I can assure you that the bleeding is not normal for the Tomoe River Sanzen paper. I extensively tested it with all my inks (over 80 inks!) and pens, I threw the ink on the paper in spoonfuls and nothing bled. Maybe the paper sterling ink used for that planner was a bad batch (there was one very early on in the production) or it got damaged during production. If the paper got moist and then dried again somewhere between factory and you, that could explain the bleeding. But in general, the Sanzen paper is actually just as (if not more) resistant to bleedthrough than the old Tomoe River Hobonichi used until this year. Fun fact: it also tends to ghost a little less.
Yes Sanzen TRP is awesome. Less ghosting and in my experience no bleed-thru and quicker dry times too. I’ve been using SI and other brands Sanzen for quite some time and not had this issue once.
I have the Sterling Ink notebbook (same hard cover and color) and have the same problem with the paper. Definitly worse than my Hobonichi 2023. Good to know that it could be a bad batch - because I already decided it to be the last Sterlink Ink product with this paper.
This video and the comment section really helped me! The videos I've watched so far only talk about the layout difference between the CP & the Hobonichi & none about the paper quality & how it works. Thank YOU for sharing! Sterlingink just started pre-orders on her CP planners w/ new sizes & layout options! Will you be ordering one? Or two?
You're so welcome! I just did a comparison video too if you would really like to see the differences. As for the pre-orders I have ordered but I won't say how many just yet haha 😉 I will have a full line up video later this year!
@@mydandeliondiaries oh my! I'm excited to see your lineup for 2024. Look at us talking about next year's planners already 😅 Oh! I'll check that comparison video for sure. Thank you~
I love this planner for the same reasons as you. I was in the Cousin and switched to this one in January. I preordered last year and have the full year version. I have never had any bleedthrough. I've preordered two of the 2024 planners for next year.
I think the bleed through I had was unique to those inks because I haven't had any more bleed through issues. It really is a great planner for a more minimal hobonichi style layout :)
Would you go into more detail on those pages that were divided by the months and how you use them? Loved the video. I’m starting mine in July moving from a bullet journal. Hoping this will work for me, tired of drawing spreads every month
Sure! I can make a video about it but in text I basically made a graph on the left page for my sleep mood and stress and then on the right page it's a habit tracker of sorts. It is PERFECT for bullet journaling in my opinion. 1. you don't have to draw out the weeklies or months (saves so much time) and in the back you can still do a daily log or any kind of spreads you want!
Thank you for your honest review. I love the layout but I hate the binding and paper. I also noticed it DOES NOT lay flat like my hobo cousin. I love my hobonichi because the paper is so light and flexible and the binding is super strong (I'm rough on my planner and I also add a lot into the pages). I hope in the future the common planner binding will improve. But if the hobonichi cousin magically makes their daily's just plain 365 grid, I'd be at planner peace. 😭
Thank you so much! I agree with your comment about the Hobonichi Cousin having blank dailies. I was at planner peace and then now that I've had freedom of blank pages I want that more. I know Catherine takes our reviews/comments to account so maybe the 2024 versions will have some changes.
Thanks for this video as I’m looking around for planners to try for 2024. I can explain the bleed through your referring to. Hobonichi has a special coating on their papers that’s why you’re not seeing that even though they use tomoe. I used another notebook (forgot the brand) that uses tomoe as well & experience bleed through just like yours. The sample sanzen paper that comes with the Hobonichi doesn’t have bleed through so I’m hopeful.
Glad it was helpful! I will say as an update, the binding has improved since taking it out of the clear cover, but it does not lay as flat as the Hobonichi. I too am trying to get my 2024 line up together!
Thank you for your honest review! I’m currently trying out the Aura Estelle planners in B6 and weeks. They are very similar to the Hobonichi & common planner. I haven’t had any issues with the binding.
I saw those! I liked that they had a couple of blank pages after each week, but they don't have enough pages for me. (I like to write a lot haha) But if I had a separate book for daily logs I would totally pick one up!
I’ve been using Sanzen Tomoe River paper for 8+ months in planners and notebooks from SterlingInk and many other brands and have never had a bleed thru issue. The paper is amazing and though I love the original TRP I find the Sanzen to be improved for planning because there’s less shadowing and also inks dry faster. I’m not sure what caused your bleed-thru but that’s not bc it’s a SI product and it’s also not at all consistent with my experience with Sanzen TRP. I’m sorry this happened to you it but don’t let it deter you. Seems like a freak occurrence. As far as the binding goes. I know some people has issues (though mostly the cover coming off/separating not the spine itself) but that was also primarily with the black linen cover. The mauve has been much better bc it’s got a different coating on the paper. All that said I used the B6 since BOY in the half year wirh tipins and stickers and I’ve got quite the fluff going on and I’ve had no issues. And I’ve got the A5 full year that I’ve been using since April but back dated to BOY (in the black linen) and I’ve had no issues with it either - I use stickers in it but no tipins. So I expect your spine will hold up. I found that the weird pull happened on the new “improved” hard covers and not the old soft cover. Think it’s because the extra structure is just added to the front and back and doesn’t go across the spine so it causes it to shift when you actually open it and break it in.
Yes! I have found that the bleed through was specific to that ink. I haven't had an issue again. Also the binding has relaxed a lot and the "turning" has stopped after I took it out of the clear cover. I discovered that the clear cover was too tight and causing strain on the binding. So after stretching out the clear cover I have not had any further issues. I really love the book now. (I did an update review on another video explaining too 😀
Great video! Thank you for sharing your experience, and the timing is perfect as the 2024 pre-orders for the SI CP just posted. These seem like such a great option compared to HB in that there aren't any scripted pages in the back that I can't use like in the HB Weeks, and that there are plenty of undated pages that can use for daily or notes pages (for work). I'm concerned about the bleeding through using just regular pens. Just started getting used to the pens on the TRP, too. I don't use fountain pens currently, but I hope to in future.
Thank you for watching! I have an updated review/comparison video with the Hobonichi going up tomorrow. I know the decision is a hard one since they are both so close!
Don’t be concerned about bleed-thru. I’ve used Sanzen TRP for over 8 mo from SI and other brands with lots of pens (fountain, gel etc) and markers and never had bleed thru. I believe this was a weird freak occurrence because it’s not an issue with Sanzen or SI that I’ve ever experienced or heard about.
I'm hoping since I have the 2nd release with the thicker cover it will be okay in the long term. I love the layout and freedom of the planner but if it falls apart I am going to be sad.
Yeah that’s bleeding 😬 I found that with my Staology when I first used it way back in 2016. I found that pink and red FPs were more likely to bleed than other colours. I haven’t used Sanzen TR yet as the notebooks in using are OG TR, but I’m a bit scared! Seems like it might be closer to Staology than OG TR from what I’ve heard.
I got a notebook specifically with the new sanzen paper to test all my inks in because I am so nervous for the new Hobonichi and the paper. I can deal with a minor amount of bleed through but if its too distracting it makes it hard to use the page. I wonder what makes the red/pink inks do that? Very interesting.
@@mydandeliondiaries I think reds and pinks tend to be more saturated (not always, but often). Think about how often they stain things like converters 🤷🏼♀️
I don't see any sliding of the binding. It looks completely normal to me. As far as bleeding, I haven't had any issue with her paper. I agree you may have gotten a batch that wasn't properly sized, but it also looks like you had a juicy pen there.
The binding has improved so much over the months. Once I took it out of the clear cover, and also stretched the clear cover, it improved so much. And yes, I think my ink was just a one off ink. Thanks for watching!
I have a B6 half year for July - December, and the binding on mine has started to fail - or, not the binding but the glue holding the cover onto the book. There's a space or crack where the free end papers are pulling away from the book block. I haven't even started using it yet, except to do some pen testing and to write a few notes on the first 3-4 of the daily pages.
Oh no!! I did an update a few days ago about mine and how the binding ended up relaxing after I took it out of the clear cover. It has since improved drastically. I haven't had any of the separating issues from the cover. I would reach out to Catherine and see if she could send you a replacement! I know she has mentioned that she is happy to help if there were any issues with the books.
I got the A5 undated for next year as I have cute stamps I want to use for dating but I noticed right away the paper difference. I’m a paper snob though lol I only use DeAtramentis document ink in black and sepia brown. I’m hoping it holds up!
I have not noticed any problems with the stamp ink I use (versa magic) or the DeAtramentis inks (I used the Alexander Hamilton, Document Fog Grey, and Document Black Blue)! Must be something in the formula. Some of the fineliner pens I've used to have a similar appearance of "bleeding" through the paper. The new sanzen paper is definitely different.
@@cutieinnycthat’s the case with stamp inks in all versions of TRP. You have to rest and find the best ink for the paper. Many use the chalk ink in the original TRP because of bleed thru with the stamp inks.
I actually made a video about it if you want to watch (th-cam.com/video/K7MNeQjgRNM/w-d-xo.html) But the short answer would be its mainly my sleep/mood/stress on the left page, and the right page is things like reading, water intake, caffeine, working out, language practice, and meditation
Do you by anychance know what inks/brands you were using that bled through? I've had an issue with one single ink I own on Sanzen paper and it's really disheartening. It's Anderillium Purple Gallinule Purple. Not only does it massively bleed but it feathers too. I think I can deal with the level that you show here, personally although I'm glad I'm aware of it, but I just don't want massive amounts of bleeding so I'm hoping to get an idea of some inks to steer away from rather than wasting my money.
Yes! So the ones I showed that were bleeding through slightly were the Pilot ink cartridges in Pink and then an Orange and Brown mixed together. I have noticed that it is the more "red" toned inks I am having the trouble with. I purchased an A6 notebook from Sterling Ink to swatch all my inks in so I could have an idea of which ones would be safe to use. I also found that very wet inks tend to have the minor bleed through. I think the sanzen paper isn't as capable with liquid as the original TR paper. But I haven't tried watercolor on it yet.
@@mydandeliondiaries Yep I've been seeing the same thing. I actually just sketched with Diamine Sailor's Warning in my Hobonichi which is OG TRP and I'm actually noticing some intense ghosting (I don't think it's quite to the level of what I would call bleed through though). I have been swatching and exploring in a Wonderland222 notebook which I'm pretty sure is Sanzen so I might do that in the future. I really wish I could use this Anderillium ink but it doesn't make sense to just change paper for one ink. *sigh*
I actually found that my binding has been doing much better! I took it out of the clear cover and it seemed to magically start to fix itself. I think if you use the clear cover just make sure that it is stretched out enough that the planner has room to move a little bit and you should be just fine.
The undated version was $50 USD with free shipping to the USA. Which is cheaper than the Hobonichi Cousin which is usually priced at $60 USD. Sterling Ink still has some of the undated left on her website if you want to see the B6 size :)
100% agree about the layout. I'm curious to see what she does with the 2024 planners/notebooks, if she will go back to a softer cover or harder or something new all together.
I can assure you that the bleeding is not normal for the Tomoe River Sanzen paper. I extensively tested it with all my inks (over 80 inks!) and pens, I threw the ink on the paper in spoonfuls and nothing bled. Maybe the paper sterling ink used for that planner was a bad batch (there was one very early on in the production) or it got damaged during production. If the paper got moist and then dried again somewhere between factory and you, that could explain the bleeding. But in general, the Sanzen paper is actually just as (if not more) resistant to bleedthrough than the old Tomoe River Hobonichi used until this year. Fun fact: it also tends to ghost a little less.
Good to know! Thank you for all the information :)
Yes Sanzen TRP is awesome. Less ghosting and in my experience no bleed-thru and quicker dry times too. I’ve been using SI and other brands Sanzen for quite some time and not had this issue once.
I have the Sterling Ink notebbook (same hard cover and color) and have the same problem with the paper. Definitly worse than my Hobonichi 2023.
Good to know that it could be a bad batch - because I already decided it to be the last Sterlink Ink product with this paper.
No trp in fountain pen bleeds when the ink is a dye, not a pigment
I love the "12 chapters 365 new chances" page 🥰🥰🥰
Thank you! I have it on my computer too. :)
This video and the comment section really helped me! The videos I've watched so far only talk about the layout difference between the CP & the Hobonichi & none about the paper quality & how it works. Thank YOU for sharing!
Sterlingink just started pre-orders on her CP planners w/ new sizes & layout options! Will you be ordering one? Or two?
You're so welcome! I just did a comparison video too if you would really like to see the differences. As for the pre-orders I have ordered but I won't say how many just yet haha 😉 I will have a full line up video later this year!
@@mydandeliondiaries oh my! I'm excited to see your lineup for 2024. Look at us talking about next year's planners already 😅
Oh! I'll check that comparison video for sure. Thank you~
Thanks for the honest review. I love your handwriting!
Thank you! We will see what it looks like after 6 months.
I love this planner for the same reasons as you. I was in the Cousin and switched to this one in January. I preordered last year and have the full year version. I have never had any bleedthrough. I've preordered two of the 2024 planners for next year.
I think the bleed through I had was unique to those inks because I haven't had any more bleed through issues. It really is a great planner for a more minimal hobonichi style layout :)
Would you go into more detail on those pages that were divided by the months and how you use them? Loved the video. I’m starting mine in July moving from a bullet journal. Hoping this will work for me, tired of drawing spreads every month
Sure! I can make a video about it but in text I basically made a graph on the left page for my sleep mood and stress and then on the right page it's a habit tracker of sorts. It is PERFECT for bullet journaling in my opinion. 1. you don't have to draw out the weeklies or months (saves so much time) and in the back you can still do a daily log or any kind of spreads you want!
Thank you for your honest review. I love the layout but I hate the binding and paper. I also noticed it DOES NOT lay flat like my hobo cousin. I love my hobonichi because the paper is so light and flexible and the binding is super strong (I'm rough on my planner and I also add a lot into the pages). I hope in the future the common planner binding will improve. But if the hobonichi cousin magically makes their daily's just plain 365 grid, I'd be at planner peace. 😭
Btw I love your videos for inspiration ❤
Thank you so much! I agree with your comment about the Hobonichi Cousin having blank dailies. I was at planner peace and then now that I've had freedom of blank pages I want that more. I know Catherine takes our reviews/comments to account so maybe the 2024 versions will have some changes.
Thanks for this video as I’m looking around for planners to try for 2024. I can explain the bleed through your referring to. Hobonichi has a special coating on their papers that’s why you’re not seeing that even though they use tomoe. I used another notebook (forgot the brand) that uses tomoe as well & experience bleed through just like yours. The sample sanzen paper that comes with the Hobonichi doesn’t have bleed through so I’m hopeful.
Glad it was helpful! I will say as an update, the binding has improved since taking it out of the clear cover, but it does not lay as flat as the Hobonichi. I too am trying to get my 2024 line up together!
@@mydandeliondiaries thanks for the update!
Love your set up! I’m starting to like mine more. But definitely will get A5 next time if I get one for next year!
Thank you for watching! I have always liked having more space. The B6 is nice but A5 has that extra inch that I need sometimes.
Thank you for your honest review!
I’m currently trying out the Aura Estelle planners in B6 and weeks. They are very similar to the Hobonichi & common planner. I haven’t had any issues with the binding.
I saw those! I liked that they had a couple of blank pages after each week, but they don't have enough pages for me. (I like to write a lot haha) But if I had a separate book for daily logs I would totally pick one up!
I’ve been using Sanzen Tomoe River paper for 8+ months in planners and notebooks from SterlingInk and many other brands and have never had a bleed thru issue. The paper is amazing and though I love the original TRP I find the Sanzen to be improved for planning because there’s less shadowing and also inks dry faster. I’m not sure what caused your bleed-thru but that’s not bc it’s a SI product and it’s also not at all consistent with my experience with Sanzen TRP. I’m sorry this happened to you it but don’t let it deter you. Seems like a freak occurrence.
As far as the binding goes. I know some people has issues (though mostly the cover coming off/separating not the spine itself) but that was also primarily with the black linen cover. The mauve has been much better bc it’s got a different coating on the paper. All that said I used the B6 since BOY in the half year wirh tipins and stickers and I’ve got quite the fluff going on and I’ve had no issues. And I’ve got the A5 full year that I’ve been using since April but back dated to BOY (in the black linen) and I’ve had no issues with it either - I use stickers in it but no tipins. So I expect your spine will hold up. I found that the weird pull happened on the new “improved” hard covers and not the old soft cover. Think it’s because the extra structure is just added to the front and back and doesn’t go across the spine so it causes it to shift when you actually open it and break it in.
Yes! I have found that the bleed through was specific to that ink. I haven't had an issue again. Also the binding has relaxed a lot and the "turning" has stopped after I took it out of the clear cover. I discovered that the clear cover was too tight and causing strain on the binding. So after stretching out the clear cover I have not had any further issues. I really love the book now. (I did an update review on another video explaining too 😀
Great video! Thank you for sharing your experience, and the timing is perfect as the 2024 pre-orders for the SI CP just posted. These seem like such a great option compared to HB in that there aren't any scripted pages in the back that I can't use like in the HB Weeks, and that there are plenty of undated pages that can use for daily or notes pages (for work). I'm concerned about the bleeding through using just regular pens. Just started getting used to the pens on the TRP, too. I don't use fountain pens currently, but I hope to in future.
Thank you for watching! I have an updated review/comparison video with the Hobonichi going up tomorrow. I know the decision is a hard one since they are both so close!
Don’t be concerned about bleed-thru. I’ve used Sanzen TRP for over 8 mo from SI and other brands with lots of pens (fountain, gel etc) and markers and never had bleed thru. I believe this was a weird freak occurrence because it’s not an issue with Sanzen or SI that I’ve ever experienced or heard about.
My A5 binding is doing the same. I also experienced the bleeding thru in my B6
I'm hoping since I have the 2nd release with the thicker cover it will be okay in the long term. I love the layout and freedom of the planner but if it falls apart I am going to be sad.
Yeah that’s bleeding 😬 I found that with my Staology when I first used it way back in 2016. I found that pink and red FPs were more likely to bleed than other colours. I haven’t used Sanzen TR yet as the notebooks in using are OG TR, but I’m a bit scared! Seems like it might be closer to Staology than OG TR from what I’ve heard.
I got a notebook specifically with the new sanzen paper to test all my inks in because I am so nervous for the new Hobonichi and the paper. I can deal with a minor amount of bleed through but if its too distracting it makes it hard to use the page. I wonder what makes the red/pink inks do that? Very interesting.
@@mydandeliondiaries I think reds and pinks tend to be more saturated (not always, but often). Think about how often they stain things like converters 🤷🏼♀️
I don't see any sliding of the binding. It looks completely normal to me. As far as bleeding, I haven't had any issue with her paper. I agree you may have gotten a batch that wasn't properly sized, but it also looks like you had a juicy pen there.
The binding has improved so much over the months. Once I took it out of the clear cover, and also stretched the clear cover, it improved so much. And yes, I think my ink was just a one off ink. Thanks for watching!
I have a B6 half year for July - December, and the binding on mine has started to fail - or, not the binding but the glue holding the cover onto the book. There's a space or crack where the free end papers are pulling away from the book block. I haven't even started using it yet, except to do some pen testing and to write a few notes on the first 3-4 of the daily pages.
Also, I just checked my CP and I think it has the same issue as yours. That's probably why the cover is starting to separate from the book block.
Oh no!! I did an update a few days ago about mine and how the binding ended up relaxing after I took it out of the clear cover. It has since improved drastically.
I haven't had any of the separating issues from the cover. I would reach out to Catherine and see if she could send you a replacement! I know she has mentioned that she is happy to help if there were any issues with the books.
I got the A5 undated for next year as I have cute stamps I want to use for dating but I noticed right away the paper difference. I’m a paper snob though lol I only use DeAtramentis document ink in black and sepia brown. I’m hoping it holds up!
I have not noticed any problems with the stamp ink I use (versa magic) or the DeAtramentis inks (I used the Alexander Hamilton, Document Fog Grey, and Document Black Blue)! Must be something in the formula. Some of the fineliner pens I've used to have a similar appearance of "bleeding" through the paper. The new sanzen paper is definitely different.
I've tried the Dew Drop Momento stamp inks and was so disappointed to see bleed through. I guess you have to be very careful with the inks you use.
@@cutieinnycthat’s the case with stamp inks in all versions of TRP. You have to rest and find the best ink for the paper. Many use the chalk ink in the original TRP because of bleed thru with the stamp inks.
may I know where you bought the pretty leather cover please?
Certainly! It is an Undyed Galen Leather cover in the A5 Slim size. (Discount in my description!) They have other leather colors as well!
Curious, what are you tracking on those priority/quarterly pages?
I actually made a video about it if you want to watch (th-cam.com/video/K7MNeQjgRNM/w-d-xo.html) But the short answer would be its mainly my sleep/mood/stress on the left page, and the right page is things like reading, water intake, caffeine, working out, language practice, and meditation
Do you by anychance know what inks/brands you were using that bled through? I've had an issue with one single ink I own on Sanzen paper and it's really disheartening. It's Anderillium Purple Gallinule Purple. Not only does it massively bleed but it feathers too. I think I can deal with the level that you show here, personally although I'm glad I'm aware of it, but I just don't want massive amounts of bleeding so I'm hoping to get an idea of some inks to steer away from rather than wasting my money.
Yes! So the ones I showed that were bleeding through slightly were the Pilot ink cartridges in Pink and then an Orange and Brown mixed together. I have noticed that it is the more "red" toned inks I am having the trouble with. I purchased an A6 notebook from Sterling Ink to swatch all my inks in so I could have an idea of which ones would be safe to use. I also found that very wet inks tend to have the minor bleed through. I think the sanzen paper isn't as capable with liquid as the original TR paper. But I haven't tried watercolor on it yet.
@@mydandeliondiaries Yep I've been seeing the same thing. I actually just sketched with Diamine Sailor's Warning in my Hobonichi which is OG TRP and I'm actually noticing some intense ghosting (I don't think it's quite to the level of what I would call bleed through though). I have been swatching and exploring in a Wonderland222 notebook which I'm pretty sure is Sanzen so I might do that in the future. I really wish I could use this Anderillium ink but it doesn't make sense to just change paper for one ink. *sigh*
I love your set up! I'm going to try this for 2024. I just could not keep up with the daily pages and I love how you have used it.
Thank you! The blank pages in the Common Planner were amazing for having no pressure to do daily journaling if I wasn't needing it!
I wanted this to work for me so badly. The binding might be a deal breaker. 😬
I actually found that my binding has been doing much better! I took it out of the clear cover and it seemed to magically start to fix itself. I think if you use the clear cover just make sure that it is stretched out enough that the planner has room to move a little bit and you should be just fine.
how much did the planner cost?
The undated version was $50 USD with free shipping to the USA. Which is cheaper than the Hobonichi Cousin which is usually priced at $60 USD. Sterling Ink still has some of the undated left on her website if you want to see the B6 size :)
i hate ghosting and bleed through so much
They can be frustrating. Thank you for watching!
yeaaa the bind shifting is 💀 a6 blank and I try hard not to let it bother me but 💀 I understand why the first supply was made soft now I miss that
but the layout is really the best! I really love those two middle dots
100% agree about the layout. I'm curious to see what she does with the 2024 planners/notebooks, if she will go back to a softer cover or harder or something new all together.
@@mydandeliondiaries did you see the launch details? improved covers....2024 are going to be even better.