I’ve recently acquired several packs of paper for 6-ring binders like Plotter, Filofax and similar. While you can cut and punch paper yourself to fill 6-ring binders, its fun to see that the 6-ring binder market is being revitalized.
I bought a combination of Personal/Bible size (6.73×3.74″) and A5 size (8.26×5.82″). Many of these are also available in the Pocket size but I don’t currently have a binder in Pocket size (4.72×3.18″).
I purchased:
- Raymay Decona Refill A5 Tomoe River Paper (4 mm Dot Grid) ($4.50 for 20 sheets)
- Raymay Decona Refill A5 Tant Paper (6.5 mm Rule) ($5.30 for 20 sheets)
- Raymay Davinci Refill Bible/Personal Size 6.5 mm Ruled ($6.50 for 100 sheets)
- Iroful Personal Organizer Bible Size Refill Blank ($8 for 50 sheets)
I randomly chose different paper sizes, paper types and rulings without doing a ton of research. It was only when I started testing the paper that I discovered some of the paper was Tomoe River (RayMay Decona 4mm Dot Grid and probably the RayMay DaVinci 6.5mm Ruled but it says its 52gsm bu doesn’t call out Tomoe River specifically). The pink colored paper is a type of paper called Tant and has a very unique texture made from cotton and flax that is normally used for origami but works great with fountain pens.
Once I tested the papers, I discovered some interesting things. The Iroful paper, which I’ve reviewed before (and Tina and Laura did too), didn’t need a thorough review but, when I have a particular use for paper, then I realize what characteristics I need. The Iroful spreads fountain pen ink a little bit which on larger sheets isn’t a big deal but on the reduced real estate of a Bible/Personal-sized sheet can be a problem. The small scale of Bible/Personal planners means every bit of space is precious.
Both the Decona Dot Grid A5 and DaVinci Personal Lined paper is Sanzen Tomoe River — or as close to it as I could tell. Surprisingly, the DaVinci paper (listed as 52gsm but not specifically Tomoe River) has a similar issue with ink spread as the Iroful but the Decona did not. As a result, both raise the question of the overall quality of the Tomoe River paper from these batches. I loved the Decona and then realized it was Tomoe River so I was very “duh! of course!” and the back of the paper showed very little show through.
The DaVinci was a little squidgy and had more showthrough so maybe its not Tomoe River. For rollerball, gel, ballpoint or felt tip, the DaVinci paper works great and the thinness of the paper will maximize how many sheets you can carry at any one time.
The surprise was the Decona Tant pink paper. It has a very unusual texture. It’s pleasingly toothy (to me) but others might not like it. There is no bleed through and almost no show through even with a thick marker. The color was pleasing and if pink is not your thing, there is an option for ivory as well.
I enjoy having a collection of paper to use in my 6-ring binders and will find ways to use each type of paper to make it quick and easy to add paper when and how I need it. But it does make me think that I need to play with random paper and the hole punch I have so I can add whatever, whenever to my binders.
Do you like pre-made sheets for your binders or do you like to do-it-yourself?
DISCLAIMER: Some items included in this review were provided free of charge by JetPens and some were provided by Vanness Pen Shop for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.