Hi anybody used or seen the Bond Street Blue or the Nile Blue? Can't decide between the two colors. I mainly write with blue ink, although sometimes I use black. I like the Nile blue but I am thinking that if I write with blue, it might not contrast enough with the Nile blue.

I agree Centurion,

I dont' use either, but have examined both, and Nile Blue is very dark, too dark if you're using blue ink imo.
Bond Street blue is a much lighter blue. Go with the Bond Street between the two.
I believe the Nile has a laid finish, and the Bond Street has a wove finish and is slightly heavier, other reasons why I'd choose Bond Street.

On the third hand, have you looked at Crane's Cambridge blue, kid finish, 32lb? It is 100% cotton (Smythson's is a blend of wood pulp and cotton), is slightly heavier weight than Bond Street and considerably cheaper.
See http://www.crane.com/prdSell.aspx?Name=CH3...lueLetterSheets

Crane's also has a very pale Azure blue, kid finish, 32 lb that is really beautiful, and even a light blue ink will show up nicely on it.

Regards,
Jeen

Thanks Jeen, ok Bond Street Blue it is, if I go the Smythson of Bond Street route. Yes, they are more than twice as expensive as Crane's. Is their paper any better for FP use over Crane's or Clairefontaine? Probably not . . . hmmm, will have to decide if it's worth the extra cost for the novelty of using Smythson paper.

I am happy using Clairefontaine's Triomphe, it's just not as pretty as other paper. I have used G. Lalo paper, but don't like the laid finish for FP use. I have used Crane's Ecru colored Kid Finish paper, not bad for FP use, Triomphe still smoother though. Maybe since Bond Street Blue is a wove it will be smooth, perhaps smoother than the Triomphe for a FP. I would have figured all the colors had the same finish, but Nile Blue is too dark, has a laid finish, and it's lighter, makes choosing Bond Street Blue is a very easy decision.

And Crane USE to make a paper called Newport Blue which was a beautiful dark blue but they discontinued it when they started to do alot of pre-printed stuff. I had purchased a few hundred sheets and envelopes of the stuff since I really liked it! Then I ran out and have been searching around for a replacement and have yet to find it.


I bought a folder of the bond street ( half sheets & envelopes maybe 12 sheets?) and it was a smooth rather non-descript paper sort of a middle of the road nothing special. I got it half off and it still was $15. The envelopes are lined and there's a little embossed Smythson on the edge of the flap.


Kurt H

Thanks for the input, Kurt. Hmmm, I seem to be seduced by the big fancy names lately, namely Montblanc (although happy with my Jules Verne), and for a short time Smythson, but not now. Nothing special paper for twice the price.

Hey Centurion,

A long delayed photograph of some blue paper for you -


The light blue is Crane's Azure and
The darker is Crane's Cambridge blue.
They are both 100% cotton, 32lb kid finish, Kent size which is:
6 3/8 x 8 1/2 in. {unfolded measurmt}
Don't they look inviting?

Regards,
J

Thanks Jeen, I like the Azure, the light blue!! :-) Will have to check out my local Crane store.

They are still a little too light blue for me. I still rue the loss of Newport.


K

Centurion, Smythson have good product it's just the pricing is stupid. Pin stripe suit and bowler hat brigade who have more money than sense.
I'd go for Crane anyday.
Gary

And even Southworth has Crane on price for certain paper types.

Kurt H