★★★★★ 4
Not what I was looking for but still a good purchase
Size: 1 Ream | 500 Sheets, Style: Letter (8.5x11), Size: 1 Ream | 500 Sheets, Style: Letter (8.5x11)
In my quest to find a cheaper alternative to the HP Premium 32 paper (to use as nib calligraphy paper), I bought this ream of paper to try. The texture is smooth and the weight and GSM match the HP32 ream, despite it being premium color copy paper. It holds most fountain pen inks well, with some minor exceptions (see pic for details). This paper sucked up the Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-Peki ink like water (it's a watery ink, but still) which caused some feathering and "boldness" despite using a fine nib and the lightest pressure. The colors of the fountain pen inks do pop out with the brightness of the paper, which I do like. The same can be said about the Nikko G nib and sumi ink. I have not tried walnut ink yet, but I'll report back. This paper is good quality, but it's pretty much the same as the Hammermill Premium Laser Printer paper (which costs $5 less than this one). The Hammermill Premium Color copy paper has similar specs to the HP32, with similar price point as well, however, it performs like its sister brand (Hammermill Laser Print). Don't get me wrong, the quality of fantastic, especially if you want your reports and presentations pop. It just doesn't provide what I'm looking for when it comes to nib calligraphy, e.g. smooth lines and no feathering. Did I return it? No, because it performs well with most fountain pen inks and compared to the specialty paper designed for fountain inks, this ream and the laser one, work just as well and better for my wallet.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2026