Fountain pens continue to captivate writing enthusiasts. I count myself among them. However, to fully enjoy the fountain pen experience, understanding the best notebooks for fountain pens makes all the difference.
Choosing the best notebooks for fountain pens can impact the quality of your writing and overall enjoyment. If you’re new to fountain pens, you probably have questions. What notebook works with a fountain pen? Am I about to blow my budget on super fancy paper?
Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. But first, I want to highlight some of the things you should think about as you’re shopping for the best fountain pen notebooks. Here’s what to know.
Why notebook paper matters
If you’ve ever used a rollerball or ballpoint pen, I suspect you’ve never once thought about the paper you’re writing on — back of an envelope, newsprint, printer paper, it all works. With fountain pens, you need to pay more attention.
Use the wrong paper, and you’ll have a crappy writing experience. Feathering, bleed-through, and smudging end up writing what you’ve jotted down. With fountain pens, the paper quality plays a significant role in enhancing or detracting from your writing experience.
Fountain pens use ink that has a higher viscosity than ballpoint pens and gel pens. As a result, the ink tends to sit on top of the paper surface rather than being absorbed like with other types of pens. Additionally, fountain pen ink dries slower than other inks, which means it may still be wet for a while on certain types of paper, leading to smudging.
Finally, some papers offer a nice tactile experience and showcase the ink’s shading and sheen, so you can really see the beauty and shimmer of some inks.
The Role of Paper Quality
The type of paper you choose for your fountain pen writing depends on various factors, such as the type of nib you use, your writing style, and your personal preferences.
The ink in fountain pens needs a certain type of paper to perform optimally, and the best fountain pen papers absorb ink better than others. One important aspect of paper quality is its weight, measured by GSM (grams per square meter). A higher GSM indicates thicker and more substantial paper, which can handle fountain pen ink without bleed-through or feathering. A lower GSM may mean the paper is too thin and lightweight, making it easy for the paper to wrinkle and tear.
If you’re picking a notebook for your fountain pen, think about the weight and thickness of the paper. Understanding GSM paper weight can help.
- Lower GSM papers, such as 70-80gsm, are generally thinner and lighter. They may be prone to feathering and bleed-through, particularly with wetter fountain pen nibs.
- Medium-weight papers in the range of 80-120gsm strike a balance between affordability and performance.
- Premium notebooks usually feature heavyweight papers, typically 120gsm or higher. These provide excellent resistance to bleed-through and feathering, allowing you to use both sides of the paper without any issues.
Consider these features when choosing a notebook for fountain pens
When it comes to writing with a fountain pen, the right notebook makes all the difference. Not all paper is created equal. Choosing the wrong notebook can lead to frustration, smudging, and ruined pages. Here are some key features to consider reviewing the best notebooks for fountain pens.
Paper Weight and Thickness
The weight and thickness of the paper are essential. Heavier and thicker paper absorbs ink better, reducing the chances of smudging and feathering and preventing ink from bleeding through to the other side of the page.
However, thicker paper can also make the notebook bulkier and heavier, which may not be ideal for those who prefer a more compact notebook. Cost is a factor too, notebooks with heavier paper weights tend to cost more.
Paper Smoothness and Texture
The texture and smoothness of the paper can also affect the writing experience. Textured paper can give depth and character to your writing, allowing for better control and adding a tactile element to your penmanship.
In contrast, smooth paper creates a clean and uniform appearance, making it ideal for more formal or professional writing. Ultimately, the choice between textured and smooth paper comes down to personal preference, and the type of writing you plan to do. Personally, I prefer a smoother paper for my daily writing.
Ink Absorption and Dry Time
The ink absorption rate and the time it takes for the ink to dry are critical factors to consider when selecting a fountain pen-friendly notebook. Some papers absorb ink quickly, while others take longer, allowing for more even ink distribution.
This may matter more depending on the type of nib and ink you use. If you prefer an extra-fine or fine nib that writes more dry, then you don’t have to pay a ton of attention to this. But if you love a thicker nib and wet ink, you have to give the paper time to dry before closing your notebook or flipping a page.
Binding and Notebook Construction
The binding and construction of the notebook are also important factors to consider, though this does come down to personal preference as well. A well-constructed notebook should have a sturdy cover that protects the pages inside and prevents them from getting damaged or torn. Additionally, the binding should allow for easy page-turning and should not come apart easily.
For example, you’d be surprised to learn that spiral-bound notebooks are a popular choice for fountain pen enthusiasts since they allow the notebook to lay flat, making it easier to write on both sides of the page. However, other binding types may offer more durability and a cleaner appearance.
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Get The FREE CheatsheetTop notebook brands for fountain pen users
Each of these brands offers unique features and benefits, catering to different preferences and writing styles. Here are some of the more popular fountain pen-friendly notebook brands out there:
Rhodia
Rhodia notebooks are a popular choice among fountain pen enthusiasts for a great combination of price, paper weight, and durability.
Rhodia notebooks are known for their exceptional paper quality, offering a smooth and consistent writing experience. The paper is resistant to feathering and bleed-through, making it a popular choice among fountain pen enthusiasts.
The paper is acid-free, pH-neutral, and has a smooth texture that enhances your writing experience. Rhodia notebooks come in various sizes, including A4, A5, and A6, and have a hardcover or softcover binding.
Leuchtturm1917
This is my notebook of choice. I love my 1917 and have been using them for years.
Leuchtturm1917 notebooks are renowned for their attention to detail and variety of features. With high-quality paper and a range of page layouts, they provide a versatile option for fountain pen users. This is my notebook of choice.
The German brand produces high-quality notebooks ideal for fountain pen users. The paper is thick and has dotted grid options (my preference) in addition to lined and blank. It has a sturdy cover that comes in various colors, and the pages have a unique feature that lets you number them, making it easy to keep track of your notes.
Clairefontaine
The folks at Clairefontaine know their audience, you can see they put fountain pen friendly right on the cover.
Clairefontaine notebooks are praised for their superb paper quality, which is incredibly fountain pen friendly. The paper is smooth, reducing feathering and providing a delightful writing experience.
Clairefontaine is a French brand that makes high-quality notebooks with ink-resistant paper that promotes smooth and even ink flow. They also use eco-friendly paper that is acid-free, pH-neutral, and made from sustainable materials. The binding is sturdy and keeps the pages intact which helps if you are someone who travels with your notebook.
Tomoe River
Tomoe River makes its own notebooks and also supplies paper for some other brands. Check and see what kind of paper your favorite notebooks use.
Tomoe River paper is a favorite among fountain pen users who appreciate thin, lightweight paper with exceptional ink resistance. Despite its thinness, it handles fountain pen ink remarkably well, showcasing shading and sheen beautifully, so they’re popular with artists.
The Japanese brand produces fountain pen-friendly paper that has excellent ink resistance, prevents smudging, and has a beautiful texture. The paper is thin, but that doesn’t compromise its quality, as it’s surprisingly durable and resilient. Tomoe River notebooks come in various sizes, including pocket sizes that are convenient for everyday use.
Moleskine
If you love a Moleskin but want to use your pens, look for the PRO edition, which has a thicker paper weight. So it's more fountain-pen friendly.
Moleskine is an Italian brand that makes notebooks with high-quality paper that prevents ink bleed-through and ghosting. These notebooks offer a classic and timeless design coupled with fountain pen-friendly paper. They’re a popular choice for their portability and aesthetic appeal.
Moleskines come in various sizes and styles, and they have a hardcover that protects your notes from damage. However, some Moleskine notebooks can be hit or miss when it comes to their fountain pen performance, especially if you prefer a wetter nib, so it’s essential to pick the right model for your needs.
Best Notebooks Fountain Pen Writing Styles
Different notebooks work well depending on what you plan to do with your pens and notebooks. Here are a few examples.
Notebooks for Calligraphy and Hand Lettering
For calligraphy and hand lettering, you need a notebook with paper that has little texture and high ink resistance. Rhodia and Leuchtturm1917 make excellent notebooks for calligraphy, as they have smooth paper that allows your pen to glide effortlessly and create sharp, defined strokes.
Notebooks for Bullet Journaling
For bullet journaling, you need a notebook that has a dotted grid or a solid grid that allows for easy organization. Leuchtturm1917 is the ideal choice for bullet journaling, as they come with numbered pages, an index, and a pocket in the back for storing important notes and stickers.
Notebooks for Sketching and Drawing
For sketching and drawing, you need a notebook with paper that has slight texture or tooth to it. Tomoe River makes an excellent notebook for sketching, as it has paper that promotes vivid and vibrant colors and has minimal bleed-through.
Notebooks for Everyday Writing and Note-taking
For everyday writing and note-taking, you need a notebook that is convenient to carry and sturdy enough to withstand frequent use. Moleskine is an excellent choice for everyday writing, as they make pocket-sized notebooks that fit easily in your pocket or bag. Also, their large-sized notebooks are sturdy enough to withstand frequent use.
FAQs about Fountain Pen Notebooks
Here are some common questions you may have about fountain pen notebooks:
1. Can I use a regular notebook for my fountain pen?
It is possible; it may just take a lot of trial and error. For instance, I grabbed a $1.50 notebook at the dollar store that works amazingly with my TWISBI Eco Medium Nib. That was purely by chance, though, so if you have the chance to grab cheap notebooks or try a sample day at your local stationary shop, go for it.
2. Are fountain pen notebooks significantly more expensive than regular notebooks?
While fountain pen notebooks may be slightly pricier than regular notebooks, there are various options available at different price points. You can find affordable fountain pen-friendly notebooks without compromising on quality.
3. Can I use fountain pen notebooks with other pens?
Absolutely! Fountain pen notebooks are designed to handle fountain pen ink, but they can also accommodate other writing instruments such as rollerball pens, gel pens, or pencils.
4. What is the best notebook size for everyday use?
The best notebook size for everyday use depends on personal preference and portability needs. I tend to carry an A5 size, which is about 8 inches by 6 inches. But I have smaller notebooks like Field Notes, I’ll toss in my purse. Some people prefer bigger notebooks, so it’s app preference.
5. Do all fountain pen notebooks have lined pages?
No, fountain pen notebooks offer a variety of page layouts to cater to different writing preferences. You can choose from lined, dotted, grid, or even blank pages based on your needs.
6. How can I prevent ink smudging in my notebook?
To prevent ink smudging, look for notebooks with quick-drying paper or consider using faster-drying fountain pen inks. Allow sufficient drying time before closing your notebook or turning the pages.
Final thoughts
Choosing the best notebook for fountain pens can be time-consuming, but it’s worth the effort. Plus, who doesn’t love playing around with notebooks?
Whether you’re a calligraphy enthusiast, bullet journaler, sketch artist, or someone who enjoys taking notes, the notebook you use can enhance your enjoyment of writing by hand. And isn’t that what we’re all after anyway?
Liz
Hey, I'm Liz. I'm the founder of this thing. Pen-obsessed and a notebook nut, I love writing by hand. So I'm gonna talk about it on a computer.Download this cheatsheet and get expert solutions for the 13 most common pen problems.
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