Sunday Reading for June 17, 2018

1. The Karas Pens Starliner is Ruining My Reputation (via UK Fountain Pens). Anthony reviews the new Karas Kustoms "Reaktor" line of pens, which will start at a lower price point. As I've mentioned, I have some of these pens in for review, so look for them up on the site soon!
2. Tofty via Shapeways Pen Clip (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). I'm not sure what's the best way to describe this aftermarket 3D-printed pen clip, which fits the Baron Fig Squire, but there are some "aesthetic compromises" you're going to need to make if you want to add this functionality to that pen. 
3. Roterfaden Update 2018 (via Pens! Paper! Pencils!). You don't hear much about the Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter notebook cover/organizer, but those who do use it on a regular basis love it, myself included. 
4. Introducing the Opus 88 Fantasia Fountain Pen and Giveaway (via Pen Chalet). Pen Chalet has posted some initial pictures and specs about the new Opus 88 Fantasia eyedropper fountain pen, plus a giveaway promotion for one of the pens once they are in stock. Details through the link.
5. Sailor Kobe #15 Maiko Green (via Pencilcase Blog). Sailor makes some of the best dark green inks out there - That is, if you can make up your mind and settle on which one to purchase.
6. Trends 2018 (via Cronicas Estilograficas). Bruno offers his observation on trends in the pen market so far this year. The proliferation of new - and higher quality - pens from China is the big one, in my opinion, along with the proliferation of new ink brands and colors (as well as rising price points).
7. Organics Studio Ralph Waldo Emerson Twilight Blue Ink (via Pen Addict). Susan reviews one of Organics Studio's "Super Sheener" inks, which unfortunately I can never really use because they never seem to dry.   
8. Pilot Vanishing Point, Raden Stripe (via Well-Appointed Desk). I haven't heard the rumor that Pilot is discontinuing the Raden collection of Vanishing Points. That would be disappointing, if true, because these are gorgeous pens. 
9. Frara Road Pen Roll (via Gourmet Pens). Frara Road is one of those companies I've not heard a lot about, and with whom I don't have any personal experience, but they make some nice looking leather goods. I've been thinking about getting a leather pen roll and have been evaluating all of the options out there. 
10. Maxmadco Titanium Bolt Action Retractable Pen (via Ed Jelley). Ed now has some new contributors writing for his site, and the first piece is a review of what might be one of my favorite bolt action pen designs out there.  

Please Visit and Support My Sponsors and Affiliates! 

Please take a moment to visit these fine folks who help keep this blog going! It's next to impossible to keep up a steady stream of fresh review content without some form of sponsorship. I'm grateful to everyone who's helped me out along the way.    

1. Pen Chalet. Pen Chalet has a wide variety of available pens and offers unbeatable value on pens, inks, pen cases, etc. 
2. Anderson Pens. In addition to having one of the largest offerings of bottled ink in the world, Anderson Pens is an authorized retailer of a wide range of brands, including Sailor, Aurora and Faber-Castell. Check out the sponsor profile I published here, and don't miss out on their new special edition Sailor Pro Gear in Slate Blue.   
3. Appelboom. Please check out Appelboom's extensive selection and excellent pricing on a wide range of brands, including Montblanc pens such as this Classique 145 I reviewed.  
4. Vanness Pens. Vanness Pens carries rare and hard-to-find inks from all over the world, including Callifolio, Akkerman, and the full line of DeAtramentis. Also, Vanness carries a wide array of pens, including now the full range of BENU pens. You can check out my recap of a visit to Vanness here. 
5. Goldspot Pens. Goldspot regularly offers excellent promotions and specials! Check out their "Weekly Dip" section for details.
6. Paul's Paper & Pens. Paul features a well-curated selection of fountain pens, multi pens, notebooks, and more, including some very uncommon Pilot Vanishing Points and Decimos that we don't see here in the States.  
7. Pokka Pens. Pokka Pens makes high quality, portable ballpoints that make for a great EDC option. Check out my review here, and don't forget to use the code GENTSTA to get 10% off your purchase!
8. TGS Amazon Page. I run across many more items (pens, pencils, books, accessories, etc.) in my online "travels." I can't feature them all on TGS, but Amazon has an option where I can set up an affiliate page to host product recommendations, etc. This also provides a way for me to earn a referral fees to help support the site. Thanks everyone!

In Case You Missed It...

This week on the blog seems like it was "stealth pen" week, since I reviewed two black pen with black trim: the Sailor Reglus "Night Black," and the recently released Aurora Talentum "Black Ops". Both were outstanding. It seems like there's a proliferation of new releases and special editions hitting the market every week, so if you're interested in keeping track of everything that's coming out, check out my weekly "Deals and Drops" posts that are typically published on Friday of each week, though sometimes I let them go live on Thursday if there's a particular deal or promotion that might expire before the weekend. 

Happy Sunday, and as always, thanks for reading! 

Disclaimer: This post contains links to paid sponsors and affiliates. 

First Impressions: Aurora Talentum "Black Ops"

It's the summer of the "Stealth Pen", or at least it is for me. I've been thinking for years that pens with black-plated trim - sometimes referred to as "stealth pens" or "blacked out" models - were a fad or trend that would quickly pass. Well, that was back in 2012 or so when I first got back into the hobby and picked up a matte black Pilot Vanishing Point. Fast forward to six years later, where I just received my fourth black-plated Sailor and am very much enjoying this recent release from Aurora, the Talentum "Full Black" or "Black Ops" model. Though I've only had the pen for a couple weeks, I wanted to expedite this review / first impressions post since I've heard availability is somewhat scarce and people might have to act quickly in order to secure a pen. 

I love the combination of the matte-black resin and ruthenium trim. It looks especially sharp on the Talentum's cap, which features a metal "crown" of sorts. 

What I Like About the Aurora Talentum "Black Ops"

• Looks. Though I'm obviously biased towards the "all-black" look, the Talentum Black Ops is a beautiful pen. Among all the various models Aurora offers, the Talentum never really caught my eye until now. Unposted, the shape and size remind me somewhat of a Nakaya Neo-Standard. Posted, it's longer, but still a touch shorter than a Lamy AL-Star or Safari.
• The Nib. The black 14k nib is gorgeous. I understand that part of the reason this pen took so long to actually hit the market is because Aurora took their time getting the plating right. They did a great job. Some black-plated nibs can be a little skippy, or even squeak when you write, but this one is a firm, smooth writer with just a hint of the tooth that Aurora is known for. This particular nib is a fine, though the ebonite feed makes it a bit wet, so some might characterize this nib as more of a F-M (Fine-Medium). 
• Postability. Unlike the Nakaya, the cap on the Talentum posts, and sits fairly deeply on the barrel. Although the Talentum is a larger pen, posting doesn't make it unwieldy for me. I think this has a lot to do with the fact that this Aurora uses a cartridge-converter filling system, and is therefore lighter-weight. 

The barrel of the Aurora Talentum has a slight taper. 

IMHO, Aurora absolutely killed it with this black-plated nib. 

Aaaand the ebonite feed. 

Is There Anything I Don't Particularly Like? 

Me personally? No. Depending on your preferences, however, others may find the Talentum too long, especially posted. While it's definitely on the longer end of what I can comfortably use, the pen's light weight and good balance prevent the length from being an issue. I'm glad this is a cartridge-converter pen because the weight of a piston filling system seems like it would have been too much. (It also serves to keep the cost down.)  

Posted, the Aurora Talentum Black Ops is about the same size as the Lamy LX/AL-Star (top) and the Lamy Safari (bottom). The Talentum is a bit shorter. 

Another size comparison, from left: Lamy 2000, Aurora Talentum Black Ops, Platinum 3776 (Shungyo limited edition), and Pilot Custom 823. 

Takeaways and Where to Buy

If you're a fan of pens with ruthenium trim, consider ordering one of these now. The Talentum "Full Black" or "Black Ops" is currently available for purchase at sponsor Pen Chalet, priced at $360 before any applicable coupon code or promotion. In addition to the pen featured here, there is also a "Full Metal" version with a ruthenium-plated metal cap, which is more expensive at $460. While expensive, the price point for the resin-cap version comes in well below the Sailor Pro Gear Imperial Black or 1911 Black Luster, and it's unusual to find a pen with these specs - especially the ebonite feed - at this price point. As I mentioned up top, please keep in mind that these are my initial impressions, as I've only had the pen for a couple weeks. If anything changes, I will of course update this post or publish a revised review based on any issues that may arise during longer-term use. 

Disclaimer: I have an affiliate relationship with Pen Chalet, which generates store credit that I can use to purchase pens such as this one for review. I was not paid or compensated for the content of this review, and all opinions here are my own. 

The Talentum Black Ops is a great looking addition to your everyday kit, shown here alongside the gray-face Raven Venture automatic watch. 

Deals & Drops: A Whole Boatload of New Stuff from Platinum, Goldspot, Colorverse, Pokka & More

I wasn't anticipating a the announcement of a new Platinum 3776 this week, or a new Retro 51 Skyline, or the ink collaboration between Colorverse and Opus 88 ....  The list goes on. Some of these are announced preorders for numbered limited editions, so at least get your name on the list so that you have the opportunity to decide whether to purchase once the pens are in stock. 

Disclaimer: This post contains links to paid sponsors and affiliates. 

1. Platinum 3776 Kumpoo (via Pen Chalet). So I hear the name means "balmy breeze," but what has me intrigued is the texture on this pen. Last year's 3776 "Shungyo" was also a winner, and it's availability is getting scarce (Amazon link). This year's "Oshino" clear demonstrator is also still available (Pen Chalet). 
2. "Paris Skyline" Retro 51 Limited Edition (via Goldspot Pens). Goldspot is once again collaborating with Retro 51 on a new "Skyline" pen, this one featuring Paris. This pen also glows in the dark to simulate the skyline at night. 
3. Waterman Expert Fountain Pen (via Amazon). Waterman discontinued it's "Phileas" fountain pen years ago, which was widely regarded as an excellent entry-level option. Someone asked me recently about a substitute in the current lineup. Probably the expert, which comes in a range of colors and price points. 
4. Pelikan M205 Demonstrator (via Pen Chalet). This year's special edition M205 demonstrator is now available for purchase and immediate shipping! 
5. Sailor Pro Gear Ocean (via Pen Chalet). The new translucent blue-green Sailor Pro Gear is also available for purchase, in standard, slim, and King of Pen size. 
6. Pelikan M600 White Turquoise (via Pen Chalet). Pen Chalet recently received a second shipment of the M600 White Turquoise special edition. Once they're gone, this is probably it, from what I understand. 
7. Colorverse + Opus 88 Ink Collaboration (via Pen Chalet). Colorverse has teamed up with Opus 88 to release a set of inks that corresponds to the acrylics in the Opus 88 line of Japanese-style eyedroppers. Given how impressed I've been with both of these companies lately, you can't really go wrong.  
8. Montblanc Starwalker Ultra Black (via Appelboom). Montblanc continues its "Ultra Black" lineup, expanding into the Starwalker series. 
9. Sailor Pro Gear Anderson Pens Special Edition Slate Blue (via Anderson Pens). The Anderson Pens special edition Pro Gear is available for purchase. Some nib sizes are already sold out, so if you're interested, you may want to move on this one. 
10. Pineider La Grande Bellezza "Gemstone" Collection (via Vanness Pens). Vanness has the new Pineider lineup, the "Gemstone" pens, featuring a new soft nib that's supposed to offer some line variation. 
11. White Wisteria with Silver Wisteria Roll Stopper by Yoshi Nakama (via 18111/Etsy). Yoshi Nakama makes intricate fountain pens using a combination of laser engraving, 3D printing, and hand-filling/painting. The results are stunning, and the pens have become even more intricate. 
12. New Pokka Pen in "Digital Snow" Camo Pattern (via Pokka Pens). Pokka has a new design to kick off the summer. Will there be more on the way? Use the coupon THANKSDAD to save 15% off until June 17th!   

Pen Review: Sailor Reglus Night Black

Though Japanese pen company Sailor makes a wide range of pens, and releases new special editions on a near-monthly basis, most of these pens feature gold nibs and, accordingly, a relatively high price point. Over the past year or so, this has started to change somewhat, as pens that were previously Japan-only have found their way into worldwide circulation, including steel-nib models such as the pen that I'm reviewing today, the Reglus. I was perhaps most happy to see that Sailor has incorporated into the "Night Black" and brown Reglus models the same ion-plated black trim that it uses on the Pro Gear Imperial Black and the 1911 Black Luster. Overall, the Reglus exceeded my expectations, and offers a high-end Sailor writing experience at a very reasonable price point. 

Sailor makes several pens with black ion-plated trim. From left: Reglus "Night Black", Pro Gear Imperial Black, 1911 Black Luster, and 1911 Standard Demonstrator (special-edition from Nagasawa Department Store in Kobe, Japan)

Build Quality and Writing Experience

The Reglus is a Sailor pen, so of course it's well made. The biggest thing to note is that the Reglus is significantly slimmer than any other pen from Sailor that I've used, including the 1911 Standard or the Pro Gear Slim. The girth will probably determine whether you like this pen - if you have larger hands or prefer a more substantial writing instrument, you may want to stick with the Pro Gear or 1911 lines, or even the ProColor if you prefer a steel nib.  Personally, I've found the Reglus to be a comfortable writer, though I do use it posted to give the pen better weight and balance. Sometimes a slimmer pen is a handy tool to have in the arsenal, because it fits in notebook/planner pen loops and is more portable for certain situations. 

As far as steel nibs go, the medium ion-plated steel nib on the Reglus is outstanding. It's firm and smooth, and I dare say I can't tell too much of a difference between the steel nib on the Reglus and some Sailor 14k nibs I've used in the past. (Another pen I've reviewed that features Sailor stainless steel nibs is the Taccia Spectrum.) As you would expect at this price point, and from Sailor in general, this is a cartridge-converter pen that uses the typical Sailor proprietary converter. 

The nib on the Sailor Reglus is slightly smaller than the typical 1911/Pro Gear nibs, and has a different, slightly more understated, engraving. I like the look! 

Takeaways and Where to Buy

The Reglus is a welcome addition to Sailor's lineup, and I hope it becomes more widely available. Sailor's nib technology continues to impress me, and it's great to see that they can largely duplicate the smooth, firm writing experience of their gold nibs in a stainless-steel package. This pen would be a great option for someone tempted by the Pro Gear Imperial Black or Black Luster fountain pens, but who doesn't want to spend at the $200-400 price point. Be aware, however, that it is a slimmer pen than either of those two models.

Currently, one of the few retailers who stocks this particular model is The Pen Company, who graciously sent me this pen for review. The Reglus is available in several colors: black or brown with black ion-plated trim, or black, white, bordeaux, or blue with rhodium-plated trim. The black-trim models cost around $100 USD, with the standard rhodium trim versions running around $89 USD, though prices may vary with the exchange rate. Many thanks to The Pen Company for making this review possible!

Disclaimer: The pen featured in this review was sent to me free of charge by The Pen Company for review purposes. I was not otherwise compensated for this review. 

Sponsor Post: Introducing the Goldspot Pens / Retro 51 Paris Skyline Limited Edition!

Fresh on the heels of last year's "NYC Skyline" collaboration between Goldspot and Retro 51, which was a huge hit, we are happy to announce the new "Paris Skyline" Retro 51 Tornado, in a limited edition of 537 pieces worldwide! 

Known as "The City of Light" (La Ville Lumiere), Paris is one of Europe's major centers of culture and commerce since the 17th Century. There are plenty of monuments, museums, and other sights to see that make this destination worthy of many bucket lists.

The iconic Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, and more are illustrated beautifully on the latest collaboration between Goldspot Pens and Retro 1951. The Paris Skyline Tornado rollerball pen comes to life in the dark. Like the real "City of Light", this pen glows in the dark!

The pen’s design is completed with chrome appointments, clip, and knurled twist-top. The top disc French Bulldog illustration is set against the colors of the French flag. Parisians love their dogs, with many of the street-side cafes accommodating pups. The edition number is engraved on the band above the clip. In the photos, we show here the edition number would replace the word PROOF. Again, this edition is limited to only 537 pieces worldwide. 

Pre-orders will begin at the end of June, and you can check out the details on the Goldspot website. Many thanks to Goldspot for sponsoring the blog this week! 

Disclaimer: This post contains sponsored content. Any photos and content are the property of Goldspot Pens.