The Search for the “Next Great” Fountain Pen Paper
For a long time, fountain pen enthusiasts have relied on papers like the original Tomoe River and Cosmo Air Light (CAL) to accurately represent the performance of different inks. When many of our beloved paper versions ceased to be, a gap arose within the community.
That is when B7 Natural Paper entered the scene. This is a premium paper, and it is quickly earning a reputation as the best alternative to the beloved Cosmo Air Light.
However, many people have difficulty finding this paper due to a “search trap.” When one searches for “B7 Natural,” they may be presented with results for B7-sized notebooks (88 x 125 mm) or even vitamins. The truth is, B7 Natural Paper is a type of paper that can deliver some of the most vibrant ink experiences available today
What Exactly is B7 Natural Paper?
B7 Natural is produced by Nippon Paper Industries at their mill in Ishinomaki, Japan. B7 Natural is part of the “B7” family, who employ their special “bulking technology” to produce paper that is thick and soft to touch, despite being of light base weight
The “B7” lineup includes several variations:
- B7 Natural: An off-white, light cream-colored paper that is particularly popular for fountain pen work.
- B7 Tranext: A bright white paper that is a little more sensitive to oils, but has excellent color vividness.
- B7 Bulky: This variety emphasizes thickness and texture.
- B7 Light: A new variety, which has a rough texture and is natural in color.
Where B7 Natural Paper really shines is in its performance for ink
The secret sauce is in the coating that keeps ink on the surface rather than sinking in right away.
Bright sheen and deep shading: It is comparable to, if not outperforming at times, other options such as Iroful and Cosmo Air Light for sharp sheen and deep shading. According to reviewers, it gives ink colors a good pop with strong saturation and depth.
No feathering, no bleed: Even with tricky inks or wide nibs, feathering keeps almost non-existent. It is so good that even industrial markers such as Sharpies do not bleed through this paper. With EF or medium nib, the ghosting is minimal. In either case including large nib, the writing on both face of the page is perfect, because there is absolutely no bleed through.
The Goldilocks tint: The hue sits in a comfortable middle ground of light cream/off-white that is neither as stark as pure white nor as deep as dark cream.
Crips lines, no feathering, no bleeding, even with a wet writer nib
Ink swatches/writing with cotton swab: sheen, shade & crisp edges
The Writing Experience: Feedback and Texture
Some papers feel glassy or waxy to the touch, but B7 Natural paper offers something a little more nuanced.
Smooth yet textured: It’s gentler on the hand than Midori MD, yet still has enough texture that the writer feels the tiny variations of a fountain pen nib. One reader described the experience as like “driving a luxury car.”
Line spread factor: Like Cosmo Air Light, B7 Natural can make ink appear wider compared to most other papers. Since the line will widen, many enthusiasts recommend using only Extra Fine (EF) or Fine (F) nibs to maintain the details of lines.
B7 Natural Technical Specifications & Comparisons
B7 Natural paper in notebook (192 pages) or in loose leaf pack are typically found in a 75 gsm weight, providing a balance of quality and affordability.
| Feature | B7 Natural | Cosmo Air Light | Tomoe River (Sanzen) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Off-White / Light Cream | White or Cream | White or Cream |
| Sheen/Shade | Outstanding | Outstanding | Very Good |
| Oil Sensitivity | Low | High | Moderate |
| Texture | Moderate Feedback | Smooth/Velvety | Ultra-Smooth |
| Common Weight | 75 gsm | 75, 83, or 92 gsm | 52 or 68 gsm |
Conclusion: Is B7 Natural Paper the New Gold Standard?
If you’re disappointed that the original specialty papers are no longer available, B7 Natural is not just an consolation prize, but one that works very well on its own.
It withstands hand oils and still provides an excellent level of shine and shading. This makes B7 Natural one of the best all-around papers for writing with fountain pens today.
If you love the appearance of Cosmo Air Light but want a paper that works better when writing long pieces, B7 Natural paper is the upgrade you’ve been looking for.
