Sunday Reading for September 12, 2021

September 12, 2021

On Closing (via C.W. Pencils). In case you haven’t heard the news, C.W. Pencil Enterprise will be closing its doors after seven years. To say this is a huge loss for the community is the understatement of all understatements, and I wish Caroline & team all the best for the future. Be sure to support all of your local and independent stationery retailers. If you value their contributions and want them to stay around, it’s important that you act with your dollars.
Nakaya: For Your Hand Only (via Tokyo Station Pens). If you’re a fan of Nakaya fountain pens and would like to understand more about the history behind this influential boutique brand, this is an excellent article.
The Three-Pen Collection for £1,000 (via UK Fountain Pens). I love the Worn & Wound series that inspired this post, and my three picks would look very similar to Anthony’s. The fact that the Schon DSGN Pocket 6 breaks the top three shows just how good they are and how much traction the brand is getting.
The Three-Pen Collection for $1000 (via FPQuest). Here’s the latest U.S. version! I definitely need to come up with my own rendition soon…. Stay tuned.
San Francisco Pen Show Haul (via Pen Addict). Kimberly shows off her San Francisco Pen Show prizes, including that Pininfarina PF Two which is on my short list of pens to review.
My Summer Vacation AKA the SF Pen Show 2021 (via Well-Appointed Desk). Julia shares her San Francisco Pen Show stories in this guest post over at the Well-Appointed Desk.
Color Traveler Tomonoura Sunset Sepia (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). Color Traveler is a Japanese ink brand out of Hiroshima, that I don’t have a lot of experience with although I do have a couple of their colors in for review. I have found that while I love the colors, the ink has longer dry times and can remain “sticky” for quite some time in wetter nibs.
Aratrum Calamus (via Dapprman). I’ve not heard of this brand before, but I do like the design, especially the ink window.
Composition Book Round Up, Part 2 and Part 3 (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). Les has the remaining installments of her annual composition book round-ups, looking at this year’s offerings from both Staples and Wal-Mart.
Odyssey Notebooks Tomoe River 68gsm - Milky Way (via Gourmet Pens). I have an Odyssey notebook that I picked up at the D.C. Show. Stay tuned for my own thoughts as I work it into the review queue, but needless to say 68gsm Tomoe River is one of my favorite papers.

This Week on the Blog: In Case You Missed It….

This week on the blog I was back to some original content, with the fifth installment of my Vintage Pen Primer series and a post about vintage nibs in modern pens. I also wrote a short piece discussing paper sizing and how various popular sizes compare to one another. I plan on making an effort to do more of these posts responding to frequently asked reader questions.

Curated Shop and Pen Show Updates - TWSBI Rose Gold Restock and Navy Blue 580 ALRs!

New arrivals this week include a restock on TWSBI 580 Rose Gold Fountain Pens (which I can’t restock fast enough, apparently), a restock of the new Caran d’Ache 849 Rollerball Pen, and the new TWSBI 580 ALR in Navy Blue (which to me looks like more of an ultramarine or cobalt blue, but it’s absolutely gorgeous all the same). Check out this week’s Deals & Drops for some specials, including a price drop on 2021 second-half planner refills.

Pen Show Updates: I will be attending both the Dallas Pen Show (September 24 and 25) and the Chicago Pen Show (September 30-October 3). The best part? I will have my own table, so please stop by!

TWSBI Fountain Pens

Caran d'Ache 849

Platinum Preppy Wa

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Consider Joining TGS Patreon for Access to Monthly Meetups and First Dibs on Gently Used Stationery, Exclusive Products and More!

For some additional fun, and to help support the blog consider joining the Patreon program. Patreon supporters receive special pricing and early access to product releases and collaborations such as the T.G.S. x Sunderland pen, in addition to other benefits. You can read more about T.G.S. Patreon here. This year I’ve introduced monthly online meetups, which take place on Friday or Saturday and have been super enjoyable. We’ve discussed our thoughts on pen shows restarting, recent arrivals in our personal collections, and more. I will also continue with periodic “sample sales” of gently used review items and T.G.S. collaborations, to which Patrons will have first access. The current sale is now live and features the inks that I’m selling off as I thin out my personal accumulation.

Sunday Reading for September 5, 2021

September 5, 2021

San Francisco Pen Show Recap (via Pen Addict). Kimberly, writing her first official show recap for the Pen Addict, has an epic post on what makes the SF Pen Show deserve its moniker, “The Fun Pen Show”. Read this one!
Accounting for the ensso PIUMA Pocket Fountain Pen in Brass (via Penquisition). Julian reviews ensso’s latest entry in the PIUMA fountain pen series, a pocket fountain pen with an interesting design that keeps most of the shape of the larger PIUMA pen.
Ferris Wheel Press Twilight Garden Ink Collection (via Macchiato Man). Ferris Wheel Press has received a lot of attention for their shimmer and paler-colored shading inks that still remain legible. I have these three in my queue for review.
Multi Pen Review: Multi Madness, Part I (via Well-Appointed Desk). Tina has a review of three different multi-pens, including an Acroball with a highlighter component!? I need to get my hands on one of those.
Pineider Metropolis (via Dapprman). Ouch! Pineider’s latest attempt at a “less expensive” pen perhaps falls a bit short?
Tactile Turn Nautilus Quick Review (via Writing at Large). I keep eyeing the Nautilus, and I’m pretty sure I’ll cave, but I guess I still have until September 8 to order one?
Snippets: Newcastle, Onion-skin, Machined Pens, and Pen Meets (via UK Fountain Pens). Anthony has a lot of interesting things going on these days! I need to get my hands on one of those onionskin journals, though I worry I won’t be able to ignore the ghosting for everyday writing.
Scribo Blu Cosmico (via Mountain of Ink). I love Scribo inks, including this very dark blue-black/midnight blue.
Tales of a Vandal Pen Collector: Wrestling with a Writer’s Dozen (via Peaceable Writer). This post does an exceptional job of summarizing exactly why I love to write by hand, and why I love fountain pens.
Classic Pens LB5 Kouseki with Sailor King Eagle Nib (via Gourmet Pens). Azizah has a review of a rare one. Serious nibbage, indeed!

In Case You Missed It….

This week on the blog, I first of all recapped my trip to San Francisco for the 2021 San Francisco Pen Show. Al things considered, it was a great show, and look forward to attending next year when hopefully the international vendors can return. I also finished Part VI of my “Mini-Collections” series, in which I swabbed all of the inks in my stash, completing the blacks, greys, browns, and oranges. Finally, I announced the release of the Caran d’Ache 849 Rollerball, and even posted a short video clip over on my Instagram “Reels” - yes, look at me getting all trendy - to demonstrate the size difference between the Rollerball and the ballpoint.

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This Week in the Curated Shop

As noted in this week’s Deals & Drops, there are a bunch of new arrivals in the Shop, including the limited edition Platinum Preppy Wa, which comes in six unique patterns inspired by traditional Japanese designs. The new Field Notes “Trailhead” edition also has arrived, along with the Caran d’Ache 849 Rollerball, new Kokuyo hardcover notebooks in the “Trip Book” and “Offset Book” formats, and a full restock on the TWSBI Swipe fountain pen.

CdA 849 Rollerball

Field Notes Trailhead

Preppy Wa

Kokuyo

Consider Joining TGS Patreon for Access to Monthly Meetups and First Dibs on Gently Used Stationery, Exclusive Products and More!

One of my pen show prizes from this weekend - a 12-pen hardshell case from Galen Leather. It’s natural undid leather, so it will patina like my Gfeller Cover for my Nanami Paper Cafe Note.

Weekly Links for August 30, 2021 (Post San Francisco Pen Show Edition)

August 30, 2021

Platinum Curidas Gran Red (via Rants of the Archer). The Curidas - Platinum’s entry point into the world of retractable nib fountain pens - started with a lot of hype, a cracked-feed scandal, and then a fair bit of quiet. Are you all still using your Curidas pens? This review has me wanting to break mine out again.
Esterbrook JR Paradise with Scribe Architect Nib: The Feelgood Hit of the Summer? (via UK Fountain Pens). Anthony reviews the latest Esterbrook JR release, as well as their latest specialty nib developed in collaboration with JJ Lax Pen Company. I’m torn between the yellow and the blue with the yellow finial.
Esterbrook JR Pocket Pen (Paradise Set, Tuxedo, and Vintage Esterbrook J) (via Macchiato Man). Yagan has an extraordinarily comprehensive review of the new Esterbrook JR “Paradise”, which includes a write up of the standard JR and the vintage Esterbrook J itself.
Pens in Daily Use August 2021 (via Dapprman). My fountain pen use has been fairly spotty this month, as I’ve been doing a bit of travel and I’m in the middle of rejiggering my work from home/office schedule. What pens I have been using have leaned very much towards the practical.
D-Initial Impressions (via Penquisition). Evan takes a look at the S.T. Dupont D-Initial, a new “entry level” model from the luxury French brand, which is one of the very few remaining pen brands that I have no personal experience with.
Lemome Notebook Review (via Fountain Pen Love). John reviews what appears to be a very nice inexpensive notebook that handles fountain pen ink quite well.
How I Manage Meeting Agendas with a Notes App (via Bump). Streamlining meetings? I’m all for that.
Pennonia Inks Part 6 (via Mountain of Ink). Kelli reviews several inks from Romanian company Pennonia, including several of their red inks that have caught my eye.
Retro 51 Tornado Vintage Metalsmith Rollerball, Raw Brass Review (via Pen Addict). Sarah reviews a raw brass version of the classic Retro, and I’m interested to see how these patina.
Musgrave Heritage Collection Pencil Set (via Well-Appointed Desk). Ana reviews all the pencils contained in the new Musgrave pencil sampler. I will be contacting winners of our own giveaway when I return from the San Francisco pen show!

In Case You Missed It….

I’m a day late on my links post, but that’s because I’m currently getting ready to fly back from San Francisco this morning, where I’ve been attending the 2021 San Francisco Pen Show. I’ll be posting a full writeup and recap of this awesome experience later this week, but for now read my takeaways from Day One (Friday), and you can also follow my stories/reels/posts over on Instagram. Before I left, I posted an update on my own personal workflow and what I’ve been using since the office reopened, one of many topics I get a lot of questions about.

This Week in the Curated Shop

It’s been a week of restocking following a very busy summer! I now have TWSBI Swipe Fountain Pens in all colors and nib sizes, as well as Prussian Blue 580 fountain pens, and more of the Blue-Black and Midnight Blue inks. TWSBI pens remain as popular as ever, even at pen shows with large contingents of experienced users! Other restocks include Kokuyo Sketch hardcover pocket notebooks, Traveler’s Notebook Lightweight Paper (Tomoe River Paper) refills, and more.

Sunderland MK1 Exclusive

Traveler's Company

Caran d'Ache 849

TWSBI

Consider Joining TGS Patreon for Access to Monthly Meetups and First Dibs on Gently Used Stationery, Exclusive Products and More!

For some additional fun, and to help support the blog consider joining the Patreon program. Patreon supporters receive special pricing and early access to product releases and collaborations such as the T.G.S. x Sunderland pen, in addition to other benefits. You can read more about T.G.S. Patreon here. This year I’ve introduced monthly online meetups, which take place on Friday or Saturday and have been super enjoyable. We’ve discussed our thoughts on pen shows restarting, recent arrivals in our personal collections, and more. I will also continue with periodic “sample sales” of gently used review items and T.G.S. collaborations, to which Patrons will have first access. The current sale is now live and features the inks that I’m selling off as I thin out my personal accumulation.

This week’s pens, from left: The BigiDesign Ti Ultra, the Nakaya Long Piccolo, and my own Sunderland mk1.

Sunday Reading for August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

Drillog Reinvents the Glass Dip Pen (via UK Fountain Pens). I finally backed the Drillog, especially now that they’ve added a longer aluminum body option to the rewards. I find dip pens really useful, but I would appreciate the increased durability of this machined tip.
TWSBI Swipe - Over-Engineered or Welcome Innovation? (via Pen Addict). Kimberly has a very thorough review of TWSBI’s new Swipe fountain pen, which I continue to believe is one of the best current values on the market.
Fountain Pens from My Collection: Kaweco AL Sport (via Fountain Pen Love). The AL Sport is a classic! John’s review reminds me that I need to break out my AL Sports and get them back into the rotation.
Notebook Review: Fabriano EcoQua (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). I’ve used Fabriano notebooks in the past, and they are definitely an undersung fountain pen friendly option, especially given their lower price point.
On a Whim Woodworks Fountain Pen (via Rants of the Archer). After reading this review, definitely go and check out the On a Whim Etsy store! There are pens in stock in a range of gorgeous materials.
Kaweco Perkeo Demonstrator (via Dapprman). The clear Kaweco Perkeo demonstrator was a big hit at the D.C. Pen Show. I’d love to seek Kaweco do more with this particular line.
Yoobi x Marvel HB Pencils (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). Inexpensive pencils at Target? I’m always looking for a good recommendation.
Ten Journals (via From the Pen Cup). That’s an accomplishment! Congratulations, Mary!
Sorry - Not with Those Swirls (via Pete Denison). I tend to agree with Pete that swirled acrylic falls pretty far down the list of my favorite materials. That’s not an absolute (as I have some in my collection, to be sure), but I tend to gravitate towards pens with a more understated look.
Ink Series Review - Visconti Van Gogh Inks (via Well-Appointed Desk). There are some really pretty Van Gogh-inspired colors in here, and the price point is a pleasant surprise! I do love the option to purchase the entire set.

In Case You Missed It….

This week I wrote about a pair of pens that have been on my “To Review” list for quite some time - the Ti Arto and Ti Ultra from BigiDesign. If you’re in the market for a versatile pen that accepts multiple refills, these should all be on your list. I also launched a giveaway of a couple dozen pencils courtesy of Musgrave, with a dozen Tennessee Reds and a dozen Harvest 320 woodcase pencils. (Yes, this week was a bit Tennessee-focused, as BigiDesign is from Chattanooga and Musgrave is from Shelbyville!) Finally, this week’s Deals & Drops post includes a breakdown of what’s new in the Caran d’Ache lineup, including some insight into my personal favorites, as well as an introduction to the now-permanent “T.G.S. Gently Used” section.

New in the Curated Shop

Since I’m focused primarily on Back-to-School/Back-to-Work right now, I’ve brought in a lot of ballpoints, mechanical pencils, and rollerballs, in addition to my fountain pen-focused notebooks and accessories. I’m drawn to versatility when choosing a non-fountain pen writing instrument, so be sure to check these different options out if you’re in the market.

Mazzuoli ITALIA

Sunderland mk1

Stálogy

Rhodia

Consider Joining TGS Patreon for Access to Monthly Meetups and First Dibs on Gently Used Stationery, Exclusive Products and More!

For some additional fun, and to help support the blog consider joining the Patreon program. Patreon supporters receive special pricing and early access to product releases and collaborations such as the T.G.S. x Sunderland pen, in addition to other benefits. You can read more about T.G.S. Patreon here. This year I’ve introduced monthly online meetups, which take place on Friday or Saturday and have been super enjoyable. We’ve discussed our thoughts on pen shows restarting, recent arrivals in our personal collections, and more. I will also continue with periodic “sample sales” of gently used review items and T.G.S. collaborations, to which Patrons will have first access. The current sale is now live and features the inks that I’m selling off as I thin out my personal accumulation.

Sunday Reading for August 15, 2021

August 15, 2021

D.C. Pen Show 2021 Recap (via The Looped Square). I had a blast working with Joseph, Lisa, Davina, and Dan behind the Vanness table. Joseph has a great show recap.
2021 D.C. Pen Super Show - Quick Recap (via The Pen Addict). Kimberly, now writing for the Pen Addict, has another great recap of the D.C. Pen Show weekend, from behind the Franklin-Christoph table.
The D.C. Pen Show 2021 Experience (via Inkjournal). Tom has a very thorough write-up of the 2021 D.C. Pen Show, that captures all of the different exhibitors and visitors.
TWSBI Swipe Review - From a Fan (via The Poor Penman). As a huge fan of the TWSBI Swipe, I can’t help but highlight this review, which more or less calls out everything the Swipe has to offer in a $26.99 package.
Composition Book Round Up 2021: Part 1 Target (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). The annual round-up of composition books is back! Looks like Target has a couple of winners this year.
British Pen Makers (via Dapprman). A great resource for those interested in discovery pen makers based in the U.K.
Birmingham Pen Company Hydrangea (via Left Hook Pens). As someone with a VERY large number of hydrangea bushes in their yard, I may need to pick up a bottle!
Taccia Jeans Collection Black Wash (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). I picked up a fill of this black ink at the D.C. Pen Show and have really been enjoying it! I agree that it’s a nice looking black ink that flows well and has some character.
How I Use My Notebooks: Three Good Things (via Writing at Large). This is an amazing idea, and best wishes for your recovery!
Atoms to Astronauts: UK-made, Fountain Pen Friendly Notebooks (via UK Fountain Pens). These STEM-themed covers are gorgeous. I’m always glad to see new high-end notebooks being made.
Ferris Wheel Press Sophie Charger Set (via Mountain of Ink). I've really enjoyed Ferris Wheel Press inks, and these more interesting muted colors like Goose Poupon are among my favorites.

In Case You Missed It….

The big news from the past week was the D.C. Pen Show - the first large-scale in-person pen event in more than 18 months! Check out my show recaps of Friday and Saturday/Sunday, from my perspective as both an attendee and vendor. I also published Part V of my “Mini-Collection” round-up, looking at all the blue inks in my collection, including blues, blue-blacks, teals, and turquoise. Finally, this week’s Deals & Drops also highlighted some D.C. Pen Show favorites, including items from the T.G.S. Curated Shop as well as Vanness and other exhibitors.

This Week in the Curated Shop

If you enjoyed my “All the Blue Inks” post, you may have noticed that I’ve become a big fan of TWSBI Inks, to the point where I’m relying on them for a lot of my own “daily workhorse” writing. The T.G.S. Curated Shop now carries the entire line of TWSBI Inks, in addition to a selection of TWSBI Fountain Pens. We also carry notebooks systems from Traveler’s Company, Stálogy, and Midori, for all of your back-to-work/back-to-school needs. Please reach out if you have any questions about these products or my own personal setup, which combines a Traveler’s Notebook with a cut-down Stálogy A5 notebook for maximum versatility.

Stálogy

TWSBI

Caran d'Ache

T.G.S. x Sunderland

Consider Joining TGS Patreon for Access to Monthly Meetups and First Dibs on Gently Used Stationery, Exclusive Products and More!

For some additional fun, and to help support the blog consider joining the Patreon program. Patreon supporters receive special pricing and early access to product releases and collaborations such as the T.G.S. x Sunderland pen, in addition to other benefits. You can read more about T.G.S. Patreon here. This year I’ve introduced monthly online meetups, which take place on Friday or Saturday and have been super enjoyable. We’ve discussed our thoughts on pen shows restarting, recent arrivals in our personal collections, and more. I will also continue with periodic “sample sales” of gently used review items and T.G.S. collaborations, to which Patrons will have first access. The current sale is now live and features the inks that I’m selling off as I thin out my personal accumulation.