So, I like to write simple notes, journaling, to-do lists, or essays/fiction with a fountain pen whenever possible, and I’m trying to find a good journal or planner to use. My Pilot and Diamine inks feather a lot on the paper I’m currently using, and that’s really the main problem I want to address.
What brands or products would you recommend? What kind of paper do you like best?
While these are a touch harder to buy long term since both are discontinued, Tomoe River 62gsm and Cosmo Air Light are my two favourites. If you are in a place where your tax-free limit isn’t painfully low so the DHL customs clearance fee doesn’t slap you across the face, Danika some number in Etsy should still have stock on some huge sized (like 300 and 500+ options) notebooks. Taroko shop still has some Tomoe River 68gsm and CAL on Etsy. I have personally bought from them about 5 years ago. It was a great experience and product. Odyssey Notebook should still have some stock left too. Jet Pens has some blank CAL notebooks left from Yamamoto. They come with lined and grid guide sheets to put underneath if that’s your jam.
In terms of stuff still available, I will echo the recommendation for Tomoe River 52gsm (Jet Pens Kanso among many others), Clairefontaine, and Midori MD are all excellent picks. If you’re looking comparatively cheap at the cost of performance, I find Kokuyo Campus hits the spot for me.
I have been playing around with Perpernap notebooks from I think Kokuyo? They come in three different textures depends how much friction you like. I have been pleased with the two smoother ones, but I can see the one with the most friction having some fans, especially people who also like to use pencil.