Year-End Recap: Favorite Pens from 2020

Every December or January I try to publish at least one post recapping the past year. Typically, this involves a lengthy discussion of not only my favorite pens reviewed over the last twelve months, but pen show experiences, travel, events, and more. (You can check out my 2019 recap for reference.) Since 2020 was well, “weird”, I’m going to take a different approach and divide the 2020 recap into two posts: today’s post discussing my favorite pens reviewed or otherwise experienced during 2020 in three different categories, and a post later this week containing my five favorite posts from 2020, which may or may not be product reviews. So sit back with a coffee or wine or whiskey - depending on the time of day you’re reading this - and join me as we celebrate the positive side of a difficult year!

This post contains sponsor/affiliate links and links to the T.G.S. Curated Shop, discussed further below.

Fountain Pens Over $250

With pen shows and a normal in-person retail experience effectively shut down from March onward, makers had to get creative to compete in what has become a crowded market for high-end fountain pens. 2019 saw the launch of several new companies, particularly out of Italy, and Leonardo Officina Italiana and Scribo feature prominently on this list. But my favorites include more than new releases - I dove deep into Montblanc’s back catalogue and took advantage of a “can’t-miss” clearance sale to snag a Virginja Woolf Writer’s Edition pen, which has turned into a constant in my pen case.

1. Leonardo Momento Zero Grande. If you’ve been following my acquisitions over the past year, it should come as a surprise to no one that the creations of Salvatore at Leonardo Officina Italiana continue to top most of my “favorite pen” lists. Leonardo improved the design of the Momento Zero Grande by including an integrated piston filler, as opposed to a captured converter, and continued to release pens in unique materials such as the “Primary Manipulation” acrylics by Jonathon Brooks of Carolina Pen Company.

2. Montegrappa Miya 450 Celluloid. I spent some time sorting through my pen collection at year-end, and if I had to put a theme to it, it would be “rare and/or unique materials,” particularly celluloid. If a maker releases a celluloid pen in a design that’s as eye-pleasing and comfortable to write with as the Montegrappa Miya, I’m all-in.

3. Montblanc Virginia Woolf Writer’s Edition. Sometimes you have to venture outside the mainstream to find something great. In terms of Montblanc Writers Editions, most of the attention goes to the Hemingway and the Agatha Christie editions, but the Virginia Woolf shows that you can still find unique designs within this group of pens without spending thousands of dollars.

4. Matthew C. Martin OG1. My most significant pen show purchase of the year was also one of my favorites. A major reason that I can’t wait for pens shows to resume is so I can once again spend an hour or more browsing Matthew’s table. A usable machined fountain pen is a difficult thing to get right, but the OG1 strikes a perfect balance of beauty, craftsmanship, and usability.

5. Scribo Feel. After some reflection, I decided to add a pen that I haven’t reviewed, but have been enjoying beyond measure over the past month. Scribo is a new brand founded by former employees of OMAS, and the “Feel” offers the reliable writing experience I could never quite get in an OMAS pen. The 18k EF nib arrived tuned perfectly, and the fluted, hourglass shape and ruthenium trim paired with grey-blue acrylic might become one of my favorite design combinations.

View fullsize

From left: TWSBI ECO Yellow, Opus 88 Omar, Diplomat Aero Volute, TWSBI 580 Smoke + Rose Gold, Schon DSGN Pocket 6

Fountain Pens Under $250

I continue to believe that you can have an exceptional fountain pen writing experience for as little as $30, and the past year only reinforced how good manufacturers such as TWSBI have become at delivering quality without breaking your wallet. It felt especially important this year, as layoffs, furlows, and economic uncertainty forced many to revisit how much of our resources we could devote to our hobby.

1. Schon DSGN Pocket 6. Ian Schon has, in my opinion, perfected the pocket fountain pen. I picked up my first Pocket 6 in Philadelphia, and ordered more a few months later. The small form factor, combined with a full-size No. 6 nib, creates an unparalleled writing experience for so small a pen. Ian typically releases his designs in small batches that may or may not be limited, so if you see one you like, grab it while you can.

2. Opus 88 Omar Demonstrator. I waited a long time to review the Opus 88 Omar, mainly because I thought it was too big. Turns out it’s one of the most comfortable pens I’ve reviewed all year, rivaling the Montegrappa Miya at a much lower price point. That said, it is a big pen, and the Japanese-style eyedropper filling system might be a touch complex for some people.

3. TWSBI ECO Yellow. While I’m mainly known for my love for red and burgundy pens, I’ll also buy anything yellow, and when you can get a yellow pen that looks this good for around $30, I’m guaranteed to buy it. The TWSBI ECO continues to be a mainstay on my list of most-recommended pens, and I don’t see it moving anytime soon.

4. The Return of TWSBI Rose Gold. TWSBI brought back rose gold trim with a white and rose gold ECO as well as a “smoke” and rose gold TWSBI 580. While earlier iterations of TWSBI’s rose gold pens had issues with the trim wearing thin in places, TWSBI not only fixed the issue but improved the overall look. I find the current rose gold trim absolutely gorgeous, with tons of depth and a warm patina.

5. Diplomat Aero Flame and Volute. Another pen that I’ve previously reviewed, but not in these particular iterations. Diplomat has leaned hard on the Aero as it’s flagship offering, and for good reason - it features a unique design, a size that’s comfortable for most people to use, and now higher-end, special finishes to compliment the standard lineup. I’ll be inking both of these pens for review during the new year.

View fullsize

From left: Mazzuoli Nobile ITALIA, Spoke Pen, Sunderland mk1, Traveler’s Company Brass Ballpoint, CW&T Pen Type-B

Non-Fountain Pens

In terms of non-fountain pens, I went out of my way to try for the first time pens that I hadn’t otherwise picked up despite receiving rave reviews elsewhere. By far, the ones that surprised me the most were the Sunderland MK1 and the CW&T Pen Type-B, which have both been around for years but never made their way into my pen case. Both look to be fixtures for some time to come.

Disclaimer: I carry a few of these pens in the T.G.S. Curated Shop. Since my goal for the shop over the past year has been to selectively stock pens (1) that I think are great and (2) don’t get enough retail exposure from larger vendors, I don’t believe my opinion has been affected by the fact that I sell them, as opposed to the opposite (i.e., the fact that I sell them in the first place is driven by my opinion). But I’m a fan of full disclosure up front.

1. Sunderland MK1. Not only is the Sunderland MK1 an incredibly well-designed and crafted machined pen, but it holds Montblanc rollerball and fineliner refills - two all-time favorites. It’s also incredibly rare to find a machined pen that posts as well as the MK and doesn’t require you to thread the cap on the back of the barrel.

2. Traveler’s Company Brass Ballpoint. As a fan of vintage-inspired design, I’ve long been drawn to the Traveler’s Company “Bullet Pencil,” which they have now redesigned and released in ballpoint, fountain pen, and rollerball versions. Not only does the ballpoint maintain the form factor of a classic bullet pencil, but the refill is a needle-tip gel/ballpoint hybrid that writes a true fine line. This one spent a week at the beach clipped to the front of a book I was reading, and served as the perfect annotation pen. (T.G.S. Curated Shop Selection)

3. Spoke Pen. The Signo DX is an ultra-fine gel refill that until now, lacked it’s own dedicated pen barrel/housing. The Spoke Pen comes from the same design family as the excellent Spoke Pencil and Baux Pen. While I first reviewed a prototype Spoke Pen in 2019, the pens fully launched and became more widely available to the public in 2020.

4. CW&T Pen Type-B. Speaking of fine-tip gel refills, Pilot’s Hi-Tec-C has long been a favorite, and a darling of penmakers looking to create custom machined housings for specific refills. The Pen Type-B is one of the oldest such pens, but until this year I had never added one to my personal collection. I went all-in on a black Cerakote-plated titanium version that sits on my desk by my keyboard full time. And the pneumatic sleeve is my No. 1 fidget-toy. (T.G.S. Curated Shop Selection).

5. Giuliano Mazzuoli Nobile ITALIA. It took some convincing to get me to try this compact, ergonomic ballpoint/mechanical pencil hybrid, but from the moment I had this pen in my hand I loved it. It’s perfectly weighted and balanced, with a design inspired by “Italia” airship from the 1930s. Hint: Hold the pen with the clip facing down to see the inspiration. (T.G.S. Curated Shop Selection).

Many thanks for your support this year, and stay tuned this week as I continue to revisit 2020 and prepare for 2021!

The Allure of Enamel Lapel Pins

One thing I’ve never mentioned before is that I have a (very) large collection of enamel pins. Or maybe it’s better defined as an accumulation, because there’s no real theme to it. Whatever you want to call it, it’s intergenerational, since I inherited about half of my pins from my dad when he passed away a few years ago. Most commemorate some family trip or event, and when I was sorting through this box the other day it astonished me that I could remember exactly when some of these were purchased, 25-30 years ago. I think that’s the true allure of pins: they’re small, relatively inexpensive memory tokens that don’t occupy a lot of space.

View fullsize

Let’s just say that I rocked the one on the right yesterday. Certainly got some looks where I live.

I’ve recently started to take up this tradition again, buying not only pins that serve as a reminder of a trip or event but also seeking out those that represent something especially meaningful to me that I can wear on my lapel or bag. And ever since I first started my little shop, I knew that I’d eventually add pins as a category, regardless of whether they would ever turn into a core product or a big seller. Sometimes you just gotta go with what moves you.

View fullsize

What I’ll call my “Reading Collection.”

This morning I’m happy to introduce a new section of the T.G.S. Curated Shop, starting with six different high-quality enamel pins from Pasadena, California-based iLootPaperie, who make many of my favorite washi tapes. Currently, there are two main themes: Books and Science, with a pencil pin thrown in for good measure. These are larger pins, and “Stacks on Stacks” and “Make Your Mark” each feature two posts. I hope to add more soon; my only regret was that I couldn’t get these listed quicker, but I guess there’s still a possibility for holiday delivery if you get your orders in early today. Enjoy!

View fullsize

The Gentleman Stationer Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of iLootPaperie products. Sales through The Curated Shop, the TGS Patreon Program, and affiliations with other sites and retailers are how I fund The Gentleman Stationer. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Bring Back Jumbo Pencils as a Standard Stationery Item!

Or, at the very least, make good ones more available. Over the years, I’ve written several different posts about my love for jumbo and “mini-jumbo” pencils, ranging from humble school pencils such as the beloved Ticonderoga Laddie to the more exotic (and now discontinued) Caran d’Ache Black Wood. Why do I love these oversized pencils so much? It pretty much comes down to comfort.

View fullsize

A well-made round or hexagonal jumbo pencil offers one of the most comfortable writing experiences around. The problem seems to be (1) availability and (2) the fear of looking like a little kid writing with a giant pencil. IMHO, these two things go hand-in-hand. If the only jumbo pencils on the market are designed for, and marketed to, kindergartners, well, that’s going to affect perception and negatively impact demand. I’m doing my best to change that.

View fullsize

What sharpener put that point on the Black Wood? It’s the Classroom Friendly Jumbo Sharpener, which I’ve previously reviewed. While you may pay a premium for the smooth Caran d’Ache graphite, the pencils have excellent point retention, and my Black Woods have lasted me a long time.

Five years ago, Swiss Brand Caran d’Ache sold a hexagonal jumbo pencil called the Black Wood, which I mentioned above. The Black Wood packed an oversized core of high-quality, Caran d’Ache HB graphite into a sleek black pencil which, to me, became the ultimate pencil for journaling and drafting longer pieces of writing by hand. Even ardent pencil lovers appreciate how a standard hexagonal pencil can get uncomfortable if you’re writing for hours, and this larger format offered both bigger facets and softer edges to grip. I bought a half-dozen or so, and as luck would have it, when I went to procure a larger supply, they had been discontinued.

View fullsize

This is one of the better pictures I’ve been able to take, in terms of duplicating the Klein Blue pantone on a screen.

This fall, Caran d’Ache announced a collaboration with the estate of French artist Yves Klein, known for his signature shade of ultramarine, “Klein Blue.” Caran d’Ache reissued a number of products from their catalog in this color, including a jumbo pencil! Of course, to my chagrin, when I went to order the line for the store, the jumbo pencil was the one item that sold out immediately. A month or so later, Caran d’Ache apparently decided to release more, because I was recently received a few dozen of what they refer to as the Klein Blue “Maxi” HB Pencil, which appears to be a Black Wood reborn in a Klein Blue barrel, featuring the same smooth oversized HB core. (I might have put a few aside for myself this time. We do need “shop testers,” after all.)

A size comparison for jumbo pencils, from lower right: Caran d’Ache Klein Blue “Maxi” HB, Blackfeet Indian Pencil (a vintage classic from my childhood), Caran d’Ache Black Wood, Caran d’Ache Swiss Wood, and the Klein Blue Fixpencil, which is now sold out but standard versions are in stock.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

To summarize: I think jumbo pencils are great, but there’s a paucity of quality ones on the market. “School pencils” such as the Ticonderoga Laddie and “My First Ticonderoga” that you see at Target and Wal-mart are certainly available - and the Laddie is an excellent cheap pencil for everyday use - but the quality can vary wildly. A safer, more consistent choice for an inexpensive jumbo, in my opinion, is the Musgrave Cub.

When they’re available, Caran d’Ache offers the ultimate jumbo pencil experience. I have a decent stock of the Klein Blue “Maxi” pencils currently available for purchase in The Curated Shop, but my understanding is that this is a limited run and these pencils will not be available as part of the standard lineup. That’s a shame, because based on what I’ve seen to date in terms of demand, Caran d’Ache could sell a lot of these pencils and I would love to have these as an option for everyday writing. Maybe if we make enough noise they’ll bring back the Black Wood? One can dream.

The Gentleman Stationer Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of Caran d’Ache products. Sales through The Curated Shop, the TGS Patreon Program, and affiliations with other sites and retailers are how I fund The Gentleman Stationer. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Workflows Update: Why I'm Choosing an Undated Planner for 2021

A few weeks ago I wrote about how pretty much all of my work “systems” broke down in 2020. Working from home full time revealed the ugly downside of working analog in a tight space: paper, lot’s of it, and not the good kind. Rather, I found myself overwhelmed with what I call “junk paper”, such as copies of memos, e-mails, letters, etc. that I tended to print out to read, mark up, and never use again.

My work circumstances also revealed a lot of pointless redundancies. For one think, I’ve realized that it probably makes very little sense for me to keep a traditional paper planner. I have far too many appointments, tasks, and reminders that I need to manage on a daily basis for it to be practical. Given that so much comes in through e-mail, it’s more efficient for me to manage these types of tasks electronically rather than transcribing entries back and forth between my phone and a planner.

View fullsize

That said, I don’t want to give up planning on paper entirely. The value of sitting down to write out your primary tasks and goals can’t be understated, yet I don’t need to do it every day, or even every week. Instead, I tend to lean most on this technique when I’m overwhelmed and need to prioritize. An undated planner offers the flexibility I need without having to worry about “wasting” blank days and weeks in a planner that uses a dated format. Used this way, the undated planner may even last me for more than a year.

Favorite Undated Planner Options

Fortunately, undated planners have surged in popularity over the past few years, and you now have multiple options when looking for something that meets your needs. Today, I’ll take a look at a few different options.

1. Write Notepads Weekly Planner. This landscape spiral-bound notebook offers a large, week-on-two-pages format that offers plenty of space to manage tasks and even schedule your days down to the hour if that’s how you’d prefer to use it. I have one of these set aside for 2021 and plan to rely on it heavily, as Write Notepads paper is among the most versatile for all types of writing instruments, and landscape notebooks fit perfectly beneath a keyboard.

2. Traveler’s Notebook. You can’t understate the versatility of the Traveler’s Notebook system. Perfect for those looking for a highly customizable, compact notebook, TRC (“Traveler’s Company”) sells a range of undated planner inserts that you can include alongside standard notebook refills. My favorites include the Weekly “Free Diary” (a week-on-two-pages layout), but there are daily and monthly versions as well.

3. Field Notes Undated Weekly Planner. Prefer something less fussy, durable, and ultra-convenient? Field Notes’ simple 56-Week undated planner features a spiral binding and a sturdy chipboard cover. It’s also arguably the most portable of anything on this list.

4. BaronFig Mastermind Week Pad. Don’t care about saving your planners for posterity? Baron Fig’s weekly planning take on the standard Mastermind Desk Pad (another personal favorite) comes three pads to a pack for just $9 - a full year’s worth of weekly planning. Once you finish a week, tear it off and start fresh! I’ve used these periodically at work, but my job usually requires something with a larger format and more writing space.

5. Midori MD Notebook Journal (A5 Dot Grid). For the ultimate in unstructured, undated planning, you can always go the Bullet Journal route, and this Midori A5 Notebook Journal with blank dot grid pages and the place for the date in the upper right-hand corner will serve you well. Of course, you can substitute your own favorite brand of journal or preferred ruling, if dot grid isn’t your thing.

Where to Buy

You can find some of the options discussed above currently in stock at the T.G.S. Curated Shop. Others can be found at our sponsor Vanness Pens, or purchased directly from BaronFig. In addition to shopping for yourself during the waning months of 2020 (yay!), planner-style notebooks make great gifts for stationery enthusiasts and professionals during the ongoing holiday season.

Five Surprisingly Practical Uses for Washi Tape

Rather than dramatically expanding my collection of pens and pencils, I’ve spent time during the past year exploring new types of stationery and desk accessories I had previously ignored. One such product is washi tape - the decorative Japanese masking tape that’s exploded in popularity in recent years. Though I admired all the colorful options and clever patterns, I didn’t see how I could justify purchasing washi tape for my own use. When I started carrying washi tape in the shop earlier this year, I pulled a few rolls out of inventory and was shocked at how much I ended up going through. If you’re someone who has been on the fence, wanting to dip a toe in the expansive pool of tens of thousands of different tapes available, here are five of my favorite things to do with washi tape:

View fullsize

I’ve started flagging pages in my notebooks and journals with folded over pieces of washi tape.

1. Page Markers. A reader tipped me off to this one back in the spring. If you’re not overly concerned about being able to move the bookmark at a later date, a small piece of washi tape folded over the edge of a page can serve the same purpose as a Book Dart. (Of course, tape is not archivally safe and will technically “damage” your page, so I’d recommend this technique only for your own personal journals or books from your own library.)

2. Sealing Letters. One of the benefits of the T.G.S. Patreon Program is that I send a handwritten thank-you letter to all supporters. (In fact, the latest batch is getting ready to go in the mail, so if you haven’t received yours yet, I haven’t forgotten about you!) Sometimes I will break out the delightfully old-school sealing wax to ensure the envelopes stay closed, but washi tape can serve the same purpose. I’m also trying to track down some holiday-themed tape to incorporate into my family’s holiday cards.

3. Journaling and Commonplacing. Maybe “scrapbooking” is the better term, but because I tend to save everything, I have boxes, folders, envelopes - you name it - with all sorts of memorabilia and souvenirs tucked away. I’ve done better in terms of just letting some of this go, but I’ve also started to organize things into my journal and commonplace book. I dislike glue, so I mainly use washi tape to stick things like ticket stubs, small photos, post-its, and clipped periodicals into my journals and notebooks. Ultra-thin washi tape doesn’t add bulk to the page.

4. Gift Wrap and Packaging. With the holidays approaching, you can do better than standard cellophane tape! As with letters, washi tape can add personality to your gift wrapping while still performing a useful purpose. Those of you who have ordered from the store may notice some washi tape “samples” on your envelopes or interior packaging.

5. Well…Just Tape. Washi tape may be thin and easy to tear with your hands (no scissors required!) but it’s not flimsy. It’s durable and holds up surprisingly well to pretty much any task where you would reach for standard masking or cellophane tape. And it’s definitely a lot more fun. I’m currently searching for the perfect small tape dispenser that I can use to keep a roll or two loaded and ready to go on my desk.

View fullsize

The selection of washi tape currently in stock from iLootPaperie. Taco Tuesday, anyone?

Whether they like it or not, my family is going to be receiving a lot of washi tape in their stockings this Christmas. If you’re looking for a charming, inexpensive gift, or simply want to add some personality to your day-to-day office supplies, consider giving washi tape a try. The T.G.S. Curated Shop stocks a selection of unique tapes that I’ve personally chosen, priced anywhere from $2-6 per roll. I’m constantly searching for new patterns, so keep checking back for additions.

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of all brands that it carries. For in-depth discussion of our curated retail selections, including more gift ideas, check out our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide.