My bag is rehearsing for pen show travel.

Sunday Reading for March 5, 2023

March 5, 2023

The Day the Stationery Store Came to Me (via From the Pen Cup). Stories like these are what makes this community great!
Kilk Orient Fountain Pen (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). I’ve enjoyed watching Kilk release pens, especially with silver accents. This one is an interesting shape but I’d like to see how it actually fits my hand.
Galen Leather A5 Zippered Folio (via A Fleeting Ripple). Galen makes excellent, relatively inexpensive folios if you are looking for an all-in-one carry option for your notebook, pens, and other accessories.
My Growing Lamy 2000 Family (via Fountain Pen Blog). I need to “complete the family” by picking up the mechanical pencil.
A Left Handed Guide for New Fountain Pen Users (via Left Hook Pens). I’m not left-handed, so I can’t really answer many questions or give many recommendations in this regard, so when I see a good resource I try to share it!
Stipula Dark Grey (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). I love a good dark grey ink. Stipula inks are quality but not as available as they use to be.
BENU Euphoria Forest Pond (via Rants of the Archer). The Euphoria is probably my favorite of the various BENU models. I love the goldfish motif here.
Magna Carta Denima (via Dapprman). Material made from real denim? I need to check this one out at the Baltimore show if Magna Carta comes this year.
Montblanc Rouge et Noir Baby Black Fountain Pen (via SBRE Brown). Montblanc’s Rouge et Noir series has held some of the more interesting additions to their lineup over the past several years. I’m not sure this particular pen appeals to me but others have enjoyed it.
A New Zealand Adventure (via Well-Appointed Desk). And to close things out, a travelogue!

In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog, I talked about ink, namely why I tend to prefer “boring” inks for most of my everyday writing, in order to minimize distraction and to maximize performance on the widest variety of papers. I also reviewed two more inks from the Laban “Greek Mythology” series - Apollo Orange and Laban Aphrodite Pink.

Slowly but surely, I’m working my way towards a full review of the entire Laban Greek Mythology Ink line.

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop - Pen Shows and New lochby!

We’re gearing up for the Baltimore Pen Show this week, and the Arkansas Pen Show the week after, so our schedule will be a touch irregular in March. Orders will still ship our regularly, but there may be a couple of business days’ delay here and there. If you’d like to get your hands on something before the show craziness starts, please place your orders by Wednesday morning so that we can ensure everything gets shipped out before we leave.

The Charcoal Lochby Quattro Pen Case with light beige interior. You can now assemble a full set of the Lochby cases in Charcoal and Navy, in addition to Brown!

This week we received a big shipment of new cases from Lochby, with the Quattro Four-Pen Case and the Pocket Journals now available in both Charcoal and Navy options, in addition to the classic Brown. Both Lochby and Traveler’s Company will be accompanying T.G.S. to the Baltimore Pen Show this year, so visit our table to see these in person. If you’d like to reserve these or any of our other recent restocks/arrivals for show pickup, please place an order using the code “615PICKUP” for pen show (or Nashville local) delivery. (I will verify that these are pickup orders prior to shipping, so please do not use the code to try to get free shipping on mail orders.)

Lochby

Laban Inks

TWSBI

Desk Accessories

Consider Supporting Us Via T.G.S. Patreon!

I shared some exciting news about projects I’m working on for an expanded T.G.S. on last night’s Patreon meetup. T.G.S. Patreon is the only non-shop means of support for the site, and features not only access to meetups and early gently used sales, but more exclusive content, including the potential return of Digital Divide, which I’ve been working on and hope to relaunch in the coming months. Patreon support starts as low as $3 per month, and if you pay annually there is a further discount. In addition to purchases from The Curated Shop, Patreon allows us to continue to grow the site without relying on advertisements and affiliate marketing. If you’re interested in meetups and exclusive content, or simply supporting the site, we greatly appreciate your support!

A #killwinterwithorange pen and ink pairing!

Sunday Reading for February 26, 2023

February 26, 2023

Endless Observer Notebook Review, Regalia Paper (via Blake’s Broadcast). I’ve been hearing great things about Endless’s Regalia Paper, which is their in-house option they plan to use to replace old Tomoe River. I need to get my hands on a sample, as well as the new “Observer” notebook.
Retro 51 Winnie-the-Pooh Set Review (via Writing at Large). I love these pastel colors, and the finial labels on the pencils? Brilliant.
Ink of the Week: Iroshizuku Yama-Budo (via Fountain Pen Love). Yama-Budo was one of the first “nice” fountain pen inks I ever purchased, and it remains a favorite.
Meet Your Maker - Greg Hardy, Hardy Penwrights (via Pen Addict - Caroline). I’ve not had the opportunity to try a pen from Hardy Penwrights, but I’ve viewed Greg’s work at shows and he has some beautiful pieces featuring metalwork.
Early Thoughts on the Waterman Emblème Fountain Pen (via Fountain Pen Blog). I’ve not used the Emblème, but it reminds me of the Phileas, particularly on the grip section.
Postcode Envy: Jinhao 80 (via A Fleeting Ripple). I’ve seen the Jinhao 80 in its various colors, and for a Lamy 2000 clone, it’s interesting, though the ethical dilemma here is real.
Writing Through a Mood (via From the Pen Cup). I love it that Mary is posting frequently again. This particular post struck me as timely, given that I’m playing a “waiting game” myself in several regards.
Kyo No Oto #03 Koke-Iro (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). This dark yellow, mustard color has turned into a personal interest. I need to check out this particular ink.
Odyssey A5 Cosmo Air Light Notebook (via Well-Appointed Desk). I love this design from Odyssey (as I love all of their motifs). I’m curious to see what they do as certain Tomoe River and Cosmo Air Light papers are phased out.
Conid Kingsize Bulkfillers with Montblanc 149 Nibs - Totally Ridiculous and Fun (via Gourmet Pens). I promise, I’m working on my own Conid Kingsize review, but I won’t be able to top the ridiculousness (in a good way) of this particular pairing.

In Case You Missed It….

This week on the blog, I reviewed two inks from Laban’s Greek Mythology Series, Athena Grey and Artemis Blue. Athena Grey has become a favorite and Artemis Blue isn’t far behind. I also wrote a bit of a longer piece on my tortured history with handwriting, pen/pencil grips, and so-called “triangular grip” fountain pens. I’m really happy with the reception this article has received so far!

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop

I hope to have some big news for you all soon, but in the meantime, check out our weekly drops post featuring newly arrived import products from Midori such as the Kurashiki Canvas pen cases, as well as range of desk accessories. This week, we’ll begin our preparations for the Baltimore and Arkansas pen shows, so if you would like something brought to a show for delivery, or shipped out before travel starts on March 9, I’d encourage you to place your order in the coming week.

Laban Greek Mythology

Midori Desk Accessories

Kurashiki Canvas Pen Cases

New Washi and Pins!

Consider Supporting Us Via T.G.S. Patreon!

Some of these things are not like the others.

Sunday Reading for February 19, 2023 (Presidents' Day Weekend Edition)

February 19, 2023

2023 California Pen Show Recap & Report Card (via Pen Addict). It’s not often that new pen shows get launched, so of course I’m going to lead with the “new” LA Pen Show (the “California Pen Show”) which seems like it was a rousing success!
California Pen Show Recap (via Well-Appointed Desk). Another positive recap of the first California Pen Show! Perhaps I’ll see you all there next year….
Elbwood PocketMaster (via KraftyKats). These pocket pens are starting to show up more, with interesting design and beautiful ebonite construction.
Kaweco 2022 Limited Edition Sports (via Dapprman). While I’m on a Saffron/Orange/Yellow kick, that “Orangina”….
Sailor Realo 1911 Fountain Pen Review (via Blake’s Broadcast). Sailor’s piston-filler versions of its 1911 and Pro Gear models aren’t as popular or widely available as one might expect. On the consumer side, this is due to the price point.
A Lucky Find: SchonDSGN’s Pocket Six “Shop Shuffle” (via From the Pen Cup). I’ve not seen this before from SchonDSGN, but it’s a great idea! I imagine these go fast when they do come up.
Roma Aeterna: Montblanc Homage to Hadrian Rosso Antico (via A Fleeting Ripple). Even if they do sometimes duplicate colors, Montblanc has some excellent shades, especially in red. And let’s face it - many times you are buying into a theme that means something to you.
The Sailor Pro Gear Slim That I Feared Was Lost & The Aurora I Bought to Replace It (via Chicana Writes). Two excellent everyday writers are spotlighted here, and the “Christmas Pudding” Pro Gear Slim caught my own eye during the holidays….
18111 Night Snow (via Rachel’s Reflections). I still have not purchased a pen from Mr. Nakama, and that needs to change soon. This one is gorgeous in a design I’ve never seen.
Pilot FriXion Ball Knock Zone Erasable Gel Ink Pen Review (via Pen Addict). Are people into the FriXion in the U.S. as much as in the Japanese market? Is this something I should be looking into?

In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog took a bit of a personal turn in terms of items I’ve been looking for (and now using) for some time: I finally found some standard blue writing paper that I enjoy and which is readily available at reasonable cost, and I also wrote the latest installment in the “Workhorse Pens” series on low-viscosity ballpoints such as the extra-fine and needle-tip pens I have started to use on an almost everyday basis and now stock in the shop.

This Week in the Curated Shop + Presidents’ Day Weekend PromotioN!

The past several weeks have seen a rather large expansion of our shop, which now includes several new ink lines ranging from the classic J. Herbin inks to more recent releases such as the historically-inspired Laban “Greek Mythology” series. For a full recap of all the new arrivals, check out each week’s “Thursday Drops” post, which this week includes the arrival and shipment of TWSBI ECO-T Saffron fountain pens, restocks on Kleid x Life Notebooks, and more!

Grab a free mini-bottle of Anderillium for Presidents’ Day!

Also, for today and tomorrow only, all shop orders over $20 will receive a complimentary 10ml sample of Anderillium Ink! Anderillium was kind enough to send me a box of these ink samples for giveaways with orders. I have more than I thought so I’m expanding/extending our prior fountain pen promotion through 11:59pm CT tomorrow (Monday, February 20). No coupon code is necessary. (TWSBI is necessarily excluded from any promotion, per brand rules, but all other purchases qualify.)

Mark'style "Days" Ballpoints

Midori Paper

TWSBI

Herbin Ink

Consider Supporting Us Via T.G.S. Patreon!

This year, I’m trying to be more visible and intentional with T.G.S. Patreon and how the support/membership program will expand in 2023 to include not only access to meetups and early gently used sales, but more exclusive content, including the potential return of Digital Divide. So far, I’ve been trying for at least two Patreon posts per month. Patreon support starts as low as $3 per month, and if you pay annually there is a further discount. In addition to purchases from The Curated Shop, Patreon allows us to continue to grow the site without relying on advertisements and affiliate marketing. If you’re interested in meetups and exclusive content, or simply supporting the site, we greatly appreciate your support!

Sunday Reading for February 12, 2023

February 12, 2023

Endgame: Aurora 88 Big (via A Fleeting Ripple). The Aurora 88 is one of my favorite pens from a design perspective, and I definitely have a couple in my collection. I’ve long coveted one of the large standard black ones with the fluted silver cap….
I Swear It’s Not a Junk Drawer! (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). I don’t even want to show you my “junk” drawer. This one is insanely well-organized.
The Search for My Next Pocket Pen (via Dapprman). I’m also constantly looking for a great pocket pen to fit my everyday carry small notebook, but substitute “Plotter Mini 5” for Passport Traveler’s Notebook in my case.
No-Buy Follow-Up (via From the Pen Cup). There must always be the Pen Show exception!
Montegrappa Ortocera (via Figboot on Pens). I love Montegrappa’s zebra celluloid, and now this pen might be the last available pen from this material?
Analogue Keeper Logue Book Review (via Blake’s Broadcast). There’s been an increasing number of notebooks using Swedish Munken paper, which on the whole tends to be pretty good with fountain pens.
Ink Review #754: Ferris Wheel Press Buttered Popcorn (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). I’ve written recently about discovery legible yellow inks that are versatile for both highlighting and writing. This one looks like perhaps it’s another candidate? I don’t necessarily find this shade of yellow difficult to read, but perhaps it’s the photos.
Ghosts of Planners Past: Daily Planners (via Writing at Large). I’ve personally gone back and forth between daily and weekly planner systems, depending on how busy I’ve been. Currently, I’m using more flexible systems that allow me to switch between the different types of refills and page layouts as I need them.
Kokuyo Campus High Grade (MIO) Notebook Review (via Fountain Pen Love). So when I was in NYC last week, I went looking for this version of Kokuyo Campus paper and couldn’t find it. I did, however, pick up some standard Campus looseleaf and was surprised at how well the standard Campus paper held up. I really want to try this version.
Planner Review: Trigg Life Mapper (via Well-Appointed Desk). I was somewhat surprised to see that these were still around. I reviewed on a few years ago and found it a bit complex for my needs but overall a nice well-though-out product.

In Case You Missed It…

I was in NYC attending Shoppe Object and NY Now, two of the largest stationery trade shows! You can read more about my adventures at the shows here, and you can read a bit about my travel packing “strategy” here. Overall, it was a great week to get travel moving again in 2023, and I’m looking forward to visiting some pen shows starting next month, when I’ll be in both Baltimore and Little Rock! Finally, I reviewed the much-anticipated Schon DSGN Mono Nib yesterday, as well as offered my thoughts on the Schon DSGN Full-Sized Fountain Pen.

TWSBI Saffron Yellow ECO-T Pre-Order — TWSBI Saffron ECO-T Pre-orders are open! The pens should arrive Monday or Tuesday, Fedex depending.

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop - Pen Show Weekend Fountain Pen Promotion!

As noted in this week’s Thursday Drops post, our friends at Anderillium were kind enough to provide us with a huge box of ink samples that they requested we use to run a promotion. Through tomorrow, all purchases of Nahvalur and Opus 88 fountain pens will receive a free 10ml sample bottle of Anderillium ink, and any purchase over $120 will receive two samples. So basically you get some free ink to get your new pen writing immediately! No coupon is necessary and the ink will be added when we pack your order. Speaking of ink, to make the shop more navigable, we’ve introduced an “inks and refills” page, which now includes all bottled fountain pen inks, ink cartridges, and other pen and mechanical pencil refills.

We also received a massive restock of Write Notepads paper products, including two-packs of their excellent writing paper, as well as a fresh shipment of Hightide Sandglasses!

Clairefontaine

Hightide

Lochby

Letter Supplies

Consider Supporting Us Via T.G.S. Patreon!

Many thanks to the team at Yoseka Stationery for making my visit so enjoyable (and warm, since it was so darn cold out)!

Sunday Reading for February 5, 2023 (NYC Travel Edition)

February 5, 2023

Year One: First Anniversary! (via A Fleeting Ripple). Congrats! Often the first year of blogging is the hardest, just in terms of maintaining a steady stream of posts and a reliable presence. A huge accomplishment, especially when the content is so high-quality.
InCoWriMo, AKA International Correspondence Writing Month (via Pen Addict). It’s February, so you know that it’s InCoWriMo time! Brad provides a nice overview of what InCoWriMo is all about. More on InCoWriMo below, and how we’re set up to help you with all your letter-writing needs.
Sailor Yurameku Inks, Round 2 (via Well-Appointed Desk). During my visit to Yoseka Stationery, I almost picked up a few of these, but then realized that I already had probably exceeded what I was capable of carrying home, and I’m already looking at having to purchase a second suitcase.
Platinum Curidas Fountain Pen Review (via Blake’s Broadcast). While it certainly doesn’t get as much attention as Pilot’s Vanishing Point/Capless series, the Curidas is still a legitimate option for those looking for a retractable fountain pen at a lower price point.
Further Thoughts on the Jinhao X159 Fountain Pen (via Fountain Pen Blog). I dove in and purchased one of these as well, and I can confirm that the nib I received was very, very good. Now swapping parts between different colors? That’s something I didn’t think of. More details soon.
PhoenixPenStands 12 Pen Holder (via KraftyKats). This does seem to be the year of the 3D-printed pen stand, and since this one’s in red and black, I automatically like it!
Ink Review #752: TWSBI Blue-Black (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). I’m probably biased, but I love TWSBI Blue-Black as a standard blue-black ink. It’s got a nice vintage-style tone, some shading, as well as some water-resistance.
Jacques Herbin Gris de Houle (via Fountain Pen Love). I’ve been wondering lately what’s the difference between the “Jacques Herbin”-branded inks and the “J. Herbin”. This is a nice grey, though possibly a bit light for my own use.
My Seven-Notebook Writing System (via Pen Addict - Sarah). As I’ve said before, I always love looking at how others organize their writing projects. If you work in multiple notebooks, you may find something like the Lochby Field Journal helpful!
A No-Buy Year. Really. (via From the Pen Cup). Congrats to Mary on her progress so far. (Finishing a bottle of ink! In our world, that’s like running a marathon!)

In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog, I reviewed a pen that’s been in my collection for some time without a write-up: the Graf von Faber-Castell Classic Macassar fountain pen. I also posted the various pens and carry items I took with me to NYC as I travel to the National Stationery Show for a few days. Keep an eye on Instagram for more on my travels!

Airplane carry: I don’t just write about this stuff or sell it for kicks: I DO use it myself!

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop - Expansion and Exciting announcements coming!

It’s no secret that I’ve been rapidly expanding the T.G.S. Curated Shop and working on a couple of semi-secret projects, which necessitated me traveling to NYC this week to meet with vendors, etc. New items are rapidly arriving, which I’ll be posting as they land. You can check out this week’s shop announcements here, which includes not only the arrival of Nahvalur’s Limited Edition “Year of the Rabbit” pens, but also full restock’s of Clairefontaine, Rhodia, and Write Notepads, as well as fun new desk accessories from WMS & Co., like these customizable stamps.

Also, if you’re participating in InCoWriMo, please check out our special letter-writing section, set up especially for this month! (If it’s popular, we may make it a permanent fixture.) Also, if you’re into stickers, stamps, and washi tape to use with your written correspondence or otherwise, we maintain a large and growing selection!

Nahvalur

Composition Books

"Philosophical" Stamps

G. Lalo Paper

Consider Supporting Us Via T.G.S. Patreon!

This year, I’m trying to be more visible and intentional with T.G.S. Patreon and how the support/membership program will expand in 2023 to include not only access to meetups and early gently used sales, but more exclusive content, including the potential return of Digital Divide. Patreon support starts as low as $3 per month, and if you pay annually there is a further discount. In addition to purchases from The Curated Shop, Patreon allows us to continue to grow the site without relying on advertisements and affiliate marketing. If you’re interested in meetups and exclusive content, or simply supporting the site, we greatly appreciate your support!