I learned that the Bachuan paper used in Kinbors is also Japanese made, with Bachuan labeled the “generic” version of Tomoe River Paper. (Note that Tomoe River Paper is now produced by Sanzen and not Tomoegawa Paper Company. “While often mentioned together, "Bachuan paper" is essentially a generic term referring to a type of paper very similar to "Tomoe River paper," both originating from Japan and known for their extremely smooth, thin, and bleed-resistant qualities, making them ideal for fountain pen writing; however, "Tomoe River" is a specific brand name produced by the Tomoegawa Paper Company, considered the gold standard for this style of paper due to its consistent quality and performance.”
For those who love Hobonichi, they’re amazing. But there are plenty of die-hard Kinbor fans out there too. I will likely continue to pay for the larger Hobonichi Cousin because it has served me well, gets nice and fat without breaking, and it makes me happy. But for the things I do in other planners that aren’t as special to me, Kinbor is perfect. And from what I hear, can take a beating just as well as Hobonichi. Perhaps I’ll be testing that out in 2025! ❤️ I’m glad I could help!
Welcome back!!! Hoping your son is feeling much better. Great comparison video. I keep thinking I “need” the A6 Kinbor but I haven’t purchased yet. For some reason I get intimidated ordering from Ali Express but yet I will order planners direct from Hobonichi and Amazon Japan 🤣You have given me several great ideas on what I can use it for. I’ve never had a brain dump planner, or as I call it mind unwind, and I like that idea. I think it would be fun to look back on. On another note- have you tested the paper yet in the 5 year journal? I’ve been hearing a lot of chatter that it’s different so I’ve been holding off on ordering.
Hello!! My son is doing much better. I’m so glad and relieved. Thank you for checking! I have not yet tested the 5-year. I typically use ball point when I journal, which is what I plan to do in the 5 year and don’t have any worries about the paper. I know a lot of people have concerns for all the 2025 Hobonichi planners and I confess I haven’t yet tested them. I am going to hope for the best. And since I don’t use fountain pens, I feel my odds are better. 🤞 Let’s hope I’m right!
Yay! What all will you be logging in the A6? Dailies or trackers or just notes? I’m going to use a Papertess Weeks for my health and financial wellness. Some days will be more full than others but the layout was too sweet to pass up. I have one Kinbor weeks, the A6, and an A5. I need to take the A5 for a spin at work just to see if it will work. I might sketch out the layout in another notebook and try it that way.
@ I actually made a video recently about my thoughts if you like to check it out. But mainly tracking weight loss, my meals, symptoms, habits, etc. I love the weeks for work. I actually still have a 2023 A5 kinbor for work notes. I cut it down to standard size and still using it. Excited to see how you use the papertess!
I'm not someone who comments a lot on videos in general but I found your channel within the past month or two and today specifically was a stressful day and I saw you posted this video and I threw it up on the tv and it was just a very calming, relaxing end to my evening and I really needed that, so thank you! Your videos always feel so friendly and are so nice to have on while I'm unwinding for the day (plus I love not only how super thorough you are but also how unabashedly excited you are about this stuff!) Anyway I just really felt the need to let you know that you made my evening a little brighter when I really needed it, so thank you. Hope your week is so so kind to you! 🖤
Thank you so much for sharing this. While I do not like that you had a stressful day, I am glad we closed it out together ❤️ I appreciate you. And as much as I can, I am sending chill, calm, peaceful days your way. Thank you for being here!
Thank you so much! My son is on a great upswing, taking his time and eager to get back to all his sports. I’m really proud of him. ❤️❤️❤️ And thank YOU.
The disadvantage of Kinbor is the fact that they don't keep their designs constant. For a couple of years I used and loved the Kinbor A5 Avec but since 2024 they do not have them anymore. So I had to switch back to Hobonichi at least for journaling. As I bulk my journal up a lot the Avec is a must have. For planning I still use the Kinbor A5, as well as the Kinbor Weeks as EDC. There is a bound version of the Kinbor out as well, similar to the HON. I don't know if Kinbor has a Sunday start version, though. The paper - at least till this year - is quite good and fountain pen friedly. I have not tested the paper of next year's batch yet. And I heard that the undated Kinbor planners might have appalling paper, at least they had some years ago. The bookmarks are new, by the way.
Excellent! Thank you for adding all these extra details! It really helps. It’s too bad they don’t stay consistent in layout and available options. I’d personally find the challenge to adapt a little fun (maybe frustrating too) but only because the price is low enough to deal with it. Now if Hobonichi wasn’t consistent, that would be worse. 🥴 Thanks so much for taking time to offer this extra info about Kinbor. I appreciate it!
I've recently been getting into the planner life (due to hectic university schedules) and I love your videos! The details you go into and the way you structure and describe the planners are super helpful for someone like me who's on a tight budget and would like to know if a more expensive planner is worth the investment 😊 the only thing about the Hobonichi (even in Weeks) that kinda throw me off are the quotes that take up quite a lot of space, but I also like the darker ink and cream colour (the Kinbor's print looks lighter on camera at least). Currently in a dilemma right now! 😂
So - I do think the Hobonichi is definitely worth the investment, but so far, I also think the Kinbor can do the job without having to invest all that $$ in the Hobonichi. You know what I mean? I do not regret splurging on my Hobonichis for 2024. They’re great. But I sure am glad I have cheaper alternatives for options. I have found only the Hobonichi weeks has cream color paper. It seems the rest are more on the white side with slight variations. Also, I do think when side by side the Hobonichi is darker. But when looked at individually, the Kinbor doesn’t appear too light. Does that make sense? They each stand up pretty well on their own. I think there’s a point in the video when I say the Kinbor is darker but I think I was meaning to say the gray box. I’m honestly not sure and have to rewind and look again 🫠. I caught that when I was editing. In the end, they’re both solid options. I’m glad I decided to try the A6 Kinbor for next year (and the weeks and A5) because I could not afford more Hobonichis, especially without having a solid plan on how to use them. Kinbor is going to make me happy, I think. Now let’s see how they hold up over the year! Come back and tell me what you decide. If you use them, I think you’ll be happy either way (unless you’re like me and keep wondering what the other option would have been like 🤦🏻♀️ I do that all the time and it makes me nuts).
Thank you! I learned (thanks to your comment) that the Bachuan paper used in Kinbors is also Japanese made, with Bachuan labeled the “generic” version of Tamoe River Paper. “While often mentioned together, "Bachuan paper" is essentially a generic term referring to a type of paper very similar to "Tomoe River paper," both originating from Japan and known for their extremely smooth, thin, and bleed-resistant qualities, making them ideal for fountain pen writing; however, "Tomoe River" is a specific brand name produced by the Tomoegawa Paper Company, considered the gold standard for this style of paper due to its consistent quality and performance.”
Great video. I subscribed when you said you were left handed. Being left handed has its ups and downs. Fountain pens and brush lettering can definitely be difficult.
I also had brush lettering issues! I got a lot of practice in one of my weekly spreads. Got a smidge better but if I let up for a week, I feel like I have to start all over. There are lefties out there with videos, thank goodness. ❤️ I’d love to find a fountain pen that would work for me but hesitant to spend the $$ for a good one without knowing for sure. A Pilot Vanishing Point would be amazing. That extra fine nib is impressive. Also never thought there would be clickable fountain pens. Still seems crazy to me. Lol. Thanks for being here!
I think the Kinbor is more like the Hobonichi Hon series. My A6 Hon has a very stiff cover, a bookmark and the year embossed on on the side.I love my Hobonichi Weeks so much but I'm dead tempted to get a Kinbor next year.
I’ve never had a Hon but I have certainly been tempted, especially if I want to use one for just writing and minimal washing/sticker usage. The covers are also lovely.
Great comparison. I've got a Kinbor Weeks on order as I'm really curious to try the brand (I got the bakery cover like the A6 one you have here). I've never tried Hobonichi as I've always been put off by the price, especially here in the UK. Fellow lefty as well and know what you mean about fountain pens. The only ones I get on with are the Platinum Preppys so I stick with those.
Will immediately search for Platinum Preppys. If I know they work for another lefty, I’m more apt to try it (knowing it may be a different experience so don’t worry! Haha). The cover of that Coffee Kinbor is so nice! I hope you love it. About the Hobonichi price: I struggled when deciding last year if I would do it. It was so pricey so I had to be absolutely sure I would use it. Thankfully, I do but oof - 💸
Oh! Those pens aren’t that pricy at all from what I can see. They’re all less than $30 with most around $10-15. Do I have the right one? Does that price range sound right? (US dollars, of course).
@@sherbidabbles Yep they are pretty cheap! I mean, they aren't the prettiest looking things in the world (I have a Platinum Plaisir as well which uses the same nib and is slightly less disposable-looking). What I like about them is they never seem to skip for me - even if I haven't used them for a little while.
I don’t. I’m sorry. They have bundles with clear covers on Ali Express and I did see fabric covers as well. Please come back if you find some and let me know!
I learned that the Bachuan paper used in Kinbors is also Japanese made, with Bachuan labeled the “generic” version of Tomoe River Paper. (Note that Tomoe River Paper is now produced by Sanzen and not Tomoegawa Paper Company.
“While often mentioned together, "Bachuan paper" is essentially a generic term referring to a type of paper very similar to "Tomoe River paper," both originating from Japan and known for their extremely smooth, thin, and bleed-resistant qualities, making them ideal for fountain pen writing; however, "Tomoe River" is a specific brand name produced by the Tomoegawa Paper Company, considered the gold standard for this style of paper due to its consistent quality and performance.”
Thank you!! I definitely won't be paying those crazy prices for the Hobonichi any longer!
For those who love Hobonichi, they’re amazing. But there are plenty of die-hard Kinbor fans out there too. I will likely continue to pay for the larger Hobonichi Cousin because it has served me well, gets nice and fat without breaking, and it makes me happy. But for the things I do in other planners that aren’t as special to me, Kinbor is perfect. And from what I hear, can take a beating just as well as Hobonichi. Perhaps I’ll be testing that out in 2025! ❤️ I’m glad I could help!
Welcome back!!! Hoping your son is feeling much better. Great comparison video. I keep thinking I “need” the A6 Kinbor but I haven’t purchased yet. For some reason I get intimidated ordering from Ali Express but yet I will order planners direct from Hobonichi and Amazon Japan 🤣You have given me several great ideas on what I can use it for. I’ve never had a brain dump planner, or as I call it mind unwind, and I like that idea. I think it would be fun to look back on. On another note- have you tested the paper yet in the 5 year journal? I’ve been hearing a lot of chatter that it’s different so I’ve been holding off on ordering.
Hello!! My son is doing much better. I’m so glad and relieved. Thank you for checking! I have not yet tested the 5-year. I typically use ball point when I journal, which is what I plan to do in the 5 year and don’t have any worries about the paper. I know a lot of people have concerns for all the 2025 Hobonichi planners and I confess I haven’t yet tested them. I am going to hope for the best. And since I don’t use fountain pens, I feel my odds are better. 🤞 Let’s hope I’m right!
Looove! I am going to use my A6 kinbor for wellness planner! And my kinbor weekly for work. Too excited!
Yay! What all will you be logging in the A6? Dailies or trackers or just notes? I’m going to use a Papertess Weeks for my health and financial wellness. Some days will be more full than others but the layout was too sweet to pass up. I have one Kinbor weeks, the A6, and an A5. I need to take the A5 for a spin at work just to see if it will work. I might sketch out the layout in another notebook and try it that way.
@ I actually made a video recently about my thoughts if you like to check it out. But mainly tracking weight loss, my meals, symptoms, habits, etc. I love the weeks for work. I actually still have a 2023 A5 kinbor for work notes. I cut it down to standard size and still using it. Excited to see how you use the papertess!
@@taranickoledesigns3340 I'll go find your video! if I get lost, I'll come back and ask for directions. 🤗
@ sounds good! 😂
I'm not someone who comments a lot on videos in general but I found your channel within the past month or two and today specifically was a stressful day and I saw you posted this video and I threw it up on the tv and it was just a very calming, relaxing end to my evening and I really needed that, so thank you! Your videos always feel so friendly and are so nice to have on while I'm unwinding for the day (plus I love not only how super thorough you are but also how unabashedly excited you are about this stuff!) Anyway I just really felt the need to let you know that you made my evening a little brighter when I really needed it, so thank you. Hope your week is so so kind to you! 🖤
Thank you so much for sharing this. While I do not like that you had a stressful day, I am glad we closed it out together ❤️ I appreciate you. And as much as I can, I am sending chill, calm, peaceful days your way. Thank you for being here!
Another great video Sherbi and really hope your son is feeling much better. Thank you once again 💖
Thank you so much! My son is on a great upswing, taking his time and eager to get back to all his sports. I’m really proud of him. ❤️❤️❤️ And thank YOU.
The disadvantage of Kinbor is the fact that they don't keep their designs constant. For a couple of years I used and loved the Kinbor A5 Avec but since 2024 they do not have them anymore. So I had to switch back to Hobonichi at least for journaling. As I bulk my journal up a lot the Avec is a must have. For planning I still use the Kinbor A5, as well as the Kinbor Weeks as EDC. There is a bound version of the Kinbor out as well, similar to the HON. I don't know if Kinbor has a Sunday start version, though.
The paper - at least till this year - is quite good and fountain pen friedly. I have not tested the paper of next year's batch yet. And I heard that the undated Kinbor planners might have appalling paper, at least they had some years ago.
The bookmarks are new, by the way.
Excellent! Thank you for adding all these extra details! It really helps. It’s too bad they don’t stay consistent in layout and available options. I’d personally find the challenge to adapt a little fun (maybe frustrating too) but only because the price is low enough to deal with it. Now if Hobonichi wasn’t consistent, that would be worse. 🥴 Thanks so much for taking time to offer this extra info about Kinbor. I appreciate it!
I've recently been getting into the planner life (due to hectic university schedules) and I love your videos! The details you go into and the way you structure and describe the planners are super helpful for someone like me who's on a tight budget and would like to know if a more expensive planner is worth the investment 😊 the only thing about the Hobonichi (even in Weeks) that kinda throw me off are the quotes that take up quite a lot of space, but I also like the darker ink and cream colour (the Kinbor's print looks lighter on camera at least). Currently in a dilemma right now! 😂
So - I do think the Hobonichi is definitely worth the investment, but so far, I also think the Kinbor can do the job without having to invest all that $$ in the Hobonichi. You know what I mean? I do not regret splurging on my Hobonichis for 2024. They’re great. But I sure am glad I have cheaper alternatives for options.
I have found only the Hobonichi weeks has cream color paper. It seems the rest are more on the white side with slight variations. Also, I do think when side by side the Hobonichi is darker. But when looked at individually, the Kinbor doesn’t appear too light. Does that make sense? They each stand up pretty well on their own. I think there’s a point in the video when I say the Kinbor is darker but I think I was meaning to say the gray box. I’m honestly not sure and have to rewind and look again 🫠. I caught that when I was editing.
In the end, they’re both solid options. I’m glad I decided to try the A6 Kinbor for next year (and the weeks and A5) because I could not afford more Hobonichis, especially without having a solid plan on how to use them. Kinbor is going to make me happy, I think. Now let’s see how they hold up over the year! Come back and tell me what you decide. If you use them, I think you’ll be happy either way (unless you’re like me and keep wondering what the other option would have been like 🤦🏻♀️ I do that all the time and it makes me nuts).
Sanzen is the only ones that make tomoe river paper. They bought the recipe from the original owners.
Thank you! I learned (thanks to your comment) that the Bachuan paper used in Kinbors is also Japanese made, with Bachuan labeled the “generic” version of Tamoe River Paper.
“While often mentioned together, "Bachuan paper" is essentially a generic term referring to a type of paper very similar to "Tomoe River paper," both originating from Japan and known for their extremely smooth, thin, and bleed-resistant qualities, making them ideal for fountain pen writing; however, "Tomoe River" is a specific brand name produced by the Tomoegawa Paper Company, considered the gold standard for this style of paper due to its consistent quality and performance.”
Great video. I subscribed when you said you were left handed. Being left handed has its ups and downs. Fountain pens and brush lettering can definitely be difficult.
I also had brush lettering issues! I got a lot of practice in one of my weekly spreads. Got a smidge better but if I let up for a week, I feel like I have to start all over. There are lefties out there with videos, thank goodness. ❤️ I’d love to find a fountain pen that would work for me but hesitant to spend the $$ for a good one without knowing for sure. A Pilot Vanishing Point would be amazing. That extra fine nib is impressive. Also never thought there would be clickable fountain pens. Still seems crazy to me. Lol. Thanks for being here!
I think the Kinbor is more like the Hobonichi Hon series. My A6 Hon has a very stiff cover, a bookmark and the year embossed on on the side.I love my Hobonichi Weeks so much but I'm dead tempted to get a Kinbor next year.
I’ve never had a Hon but I have certainly been tempted, especially if I want to use one for just writing and minimal washing/sticker usage. The covers are also lovely.
Great comparison. I've got a Kinbor Weeks on order as I'm really curious to try the brand (I got the bakery cover like the A6 one you have here). I've never tried Hobonichi as I've always been put off by the price, especially here in the UK.
Fellow lefty as well and know what you mean about fountain pens. The only ones I get on with are the Platinum Preppys so I stick with those.
Will immediately search for Platinum Preppys. If I know they work for another lefty, I’m more apt to try it (knowing it may be a different experience so don’t worry! Haha). The cover of that Coffee Kinbor is so nice! I hope you love it. About the Hobonichi price: I struggled when deciding last year if I would do it. It was so pricey so I had to be absolutely sure I would use it. Thankfully, I do but oof - 💸
Oh! Those pens aren’t that pricy at all from what I can see. They’re all less than $30 with most around $10-15. Do I have the right one? Does that price range sound right? (US dollars, of course).
@@sherbidabbles Yep they are pretty cheap! I mean, they aren't the prettiest looking things in the world (I have a Platinum Plaisir as well which uses the same nib and is slightly less disposable-looking). What I like about them is they never seem to skip for me - even if I haven't used them for a little while.
@kerrym1979 Sweet. I might try one. Do you have a preferred ink?
@@sherbidabbles I mainly just use the standard black Platinum cartridges but I do have a couple of different coloured Diamine bottle inks as well.
hi! do you have any suggestion for cute covers/sleeves I can use for my kinbor?
I don’t. I’m sorry. They have bundles with clear covers on Ali Express and I did see fabric covers as well. Please come back if you find some and let me know!
Чудесное видео, большое спасибо за понятный обзор! :)
You’re so welcome! Thank you for being here!
❤
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