book style bindings makes it very appealing.

I haven't found my perfect notebook yet. just starting out...