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I've used printer paper for a year and used a fountain pen almost exclusively. Everywhere i go I hear that printer paper is bad and you shouldn't write with a fountain pen on it, but I've had pretty much no problem with it. I've only used Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue and Pelikan 4001 Brilliant Black and I've heard they are dry inks, so maybe thats why I had no feathering, or any bleedthrough that's too bad. Also I've mostly used a Japanese medium nib. It was some 80gsm ink jet paper from Fabriano (it was Copy 3 I think) I got it because it was cheap, and it looks like it performs vastly better than cheap notebook paper. Why is printer paper frowned upon? Sounds like a good option for people on a budget.

Recently went to Brussels on a family trip and wanted to explore pen shops. Didn't have time to search very far but found a lovely little shop near the old centre called Le Typographe. This is their second shop in Brussels and has only been open a 3-4 months according to the salesperson. They also have a workshop in Brussels and the website suggests another shop in Paris. Small shop, open afternoons only (like many Brussels shops) with mainly notebooks and cards, all produced by themselves. Not the cheapest but some gorgeous things and the paper I bought was fountain pen friendly. They also do stunning gift boxes - sadly, only available in continental Europe, not UK, but that was probably a good thing for my wallet.... Recommended if you're visiting this lovely city.

Does anyone know where you can buy A5 or Letter sized paper blank, similar to Rhodia or Leuchtturm in 25pk or 50pks? I want to design a nice layout and print off a few sheets to use for reviews. Before I go buy a pad of paper and dismantle it, I wondered if anyone had any recommendations for buying stationery as sheets vs book/pad form. A5 would be preferred, probably get a decent review done on that size... I like the Rhodia dot grid pads I have which is why after paper that's similar, but will look at other options. Just figured for a review, a commonly used/found paper like Rhodia would make sense. Thanks

Hi guys, I'm in the market for paper of consistent stock that is suitable for both printing AND writing with a fountain pen (think marginalia, forms, and ink reviews). Since joining the forum I've heard lots of rave reviews for that HP laser paper, but unfortunately, that won't work because I can't get it: it's not available in local shops, and I can't seem to find it online unless maybe it's from the US, and that won't do because it's bound to cost a ton to ship (paper is heavy, maaan). So: what other papers with similar traits can you think of? (Double the points if you know for a fact they're available to the european market!) Here's what I need: - A4/letter - printable (inkjet - doesn't have to be fantastic, printing quality's where I can compromise) - FP frisky (there's FP friendly, and then there's FP frisky...geddit?) I like mine smooooth (don't care about drying...love Clairefontaine & Rhodia) and heavy (at least 80gsm) - white (for the odd ink review). No need to go OTT and make it blinding white, but still, white, not cream/ivory. Usual bribes refreshments and/or rewards available - cookies/bacon/booze, kittens/puppies/wabbits etc

In the below picture, the two scraps of paper on the right were cut from the two sizes of printer paper we use in the office, US legal (8.5 x 14 inches) and letter (8.5 x 11 inches). My little Rhodia notebook is next to them for comparison. All the writing samples are with the same Esterbrook; the only thing not indicated on the paper is the nib, a 9788, which is described as an "extra flexible medium". It doesn't really flex much, though, without more pressure than I typically put on it, and the line it puts down can be close to fine. http://i614.photobucket.com/albums/tt221/mapn/Pens/Papers_zps4475d923.jpg I noticed long ago that internal forms which we print on the legal size paper are not FP friendly. One in particular, where I have to fill in little boxes, is best done with a ballpoint. The ink simply spreads out too much, as you can see in the top sample. The letter size paper, on the other hand, is just fine with fountain pens. These come from the same office supply chain, with the store's branding. It's not likely that the uncut size has anything to do with the difference in performance, of course. More likely they are intended for different uses. Or perhaps the seller sources them from different paper manufacturers. Just thought this was an interesting example of the wide differences in "normal" papers, from the point of view of an FP user.

If so, get in touch!

Hi all! I'm looking for a black ink with a fast drying time for use on regular inkjet/office paper. My previous focus on inks has primarily been towards permanency and flow but now I need to find something that will dry fast and not feather on cheaper paper. Anyone got any good ideas, preferably for something I can source quickly in the UK. With these qualities in mind I hear good things on this site about J.Herbin Perle Noire, Waterman Black but if there are any others please let me know. Thanks, Badger