Paper Love!

[Callique]

I read so many praises of this paper. I took the plunge and ordered some to try. I doubted it could live up to such high expectations...

 

 

Oh yes. It does. It's just wonderful. It's… dare I say it… perfect?

 

For me of course. I know we all have different preferences but it's an absolute joy to write on, with any pen!

 

I started another tread recently, feeling despondent that I couldn't find a journal with paper I like. I resorted to making myself a couple. One with Conqueror paper and one with Clairefontaine Triomphe.

 

 

Now I can make myself one with Tomoe River Paper. Oh, that will be wonderful.

 

And look how it enhances sheen:

 

Just fabulous!

 

 

Thanks to everyone who recommend this paper. I wouldn't have tried it if I'd not seen it here.

 

 

[Lyander0012]

Excellent writing sample! Glad your hunt for great paper is at an end, Callique.

 

I have maybe 70 or so Letter-sized sheets of Tomoe left, which is dangerously low given how often I use it. I'm probably putting in an order for more given how much I love the stuff, but it's not exactly perfect. For one, the paper's so thin that it's in constant danger of crinkling up, and secondly, I notice that my nibs run broader on this paper than on Rhodia. I suppose that's due to the coating being heavier (verification?) on the TR. Whatever the case, I can't use broad, wet nibs on the paper lest my penmanship dissolve into a blobby smudge. Ah well, small price to pay

 

 

Cheers!

Kevin

[Callique]

Hi Kevin,

 

I know this isn't going to be perfect for everyone… I did say "perfect" for me! :-)

 

BUT, having said that, I agree that its thinness can be a bit problematic; although the ink doesn't seep through at all, you can see it quite a bit on the reverse side.

 

For me though, it's perfect in the pleasure I get when my nib glides on its surface with just the right amount of smoothness with a tiny bit of "grip" (Rhodia is just TOO smooth for me, I don't like the coating).

 

You mean "broad nib" as in a writing nib, not a italic nib? I found my broad italics dip nibs to be just great on this and not a problem for me.

 

Ok, for extra perfection, it would be nice to have this paper in a couple of different weights. I agree. :-)

[Callique]

Forgot to say: I also love the texture of it. It's soft… and nearly… "fabric-like"?? I don't know quite how to describe it. More pliable?

[Newjelan]

I love how light and thin the paper is as it allows me to carry a 400+ page notebook for work and it still isn't too heavy. I also think it's perfect, well almost. I'd like someone to make B5 notebooks like the Seven Seas Writers (A5) with dots instead of lines. Then I would have perfection!

[Lyander0012]

One of the sites selling Tomoe-filled journals (can't recall which one it was at the moment) describes the paper as having "a velvety finish that [we] can't stop touching", or something along those lines. I'm paraphrasing a bit but the sentiment remains the same. I heartily agree. Ink spreading aside, I much prefer this paper to Rhodia. Clairefontaine's supposed supreme smoothness and blinding whiteness may yet convince me that there's better paper than Tomoe River as I've yet to try their Triomphe paper, but I rather doubt it

 

Upon re-reading my previous post, I think I may have been a bit too critical-sounding. It's not that I was trying to rain on your parade, so to speak (sorry if I was!), but as previously mentioned, I find the paper to be as close to perfection for letter-writing and other general usage as possible aside from those two aforementioned issues. The paper can even withstand an EF dip nib loaded with extremely runny fountain pen ink, for crying out loud! Still, the price and difficulty of obtaining TR might also count as a con, no?

 

As for the broad nib, I'm referring to my Naginata nib (I can't seem to stop talking about the bloody thing, people might think I'm obsessed with the nib ). It's a nib that has variable line variation; increasing the angle at which the tipping makes contact with the paper makes for finer lines, so holding it at 90 degrees will give you an F/EF line (or thereabouts) while holding it at low angles will give you a B/BB one. I normally write with the pen at around 30 degrees, or slightly in excess thereof, so while I can just barely use the pen for normal writing on Rhodia and uncoated specialty papers, using the pen on Tomoe turns my penmanship into chicken litter. Haha, I may post a writing sample for fun later, if that's fine.

 

 

Cheers!

Kevin

[estie1948]

Some years ago (when you are as old as I am the years run together) I stopped at a stationery shop in a city I was passing through to get some paper. I was out of paper and in desperate need. They did not carry the paper I wanted, but the shop girl suggested I try a certain paper that she said was a favorite with their fountain pen wielding customers. I did. As I left the shop, I tore off the packaging, stuffed it into the shop's sack and placed all of that "unnecessary" stuff into a trash container. I stuffed the paper in my briefcase and drove away. I don't remember the brand of paper, but it was as near a perfect paper as I have ever had the pleasure to use. I feel sacrilegious to say this, but it was almost as if it was a greater joy to use that paper than to use a particular fountain pen.

 

For the last several years I have used Clairefontaine Triomphe as a main paper for important correspondence and 24#, 96 bright copy paper for everything else. I have read reviews of papers here, but have remained unmoved enough to try something being reviewed. Something about your review, Callique, reminded me of that perfect paper. I am reasonably certain it was not Tome, but I think I will give it a try. It probably will result in an addition to my desk drawer of paper that I will not use, but it just might be that really perfect paper. You may have just taught an old dog a new trick. Thank you.

 

-David.

Edited October 10, 2014 by estie1948

[Callique]

I love how light and thin the paper is as it allows me to carry a 400+ page notebook for work and it still isn't too heavy. I also think it's perfect, well almost. I'd like someone to make B5 notebooks like the Seven Seas Writers (A5) with dots instead of lines. Then I would have perfection!

 

Hi Newjelan,

 

I have only recently tried dots and I do like how they can nearly disappear once you have covered the page with writing. In fact, I started printing my own dots (very very faint) on my Tomoe River paper (I was doing it on my other paper before) for letter writing. I print them so pale that they are practically invisible once the letter is written.

 

… and all I can say is that I have written more letters in the last couple of days since receiving my Tomoe River paper than I normally do in a couple of months!

 

The lightness of the paper also means that I can write letters of up to three pages for the same price (under 10g for airmail) instead of just one page for regular paper.

 

All good. :-)

[Callique]

One of the sites selling Tomoe-filled journals (can't recall which one it was at the moment) describes the paper as having "a velvety finish that [we] can't stop touching", or something along those lines. I'm paraphrasing a bit but the sentiment remains the same. I heartily agree. Ink spreading aside, I much prefer this paper to Rhodia. Clairefontaine's supposed supreme smoothness and blinding whiteness may yet convince me that there's better paper than Tomoe River as I've yet to try their Triomphe paper, but I rather doubt it

 

Upon re-reading my previous post, I think I may have been a bit too critical-sounding. It's not that I was trying to rain on your parade, so to speak (sorry if I was!), but as previously mentioned, I find the paper to be as close to perfection for letter-writing and other general usage as possible aside from those two aforementioned issues. The paper can even withstand an EF dip nib loaded with extremely runny fountain pen ink, for crying out loud! Still, the price and difficulty of obtaining TR might also count as a con, no?

 

As for the broad nib, I'm referring to my Naginata nib (I can't seem to stop talking about the bloody thing, people might think I'm obsessed with the nib ). It's a nib that has variable line variation; increasing the angle at which the tipping makes contact with the paper makes for finer lines, so holding it at 90 degrees will give you an F/EF line (or thereabouts) while holding it at low angles will give you a B/BB one. I normally write with the pen at around 30 degrees, or slightly in excess thereof, so while I can just barely use the pen for normal writing on Rhodia and uncoated specialty papers, using the pen on Tomoe turns my penmanship into chicken litter. Haha, I may post a writing sample for fun later, if that's fine.

 

 

Cheers!

 

Kevin

 

Hi Kevin,

 

I can only agree on the texture of the paper… it's hard to describe but like no other paper I've handled! And yes, not that easy to come by but worth the search! :-)

 

Your nib sounds very interesting, I had a very quick look on the web. Would love to see writing sample.

[Callique]

Some years ago (when you are as old as I am the years run together) I stopped at a stationery shop in a city I was passing through to get some paper. I was out of paper and in desperate need. They did not carry the paper I wanted, but the shop girl suggested I try a certain paper that she said was a favorite with their fountain pen wielding customers. I did. As I left the shop, I tore off the packaging, stuffed it into the shop's sack and placed all of that "unnecessary" stuff into a trash container. I stuffed the paper in my briefcase and drove away. I don't remember the brand of paper, but it was as near a perfect paper as I have ever had the pleasure to use. I feel sacrilegious to say this, but it was almost as if it was a greater joy to use that paper than to use a particular fountain pen.

 

For the last several years I have used Clairefontaine Triomphe as a main paper for important correspondence and 24#, 96 bright copy paper for everything else. I have read reviews of papers here, but have remained unmoved enough to try something being reviewed. Something about your review, Callique, reminded me of that perfect paper. I am reasonably certain it was not Tome, but I think I will give it a try. It probably will result in an addition to my desk drawer of paper that I will not use, but it just might be that really perfect paper. You may have just taught an old dog a new trick. Thank you.

 

-David.

 

Hello David,

 

Clairefontaine Triomphe was the best I'd found so far and the paper I used for letter writing… but now I've found Tomoe River, Triomphe doesn't feel nearly as nice as it did before. I do hope you won't be disappointed if you decide to try it as I realise that people don't have the same criteria, and what's "perfect" for one, won't be for another.

 

As I said earlier, I just love the texture of this paper… like rippling water when you handle the pack and just soft and smooth to the touch. But not OVERLY smooth. It still has just enough "grip" when you write on it. Hard to describe in words. But I can't stop writing letters! Every time my nib touches the paper and I go for that first stroke… I think "wow, that paper's incredible".

 

Hope you'll let us know if you try it. After your description of the mystery perfect paper, I'd love to know what you think of Tomoe River…. it would be great if you could find one as good again for you. As you said, with this paper, for me, it's like any pen is perfect.

 

…but I also hope you won't blame me if you don't like it! :-)

[Newjelan]

I have only recently tried dots and I do like how they can nearly disappear once you have covered the page with writing. In fact, I started printing my own dots (very very faint) on my Tomoe River paper (I was doing it on my other paper before) for letter writing. I print them so pale that they are practically invisible once the letter is written.

All good. :-)

Thanks Callique,

 

What sort of printer did you use and with what settings? Also, did you create your own template?

 

I have a HP Multi Function Colour Laser but haven't been game to try. I prefer notebooks to loose paper or pads as most of my writing is work related and I tend to lose single sheets. However, I have about 150 sheets of blank TR A4 paper and may give this a try...

 

Also, I agree with you that Clairfontaine Triomphe is second to TR, which works perfectly, feels wonderful, looks fabulous and smells amazing.

 

Thanks Newjelan

Edited October 11, 2014 by Newjelan

[Callique]

Thanks Callique,

 

What sort of printer did you use and with what settings? Also, did you create your own template?

 

I have a HP Multi Function Colour Laser but haven't been game to try. I prefer notebooks to loose paper or pads as most of my writing is work related and I tend to lose single sheets. However, I have about 150 sheets of blank TR A4 paper and may give this a try...

 

Also, I agree with you that Clairfontaine Triomphe is second to TR, which works perfectly, feels wonderful, looks fabulous and smells amazing.

 

Thanks Newjelan

 

 

Hi Newjelan,

 

I use an inkjet. I would worry about the effect of a laser printer on the paper because laser jets are really hot.

 

I made my own template because the ready-made ones I found online didn't have the right spacing or the dots were too big and too visible. I basically opened up a word-processor page and just typed periods (full-stops) in a square grid, choosing my preferred line spacing and dot spacing. I made them pale blue (I went as pale as possible but so I could just about still see them!).

 

For letters it's great because I also make my own letterhead and print that on at the same time as the dots.

 

I was curious about your last comment… agree with everything: "which works perfectly, feels wonderful, looks fabulous"… but "smells amazing"? I must admit I'd not thought to put my nose to the paper! I'll try it. :-)

[Newjelan]

I use an inkjet. I would worry about the effect of a laser printer on the paper because laser jets are really hot.

 

I was curious about your last comment… agree with everything: "which works perfectly, feels wonderful, looks fabulous"… but "smells amazing"? I must admit I'd not thought to put my nose to the paper! I'll try it. :-)

Thanks, I have an inkjet in the office, so will give it a try. I'm assuming you used one of the "specialty paper" settings? Did you hand feed single sheets or auto feed? (Sorry, so many questions)

 

I'm known to stick my nose in everything!

[Callique]

No worries, I'm happy with questions! My printer is not very fancy and does not have that many settings so I just use the standard paper setting (I have thicker settings but not thinner for paper) and "fine" for printing (so the dots are nice and sharp as well as my return address).

 

As for the feeding, I have to say that I have two printers. One of them I never have any problems with feeding thin paper through it and the other often jams. So hopefully you don't have any feeding problems with yours. I have only done a couple of sheets at a time through the top feeder (I don't have paper trays on mine) so I can't say about using auto-feed from a tray.

 

Hope this helps!

[ac12]

There is a guy here in California that makes custom journals, and if you want, he will use Tomoe River paper.

https://www.facebook.com/CurnowBookNLeather

And his stuff is good.

[Plume145]

Some years ago (when you are as old as I am the years run together) I stopped at a stationery shop in a city I was passing through to get some paper. I was out of paper and in desperate need. They did not carry the paper I wanted, but the shop girl suggested I try a certain paper that she said was a favorite with their fountain pen wielding customers. I did. As I left the shop, I tore off the packaging, stuffed it into the shop's sack and placed all of that "unnecessary" stuff into a trash container. I stuffed the paper in my briefcase and drove away. I don't remember the brand of paper, but it was as near a perfect paper as I have ever had the pleasure to use. I feel sacrilegious to say this, but it was almost as if it was a greater joy to use that paper than to use a particular fountain pen.

ouch!! I've done this a few times myself, because I'm pretty anti-packaging in general - one layer is all I can take! after a few failures like that I've learned to keep some of it, even if it's JUST the label (I often glue it to the last page or the inside cover). I hope you find it someday! Did you finish up the whole pack? If you kept a couple for reference (or for a special occasion), you might be able to have them recognized somewhere. Even if you have some that are used, with writing on them.

[wikeh2004]

There are several sources of notebooks/journals made with Tomoe River paper. The best known ones are nanamipaper.com and paperforfountainpens.com. I think there are others on FPN and Etsy that also make TR products. The paper really is fantastic.

[estie1948]

ouch!! I've done this a few times myself, because I'm pretty anti-packaging in general - one layer is all I can take! after a few failures like that I've learned to keep some of it, even if it's JUST the label (I often glue it to the last page or the inside cover). I hope you find it someday! Did you finish up the whole pack? If you kept a couple for reference (or for a special occasion), you might be able to have them recognized somewhere. Even if you have some that are used, with writing on them.

Thanks for your good wishes and your excellent suggestion. I shall have to save the label in future. Yes, I finished off the whole pack. It was so wonderful to use. I wrote more letters in those days and I used it for my correspondence. Perhaps this Tome River paper will be as good . . . well, almost as good as that paper. I've notice that things that I liked so much in the past always exceed new things. I think memory may improve some things. Perhaps this paper has benefited from this memory magic.

 

Again, thank you for your good wishes and your excellent suggestion.

 

-David.

[Plume145]

no problem, organizing solutions 'r' us ;-)

 

maybe you could ask some correspondents from that time see if they've kept any letters with that paper...oh wait, that would be kind of tacky, right? bummer

Edited October 12, 2014 by Plume145

[Newjelan]

Hope this helps!

Thanks, I'll give it a go.