Fp-Friendly 5 X 8 Writing Pads?

[Smurf]

I'm after recommendations for a 5 x 8 FP-friendly writing pad (lined or graph/squares) - I was given an embossed padfolio as a farewell gift from my last assignment, and would like to find something that will fit in the writing pad slot.

 

None of the major paper companies (Clairefontaine, Rhodia, etc) seem to have anything in this size - does anyone know of any other options available?

[Runnin_Ute]

damn those euro sizes - A5 is close but probably a bit large. You could always make your own, choosing the paper you want and either having it cut to the size you need and padded or do it yourself. Not sure what is available in standard US sizes by those manufacturers that make some of the higher quality more fp friendly papers.

[mrcharlie]

So, basically your thingy fits 5x8 "mini legal pads" type pads? Or does it need 5x8 glue bound pads?

 

Do you want "nice" paper of decent weight, or just something that is FP friendly?

 

Office Depot has 80% sugar cane content 5x8 mini legal pad type pads, 3 pad packs usually in their store, and I've found them to be acceptable for FP use.

 

Staples has "Sustainable Earth" 5x8 mini legal pads which are also 80% sugar cane content and seem to work pretty well for a lot of people; you have to order them via their website but you can have them shipped to your local store with no shipping charge, or directly to you with a shipping charge. I've used the 8.5x11 size; I think they are a bit better than the Office Depot version. This is the "staples bagesse" paper some FPN members go crazy for.

 

Neither of the cane paper pads is very heavy weight paper though. The Staples version is 15 lb paper; Office Depot claims 16 lb.

 

People say good things about the TOPS brand "Docket Gold" model pads, which have 20 lb paper and come in 5x8 size. Comes in either White or Canary colored paper. I have no personal experience.

 

Ampad makes "Gold Fibre" 5x8 pads with 16 lb paper, but "Gold Fibre Retro" 5x8 pads have 20 lb paper. I haven't tried these either.

 

Most brands seem to have "gold" in the model name of their higher end pads with the heavier paper. Heavier paper does not automatically == good for fountain pens, but it is a good place to start if no one gives you a definitive recommendation.

Edited January 7, 2013 by mrcharlie

[Salerno_AFG]

Rhodia staple pad and take it to Staples and have it cut to size? Just a thought.

[lovemy51]

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n419/peterpaul_rguez/P1070085_zpsa020c950.jpg

i make my own. cut and perf them (to tear), all with the same cutting board. then, using Pro-click system i punch and bind them.

PS. if you want lines, squares, etc, you can print them yoursellf. see here: http://incompetech.com/graphpaper/writing.html , or http://www.printablepaper.net/

[Smurf]

Thanks for the ideas, everyone - I had thought about buying something A5 and cutting it down to size, but wanted to see if there was something available first before attempting to "roll my own".

 

I've got an Office Depot nearby, I'll check them out and get some samples to try. @lovemy51, your ProClick system looks intriguing!

[mhm802]

I have found the Staples M series to work pretty well with my fountain pens. They come in small (5x8) as well as regular size legal pads.

[KrazyIvan]

I use Rhodia No. 16 (A5) pads just fine in my 5x8 folio.

 

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5107/5882586482_e791c096d9_n.jpg

Rhodia Hitlist by IvanRomero, on Flickr

[duboing]

Rhodia's "A5" spiral-bound reporter's pads are actually smaller than A5: 5.8" x 8.3". Might that be close enough?