Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this video, I rate 36 paper brands some of which I've tried in notebook form, some in loose sheets and in some cases - both. Paper is the most challenging element for me of the 3 main fountain pen components: fountain pen/nib, ink, and paper. I find I am most confident with inks and next with pens then paper ... paper is very much an ongoing "project" for me ... and many industry changes to paper really cause me to have to pay attention. Just when you think a paper is your ultimate top paper -- somethings the company will change how it's made. This kind of rating game is fun and probably too general but I still like doing this and enjoyed the other 2 videos I did on rating pens and inks as well.
Let me know in the comments what you think of papers you've tried! I learn so much from all of you!
SPECIAL THANK YOU to the many viewers, pen friends,+ pen pals who have shared paper samples, notebooks and writing paper with me over the past several years! I wouldn't even know about more than half of these brands if not for you!
I became aware as I was writing this description that I forgot to include Iroful paper which I would rate in the Great Paper category!!!! I also forgot Oxford (notebook made in Vietnam) that paper also goes in the Great Paper category!!!!! It's very similar to CVS Caliber paper! Darn, I knew I'd forget some ... and some papers I've used up and don't quite remember the names but this was still fun and I look forward to diving deeper in the Incomplete and Not tried yet categories as time goes on.
Thank you for watching!
I have been absent for almost 2 weeks from You Tube due to unprecedented overload in terms of things that had to be repaired at our house, guardian duties and caregiving duties. Life got so complicated ... and I expect that will happen from time to time. But I am always eager to get back to making videos and answering comments + writing letters. Thankfully, I've still had quite a lot of pen desk time while workers were here repairing our A/C and replacing our water heater. I hope you are doing well and finding little pockets of joy in the hobby and in your everyday life!!!!
My Instagram: instagram.com/snowball7470
My pen email: chris@inkswatch.com
Compare inks here: inkswatch.com
In this video, I rate 36 paper brands some of which I've tried in notebook form, some in loose sheets and in some cases - both. Paper is the most challenging element for me of the 3 main fountain pen components: fountain pen/nib, ink, and paper. I find I am most confident with inks and next with pens then paper ... paper is very much an ongoing "project" for me ... and many industry changes to paper really cause me to have to pay attention. Just when you think a paper is your ultimate top paper -- somethings the company will change how it's made. This kind of rating game is fun and probably too general but I still like doing this and enjoyed the other 2 videos I did on rating pens and inks as well.
Let me know in the comments what you think of papers you've tried! I learn so much from all of you!
SPECIAL THANK YOU to the many viewers, pen friends,+ pen pals who have shared paper samples, notebooks and writing paper with me over the past several years! I wouldn't even know about more than half of these brands if not for you!
I became aware as I was writing this description that I forgot to include Iroful paper which I would rate in the Great Paper category!!!! I also forgot Oxford (notebook made in Vietnam) that paper also goes in the Great Paper category!!!!! It's very similar to CVS Caliber paper! Darn, I knew I'd forget some ... and some papers I've used up and don't quite remember the names but this was still fun and I look forward to diving deeper in the Incomplete and Not tried yet categories as time goes on.
Thank you for watching!
I have been absent for almost 2 weeks from You Tube due to unprecedented overload in terms of things that had to be repaired at our house, guardian duties and caregiving duties. Life got so complicated ... and I expect that will happen from time to time. But I am always eager to get back to making videos and answering comments + writing letters. Thankfully, I've still had quite a lot of pen desk time while workers were here repairing our A/C and replacing our water heater. I hope you are doing well and finding little pockets of joy in the hobby and in your everyday life!!!!
My Instagram: instagram.com/snowball7470
My pen email: chris@inkswatch.com
Compare inks here: inkswatch.com

![Channel Trailer - Season 6 - 2023
In this 3 minute video, I talk about plans for this year and what you can expect video wise from me! [Ha! this is a long overdue update to the channel trailer I last made 3 years ago and will give newcomers here a clear picture of what to expect content wise!] The major emphasis for the channel this year is school/student/child friendly fountain pen reports and explorations! I will also continue with my Chris Inked Pens monthly and the follow on Progress Report each month. In addition to that, I typically upload first impressions videos and/or reviews when I find something that I really think is just great within the hobby and want to share it with you!
Thank you to everyone who stops by here! I really appreciate all your support over the years! Its hard to believe this is our 6th season we celebrated the 5 year channel anniversary in September of 2022.
This channel is like a virtual pen club to me and I am so grateful to have people like you who like to stop in and talk about pens, inks, and all things related to the hobby + quite often cats + books as well!!!! I feel we are all very blessed to have this nice community of pen friends to share the best hobby ever with! Thank you for all youve contributed - comments, subscribing, emails, letters, pens, inks, samples, notebooks, cases, ... and many more things ... ! I keep it pretty simple - but hopefully still communicate helpful and/or fun things.
Check out the awesome ink comparison website (Ink Swatch) that Matt put together for everyone to enjoy and thank you to everyone who has contributed swatch tiles for this!!!!
https://inkswatch.com/
Here is a link to my Instagram where I tend to post a lot of cat pictures, South Texas, and also of course inky pictures:
https://www.instagram.com/snowball7470/
My pen email: chris@inkswatch.com Channel Trailer - Season 6 - 2023](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FUFIwVV-oqE/mqdefault.jpg)






![Chris Inked Pens - August 2024
In this video, I show you the 8 fountain pens and inks Im writing with for August. Ill be back mid month with a progress report as to how these combos are doing and any additions to the line up!
My off topic discussion today was all about August and my love hate relationship with the month. Having grown up in Vermont and now living in South Texas ... August offers unique challenges and contrasts for sure!
Anyway, here is a list of the pens and inks I am using:
[Ink Journal is: Bond Travel Gear old stock A5 hardcover 68 gsm Tomoe River paper dot grid from pen friend PL.]
1. Kaweco Sport Mellow Blue BB with J Herbin Kyanite du Nepal (pen from pen friend BBR).
2. Jinhao 82 Pink B Opus 88 nib with Colorverse Red Shift (ink from pen friend KS).
3. TWSBI Go Clear B with Diamine Amber.
4. Benu Briolette Luminous Amber B with Birmingham Smoke Stack (pen from anonymous viewer and ink sample from pen friend Cathie).
5. Jinhao X750 Pink B JoWo with Lamy Vibrant Pink.
6. TWSBI Eco Transparent Purple B with Pelikan 4001 Violet.
7. TWSBI Eco Transparent Green B with TWSBI Forest Green (?Ink may have been from pen friend CS)
8. TWSBI Eco Transparent Orange B with TWSBI Orange (pen from pen friend DB).
Stuff I now use for nib swapping (known as grip shelf liner):
https://www.walmart.com/ip/EasyLiner-Select-Grip-Shelf-Liner-Taupe-20-in-x-18-ft-Roll/16486841
Thank you so much for watching! These colors are so happy and vibrant ... they should make August writing a real joy!
Dont forget about back to school sales and specials - I found glue sticks 2/25 cents! At my local grocery store!
What are you writing with for August? Can you believe how fast this month is going? Is August a favorite time of year for you or are you like me and cant wait for fall. :)
My pen email: chris@inkswatch.com
My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snowball7470/ Chris Inked Pens - August 2024](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HjN7NNNSeZU/mqdefault.jpg)

