Sugarmade Multipurpose Paper From Officemax

[fiberdrunk]

I noticed the OfficeMax website had a sugarcane paper, and since we've all had such good experiences with Staples Sustainable Earth sugarcane paper, I decided to try this one since Staples doesn't offer an unlined paper so far as I know.

 

Sugarmade Multipurpose Paper is only available on the OfficeMax website. Through midnight tonight (March 3rd) you can get 20% off your order using the code BIGLEAP (all in caps). I received it in less than 48 hours from the time I ordered it online! I was amazed! I happened to order it on a day when OfficeMax offered free shipping as well. As a result, I got this paper for less than a penny per sheet. Otherwise, without the discounts, it is $49.99 plus shipping for a case (it doesn't look like you can purchase individual reams).

 

Details:

 

Weight: 20 lbs.

Brightness: 92

Sheet size: 8.5"x11"

Fiber: sugarcane & bamboo -- acid-free

Package size: 500 sheets

Case: contains 10 reams (or 5000 sheets)

Origin: China

Paper website: Sugarmade

Where to buy: OfficeMax website only

 

 

I like the bright white sheet and it's a good smooth paper. None of the inks I tested bled or feathered. Show-through on the back was very minimal, even though this was quite a thin sheet. There was no bleed-through with the inks I tested. The only other unlined sugarcane paper I can compare it to is Caliber 100% Tree-free Paper from CVS (which I've been using heavily for the last 6 months without complaint). The Caliber paper is slightly rougher/toothier and not nearly as bright white as the Sugarmade. And the Caliber has more show-through than the Sugarmade, despite being the thicker sheet. Of the two papers, I'd have to say I prefer the Sugarmade one, though both perform well with fountain pen ink (and inkjet ink, for that matter). And I think fans of Staples Sustainable Earth notebooks will find Sugarmade ranks similar in performance.

 

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6803310838_27796c9cce_b.jpg

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6803376572_d8159ae747_b.jpg

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6803307126_f5e1416b66_b.jpg

Edited March 3, 2012 by fiberdrunk

[rockydoggy]

Thanks so much for the head's up.

Just ordered some--the 20%-off code made a big difference.

[plc123]

I thank you for this review, but my wallet doesn't. I just ordered a box.

[fiberdrunk]

I hope you'll be happy with it! :embarrassed_smile:

[plc123]

I just got it today! And you're right, it's wonderful paper for fountain pen inks. I tried it with a dip pen, and no feathering and no show through!

 

I'm going to make a bunch of my work notebooks with it - I also love that it's 20lb paper, so I can fit more pages without the notebook getting thicker (I have been using 24 or 26lb paper.) And the price is tough to beat, too.

 

I only wish that it were more off white / ivory / cream color. It's hard to win them all!

 

Thanks again for the review and the heads up!

[lovemy51]

thx for the review! do u know if they carry it in their stores?

[fiberdrunk]

thx for the review! do u know if they carry it in their stores?

 

I went to my local OfficeMax and they did not have it. It appears to be a web-order only item, unfortunately.

 

eta: OfficeMax does have free shipping on orders over $50, and seeing how a case of this paper is $49.99, you're almost there! Keep your eyes open for other sales... I just happened to look at the website on a day when they had both a 20% off code plus free shipping.

Edited March 7, 2012 by fiberdrunk

[fiberdrunk]

I just got it today! And you're right, it's wonderful paper for fountain pen inks. I tried it with a dip pen, and no feathering and no show through!

 

I'm going to make a bunch of my work notebooks with it - I also love that it's 20lb paper, so I can fit more pages without the notebook getting thicker (I have been using 24 or 26lb paper.) And the price is tough to beat, too.

 

I only wish that it were more off white / ivory / cream color. It's hard to win them all!

 

Thanks again for the review and the heads up!

 

I'm glad you liked it, too!

[lovemy51]

thx for the review! do u know if they carry it in their stores?

 

I went to my local OfficeMax and they did not have it. It appears to be a web-order only item, unfortunately.

 

eta: OfficeMax does have free shipping on orders over $50, and seeing how a case of this paper is $49.99, you're almost there! Keep your eyes open for other sales... I just happened to look at the website on a day when they had both a 20% off code plus free shipping.

bummer! i can only spare $10 to buy paper right now, but not $50. thx for the heads-up, anyways!

[John Cullen]

Does it feel about the same weight as the Staples Bagasse paper, which is very light feeling?

 

This certainly sounds promising!!

 

I wish they sold by the ream, but when I looked at this was I correct that they are selling 10 reams for $50? That is cheaper than the Double A now being offered on Amazon at something like 8 bucks a ream.

[fiberdrunk]

Does it feel about the same weight as the Staples Bagasse paper, which is very light feeling?

 

This certainly sounds promising!!

 

I wish they sold by the ream, but when I looked at this was I correct that they are selling 10 reams for $50? That is cheaper than the Double A now being offered on Amazon at something like 8 bucks a ream.

 

Sugarmade is a little heavier/thicker than Staples Sustainable Earth. Sustainable Earth has some show-through with wetter pens/inks, while Sugarmade is quite opaque and has none.

 

Yes, it's 10 reams for $49.99. OfficeMax has free shipping over $50, so buy a pen or something with it, then you'll have no shipping costs.

[plc123]

Does it feel about the same weight as the Staples Bagasse paper, which is very light feeling?

 

This certainly sounds promising!!

 

I wish they sold by the ream, but when I looked at this was I correct that they are selling 10 reams for $50? That is cheaper than the Double A now being offered on Amazon at something like 8 bucks a ream.

 

I don't know the Staples Bagasse paper very well, but since this is 20lb paper, it is thin.

 

 

Yes, it is 10 reams for $49.99. They sometimes have discounts, and I got a 20% discount with my order. I ordered some other little thing, and that put me a little over $50 and free shipping.

 

Good luck!

[fiberdrunk]

OfficeMax has free shipping over $25.00 this week only (usually you have to spend $50 to get free shipping).

[fiberdrunk]

This paper is currently on sale for $29.99 for a 10-ream case, down from $49.99 (free shipping over $50). Only available online.

Edited April 15, 2012 by fiberdrunk

[pen2paper]

fiberd does this 20lb version wrinkle like the thinner staples version?

do you think it could it handle being punched, and spiral bound?

[pen2paper]

PS did you try running it through a printer?

(to set guidelines, and planner sheets?)

[fiberdrunk]

PS did you try running it through a printer?

(to set guidelines, and planner sheets?)

 

 

I have been using this paper pretty exclusively since the beginning of March. I've printed off homeschooling worksheets onto it (Epson inkjet printer) as well as written many letters with it (with fountain pens/inks, of course!) It's behaved well for me. I have hole-punched it, too (no problems), but haven't tried to have it bound yet. I may be doing that soon, though. I've never noticed any wrinkling.

Edited April 15, 2012 by fiberdrunk

[radellaf]

Extra 5% off code: AAAOMX22

[kronos77]

Is the surface somewhat glossy like the Staples Bagasse?

[fiberdrunk]

Is the surface somewhat glossy like the Staples Bagasse?

 

It's a nice bright white sheet. It seems very similar to me, only a little thicker than the Sustainable Earth notebook pages. I don't know if I'd characterize it as glossy though.