Paper For Letter Writing

[Paladin1cd]

Well the Rhodia came in... I am not that happy with it. It is a wonderfully bright white paper and it takes ink very well actually... It is slick though and every time I write on it I am afraid I am going to feather and smear! It is just my perception but it detracts from the writing experience so far. I will use the whole pad, so it may simply take some getting used to. I am still waiting on the other pad that I ordered.

 

Thank you all for the input. It is much appreciated. I really did not know that years after I used to write letters that it was now difficult to find decent stationary.

[mAnuscript69]

If you can find Basildon Bond or Three Candlesticks, they're great for letter writing. The paper is smooth with a bit of texture and takes fountain pen ink very well. If you find Rhodia paper too smooth, stay away from the Clairefontaine Triomphe and try some Basildon Bond instead.

[Sandy1]

Well the Rhodia came in... I am not that happy with it. It is a wonderfully bright white paper and it takes ink very well actually... It is slick though and every time I write on it I am afraid I am going to feather and smear! It is just my perception but it detracts from the writing experience so far. I will use the whole pad, so it may simply take some getting used to. I am still waiting on the other pad that I ordered.

 

Thank you all for the input. It is much appreciated. I really did not know that years after I used to write letters that it was now difficult to find decent stationary.

 

Hi,

 

It can be quite a revelation to use stationery that is FP friendly. It seems that many people are more concerned with pens and ink, and give paper less consideration than it deserves.

 

I share your experience with Rhodia: after a day writing on 'lowest bidder' paper with a somewhat dry ink, then to write on a smooth paper such as Rhodia can be a bit of a jolt. (Ease-up on the java.) While I have every confidence that you will adapt your manner of writing to accommodate such a change, a stepping stone of a dry ink with low-ish lubricity on Rhodia should see you home & dry.

 

Also, I was remiss not to mention your local lithographic job printer as a possible source of writing paper. If any group of people knows more about paper than those in the printing trade, I've yet to meet them. They just might have some off-cuts that you could try, then strike a bargain with them for a larger purchase. For some custom jobs, they often have paper left over, so may well sell it on a cost+ basis, especially if you have them cut it for you.

 

Bye,

S1

[WirsPlm]

If you don't have a constitutional objection to stationery, Punch Studio does some wonderfully decorated lined paper with neutral themes like travel or architecture. You would want the Large or Medium notepads for letters. The large size is very wide-ruled, which is perfect for showing off new forms of calligraphy or writing to elderly relatives. The medium size is about 5x8, and has regular college-ruled lines. They're sold in various places, although Amazon has quite a bit. Some examples of Punch Studio stationery:

 

Large and Medium Exploration pads:

http://www.amazon.com/Exploration-Butterfly-Punch-Studio-Office/dp/B004XNCB2K/

 

http://www.amazon.com/Exploration-Butterfly-Medium-Punch-Studio/dp/B004XNCAXU/

 

Other examples:

http://www.amazon.com/Balloons-Paris-Eiffel-Clipboard-Notepad/dp/B00B4WQSI6/

 

http://www.amazon.com/Seascape-Nautical-Sealife-Clipboard-Notepad/dp/B00B4X66AK/

 

Also, I was remiss not to mention your local lithographic job printer as a possible source of writing paper. If any group of people knows more about paper than those in the printing trade, I've yet to meet them. They just might have some off-cuts that you could try, then strike a bargain with them for a larger purchase. For some custom jobs, they often have paper left over, so may well sell it on a cost+ basis, especially if you have them cut it for you. [/font]

 

 

Thank you for the tip. After I use my current stationery I may ask around at local printers. Edited August 9, 2013 by WirsPlm

[fncll]

I'll be interested to hear if you ever find something suitable. Given your explicit and implicit requirements, I'm curious if it is even possible. There are more great papers available now than ever, but you seem to expect contradictory things from them.

[PJohnP]

+1 on different copy papers as an FP friendly material.

 

I'm using several different copy papers at the moment, Double-A, Staples Sustainable Earth Copy Paper (SSECP), Walgreen's Ology, and HP Premium Choice 32 lb, and find that each provides a good FP experience.

 

The Double-A is still the leader for me - as I print headers and dot-grids double-sided on paper for my work - in terms of consistently hitting my requirements but the others noted above can be a good choices for letter writing. I'm currently testing SSECP and Ology for my work needs, but each has been more than acceptable for casual correspondence. All of the papers have just sufficient resistance for my cursive-italic nibs for me to know that I'm writing without that "skittering/sliding" feeling, while retaining a reasonable smoothness for the overall flow of the writing. All of them are more than acceptable with respect to feathering with my inks of choice, and all have a reasonable level of opaqueness with respect to using both sides (although the SSECP and Ology are not as successful in this regard as the Double-A and HP papers).

 

I differ a bit from Sandy's advice above, in that I like to chop/resize and punch the paper myself, but short of getting more dedicated FP papers like Rhodia, or more expensive bulk papers like Schoellershammer onion-skin or even Tomoe River, getting more generally available copy paper and customising or simply using it "as is" provides a darned nice use for my fountain pens.

 

 

 

John P.

[mr2txaggie]

Paladin,

I vote for the Clairefontaine Triomphe. It is really good for letter writing. Goulet's has it for a really good price. A set includes two pads of 50 sheets of the paper plus two packages of 25 envelopes. The G Lalo Verge de France is also very good. It is 100g, if I remember correctly. Goulet's has it in Champagne, White and Ivory. Vickery.com has five or six color choices. It is sold in sets of 25 envelopes and 50 sheets Hope your letter writing project goes well. BTW, if you are using a fine nib it should be okay, I never had trouble with either of these brands. But if you do have a problem, try a medium. Also if you are using a steel nib go to gold, of course. Good writing.

No affiliation with Goulet's. Never knew about them until 3 months ago when I came to FPN ( my secret is out I'm a "Newbie" ) And Vickery's, just a happy customer.

 

aggie

Edited August 10, 2013 by mr2txaggie

[rollerboy]

I'm happy using blank Rhodia or Clairefontaine top stapled pads. I seem to be in the minority, but I recommend avoiding Clairefontaine Triomphe. I like the regular Clairefontaine but dislike the Triomphe. I found the Triomphe had a most unpleasant extra-slickness to it. It was a bit like writing on paper which had been lightly coated in plastic. My nib was smearing ink on the surface of the paper instead of the paper drawing the ink from the nib. I did not like the feel and I think you lose a bit of richness from your ink colour as well.

[penhand]

Tomoe River paper from Japan in Neenah Classic Crest Natural White envelopes. The paper provides beautiful shading and the envelopes both take ink well and have a nice feel. If you're in the US and want a sample, PM me. My biggest problem is after almost a year, I still can't decide whether I like the white or cream better.

[ac12]

I was at the stationary store in Palo Alto, CA, and I was surprised. They had the traditional letter writing tablet, both ruled and unruled. For just under $3.

I did not buy it, as I figured I can make my own from Laser paper. But later thought about it, the laser paper I have is 28# paper, rather than the lighter letter writing paper. I may go back and get it because of the lighter paper.

 

But in the mean time, I plan to cut down the 8.5x11 laser paper down to half sheet size 5.5x8.5 and use that.

[sharonspens]

I use plain stationery from Papyrus, either the cream or (currently) the pale blue color, deckled bottom edge. I can write a letter with two sheets of paper (front and back, with no bleed through), and an envelope and feel like I have done the recipient justice. You can also go with the pads from Anderson Pens (I have the 8 x 11 size, but the smaller one should work well for you). I can write on both sides of that paper and not worry about bleed-through.

 

Sharon indiana

[Rosa Mundi]

Since the day I ordered the sample pack of Tomoe River, I have not touched any other writing paper, it has ruined me for all other papers, even French. Huge plus for me is that it is very thin, so I can add more sheets to my letters without adding extra weight.

[Sasha Royale]

I get my letter paper from the office supply store, or office suppy section of a store. I usually find something I like in the package resume paper. 8.5 X 11 inches cuts easly to 8.5 X 5.75 inch sheets. From the same package, I make 6 x 4.25 inch envelopes.

Or your can fold your full-page letter to be mailed without an envelope.

Edited August 12, 2013 by Sasha Royale

[fncll]

Since the day I ordered the sample pack of Tomoe River, I have not touched any other writing paper...

 

I adore Tomoe River paper (though not to the exclusion of all else!), but if a paper being too smooth is an issue for the original poster, TR paper is not likely to satisfy.

 

I should also note that while I highly recommend HP 32# paper as a great, simple, paper, it is quite smooth and you have to be careful...I've found that some batches are better than others. Or maybe there is a very subtle difference between lines that I am not recognizing in the packaging. Oddly, the 28# HP paper seems more consistent.

 

All the talk of copy paper here has made me think I need to do a copy paper shootout review.

[ForeverStained]

Hi,

 

Just to stir the pot once again, I'll suggest the HP Premium Choice 32lb presentation paper. It might be available from a local shop, saving you a bit on shipping cost.

 

The sheets would need to be cut down, which is a task best done by a print shop using a guillotine cutter; and they could cut whatever dimension suits you. (I like 8x10" for some personal correspondence.)

 

While I share your taste for unadorned stationery, at times I add a [wax] seal or my chop to either one sheet or the envelope.

 

Bye,

S

Sandy ... what does this 32 pound paper feel like ? is it smooth or does it have texture or what ?

can you write on both sides or does it have some bleed thru ?

 

thanks

[ForeverStained]

Hello all,

 

I do not write letters to frequently, but now that I have found fountain pens, I find when I do I am writing with... You guessed it, a fountain pen. I rarely use any other writing utensil anymore.

 

My problem is finding blank paper around 8 x 5 that holds up to letter writing. I do not need a huge amount, but i would like to solicit some suggestions for pad or loose paper or stationary that I can find online that does not break the bank. I considered ordering some actual stationary but I guess I think most is not "manly" for a fella to use. It makes me feel like a dandy. I am not ruling it out, just explaining where I have been looking already.

 

I am really at a loss as to what to get, so any suggestions would be welcome.

 

Thank you.

I'd like to suggest to you something that Sandy 1 commented on.... and i did a little research into it and

discovered something else.

 

She mentioned the HP premium presentation paper 32lb matte finish. i tried it but my pens were skipping on it for some reason. that doesnt mean that yours will....... mine just didnt like it.

 

but anyway...... when i was at office depot looking at paper today...... i tried a sample of the HP premium

choice 32lb laser paper.

 

this is the stuff

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51UG1HxneHL._SY300_.jpg

 

it was AMAZING ! REALLY great paper for fountain pens.

i had them make the 500 sheet package into pads. it cost me 50 cents a pad.... and i got five 100 page pads out of it.

when i got home..... i couldnt resist writing a bunch of letters on it..... its SMOOTH as silk.

 

if you are stuck for some paper and you dont mind 8.5 by 11.... try this stuff.

its really fabulous.

 

if you dont like it..... the store will take it back.. lol thats what i love about places like staples and office depot.

 

just my 2 cents.

[vinper]

Take a look at the "European Paper Company" (no affiliation) online. They have a wide range of papers suitable for your purpose. Good luck. vinper

[penhand]

 

I adore Tomoe River paper (though not to the exclusion of all else!), but if a paper being too smooth is an issue for the original poster, TR paper is not likely to satisfy.

 

 

I agree that the smoothness can be a problem for some people. In addition, the hard surface (that results in little to no bleedthru and feathering and beautiful shading) also causes longer ink drying times. On the other hand, the thinness harkens back to letter writing paper of old vs. this 20# and heavier paper we live with today (a vestige of modern copiers and computer printers). I'm disappointed that even directly from big paper mills (like Neenah) you can't get thin letter writing paper. Has anyone suggested NOS onion skin paper? Crops up fairly often on ebay.

[fncll]

Good idea. I have all kinds of vintage onionskin. If anyone is making good onionskin paper now, I'm not aware of it.

 

I wonder how tracing paper would perform? I have a lot of that for origami...

[PJohnP]

Well, the Paper Mill Store sells Schoellershammer onion skin paper from Germany which I've found quite good.

 

It's not as "crinkly" as the vintage onion skin paper, much more smooth, but it's quite lovely to write on, second only to TR paper for me in terms of how well the ink applies to the paper.

 

 

 

John P.