The Hobonichi is one of the most sought-after planners on the market today. Some would say it has an almost cult-like following, and it’s not hard to see why. It has top-quality binding, comes in different sizes and formats, and has many covers and accessories. But most of all, it comes with excellent, ultra-lightweight Tomoe River paper that is suitable for all kinds of pens and inks.
If you’ve ever wondered what the best fountain pen for the Hobonichi is, look no further.
The best fountain pen for the Hobonichi
Finding the best fountain pen for the Hobonichi can be quite challenging because it is such an open-ended question. There are several things you can consider here, and the most important one is the paper type that the planner uses.
Tomoe River paper (TRP) is known for being one of the highest-quality planner papers available today. It is extremely smooth, which is why it is so useful for many mediums; you can use pencils, ballpoint pens, rollerball pens, fountain pens, and even brush pens and light washes of watercolor.
This paper has a high capacity for absorbing but doesn’t bleed through (although depending on the thinness there might be some ghosting). And yet, TRP also allows ink to sit on top of the paper to show off its properties in the best way possible. Ink behaves very well on this paper, with virtually no feathering.
Given this, you can use any fountain pen you wish — it’s all a matter of preference.
Those who are on a budget may enjoy the Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen and the Pilot Kakuno. Both pens are under $15, and the Hobonichi even sells them on their website. These colorful fountain pens are great for beginners as they are lightweight, provide a smooth writing experience, and are budget-friendly. They also come in attractive colors, making them a great match for the whimsical look of the Hobonichi.
If your handwriting is small, then we recommend using a fountain pen with a smaller nib to jot down your notes. The extra-fine and fine nibs ensure that letters fit in the Hobonichi’s 3.7-millimeter grid. However, you can also choose broader nibs such as stubs and italics to use for this planner.
The Kaweco Sport and the TWSBI Eco Transparent Yellow Fountain Pen are two other pens that are great choices for your Hobonichi. If you’re a prolific writer, then the latter might be a better option since it has such a large ink reservoir. The Kaweco Sport is better suited for writers who are always on the go since it is so small and easy to carry. Like the Pilot and Platinum pens mentioned earlier, there are many nib sizes to choose from.
While this selection of pens is a great place to start, you don’t have to feel limited by them. This planner’s paper is versatile enough to take on any type of fountain pen you have. Whether your favorite is from Montblanc or Sailor, it can be perfectly suitable for the Hobonichi.
Fountain pen inks for Hobonichi
One of the more important considerations for your Hobonichi is the type of ink you are using. Tomoe River paper can take almost any ink, so the most important question to ask is, “How much time am I willing to wait for ink to dry?”
Dry times depend on several factors, including how the ink is formulated. If you want a faster dry time, then using a finer nib is better since it puts down less ink. You can also use ink with a faster drying time, such as LAMY Blue. However, those who have time to spare and want to see the best qualities of their ink on paper can use broader, wetter nibs and sheening or shading inks.
The Bottom Line
When choosing a pen and ink combination for your Hobonichi, the biggest factor you’ll have to consider is definitely the type of paper it uses. And fortunately, Tomoe River paper is versatile enough for a wide range of fountain pens. If this type of paper is not your cup of tea, then it might be worth looking at other planners and fountain pen-friendly paper types that will suit your preferences.
Happy planning and happy writing!
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
