Review: Tesco Finest 120 gsm paper

[HelzBelz]

I apologise for these being photos, rather than scans: my old scanner and new laptop aren’t the best of friends.

 

This is my new favourite paper, as it’s cheaper and easier to get hold of than Clairefontaine, which is my benchmark for good quality paper. This is about twice as thick as Clairefontaine/ most paper, and almost as glassy smooth. That said, it may still suit people who aren’t into the ultra-smoothness of CF – it’s not coated, so you don’t feel the same ‘glide’ with it. Of course, these are very subjective ways of thinking about it, but to me, CF paper feels almost lubricated: all nibs feel smoother on it. This doesn’t: it doesn’t offer resistance, but instead allows a nib’s natural smoothness to travel across the paper. It’s white, but not glaringly so. I prefer off-white paper usually, but this shade is inoffensive to my eyes, and shows the inks nicely.

 

I’ll allow my review to do the rest of the talking:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2732/4315430157_a7a4158338.jpg

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4316167158_9576bdd014.jpg

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4316167522_98d4b6b5ff.jpg

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4316165568_d878050bf9.jpg

 

The back of the page, showing that only the marker bled.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2800/4315429109_2f8f745f9d.jpg

 

Held up to the light:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2690/4316166070_4981e689e9.jpg

 

These pictures were taken in natural light, and are colour-corrected as best as possible. On my monitor the colours look right. I’m using this paper in my planner at the moment, and may use it for letters as well.

 

You can click on any of the pictures to view them in a larger size at Flickr. This is also posted at my Livejournal.

[carlc]

That's me off to Tescos then....

 

Still love Oxford Optik paper - but it hurts the pocket.

 

Thanks for the review.

 

Carl

[Ed Ronax]

Nice review thanks.

[orangos]

Any sign of nib-clogging from coatings, or hasn't this been a problem?

[HelzBelz]

Any sign of nib-clogging from coatings, or hasn't this been a problem?

 

None whatsoever, although I haven't been using it for long - coming up to a month, I think.

[orangos]

Any sign of nib-clogging from coatings, or hasn't this been a problem?

 

None whatsoever, although I haven't been using it for long - coming up to a month, I think.

 

That's good to know. I'm sure you would have noticed something by now -- clay coatings etc tend to show their hand quickly enough. Now I have to find my local main branch -- the 'finest 120gsm' isn't listed online.

 

Thanks for the information!

Edited February 1, 2010 by orangos

[orangos]

Gosh darn it. I went to the nearest big Tesco this evening and there was barely any stationery at all. Oh well!

[AAN]

Many thanks for this review, it solved a problem I have. I spend quite a bit of time each day writing on proformas that are emailed to me and are printed out, double sided, on a laser printer. Thus the paper gets hot, dry and rather absorbent. I always use a fountain pen because I like to and I can! However, it's difficult finding paper that will survive the double cooking and not make even XF nibs write fat.

 

This paper does the job perfectly: it's smooth but still has a little bite. The latter will, I think, make writing with my soon-to-arrive Dupont Olympio a great experience.

 

PS The paper I was using previously, Viking Data Copy Everyday Printing 80g, feels good and takes the FP well, UNTIL it goes through the laser printer for a second time.