Kozo heavy paper, first impression

Obviously, it's not in B&S's interest to tell the customer their source for the papers that they are re-selling. But, if you care that much, you could pick up the phone and give it a try.

No doubt their are other Kozo papers out there that will work and are awaiting the adventurous to discover them.

The reasons for using different papers are primarily aesthetic and tactile. It can be well worth the effort to learn to handle delicate papers to achieve a certain look that gives an entirely different feel from a "bulletproof" paper like COT 320 or Fabriano Artistico.

If "easy" is the main goal for printmaking, there are some amazing inkjet printers on the market these days!

Zman, not sure why you quoted me, I was just responding to the original post about initial impressions to the paper. I admit I did half-ass look around for something cheaper, but I mainly got the impression that the term 'kozo' is only slightly more specific than 'cotton'. Besides, I don't mind paying a premium for the service that B&S provides, and it is unlikely I ever would have come across the paper if not for them. But Kerik gives good advice, why not call and ask them?

A Google search for Kozo paper turns up both suppliers and further information (including someone on eBay selling a 50' roll of the paper). As a village industry, there appears to be a wide variety of "Kozo" papers. I haven't yet tried the light-weight sample from B&S; but, after reading some of the info about the paper's wet strength, will have to try it with a Kallitype.

doughowk said:

A Google search for Kozo paper turns up both suppliers and further information (including someone on eBay selling a 50' roll of the paper). As a village industry, there appears to be a wide variety of "Kozo" papers. I haven't yet tried the light-weight sample from B&S; but, after reading some of the info about the paper's wet strength, will have to try it with a Kallitype.

Click to expand...

The 'HEAVY KOZO' paper Bostick & Sullivan is selling is a good paper. I have printed maybe 50 8x10s on it and I like it. The one concern I have about this paper is that is has a slight sheen and looking at under direct light gives you a little reflection... But if under softer light it looks very nice. I think the Weston Diploma parchmont produces a smoother surface and look, but the 'HEAVY KOZO' is very nice, but different(and very nice too) and MUCH stronger.

I have played with at least 6 other KOZO papers, most are not nearly as heavy, and more translucent (which is quite intereting to play with backing material). Most of the other Kozo fiber paper I've seen are more like tissues, very strong, but translucent, which can be interesting but isn't always conducive to beautiful prints..

After my tests I know Bostick & Sullivan did their research before bringing this paper to OUR market. I also know that there are some really neat GAMPI papers out there!!

HTH,

Corey

thank you

i am glad for the info that my post generated

kozo, gampi, hemp and other barks are used to make many different papers by hand and machine-they are prized for the color, opacity/translucency and tactile characteristics they give the paper and they are all excellent in wet strength

one japanese paper maker uses rayon and sulphited celulose to make a truly high strength acid free paper that is water proof

i get all of these from art supply stores and they are usually much cheaper than what is supplyed by 'photo supply' stores

obviously if b&s has done comparison shopping and testing so as to give the best material for 'alt ' photo they are entitled to the margin they charge

i choose a support first for the ability to undergo repeated water soaking and not self destruct or alter in dimension since i usually am printing several registered negs

i find that many papers made for inkjet printers are wonderful supports for these various processes

by source-ing my own materials i have indipendently found materials that others here are also fond of-like yuppo

photography is a subset of art --but i tend to forget that many are not aware of that so i am surprised and confused by much of what i read here

again thank you

vaya con dios

z-man said:

i get all of these from art supply stores and they are usually much cheaper than what is supplyed by 'photo supply' stores

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So what are your sources for Kozo? Perhaps we can cost compare prices and save money.

Thanks,

ANY ART SUPPLY STORE

donbga said:

So what are your sources for Kozo? Perhaps we can cost compare prices and save money.

Thanks,

Click to expand...

ANY ON LINE ART SUPPLY=CHEAP

I THINK I HAVE SAID ANY ART STORE IN EVERY PRIOR POST

CAPISCHE???? ENTIENDE????

ANY ART STORE ANY ART STORE ANY ART STORE ANY ART STORE ANY ART StORE ANY ART STORE ANY ART STORE ANY ART STORE ANY ART STORE ANY ART STORE ANY ART

i like jerry's artarama cause the mega-chain-store was first a single store in nyc that i remember from the 60's when i was young starving and broke and i could afford to buy supplies there

VAYA CON DIOS

z-man said:

ANY ON LINE ART SUPPLY=CHEAP

I THINK I HAVE SAID ANY ART STORE IN EVERY PRIOR POST

CAPISCHE???? ENTIENDE????

ANY ART STORE ANY ART STORE ANY ART STORE ANY ART STORE ANY ART StORE ANY ART STORE ANY ART STORE ANY ART STORE ANY ART STORE ANY ART STORE ANY ART

i like jerry's artarama cause the mega-chain-store was first a single store in nyc that i remember from the 60's when i was young starving and broke and i could afford to buy supplies there

VAYA CON DIOS

Click to expand...

I was asking for specific sources since you seemed to have a source for a better price.

Capische?

So are you saying Jerry's has the best price - better than Bostick & Sullivan?

I don't think comparing prices for "kozo" makes a lot of sense, because there are many different papers called "kozo," some of which might be good for the purpose and some of which might not, and even at art stores, kozo papers will range in price depending on weight, sizing, and other characteristics. I think an earlier poster in this thread remarked that the term "kozo" is about as specific as "cotton;" it doesn't tell you very much about the paper. I agree.
Katharine

Katharine Thayer said:

I don't think comparing prices for "kozo" makes a lot of sense, because there are many different papers called "kozo," some of which might be good for the purpose and some of which might not, and even at art stores, kozo papers will range in price depending on weight, sizing, and other characteristics. I think an earlier poster in this thread remarked that the term "kozo" is about as specific as "cotton;" it doesn't tell you very much about the paper. I agree.
Katharine

Click to expand...

This is Absolutely the case.

Corey