Review by Laura Cameron
Last time I browsed JetPens.com I was excited to see a new (to me) notebook that I wanted to try. I went ahead and ordered the JetPens exclusive Kanso Sasshi Booklets (pack of 2, $20.50).
These notebooks are simple booklets with brown cardstock covers and 96 pages of plain white 52gsm Tomoe River Paper. The paper is advertised as acid free, eco friendly (the pulp comes from sustainable forests), and fountain pen friendly.
I purchased the A5 size (5.8″ x 8.3″) but they are also available in pocket size. The books are staple bound and each booklet comes with a handy cardboard lined guide (6mm). The booklets are named for their simplicity. “Kanso” means simple and “Sasshi” means notebook in Japanese.
I found these notebooks lovely. The paper is smooth and performs beautifully as Tomoe River does. The 52gsm paper does have quite a bit of ghosting on the opposite side, but no bleed through. I tested it with my fountain pens (Fine to Broad nibs) as well as gel pens and fine liners. Drying time was fairly quick for me although with wider nibs and sheening inks, it might take a bit.
Personally, I generally prefer slightly heavier weights of paper because I like using both sides of the page, but these notebooks are lovely and would have a variety of uses – throw them in an A5 cover to document your adventures, start writing your next novel, or take in a pen show!
DISCLAIMER: Some of the items included in this review were provided to us free of charge for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.
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