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!

[2careless]

I know Ian is a good guy! That's very nice of you mate!
Jim, you have very nice handwriting! Thanks for showing

[Taffi Abernathy]

Being the consummate gentleman he is, knowing Ian did a good deed comes as no surprise, it's simply who he is. Wish there were more like him. (And btw, you do have lovely writing.)

[Lion]

Ian, what a gracious gesture to send Jim a notebook to use and check out. One point I've found about members on this Forum is their generosity and giving nature and here's a perfect example of this kind act. Jim, enjoy your new notebook and use it in good health!!!

[Shangas]

I wish my handwriting looked that nice.

[Numismatist]

Great gesture! Great print, Proper ink on proper paper sure does look great! Glad we have a nice little group keeping the art alive.

[JBat]

Jim, that's awesome, congrats. Ian, what a wonderful gesture! Kudos to you.

Jim, I've also been trying to find an online source for Clairefontaine paper. If you happen to find one, please post it here. In the meantime, I'm going to try to find one locally, maybe in Seattle.

[daveathall]

Wow, another superb review, we are getting really spoilt at the moment, thank you very much for sharing your thoughts Jim.

Wonderful gesture Ian.

[sunburst]

Originally Posted by JBat

Jim, that's awesome, congrats. Ian, what a wonderful gesture! Kudos to you.

Jim, I've also been trying to find an online source for Clairefontaine paper. If you happen to find one, please post it here. In the meantime, I'm going to try to find one locally, maybe in Seattle.

Exclair, Inc. is U.S. distributor for Clairefontaine.

http://www.exaclair.com/index.shtml

Click the "How To Buy" for on-line source and local shop in your area.

[shandy]

Jim, thanks so much for your kind words and you are more than welcome

I know what it is like, as I said in my PM, to live in a remote place and not have accsess to many things!

I am so glad your enjoying the Clairefontaine and I agree with everyone else, you have lovely handwriting. I must admit it is hard to go back to moleskine once you have tried Clairefontain, that paper is made for fountain pens!

And to everyone who has commented, I am touched by your kind words, I have been shown so much kindness and thought on this forum, Dave for instance PM'd me to say that if I could not get hold of the A4 moleskine he would gladly send me one from the UK, I managed to source on on ebay but I am so grateful for Dave's kind Thought, real Yorkshire hospitality And Faith, those of you who have got to know her through PM's will attest that a better friend one could not find!

This is a great sharing community..I think the world at large could learn a thing or three from the folks here

Thank's again for the thank you thread Jim, your a champ

[JBat]

Originally Posted by sunburst

Exclair, Inc. is U.S. distributor for Clairefontaine.

http://www.exaclair.com/index.shtml

Click the "How To Buy" for on-line source and local shop in your area.

Thanks Joji!

[Taffi Abernathy]

Yo Ian,

I was going to say that if you find ever find yourself around these here parts, contact me and I'll treat you to a home cooked meal. But who am I kidding? There is a low probability that my food will be edible and a significant one that you'll end up eating charcoal tablets for dessert. But if you travel South, I'll figure something out. Faith

[JimC]

Originally Posted by sunburst

Exclair, Inc. is U.S. distributor for Clairefontaine.

http://www.exaclair.com/index.shtml

Click the "How To Buy" for on-line source and local shop in your area.

Excellent, thank you very much for the link, Joji! I did a quick search for "Alaska" and was hoping I might stumble on something. To my surprise, the UAS (University of Alaska Southeast) bookstore in Juneau is listed as carrying these notebooks. However, that is a 600 mile flight from Anchorage, plus you have to be a student...

However, my GF is taking a couple of classes at UAA. While they aren't listed, I'm going to have her check next week when she is at school. Maybe I will get lucky.

In any case, I will search out a vendor online. Does anyone have any experience or preferences for a reputable, reliable seller of Clairfontaine products?

Thanks in advance!

[sunburst]

Originally Posted by JimC

Excellent, thank you very much for the link, Joji! I did a quick search for "Alaska" and was hoping I might stumble on something. To my surprise, the UAS (University of Alaska Southeast) bookstore in Juneau is listed as carrying these notebooks. However, that is a 600 mile flight from Anchorage, plus you have to be a student...

However, my GF is taking a couple of classes at UAA. While they aren't listed, I'm going to have her check next week when she is at school. Maybe I will get lucky.

In any case, I will search out a vendor online. Does anyone have any experience or preferences for a reputable, reliable seller of Clairfontaine products?

Thanks in advance!

Jim, I have not bought any Clairefontaine products (yet) but from the seller list I've dealt with Swisher Pens several times with postive experience.

[JimC]

Originally Posted by sunburst

Jim, I have not bought any Clairefontaine products (yet) but from the seller list I've dealt with Swisher Pens several times with postive experience.

Joji, thank you for your feedback. I'll check them out.

[sunburst]

Originally Posted by JimC

Joji, thank you for your feedback. I'll check them out.

Jim, you are welcome.
Make sure to check their "Clearance" and "The Attic" section for great deals.
Enjoy.

[shandy]

Jim, Joji beat me to it! I would recommend Swisher in a heartbeat, their prices tend to be competative as well
I am sorry that the nib is still causing you problems, looks like it will be visiting Mr Mottishaw

[JimC]

Originally Posted by shandy

Jim, Joji beat me to it! I would recommend Swisher in a heartbeat, their prices tend to be competative as well
I am sorry that the nib is still causing you problems, looks like it will be visiting Mr Mottishaw

I have just returned from an online visit to Swisher...

Hopefully in a week or so I should have a couple of bottles of new ink, and a small assortment of note pads and books to sample.

Yes, as much as I was hoping, the xf nib isn't as smooth as it should be, even for a Japanese nib. I looked back at those two photos, and noticed the "problems" I was having with the older pen. While my handwriting was considerably better many years ago, I can still see where I was "struggling" with the 1964 Capless and that scratchy nib on the second page.

I'm going to change the ink in a couple of other pens and try them out this evening.

[shandy]

Originally Posted by JimC

I have just returned from an online visit to Swisher...

Hopefully in a week or so I should have a couple of bottles of new ink, and a small assortment of note pads and books to sample.

I find that as well with online stuff, you never end up just ordering one thing it ends up that a package that will give the UPS delivery driver a hernia arrives on the doorstep!
I must admit to admiring your fortitude in not including a pen with that order...

[JimC]

Ian, it was quite difficult. Since I'm supposed to be working, I tried to limit myself to just a few hours of browsing and there were too many to choose from...

But I will be back. There were a couple that caught me eye. Even in the Attic / Clearance sections.

[Skullring]

Very nice of you Ian. Congratulations Jim you have great handwriting.

[1000ftSub]

[Bisquitlips]

Fantastic generosity! Ian is one of the best on TRF!

[JimC]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

Fantastic generosity! Ian is one of the best on TRF!

Richard, one of my sentiments, exactly!