Sunday Reading for August 16, 2026

1. Five Years with TPA (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). Congratulations on five years of pen blogging! Many people don’t understand how big of a commitment it is to put words on paper regularly for this length of time.

2. Everything I Bought at the 2026 DC Pen Show (via dwrdnet). Or should it be “I Bought Everything at the 2026 DC Pen Show”? :)

3. 2026 DC Pen Show (via Rachel’s Reflections). An excellent recap of the DC Pen Show. On the hangout issue - the current DC Pen Show hotel is not set up well at all for after-hours hangouts. There is a market lack of comfortable seating, and the bar has jacked up the price of drinks astronomically, in my opinion, all of which I suspect depresses turnout.

4. Leonardo Dolcevita (via Figboot on Pens). I loved the original Dolcevita color scheme, and am glad to see both Leonardo and the new Delta brand bringing it back.

5. Filofax Inserts (Reproduced). I’m enjoying this trend of long-out-of-print planner inserts being resurrected by community enthusiasts.

6. Swirling with the Kaweco Sport Marble Ocean (via Well-Appointed Desk). In my opinion the only problem with this Kaweco Collection Sport is that we could not get enough of them.

7. Dromgoole’s Pilot Custom 823 “The Sixty-Five” (via Inddependence). I really hope Pilot continues to do more of these collaborations in the U.S., similar to how prevalent they are in Japan.

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These Inkii Cannoli Wipes were a find at the 2026 DC Pen Show! Check out the recap for details.

In Case You Missed It….

This week seems like a continuation of last week, mainly because I’ve been going nonstop post-DC and am looking forward to a couple days off! This week I posted my DC Pen Show 2026 Recap, in which I talked about everything I saw at one of the largest pen shows in the U.S. (Yes, I did get to roam a bit.) I also posted another “Ask TGS Installment, in which I talk about the differences between leather and fabric pen cases.

Yes, we finally have more Uni Kuru Toga Safari Mechanical Pencils.

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop

Take a deep breath, because we have a ton of new stuff arriving every day! This week we received a giant shipment of Japanese stationery that I ordered upon my return from Tokyo in May, including four new colors of Pilot S20 Mechanical Pencils and Pilot 4+1 Multi Pens, Pilot ILMILY Nuance Black Gel Pens and Refills, and more Graphilo A5 notebooks in all rulings. Finally, by popular request, we have the Lamy Safari “Kuru Toga Inside” mechanical pencils, as well as more Kuru Toga Wood and Kuru Toga Metal mechanical pencils direct from Japan!

We are back from the DC Pen Show, and our Nashville shop will be open from 1pm-6pm on Thursday and Friday, and from 10am-5pm on Saturday (back to normal hours).

Pilot

Uni Pencils

Leuchtturm1917

Soolla

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Ask TGS: Are Leather or Fabric Pen Cases "Better" for your Pens?

Though it initially struck me as a somewhat odd question, I get asked from time to time what pen case material is “safer” for your pens. There are two main options in today’s market - leather and cloth - and each has its own set of considerations. I’ll talk a bit about the advantages and disadvantages of each material, though I don’t believe that either one presents any serious risk of actually causing damage to a pen. I’ll also talk a bit about the difference between “damage” and the normal inevitable wear and tear resulting from using a pen as intended.

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If I had to choose a favorite leather color, it would be cognac or saddle.

Leather Cases and Covers

Most leather pen cases, and other stationery items such as notebook covers and pouches, are made from cow or goat hide. Leather is durable, patinas as it ages, and hides dirt well. It also offers a classic “professional” look for those who want to carry their pens to a traditional office. Leather is a “safe” choice in the sense that it offers good protection from drops, and I’ve never had it fail to protect more fragile items.

Any downsides mainly involve the nature of leather itself. Some people don’t like to use animal products. Others dislike the harder feel of most leather, and it can be heavier than fabric alternatives. Leather will also accumulate scuffs and scrapes, and while many people prefer leather exactly for this reason - it shows character and develops “patina” as it wears - others prefer materials that can be washed and more easily cleaned.

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Fabric cases such as the Soolla Studio Pouch and Rickshaw Fillmore 6-pen Case feature multiple slots for organizing gear. I tend to use both for modular carry (i.e., bag-in-a-bag) and move them between backpacks and briefcases.

Fabric (Cloth, Canvas, Etc.)

These days, pen enthusiasts can choose from a wide variety of fabric pen cases, which can include both natural materials such as soft cotton or canvas as well as synthetic fabrics such as nylon or cordura. The main benefits to fabric are (1) variety, in that you can choose from a wide range of different colors, prints, and textures; (2) light weight; and (3) washability, as well as the fact that you don’t need to worry as much about getting your case wet due to rain, spills, etc. Fabric has its own downsides, in that it can get dirty easily, and apart from sturdier materials like waxed canvas, probably won’t age or patina like well-made leather goods.

Now for the “safety” question. Neither fabric nor leather has a distinct advantage in terms of being “safer” for pens. Provided they are thick enough and at least moderately padded, most cases will protect pens from drops and other physical damage. That said, I’m often asked whether the actual act of taking pens in and out of a case will harm the pens, and whether it will cause so-called “microscratches” on the finish. We talked a bit about this in On The Paper Trail, Episode 10, and my general response is that yes, any sort of friction with material other than a polishing cloth runs the risk of altering the finish on your fountain pen in some way. I do not, however, consider this “damage” because it’s part of actually using the pen. Setting the pen down on a wooden desk, posting the cap, uncapping and recapping the pen, etc. also might create some sort of mark on your pen - just look at vintage pens that have been used for 75-100 years. Personally, I consider this normal wear-and-tear, and a pen that has been used as intended ultimately develops its own unique patina similar to well-aged leather goods. If you like a pristine shiny finish, that can often be restored by polishing.

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Yes, I leave fountain pens on the outside of my Soolla Studio Pouch, even when it’s in my backpack.

I generally advise people that if there is a pen in your collection that you do not want to risk getting scratched, marked, modified, or otherwise rendered “non mint condition” in any way, you simply shouldn’t use it. There’s no way to guarantee that “microscratches” or the like won’t happen, and you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Keep it in the box for posterity.

What I Personally Use

For my own collection, I use a wide range of different fabric and leather cases, pen sleeves, rolls, and folios. If forced to choose, I will usually opt for a leather notebook cover or folio, and a fabric (typically canvas or cordura) pen case. Notebook covers get handled more, and I enjoy how they age as the leather darkens and wears smooth over time. Fabric pen cases tend to be lighter weight and feature more slots and pockets, all of which I value in my everyday life since I carry a lot of pens. I don’t worry at all about whether a case will scratch a pen - if I’ve decided to ink a pen and use it, whether or not a pen will eventually show signs of wear doesn’t really cross my mind.

I try to respond to frequently asked reader questions periodically, and collect these responses in the FAQ section of the main website. You can also reach out to us online or through our social media channels, or come see us in our physical shop in Nashville, Tennessee!

Thursday Drops: Lamy Kuru-Togas, Lochby Field Sling Plus, Galen Leather and More!

We’re back from the DC Pen Show, fully loaded with new merchandise not just from the show but from recent summer trade shows and Japan! In addition to new Galen Leather items (including the Galen x Nock Co. Sinclair leather pen cases), we have Lamy x Uni Kuru Toga Mechanical pencils, the recently arrived Lochby Field Sling Plus, and more Laurett’s Waka Ebonite ballpoints and mechanical pencils.

Yes, we have more of these in stock, in three different colors!

We enjoyed meeting everyone who came by the table in DC and visited with us this past weekend. For those who didn’t get to attend the show, we debuted two new colors of OnionBrand A5 Leather Notebook covers, and had a full array of Roterfaden Taschenbegleiters in A5 and A5 Slim sizes. Everything that remains is listed and available for sale both online and in the Nashville store.

The Nashville Store will be open normal hours Thursday and Friday from 1-6pm, and Saturday from 10am-5pm.

1. Lamy Safari “Kuru Toga Inside” Mechanical Pencils. Lamy has released versions of its Safari mechanical pencils with a Kuru Toga mechanical pencil engine inside. The Kuru Toga mechanism rotates the lead as you write, keeping a sharp point.

2. Galen Leather x Nock Co. Leather Sinclair Pen Cases. Earlier this year Galen released its collaboration with Nock Co., which included a Sinclair Pen Case in gorgeous cognac leather. The interior features handwoven Kutnu lining, a traditional Turkish fabric.

3. OnionBrand A5 Notebooks in New Distressed Finishes. Over the weekend at the DC Pen Show, we showcased at our table the OnionBrand A5 notebooks in two new finishes: distressed versions of the Chestnut Reserve and Polished Saddle colors. These finishes are more matte and not as polished/glossy as the originals, which many people prefer.

4. Laurett’s Waka Ebonite Ballpoints and Mechanical Pencils. One of my favorite takes on a classic pen format, the Laurett’s “Waka” series features knurled ebonite. We now have additional colors of the mechanical pencils to allow you to make a matching set.

5. Lochby Field Sling Plus. Lochby’s larger version of its “Field Sling” bag is in-stock as of this morning, and is capable of holding a larger notebook or tablet. We also have stock of the standard Field Sling, which is just large enough to hold an A5 notebook and some everyday stationery.

6. Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journals Edition A5 Notebooks. Planner season is almost upon us, and while the release of dated books won’t start for another month or so, undated options are being restocked. We have more of the official Leuchtturm x Bullet Journal collaboration in four different colors.

7. Leuchtturm1917 A4+ Master Classic Notebooks. Years ago I wrote a novel in one of these oversized Leuchtturm A4+ notebooks and loved it. These also work great as commonplace books and archive-style ledgers.

8. Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pens in Smoke and Amber. After a temporary backorder, we have additional stock of the Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pens in the Smoke and Amber acrylics, including the popular fine and medium nibs.

9. Galen Leather 3-pen and 5-pen Zippered Pen Cases. We took the opportunity to restock our Galen Leather pen cases in multiple colors. These three and five pen zippered cases are among our favorite classic leather pieces.

10. Yamamoto Ro-Biki Note Passport Size Restock. We just received a large shipment of Ro-Biki paper from Japan, with many of the Museum Collection notebooks back in stock.

DC Pen Show 2026 Recap: The First of the Big Shows Was ... Big!

The 2026 DC Pen Show is in the books! Unlike 2025 - when I had to miss Friday due to a weather delay and flight cancellation - I had the full four-day experience Thursday through Sunday, including a half day of walking around the show on Sunday. While nearly everything "rare" was sold out, I managed to snag some fun items for my personal collection, as well as some new additions to the shop. Some of these you will see here, and others are still to come later in the summer or early fall.

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Dan from Good Made Better brought these gorgeous limited edition Bird Series fountain pens, each crafted from hand-finished ebonite.

My Thoughts on the Current State of the DC Pen Show

As one of the largest pen and stationery-focused events in the world, the D.C. Pen Show offers an unparalleled opportunity to interact with major manufacturers, independent makers, customers, and enthusiasts. The show remains a fountain pen-focused event, with a large contingent of vintage and second-hand dealers, though paper and general stationery accessories are not as well-represented. Given the proximity of this event to Yoseka's Stationery Fest in NYC the prior week, many "pure stationery" (i.e. washi and sticker) retailers did not attend. While that was probably a good thing given the size of the show, it did result in a somewhat less diverse array of exhibitors and goods than you will find at other shows such as the upcoming San Francisco Pen Show.

One of my favorite finds was Inkii (see link below), which makes a fun selection of leather goods including these pen wipes in the shape of a Cannoli!

Every year we talk about the size of the D.C. Pen Show, and once again I find myself of the opinion that this show continues to grow to the point where it’s too big. At four ballrooms, as well as multiple hallways and alcoves tucked all over the hotel, I heard multiple attendees express frustration that the show was difficult to navigate. While the show didn't feel as crowded as previous years, the layout can make it hard to locate certain vendors and see the entire show, and narrow aisles stay congested on the busier days. The organizers have indicated they have no intention of shrinking the show and are actively looking to add even more vendors, so this will probably remain an issue going forward.

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The main ballroom on Sunday morning. The wide aisles kept traffic moving moderately well through this space, though there were areas where the aisles were much narrower, and even spaces where vendors were tucked into stairwells and narrow hallways that created chokepoints.

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Kaleidocraft brought their 3D-printed goods to DC, including their customizable Washi Wallet.

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For their 10th Anniversary, Kanilea Pen Co. added an enamel finish to the finial.

My Modest DC Pen Show Haul (Personal)

As mentioned above, I got to escape the table for a couple hours on Sunday morning due to the kindness of Lisa over at Olive Octopus, who helped me out not only while I was wandering but when I was teaching classes. Here’s what I came back with, first for my personal collection and also for the shop:

• Nagasawa Decimo Kobe Gradation - Sengari Water Blue and Rhodium. Each year Nagasawa releases a special Decimo in these gradient finishes. This year’s is not available online in the U.S., but Vanness had a small number for sale at the D.C. Pen Show!

• Nagasawa x Vanness Hummingbird Green Ink. Arrives soon at Vanness! Our friends at Vanness collaborated with Nagasawa on an exclusive ink, which is a gorgeous green with blue undertones.

• Inkii Canoli Wipes. I bought one for pens, one for glasses. It’s creativity like this that keeps me coming back to pen shows, even if truly original items are increasingly few and far between.

• Inkii B6 Notebook. The red and black color combination got me, and I’ve been wanting to try a B6 notebook.

• Kaweco Glow-in-the-Dark DIY Sport. I took the opportunity to build my own! We’ll be hosting the Kaweco DIY machine in the shop in October, as well as at the On the Paper Trail Live Event later that weekend (October 16-18).

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My personal DC Pen Show Haul

My DC Pen Show Haul (For the Shop) and a Note of appreciation to everyone who stopped by!

I love going to DC because it presents a great opportunity to visit with makers in person and to see new products up close. This time I was able to snag a handful of the Galen x Nock Co. Leather Sinclair cases, and generally restock some of our Galen Leather pen cases. I also picked up a restock of the Laurett's Ebonite Ballpoints and Mechanical Pencils, and placed orders for many more finds that will show up later in the summer or early fall.

I love the Cognac leather Sinclairs. Get them while they last!

Finally - a note of appreciation to everyone who stopped by the table to shop and offer kind words on the site and our growing podcast! It was heartening to see that this project resonates with so many people and we are looking forward to hosting our own event in October in Nashville!

The Gentleman Stationer is supported by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. You can also come visit us at our physical stationery store in Nashville, Tennessee.

We introduced two new finishes of the OnionBrand Leather A5 Notebook Covers: Distressed Chestnut Reserve and Distressed Polished Saddle, for those who prefer a more matte finish and leather with character!

New Arrivals: Nakabayashi Logical T-Line Prime Paper, Plus a General Nakabayashi Restock!

Nakabayashi paper has taken off in recent years, with a lineup that includes multiple fountain pen friendly paper options in unique rulings at accessible price points. We’ve recently added Nakabayashi’s “T-Line” paper, which features a multi-lined ruling similar to Logical Prime, but with vertical guidelines that disappear in indirect light. The T-line layout offers much of the same functionality as the lined Logical Prime, only with greater visibility for those who don’t want to see the intermediate “spacing” portion of the ruling.

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Viewed from above, you don’t see the interior guidelines.

We’ve also restocked on most other Nakabayashi papers, and in addition to Logical Prime, we’ve received more Logical Air and Yu-Sari. Please note that due to Nakabayashi paper being imported and currently very popular, not all size and ruling combinations may be available at any given time.

The Nashville Shop will be open this week normal hours, from 1-6pm on Thursday and Friday, and from 10am-5pm on Saturday. We are back from the D.C. Pen Show and getting caught up on shipping, so orders should return to normal fulfillment time this week. Many thanks!