Jump to content

Rhodia Lined Pads And Holders


Silvermink

Recommended Posts

Well, here it is - my very first stationery review. Be gentle. :) I'll link to larger versions of the pictures next time, but this time I had an attack of dumb and deleted the originals. Pardon the lighting - my E-1's flash isn't working right now and I had to use the on-camera flash on my old PowerShot S40.

 

 

 

A while ago (a fair while ago, I note with some chagrin), Quo Vadis Canada sent me a few things for review - the centerpiece of the package, to me, were the two Rhodia pads, a #16 (A5) and a #11 (A7) with matching leatherette holders. Those of you who've used them know the paper in these is great, and the holders are pretty convenient, too.

 

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1111/5119161275_0052f6dc8c.jpg

 

The paper is Rhodia's 80 gsm white. It's very smooth and dense, with little texture, and is a great writing experience overall, though the density of it means that ink will take a little longer to dry than it does on lower-grade paper - not always a good thing for jotting notes, but it's a more-than-acceptable tradeoff in most situations. The paper compares well with that in my pocket-sized Quo Vadis Habana, though I have a slight preference for the Habana's cream-colored paper.

 

Bleedthrough is... well, it isn't. I haven't noticed any, and I've used my Pelikan M1050 M and my Montblanc 146 1.0 cursive italic - two of my wettest-writing pens - on this paper. Heck, I even got a blot of ink on it and still no sign of bleed. Feathering is similarly nonexistent.

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/5119764898_52326479c1.jpg

 

The #11 pad is a great pocketable size at 2.9" x 4.1" (7.4 x 10.5cm), excellent for jotting notes - I'd say it has about the same pocketability as my Habana, if not a little more - and the #16 is a good size for doing more serious writing at 5.8" x 8.3" (14.8 x 21.0cm). The little #11 doesn't give you a lot of space per page - and the stapled cover eats into it - but it's the sacrifice you make for portability and durability.

 

Speaking of durability, both the pads and holders are nicely durable. I've been carrying them around in my laptop bag and my pockets for a while now and everything's still in great shape. The holders come in the standard Rhodia colors of conservative black and flashy orange (I like the orange, myself).

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/5119764938_66371a1e3f.jpg

 

Both pad holders have a slit front pocket where you can stuff torn-out pages, etc. I originally had thought the front cover was supposed to slide in there but that doesn't really work. The #16 holder also has a leatherette pen loop which will accommodate a slimmer pen but is too small for my FPs (though I imagine it'd accommodate something like an Aurora Hastil or a Sailor Chalana) - I would've preferred an elastic loop. I've pictured it with a skinny Cross ballpoint I had around, but it'll accommodate something a bit larger than that, probably up to about a Bic stick's width.

 

Both of the pads have 80 sheets and 7mm ruling - the #16 also has a margin rule, though the #11 doesn't. They're also available blank or with 5/5 grid ruling. There's also a #16 dotPad - I have one of those and might review it too at some point.

 

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1082/5119764966_c1abc08e0a.jpg

 

I think these pads are a good value as high-end paper products go - the #16 is around $5 and the #11 is around $2 online. This makes the #11 a pretty attractive alternative to pocket-sized notebooks like the Moleskine or Habana or Rhodia's own Webnotebook, though, of course, you don't get the expandable pocket or the elastic closure. The holders are around $10 and $24 online for the #11 and the #16 respectively, which includes one pad.

 

These are great little pads, and I've been pretty impressed with them - the negatives I mentioned are really just minor quibbles for the most part. Thanks again to Quo Vadis Canada for providing the samples.

 

 

 

If you'd like to see my original handwritten pages, I've posted scans of them here. And since I know someone will ask, they were written on the #16 pad with my Montegrappa Historia in Private Reserve Tanzanite. :)

http://twitter.com/pawcelot

Vancouver Pen Club

 

Currently inked:

 

Montegrappa NeroUno Linea - J. Herbin Poussière de Lune //. Aurora Optima Demonstrator - Aurora Black // Varuna Rajan - Kaweco Green // TWSBI Vac 700R - Visconti Purple

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 32
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • Silvermink

    9

  • Anne-Sophie

    4

  • geoduc

    3

  • mrphyig

    2

Thanks, Silvermink. Nice review.

 

I have been using the #16 pad holder for several months now and quite like it. It's a very convenient size to carry around.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've been enjoying the No. 16 for a few months as well, though I find the pencil loop actually pretty annoying: it gets in the way of my hand when I write and it makes a disruptive bulge if it winds up behind the pages of the pad. It hasn't been serious enough for me to set the whole thing on fire and run weeping into the sea, though. Yet.

 

(Thanks very much for the review, Silvermink!)

Edited by mrphyig
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've been enjoying the No. 16 for a few months as well, though I find the pencil loop actually pretty annoying: it gets in the way of my hand when I write and it makes a disruptive bulge if it winds up behind the pages of the pad. It hasn't been serious enough for me to set the whole thing on fire and run weeping into the sea, though. Yet.

 

(Thanks very much for the review, Silvermink!)

 

I decided the loop was a useless appendage and cut it off of mine.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've been enjoying the No. 16 for a few months as well, though I find the pencil loop actually pretty annoying: it gets in the way of my hand when I write and it makes a disruptive bulge if it winds up behind the pages of the pad. It hasn't been serious enough for me to set the whole thing on fire and run weeping into the sea, though. Yet.

 

I decided the loop was a useless appendage and cut it off of mine.

 

It sort of is, unfortunately - any pen large enough for me to be comfortable using it for any length of time would be too large for the loop (and I wouldn't be carrying a pad as large as the #16 for quick notes). I think the motivation was good, but an elastic loop would be much nicer if they're going to include one.

 

Thanks for the comments!

http://twitter.com/pawcelot

Vancouver Pen Club

 

Currently inked:

 

Montegrappa NeroUno Linea - J. Herbin Poussière de Lune //. Aurora Optima Demonstrator - Aurora Black // Varuna Rajan - Kaweco Green // TWSBI Vac 700R - Visconti Purple

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Very nice review! hmmmm..... a holder for my notepad.... the purchasing is never ending!

...writing only requires focus, and something to write on. —John August

...and a pen that's comfortable in the hand.—moi

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I decided the loop was a useless appendage and cut it off of mine.

 

I was considering that; is it possible to do cleanly, Geoduc, or do you wind up with a bit of ratty material/thread?

 

(New avatar, Silvermink? Crazy! I feel like you had the old one since forever.)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I decided the loop was a useless appendage and cut it off of mine.

 

Ditto. As much as I hated doing it, there was no point in keeping it. None of my fountain pens fit in it and it was always getting in the way. Great paper, though, and I do like the looks/functionality of the paper.

 

Nice review!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great review! I agree completely - I have both of these, in the exact combos you have, a black #16 and orange #11. I've already gone through a couple of pads on the little one and the holder is still going strong.

 

I do find the slot in the back of the #16 a bit tight, I had to struggle to change the lined pad for a blank one, but at least it's secure. I never use the pen loop, and just let it lie flat behind the pad - it's pretty unobtrusive.

 

I don't think I'd ever use either of these in the same way I'd use a notebook like the Habana, though. I've always torn pages out of my Rhodia pads, and they seem impermanent to me in comparison to Habana-type books. Maybe I'll try that more note-booky approach from now on, though. But the type of paper in this pads is my favorite - I like it even better than the 90g Clairefontaine type.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

(New avatar, Silvermink? Crazy! I feel like you had the old one since forever.)

 

Indeed! I finally got around to scanning some new art from a recent convention. :)

http://twitter.com/pawcelot

Vancouver Pen Club

 

Currently inked:

 

Montegrappa NeroUno Linea - J. Herbin Poussière de Lune //. Aurora Optima Demonstrator - Aurora Black // Varuna Rajan - Kaweco Green // TWSBI Vac 700R - Visconti Purple

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I do find the slot in the back of the #16 a bit tight, I had to struggle to change the lined pad for a blank one, but at least it's secure. I never use the pen loop, and just let it lie flat behind the pad - it's pretty unobtrusive.

 

It is pretty tight, yeah. I had to wrestle with it a bit to get the pad out of the holder for the one shot in the review - should've mentioned that. But, as you say, it's very secure.

 

I may swap the #16 dotPad into my #16 holder at some point.

Edited by Silvermink

http://twitter.com/pawcelot

Vancouver Pen Club

 

Currently inked:

 

Montegrappa NeroUno Linea - J. Herbin Poussière de Lune //. Aurora Optima Demonstrator - Aurora Black // Varuna Rajan - Kaweco Green // TWSBI Vac 700R - Visconti Purple

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I decided the loop was a useless appendage and cut it off of mine.

 

I was considering that; is it possible to do cleanly, Geoduc, or do you wind up with a bit of ratty material/thread?

 

(New avatar, Silvermink? Crazy! I feel like you had the old one since forever.)

 

I borrowed my wife's sharp sewing scissors (shhh..don't tell on me) and cut it off as close to the stitching as I could. The little bit that remains is not a bother.

 

 

 

 

Edited for spelling

Edited by geoduc
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't think I'd ever use either of these in the same way I'd use a notebook like the Habana, though. I've always torn pages out of my Rhodia pads, and they seem impermanent to me in comparison to Habana-type books. Maybe I'll try that more note-booky approach from now on, though. But the type of paper in this pads is my favorite - I like it even better than the 90g Clairefontaine type.

 

I'm fairly unsentimental about my Habana and have been happy enough to tear pages out of it. :) My paper preference, as I mentioned, goes the other way - the relative weight isn't a big deal to me, but I prefer the ivory paper to the white.

http://twitter.com/pawcelot

Vancouver Pen Club

 

Currently inked:

 

Montegrappa NeroUno Linea - J. Herbin Poussière de Lune //. Aurora Optima Demonstrator - Aurora Black // Varuna Rajan - Kaweco Green // TWSBI Vac 700R - Visconti Purple

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the review. Good to know about another line of paper, since the quality of paper is so important to the writing experience. The poor experience of using low grade office paper does not enhance writing with a fountain pen. I have been using Clairefontaine paper for a number of years but I will be picking up some Rhodia pads to give them a try on my next order.

 

When visitng museums I always enjoy the cases that hold old handwritten documents, the writing, the ink... all fascinating. Rhodia paper is acid-free, so your test pages will stand the test of time. Most of our writings, on acid-based paper won't!

 

See you at the next meeting of the Vancouver Pen Club (www.vancouverpenclub.com)

 

Glenn

Edited by glennmarcus

Glenn Marcus

www.glennspens.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the review. Good to know about another line of paper, since the quality of paper is so important to the writing experience. The poor experience of using low grade office paper does not enhance writing with a fountain pen. I have been using Clairefontaine paper for a number of years but I will be picking up some Rhodia pads to give them a try on my next order.

 

I noticed when I was at Perks yesterday that Richard had a number of the Rhodia pads on his rack including the #18s, but I forgot to have a better look at them before I left (I was ogling the new Diplomats he got in).

 

See you next month!

Edited by Silvermink

http://twitter.com/pawcelot

Vancouver Pen Club

 

Currently inked:

 

Montegrappa NeroUno Linea - J. Herbin Poussière de Lune //. Aurora Optima Demonstrator - Aurora Black // Varuna Rajan - Kaweco Green // TWSBI Vac 700R - Visconti Purple

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't know a lot about paper :embarrassed_smile: but I know a good review when I see one :)

 

Thanks so much for the thorough review on the Rhodia lined pads and holders, Graham; I didn't know Rhodia made holders at all. I only have two Rhodia pads--the Rhodia No.12 and No.18 'squares', which are very handy if your handwriting tends to go wonky (like mine) even with the help of lined paper :rolleyes:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't know a lot about paper :embarrassed_smile: but I know a good review when I see one :)

 

Thanks so much for the thorough review on the Rhodia lined pads and holders, Graham; I didn't know Rhodia made holders at all. I only have two Rhodia pads--the Rhodia No.12 and No.18 'squares', which are very handy if your handwriting tends to go wonky (like mine) even with the help of lined paper :rolleyes:

 

Yeah, the holders are very helpful in making it kind of a "full solution" (whoa, there I go with the buzzword-speak).

 

I favor lined paper, too, because I can't write in a straight line without some kind of guide either. :) I'll probably try the grid at some point, too, and I've got a dotPad here, so I'll see how those work (the dotPad looks like a nice compromise between really explicit guides and visual clutter).

http://twitter.com/pawcelot

Vancouver Pen Club

 

Currently inked:

 

Montegrappa NeroUno Linea - J. Herbin Poussière de Lune //. Aurora Optima Demonstrator - Aurora Black // Varuna Rajan - Kaweco Green // TWSBI Vac 700R - Visconti Purple

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great review! I'm a big fan of Rhodia notebooks (I stock up when I find them at Target) but wasn't even aware that they made such nice looking covers. I think I'll be treating myself to one for Christmas!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Very nice review. Decided to get Rhodia line pads after reading your review. They arrived today morning and just one word "AMAZING" :yikes: I don't know how I used my FPs on yellow pads before :embarrassed_smile:

Tempus Vincit Omnia

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Most Contributions

    1. amberleadavis
      amberleadavis
      43844
    2. PAKMAN
      PAKMAN
      33494
    3. Ghost Plane
      Ghost Plane
      28220
    4. inkstainedruth
      inkstainedruth
      26625
    5. jar
      jar
      26101
  • Upcoming Events

  • Blog Comments

    • Shanghai Knife Dude
      I have the Sailor Naginata and some fancy blade nibs coming after 2022 by a number of new workshop from China.  With all my respect, IMHO, they are all (bleep) in doing chinese characters.  Go use a bush, or at least a bush pen. 
    • A Smug Dill
      It is the reason why I'm so keen on the idea of a personal library — of pens, nibs, inks, paper products, etc. — and spent so much money, as well as time and effort, to “build” it for myself (because I can't simply remember everything, especially as I'm getting older fast) and my wife, so that we can “know”; and, instead of just disposing of what displeased us, or even just not good enough to be “given the time of day” against competition from >500 other pens and >500 other inks for our at
    • adamselene
      Agreed.  And I think it’s good to be aware of this early on and think about at the point of buying rather than rationalizing a purchase..
    • A Smug Dill
      Alas, one cannot know “good” without some idea of “bad” against which to contrast; and, as one of my former bosses (back when I was in my twenties) used to say, “on the scale of good to bad…”, it's a spectrum, not a dichotomy. Whereas subjectively acceptable (or tolerable) and unacceptable may well be a dichotomy to someone, and finding whether the threshold or cusp between them lies takes experiencing many degrees of less-than-ideal, especially if the decision is somehow influenced by factors o
    • adamselene
      I got my first real fountain pen on my 60th birthday and many hundreds of pens later I’ve often thought of what I should’ve known in the beginning. I have many pens, the majority of which have some objectionable feature. If they are too delicate, or can’t be posted, or they are too precious to face losing , still they are users, but only in very limited environments..  I have a big disliking for pens that have the cap jump into the air and fly off. I object to Pens that dry out, or leave blobs o
  • Chatbox

    You don't have permission to chat.
    Load More
  • Files






×
×
  • Create New...