I still have a little bit of Tomoe River from before 2019. It is so sad and disappointing that this legendary Japanese paper is not produced anymore. Thank you for the test Tamer.
I also still have some TR paper from before the switch in 2019. Even then the news was surprising and tough to hear because I loved it so much. I wish it had worked out better, but I did think it was important to share what I found testing it out. Hopefully now it's on to find new options and remember the wonderful paper that it was - I really loved filling up books filled with these magical pages 😃
I call it "Tomoe Sanzen" myself, with the old paper being called "Tomoe River". I still have 10 blank & lined Nanami Tomoe River Seven Seas Writers in reserve from about 12 years ago, maybe longer. And a couple of grid books.
Ok, Tamer - your video title had me a bit worried you were speaking of your channel! ;) But I'm sorry your favorite paper is not your favorite anymore. So frustrating when we have a favorite of something and they feel the need to change it. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" :)
Hi Ted! Great to hear from you! I was so wrapped up in the idea of whether I'd be saying goodbye to my favorite paper that that's all I was thinking about (I was honestly surprisingly nervous about testing it since I've loved Tomoe River for years...) Sorry for the scare there! I'm actually planning on lots more videos coming soon, so I'm definitely still here 😃 It definitely was a huge bummer seeing how things turned out. I genuinely didn't know how things would turn out when I started recording so I was pretty excited and you can probably see my disappointment after the test.. I recorded that bit right after I finished writing. I would have even set up the cameras to better capture the feathering but I wasn't expecting it to happen or be that pronounced... I've found some alternatives that I like, though so let me know if you'd find that interesting!
I’m glad I started collecting paper before it was announced they were going out of business. I only use it for special projects. The new paper is fine for my gel pens.
It's awesome that you still have stash of the original paper! I'm not aware of any spots that still have it - there were a few vendors that had some notebooks with the original paper, but they were definitely charging a premium and I believe they ran out. I'm totally with you that the new paper would work totally fine for gel pens 😃
Thank you for the video. I too was very saddened by the "death" of original Tomoe River paper. It was my all time favorite. Unfortunately, my stash is depleted. Like you I tried the "new" TRP and also Sanzen TRP, as well as a host of other papers. While I really did not care for the "new" TRP, the Sanzen is acceptable. I don't do calligraphy like you, but I do use B, BB and 1.1 and 1.5 stub nibs in fairly juicy pens. Bleedthrough and feathering does occur with some inks, but not all. Sanzen clearly does not perform to the level of original TRP, but IMO it is superior to "new" TRP. I am sure that you already know, but Nanami does have a few notebooks with original TRP, but they are pricey. As I said, Sanzen TRP is acceptable, particularly since I use the Seven Seas notebooks for work.
Thanks so much for your kind words and sharing your feedback! I'm so happy that you found the Sanzen paper usable for the nibs workable for those nibs (especially with them being broad and up 1.5mm stub!). I was really sad when the original TRP went away as it was my favorite too. And thanks for sharing the Nanami update - that's where I used to get my notebooks from and the last time I looked they only had the new paper or Sanzen so it's super interesting that they still have or found some of the Original paper (you're right, though - they're definitely charging a premium for them!). Thanks again for sharing and have a great day!! 😃
That's very true, thanks for sharing your feedback. I think it would also be a potential challenge with thinner inks and broader fountain pen nibs - I ran into this experience with other papers, but it was never a problem with the original TRP (one of the reasons I loved it so much). If the paper fits your needs then any of them can work out great 😃
Thanks for this video bro. I was just about to order the Sanzen Tomoe River Notebook a5 (black cover) and Hobonichi plain notebook a5 (yellow cover). After seeing your video I guess I won't be buying the first notebook. The Hobonichi also seems to have Tomoe River paper, but do you know if it's also produced by Sanzen? Also, what do you think about Madori, Yu-Sari and Sakae TP Iroful?
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts - it's possible that the Sanzen may be ok if you use it with pens with smaller nibs, but it was definitely a disappointment for me , unfortunately - as the pens I use most bleed so much on the Sanzen paper. Most others that I've chatted with generally also preferred the original paper. I honestly don't know about the other brands as I haven't used them yet myself, but, if they're using Tomoe River I would think it would be Sanzen because the others aren't in production any longer. I would definitely reach out to the seller, though, as they should be able to confirm. I'll definitely share thoughts on the other notebooks if I have an opportunity to test them 😃 Thanks again for your comment and questions 😃
Hobonichi uses the Sanzen paper now. I am using a Weeks Mega and love it. I've had no trouble with the paper, but I am not doing calligraphy either. Also, I found fountain pens about the time the TR changes blew up, and have never tried the original.
Thanks so much for sharing, Melinda! I think the challenge is that the actual machine that used to make the paper is no longer in operation so, based on my understanding, there's no way that they can make the old version. They're reliant on the new machinery and processes (and the ownership company has also changed, I believe from Tomoegawa to Sanzen), so it's unfortunate that it seems this paper can't be made any longer.
I just double checked and would say they're very similar. As with the original, the Sanzen version is still very thin, but I'd say it's a slight bit more firm and has a little bit more texture compared to the original paper. Hope this helps! 😃
So how do you know if you are getting the original, new or Sanzen paper? I have a Tomoe River notebook I just ordered last month from Amazon and don’t notice any feathering at all. I also ordered a 2022 release notebook from wonderland122 and also notice no feathering at all. Even with my FPR ultra flex nibs and stub nibs.
It can be tough to know as not all vendors necessarily keep track of the different versions. I knew which ones I was getting because the place I got these notebooks specifically stated the version of the paper on the sales page (so they distinguished between Original, New, and Sanzen). The only other way to figure it out would be to contact the company directly and ask if they know which version of the paper is in their products. Some aren't sure, which is why it can vary.
I know what you mean - I was so disappointed when I saw how much bleeding there was on the paper, it was like saying goodby to an old friend in the original TRP. So far I've been enjoying the Canson marker paper, but haven't found a replacement book like these which I loved so much. I'll definitely share if and when I find an alternative... (btw - your guitar skills are awesome!)
This was more of a comparison to see how the new paper compared to the original version to understand whether I (and potentially others) would want to continue buying the new paper or whether it would make sense to look into alternatives. It was a comparison intended to help information future paper selection 😃
I haven't tried that paper yet - I'll have to look it up! It it would be awesome if it's like the original paper! Thanks very much for sharing this, Ben 👍
Yeah - I was so disappointment when I saw how much the new Sanzen paper was bleeding! I noticed while I was recording so that moment was when the disappointment first set in 😔 At least it just provides an opportunity to explore new papers now 😃
I know what you mean - this one really hurt to make. I was so excited to finally have the newest version of the paper that I'd been hearing about, and my heart sank when I saw how much it bled while recording the video. My understanding is that it might be tough to make this again since I believe the ownership has changed and the machine/process that made the original paper is not in service. I'm always on the lookout for alternatives, though, and have been really enjoying Canson Marker paper for blackletter calligraphy fun. I'm still on the hunt for a new favorite notebook for fountain pen fun, though...
I still have a little bit of Tomoe River from before 2019. It is so sad and disappointing that this legendary Japanese paper is not produced anymore. Thank you for the test Tamer.
I also still have some TR paper from before the switch in 2019. Even then the news was surprising and tough to hear because I loved it so much. I wish it had worked out better, but I did think it was important to share what I found testing it out. Hopefully now it's on to find new options and remember the wonderful paper that it was - I really loved filling up books filled with these magical pages 😃
I call it "Tomoe Sanzen" myself, with the old paper being called "Tomoe River". I still have 10 blank & lined Nanami Tomoe River Seven Seas Writers in reserve from about 12 years ago, maybe longer. And a couple of grid books.
Ok, Tamer - your video title had me a bit worried you were speaking of your channel! ;) But I'm sorry your favorite paper is not your favorite anymore. So frustrating when we have a favorite of something and they feel the need to change it. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" :)
Hi Ted! Great to hear from you! I was so wrapped up in the idea of whether I'd be saying goodbye to my favorite paper that that's all I was thinking about (I was honestly surprisingly nervous about testing it since I've loved Tomoe River for years...) Sorry for the scare there! I'm actually planning on lots more videos coming soon, so I'm definitely still here 😃 It definitely was a huge bummer seeing how things turned out. I genuinely didn't know how things would turn out when I started recording so I was pretty excited and you can probably see my disappointment after the test.. I recorded that bit right after I finished writing. I would have even set up the cameras to better capture the feathering but I wasn't expecting it to happen or be that pronounced... I've found some alternatives that I like, though so let me know if you'd find that interesting!
@@BlackletterFoundry Very happy to see your'e doing well, my friend. :)
I’m glad I started collecting paper before it was announced they were going out of business. I only use it for special projects. The new paper is fine for my gel pens.
It's awesome that you still have stash of the original paper! I'm not aware of any spots that still have it - there were a few vendors that had some notebooks with the original paper, but they were definitely charging a premium and I believe they ran out. I'm totally with you that the new paper would work totally fine for gel pens 😃
Thank you for the video. I too was very saddened by the "death" of original Tomoe River paper. It was my all time favorite. Unfortunately, my stash is depleted. Like you I tried the "new" TRP and also Sanzen TRP, as well as a host of other papers. While I really did not care for the "new" TRP, the Sanzen is acceptable. I don't do calligraphy like you, but I do use B, BB and 1.1 and 1.5 stub nibs in fairly juicy pens. Bleedthrough and feathering does occur with some inks, but not all. Sanzen clearly does not perform to the level of original TRP, but IMO it is superior to "new" TRP. I am sure that you already know, but Nanami does have a few notebooks with original TRP, but they are pricey. As I said, Sanzen TRP is acceptable, particularly since I use the Seven Seas notebooks for work.
Thanks so much for your kind words and sharing your feedback! I'm so happy that you found the Sanzen paper usable for the nibs workable for those nibs (especially with them being broad and up 1.5mm stub!). I was really sad when the original TRP went away as it was my favorite too. And thanks for sharing the Nanami update - that's where I used to get my notebooks from and the last time I looked they only had the new paper or Sanzen so it's super interesting that they still have or found some of the Original paper (you're right, though - they're definitely charging a premium for them!). Thanks again for sharing and have a great day!! 😃
I have several of the original cafe note b6 slim, I would sell you at cost
Most people don’t do calligraphy. Especially with think ink pens.
That's very true, thanks for sharing your feedback. I think it would also be a potential challenge with thinner inks and broader fountain pen nibs - I ran into this experience with other papers, but it was never a problem with the original TRP (one of the reasons I loved it so much). If the paper fits your needs then any of them can work out great 😃
Hi! How can I get practice sheets with guidelines for blackletter? I don't have a printer.
The guide sheet digital files are available for free by joining my newsletter community at blackletterfreebies.com 😃
Thanks for this video bro. I was just about to order the Sanzen Tomoe River Notebook a5 (black cover) and Hobonichi plain notebook a5 (yellow cover). After seeing your video I guess I won't be buying the first notebook. The Hobonichi also seems to have Tomoe River paper, but do you know if it's also produced by Sanzen? Also, what do you think about Madori, Yu-Sari and Sakae TP Iroful?
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts - it's possible that the Sanzen may be ok if you use it with pens with smaller nibs, but it was definitely a disappointment for me , unfortunately - as the pens I use most bleed so much on the Sanzen paper. Most others that I've chatted with generally also preferred the original paper. I honestly don't know about the other brands as I haven't used them yet myself, but, if they're using Tomoe River I would think it would be Sanzen because the others aren't in production any longer. I would definitely reach out to the seller, though, as they should be able to confirm. I'll definitely share thoughts on the other notebooks if I have an opportunity to test them 😃 Thanks again for your comment and questions 😃
Hobonichi uses the Sanzen paper now. I am using a Weeks Mega and love it. I've had no trouble with the paper, but I am not doing calligraphy either.
Also, I found fountain pens about the time the TR changes blew up, and have never tried the original.
You should send a test of each of your tests, properly to the manufacturer.
Let them know your concerns. Maybe they can fix it.
Thanks so much for sharing, Melinda! I think the challenge is that the actual machine that used to make the paper is no longer in operation so, based on my understanding, there's no way that they can make the old version. They're reliant on the new machinery and processes (and the ownership company has also changed, I believe from Tomoegawa to Sanzen), so it's unfortunate that it seems this paper can't be made any longer.
Is the feel, thickness of the paper the same? I'm not bothered so much how it takes inks, I don't use proper calligraphy pens on mine.
I just double checked and would say they're very similar. As with the original, the Sanzen version is still very thin, but I'd say it's a slight bit more firm and has a little bit more texture compared to the original paper. Hope this helps! 😃
So how do you know if you are getting the original, new or Sanzen paper? I have a Tomoe River notebook I just ordered last month from Amazon and don’t notice any feathering at all. I also ordered a 2022 release notebook from wonderland122 and also notice no feathering at all. Even with my FPR ultra flex nibs and stub nibs.
It can be tough to know as not all vendors necessarily keep track of the different versions. I knew which ones I was getting because the place I got these notebooks specifically stated the version of the paper on the sales page (so they distinguished between Original, New, and Sanzen). The only other way to figure it out would be to contact the company directly and ask if they know which version of the paper is in their products. Some aren't sure, which is why it can vary.
I have some old original TRP left but it’s very limited.
What are we going to do?
I know - I was so sad when it changed! I've recently been using Canson marker paper for calligraphy work so I can recommend that paper at the moment 😃
Switch to a different paper.
@@belphegor_dev What do you recommend?
You might need Rhodia paper.
In my experience, I encountered a fair amount of feathering with Rhodia.
The new sanzen TRP is awful compared to the original TRP. My inks look crap on the new one.
I know what you mean - I was so disappointed when I saw how much bleeding there was on the paper, it was like saying goodby to an old friend in the original TRP. So far I've been enjoying the Canson marker paper, but haven't found a replacement book like these which I loved so much. I'll definitely share if and when I find an alternative... (btw - your guitar skills are awesome!)
You need to accept the old paper isn’t coming back. No point to compare to something that’s not available.
This was more of a comparison to see how the new paper compared to the original version to understand whether I (and potentially others) would want to continue buying the new paper or whether it would make sense to look into alternatives. It was a comparison intended to help information future paper selection 😃
have you tried Iroful paper? Under the impression that its made by the original Tomoe company?
I haven't tried that paper yet - I'll have to look it up! It it would be awesome if it's like the original paper! Thanks very much for sharing this, Ben 👍
It's not.
What a difference 😢.
Yeah - I was so disappointment when I saw how much the new Sanzen paper was bleeding! I noticed while I was recording so that moment was when the disappointment first set in 😔 At least it just provides an opportunity to explore new papers now 😃
So disappointing - they need to bring back the original if they can.
I know what you mean - this one really hurt to make. I was so excited to finally have the newest version of the paper that I'd been hearing about, and my heart sank when I saw how much it bled while recording the video. My understanding is that it might be tough to make this again since I believe the ownership has changed and the machine/process that made the original paper is not in service. I'm always on the lookout for alternatives, though, and have been really enjoying Canson Marker paper for blackletter calligraphy fun. I'm still on the hunt for a new favorite notebook for fountain pen fun, though...
There's no bringing back old TR.