An HONEST Review of Sanzen Tomoe River Paper

00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Unboxing
00:53 - History
03:15 - Versions of TR Paper
03:48 - “New” TR Paper
04:35 - Comparison of Three Versions
06:11 - Conclusion After Testing
08:29 - More Tests and Final Thoughts
Supplies used in the video:
Blue/Red Ink: geni.us/diaminemajesticblue
Purple/Gold Ink: geni.us/iryamabudo
Pilot Parallel Set: geni.us/pilotparallel6set
Glass Dip Pen: geni.us/herbinglassdippen
Desk Mat: geni.us/xnmcuttingmat
I test out the latest version of one of my favorite papers to see how it compares and decide whether I'll still be using it...
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[@dr.d723]

Thank you for the video. I too was very saddened by the "death" of original Tomoe River paper. It was my all time favorite. Unfortunately, my stash is depleted. Like you I tried the "new" TRP and also Sanzen TRP, as well as a host of other papers. While I really did not care for the "new" TRP, the Sanzen is acceptable. I don't do calligraphy like you, but I do use B, BB and 1.1 and 1.5 stub nibs in fairly juicy pens. Bleedthrough and feathering does occur with some inks, but not all. Sanzen clearly does not perform to the level of original TRP, but IMO it is superior to "new" TRP. I am sure that you already know, but Nanami does have a few notebooks with original TRP, but they are pricey. As I said, Sanzen TRP is acceptable, particularly since I use the Seven Seas notebooks for work.

[@BlackletterFoundry]

Thanks so much for your kind words and sharing your feedback! I'm so happy that you found the Sanzen paper usable for the nibs workable for those nibs (especially with them being broad and up 1.5mm stub!). I was really sad when the original TRP went away as it was my favorite too. And thanks for sharing the Nanami update - that's where I used to get my notebooks from and the last time I looked they only had the new paper or Sanzen so it's super interesting that they still have or found some of the Original paper (you're right, though - they're definitely charging a premium for them!). Thanks again for sharing and have a great day!! 😃

[@lilyimpala]

I still have a little bit of Tomoe River from before 2019. It is so sad and disappointing that this legendary Japanese paper is not produced anymore. Thank you for the test Tamer.

[@BlackletterFoundry]

I also still have some TR paper from before the switch in 2019. Even then the news was surprising and tough to hear because I loved it so much. I wish it had worked out better, but I did think it was important to share what I found testing it out. Hopefully now it's on to find new options and remember the wonderful paper that it was - I really loved filling up books filled with these magical pages 😃

[@TedMattos]

Ok, Tamer - your video title had me a bit worried you were speaking of your channel! ;) But I'm sorry your favorite paper is not your favorite anymore. So frustrating when we have a favorite of something and they feel the need to change it. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" :)

[@BlackletterFoundry]

Hi Ted! Great to hear from you! I was so wrapped up in the idea of whether I'd be saying goodbye to my favorite paper that that's all I was thinking about (I was honestly surprisingly nervous about testing it since I've loved Tomoe River for years...) Sorry for the scare there! I'm actually planning on lots more videos coming soon, so I'm definitely still here 😃 It definitely was a huge bummer seeing how things turned out. I genuinely didn't know how things would turn out when I started recording so I was pretty excited and you can probably see my disappointment after the test.. I recorded that bit right after I finished writing. I would have even set up the cameras to better capture the feathering but I wasn't expecting it to happen or be that pronounced... I've found some alternatives that I like, though so let me know if you'd find that interesting!

[@TedMattos]

@@BlackletterFoundry Very happy to see your'e doing well, my friend. :)

[@ssfoster95]

So how do you know if you are getting the original, new or Sanzen paper? I have a Tomoe River notebook I just ordered last month from Amazon and don’t notice any feathering at all. I also ordered a 2022 release notebook from wonderland122 and also notice no feathering at all. Even with my FPR ultra flex nibs and stub nibs.

[@jrm4444]

Thanks for this video bro. I was just about to order the Sanzen Tomoe River Notebook a5 (black cover) and Hobonichi plain notebook a5 (yellow cover). After seeing your video I guess I won't be buying the first notebook. The Hobonichi also seems to have Tomoe River paper, but do you know if it's also produced by Sanzen? Also, what do you think about Madori, Yu-Sari and Sakae TP Iroful?

[@BlackletterFoundry]

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts - it's possible that the Sanzen may be ok if you use it with pens with smaller nibs, but it was definitely a disappointment for me , unfortunately - as the pens I use most bleed so much on the Sanzen paper. Most others that I've chatted with generally also preferred the original paper. I honestly don't know about the other brands as I haven't used them yet myself, but, if they're using Tomoe River I would think it would be Sanzen because the others aren't in production any longer. I would definitely reach out to the seller, though, as they should be able to confirm. I'll definitely share thoughts on the other notebooks if I have an opportunity to test them 😃 Thanks again for your comment and questions 😃

[@karenthiemermann6209]

Hi! How can I get practice sheets with guidelines for blackletter? I don't have a printer.

[@BlackletterFoundry]

The guide sheet digital files are available for free by joining my newsletter community at blackletterfreebies.com 😃

[@krakentowa8727]

I have some old original TRP left but it’s very limited. What are we going to do?

[@BlackletterFoundry]

I know - I was so sad when it changed! I've recently been using Canson marker paper for calligraphy work so I can recommend that paper at the moment 😃

[@petergreen5055]

Is the feel, thickness of the paper the same? I'm not bothered so much how it takes inks, I don't use proper calligraphy pens on mine.

[@BlackletterFoundry]

I just double checked and would say they're very similar. As with the original, the Sanzen version is still very thin, but I'd say it's a slight bit more firm and has a little bit more texture compared to the original paper. Hope this helps! 😃

[@krakentowa8727]

The new sanzen TRP is awful compared to the original TRP. My inks look crap on the new one.

[@BlackletterFoundry]

I know what you mean - I was so disappointed when I saw how much bleeding there was on the paper, it was like saying goodby to an old friend in the original TRP. So far I've been enjoying the Canson marker paper, but haven't found a replacement book like these which I loved so much. I'll definitely share if and when I find an alternative... (btw - your guitar skills are awesome!)

[@Lorvina1]

What a difference 😢.

[@BlackletterFoundry]

Yeah - I was so disappointment when I saw how much the new Sanzen paper was bleeding! I noticed while I was recording so that moment was when the disappointment first set in 😔 At least it just provides an opportunity to explore new papers now 😃