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I spend way more money on jetpens's selection of notebooks than pens though. Also, I tend to prefer pencil, and will recommend the Pentel Kerry. --------- I'v

I spend way more money on jetpens's selection of notebooks than pens though. Also, I tend to prefer pencil, and will recommend the Pentel Kerry. --------- I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The future of online stores is jetpens and websites like it. Jetpens is useful because I trust their reviews. They're a store, yes, but more importantly, they're a trustworthy source of information. Amazon reviews are no longer trusted by me, but all of the discussion / reviews from Jetpens has been 100% accurate in my experience. They've managed to build up this relationship with their customers (such as myself) where I will trust their reviews and prefer to buy from them. Bonus points: a shop like Jetpens organizes their journals in A5, B5, A4, (etc. etc.) sizes. Amazon does not. Custom browsing experiences / categorizations is a big deal. Logically presenting Jetpen's catalog to the user makes me more likely to use their site and end up buying something.

bluGill 4y ago
I always look for small suppliers of a small niche. The people tend to know something about what they sell. It is worth paying a little more just to get good advice from someone who cares more than I do about the subject.
dan-robertson 4y ago
When I was a student I think I read online that (for water based inks) laser printer paper works well and better than a lot of notebook paper. I think something about feathering or drying time but I don’t really remember. I’m not sure how true it was and I preferred having loose leaf paper with no lines so I was pretty happy feeling like I was getting well suited paper on the cheap.
- dragontamer 4y ago
  A notebook isn't just about the paper, but also the binding. If you're making your own notebook out of printer paper, I suggest you spend $10 on a 2-point hole punch and then buy the 2-point binders, which is far superior over staples. This should get you a good binding for personal use (sized for ~10 pages to 100 pages or so) with only 10-cents or so for the binding. Still, this gets you a "notebook" of size 8.5 x 11, which is too large for most purposes. (3-hole punch binders are a bit too big / heavy in most purposes in my experience, the 2-hole punch methods / folders / binders are superior for most purposes) Folding in half is usable, but now you gotta cut the edge if you want the paper to line up right. I guess good for ~10 sheets (20 pages after folding), but any more and things are pretty bad in my experience. ----------- B5 notebooks are just the right size: fitting inside of purses, my desk on the go. They're also auto-numbered (If you're buying higher-priced ones like LEUCHTTURM1917), come with built-in bookmarks, and come in a variety of styles (lines, dots, or plain). The main advantage to "making your own" is the ability to print out whatever design you want (ex: music sheets, or in my case... breadboarding plans for electronics). So I still make my own notes with 2-point binder + 8.5x11 paper these days. But for typical note-taking / day-to-day use, nothing beats a properly sized B5 notebook or pocket "Field Notes". -------- Auto-numbering is a surprisingly important thing in my experience, to the point that I have bought an automatic counting machine (aka: a stamp that auto-increments). This is useful not only for page numbers, but also for lists within a page. It turns a $2 Walmart notebook into something usable for work and is cheaper than buying a fancy pre-numbered notebook. Still though, those higher-quality notebooks from Jetpens are just really, really nice. And the fact that they have tested their paper and pages with a variety of inks, pens, and pencils with photographic proof is proof of Jetpen's quality of information.
  - tuatoru 4y ago
    An incrementing number stamp sounds handy: faster than writing the numbers manually, which is what I do now. For me, rounded outer corners are also essential. Hard to do with copier paper.
  - marymkearney 4y ago
    A vintage Bates stamp auto-numbering machine is a perfect complement to paper journals. It makes a satisfying whirr-thunk sound; the polished handle and the reset cogs are a tactile delight; and even the ink has a distinctive aroma. https://www.ebay.com/b/Bates-Numbering-Machines/57050/bn_81248319 https://www.ebay.com/b/Bates-Numbering-Machines/57050/bn_812...
- syntheweave 4y ago
  Printer paper does work great. It's designed to be disposable, though, so the lightest weight will buckle under heavy ink, and it also yellows and fades more easily than "archival" papers designed for art. The simplest kind of sketchbook I would make is a manila file cover for printer paper, bound by a binder clip. The manila is stiff enough to add some protection, and the clip makes it rigid.
- BeetleB 4y ago
  Laser printer paper varies widely in quality. Most of the ones I've used have a lot of feathering. I have had good experiences with the Target brand papers.
aidenn0 4y ago
How many people read the reviews on Jetpens and then buy the pen from Amazon though. Obviously not so many to put them out of business, but that's always the danger.
- mrexroad 4y ago
  Not to beat this horse, but I know the items I get from JetPens are not counterfeit. I’ve seen too many fountain pens reviews on Amazon where pens were counterfeit or gold nip was swapped with stainless. I usually buy from sellers such as JetPens or Goulet. With that said, I’ve bought a few FP from Amazon and AliExpress as well over the years.
- dragontamer 4y ago
  Hardly a danger. Amazon store is filled with counterfeits and scammers due to its comingling policy. When you buy from a small shop where its reputation is on the line, you're assured you're getting what you ordered. When you buy from Amazon, it could be comingled scammer-goods from that one guy who ruined the collective commons for everyone. Its clear how Amazon works. They merge SKUs together, and "Fulfilled by Amazon" means those goods are comingled with other marketplace sellers (possibly even "Sold by Amazon"). It only takes one bad actor in the marketplace for counterfeit goods to be mixed up with everyone.
  - MisterBastahrd 4y ago
    Most people don't know that the Amazon stores have counterfeits and they don't care because they will almost never actually get one. I place close to 100 orders a year and have yet to receive a single counterfeit product, or at least, one that substantially differed from the product advertised.
    - dividedbyzero 4y ago
      I believe lots of those counterfeits are actually pretty hard to tell apart from the real product. I've had a Samsung charger that was almost a perfect copy, I wouldn't have noticed it if hadn't started smoking one day because the insides were melting together into a burned mass. There were some details (quality of the printing etc.) but nothing I'd ever have noticed. I've also had a Shimano MTB chain that wore out in 1/20 of what I usually get out of a chain. Not sure how many "this product is kind of disappointing" situations I've had that were actually due to fakes that weren't obviously fake garbage, but kind of ok-ish.
aidenn0 4y ago
> Also, I tend to prefer pencil, and will recommend the Pentel Kerry. You can pry my Zebra DelGuard from my cold, dead hands.
cleansingfire 4y ago
Amazon doesn't even organize or allow you to search for SHOES by size. Their search is about forcing crap down your throat and is actively hostile to getting what you want. I wish the reviews were the worst of it.
- Corrado 4y ago
  I'm guessing that's the major reason for Amazon purchasing Zappos a few years ago.
  - sithadmin 4y ago
    There was probably a warehouse ops/tech angle to it too. Zappos was something of a pioneer in large-scale robotic warehouse automation, and Amazon ultimately also acquired the robotics vendor Zappos relied on (Kiva).
sublinear 4y ago
> The future of online stores is jetpens and websites like it. Jetpens is useful because I trust their reviews. Why does everything always have to be "the future of ____" or mutually exclusive one way or the other? Online specialty stores exist just like they did in real life in the past. They are not really competing for the same customers.
dcchambers 4y ago
Agreed 100%. I have spent a ton of money with JetPens and I will continue to do so. Not only is their store built, organized, and curated specifically for the items they sell and their customers, they also have knowledgeable and passionate staff members that write fantastic articles about high end stationery. I'm constantly learning new things.
Razengan 4y ago
As an aside, anybody got recommendations of good websites for Japanese stationery? That have the widest selection and can deliver globally.
- wrp 4y ago
  What are you looking for that JetPens doesn't have?
  - Razengan 4y ago
    I don't know! ^^ Basically collect all the cute and quirky things I can find.
    - fsckboy 4y ago
      https://www.amazon.com/PEXIZUAN-Kawaii-Erasable-Supplies-Stationery/dp/B099RHB775 https://www.amazon.com/PEXIZUAN-Kawaii-Erasable-Supplies-Sta... https://usa.kinokuniya.com/featured-stationery https://usa.kinokuniya.com/featured-stationery but it's best if you can go to one of their stores https://usa.kinokuniya.com/stores-kinokuniya https://usa.kinokuniya.com/stores-kinokuniya
turzmo 4y ago
Glad to know I’m not the only one, I spend an ungodly amount on JetPens…
jstr_ 4y ago
Since you're into pencils, have you tried the Pentel GraphGear? Or, my personal favorite, the Rotring 800?
- fsckboy 4y ago
  I don't like pencils, for my vision the color is too low contrast with the paper compared to black ink, or even blue ink, and for that reason I prefer a .7 nib to a .5, the thin lines also result in less contrast (they also make a scraping "sound/sensation" on the paper). but I didn't comment just to say that, but I selected your comment as a representative sample for a broader comment: hey everybody, could you tell us why you like something rather than just that you like it? We had a mechanical pencil recommended, and then two more mechanical pencils recommended, but I'd have to do my own research to figure out why I would choose one over another. Whereas, you all already know what I'm looking for in a writing implement (high contrast and maximum smoothness) even though I don't think I want a pencil, I do have opinions about mechanical pencils, for example I love when they can autofeed new leads.
  - jstr_ 4y ago
    I like the rOtring 800 because it's heavy in my hand but the actual lead-on-paper "feel" is extremely smooth. Contrast depends entirely on the lead you put into the pencil. For max contrast there are versions of the 800 with thicker tips, (iirc) even going up to the regular pencil nibs that you can sharpen (if you know what I'm talking about, I don't really know how to properly explain it). Basically, I like it because it's a high quality writing utensil that I won't get worried about. A lot of people don't like the 800 because of the retractable tip, but as someone who has this pencil in their backpack all the time (and who has had the non-retractable version unfortunately ruined in a backpack) it is an absolute necessity.
gorgoiler 4y ago
The best e-commerce sites are judged by the categories in their search filters. If I need a five pin female DIN 13A M16 connector rated for IP67… https://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/connectors/circular-connectors/din-connectors/?applied-dimensions=4294277194,4294880292,4294876964,4294885286,4294885693 https://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/connectors/circular-connector...

bluGill 4y ago

I always look for small suppliers of a small niche. The people tend to know something about what they sell. It is worth paying a little more just to get good advice from someone who cares more than I do about the subject.

dan-robertson 4y ago

When I was a student I think I read online that (for water based inks) laser printer paper works well and better than a lot of notebook paper. I think something about feathering or drying time but I don’t really remember. I’m not sure how true it was and I preferred having loose leaf paper with no lines so I was pretty happy feeling like I was getting well suited paper on the cheap.

dragontamer 4y ago
A notebook isn't just about the paper, but also the binding. If you're making your own notebook out of printer paper, I suggest you spend $10 on a 2-point hole punch and then buy the 2-point binders, which is far superior over staples. This should get you a good binding for personal use (sized for ~10 pages to 100 pages or so) with only 10-cents or so for the binding. Still, this gets you a "notebook" of size 8.5 x 11, which is too large for most purposes. (3-hole punch binders are a bit too big / heavy in most purposes in my experience, the 2-hole punch methods / folders / binders are superior for most purposes) Folding in half is usable, but now you gotta cut the edge if you want the paper to line up right. I guess good for ~10 sheets (20 pages after folding), but any more and things are pretty bad in my experience. ----------- B5 notebooks are just the right size: fitting inside of purses, my desk on the go. They're also auto-numbered (If you're buying higher-priced ones like LEUCHTTURM1917), come with built-in bookmarks, and come in a variety of styles (lines, dots, or plain). The main advantage to "making your own" is the ability to print out whatever design you want (ex: music sheets, or in my case... breadboarding plans for electronics). So I still make my own notes with 2-point binder + 8.5x11 paper these days. But for typical note-taking / day-to-day use, nothing beats a properly sized B5 notebook or pocket "Field Notes". -------- Auto-numbering is a surprisingly important thing in my experience, to the point that I have bought an automatic counting machine (aka: a stamp that auto-increments). This is useful not only for page numbers, but also for lists within a page. It turns a $2 Walmart notebook into something usable for work and is cheaper than buying a fancy pre-numbered notebook. Still though, those higher-quality notebooks from Jetpens are just really, really nice. And the fact that they have tested their paper and pages with a variety of inks, pens, and pencils with photographic proof is proof of Jetpen's quality of information.
- tuatoru 4y ago
  An incrementing number stamp sounds handy: faster than writing the numbers manually, which is what I do now. For me, rounded outer corners are also essential. Hard to do with copier paper.
- marymkearney 4y ago
  A vintage Bates stamp auto-numbering machine is a perfect complement to paper journals. It makes a satisfying whirr-thunk sound; the polished handle and the reset cogs are a tactile delight; and even the ink has a distinctive aroma. https://www.ebay.com/b/Bates-Numbering-Machines/57050/bn_81248319 https://www.ebay.com/b/Bates-Numbering-Machines/57050/bn_812...
syntheweave 4y ago
Printer paper does work great. It's designed to be disposable, though, so the lightest weight will buckle under heavy ink, and it also yellows and fades more easily than "archival" papers designed for art. The simplest kind of sketchbook I would make is a manila file cover for printer paper, bound by a binder clip. The manila is stiff enough to add some protection, and the clip makes it rigid.
BeetleB 4y ago
Laser printer paper varies widely in quality. Most of the ones I've used have a lot of feathering. I have had good experiences with the Target brand papers.

aidenn0 4y ago

How many people read the reviews on Jetpens and then buy the pen from Amazon though. Obviously not so many to put them out of business, but that's always the danger.

mrexroad 4y ago
Not to beat this horse, but I know the items I get from JetPens are not counterfeit. I’ve seen too many fountain pens reviews on Amazon where pens were counterfeit or gold nip was swapped with stainless. I usually buy from sellers such as JetPens or Goulet. With that said, I’ve bought a few FP from Amazon and AliExpress as well over the years.
dragontamer 4y ago
Hardly a danger. Amazon store is filled with counterfeits and scammers due to its comingling policy. When you buy from a small shop where its reputation is on the line, you're assured you're getting what you ordered. When you buy from Amazon, it could be comingled scammer-goods from that one guy who ruined the collective commons for everyone. Its clear how Amazon works. They merge SKUs together, and "Fulfilled by Amazon" means those goods are comingled with other marketplace sellers (possibly even "Sold by Amazon"). It only takes one bad actor in the marketplace for counterfeit goods to be mixed up with everyone.
- MisterBastahrd 4y ago
  Most people don't know that the Amazon stores have counterfeits and they don't care because they will almost never actually get one. I place close to 100 orders a year and have yet to receive a single counterfeit product, or at least, one that substantially differed from the product advertised.
  - dividedbyzero 4y ago
    I believe lots of those counterfeits are actually pretty hard to tell apart from the real product. I've had a Samsung charger that was almost a perfect copy, I wouldn't have noticed it if hadn't started smoking one day because the insides were melting together into a burned mass. There were some details (quality of the printing etc.) but nothing I'd ever have noticed. I've also had a Shimano MTB chain that wore out in 1/20 of what I usually get out of a chain. Not sure how many "this product is kind of disappointing" situations I've had that were actually due to fakes that weren't obviously fake garbage, but kind of ok-ish.

aidenn0 4y ago

> Also, I tend to prefer pencil, and will recommend the Pentel Kerry. You can pry my Zebra DelGuard from my cold, dead hands.

cleansingfire 4y ago

Amazon doesn't even organize or allow you to search for SHOES by size. Their search is about forcing crap down your throat and is actively hostile to getting what you want. I wish the reviews were the worst of it.

Corrado 4y ago
I'm guessing that's the major reason for Amazon purchasing Zappos a few years ago.
- sithadmin 4y ago
  There was probably a warehouse ops/tech angle to it too. Zappos was something of a pioneer in large-scale robotic warehouse automation, and Amazon ultimately also acquired the robotics vendor Zappos relied on (Kiva).

sublinear 4y ago

> The future of online stores is jetpens and websites like it. Jetpens is useful because I trust their reviews. Why does everything always have to be "the future of ____" or mutually exclusive one way or the other? Online specialty stores exist just like they did in real life in the past. They are not really competing for the same customers.

dcchambers 4y ago

Agreed 100%. I have spent a ton of money with JetPens and I will continue to do so. Not only is their store built, organized, and curated specifically for the items they sell and their customers, they also have knowledgeable and passionate staff members that write fantastic articles about high end stationery. I'm constantly learning new things.

Razengan 4y ago

As an aside, anybody got recommendations of good websites for Japanese stationery? That have the widest selection and can deliver globally.

wrp 4y ago
What are you looking for that JetPens doesn't have?
- Razengan 4y ago
  I don't know! ^^ Basically collect all the cute and quirky things I can find.
  - fsckboy 4y ago
    https://www.amazon.com/PEXIZUAN-Kawaii-Erasable-Supplies-Stationery/dp/B099RHB775 https://www.amazon.com/PEXIZUAN-Kawaii-Erasable-Supplies-Sta... https://usa.kinokuniya.com/featured-stationery https://usa.kinokuniya.com/featured-stationery but it's best if you can go to one of their stores https://usa.kinokuniya.com/stores-kinokuniya https://usa.kinokuniya.com/stores-kinokuniya

turzmo 4y ago

Glad to know I’m not the only one, I spend an ungodly amount on JetPens…

jstr_ 4y ago

Since you're into pencils, have you tried the Pentel GraphGear? Or, my personal favorite, the Rotring 800?

fsckboy 4y ago
I don't like pencils, for my vision the color is too low contrast with the paper compared to black ink, or even blue ink, and for that reason I prefer a .7 nib to a .5, the thin lines also result in less contrast (they also make a scraping "sound/sensation" on the paper). but I didn't comment just to say that, but I selected your comment as a representative sample for a broader comment: hey everybody, could you tell us why you like something rather than just that you like it? We had a mechanical pencil recommended, and then two more mechanical pencils recommended, but I'd have to do my own research to figure out why I would choose one over another. Whereas, you all already know what I'm looking for in a writing implement (high contrast and maximum smoothness) even though I don't think I want a pencil, I do have opinions about mechanical pencils, for example I love when they can autofeed new leads.
- jstr_ 4y ago
  I like the rOtring 800 because it's heavy in my hand but the actual lead-on-paper "feel" is extremely smooth. Contrast depends entirely on the lead you put into the pencil. For max contrast there are versions of the 800 with thicker tips, (iirc) even going up to the regular pencil nibs that you can sharpen (if you know what I'm talking about, I don't really know how to properly explain it). Basically, I like it because it's a high quality writing utensil that I won't get worried about. A lot of people don't like the 800 because of the retractable tip, but as someone who has this pencil in their backpack all the time (and who has had the non-retractable version unfortunately ruined in a backpack) it is an absolute necessity.

gorgoiler 4y ago

The best e-commerce sites are judged by the categories in their search filters. If I need a five pin female DIN 13A M16 connector rated for IP67… https://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/connectors/circular-connectors/din-connectors/?applied-dimensions=4294277194,4294880292,4294876964,4294885286,4294885693 https://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/connectors/circular-connector...