I've been happily using a Rhodia Pad, number 18 lined and margin, for a while now, liking its nice narrowish lines. I ordered some more off the net, and received pads identical in all respects except that the lines are wider apart, 8mm instead of 7mm, and more violet colored maybe. This makes more difference than one might expect.

How is this possible in a rational universe? Have Rhodia lined pads suddenly changed? From what to what? Or is it a lottery what width lines you get?

Any info greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Eric.

I cannot explain the difference in width between lines. But with respect to the violet ruling, I have found considerable variation between various Rhodia pads purchased over the last few years. The giant No. 38 always seems quite faint, while the small No. 08 and No. 12 are typically darker. As long as the paper remains good, this hasn't been an issue for me.