Deals & Drops: Gearing Up for Black Friday

Though next week is “The Big Show” in terms of holiday season deals and promotions, it looks as though many retailers have restocked the clearance sections of their websites already! Be sure to check these out, and also remember that now’s the time to grab a 2019 planner of your choice, as well as start thinking about ordering custom products (such as leather goods, pen cases, notebook covers, etc.) that you want to have delivered in time for the December holidays. Happy shopping!

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1. Penwell Traveler (via Kickstarter/Good Made Better). Less than a day to go on the Penwell Traveler, so if you want to back it and haven’t yet, now’s your chance!

2. It’s Hobonichi Time! (via Amazon). If you’re planning to and haven’t already, get your order in on your 2019 Hobonichi Planner. Most are Prime-eligible, including the English Techo (A6 version), the Techo Cousin (A5 version), the Techo Cousin Avec (A5 version in two 6-month volumes), the slim “Weeks”, and the epic 5-Year Techo.

3. It’s Midori Time! (via Vanness Pens). Not a Hobonichi fan? How about Midori? Vanness has a selection of Midori paper and planners in stock, including the slim Professional Diaries, A5 Business Diaries, Midori’s own 5 Years Diary, and more!

4. Jibun Techo Planners and More (via Kawaii Tokyo/Etsy). Etsy Seller Kawaii Tokyo carries the Jibun Techo Planners from Kokuyo, yet another Japanese Planner Option in addition to Midori and Hobonichi.

5. One Star Leather Goods (via Etsy/One-Star Leather). Need a cover for that planner, or for your regular notebook? If you’re looking to beat the holiday rush, get your order in now to ensure timely delivery.

6. Great Prices on This Year’s Aurora Releases (via Vanness Pens). Vanness has many of this past year’s Aurora special and limited editions on sale at some great prices.

7. Sailor King of Pen (via Anderson Pens). The Andersons have one of the best selections of Sailor’s oversized “King of Pen” releases out there, in both the 1911 and Pro Gear styles that include the “Earth” and “Ocean” editions.

8. Pilot Explorer Fountain Pen (via Pen Chalet). Pilot’s new inexpensive fountain pen is now in-stores, and while I find the design a bit underwhelming, it’s still a Pilot pen and I expect it will be a good writer. The red and matte black color combination looks good.

9. Pre-Black Friday/Cyber Monday Giveaway (via Goldspot). Be sure to enter the Goldspot giveaways starting now, and bookmark the page to check back next week.

10. Aurora Clearance Deals from The Nibsmith (via The Nibsmith). Dan has a bunch of pens on clearance, and all come with a free nib adjustment or customization!

Pen Review: Graf von Faber-Castell Classic

I firmly believe that Graf von Faber-Castell makes some of the most beautiful stationery items in the world. The high-end, luxury arm of the global Faber-Castell stationery empire, their stated goal is to “embody ‘Luxury in Simplicity’ by combining selected materials, functionality and superb aesthetics.” While I’m not yet sure that the overall design of their pens works for me from a purely functional perspective, I can’t argue with the beauty and the quality.

At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about the two-toned gold nib, but ultimately I think it works paired with the dark brown wood.

The GvFC Classic, which I’ll review here, is the company’s flagship pen. I wouldn’t call the design “simple” - there’s a lot of different design elements going on - but at the same time GvFC has made an elegant writing instrument that doesn’t lose its functionality as a pen that you could use every day. And the nib… I’ve written before about how I think Faber-Castell makes some of the best stainless steel nibs available, including at relatively low price points. The 18k gold fine nib on the pen I tested writes even better, and has a surprising bit of spring to it. You won’t get much line variation, as it’s still a relatively stiff 18k nib, but a touch of bounce makes for a smooth and comfortable writing experience.

As with most pens made from wood, each Graf von Faber-Castell Classic and Classic Anello is going to show variations in the wood grain, making each pen unique.

The two core elements of the Classic are Graf von Faber-Castell’s signature cap and the wood used to make the barrel. The different versions of the Classic are named to reflect the various woods used, including ebony, pernambuco, snakewood, grenadilla, and macassar. The standard Faber-Castell Classic features solid wood barrels with a ribbed texture, while the “Classic Anello” model, pictured here, features wooden barrels with inlaid metal rings.

The coin-edging on the top of the cap is one of my favorite details on this pen.

In my opinion, along with the nibs, the caps on Faber-Castell pens set them apart. The Graf von Faber-Castell Classic features a platinum-plated, solid metal cap that looks sort of like a chimney or old-fashioned smokestack that flares out at the top with coin edging. It’s similar, but not identical, to the cap used on Graf von Faber-Castell’s iconic - and somewhat ridiculous - “Perfect Pencil”. Even on most of their lower-end pens, Faber-Castell uses sturdy, spring-loaded clips that attach well to pen cases, bags, and shirt pockets. (Yet another sign that these pens aren’t just eye candy, but meant to be used.) The downside to these caps, however, is the weight, which brings me to….

What About Posting…?

Finally, the big potential drawback for me, and the reason why, at least to date, I don’t have a Graf von Faber-Castell Classic in my collection: this pen doesn’t post. (Technically, the pen will post, but the weight of the metal cap on the back end renders the pen far too heavy to make posting comfortable for even short writing sessions.) On the flip side, for such a slender pen, the Classic feels perfectly balanced and comfortable unposted. The combination of wood/metal construction, a long grip section, and a bit of added length helps in this regard. Prior to an extended test-run with the Classic, I had thought that the Classic would be too slim, and that I’d ultimately conclude “nice pen; not for me.” That’s not the case. I’m still considering this pen, especially now that I know they have a dark-trim Macassar version, but I need to get comfortable with the fact that I won’t be able to post it.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

I’m a huge fan of standard Faber-Castell products, and, as I expected, I also enjoyed my first experience with the Graf von Faber-Castell Classic. In fact, I would say that if the ability to post your pens is not a must-have feature, a Classic is a no-brainer addition to any high-end pen collection. The 18k nib writes exceptionally well, and the intricate combination of wood and metal in the design, especially the GvFC signature clip and cap, render Graf von Faber-Castell pens unlike anything else on the market.

Pricing on the Graf von Faber-Castell Classic typically runs from $400-500. The Classic Anello Grenadilla, as pictured here, is priced at $458 at Appelboom, based on the current exchange rate. While certainly an expensive pen, the Classic sits on the lower end of the pricing spectrum for luxury brands of this quality. Site sponsor Appelboom, who loaned me this pen for review, carries the full range of Graf von Faber-Castell products.

Did I mention that the packaging and presentation on GvFC products are top notch? A few more pictures are shown below, including the presentation box which doubles as a three-slot pen case.

Further Reading

I’ve recently reviewed several Faber-Castell pens, including the E-motion Pure Black and the Loom, and both pens have remained fixtures in my rotation. They are also significantly less expensive than the Graf von Faber-Castell pens, demonstrating that you can get the same Faber-Castell quality for less money. Their ink is also excellent.

Disclaimer: The pen featured in this review was loaned to me by Appelboom for review purposes. This post contains affiliate links.

Sponsor Post: Get and Early Jump on Black Friday / Cyber Monday Promotions from Goldspot!

The team over at Goldspot is currently in “countdown” mode to their Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, as they prepare to not only launch the sales themselves but also give away more than $1000 worth of prizes, including an Aurora Optima fountain pen featuring an Aurora flex nib, and an Edison Menlo Draw Filler with a 14k nib! While specific Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales have yet to be announced, you can enter the giveaway now. Be sure to bookmark this page and circle back next week!

Many thanks to Goldspot for sponsoring the blog this week.

Disclaimer: This post contains sponsored content.

Sunday Reading for November 11, 2018

1. The First 500 Inks (via Mountain of Ink). I have to lead with this one today! Kelli has literally reviewed a “mountain of ink”, recently passing 500 ink reviews! A huge congratulations is warranted.

2. Pelikan M800 Stone Garden Review (via Pelikan’s Perch). This post was very interesting to me, mainly because I LOVE my Stone Garden. The pen is far more striking in person than in online photos, which really don’t do the cellulose acetate barrel justice.

3. Good Made Better Penwell Traveler Pen Stand (via Pencilcase Blog). Dan at Good Made Better has recently launched a Kickstarter for a smaller version of the Penwell, which has been garnering the same rave reviews as the original, including this review from Dries. Only a few days are left on the Kickstarter (link above).

4. A Tale of Three Planners (via Well-Appointed Desk). As someone who keeps multiple calendars/planners/schedules (I’m a big believer in redundancy to save me from myself), I can totally relate to this post.

5. The Magnificent Seven: Week One (via UK Fountain Pens). I am about to embark on a massive pen cleaning enterprise this weekend, hoping to narrow my “currently inked” pens down to about seven. Nice picks from Tony!

6. Pebble Stationery Pocket Tomoe River Notebook (via Macchiato Man). Multiple people have referred me to this Kickstarter, which appears to be very nicely designed and has funded already. I sometimes have a hard time with Tomoe River paper for pocket notebooks due to the longer dry time, but I like the aesthetic here.

7. Diamine 150th Anniversary Terracotta (via Inksharks). I love Terracotta. It’s my preferred ink that I use in my Pelikan M800 Burnt Orange. I actually think I purchased this ink to match that pen.

8. The Leonardo Momento Zero Is Simply Fabulous (via UK Fountain Pens). I’ve long admired this pen, and I’m probably going to pick one up for review in the near future.

9. New Pen Day: Woodshed Pen Co. Demonstrator (via Fountain Pen Follies). I always enjoy seeing the creations of independent pen makers, including Laura’s new Ohio Pen Show acquisition from Mike Allen at Woodshed.

10. Scriptus Pen Show Madness (via Wonder Pens). Ok, I’m officially adding Scriptus to the list of pen shows I’m going to attend next year.

11. Regalia Writing Labs Crossflex Nib: A Review (via Pen Addict). Susan reviews Ralph’s “Crossflex” nib. Having written with one of his “Epilogue” models during my recent trip to NYC, I’m definitely interested in checking out more of his work.

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 or affiliate relationship. I'm grateful to everyone who's helped me out along the way.    

1. Vanness Pens. Vanness Pens carries rare and hard-to-find inks from all over the world, including Colorverse, Callifolio, Akkerman, and the full line of DeAtramentis. You can check out my recap of a visit to Vanness here.

2. Pen Chalet. Pen Chalet has a wide variety of available pens and offers unbeatable value on pens, inks, pen cases, etc. Don’t miss Pen Chalet’s Veteran’s Day Sale! Through the weekend get an additional 10% off with the Coupon Code “VETERAN” at checkout!

3. 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 bright red Diplomat Aero.

4. 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.

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, including a new pressurized “All-Weather” pen developed in partnership with Fisher and Rite-in-the-Rain. Check out my review here, and don't forget to use the code GENTSTA to get 10% off your purchase!

8. Ensso. Ensso makes what might be my favorite machined pen to date, the PIUMA fountain pen. You can check out my review here, and use the code “FALL18” for 30% off your order!

9. 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 and earn fees on referrals. Amazon does not sponsor or endorse this blog in any way.

In Case You Missed It….

The big news this week on the blog was that I took a work trip to NYC (along with some pen-related side excursions), and this week’s Deals & Drops highlighted some of the things I saw. I also published a review of the new Esterbrook “Estie,” a pen that’s really impressed me so far.

Happy Sunday, and as always, thanks for reading!

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

NYC Trip Recap: Big Apple Pen Club, CW Pencils, & More!

November has always been a huge travel month for me. In addition to the start of the holiday season here in the U.S., I typically have at least two conferences I’m required to attend, and everyone at the office seems to shift their projects into overdrive in an (often futile) effort to get them done by the end of the year. On the bright side, I get to spend a lot of time in New York, a city I love and which is chock-full of stationery enthusiasts and, increasingly, boutique stationery stores. I’ve written before on the shops I frequent, and not much has changed, other than a planned trip to the new Goods for the Study location over on West 8th Street before I take off tonight.

My Musubi journal and pen case, as well as my CW Pencils package (tastefully wrapped, as always), and some Hi-Tec-C Coleto refills and .38mm Uniball Jetstreams I picked up at Kinokuniya.

On this trip, however, I unintentionally timed my travel to coincide with the November meeting of the Big Apple Pen Club, a group of enthusiasts from the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut-area who gather once a month to talk pens, share their latest finds, and even host speakers and guests from within the pen industry. Within minutes of my arrival, cases were opened, pens were on the table, and what I’d consider a mini-pen show ensued. To make matters worse (for my wallet), Daryl of Atelier Musubi was visiting from Singapore, and brought a selection of his journals and pen cases made from Japanese fabrics. I purchased an “Edo” journal in the “Iroha” pattern, as well as an oversized two-pen case in the Seigaiha “wave” pattern and natural fabric. I managed to stay away from Yoshi Nakama’s hand-turned pens, because I knew that wouldn’t end well!

A pair of Oldwin pens in Ebonite and Arco celluloid.

And, like all pen gatherings, I came across several items to add to my “must-have, eventually” list. An Oldwin pen, from Mora Stylos in Paris, remains firmly on the list, after handling my friend Dan’s oversized ebonite version that he acquired from M. Mora at this year’s Tokyo Pen Show. Oldwin pens feature a variety of rare and unique materials, particularly celluloid and ebonite, and can only be purchased at retail directly from Mora Styles, though Sarj Minhas sometimes has a handful of pens for sale at shows. I also had the opportunity to play around with an “Epilogue” nib from Regalia Writing Labs (Ralph Reyes), and believe it or not, I think I could find quite a practical use case for this nib for highlighting and annotation. (So, of course, I’ll have to buy one if they’re ever in stock!)

The Regalia Writing Labs “Epilogue” Nib, on a unique pen from Kasama in the Philippines that Dan obtained courtesy of Leigh Reyes.

A full shot of the Kasama demonstrator - I really hope these become available internationally soon! (And I love their logo!)

I made a quick Friday night trip downtown to CW Pencil Enterprise, where I stocked up on annotation pencils I had run out of, and picked up some scratch-’n-sniff stickers for my daughter. If you’ve never visited the sticker boutique in the back, you need to! Today, I’m off to explore what else NYC has to offer, including Goods for the Study, Muji, and perhaps the Apple Store to test out the new iPad Pro and the supposedly new-and-improved Apple Pencil 2.0 I’ve heard so much about.

If you ever find yourself in New York City on the second Thursday of the month, consider dropping in on a meeting of the Big Apple Pen Club. As with most circles in the pen community, it’s a welcoming group, and this experience made my trip!

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