Thank you, Shandy (Ian)!!!

[JimC]

I use Moleskine notebooks. They work well with my daily writer for taking notes all day, everyday. The pen has a fine point nib, with a light to medium ink flow. I generally use Namiki Blue ink.

It wasn't until very recently I tried a Parker, with Levenger Cobalt Blue ink on the Moleskine paper. To my horror, I saw first hand the feathering and bleed through that I had, up to that time not experienced with my Capless pens.

I mentioned being unable to source Clarefontaine papers / notebooks locally. I really wanted to give it a go, but didn't know where to start. I must admit I was struck by the most gracious gesture of TRF member Shandy.

He asked for my address to "send me something." I was quite surprised when I went to the Post Office and discovered Ian had sent a Clarefontaine notebook for me to try. Wow, a most thoughtful act!

I was anxious try to the paper this evening. The photos don't really do the paper or ink justice. I took a few quick snapshots to try and capture the essence of my experience. My desk lamp is rather warm, and I didn't adjust the white balance. As such, the paper tends to 'yellow' (but is really a nice smooth white) and the Namiki Blue is really more "blue" than the "blue-black" it appears here.

But in any event, I am quite impressed with the notebook and paper. As I indicate, I may definitely have trouble going back to Moleskine after all these years. The Clarefontaine is hands down a better paper, even with my daily pens. There is no bleed, very little (if any echo) and the nib glides effortlessly across the paper.

My quest is on, to find an online source for these notebooks.

Thanks, Ian, for your generosity!