2026 Mid-Year Review: 5 Favorite Posts From the First Half of 2026

In mid-June I typically take a break from fresh content in favor of a mid-year recap looking back at favorite posts, reviews, product launches, new discoveries, etc. from the first six months. I always enjoy doing these retrospectives! Up first are five favorite posts, videos, and more from the first six months of 2025, in no particular order. Since we’ve been making an effort to diversify site content, this year’s recap includes everything from blog posts to YouTube videos to podcast episodes!

1. Pen Review: The Pentel Sign Pen. It’s not often that I find classic stationery products I’ve never used before, but it’s sort of been this year’s theme. The Pentel Sign Pen has been around forever, and for a good reason.

2. On The Paper Trail Episode 3: We Visit Pilot Pens USA! So of course the highlight of my year so far has to be the recent trip to Tokyo, but a close second would be our trip to visit the Pilot Pens USA headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida, where we got to take a peek behind the curtain!

3. Japan Trip Journal: A Visit to Kakimori, Including Custom Notebooks and Inkstand! Personally, the best part of my trip to Japan was the opportunity to visit Kakimori and make both custom notebooks and an ink. In-store shopping offers opportunities and experiences online can never replace.

4. TGS 12th Anniversary: 5 Fountain Pens Everyone Should Experience. I took a bit of a different take on a “Top 5” list, with five pens that I don’t necessarily think everyone should own, but that everyone should definitely try.

5. Shimmer Ink for Everyday Writing? Why Not! I’ve really been exploring different inks this year and trying to reach a bit further outside my comfort zone. Shimmer ink for work? Go for it.

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.

TGS 12th Anniversary: What's in Your Pen Case These Days?

“How has your everyday carry evolved over time?” Someone asked me this the other day, and it’s a good question to reflect on as I celebrate TGS’s 12th Anniversary. I’ve never really put that much thought into a specific “kit” outside of planning for trips - I typically ink up a combination of fountain pens based on what I feel like using for the next several weeks along with a handful of workhorse pens chosen based on my current projects and work schedule. However, I do think you can tell a lot about preferences with a simple “bag dump,” or here, a “pen case dump.” Today I plan to look through my “currently inked” lineup, with some added commentary on how my preferences have changed over time.

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From left: Pilot Custom 912 fountain pen, Laurett’s Ebonite Ballpoint, Ohto CR02, Pilot Custom 912, Lamy 2000, and Lamy Swift Rollerball. At bottom: Zebra Mildliners and Pilot Juice Up.

Pen Case No. 1: Rickshaw Fillmore 3+3

The first thing you’ll notice is that this six-slot pen case can actually hold a lot more than six pens. Like many people new to the hobby, when I started out I was strictly in the “one pen, one slot” category, but about five years in I stopped caring if the pens touched and/or developed minor scratches and dings. Nearly all of the pens I write with regularly are permanent companions that will not be sold or kept as investment pieces/collectibles. I let them develop their own scars. Sometimes this means I have more than one pen in a single slot, or I’ll carry multiple pens in the front pocket.

As an aside, I love the Rickshaw Fillmore for its ability to unzip all the way around and serve as a pen tray as well as a traditional pen case. In addition to the pen slots, one side contains a forward pocket that can hold a notebook, sticky notes, index cards, or more pens. Here’s what I’ve got in there right now:

1. Lamy Swift Capless Rollerball. One of the most underappreciated workorse pens, the Lamy Swift rollerball has a genuinely good capless refill, plus a retractable clip that recedes into the barrel when the tip is extended to prevent you from accidentally ruining your shirt pocket, bag, or pen case. The Lamy Swift is one of those subtly good pens that you will use without thinking about it - I find it in my hand all the time.

2. Laurett’s Waka Ebonite Ballpoint. Sometimes you can’t use a fountain pen, but you want to use a visually interesting pen that features a material like ebonite. As a regular ballpoint user, I was thrilled to discover these ebonite ballpoints from Japanese maker Laurett’s, which specializes in ultra fine knurling in applications from pens to automotive parts. Here, the knurling (i.e. ridges) on the ebonite barrel adds texture that gives the pen a nice grip.

3. Ohto CR02 Rollerball. For an everyday classic capped rollerball, it’s hard to do better than the Ohto CR02, and if the pen’s not your thing, the fine-tip refill is excellent. I always keep one of these pens with me for when I need a dark black ink, and it’s also a great pen to lend to someone to use in a meeting.

4. Pilot Custom 912 with PO (Posting) Nib. The most significant change that I’ve made in my fountain pen use over the years is to focus on nibs more than the pens themselves. I’ve accordingly found myself drawn to pens like Pilot’s Custom 912, which features multiple 14k nib options that include many specialty grinds. The PO (Posting) nib is an ultra-extra fine nib that I love for planning and annotation. Currently inked with Bungubox Dandyism.

5. Pilot Custom 912 with WA (Waverly) Nib. My latest discovery is Pilot’s WA (Waverly) nib, which features a slightly upturned tip designed to write smoothly from multiple angles. Reminiscent of those vintage Sheaffer “Touchdown” nibs from the 1960s and 1970s, the Waverly nib make an excellent everyday writer and I’ve had this one inked up through multiple fill cycles. I currently have it inked up with an orange multi-shading Sailor Ink Studio ink, though I don’t have the exact number since it came from a sample I pulled from a friend.

6. Lamy 2000 (Standard Black Makrolon - Fine Nib). Yes, there will always be at least one inked-up Lamy 2000 in my pen case. I’ve made no secret over the years that I love everything about the design of this pen, and the nib style fits my handwriting well. Inked up with a special ink that you all will hear about very soon. :)

7. In The Pocket: 2 Zebra Mildliners and a Pilot Juice Up (Examples). I generally have a handful of highlighters and colorful gel pens in the Fillmore’s center pocket, again for planning and annotation. The specific brand/color/model rotates out fairly regularly, and honestly depends mostly on what’s sitting at my desk when I pack my pen case in the morning. This week it’s been two Zebra Mildliner dual-tip highlighters and a Pilot Juice Up with the excellent .4mm Synergy Tip.

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Pen Case No. 2: Nagasawa Kip Leather Five-Pen Zippered Case

I take my Fillmore nearly everywhere I go, but I keep another five-pen case packed with pens that I use mainly for journaling and more introspective writing sessions. Sometimes this case will go with me in my bag, other times it lives at my desk at home, depending on where I’m doing my writing. These pens are a mix of practical workhorses for longer writing sessions and “fun nib and ink combinations”. If you think this case is heavy on Pilot, you would be correct.

1. Pilot Custom Heritage 92. My clear demonstrator of choice at the moment. A cross between the Pilot Custom 74 and the Custom 912, the Custom Heritage 92 is one of Pilot’s only piston-filler offerings, and in my opinion it’s one of the smoothest pistons out there. When I re-ink this one, I may choose a brighter ink to showcase the transparency and excellent finish, but for now it’s inked up with Taccia Kuniyoshi Uguisu-Cha, a dark tea-green. For those who will ask, yes, I wish I had kept my transparent orange Custom Heritage 92 with a Fine Medium.

2. Pilot Custom 74 Lavender Fog with SFM (Soft Fine Medium) Nib. Pilot’s fine medium nibs are usually available only in Japan, so when they brought the soft version to the U.S. market with this year’s North American exclusive release, I was all-in. This one is inked with KWZ Brown-Pink, and if you’re interested in a soft nib, please read the review above before buying one and trying to “flex” it.

3. Pilot Custom 743 with FA (Falcon) Nib. I wanted to grab one of the North American Exclusive Verdigris Custom 743s before they went out of stock, and I opted for a fun FA nib that sort-of-flexes-but-not-really. If you’re looking for vintage-style flex, you will find the FA too stiff, but if you’re instead looking for a nib that adds line variation to your cursive and is capable of showcasing shimmer, shading, and sheen, the FA Nib on the 743 can be a lot of fun for more creative journaling and handwriting practice. This one is inked with yet another Sailor Ink Studio ink that I received as a friend sample and lost the number. It’s a nice legible yellow green.

4. Pilot Custom 823 with Medium Mark Bacas Blade Nib. My journaling workhorse, the Custom 823 is a candidate for my upcoming international trip due to the vacuum filling system that utilizes a shutoff valve to prevent ink leaks on an airplane. This pen started life as a medium nib but was modified by Mark Bacas to a blade grind (an early variation on a Kodachi/Naginata). Inked with standard Pilot Namiki Black, a reliable standard ink for when you want to write without distraction.

5. Bonecrusher 7 Studios Fountain Pen with Matthew Chen Fine Stub. This pen may be my favorite purchase from this year’s initial round of pen shows. I usually post my pens, but the shape and length of this one gives it almost perfect balance. Matthew ground the nib for me to a slightly oblique stub nib, which is also inked with Bungubox Dandyism and is almost empty since I’ve used this pen for several extended journaling sessions.

The pen case shown here is a simple five-pen zippered case acquired from Nagasawa at the 2026 California Pen Show. Nagasaw Kip Leather features a rare combination of softness and durability - despite how supple this leather case is, it’s survived multiple trips in my bag without scuffs or scratches.

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I may only travel with two pens going (as opposed to coming home). These two are prime candidates.

Guess What? I’m Going to Japan Later This Month!

Lisa and I talked about this upcoming trip a little bit in the latest On The Paper Trail Episode (and it will be a bigger topic of discussion next week), but I am actively thinking about my stationery carry for a two-week international trip where the sole purpose of the trip is…well, stationery. As I mentioned in Episode 8, I plan on “splurging” on some pens while I’m over there, so my outbound carry will be light: maybe one or two pens to use on the plane and a LOT of extra case capacity to bring stuff home. Stay tuned!

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.

TGS 12th Anniversary: Updated 2026 "Best Pens" Page

Longtime T.G.S. readers know that I update the “Best Pens” list annually, typically around the T.G.S. Anniversary in mid-April. Once again, this year was more of a maintenance update because as the list matures, there’s simply not as much movement between the categories. Most of this year’s adjustments account for pens moving between the different price points and certain models/brands going away, but I always enjoy this exercise.

As with previous updates, the last 10 or so lists remain live so that you can see how my opinions and tastes have changed over time. View the 2025 Best Pens List and prior lists here, and if you see something you like, please consider supporting us by shopping our store* or pledging via Patreon.

*The “Best Pens” list goes back to at least 2017, and predates our shop by several years. You’ll see that these lists have informed how we built out our own retail operation, as I knew when I opened my own shop that I would only want to sell stuff that I could readily recommend to other people.

T.G.S. 12th Anniversary: 5 Fountain Pens Everyone Should Experience

This month TGS turns 12! Yes, I’ve been at this for over a decade, and while the site has evolved a lot over the years, the core of the business - and what I love about running The Gentleman Stationer - still revolves around pen recommendations and helping those interested in writing by hand find the best pen to fit their specific needs. A common request I get is for an “experience list” or a “what’s next” list - if someone has tested out an inexpensive pen like a Pilot Kakuno or Platinum Preppy and decided that they enjoy writing with fountain pens, what pens should they try next to give them a sense of what else is out there? I consider the five pens discussed here to be to be “foundational,” in the sense that they were all important to me in my own fountain pen journey and still serve as benchmarks for how I consider and evaluate a lot of other pens on the market.

I need to preface this article by saying that this is not intended to be a “pens you need to buy” list, but rather more of a pens to TRY list. Most of these are relatively common fountain pens that you can see in person at most brick and mortar pen shops or pen shows, or in someone else’s collection at a pen club or pen meetup.

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TWSBI ECO (left) next to a Lamy Safari.

Lamy Safari

Originally released in 1980 (46 years old - ask me how I know that), the Safari features a modern design with its signature oversized clip and somewhat polarizing triangular grip. A flexible cartridge-converter filling system and interchangeable nibs make it a versatile pen that you can usually find priced under $30. Importantly, if you try out a Safari or its larger sibling, the AL-Star, and discover that molded-grip fountain pens aren’t for you, this will help you rule out a lot of potential purchases.

TWSBI ECO

“I’m curious about using bottled ink and want to try a piston-fill fountain pen but don’t want to spend $100.” I get some version of this question every weekend, and usually my answer is going to be to try the base model TWSBI ECO. At $36.99, you can test out a quality piston fill mechanism that holds a lot of ink, and discover whether it’s for you or whether you prefer the convenience of an ink cartridge or the flexibility of a converter. If you visit our shop in person we almost always have at least one ECO inked as a tester.

Pilot Custom 74

If you’ve never tried a gold nib fountain pen before, start by trying out one of the best possible no-fuss writing experiences. Pilot nibs are known for their consistency and reliability, and even after all these years the Pilot Custom 74 with a 14k medium nib might be my favorite all-around writer. Both steel and gold nibs can offer an excellent writing experience, but gold nibs have their own unique feel. The Custom 74 is one of the best at a very good price point. (Custom 74 Full Review)

Pilot Vanishing Point or Decimo

“A retractable fountain pen?” A lot of new users are shocked that such a thing even exists, much less that it’s been around since the early 1960s. If the clip doesn’t interfere with how you grip the pen, the Vanishing Point/Decimo’s capless design can be a game changer for those of us who have worked in office environments where writing on the go is a necessity. Personally, the slimmer Decimo works better for how I hold my pen, but that’s something you can only discover by trying both pens out in person. (Vanishing Point/Decimo Workhorse Pen Review)

Lamy 2000

The Lamy 2000 draws strong opinions, and that’s exactly why it’s on this list. The Bauhaus-inspired design dates to 1966, and while some may find the minimalist brushed Makrolon construction “boring”, it remains my favorite fountain pen design of all time. Is it for everyone? No. But for every person looking for a brightly colored acrylic demonstrator, there’s someone looking for an everyday workhorse they can use at the office that disappears in their hand. For me, the Lamy 2000 is that pen. Moreover, like the Pilot Vanishing Point, when something has been around for almost 50 years, and is still manufactured today using basically the same design as when it was originally released, its worth a try simply to be able to add it to your “pen vocabulary”. (Lamy 2000 Workhorse Pen Review)

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Pilot pens are easy to recommend as reliable workhorses. Shown here are the Pilot Custom 74 (front) with a Pilot Decimo (sorry, the finish was an exclusive for Nagasawa Stationery in Kobe, Japan).

What Factors Drive Inclusion on This List?

Obviously this list isn’t exhaustive - it contains five pens I recommend people try when they’re looking to broaden their horizons and explore different fountain pen options on the market. While some of this is intangible and driven by by my own likes/dislikes and personal experience, here are a few general factors I considered:

• Range. This set of five pens I’ve chosen presents a diverse variety of styles, from classic (the Custom 74) to more modernist (Safari and the Lamy 2000). Do you prefer an “edgier” look, or more traditional vintage-inspired design?

• Age and Popularity. For new users, I generally recommend they try as many “classics” as they can, meaning pens that have been around for a while (i.e., usually decades, with the one exception here being the ECO). A baseline familiarity with popular fountain pens broadens your frame of reference and can help you have more informed discussions with other enthusiasts or retailers, making your experience more enjoyable by allowing you to better understand what other people are talking about.

• Value. The most expensive pen on this list is the Lamy 2000, which retails for $223 and includes a 14k gold nib and an integrated piston filling system. The Pilot Custom 74 is another pen with a 14k gold nib that retails at most places for $216. While I tend to be a “buy what you like and use it forever” person who doesn’t overanalyze price if it’s an item I intend to use long-term, I feel that the rapid emergence of licensed/branded collaborations and marked-up special editions has made it more important to have a perspective on value. I’ve found myself considering - and rejecting - certain pens because at $350+ they simply don’t offer anything beyond core pens I already own, that I enjoy using, and which cost much less. Again, price isn’t always everything, but know what you can get for your money.

We have all of the pens models shown here available in our Nashville shop, and often have at least one example of each model inked up and available to try in person. We also regularly bring pens on the road to shows. We hope to see you sometime!

The Pilot "Custom" Series: An Overview of Some of My Favorite Fountain Pens

I think of Pilot’s “Custom” series as containing the brand’s signature pens - effectively their standard lineup. While there are regular models that don’t bear the “Custom” designation (i.e. E95s, Capless Vanishing Point and Decimo), the Custom pens present a broad example of what the company can do, and it’s long past time I photographed them alongside each other. In both the T.G.S. Shop and my own personal collection, Pilot outnumbers any other mainstream brand due to their solid build quality and exceptional nibs, which in my experience rarely need tuning or modification out of the box. I will give a brief overview of each pen, and highlight a few key aspects of each one. Where applicable I have linked to a more in-depth T.G.S. review of each pen, and of course I’ll share my favorites at the end!

I haven’t done this exercise before: All of the Pilot Custom pens side-by-side. From top: Pilot Custom Urushi, Pilot Custom 823, Pilot Custom 743, Pilot Custom 912 x 2 (PO and WA nibs), Pilot Custom 74 Lavender Fog, Pilot Custom 74 Merlot.

Pilot Custom 74

The entry point to Pilot's Custom line, the Custom 74 features a classic streamlined torpedo shape and Pilot's No. 5 14kt nib. The pen ships with the CON-70 pump converter (Pilot's largest) so you can write with bottled ink out of the box. At $216, I still consider the Custom 74 one of the best value propositions on the Japanese pen market, notwithstanding the recent price increases. Going forward, it will be uncommon to find gold-nib pens at the sub-$300 price point, and the Custom 74 remains priced below many "boutique" brands that feature standard JoWo or Bock steel options. (Priced at $216 standard, $240 for the Lavender Fog Special Edition - TGS Shop)

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Pilot’s No. 5 Nib (Custom 74 and Custom Heritage 92, left) next to the Pilot No. 10 Nib (Custom 912).

Pilot Custom 912

For a long time, the Custom 912 remained largely unavailable to the U.S. market and had to be purchased directly from Japan. Featuring a No. 10 14kt nib, which is slightly larger than the No. 5 on the Custom 74 and Custom Heritage 92, the Custom 912 features a flat top design and a sword-style clip. Still relatively accessible price-wise, the Custom 912 opens the door to Pilot's specialty nib line, including the PO (Posting), WA (Waverly), and FA (Falcon) nibs, as well as the "Soft" series. (Priced at $296 for Standard - TGS Shop)

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The crystal clear Custom Heritage 92.

Pilot Custom Heritage 92

The lone piston filler on this list, the Pilot Custom Heritage 92 features a flat-top design and clip similar to the Custom 912 but has the same smaller No. 5 nib as the Custom 74. Sometimes overlooked due to the fact that color options are limited, the Custom Heritage 92 is a spectacular pen that I regret having sold off from my personal collection back when the transparent orange demonstrator was still available. (I wanted a broader nib and wrongly assumed I would be able to get another one.) The piston mechanism is exceptionally smooth and the polishing work on the transparent resin top notch. If you're looking for a demonstrator that will showcase your ink collection this one should be on your list. (Priced at $264 standard - TGS Shop)

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The Pilot Custom 743 (left in the North American Exclusive Verdigris Green) next to the Pilot Custom 823. These two pens are mostly the same with the exception of the vacuum filling system on the 823.

Pilot Custom 743

The Custom 743 features an even larger No. 15 nib (also 14kt), and the same longer streamlined body style as the more-expensive Custom 823, though with a CON-70 converter instead of the vacuum-filling mechanism. Like the Custom Heritage 912, Pilot makes the Custom 743 available with their range of specialty nibs, though the pen only comes with gold trim so those who prefer chrome or Rhodium are stuck with the 912. (Priced at $392 - TGS Shop)

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Shown here in a Nagasawa 5-Pen Kip Leather Zippered case from left, the Custom 823, Custom Urushi, Custom 743, Custom 74, and Custom 912.

Pilot Custom 823

It's truly a toss-up as to whether the Custom 823 or the Custom 74 is the more popular pen, but we sell a lot of Custom 823 fountain pens simply because many people - especially those who write a lot and don't want to refill frequently - absolutely love the high-capacity vacuum-filling system. You can watch a demonstration of how it works here. The Custom 823 comes in three different transparent demonstrator finishes (Clear, Smoke, and Amber), with a 14kt No. 15 nib. Gold trim only - sorry Rhodium fans! (Priced at $416 - TGS Shop)

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The larger nibs from the Custom Series, from left: No. 15 FA (Custom 745); No. 15 Medium (Custom 823), and No. 30 Medium (Custom Urushi).

Pilot Custom 845

Here is where things start getting really "Fancy" (capital “F”). The Custom 845 represents an entry point into the Pilot Urushi line, with Black, Vermillion, and Prussian Blue lacquer finishes. While the nib is the same No. 15 size as the Custom 823 and Custom 743, it's 18kt instead of 14kt, and features a two-toned gold/rhodium finish. Currently the Custom 845 is the only Pilot Custom Series pen not represented in my own collection, as I'm holding out for a Prussian Blue in the nib size that I want. (Priced at $1000 - Vanness Pens)

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Many thanks to Lisa Vanness for the photograph of the coveted Pilot Prussian Blue Custom Urushi, shown here compared against the Custom 823 for scale.

Pilot Custom Urushi

By far the most expensive pen in my own personal collection, the Custom Urushi is relatively massive but the No. 30 nib is sublime with a softness/springiness akin to the Pelikan M1000 - in my opinion, better. The key consideration here for those considering a Custom Urushi is size - both of the pen itself and the price tag. Larger gold nibs like these are always expensive, and when you combine gold with Urushi lacquerwork, it's simply going to be a higher-priced item. That said, a Custom 845 or Custom Urushi is often the capstone of many users' collections. (Priced at $1700 - Vanness Pens)

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From left: Custom 912, Custom 74, and Custom 823.

Ranking My Three Personal Favorites Here

We can end this little overview with a personal reflection. I'm going to confess that I'm personally very biased towards Pilot because I love their nibs - their medium nibs especially. They write how I like a gold medium nib to write, with the perfect amount of ink flow. A Pilot medium remains my default when the coveted fine-medium is unavailable. As mentioned above, Pilot is the most-represented mainstream pen brand in my personal collection, and these "top three" appear more than once with me owning multiple colors and nib sizes. That said, the ranking below is driven purely by personal preference, not which pens from the Custom series I feel are objectively better:

1. Pilot Custom 74. Because of the excellent size for everyday carry, and overall value. I think of the Custom 74 as a workhorse in the same way I think of the Lamy 2000.

2. Pilot Custom 912. Waverly Nib. All I need to say. Look for a review of this pen/nib combination coming soon.

3. Pilot Custom 823. I own two: A medium Amber that I had ground to a Kodachi and a fine Smoke. When I want to travel with a few pens that won't need refilling, these are top options since they're effectively ink tanks with a shutoff valve that makes them great for air travel.
   On my list: I will eventually add a Custom Heritage 92 and Pilot Custom 845, because I want to round out the collection and a Prussian Blue Urushi pen calls to me.

Bonus feature: We toured Pilot North American HQ in a recent episode of the On The Paper Trail Podcast!

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The Pilot Kakuno is a $15-20 pen that has exploded in popularity, as evidenced by the size of our recent Kakuno Madoromi restock.

A Note on Pricing

I fully understand that whether pricing on these pens is "accessible" is relative. This article addresses a specific line of gold-nib fountain pens which, regardless of what they cost 10 years ago, are expensive luxury purchases that going forward will likely be even more expensive due to rising material costs, tariffs, geopolitical considerations and myriad other factors that are well beyond the scope of this article. The purpose here is not to debate how much things "should" cost, but rather to provide an overview of a popular line of pens that I personally enjoy and believe remain mostly competitively priced in today's current market environment, especially where companies already have pushed some steel nib pens north of $250. For the record, Pilot makes excellent pens at all price points, with the Pilot Kakuno (from $15), Pilot Explorer ($26), and Pilot Prera ($67.50) all warranting serious consideration as both pens for beginners as well as everyday workhorse writers for experienced users.

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.