Why Your Fountain Pen Writes Differently on Different Paper

After the festive season, with several new notebooks and journals finding their way onto my desk, I was reminded once again how differently paper responds to variations in nib size and ink formulation.

To create the writing samples for this article, I used four different notebooks, two inks, and two nib sizes: Fine and Medium. The intention was not to test extremes, but to observe subtle, practical differences that many fountain pen users encounter in everyday writing.

Fountain pens are often spoken about as flawless instruments, reliable in all conditions, regardless of how they are used. They are. Yet, in practice, they are something more nuanced. A fountain pen is a finely tuned tool. Its performance is shaped not only by its construction, but by the paper beneath it, the ink it carries, and the nib that delivers it. Even small changes in these elements can alter the writing experience in noticeable ways.

For those who value consistency, understanding these interactions allows for more conscious choices, whether to recreate a familiar feel or to explore something new.

The writing setup

The broader writing samples were produced using a Medium nib with Pelikan 4001 Dark Green.
The finer lines were written with a Fine nib and Lamy T52 Blue.

The notebooks

1. Kizuna Elephant B5

Often regarded as a reliable option for fountain pen use, this notebook features 80 gsm paper, which is slightly below the commonly cited 90 gsm “sweet spot,” yet still well suited to daily writing. In use, the paper showed no bleeding or feathering, and little variation in line width or saturation. Ink absorption is relatively quick, producing a clean, controlled result.

2. E-File CNB131

Although the paper weight matches the Kizuna notebook, the behaviour is notably different. The ivory, stone-coated paper is more absorbent, which softens line definition. At a glance, the writing can appear closer to that of a technical liner than a fountain pen, despite the same pens being used throughout.

3. Unbranded notebook

Part of a gift set selected primarily for colour coordination rather than item quality, this notebook presents an interesting contrast. The paper feels thicker and is less absorbent than the CNB131, resulting in a more truthful line width. However, the surface texture is uneven, introducing inconsistency in ink laydown. While usable, the experience lacks refinement.

4. I-Boom Greenread A4 notebook

This notebook uses slightly thinner paper, around 75 gsm, with a pronounced texture. Writing feedback was clearly perceptible even with a Medium nib, an unusual characteristic that may appeal to some, but proves distracting to others.

The inks

Pelikan 4001 Dark Green

A long-established, dye-based ink refined over decades. Its formulation is intentionally restrained, without modern additives such as lubricants or strong surfactants. The result is a dry-flowing ink with low viscosity and high control, favouring precision over saturation or shading.

Lamy T52 Blue

A more contemporary formulation with higher dye concentration, added lubrication, and wetting agents. This medium-flow ink penetrates paper fibres more readily, producing smoother nib movement. Even finer nibs feel softer and less tactile, with writing feedback noticeably reduced.

Observations

Viewed together, the samples make one thing clear: the writing experience is never defined by the pen alone. Nib, ink, and paper interact constantly, and their balance determines whether writing feels effortless or restrained.
Ink choice matters. More fluid inks often complement finer nibs, improving smoothness and reducing feedback.
Paper matters. Highly absorbent papers can minimise shading and line variation, while coated papers allow ink to remain on the surface longer, enhancing colour but increasing the risk of smudging, particularly for left-handed writers.

How these factors are balanced is entirely personal. The purpose here is not to prescribe, but to encourage awareness. With a little attention, fountain pen writing becomes not just consistent, but intentionally so — shaped to suit both the writer and the moment.

Looking ahead

The beginning of a new year often invites reflection and intention. As 2026 begins, we at Scriveiner remain committed to creating precisely-enginered pattented luxury writing instruments and exploring the finer details of fountain pens, penmanship, and the grounding rituals of writing by hand.

In the months ahead, we will continue to share considered insights into materials, techniques, and the small choices that shape the writing experience. Not to prescribe a single way of writing, but to offer clarity, so that each writer can refine their own.

Writing is a practice. It evolves with time, tools, and attention. At Scriveiner, we look forward to exploring that journey with you throughout the year ahead.