Finally ordered some decent notebooks

[DPflaumer]

This is my first post on the pen forum here, but I've been using a fountain pen for the last 7 years (I started at the ripe old age of 16).

I began with the simple, cheap, nearly disposable fountain pens that abound across the internet. I think I paid $6 for my first one. I eventually "upgraded" to a $15 pen of equally dubious origins.

About three years ago I bought my first decent pen, a Lamy All-Star. Loved it, but the nib was still a bit wide for my taste.

A little over a year ago, I bought a Pilot Vanishing Point (matte black at the time, now 50/50 between matte black and exposed brass/steel from riding around in my pocket with all of other goodies). I haven't looked back.

I have a unique issue. While right handed, I write like a lefty, wrapping my arm around the top of the paper with my hand on the left side of the pen. As you can imagine, I drag quite a bit, leading to much smearing of ink and coloring of skin.

In order to counteract this, I require paper that dries relatively quickly. I need paper that doesn't feather terribly as I write quite small. I also need a notebook that can ride around in my pocket without falling apart after a week. Graph paper is great too as it is easier to write on graph paper than to sketch on lined paper.

Today, I ordered a variety of notebooks from Goulet Pens. I can't wait to give them all a go.

This is what I got:
Rhodia Classic Side Staplebound- 3"x4.75"- Graph
Field Notes 3-Pack- 3.5"x5.5"- Graph
Banditapple Carnet Peewee- 3.5"x5.5"- Graph
Clairefontain Staplebound Duo- 3.5"x5.5"- Lined

[D N Ravenna]

Have fun! I have a pad of Rhodia and one of Clairfontaine. Fun to test the pens out on both.
Cheers!
Dan

[hotnerd]

I just use loose sheets of Clairfontaine and sometimes put them in a simple binder. All the FP write great on Clairfontaine paper.

[Uwe W.]

In order to counteract this, I require paper that dries relatively quickly.

Much of that drying actually has to do with the type of ink you're using. There are special inks available for left handed writers that dry extremely fast, which of course would be of a benefit to you too.

With respect to notebooks (I use many for work and buy them by the dozen), I used to be a Moleskine fan until I tried Leuchtturm1917, which is now the only brand that I'll buy. Less expensive, better paper, and more features.