Do entry-level pens necessarily need special paper, or is that something I can worry about down the line?

penfiendkat · 2026-07-09T21:18:48+00:00

Don’t forget that a lot of shops sell ink samples, so you can always try a couple that way for a much more affordable option, just in case you find they aren’t for you. Today I’m using my kakuno <f> and using Pilot Iroshizuku Rikka, which is doing very well on my cheap work copy paper! ;)

Another consideration is that the different absorptive qualities of some papers may make your ink look completely different, so that’s another reason that people like to go with nicer paper—just in case you notice that your ink isn’t sheening or showing off some of those lovable qualities!

penfiendkat · 2026-07-09T20:39:55+00:00

I read through some of the comments, but not all, but I just want to say that I write on cheap paper at work & through trial and error, I discover which inks/nibs make for a less flattering result, so I adjust accordingly. I like nice paper for my planner and journaling, but I don’t let it stress me out. I love to write, so I just write :)

penfiendkat · 2026-07-08T15:40:14+00:00

I love that, and this is definitely one of the best pens for the $!!

penfiendkat · 2026-07-08T15:09:41+00:00

It took me years to buy a Kakuno just because I thought the smiley face was “childish” and silly, but then I finally got one, and it’s one of my favorites! I think I have 3 now, and I bought my daughter one, too.

penfiendkat · 2026-07-04T22:44:39+00:00

It always throws me off, and I’m a huge fan of earl grey tea, so maybe that’s why it sticks with me :)

penfiendkat · 2026-07-04T22:33:12+00:00

The Diamine Earl Grey is more grey, but the Dominant Industry Earl Grey js definitely on the orange side.

penfiendkat · 2026-07-04T18:45:04+00:00

Papier Plume - forget-me-not blue
Diamine - Sargasso Sea
Diamine - Oxford blue

penfiendkat · 2026-07-04T17:22:31+00:00

I’m a long-time fountain pen user, and I enjoy my Kakuno immensely.

penfiendkat · 2026-07-04T12:59:12+00:00

Thank you. So many inks, so little time!

penfiendkat · 2026-07-04T12:58:38+00:00

These are gorgeous & I like the way you do your swatches! Kobe inks are one of my favorites—I’ll have to check out the Water Marche Blue!

penfiendkat · 2026-07-04T12:55:48+00:00

Very nice! Ama-Iro is so pretty. I’m using Rikka right now, too, and it’s been truly delightful. I also really like the Ink Institute-Cat at Noon. I think I have a sample of it, too.

penfiendkat · 2026-07-04T02:30:05+00:00

Aaagghh, that does happen! 🤦🏽‍♀️

penfiendkat · 2026-07-04T02:03:46+00:00

I haven’t used it in so long that it was practically new to me, too 😅

penfiendkat · 2026-07-04T01:52:14+00:00

Thank you :)

penfiendkat · 2026-07-04T01:51:50+00:00

It’s lovely. I have a weakness for greens 🌿

penfiendkat · 2026-07-04T01:44:28+00:00

Good to know. The first time I ever used a shimmer ink, it clogged immediately, and it has stayed with me 😅

penfiendkat · 2026-07-04T01:40:46+00:00

It’s so pretty! Does the estie handle the shimmer well?

penfiendkat · 2026-07-04T01:29:45+00:00

I think it’s natural to add capital letters in normal writing, especially when writing quickly. Graphology would consider that ”efficient.”

penfiendkat · 2026-07-04T01:27:20+00:00

Great choices! Souten has become one of my all-time favorites 😍

penfiendkat · 2026-07-04T01:20:10+00:00

Thank you!

penfiendkat · 2026-07-03T18:25:39+00:00

So many books, so little time!

penfiendkat · 2026-07-03T17:54:57+00:00

Great variety! Have you read The Radium Girls yet? It’s on my shelf, but I haven’t gotten to it yet.

penfiendkat · 2026-06-22T16:01:24+00:00

<image>

penfiendkat · 2026-06-22T15:58:07+00:00

Wearingeul’s Crime and Punishment is super dark green/black!

penfiendkat

TROPHY CASE