Sunday reading for March 14, 2021

March 14, 2021

A Lesson on Ink Hygiene (via Left Hook Pens).. I’ve generally had great luck in avoiding moldy ink and SITB (“Slime in the Bottle”) issues, though I typically do pay careful attention when flushing and cleaning pens to ensure inks from one bottle can’t cross-contaminate another. Some great advice here.
Vintage Writing Paper and the Consumption of Pen Stuff (via The Poor Penman). A generally great reminder to actually use your pens and stationery, to be sure and patronize small stationery businesses to ensure they can actually stay in business, and to go buy some of Ana’s typewriter paper before it goes away forever.
Parker 51 (2021 Edition) (via SBRE Brown). Stephen reviews the Parker 51 re-release, with the gold nib, and he received a very nice writer. A well-rounded review.
Doms Fusion Pencil (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). I love any rounded triangular pencil with a fairly dark core, and these look like they fit the bill.
PenBBS 224 Tolstoy (via Mountain of Ink). I have to admit, there aren’t many new inks that catch my eye these days - I think I’m just overwhelmed with the flood of new releases - but this shade of green from PenBBS really fits my aesthetic.
Pont Neuf Notebooks (via Pencilcase Blog). Pont Neuf is the companion brand to Kunisawa, a high-end Japanese stationery company with a luxury business aesthetic. I reviewed Kunisawa a couple of years ago and am glad to see that they have incorporated new, ultra-fountain pen friendly paper into their products.
Pilot G2 Limited Metallic Body (via Pen Addict). The G2 always gets trashed by stationery snobs, but there’s a reason it’s so popular. The “Limited” barrel available directly from Pilot is an excellent upgrade over the standard plastic, and I carry a G2 Limited in my briefcase at all times.
My Artsy Pens (via My Pen Needs Ink). I don’t use a lot of markers, nor do you see many marker reviews. Bob looks at a few options here, and talks about how he incorporates them into practical list-making.
How a Pelikan Found Her Song: Center Stage with the Rare and Exotic Music Nib (via Pelikan’s Perch). Wow, this was a find. There’s also some great bits of history on three-tine music nibs and how they originally were used.
Video Review: Pilot Custom 823 (via Scrively). I have a Smoke 823 on order from Appelboom, to match my Amber version. The Pilot Custom 823 is truly one of a handful that could be “desert island” pens for me.

In Case You Missed It…

I’m on vacation for this coming week! That means posting will likely be sporadic, but you know, sometimes I have to escape from my family for an hour or two and I may get something up. This past week, I posted one piece, which is the starting point for what I intend to be a comprehensive paper resource for the site. I’m looking for additional recommendations (especially for “Tier 1”), and I am in the process of placing orders for papers that I’d like to sample.

New This Week in the Curated Shop

This week I received a restock of Midori MD “B” pencils, as well as the gorgeous TRC Brass Rulers. I also now stock the Write Notepads special edition “Engineer Paper”, in both notebooks and memo pad format. Note that since I’m on vacation this week, shipments may be delayed until my return. Sometimes we do have help shipping out orders, but it’s sporadic.

TRC Brass

Penco

Midori

Write Notepads

Sponsorship Changes - Consider Joining T.G.S. Patreon!

You may have noticed that over the past several months, I’ve been allowing paid sponsorships to lapse and relying on direct support from readers and visitors, either in the form of Patreon pledges or Curated Shop Purchases. I plan to continue this trend in 2021, with the goal of T.G.S. being completely self-sustaining by the end of the year. While I will continue to collaborate and work with select partners, I do not wish to rely on paid advertising going forward, with the possible exception of smaller brands and makers who you may see on my sidebar from time to time.

You can read more about T.G.S. Patreon here. I will be rolling out some new content in 2021 that will be exclusive to Patreon subscribers, including monthly online meetups, and the eventual return of the “Digital Divide” newsletter (you can read back content here). I will also continue with periodic “sample sales” of gently used review items, to which Patrons will have first access.

Sunday Reading for March 7, 2021

March 7, 2021

Four Years: A Reflection (via Inky Kat Writes). It’s amazing how quickly things escalate once you enter this hobby seriously! Congratulations on four years!
Esterbrook Estie Rocky Top Oversize (via Rants of the Archer). I bought a standard “Rocky Top” pen in late 2020, and it’s been in my rotation since. At some point I’ll need to add an Estie Oversize.
TWSBI ECO (via Dapprman). I’m not sure even TWSBI appreciated how much the ECO would take off when it launched several years ago, especially to the point where people now debate whether the ECO is in fact TWSBI’s flagship pen, displacing the 580.
Fun with Chromatography (via Left Hook Pens). Since I’m not THAT much of an ink enthusiast, I’ve never tried my hand at chromatography, but this is a great post showing how you can probably experiment using supplies you already have around your house.
Notebook Discontents and Regrets (via Notebook Stories). I have many notebook “regrets,” mainly stocking up on more notebooks than I could ever use out of an unfounded fear that a notebook I liked would be discontinued and I wouldn’t be able to find something comparable.
NovelPad Cloud-Based Writing Part 2 (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). Good writing software is another weakness of mine, and Les continues her review of NovelPad. If you missed Part 1, check it out here.
Sailor 50 States (via Mountain of Ink). I’m not sure I grasp what Sailor is trying to do here with the “50 States” ink collection, but they have several of them out right now, which Kelli has reviewed.
Taccia Polar Lights Fountain Pen (via Pencilcase Blog). Taccia has been around for a long time, but has picked up momentum in recent years with their urushi, Raden, and Maki-e work.
The Proof Is in the Water (via Pen Addict). Congrats to Tony fo r publishing his first Pen Addict review, examining 17 different waterproof black inks and comparing how they fared on different papers.
Lamy Oblique Medium Gold Nib (via FPQuest). Lamy gold nibs are among my favorite, as I find that they have a lot of character (i.e., the EF’s can have an architect-like quality), and they also come in oblique grinds.
Hightide Metal Book Rest (via Well-Appointed Desk). Many thanks to Ana for reviewing one of the Curated Shop’s signature items, available in multiple colors.
Reviewing the Parker “51” Fountain Pen (via Pencil Revolution). I’m proud to say that I have been there for Johnny’s fountain pen journey “from the beginning,” including both is pen show appearances. And look, now he’s reviewing pens!

In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog was more introspective, looking at the issue of organizing and inventorying a collection/accumulation of stationery to make sure everything gets used, and, for those items that don’t, to know what you have so you can pass it along. You can view my initial post here, and yesterday’s follow-up discussed various recommendations I received via e-mail, DMs, and comments.

Curated Shop Updates

While you can view the full weekly updates here, this week saw the release of two new models from Penco, the Penco “Perfection Light” Bullet Pen, as well as a new range of pocket-sized drafting pens and pencils. I also expanded the range of items I carry from desk and reading accessories maker WMS & Co, including customizable rubber stamps. Finally, Rhodia Composition Books are back in stock!

Penco

WMS & Co

Traveler's Company

Rhodia

Sponsorship Changes - Consider Joining T.G.S. Patreon!

Sunday Reading for February 28, 2021

February 28, 2021

Two Weeks with the New Parker 51 (via Penquisition). Evan takes a practical look at the recently released “new” Parker 51, and came away with thoughts similar to my own. Especially on the need for a converter to be included in the box.
TWSBI Vac 700R Iris (via Dapprman). The TWSBI Vac 700R in the special edition “Iris” finish is one that I have yet to get my hands on, though I do have a pen on order. I need to re-approach the Vac 700 series in general, as I’ve not owned one of these pens in years.
Gioia Pen Partenope Madreperla (via Rants of the Archer). Gioia Pen is another emerging pen brand out of Naples, Italy that warrants keeping an eye on. This particular pen may not be my style, but they’ve generally received positive reviews.
Analogue Planning and Task Management in Covid Times (via Writing at Large). I enjoy reading about different people’s custom planning and organizational strategies, using the specific tools that work for them.
Snippets: Schon, John Garnham, Pebble, GLP, Cross (via UK Fountain Pens). Here’s to another shout out for the Cross Peerless!
Savannah Green and Terra Red (via Bleistift). I’ve scaled way back on my acquisitions this year, so one of the things I’m really missing about pen shows is the ability to check out the latest Lamy Safari releases in person before I decided whether or not to go for them.
Handwriting vs. Calligraphy (via The Postman’s Knock). Some food for thought, especially the idea that good handwriting does not necessarily equate to an advantage in calligraphy, and vice-versa.
Colorverse Apollo 11 Set (via Mountain of Ink). I missed out on this one, since it’s around the time that I gave up trying to keep track of all the different Colorverse inks.
Both Sides (via FPQuest). Always both sides. Always.
Forsaking All Others (via From the Pen Cup). What pen and ink combinations are a perfect match for you?

In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog, I wrote about the concept of “mini-collections” within your main pen collection, in my case with a focus on under-appreciated pens like the Parker Sonnet that I absolutely love as everyday writers. I also published a Traveler’s Notebook Tutorial discussing how to connect multiple refills to your Traveler’s Notebook. Finally, I published a piece about the different pens and pencils I’ve chosen to stock in the Curated Shop, with some additional detail about each selection.

Curated Shop Updates

New stuff is being listed every week, with the latest additions being custom rubber stamps from WMS & Co, to complement their line of reading accessories that I’ve stocked in the shop since the beginning. I also received a (small) shipment of Caran d’Ache Fixpencils, which have been on backorder, and refill blades for the M&R Sharpeners.

WMS & Co

Traveler's Notebooks

Rhodia

Quo Vadis Habana

Caran d'Ache

Sponsorship Changes - Consider Joining T.G.S. Patreon!

Now that the snow is finally melting, I’m caught up on shipping Curated Shop orders! Things are back to normal this week!

Sunday Reading for February 21, 2021

February 21, 2021

Inside Stationery (Pt. 03): Robert Oster - RO Signature Ink (via Scrively). This is a great series if you’re interested in learning more about the people behind the brands we all love. This edition features Robert Oster of RO Signature Ink, in Australia.
The Results Are In: The Great Fountain Pen Survey, Part I (via UK Fountain Pens). If you’re curious about where the online pen enthusiast hobby is headed in terms of growth and new participants, you owe it to yourself to check out this survey. It’s an incredibly thoughtful and in-depth piece of research. (Apparently I also need to join r/fountainpens.)
Quick Look: Leonardo Momento Zero Grande Pura Fountain Pen (via Pencilcase Blog). Dries takes an initial look at the new Momento Zero Grande recently announced by Leonardo, with quite a different (transparent) look.
Franklin-Christoph Model 25 Eclipse (via Left Hook Pens). The Model 25, or the “Eclipse”, is one of the more unique Franklin-Christoph designs, in that the clip sits on the body of the pen rather than the cap. It’s rare to see this one reviewed!
What’s in My Bag (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). Bag dump post! I enjoy seeking what everyone else carries around, especially these days. My own carry has become a disorganized mess, probably because I don’t frequently leave the house.
John Twiss Thuya Burl Revisited (via Dapprman). This is a beautiful pen, with beautiful material. Twiss Pens from the UK have been on my list of pens to review for quite some time.
Pocketable Practicality: The 3D Printed Pocket Pen from Practical Pens (via Penquisition). 3D printing technology hasn’t yet broken into the mainstream of penmaking, but this looks really interesting.
What the Sport Should Have Been: The Kaweco Supra Fireblue (via UK Fountain Pens). I’ve long been a fan of the Kaweco Supra. I actually have a stainless steel version in for review that I need to get up on the blog soon.
Review: NovelPad Cloud-Based Writing Tool Part 1 (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). One of my (many) side interests involves accumulating dedicated writing apps that I don’t use nearly enough. This is a new one for me, reviewed by someone who does a lot more writing.
The Use and Abuse of Electric Pencil Sharpeners (via Pencil Revolution). I wholeheartedly agree that the best tool is the one that you use, all the time, and which will just get the pencil sharp.
Venvstas Carbon-T Fountain Pen (via Well-Appointed Desk). Venvstas is still at it! I have to admit I’m intrigued by the design, but the reports of dry nibs is concerning.

In Case You Missed It….

This week on the blog, I introduced an old favorite notebook on both the blog and the shop: the Quo Vadis Habana Journal. I also offered my first impressions of the new Parker 51 “Next Generation” fountain pen, in burgundy with the steel nib, and so far have had a fairly positive experience.

New in the Curated Shop

This week in the Curated Shop, we have a fresh stock of new paper from Rhodia, Quo Vadis, and Clairefontaine, in addition to a new M+R brass pencil sharpener that can accommodate jumbo pencils. I highlighted several of these items, as well as some “last calls,” in this week’s Deals & Drops.

Rhodia

Quo Vadis

Clairefontaine

M+R

Sponsorship Changes - Consider Joining T.G.S. Patreon for 2021!

Sunday Reading for February 14, 2021

February 14, 2021

Schon DSGN Pocket 6 (via Dapprman). I love seeing the Pocket Six getting all of the attention it deserves. Dapprman has an in-depth, even-handed review of the brass model.
Esterbrook x Accutron Fountain Pen Review (via EdJelley). Ed reviews the Esterbrook + Accutron collaboration, and even has some photographs of one of the new Accutron watches.
Red Dragon Pen Company Sylvan, Bungubox Clown Teardrop (via Penquisition). Evan reminisces about pen show purchases and looks forward to when it’s safe for shows to start back up again.
Behind the Pen: Joe Kershaw of the Online Pen Company (via UK Fountain Pens). Anthony writes a series where he speaks with various individuals in the pen industry, including makers, retailers, etc. I geek out over this stuff because it’s fascinating for me to hear about other retailers’ experiences over the past year.
Shop Launch and Picture of the Week (via Pens! Paper! Pencils!). Ian has launched a shop, where you can buy originals and prints of his exceptional graphite art. Be sure to check it out!
Stretching Those Gratitude Muscles (via From the Pen Cup). Gratitude journaling is something on my list to explore this year. As always, Mary discusses her experience and makes it sound so easy with a reminder to just get started stretching beyond what’s comfortable!
Maiora Impronte Oversized (via Well-Appointed Desk). Jaclyn looks at Maiora’s oversized fountain pen, and I also enjoyed writing with this Delta spin-off. The grip was unexpectedly comfortable.
Faber-Castell Broadpen 1554 Pen Review (via My Pen Needs Ink). Ian reviews a fiber-tipped pen from Faber-Castell, which is always refreshing to see because it combines one of my favorite stationery brands with an often-overlooked pen category.
Review: M405 Silver-White 2020 (via Pelikan’s Perch). Joshua reviews the latest release from Pelikan’s “White” series, and the silver-white combination is definitely my favorite so far.
Jetpens Kanso Noto Notebook (via Pen Addict). Susan reviews a new exclusive stationery release from JetPens, featuring hundreds of pages of Tomoe River paper in a very simple format, at a decent price.

In Case You Missed It….

This week on the blog I went a bit deeper on commonplacing, with a post titled “Best Notebooks for a Commonplace Book,” looking at five favorites. I also reviewed a classic piece of stationery: the Franklin-Christoph “Penvelope Six” pen case, which most people know can hold well more than six pens!

This Week in the Curated Shop

Many new arrivals hit the (virtual) shelves this week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop, including a new “Composition Book” from Rhodia, the famous Rhodia Webnotebooks, a black version of the Penco “Perfection” pocket pen, and a restock of Hightide Co. Sandglasses, including a new Turquoise color! Check out this week’s Deals & Drops posts for a full list.

Rhodia Notebooks

Traveler's Notebooks

Hightide Co.

Penco

Sponsorship Changes - Consider Joining T.G.S. Patreon for 2021!

You can read more about T.G.S. Patreon here. I will be rolling out some new content in 2021 that will be exclusive to Patreon subscribers, including the return of the “Digital Divide” newsletter (you can read back content here), as well as features such as a monthly video hangout. I will also continue with periodic “sample sales” of gently used review items, to which Patrons will have first access. The current sale is now live!