I have some 32 lb HP paper on order, but am also looking for suggestions for lighter paper that would show off flex and italic nibs. Anyone care to share their favorite?

Stephen

Not my favourite, but I just tested Hammermill 28lb white and it appears to take fountain pen ink very well, and does not feather or disrupt the surface. I tested it with two pens on my desk, and each worked well.

It is a paper that I use exclusively for photocopying artwork--has a tiny sheen, is crisp and bright. The 24lb may also be useful, but I don't seem to have any on hand.

Well, it's expensive, and it will take a year and a day to dry with a wet italic or flex nib, but Clairefontaine is hard to beat for line crispness.

I like toothier papers for my dip pens with flex because you can shows off the shading and line variation. Smooth papers are nice with fountain pens when you want to glide across the page but I prefer some texture or body for creating more Spencerian-looking handwriting with flex nibs. Southworth's 25% cotton papers are nice.

I did not know that Clairefontaine made plain 8.5x11 inch paper. Where can I buy it?

Stephen

I don't know about flex nibs since I don't have any, but HP 24# Bright White Inkjet paper works fine with my Pelikan cursive italic nib. No feathering or bleeding and lots of nice shading with the italic nib.

I like the 32# HP and use it for certain purposes, but I prefer the 24# for letters because - although it's not flimsy paper - it's lightweight enough that a guide sheet will show through - if you need a guide sheet to keep your lines straight.

Judybug

Neenah Classic Wove or Linen works well, as does Strathmore Writing.

I don't believe they make it in 8.5x11, but you can get A4 at pendemonium.com

this one is also my favorite (28lbs) !!!! it's what i use in my circa notebooks.