Paper Tests & Tomoe River vs Alternatives: My Honest Hands-On Comparison Eleanor Wright Paper Tests & Tomoe River As a calligrapher and fountain pen enthusiast, I often find myself immersed in the world of paper. The choice of paper can make or break the writing experience, and one name that regularly rises to the top of discussions is Tomoe River. I’ve spent countless hours experimenting with this legendary paper and several alternatives, always on the quest for the perfect writing surface. Today, I’m excited to share my hands-on comparison of Tomoe River paper versus some popular alternatives. ### Why Paper Matters To me, paper is more than just a surface; it’s a canvas for creativity. The texture, thickness, and ink absorption can drastically affect how my fountain pens perform and how my calligraphy flows. I’ve learned that not all papers are created equal, which is why I’ve gathered a few contenders to compare against Tomoe River. ### The Contenders In this comparison, I’ve tested the following papers: 1. **Tomoe River (52gsm)** 2. **Leuchtturm1917 (80gsm)** 3. **Clairefontaine (90gsm)** 4. **Rhodia (80gsm)** I’ll be looking at several key factors: **ink absorption**, **feathering**, **show-through**, and **drying time**. ### The Testing Process I used the same fine nib fountain pen and the same ink across all papers to ensure a fair comparison. For this test, I selected the popular **Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki** ink. #### Ink Absorption Ink absorption is crucial for ensuring that my writing isn’t a smudgy mess. Here’s how each paper fared: - **Tomoe River**: It has an incredibly smooth surface that allows ink to sit beautifully without bleeding. The ink dries quickly, making it a joy to write on. - **Leuchtturm1917**: The ink absorbed well, but it took a little longer to dry than Tomoe River, leading to some minor smudging. - **Clairefontaine**: This paper has a silky finish that allows for a rich ink flow. However, it took slightly longer to dry compared to Tomoe River. - **Rhodia**: Similar to Clairefontaine, it features a smooth surface, but I noticed a bit of feathering with wetter inks. #### Feathering Feathering can ruin the clean lines I aim for in my calligraphy. Here’s my take: - **Tomoe River**: No feathering whatsoever. The lines remain crisp and clean. - **Leuchtturm1917**: A minor amount of feathering, but not enough to detract from the experience. - **Clairefontaine**: Very minimal feathering, which is acceptable for most situations. - **Rhodia**: More noticeable feathering than the others, especially with wetter inks. #### Show-Through Show-through is something I’m always cautious about, especially when I’m working on both sides of paper. - **Tomoe River**: It has a reputation for being thin, but I experienced minimal show-through. It’s ideal for journaling or note-taking. - **Leuchtturm1917**: Moderate show-through, which can be distracting during use. - **Clairefontaine**: Very little show-through, making it a solid option for double-sided use. - **Rhodia**: Similar to Clairefontaine, but slightly worse in terms of show-through. #### Drying Time After writing, I always let my pieces dry for a few moments, but the actual drying time can vary. - **Tomoe River**: Dries incredibly fast, usually within seconds. - **Leuchtturm1917**: Takes a bit longer, around 10-15 seconds. - **Clairefontaine**: Similar to Leuchtturm, with a drying time of about 10 seconds. - **Rhodia**: Approximately 15 seconds, sometimes longer for heavier ink applications. ### Summary of Results Here’s a quick comparison of all papers based on my testing:
Paper Ink Absorption Feathering Show-Through Drying Time (seconds)
Tomoe River Excellent None Minimal 3-5
Leuchtturm1917 Good Minor Moderate 10-15
Clairefontaine Very Good Minimal Very Little 10
Rhodia Good Noticeable Similar to Clairefontaine 15
### Personal Insights and Final Thoughts After testing these papers side by side, I still hold Tomoe River in high regard. Its unique qualities make it a standout choice for serious fountain pen users. However, both Clairefontaine and Leuchtturm1917 are great alternatives that provide excellent performance, especially for those who prefer a bit more structure and weight in their paper.
💡 Eleanor Wright's Rule of Thumb: If you’re looking for the perfect paper for your fountain pen, always test a small sample first. What works for me might not work for you, so give yourself the chance to explore!
### FAQ Section
What is Tomoe River paper best used for?
Tomoe River paper is ideal for fountain pens, calligraphy, and archival journaling due to its exceptional ink handling and minimal bleed-through.
Is Tomoe River paper worth the price?
For me, absolutely! The quality of the writing experience and the performance with various inks make it a worthwhile investment.
Can I use Tomoe River paper for sketching?
While it’s primarily designed for writing, many artists use it for light sketching with fineliners or colored pencils, but be cautious with wet mediums.
In conclusion, exploring the paper landscape has been a deeply fulfilling journey for me, and I hope my experiences help you in your quest for the perfect writing surface. Happy writing!