Take Five: Favorite Traveler's Notebook Accessories

The Traveler’s Notebook is, in my opinion, one of the most versatile notebook systems on the market. In addition to being able to easily hold three different notebook inserts, you can choose from a wide range of available accessories in order to build out the notebook or planner that works best for you. Today I’ll briefly take you through five of my personal favorites that I use every day. (If you don’t yet have a Traveler’s Notebook, and are interested in using the system, begin here with a Starter Kit.)

Disclaimer: The TGS Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of Traveler’s Company products.

1. Traveler’s Company Sticky Note Insert. The accessory that gets the most use in my rotation (other than perhaps the pouch) is the sticky note insert. The paper on these particular sticky notes works well with most pens, including fountain pens, and are stored inside a plastic cover so the insert can be stored safely alongside your other Traveler’s Notebook refills. Each booklet ships with 8 notepads in five different sizes and formats.

2. Traveler’s Company Notebook Repair Kit. Sure, it’s ostensibly intended to help you replace parts of your Traveler’s Notebook as they wear out, but what this one really does is offer eight different options for swapping out the elastic cord with a different color. Currently my blue Traveler’s notebook is rocking a bright orange band.

3. Traveler’s Notebook Zippered Cases. I use the zippered PVC pouch to carry stamps, paper clips, and a handful of Book Darts so that I always have some on hand to mark pages of my notebook or the book I’m currently reading.

4. Traveler’s Notebook Pen Holder. This matching pen loop - available in four different options to match your leather cover - will hold pens up to 12mm in diameter, including the range of Traveler’s Company Brass Pens and Pencils.

5. Traveler’s Company Brass Clip. I’ll admit, before I started carrying Traveler’s Company products in the shop, I wasn’t familiar with their clips and how they are intended to be used. In addition to securing papers, etc. to the front cover of your notebook, you can use the weight of the clip to hold the notebook open as you write, offering more of a lie-flat writing experience.

View fullsize

I hope you found this short post helpful! If you’re interested in further exploring the endless possibilities of the Traveler’s Notebook, check out my previous posts in which I discuss my personal Traveler’s Notebook setup, as well as a short tutorial on how to attach multiple refills and inserts to a single cover.

Which Pens and Pencils We Carry and Why

I haven’t spoken much lately on the “mission statement” behind my shop, and how I select the various lines and products that I carry. When I set out to create T.G.S. Curated last year, six years after founding The Gentleman Stationer, I did so with one goal: to bring together a set of products that I not only enjoy myself, but which represent the combination of quality, utility, and joy essential to remaining relevant in an increasingly digital world where most people are highly selective about the analog tools they use.

For pens and pencils, that means you will find a curated selection with a focus on quality craftsmanship and ergonomics. You won’t find anything here that I don’t use or wouldn’t use myself, and many of these products are, in my opinion, under-promoted by existing retail channels and the pen community at large. They cover a wide range of formats and price points. If you haven’t had the opportunity to explore the following, I’d encourage you to do so. As always, many thanks for your support!

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized reseller of all products listed in the T.G.S. Curated Shop.

1. Caran d’Ache 849 Ballpoint. One of my favorite ballpoint pens, and an all-time stationery classic, the Caran d’Ache 849 features a hexagonal barrel that tapers towards the point, lending it the feel of a woodcase pencil. Available in a wide range of colors and finishes.

2. Caran d’Ache Léman Fountain Pen. Currently available in a limited “Klein Blue” Ultramarine finish that I can’t stop looking at, the Léman is Caran d’Ache’s flagship fountain pen. I’ve been using one as a daily writer for the past month. Additional details here.

3. Mazzuoli Nobile ITALIA Ballpoint/Mechanical Pencil. Combining the ability to swap out Schmidt ballpoint and .7mm mechanical pencil inserts into a compact, ergonomic form factor, the Nobile ITALIA also gave me a history lesson. Read more on the origins of this unique pen here.

4. CW&T Pen Type-A and Pen Type-B. If I’m going to have a gel pen offering, I’m going to go all the way. The Pen Type-A and Pen Type-B are both sublimely over-engineered and basically indestructible, featuring a pneumatic sleeve that keeps the barrel protected (and doubles as an addictive fidget toy). Additional details here, with a short video demonstration of how the sleeve works.

5. Pokka Pens Pocket Ballpoints. I don’t use - or stock - exclusively high-end pens. Sometimes the best tool for the job is the one that you can take anywhere with you, and I always have a pack of Pokka Pens in my bag and my car. Pokka now makes an aluminum “Jakket” that you can add on for a more durable EDC experience, with the option to use the “Dokk” accessory to clip the pen to your bag or keychain.

6. Penco “Perfection” Pocket Pens. If you’d prefer a refillable pocket pen that accepts universal D1 refills, the Penco “Perfection” is approximately the size of a tube of lipstick or lip balm when capped, but still hefty enough to use comfortably (and to let you know when you have it with you). Read more here, and it’s now available in a matte black finish, in addition to polished brass and chrome.

7. Traveler’s Company Brass “Bullet” Pens and Pencils. As a fan of the vintage “bullet pencil” format, there was never any question whether I would stock TRC Brass pens in my shop. While the standard brass ballpoint is probably my favorite (it actually uses a hybrid gel refill), I carry all four versions, in both brass and “Factory Green” finishes. Additional details here.

8. Caran d’Ache Fixpencil. The first modern mechanical pencil, designed during wartime to mimic the feel of a woodcase pencil when resources were in short supply. I carry both the original matte black with colored buttons, as well as the “Fixpencil 884” that comes in red, green, and blue with a textured grip section on the barrel.

9. Caran d’Ache Swiss Wood Pencils. The ultimate woodcase pencil writing experience. Fans of woodcase pencils (and Caran d’Ache products in general) owe it to themselves to try a Swiss Wood at least once. Stocked in beech and pine versions, as well as three-pencil gift sets. Additional details here.

10. Tombow and Uni-Mitsubishi Woodcase Pencils. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get an excellent writing experience, and quality woodcase pencils are a great place to start. These No. 2 office pencils from Japanese companies Tombow and Uni-Mitsubishi hit the sweet spot in terms of quality and price point.

Deals & Drops: Rhodia, Quo Vadis, and New Kawecos for Spring

Spring is right around the corner, even if it doesn’t feel like it for most of the country. Kaweco has released a beautiful new Lavender “Kaweco Collection” edition, which looks about as “springy” as anything I’ve seen recently! The Curated Shop is also stocked with new arrivals from Rhodia, Clairefontaine, and Quo Vadis, further focusing my own offerings on practical, no-hype stationery products that are versatile enough to use with your writing instrument of choice. Finally, a new sharpener from M+R, capable of handling jumbo pencils!

Unless otherwise indicated, all links are to the T.G.S. Curated Shop.

1. Rhodia Webnotebook. Rhodia’s classic hardcover A5 notebook is now available in both dot grid and lined versions, and three colors (orange, black, and gray).

2. Quo Vadis Habana Journal. An old favorite of mine, the Quo Vadis Habana features dot grid Clairefontaine paper, and a slightly-larger-than-A5, lie-flat design. Currently available in two cover options, red and black.

3. Traveler’s Notebooks, Refills, and Accessories. I now carry the full line of Traveler’s Company Notebooks and accessories, including standard, diary, and specialty refills. The Traveler’s Notebook system is incredibly versatile, and you can see how I use mine here.

4. Kaweco “Collection” Edition Lavender Fountain Pen (via Vanness Pens). This new special edition from Kaweco features a lavender acrylic in the silver “Skyline” trim.

5. M+R Two-Hole Brass Pencil Sharpener. I’ve finally added a M+R brass sharpener capable of easily handling larger-diameter pencils. This brass wedge is suitable for both graphite and colored pencils, with two different holes to accommodate pencils of different sizes.

6. Caran d’Ache Paul Smith 849 Limited Edition (LAST CALL). Last one, with a Pistachio case! I don’t currently plan to restock last year’s edition, so if you’ve had your eye on one, get it now.

7. Field Notes “Autumn Trilogy” Limited Edition (LAST CALL). Field Notes posted an announcement on their social media that they are down to their last few boxes of the excellent “Autumn Trilogy” edition. I have several left.

8. Rhodia Composition Book. I currently have one of these left but I’m definitely restocking! These came out great, and I’m excited to see that Rhodia is still innovating with their lineup.

9. Clairefontaine French-Ruled Notebooks. Possibly my favorite paper of all time, Clairefontaine Séyès-ruled paper is disappointingly hard to source in the States. I’m doing my part to keep it accessible. The A5 clothbound notebook makes a great journal option.

10. Clairefontaine Multi-Subject Notebooks (via T.G.S. Curated Shop). Another classic from Clairefontaine that I’m happy to offer. Features colored paper that’s as fountain-pen friendly as the standard bright white.

Deals & Drops: Mazzuoli Nobile ITALIA, Maiora Impronte, and the ENSSO Aria

Lots of news to report this week, including the return of the Mazzuoli Nobile ITALIA ballpoint pens and WMS & Co. Sterling Page markers to the Curated Shop, as well as the launch of the ENSSO “Aria", a new Kickstarter project bringing ENSSO’s minimalist design to the everyman’s BIC refill. Keep an eye on the shop for new items that I’ve ordered in advance of the holidays, and I’ll also be spotlighting lots of new releases and promotions from friends and sponsors in the weeks to come. [UPDATE: I’ve also added limited edition Caran d’Ache + Paul Smith Supracolor Colored Pencil Sets, as well as the new Write Notepads Memo Pad! Don’t miss these.]

Modern Page Markers

CdA Claim Your Style

Write Chesapeake

All domestic Curated Shop orders over $75, and international orders over $250, ship free! Domestic shipping rates range from $4.50 to a max of $8, depending on weight. Heavier orders will ship USPS Priority Mail or UPS.

The TGS Patreon Program and sales through The Curated Shop are how I fund The Gentleman Stationer. Your support is greatly appreciated!

1. Mazzuoli Nobile ITALIA Ballpoints (via T.G.S. Curated Shop). After my last order sold out in 30 minutes, I restocked these highly ergonomic ballpoints that also ship with a mechanical pencil insert. Read more about the history behind the design, which is inspired by airships from the early 20th Century. Available in four colors.

2. Maiora Impronte Fountain Pens (via Vanness Pens). Maiora fountain pens share heritage with Leonardo, in that both companies were founded by former employees of Delta, and the influence shows. Vanness has sent me some of these pens for review and I hope to have a review up in the coming weeks.

3. ENSSO Aria (via Kickstarter/ENSSO). Another dedicated housing for BIC refills? Count me in. The new ENSSO Aria looks to apply ENSSO’s minimalist design philosophy to the common BIC ballpoint refill, which is always a favorite!

4. CW&T Pen Type-B (via T.G.S. Curated Shop). As I build up my inventory of high-quality, durable everyday writers that will serve you well for years to come, I don’t want to let a modern classic get lost in the shuffle. Superfans of the Pilot Hi-Tec-C gel refill, and needle-tip gel pens in general, need to give this pen a look. Check out my write-up here.

5. WMS + Co. Sterling Silver Modern Page Markers (via T.G.S. Curated Shop). Looking for an excellent gift idea for the upcoming holidays, or a high-end bookmark to jumpstart your reading during what might be a long winter indoors? Check out these page markers, which are larger than the Silver Page Points but smaller than the Folded Book Weights.

6. Write Notepads Copper Anniversary Edition Pocket Notebooks (via T.G.S. Curated Shop). I recently tried to order more of one of the most fountain pen friendly pocket notebooks on the market, but they are sold out and I worry the “Anniversary Edition” might be limited. Hopefully Write has something different in store using this same great paper, but for the time being I still have a few packs in stock. If you’re a fan of the PUR bound format, I do have Chesapeake notebooks in stock.

7. Caran d’Ache “Claim Your Style” Edition No. 2 (via T.G.S. Curated Shop). I still have Caran d’Ache 849 Claim Your Style pens in most colors, with the blues and the pink being my personal favorites. The 849 is an excellent everyday writing instrument in the sub-$50 category (or even less, for the standard version).

8. Caran d’Ache Annotation Pencils (via T.G.S. Curated Shop). A mentioned above, I now offer these by the dozen as well as by individual pencil. I rarely read a book without one of these pencils tucked in the back. Sometimes I’ll opt for the highlighter version.

9. Star Wars Pens on Sale (via Goldspot). Goldspot’s “Weekly Dip” features a sale on Star Wars pens, including releases from the Sheaffer “Pop” and Cross “Click” series. All of these are solid everyday writers that won’t break the bank.

Ten Classic Stationery Items Everyone Should Own

I’ve thought a lot recently about stationery items that should form the “core” of any stationery collection. If I had to liquidate everything and start from scratch, what pieces would I purchase again? I’ve bought and sold thousands of pens, pencils, notebooks, and desk accessories over the years, and have a good idea of what I like and don’t like, what I need and don’t need. While I could play the “top ten” game forever, and come up with hundreds of different combinations depending on my constantly evolving preferences, what follows is a “top ten” list for this particular season of my life and career. Of course, what works for me doesn’t necessarily work for you - it’s merely intended as food for thought. Enjoy!

The TGS Patreon Program and sales through The Curated Shop are how I fund The Gentleman Stationer. Your support is greatly appreciated! Any third-party links are unpaid and NOT affiliate links, just stores I enjoy visiting.

1. Lamy 2000 (via Goldspot Pens). The Lamy 2000 will always serve as my “Desert Island Pen,” given its supreme functionality, durability, and minimalist industrial aesthetic. Plus, I love how the hooded 14k nib writes. You can read my review of the Lamy 2000 here.

2. Fisher Space Pen (via Vanness Pens). I keep a Fisher Space Pen AG7 or “Shuttle Pen” on my desk at all times, and if you’ve ever received a note from me on your packing slips, chances are it was likely signed with one of my Space Pens. The Fisher Space Pen isn’t just a great ballpoint, it’s an iconic piece of American history. Read my review here.

3. Caran d’Ache 849 Ballpoint (via T.G.S. Curated Shop). When I’m in the mood for some color, and want a pen with some personality that isn’t a rollerball (which as time goes on I dislike more and more), I reach for the iconic Caran d’Ache 849. With faceted sides that taper to a point like a woodcase pencil, I find the 849 supremely comfortable to write with, and the included refill is quite smooth. Check out my retail offerings for a selection of special and limited editions.

4. Rotring 600 or Rotring 800 Mechanical Pencils (via Goldspot Pens). My mechanical pencil of choice? Easily the Rotring 600 or 800, depending on whether you prefer a fixed or retractable pipe mechanical pencil. If you carry your pencil in a pocket, go with the 800. Read my write-up comparing these two here.

5. Caran d’Ache Fixpencil (via T.G.S. Curated Shop). Some people might not consider a 2mm leadholder a stationery “essential,” but if so, there’s no better option than the Caran d’Ache Fixpencil. A leadholder built for writing as well as drawing and drafting, the Fixpencil incorporates a sharpener inside the button cap so you can get the woodcase pencil experience with out having to worry about carrying a separate sharpener. Now available in color versions (pictured above) as well as the classic matte black.

6. Blackwing Natural Pencils (via Vanness Pens). Choosing just one brand of woodcase pencil would be difficult, but if I had to choose, it would probably be a Blackwing, and of their four standard versions, I would go for the “Natural” model with the extra-firm graphite. I’m a sucker for natural wood pencils, and the extra firm graphite lets you go a bit longer without sharpening.

7. M+R Brass Bullet Pencil Sharpener (via T.G.S. Curated Shop). If I was forced to pick one handheld pencil sharpener to pick, I’d probably choose this one, even over my more expensive long-points. Why? A combination of durability, quality, and overall value. Plus you can easily purchase replacement blades to keep your brass sharpener in action for the long haul.

8. Baron Fig Confidant Notebook (via Baron Fig). The Baron Fig Confidant is one of the best all-around notebooks I’ve used over the years, featuring a strong combination of design, size, and versatile paper. Baron Fig periodically releases special edition collaborations and designs that many people love to collect.

9. One Star Leather Goods Notebook Cover (via One Star/Etsy). Looking for a nice leather cover for your favorite notebook? Keegan at One Star leather can custom make a leather cover for your preferred brand. Check out my review here.

10. Pocket Notebooks or Spiral Notebooks (via T.G.S. Curated Shop). In addition to a “formal” notebook, I like to keep different paper formats on hand for sketching out my thoughts. Currently, I have in rotation a Write Notepads Spiral Dot Grid Notebook, as well as an endlessly rotating series of Pocket Notebooks from either Field Notes or Write Notepads. While the Write Notepads paper works great with fountain pens, it’s not something I tend to worry about with my pocket notebooks.