Can anyone explain the difference between Crane's Kid Finish papers and the Felt Finish papers? Both are trademarked, but I'm having an extraordinarily difficult time finding out what they actually ARE, and which ones work best with fountain pen. Their letter writing stationery is available in both kinds, and I'm all confused over the issue.

Can anyone sooth my tortured soul? Or, you know..something less dramatic.

kid is smoother than felt. If you like Clairfontaine/Rhodia then go kid. I prefer the laid finish myself but they seem to be phasing that out on most papers

Kurt

Thank you!

The felt finish is discontinued, although you can find some leftovers.
As I recall, the felt finish colors included a very dark expresso brown, a deep red, "limon", and perhaps others.
The first two required a lot of ink to create, and the limon wasn't that popular, perhaps reasons for discontinuing them.
I also never chose the first two, because I generally use inks that are on the less saturated side which don't show up
well on the dark brown and deep red.

Really? It's discntinued? Well that makes more sense.....I'm thinking of getting some of the limon on sale because I like the colour....and I saw a lovely thread on here with gold ink on the espresso sheets that was rather inspiring...although I'm surprised they haven't discontinued the dark colours!

Just in case you don't know, gold metallic ink is only available for dip pens. It would clog a fountain pen.

I do know, but thank you for the reminder. I'm actually on the way to the store right now to pick up some dip pen nibs. I'm trying to get a feel for semi flex, flex, and that elusive not-quite-flex-but still-has-some-give type pen, and it is a lot cheaper to try out with dip nibs than fountain pens!

Back to the original question though- the "Felt " finish is more textured, as Titivillus was kind enough to point out, but I'm still not quite sure how the surface itself is different. Is there a texture inprinted in it, like Laid finish? Is it slightly furry (like felt?) is the "Kid" finish supposed to be imitating the vellum parchments that were made of kidskin? Or is it all marketing and I'm barking up the wrong tree, so to speak?

Crane might be able to send you samples: This is from their website:

http://www.crane.com/business/designerreso...anegallery.aspx

"While we can show you some of our samples here on this web site, there is still no substitute for experiencing first hand the soft feel and crisp sound of our paper. For an up close and personal inspection of sample letterheads (not necessarily those in the current exhibit) printed on Crane Business Papers, please contact our Samples Department at 1-800-613-4507. International callers dial 413-684-6823 or fax your request to 413-684-4278."