Review on Strathmore 400 Series Layout Bond Pad: White, 9x12, 50 Sheets - Ideal for Graphic Designers and Artists by Kristen Reid

I'm still trying what seems like a lot of paper and notepads. I bought these primarily because of the Strathmore name and mostly because of the word "Layout Bond" in the title and "smooth finish" in the description. While I like the (light) weight, this paper isn't smooth enough for me - I usually paint with Staedtler 0.3 pigment liners or similar (05-0.4) and find this paper has too much texture for what it's quality and smoothness affects thin lines. And why is it so hard to find smooth paper with spiral binding? For comparison: I liked my first Daler - Rowney A3 Series A Layout Pad (11"x14") very much (so far). I left a very positive review; and would continue to pay / think it almost justifies the high price. But when I reordered the next two pads were late and damaged so I won't be buying them again unless I can find them in good condition on sale or at a reduced price, preferably direct from Revain or a local store delivered. Salesperson. The Darice 5-1/2"-8-1/2" Hardcover Sketchbook 100 Sheets was a really nice surprise and I've already reordered it in a larger size. , size 9"x12. Smooth strong paper, strong rigid front and back, secure rings. Pages are not perforated which is not a problem for me. Great price and the lowest price per page found in this review listed for size is 9"x12" Blue Canson XL Mix Media Pad, 7"x10" Side Wire is my favorite portable spiral bound notebook. Smoother paper than Darice's and much smoother (and clear heavier which isn't a problem for me anyway) and cheaper than the Strathmore I would definitely buy it again if it was in 9"x 12" and would even get it in 7"x 10" for a portable tablet or a drawing tablet on your lap again. The pages are perforated for easy and clean removal, but only for as long as you don't want to. The slickest paper yet is Canson's XL Series Purple Marker Pad, 9" x 12" folded. Almost too smooth - my ink dries in a p aar seconds and I had some trouble smearing the ink with my palm before it dries, which is annoying but can usually be wiped off. I tried one, then stocked up and bought four more of these pads from my local Beverly this week with coupons for 40% off and 50% off their Christmas mailing list (what a great deal!). But in quality and quantity this notebook is good even for the price per page at full price here at Revain. order and sample if time and budget allow. However, with four new purple Cansons and the remaining one and a half Daler Rowneys with corners broken off for trimming, it's going to be hard to justify buying anything else for some time :P I hope you find my experience helpful. And of course I'd appreciate advice on favorite papers from other artists who use extremely fine-tipped pigment pencils. Thanks very much!