The Best Japanese Fountain Pen Friendly Paper

I compare the six best fountain pen friendly Japanese papers. Unlike "normal" paper reviews, I also include how the paper "feels" and discuss the varied characteristics that people enjoy when using these papers.
EDIT: It has been confirmed that I, indeed, had a bad batch of new TR. I've since tried another batch of new TR and, though it has some small differences, it seemed OK. I'm taking this all with a grain of salt as it looks like they may not make it in house in the future. It is a fluid situation.
Pens used:
1.8 width 2B mechanical pencil
Retro 51 ball point pen
Sharpie
6.0 Pilot Parallel with Ink Institute's Cat at Midnight
3.8 Pilot Parallel with Fantanyan's no.19
PenBBS 487 with a Platinum Music nib and iPaper Taiwan Jade
PenBBS 348 with Maruzen's Nihonbashi Murasaki (wet ink)
Sailor Profit Realo with MF nib and iPaper's Night Sky (waterproof)
Bauhaus 2000 (Lamy 2000) with a B nib and Iroshizuku Shin Ryoku
Pilot Custom Heritage with a FA nib and Kobe University Romanesque Blue
Pilot Falcon nib with Iroshizuku Yuyake
Scriptorum Idyll with Secretary of de Flex nib and Bungukan Kobayashi Suruga Bay Summer
00:00 - Intro
00:12 - Different kinds of paper
01:44 - Washi paper
04:42 - Descriptive words for paper's "feel"
06:09 - Papers used
07:26 - Tomoe River Paper Brouhaha
09:20 - Weapons of choice--pens used
11:00 - Extreme ink tests
15:05 - Ramune soda
17:55 - 2B pencil
18:28 - Ballpoint pen
19:00 - Sharpies
19:35 - Pilot Parallels
20:40 - Music nib
21:20 - TWSBI F nib
22:27 - Feedback
23:57 - PenBBS 348
25:29 - Sailor nib and FA nib
26:07 - Most Sheening
26:20 - Bauhaus 2000 B nib
26:54 - Secretary of de Flex
27:10 - Tomoe River
27:27 - Graphilo
27:40 - Takasago Premium Bank paper
28:02 - Cosmo Air Light
28:43 - Tsubame
29:11 - Mnemosyne
29:32 - Pont Neuf
30:10 - BRICKADILLO
30:56 - Admin

[@InkyRocks]

EDIT: It has been confirmed that I had a bad batch of the new TR. I've tried another batch of new TR and though it has some small differences, it seems OK! But they will probably stop making it in house. It is a fluid situation. Daryl at Musubi www.musu.bi/ Macciato Man macchiatoman.com/ Naps for LIfe www.reddit.com/user/napsforlife/ The Stationery Selection (for Cosmo Air Light and their Japanese Stationery subscriptions!) thestationeryselection.com/ Check out their KZbin channel: kzbin.info/door/cwE49LiPsA0scmcUou6FOQ The Pencil Case Blog review of Pont Neuf: www.pencilcaseblog.com/2021/03/paper-review-pont-neuf-notebooks.html

[@timothyrose8217]

As an artist, my hair stands up when you dump ink all over the place. People like you, especially you, kept me sane during lockdown. P.s. I love you voice and dry humor.😘

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much for your lovely compliment! Making someone's hair stand up on end is high praise indeed! (Another commenter said I made him shoot tea out of his nose!) Thanks!

[@strshooter7399]

Well, your videos are like a cool drink of water after a hard days work in the sun😎 You gave such a ... solid explanation on the skating, smooth, feedback ~ washi... paper feel. Wow, I’m going back and rewatch the video, maybe several times 🤓 Enjoy them so much, thank you 👍

[@InkyRocks]

“Cool drink of water!” Great compliment-thank you so much! I’m so glad you got something out of it!💕

[@michellesgoldberg]

No smurfs were harmed in the making of this video! I love how free you are with the ink!

[@InkyRocks]

Hahaha! Thank you! I was a smurf for a few days...

[@Hinagiku2]

oh man inky, you are so calming! I love watching you play with the inks and I feel like I learn something new every time I watch a video

[@InkyRocks]

I’m so glad-thanks for your feedback! It helps for those times I’m desperately trying to get a video together!

[@peachymanaangel]

This was just what I needed! I am so glad you poured the ink on. As an artist yes I want to know how much ink a paper can withstand. I would love a washi and sumi paper video. Your explanation of the hand of paper is perfect.

[@InkyRocks]

I feel validated! hahaha! It's always nice for artists to weigh in since I don't know what I'm talking about concerning art. I may do a "combo" paper video later. Thank you so much for your feedback!

[@addicted2analogue]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do such a detailed and comprehensive video. I especially appreciated the tedious task of writing on each paper with the same utensil before moving to the next one. Lastly, you distinction between feedback and scratchy is spot-on and will be very helpful to beginner fountain pen enthusiasts.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you Tonya! I had to come up with a way to explain scratchy and feedback because so many people questioned me on a video about flex.💕

[@penthevision4706]

Wow, wow, wow! Thank you so much for all of the hard work that went into making this video. You have a lovely alternative Gentle style which I really appreciate. Very best wishes 🙏

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much for your support and enthusiasm! It really means a lot to me when I'm struggling to a video up!💕

[@petervik5399]

I really enjoy and appreciate the longer formate videos... You are my nightcap ... Cheers, Peter...

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much for your feedback Peter! I still don't know if I'm better off making a longer video or splitting the information up into several videos. This is great to know.

[@fruitafresca]

Wow - what an excellent description and fun video to watch - combining learning, art and fun. You are very gifted!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I always have to govern myself on trying to balance staying-on-topic and adding extra stuff hahaha! You made my day!

[@robgrant2271]

A sound Thesis, well worthy of your PhD. The depth of content and your trademark attention to detail in this offering is nothing short of what has become expected. another visual stunner. Congratulations and thank you Dr. Inky

[@InkyRocks]

Wow! Dr. Inky! I feel like I should have a lair where I plan my takeover of the world! Thanks for a good laugh!

[@JuceePeachz67]

I throughly enjoyed this video learning about stationary paper, Alesa! It was very informative. Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to the next video.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much Marianne! Hope you are doing good!💕

[@raemcmahon8216]

All the work and effort you put into your videos is amazing. I appreciate your videos more than a thumbs up.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! Comments like these keep me going in the wee hours of the morning when I'm dealing with "why won't this upload?" hahaha!

[@BC7Bill]

Interesting review of paper. You really put them through their paces! Thanks!

[@InkyRocks]

haha! I really do! Thanks for your feedback!

[@ericmurray860]

I enjoyed your video very much. Very informative, interesting and relaxing. Thanks so much. You definitely have a style all your own.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! Comments like these keep me going. It's funny, you never know how people will react to a video as you are making it--so it's wonderful to get lovely feed back!

[@Susansinksanddrills]

Your hard work was very worthwhile, you created a wonderful video which was both satisfying and informative. Thank you!

[@InkyRocks]

Oh, I'm so glad you found it to be so--thanks so much💕

[@crispianna]

I love how thorough your videos are Alessa! One of my favorite things about this video is it acknowledges that different papers might be more enjoyable with different nib experiences. Something that seems obvious, but often gets overlooked when we have these conversations! Most of my favorite papers are super smooth but it’s because I tend to prefer feedbacky nibs. Then every now and then I’ll pull out a Kaweco and be sliding around on Graphilo or even TR!! I have to remind myself to adjust my paper choices when I’m using smoother nibs!

[@InkyRocks]

Ahh, a person who gets it! We often talk about a pen and ink combo for use, but lots of times don't change our paper to achieve our best writing experience. And I love the word feedbacky hahaha! Thank you!

[@Richard_Barnes]

Comment 2 just to say, if there was a button that meant more than the 👍🏻 button, I would have hit that one! For the effort and filming that went into this. Epic, brilliant 🤩

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! This video was a bit of a slog so I really appreciate it!

[@MyLifeMits]

Loved this comprehensive review! I cannot imagine the amount of time and work you put into this! I must pick up more tsubame notebooks after watching this and will also keep an eye out for that bank paper from Shigure Inks as well! I was so surprised to hear my name, thank you so very much for the shout-out! What a perfect way to end my week :)) Thank you again for your awesome video!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much Mits! I think people would so enjoy your "Japanese Stationery take" and how you work in fountain pens into your journals. You're an awesome resource for people living outside of Japan!

[@jacobus57]

So beautiful, so thoughtful, so much envy🤣😂 Your videos are like a meditation. Again, thank you!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much-glad you got something from it!💕

[@brickadillo]

13:25 You made some lovely abstract art there! Great color, interesting shapes. You could frame frame those! Great video overall, full of data and still entertaining to watch. Thanks so much for the shout-out too.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you for being nice and saying it's art. It was basically an exercise in not getting ink in more places than I should...

[@irule102]

Love this video, what a great overview of all the papers!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! I'm kind of paper-ed out now hahaha!

[@susanorban3059]

As usual just a lovely and very informative and very interesting video. Your photography is just fabulous and your background music the same! Thank you so much for a very nice Friday night video...down the rabbit hole of awesome FP, Inks and Papers. Hugs from Arizona❤💕❤

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you for your very kind comment-I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I missed the Tucson Gem Show this year and really missed the wide open spaces of Arizona! Hugs right back at you!💕

[@jcparkins]

Another interesting and relaxing video, thank you. It's amazing how many varieties of paper there are. I thought my Tomoe River was pretty fancy and I do like it, but clearly there are many more choices out there.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much Jackie! I'll need to send you some. Take care

[@cynthiaalvarado8610]

I got the Yamamoto Fountain Pen Friendly Paper Collection this week. Now I have plenty of ideas to test the papers. Thank you for the inspiration! You are not alone. I too thought the marble in the Akkerman bottles stayed inside too!! It took me by surprise when your marble shot out in that video.

[@InkyRocks]

Hahaha! The second time I did it, I knew it was coming but it STILL surprised me! That Yamamoto paper sampler is fun!

[@mauriciomunuera]

I love the parallels you make when talking about pens (no, not the Pilot Parallels! The comparisons)

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! I get bored just talking about the "technical" stuff--because in the end, that's not why I use fountain pens.

[@michaelchavez9216]

What a great video! I loved learning about these papers. I have decided only to use Japanese notebooks for work and I've not been disappointed, Mnemosyne is readily available here in Southern California and I love it!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks! Me too--Mnemosyne is so useful and such great paper.

[@LoFIJak]

This was was interesting. I've recently fallen into a paper rabbit hole and want to experiment with different types of paper to use with my pens so this video was really helpful and as always, visually beautiful and engaging. Thank you

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! It’s definitely a rabbit hole and that’s what took so long to get this vid out. Good luck on your experiments!

[@wendyholiday2021]

Oh your videos are the best! Supreme! Huge challenge to describe texture.

[@InkyRocks]

It really is. You don’t want to complicate it but you have communicate it somehow hahaha! Thank you!

[@KattiaV]

I really appreciate your videos.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! 💕

[@ChrisSaenz13]

This was so fun & helpful!!! 💜 I've put 2 new to me papers on my list to try out!!! I'm a person who loves really smooth almost skater type writing experiences!!! The word descriptions really helped me!!!! Congrats to the giveaway winners!!!! ☺

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much Chris! You would love the Takasago Premium! Sometimes I just wanted to rub it on my face it is so smooth hahaha!

[@MultiEbbot]

Can´t stop loving the dip my hole hand in the ink walking over the paper part. :)

[@InkyRocks]

Hahaha! I was trying to act like I was sneaking around! Thank you!

[@MiguelAngelBriones]

Amazing as always, Cheers!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much Miguel!

[@isandie]

Lovely, as always!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! I'm glad you like it!

[@CraftingVicky]

It was very satisfying to see all that ink and fun and mess!!!

[@InkyRocks]

I'm so glad! You have shown yourself to have great taste!

[@kykynestyf7742]

Another wonderful video. Thank you for putting all these feelings into words. 😆 I wonder what paper are the kokuyo notebooks made of? I know it's pretty low on the line, but i like them for class notes that i take with mostly my fine nib pens.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I love Kokuyo paper-a lot of it is good stuff. They came out with a notebook called Idea and the paper is really good. Almost like TR.

[@jthunder57]

Brilliant commentary!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! It's nice to know someone is listening and actually likes it!💕

[@kristenquartz_4058]

Love your videos!!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you!💕

[@d.r.moundshroud818]

"I think I'll buy 60." Shot tea out of my nose.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you for the ultimate compliment! Shooting anything out of your nose in reaction to any of my videos is the highest praise hahaha! (hope you are OK)

[@d.r.moundshroud818]

@@InkyRocks Oh yes. Earl Grey is a delightful scent. :D

[@timothyrose8217]

😂😂

[@caelointheclouds]

I nearly died when you said that!!!

[@gadgetstop321]

OH MY GOSH! My daughter's doing homework right now. I can't wait to show her this video. Why do I continue to be surprised at this point? 😂😂😂

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! I still surprise you? That's a compliment!

[@nommh]

Oh my goodness! Hobonichi 2022 may come in different paper? The horror! I’m so happy with that paper (which has a nicer colour than the tomoe river paper I have as a A5 and A4.

[@InkyRocks]

I think it may. So many other people say the paper is fine, so I super hope I got a bad batch!

[@fudefan]

What a great paper review! You really nailed it about feedback, and I agree about Tsubame. I've got a stack of Tsubame A5 pads here that I use for work notes. Great paper. Also, I see you got some Fantanyan ink! Aliexpress? What do you think of it? Safe for fountain pens?

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks Jacob! Yes, I got it on one of my “let’s try everything” forays at AliExpress. I never stopped to think if it’s ok in an FP, I just stuck it in there! Seems OK. They are definitely going for chromo-shading in all their inks.

[@KB-cx2dr]

Great video, thanks!

[@InkyRocks]

Glad you liked it! Thank you💕

[@peterhofmann8292]

Alesa, wow what a "tour de force", super interesting and instructional, really appreciate the effort you put into the video🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😍😍😍

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much Peter! I'm glad you got something out of it. It just seemed to go on and on and I finally had to finish it hahaha!

[@tezzcan1]

Loved this video, thank you for all the hard work. I hope you managed to get all the ink off eventually. Stay Safe.

[@InkyRocks]

Hahaha! Thank you for both your comment and your concern! I did manage to eventually get off all the ink, though I probably shouldn't do this too often! Take care💕

[@Perelka_L]

Yess your videos are super relaxing, I agree. It was nice to watch you do things with all those papers, I should search for a perfect paper for myself too (I personally steer towards oxford optik paper, it can take plenty of ink and is, most importantly, cheap, local and very easy to get) (Also crap, now I want to get some ramune but it's ridiculously hard to get in EU haha...)

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! I laughed about the ramune. It really doesn't taste good or bad--just kind of bubbly sweet. Paper that is easily accessible, inexpensive and works is the best kind!

[@LisaVTX1]

I have recently become very enamoured with graphilo notebooks. Just wish they were a bit easier to find/accessible.

[@InkyRocks]

Me too! My problem is I like thicker A5 notebooks (theirs is like a Field Note) so I’m reduced to punching holes in their A5 paper and using a ring binder...

[@inkypinky6385]

Perfect timing as I am on the hunt! I’m in the Cosmo Air Light now and I would love it except for the fact that my oily hands ruin the experience. Maybe it’s because I’m a lefty? I don’t remember having this problem in my hobonichi.

[@InkyRocks]

Yes, I can totally see that. For some reason, the CAL seems more absorbent. I did a really geeky thing and got this two fingered glove sold on a calligraphy site, and I'm going to see if I can stand using it when I write. In the summer I can get away with no lotion on my hands but not in the winter.

[@michaels3429]

Forgot to let you know, I would like to know when the drillog comes out. Keep up the good work love.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! They are selling them now but not overseas. Some people are ordering thru a proxy service but one person is having a problem with their nib. I'm not sure how they will be able to handle that. So you may want to wait till they open up to overseas sales. I'm assuming they won't until the Japanese post office opens back up their express service in June.

[@Sonicman415]

Sublime. Love this vid.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! 💕

[@stampinsan]

Loved this video! Might have to watch 4-5 more times to fully digest all the info. 😂

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! I did throw in all kinds of info! It ended up longer and more convoluted that I had originally planned! Thanks so much for your continued support!💞

[@naeemahjs]

Thank you so much...🎈

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much for checking my video out!🌻💕

[@alejandromorales9516]

I was a Tomoe River user but I've recently switched to Midori in blank and it works just fine for me and I can easily get it in various sizes and customize the covers.

[@InkyRocks]

Yes, Midori is a great paper! One important part of using paper is it’s usefulness and availability! Sounds like you found a good one!

[@ichirofakename]

Wow, you actually know how to write beautifully with a flex pen. So few pen reviewers do. It would be a service to the community if you could comment on some. I'm particularly interested in the Pilot FA nib, in both sizes (5 & 15 I think). They are both expensive and not available locally (USA), so the more info the better.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! I've mulled over wether or not to do a flex nib video or some sort of combo one where I explore certain nibs. Thanks for your input--I'll think on this.

[@theresa_lili]

Oh the soda bottle is beautiful!!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you!

[@jeffstyr]

Is Takasago Premium Bank the same as the "Bank Paper" used by Musubi in some of their notebooks? They both seem to be associated with Mitsubishi but I can't tell if they are the same or if the "Premium" is an upgraded version. (Also thanks for the video, it was fun!)

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! It's a collab between Mitsubishi and Yamamoto paper. Yes, it's kind of an upgrade to regular bank paper. Just off hand--if feels a lot smoother and "harder". So unless Musubi specifically says it's Takasago, I would think it is not.

[@charlesdekoninck693]

wow that pencil is really interesting, I'm into all things mechanical pencils but have never seen a leadholder that used a flat lead like that. I gotta pick one up now I guess :) I recently picked up a magnum sharpie just because I thought it was comically large, sharpies seem to bleed through pretty much anything that's not cardboard, I was surprised when it bled through multiple pieces of nmemosyne and rhodia paper when I was testing it

[@InkyRocks]

I'm laughing over that name: Magnum Sharpie--sounds dangerous! Yes, both Mnemosyne and Rhodia don't hold up to sharpies at all. I didn't use a large sharpie but the Graphilo and CAL were awesome with it!

[@mrlanpp]

I loved your video on Japanese papers! For my 60th birthday, I’ve decided on a paper, pen, and writing experience. I’d love to know where I can purchase papers to both buy to write on, as well as paper to collect for its aesthetics and craftsmanship.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! That's a pretty wide criteria for one place. If you are looking for Japanese washi paper, you can try Haibara. They don't ship outside of Japan but a site they support does:uguisustore.com/collections/haibara For normal fountain pen writing purposes, I would try Kakimori, TAG and BunguBox as they ship outside of Japan.

[@mrlanpp]

@@InkyRocks Thank you.

[@korax67]

I bought in September 2020 my first Hobonichi diary for the year 2021 and I love it. I hope you mean that THIS Hobonichi has old TR paper ... Great review as always, I'll which of these notebooks are available in Europe ❤

[@InkyRocks]

Yes, it's the old stuff! Thank you!

[@HandmadebyLorelei]

So cool! I actually really do not like Tomoe RIver paper. I definitely want to try out the Grafilo though, that looks amazing.

[@InkyRocks]

Many people don’t. The Graphilo is great for people who like the shading and sheen of TR but don’t like the ghosting and thinness. It’s a great paper-just a little pricey.

[@timothyrose8217]

And, what are your thoughts on the thickest tomoe type paper for art? I’ve found a clairefontaine that is ok...I still need sheen.

[@InkyRocks]

Yeah, needing sheen, you are probably going to want to stick with TR, CAL, or Graphilo. I've found that Clairefontaine, while a very good paper, falls way behind these with sheen. Takasago has sheen but not at the level of those 3.

[@Tinsleymumsey]

I love the flow of ink💙💙💙

[@InkyRocks]

Me too! We are from the same people hahaha!

[@Tinsleymumsey]

@@InkyRocks pen pals!

[@namope359]

I was feeling weirdly validated with Mnemosyne. I used mine from a paper sample set as an ink tracker until I ran out of space (Clairefontaine booklet on its way) and it had a tendency to bleed with wetter inks (Iroshizuku Samples RIP) or when you stayed a lick longer. That Retro 51 gave me the B&M yearnings again. Otherwise, I've been using a blank Graphilo for documenting writing from each of my pens and for "ombre" stuff.

[@InkyRocks]

Yes, I think Mnemosyne gets passed over a lot because it does have some bleed with wetter inks, but I have those bases covered with CAL, Bank and TR. I like that it dries so fast but is still a good paper. I just wish Graphilo came in more options and was more widely available.

[@arcfide]

Have you ever tried Masuya's Monokaki notebook with their Manuscript paper? I'd love to know how it compares to the above.

[@InkyRocks]

I think I may have several years ago-it has a slight texture and is cream color? If it’s easily available, I’ll check it out!

[@arcfide]

@@InkyRocks Yes, Cream color and crispier, more textured paper (a little like a harder, more Midori MD-like Tomoe River).

[@Merlin012001]

I should be getting a TRP a5 notebook next week. Tabasco is a bit mild for me now. I love Papa Lynn's Jala-Haba sauce. Taka sago bank paper? What is that? That first pencil looks like something sold for test taking at colleges. 0.0 is that an X-wing nib? and where can I get one?

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! Let me work my way thru your questions: Takasago Premium Bank paper is a collab between Mitsubishi and Yamato paper--it is a "premium" bank paper. I got the mechanical pencil from Ali-Express. Are you talking about the flex nib?

[@Merlin012001]

@@InkyRocks yes, the fex nib! I saw something that looked like it and I want to say it was called an X-wing nib...hold on...yep, extra fine xwing - harpoon flex nib. Should have probably gone for harpoon flex, but George Lucas made Star Wars.

[@Merlin012001]

Oh, and the mechanical pencil I found at college was called a Zebra MLP2.

[@InkyRocks]

@@Merlin012001 It's called the "Secretary of de Flex" and Pen Realm makes them. They are a standard Jowo #6 steel nib that he modifies and can be used with any pen that takes a Jowo #6

[@Richard_Barnes]

CAL paper does my head in. Why does it have to broaden all of my lines? It feels great, like writing on a cushion! Ink’s look amazing on it. But that line width thing is doing my head in so I stopped using it. I don’t want that. 😑 Thanks for an incredible video 😃 your voice and tempo is so nice. Chilled, calm, controlled. Am jealous you have all of these papers on your doorstep. 👍🏻

[@InkyRocks]

I looked back over my CAL paper and only maybe the TWSBI with Iroshizuku in it spread. I really didn’t see it (compared to Graphilo and TR). Maybe it’s ink dependent? I’ll keep an eye out for that.

[@thomasvn]

Great video! I really enjoyed it. Thanks for all the information. I am going to look them up. I wonder, do Japanese fountain pen users also complain about the new TR paper? Do you think Tomoegawa actually hears any of these complaints? I can't imagine it is good for business with all these upcoming other paper types. I sometimes wonder if stationery companies are actually aware of the fp community. You pronounced "blauw" very nicely by the way.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I was a little worried about that pronunciation! I think TR paper and the FP community as a whole is a very small part of the company. They don't want to lose income streams but I think we are just a blip. But having said that, perhaps the new paper isn't what I got. I'm really hoping that. I haven't heard any rumblings but I don't know how much is new stuff is out there. TR paper is not one of the biggies over here, though it has grown recently.

[@thomasvn]

@@InkyRocks In one of your videos you showed us some very nice fountain pen shops. Which paper brands do they promote then, if TR isn't big? By the way, is there any other use for TR paper in Japan, besides inks? I just realized you didn't mention Midori MD paper. I really like that paper in their notebooks. I think it is a pretty good alternative to TR. Unrelated, have you ever tried those waxed paper bags and envelopes from Japan?

[@InkyRocks]

@@thomasvn Everything from Rhodia to Midori, Maruman, Kokuyo, Travellers hahaha! There is no "set" winner--I think people like the choice. It used to be that tr was used for like magazines and brochures because it was light weight (for shipping) and strong. I don't know about now. I like Midori paper a lot, it just didn't make it into my top 6. I'm not sure about the bags you are talking about.

[@thomasvn]

@@InkyRocks I was looking for waterproof envelopes, and I stumbled on a Japanese brand, Matsunoya, that makes wax paper bags and envelopes. They look really nice. I haven't bought them yet.

[@InkyRocks]

@@thomasvn No, I haven't tried them

[@dashsunil]

My current favorite are the papers from Nakabayashi, Japan. I do like Midori and Life products as well.

[@InkyRocks]

Those are great papers! Love the designs on the Nakabayashis!

[@dashsunil]

@@InkyRocks Alesa Mam, I have a Japanese store near by here in Bangkok where I used to get Japanese products. This month they have 70% discount on notebooks, so, I stored a lot of them which might let me write throughout this year. 😅

[@InkyRocks]

@@dashsunil hahaha! great idea! You are very fortunate to live near a Japanese store to get them!

[@sajjadhusain4146]

My favorites are Tomoe River, Apica C.D., Midori and Graphilo.

[@InkyRocks]

Those are all awesome papers! The Apica comes in luxe looking notebooks!

[@sajjadhusain4146]

@@InkyRocks ...I do also use a few more ordinary, much more affordably priced paper, too. These premium papers aren’t that necessary for daily use every time. At least not for me. There’s another premium Japanese paper I remember wanting to try out. I can’t remember the name now. It starts with K. 🙂

[@InkyRocks]

@@sajjadhusain4146 I agree. That's why I use Tsubame. I get it at the grocery store. Maybe the paper is Kokuyo?

[@Sglinert]

You missed my favorite paper--Yamamoto Passepied. I bought it directly from the company after having found it in one of their paper tasting booklets. It's smooth and silky, takes light watercolor, and shows sheen very well. It's a bit heavier than Tomoe River, but there is no ghosting at all (but I don't pour ink on my pages except by accident, heh). The new TR is awful, so I cast about for a replacement and Passepied, along with Cosmo Air, are now my daily substrates. I can get even boring Cross Black to sheen on Cosmo Air (it sheens gold!), so while the paper does widen my pen strokes slightly, I love it for its velvety surface and the way it makes even the most pedestrian inks looks extraordinary. I have only found one notebook that uses Passepied, but I as use small ring binders, the lack of bound books isn't a problem for me. In addition, both Passepied and Cosmo Air were developed for book publication, so their color reproduction is extraordinary. I like to mix up papers and print my own lines/grids and artwork on my journal pages (another benefit of using ring binders), and was astounded at the crisp color fidelity these papers offer. Do try Passepeid--I think you will love it as much as i do.

[@InkyRocks]

That sounds interesting. I think I would like to try it. It's hard for me to discipline myself to using loose sheets--where did you see the notebook? I use a ring binder (Plotter) and I enjoy being able to use different kinds of paper in it, but I think I like journals/notebooks better and I'm not sure why. It might be because I would end up throwing out the pages with "mistakes" and I can't do that with a journal haha! Thanks!

[@Sglinert]

@@InkyRocks Here's the only notebook I have found that uses Passepied: inkandvolt.com/products/the-executive-notebook. Happy to send you a few sheets of the paper if you like. Or, you can order a packet directly from Yamamoto and use it for stationery. Runs through a printer with no trouble, so you can print lines...or pictures on it. On another note, I am planning on going to the 2022 Tokyo Pen Show. A long way off, I know, but we go back to Japan every few years to visit friends (we lived there for ten years) and we are traveling elsewhere this year. I hope I can meet you and heap great praise on you personally for your phenomenal videos!

[@InkyRocks]

@@Sglinert Thanks for the link--I just ordered it. I must have missed it in the myriad of paper collections. He is really nice and I think he started something with his paper collections. Please contact me when you make it out here! I usually try to get together with the "out of towners" when the show is on. It will be fun!

[@Sglinert]

@@InkyRocks I hope you do a review of this glorious paper! And I hope to see you next year!

[@cebukitty]

i know this is a strange question, but what japanese paper in your video smells nice? i love subtle fragrances, and the smell of a bookstore is heavenly to me. lol. i love the powdery smell of midori and apica. tomoe river has no such smell. how do the other japanese paper brands smell? :) Thanks! I love your videos by the way. It has such a relaxing vibe akin to drinking hot tea while looking out the mountains :)

[@InkyRocks]

Yikes! I really don't know. And I pride myself in having a pretty sensitive nose (my husband says I'm a blood hound.). I'll need to add that to my list of checking out paper. I know that a lot of people are sensitive to the different smells (or should I say fragrance?!) of ink. I love the idea of being like a cuppa and looking out at mountains--what a lovely image! Thank you!

[@cebukitty]

@@InkyRocks thanks for the reply fellow bloodhound lol! 😂 yeah am particular to smells and fragrances of paper, inks and pens. ive given awesome flowing inks and pens away coz the smell bothered me :(

[@jordanmrvos8196]

Have you ever tried stone or non-wood based papers? I've been seeing a lot about them lately, but haven't seen anyone try them against fountain pens and inks.

[@InkyRocks]

I had tried one a long time ago and remember thinking "meh". Not good or bad. I think I should try again, but I need to find some. I don't remember seeing them at the popular stationery stores here. I'll ask.

[@christoschristoforou2547]

I have recently tried the new TR paper. All my pens are equipped with dip pen nibs that are very fine and flexible, and I like mostly Pelikan blue ink. The new TR paper feels more "crackly" than the old one, and in my experience there is less ghosting with the new paper. The old paper feels a little smoother. Certainly no (more) ink bleeding with the new paper. Perhaps you did have a "bad" batch? Oh, and at the end, you should answer The Question: Stranded on a desert island with all your pens/inks, but only one kind of paper, what would it be? :)

[@InkyRocks]

Old TR paper! There are now more changes to the TR saga. They are moving the production to another machine--so I don't know if there is going to be another difference in performance. Sakae is going to sell out their existing stock and stop. There are questions that even Hobonichi may not use it any more. I'm just going to let the chips fall where they may and adjust.

[@hekatsees9449]

This is unrelated, but I often label inks in my journals.When I run low on space I use the variety of white, silver gold and color glitter markers which are on the market. I use them to write on top of the ink swatch. What surprised me was how beautiful some combinations looked. I usually use the markers for black paper journals. I first tried this in 2019... Too bad my penmanship does not lend any beauty... I’d like to see the technique executed with beautiful penmanship. I guess I’m just curious... Of course, maybe this has been done and I am simply unaware....

[@InkyRocks]

I’ve not heard of it but it sounds pretty cool! I’ll have to look into it!

[@TheKeeny]

Those Sakae TR notebooks are the greatest thing ever created. No lie, when I heard that TR paper had changed, I bought every available Sakae notebook in my home state. Not long ago I went to Hawaii and bought the entirety of a small family owned stationery shop's stock as well. I still don't think I have enough. Are they still sporting the old stuff? I'm going to have to try Graphilo and Takasago. How thick are they? I got some Cosmo Air, but it's SO THICK and cushy.

[@InkyRocks]

I think that the stuff you bought was probably old TR paper. One of the new TR papers I tried was a Sakae "freebee" sample pack at the Stationery Show. (They hand out gifts when you buy their stuff). It was wild because their notebook was fine but the sample was awful. Which makes me believe the "bad batch" info. I had not asked them at that show wether or not it was the new stuff because at that time I wasn't too concerned about it. The next show, I will. Probably a Bungu Joshi show of some sort when they lift this mini lock-down they are having now. Definitely try Graphilo and Takasago. Graphilo is the most "normal" feeling paper.

[@TheKeeny]

@@InkyRocks Oh that makes sense! Maybe they were giving it away for free because it's better than throwing even a damaged batch away? Just like the coffee shop I go to occasionally gives away less-than-perfect looking pastries in the morning. I tried an Endless notebook which has the new stuff in it. I wouldn't call it terrible, but it wasn't the same. It had more feedback and less crinkle--the tactile experience wasn't the same. I'm hoping they realize the error of their ways and figure out how to return to the old formula. Sakae notebooks are hard to come across over here, and they're pricy, but I love their size. It's not intimidating and I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I fill one. I have 10 back-ups. No guarantees that I won't acquire more.

[@InkyRocks]

@@TheKeeny I don't think they tested the sample packs. Fountain pen people are such a small part of their business, I'm not sure it will concern them. I used to burn thru my Sakae notebooks and now I need to be a bit more careful with my hoard hahaha!

[@TheKeeny]

@@InkyRocks That’s true. It’s such perfect fountain pen paper that it’s easy to forget that TRs “intended” use has very little to do with fountain pens. Sigh. That having been said, I’m excited to branch out and try new papers. Maybe someday I’ll find something I like better! (Fingers crossed that it also ends up being cheaper!)

[@cate7777]

All that ink you spilled on to that paper makes me wonder if the paper is watercolor friendly. Would it hold up the same as a piece of Arches cotton watercolor paper. I will have to experiment.

[@InkyRocks]

I have some paper that is a high percentage of cotton but not actual water color paper so I really don't know. Good luck on your experiments!

[@manuelsalazar3938]

I liked you before and now I like you a lot more!!! Her e in Mexico we have a WIDE selection of sauces and chili because we consume A LOT of chili, in my case, my go to sauce for pizza is Tabasco and I have the exact same bottle always ready XD Great video as usual :D

[@InkyRocks]

I feel VALIDATED! Someone from Mexico likes my hot sauce hahaha! Thanks! (I put it on salad!)

[@d.molina5644]

Didn't know there was a paper universe as well. I only use 32 lb premium Hp paper with my fountain pens because specialty papers, like Rhodia and Tomoe River which are easily available, are quite expensive

[@InkyRocks]

The best paper is easily available, affordable and works. HP satisfies all those!

[@d.molina5644]

​@@InkyRocks I agree, however I may be try those paper brands some day, who knows? Anyway, I'd like to see more paper reviews (I love your style), but with longer writing samples (you have a prrety handwriting) using sheening ink with paper that allows sheening and the same with the rest of the ink characteristics.

[@nitin6616]

Hi, which is the smoothest paper for extra fine nibs?

[@InkyRocks]

I didn't use an EF in the video, but I did use the Falcon which is pretty fine and Takasago was the smoothest. Takasago was the smoothest for just about everything!

[@nitin6616]

@@InkyRocks Thanks. How do you rate Rhodia and Tomoe River for EF nibs? Am not sure I can get Takasago easily where i am at.

[@InkyRocks]

@@nitin6616 both are excellent and since it is an EF you don't need to worry about bleed thru etc. I like TR better--if feels smoother to me.

[@nitin6616]

@@InkyRocks Thank you so much!

[@bartendersdaughter6003]

Heads up to anyone who subscribes to Who Gives a Crap toilet paper home delivery - the colorful paper wrapper on each roll is superb for fountain pen writing! Literally iron the sheet with a clothes iron on both sides to un-wrinkle it and you have a roomy expanse for sublime writing. This is not a joke.

[@InkyRocks]

Hahaha! But it’s funny anyways. Sounds like a great recycling tip-thanks!

[@cliveadams7629]

Doubt any of this is available in the UK, well not at an affordable price.

[@InkyRocks]

I heard Japanese items are very expensive in Europe. I’ll be moving to the east coast of the US and trying to go to some shows in the UK. I’ll have to investigate!

[@beccacarrillo]

Something must be wrong here or I am just very confused. The link to Brickadillo's video does not work and when I searched Brickadillo, I come up with a channel that is all about...Lego. Help.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much for checking it out. He was doing some drawing videos that are really cool but decided to stick to LEGO and make another channel for drawing that is still to come. Sorry about the confusion.

[@beccacarrillo]

@@InkyRocks No problem. The video was from several months ago...and things change. :)

[@dokugohikken8769]

While I live in Japan, the Kingdom of Manga, unfortunately I do not draw Manga pictures with a dip pen, so I do not know, but I am wondering whether Manga papers are fountain pen friendly or not. Theoretically, eh, I guess, they should. I guess they should stand against the extreme tests without bleeding. I mean they should stand against the COPIC pens without bleeding, so fountain pen ink should not be a problem for them at all.....

[@InkyRocks]

That’s what I think. They have manga paper at Kakimori to test against other pager.

[@dokugohikken8769]

@@InkyRocks Thank you very much. I may buy some manga papers from an online shop.

[@stacijohnson9825]

It amazes me how you can even make your cleaning tissue look beautiful! 😆

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! I KNOW! Sometimes the clean-up material looks better than the stuff I'm trying to film!

[@terrimccormick1324]

Tobasco sauce is the best.☺️

[@InkyRocks]

TRUTH!

[@lead-dog]

Your Inkness, the Duchess of Nibs. What a great and creative video. I learned so many new trick of the trade. I can't wait to put some of to use. At one point I think you misspoke. You said something like "I'm not very smart". That's totally false. We think you're brilliant or something great. PS I thought I commented earlier today. But I looked all up and down the page and I must have not hit the "comment" button. Talk about stupid.

[@InkyRocks]

Oh no-you commented on another video. Thanks so much for checking out my catalog of vids! 💖

[@UrbanHafner]

Showing us all the paper we can't get. 😂

[@InkyRocks]

The Dutch Pen Show is on my bucket list--do you ever attend it? If you do, I'll bring you gobs of paper!

[@UrbanHafner]

@@InkyRocks I haven't, yet. But after 2020 and 2021 I am sorely tempted. That said, I do have some of the paper you reviewed in the end.

[@VincentDuxD]

Wait, no, stew? Well, live dangerously I guess, I’m surprised by how much calm smart ppl get away with these days 😂

[@bhoola123]

Tabasco Sauce and InkyRocks? Click on video . . .

[@InkyRocks]

Hahaha! Spicey and inky! 💕

[@simeonking2910]

Noooo not on the desk!!!!!!

[@InkyRocks]

Yesssss the desk!!!!

[@jankafka7330]

Your voice and delivery are not suited for video narration. I made it less than a minute and a half into the video before I had to put it on hold, hit the dislike button, and comment before going back to the main page to block your channel.

[@InkyRocks]

You certainly spent a lot of time on something you don't like. I suggest next time you are watching something you find unpleasant--just click away to something else. Take care.

[@Kiruta]

@@InkyRocks I personally find your voice terrific for narration! It is soothing yet you can feel how passionate you are behind whatever subject you are speaking of. And I am very shocked about tomoe river paper being changed. My first experience with tomoe river paper was with my hobonichi planner back in 2018 and I fell completely in love because of how well it tends to show the shading and sheen of inks. Now I feel like I have to hoard hobonichi 2021 version hahaha.

[@InkyRocks]

@@Kiruta Thank you! Yes, the current news I'm getting is that people ARE hoarding. I really don't know but in the end, it's just paper hahaha!

[@inkyrick7830]

This was a fantastic video! Super useful, and beautifully presented!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I always do a "double take" on your name--it looks close to mine hahaha!💕

[@the-wonder-of-it-all]

I went to the youtube channel "brickadillo" and there were only lego videos. anyone find the correct one with drawing?

[@InkyRocks]

Yeah, I think he decided his drawings weren't pulling views and removed them. It's sad because he is very talented.