How to deal with really cheap paper?

[catherix]

Ever since I first got my hands on a Matte Black Lamy Al-Star I've been carrying a FP every day to work, and elsewhere. It's a great pen with a great look. At home I've been enjoying a couple of Rhodia notebooks/pads. But at work I'm at the mercy of terrible copy paper. Terrible, terrible, terrible copy paper. I've tried a couple different inks and I've been using my F nib but it still feathers like crazy and ends up looking awful. For the most part I've been using Noodler's Borealis Black and PR Lake Placid Blue. I also have some J Herbin inks but I don't really like using them.

I'm not sure if the problem is the ink or the pen, or if its just the paper at work. Unfortunately, most of my writing at work is done on forms that are printed on this paper and I don't really have options for other paper. I'm hoping there is a solution of some sort so I can use a FP at work more often. I find myself switching to a pilot G2 a lot of the times.

Just in case there's a better pen in my arsenal for work use here's list of what I have:

2 Lamy Al-Stars with F, M, 1.5 nibs
Shaeffer Balance (too neat to carry at work though)
Platinum Plaisir with M
Parker Vector with M

I have a Konrad and a preppy coming with some more inks from Goulet but I'm guessing they might not be the best. Maybe I just need a different pen. Any reccomendations?

 

[mmack66]

I don't have any suggestions, but it sounds like you need to find the right ink.

 

[SmoovD]

Plan of attack would be F and EF nibs and drier inks. Also, some pens can function with the nib turned upside-down, causing a limited flow to the paper. It looks and feel a little silly but it can work.

 

[catherix]

Yah I would prefer not to use the nibs upside down but it is an option if it was the only pen you had. I'm always afraid I'll screw up the nib somehow.

Any ideas on a drier ink? I'm no expert so I'm not sure. I have some Lexington Grey coming, is that dry? I'm assuming I'll need to buy some new inks(aww shucks) because I don't think any of mine are dry.

 

[catherix]

I guess the other question is - is everyone using crappy paper like I am at work? Or are you mostly writing on your own nicer paper?

 

[gmgaj]

I use a Hero 612 with PR black cherry ink. The nib is definitely XF, so the ink may or may not be a factor. But it writes smooth and doesn't bleed or feather on anything I've used it on. I have other pens at work, but if the paper wants to feather, the 612 is the solution for me.

 

[Eeyore]

XF pen and drier ink ... but this sounds like a rollerball case.

 

[RichieRich3902]

I'd try one of a few things; first, try either a Lamy XF or a different F nib, I have three different Fine nibs and they all write a little different. Second, try a different ink something like Lamy, Waterman, Shaeffer or even Parker Quink from Staples.

 

[catherix]

I think an XF nib is a good idea. I might need to pick one up and pop it on the one I'm using at work.

I'd try one of a few things; first, try either a Lamy XF or a different F nib, I have three different Fine nibs and they all write a little different. Second, try a different ink something like Lamy, Waterman, Shaeffer or even Parker Quink from Staples.

FP ink at staples? Really? I might have to stop by one and see if I can find some.

 

[RichieRich3902]

I guess I should be a little more clear. Yes, the ones near me always have one or two bottles of Quink Black on the shelf. They also have lots of ink in their online catalog that you can order to the store for pick up.

 

[Doc4]

Noodler's X-Feather??

 

[SmoovD]

Lamy, Pelikan and Pelikan would be good starts. Noodler's X-Feather and the Bernanke inks might also be a way to go.

 

[catherix]

Had to look up X-Feather. Does that really work?

Daniel, did you mean Parker and pelikan?

 

[jzuzphreek]

X-Feather was my first ink. If you buy the largest bottle from Goulet (4.5 oz) I think it comes with a logoless Preppy converted for eyedroppering.

 

[SmoovD]

Had to look up X-Feather. Does that really work?

Daniel, did you mean Parker and pelikan?

Parker, Pelikan, Lamy and Waterman, as well as other traditional inks, tend to be well-behaved.

 

[redbike]

A Pilot 78G with a fine nib might work.

 

[catherix]

Well thanks to Jessy I will have some X-Feather to try out soon. (Thanks J!!) I also picked up a bottle of Quink (Black) at staples on the way home today. After using the ink its clear it won't solve my problem by itself. It may be feathering less than the Borealis but it is still feathering. I think I'm gonna have to try an XF nib as well. I have high hopes for the X-Feather though. Really interested to see if that works the way I assume it should.

The trip to staples wasn't a loss though. So far I'm liking the Quink. And I picked up a little Moleskine notebook to play with too. Couldn't help myself. I knew this thread was going to be self enabling in some way.

 

[catherix]

A Pilot 78G with a fine nib might work.

I couldn't find this pen at goulet or jet pens. Call me a noob (no really, go right ahead. I don't mind. ) but I don't know this pen. What's the price on it approx?

 

[GuanYu]

I ordered mine off the 'bay for ~9 bucks (shipping from the orient).

edit: $8.99 + $3.50 shipping.

 

[RichieRich3902]

isellpens also has them in stock from time to time.