Good Made Better Writewell with two integrated Penwells, a brass rollstop, and the Reader’s Kit book holder.

Kickstarter Alert: Hands-On with the Good Made Better Writewell

December 3, 2022

Because I sit at a desk in front of the computer for most of each workday, I try to mix things up “after hours” with my journaling and other personal writing by moving to a standing desk or a more comfortable club chair. I own several different standing, lap, and writing desks, making me something of a self-proclaimed connoisseur of this particular niche in the office supply world.

The Good Made Better Writewell, shown pictured here atop my standing desk in “writing slop” mode, with two fountain pens installed in the Penwells.

And it really is a niche, because there aren’t that many options out there, which is why I was so excited to see that Good Made Better had brought a prototype writing desk, the Writewell, to the D.C. Pen Show in August. Given how busy the show was, I didn't have much time to talk to Dan, but I could see how excited he was about the prototype and he promised to send me one when it was ready for review, prior to the Kickstarter launch.

The underside of the Good Made Better Writewell. The wood grain on this product is beautiful, and the craftsmanship top notch. Not only is it going to make working on this surface every day a joy, but you’ll see the Writewell featured as a backdrop to a lot of TGS product reviews and photos.

The Writewell fills two roles for me. First, it’s a lap desk, which was the original idea behind the product. While the underside of the Writewell includes no padding, I haven’t had any issues with comfort, and the Writewell rests both comfortably and evenly on my lap regardless of whether I’m sitting with my legs crossed or uncrossed. (This is a personal observation, so YMMV.)

An antique writing slope from my personal collection, which I thought might be fun to post here.

Second, the Writewell functions as a desktop writing slope, allowing me to angle the paper slightly upwards when I’m working at my standing desk. I use the Levenger Sit-to-Stand Rolling workstation, which I like, but I also find the work surface slightly too low, even in standing mode. By adding the Writewell, it’s at a perfect height. I’ve always enjoyed portable writing desks and writing slopes, and have had several antique models in my collection over the years. (Pictured above). The Writewell is a modern take on this age-old concept.

The Writewell with a journal set up in the “Reader’s Kit” add-on. The Reader’s Kit is a two-piece adjustable book stand that features a brass book rest and an acrylic page holder. While the version I have is a prototype, I have had no issues getting most books and journals to fit.

In terms of accessories and add-ons, the Writewell sent to me for review features two integrated Penwells, which allows me to alternate between two different fountain pens while I’m journaling or taking notes. This solves a key problem with my previous go-to lap desk, an older Levenger model sort of like this one, which uses an elastic band/pen loop system. While the Levenger lap desk itself is comfortable and offers a large work surface, I vastly prefer the Writewell’s integrated Penwell system as it makes it much easier to cap/uncap pens by holding them securely. Even more convenient is the “Reader’s Kit” add-on, which can be used as a book, pad, or tablet holder that’s especially useful when transcribing passages into my commonplace book or cleaning up notes I’ve taken elsewhere. (I don’t necessarily use book-holders when I’m actively reading, as I rarely read at a desk.) Other customizations and add-ons are available, including brass and wood roll-stops and recessed niches, which hold pens and the Bookfellow book weight. You can even change the number and location of the Penwell - the standard Writewell comes with one, but you can add an extra and/or change the orientation from right to left.

My next challenge to Dan: A portable writing box!

Takeaways and Where to Buy

The Good Made Better Writewell is currently available on Kickstarter with 12 days remaining in the campaign. Pledges start at $179, with add-ons and modifications such as additional Penwells, a brass or walnut roll stop, recessed niche, and reading kit available at extra cost. The “as-reviewed” model shown here would cost approximately $275, which honestly, given the quality of construction and lack of any truly comparable product on the market, represents excellent value. A writing desk like this won’t fit a need in everyone’s workflow, but the versatility of the Writewell in allowing me to move from “lap mode” to “podium mode” makes it a must-back for me. I’ve ordered a second one, which I plan to pair with my second standing desk that I keep at the office.

While of course there are no guarantees that any Kickstarter project will be successful, Good Made Better is an experienced maker with an excellent Kickstarter track record. I would encourage you to visit their website and check out their other products, including the Penwell pen holder, the Bookfellow book weight, and more. I’ve been proud to collaborate with Dan on our own T.G.S.-exclusive Penwell, which features an “Aged Red” finish that you currently can only get via the T.G.S. Curated Shop.

Disclaimer: Good Made Better sent me the Writewell Writing Desk for review purposes, free of charge. I was not otherwise compensated for this review, and I do not receive any commissions or affiliate fees if you back the project via Kickstarter. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Check out the patina on the brass! It’s amazing what five years can do!

Review Revisited: The Penwell Classic Five Years Later

October 27, 2022

It’s been five years since Penwell Co. (since renamed Good Made Better as they’ve expanded their range of goods) introduced the Penwell, a thoughtfully engineered desktop pen stand designed to allow you to enjoy the “desk pen” experience with any fountain pen or other capped writing instrument. I’ve received a few questions over the past two weeks regarding how exactly the Penwell works and how I use it, so I thought it might be fun to do a “review revisited” post.

I have two Classic Penwells: one in the brass finish, and one in our exclusive “Aged Red”.

The beauty of the Penwell is that it’s such a simple product. It consists of three parts: (1) the base, available in a variety of materials and finishes; (2) a foam insert, which secures the pen cap, and (3) a microsuction pad that adheres to your desk or other surface. The Penwell’s base does not use any sort of adhesive, but rather thousands of tiny microscopic suction cups. I have two different Penwells that I’ve used for years, and despite moving them around multiple times, I’ve never had the microsuction pad damage the finish on any surface, nor has it lost any of its stickiness. If you find the Penwell coming loose or sliding around, all you typically need to do is wipe the microsuction surface with a damp cloth and you’re good to go.

The foam insert is flexible enough to accommodate pens of varying sizes. While I’ve been able to use nearly all pens with the standard foam insert (which ships with our Aged Red Model), if you have an especially large pen you can purchase a thinner XL foam sleeve for $5 directly from Good Made Better.

As I noted in my original review, I love that the Penwell gives me the ability to “park” my pen cap-down while I’m working, especially with larger pens that don’t post. One reason that I post my pens is that I get (justifiably) nervous about the cap getting knocked off the desk onto the floor, and my strategically placed Penwells give me peace of mind. The Penwell base holds the cap securely, so you can uncap your pen one-handed and easily recap when you’re finished writing, as you would with a traditional desk pen. Currently, I have one Penwell stationed on my main desk in my home office, and another on each standing desk, at home and in my office downtown.

The Penwell microsuction base on a two year-old Penwell. For a demonstration of how to use the pen holder, check out this Instagram video.

I’ve always loved the idea of a dedicated desk pen, especially some of the more lovely vintage sets, but the bases tend to have a large footprint and the pens themselves aren’t especially versatile, featuring long tapers and low ink capacity. With the Penwell, you can use your pen of choice in “desk pen mode”, and then pull it out to take it with you when you move away from your desk. That said, I sometimes use my larger Opus 88 eyedroppers, such as the classic “Demonstrator” pens, as semi-permanent desk pens when they’re inked. They hold so much ink that if I’m on a busy streak at work and don’t want to worry about refilling, I can park them in the Penwell and keep a fountain pen at the ready, which is convenient for those days when I accidentally leave my pen case at home. Below I’ve included pictures of the Penwell with fountain pens in different sizes, to showcase the versatility.

Penwell with Opus 88 Demo

Penwell with PenBBS Pneumatic

Penwell with TWSBI ECO

Penwell with Opus 88 Minty

Penwell with Platinum Plaisir

Takeaways and Where to Buy

Years later, the Penwell is still one of my most-used desk accessories, which is notable because I tend to cycle through things and “redecorate” my workspace often. There are very few constants on my desktop. I expect the appreciation for this product is widespread, given that Good Made Better has expanded over the years and become a fixture at pen shows.

Here, I liked the Penwell so much that it was my first choice for a product collaboration back in 2020 when I launched the T.G.S. Curated Shop. In addition to our own special-edition Penwell in the T.G.S.-exclusive “Aged Red” finish, you can purchase other Penwells directly from the Good Made Better website, along with a range of other desk accessories designed to make your work more enjoyable, including the recently released “Bookfellow” book weight. The Penwell Classic (which remains my preferred model) comes in a variety of different finishes, though you may also want to check out the larger Penwell Craftsman and the portable Penwell Traveller.

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of certain Penwell products. This post does not contain paid third-party affiliate links. T.G.S. is supported entirely by purchases through the T.G.S. Curated Shop and the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

Case Review: Galen Leather Magnum Opus 12-Pen Case in Two Different Options

August 20, 2022

Lately, one of my favorite high-capacity pen cases has been Galen Leather’s “Magnum Opus,” specifically the 12-pen version. After this year’s D.C. Pen Show, I’m lucky enough to have two of them: the original hardshell version with the fold-over magnetic flap, and a new zippered version introduced this year, which includes some useful new features that I’ll highlight today.

Galen Leather Magnum Opus in Grey — The zippered Magnum Opus in “pen stand” mode. The “stand-up mode” generally works well, unless you’re on a particularly slick surface.

The main benefit of the “Magnum Opus” is the combination of capacity and protection. This hardshell case will not only allow you to carry a large number of pens, but it will protect them well, something that’s especially important to me when I’m attending events like weekly pen club or pen shows. (My “Magnum Opus” in natural undyed leather - shown at top - is what I had with me at the table in D.C., and used as a display for the “tester” pens I had available.)

Galen Leather Magnum Opus Extra Protection — Yunus from Galen Leather wanted me to point out that those concerned about the zipper coming into contact with larger pens can reverse the tray for extra protection.

This year’s release, the zippered version of the Magnum Opus, adds two new features: a magnetic front flap that folds down and a back flap that lets you stand the case upright. The zippered case still contains a removable tray - some people prefer removing this tray while they’re working, or when they’re displaying pens at a show/swap meet/sale.

Both 12-pen Magnum Opus cases are the same size and hold the same number of pens. You’re not making any sacrifices in capacity choosing one or the other.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

After teasing the original hard-case design during the 2021 pen show season, Galen decided to make it part of their standard lineup, and I’m happy it stuck around. While I love the original case, the zippered version is likely to serve as my go-to carry when I want to bring 12+ pens along in a backpack, especially on an airplane. The zipper offers just a bit more security, and if I want to work with multiple pens, I love the opportunity for “stand mode”.

I’m still working on accumulating a nice collection of ink stains on my natural undyed leather case. You people are much too careful at pen shows. :)

Currently, you can order the Magnum Opus pen cases directly from Galen Leather, or from select retailers including our friends at Vanness Pens. The zippered model is shown here in “Crazy Horse Smoky” leather, and the standard 12-slot hard case is shown in undyed natural leather. Each of these cases will develop its own unique patina as it ages, with the natural leather taking on the most scuffs, stains, and discoloration. (Be aware of this before you purchase - undyed leather is SUPPOSED to get dirty/stained/worn/whatever, and you can read about this further here.) At $159 for either case, it’s not an inexpensive purchase but all of my Galen Leather products have been well made and hold up over time.

Disclaimer: Galen Leather provided me with the grey case featured in this review, and Vanness Pens provided me with the undyed leather case, free of charge for review purposes. Otherwise, this post does not contain paid affiliate links. The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

Walden Woodworkers Istanbul is the name under which Galen Leather produces its wood desk accessories.

Mahogany Desk Accessories from Galen Leather

August 30, 2020

Although they started out making leather goods, Galen Leather has expanded their lineup to include a line of handcrafted brass and wood desk accessories. Previously, I’ve written on the Galen Leather Writing Box and how I’ve used that particular product as “home base” for my journaling setup. I recently received a box of additional samples from Galen Leather, including their mahogany pen rest and brush stand, as well as the “ToolComb” pen and brush holder.

Both are examples of well-made, useful products that look great on your desk and don’t cost an arm and a leg. The pen rest/brush stand is a small wooden block containing three grooves large enough to accommodate pens of various sizes (though if you try to use it to hold larger pens, they may touch). It’s perfect for those who keep three or fewer pens inked at any given time, or have pens that live permanently on the desk.

The Mahogany Three-Pen Stand, shown here with three Fisher Space Pens.

The ToolComb is also handcrafted from solid mahogany, and per the Galen Leather website inspired by a mid-century Danish design. Come to think of it, the ToolComb does have a vintage-meets-modern flair that I very much appreciate, and it looks exceptional on a desk, especially paired with my Dudek Modern Goods “Divide.” The ToolComb holds up to 13 pens or artist’s tools (Galen specifically mentions paintbrushes), and with a hole size of 15mm most pens will fit.

Many have used the Galen Leather ToolComb to showcase their collections of 13+ Kaweco Sports. I don’t have that many Kawecos, but you can see that it fits the both the Sport and the Schon DSGN Pocket Six quite well.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

I look forward to enjoying these two mahogany pen stands for a long time to come. You can purchase both products directly from Galen Leather’s online shop. The Mahogany Pen Rest/Brush Stand is priced at $16, with the ToolComb slightly more expensive at $30. Other options from Galen include a larger Desk Organizer, a Washi Tape Dispenser, and of course the Writing Box. Many thanks to Galen Leather for making these products available for review!

Disclaimer: I received these products from Galen Leather, free of charge, for review purposes. I was not otherwise compensated for this review.

Desktop Tools: Carl Angel-5 Pencil Sharpener

July 24, 2019

As you might have guessed from the theme of my recent posts, lately I’ve spent a good deal of time time curating my stationery accumulation and related accessories, trying to get a handle on what my “core tools” are. My traveling kit and my journaling setup has remained consistent as of late, and I did a search around my desk at home and at the office to see whether there were any additional key items in my workflow that I had never reviewed. What was the first thing that came up? My Carl Angel-5 pencil sharpener, which I’ve owned for more than 5 years now.

“The Original Quality SInce 1960”. Something tells me the design of this sharpener hasn’t changed much since then.

Carl is a longstanding Japanese office-supply manufacturer, which since 1929 has produced products ranging from hole punches to paper cutters to pencil sharpeners. I can’t speak to their other products, but Carl’s pencil sharpeners are superb, especially for the money. The Angel-5 model has developed a bit of a cult following due to the long point this thing can put on a pencil. We’re talking daggers or vampire-stakes here.

The plastic tray slides out easily. I love the fact that it’s transparent and you can easily see when the sharpener is full.

The Angel-5 is a pretty simple contraption: it’s a single-burr, hand-crank sharpener that has held up well and shows no signs of the grinder dulling despite five years of heavy use. This sharpener’s combination of compact size and durability makes it a perfect choice for home and office desktops, as well as classrooms.

Carl’s kinda angry looking, from this angle. The good thing about the “teeth” is that you don’t have to mount the sharpener to a desk or table. The Angel-5 grips the pencil well and automatically feeds it into the grinder as you sharpen.

The one potential issue I feel compelled to mention is the fact that the “teeth” of the sharpener that grip the pencil will leave marks in the finish. If you sharpen enough, it can give the pencil a “chewed up” look. Since woodcase pencils are by their very nature disposable, this doesn’t bother me as the finish on the pencil is going to get “sharpened away” anyway, but as you might imagine, people have very strong opinions about these things. Carl makes a slightly more expensive model with rubber pads on the grippers that won’t mar the finish. (Link below)

An unsharpened Palomino Blackwing Pearl.

Now THAT is a sharpened pencil! Be careful or you’ll put your eye out with that.

“Teethmarks” from the Carl Angel-5 sharpener. On pencils with thicker finishes, like Blackwings, it’s less noticeable. The sharpener can really tear up cheaper pencils made of softer wood, but who wants to use those anyway?

Takeaways and Where to Buy

If you’re in the market for a relatively inexpensive, high-quality pencil sharpener for the home, office, or classroom that will see heavy use, consider the Carl Angel-5. For less than $20, (including free Amazon same day delivery for eligible Amazon Prime Members), this sharpener is a bargain. The one drawback, as noted above, is that you can’t adjust the length or bluntness of the point, but if you require this functionality you can opt for the slightly more expensive Carl CC-2000, which has five sharpness options. I have a CC-2000 in my office, and while it’s a good sharpener, I prefer the point on the Angel-5. (Note that the CC-2000 is the sharpener that doesn’t leave “teeth marks” on your pencil.)

Disclaimer: I purchased the product featured in this review with my own funds, for my own use. This post contains Amazon affiliate links.