Zebra Sarasa Grand Vintage Wave of Color

Sunday Reading for June 23, 2024

June 23, 2024

How to Move Your Fountain Pens Across the World (via Inky Rocks). I’ve not moved in more than a decade. The prospect of this would be daunting… Best of luck on the move!
Working with Plotter A5: Chart Grid and Blue Quadrant Inserts (via A Gathering of Curiosities). Plotter has released a bunch of new formats recently. I agree with R.B. that many of these “experiments” can be frustrating if you find a format that you like only to have it discontinued.
New Collaboration! Visconti Voyager Del Mar (via Figboot on Pens). David has a new collaboration with Visconti now available, and it’s a gorgeous offering. Visconti fans should be sure to check this one out.
Visiting Stationery Shops in Portugal and Spain (via Inkredible Colours). It’s time for summer travels, and of course pen-related travelogues!
Lessons Learned from Inkvent 2023 (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). Inkvent in June? Why not? Kimberly had some interesting favorites from last year’s release.
New Leonardo Model…The Dodici (via Figboot on Pens). A faceted Leonardo? “Dodici” apparently refers to 12 sides / 12 facets. Sign me up to check this one out at some point!
Traveling with Ink: North Devon, June 2024 (via Fountain Pen Blog). Now that’s a gorgeous location to get some writing done!
Platinum 3776 with a Coarse (C) Nib (via Dapprman). I’ve never been a big user of Platinum’s broader nibs, but many people love this one. Personally, it’s never intrigued me.
Do You Need Blotter Paper? (via Well-Appointed Desk). I keep a sheet of blotter paper in any non-absorbent notebook, especially those that use Tomoe River Paper. It lets me close the notebook quickly without worrying about ink transferring between two pages of writing.
Stipula Etruria Rainbow Stiflex Nib Fountain Pen Review (via Blake’s Broadcast). The Stipula Etruria fountain pen was a favorite of mine early on in my collecting days, back when they focused on celluloid releases. I’ve not tried any of the newer pens, as the gold nibs have a steep premium.

TGS Crimson Nib with Top Hat Engraving — I still can’t get over this nib! You’ll be seeing a lot more of it!

In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog, I compared two premium gel pen options: the Uni-ball One and Zebra Sarasa Grand Vintage. Gel pens are one of those categories I’ve unfortunately neglected over the years, and lately I’ve been surprised to discover how good many of them are. I also published my 2024 mid-year review, looking at five favorite posts from the first half of the year as we get ready for some big developments at T.G.S., hopefully starting next month!

TWSBI Diamond 580 AL Iceberg Blue Fountain Pen

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

This week we added the full line of Zebra Sarasa Grand Vintage Gel Pens, in both .3mm and .5mm tip sizes. We also have TWSBI 580 AL “Iceberg Blue” fountain pens available to ship immediately. As a PSA, we have exactly ONE of the Shawn Newton Majestic fountain pens remaining, and the PensByPasquale nib holds have sold out and will be going to their new homes starting tomorrow! While the one remaining Majestic is listed as an EF, we also have 1.1mm stub nibs available.

Be sure to check out this week’s Thursday Drops e-mail for details on all the new arrivals!

Uni Multi Pens

New Lamys!

Stálogy

Zebra Sarasa Grand

Check Out T.G.S. Patreon for Breaking news and first access/Special pricing on exclusives!

We’ve recently shared some news regarding our continued growth with our Patreon members. If you enjoy our content (whether here on the main website, Instagram, YouTube Channel or elsewhere), and would like early/extra access to shop releases and gently used stationery opportunities, consider supporting us via Patreon. We do our best to remain 100% self-supported without having to rely on third-party advertisers or affiliates. Of course, the number one way to help is to visit our curated retail shop! If you enjoy in-person and virtual meetups and having access to more personal content, consider joining the T.G.S. Patreon, which also includes access to early shop releases, the quarterly gently used sales, a monthly updates newsletter, and of course our monthly Zoom meetups. Patreon support starts as low as $3 per month, and if you pay annually there is a further discount.

No matter how you support us - even if just with a comment, recommendation, or encouraging word - we greatly appreciate your readership!

Sunday Reading for June 16, 2024

June 16, 2024

Once a Year: Dutch Pen Show 2024 (via A Fleeting Ripple). I missed this recap post last week! The Dutch Pen Show looks like it’s becoming a destination show for Europe.
Two Hands Paperie: A Quick Visit (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). A great stationery store recap for those who are in the Boulder, CO area, or who simply love looking at pictures of a well-stocked shop.
Hakase Part I: The Journey (via Dapprman). Hakase is a small Japanese brand lesser known to most readers than larger brands such as Pilot, Sailor, and Platinum. The process of selecting and ordering pens from these companies can be fascinating to read about.
Fountain Pen Review: Atelier F F2 Titanium Gr. 5 Teal and Light Gold (via Rants of the Archer). There’s a lot of fountain pen innovation coming out of the Philippines these days. Check out the cartridge design on this pen!
A Caffeinated Fountain Pen from Retro 51 (via Figboot on Pens). Retro 51 released a coffee shop-themed Tornado a few years back, and now they have a fountain pen version.
Plotter Letterpress Refill Review (via Pen Addict - Jeff). Finally someone has done a review of what might be my favorite paper format on the market: letterpress Midori MD cotton paper in Plotter refill format! I have an embarrassingly large stockpile of this stuff but churn through it fairly quickly.
New Lists: Oxford Task Manager (via A Fleeting Ripple). I’ve long had a thing for these narrow-format notebooks, especially for list-making. Oxford paper is available in the states in different formats than in Europe so I don’t know that I could get my hands on this particular product.
Doodling with Fountain Pens: Spread Pattern (via Fountain Pen Love). This one might be my favorite post from this excellent series!
Kaweco Sport Piston Fountain Pen Review (via Pen Addict). I enjoyed reading Brad’s review of the new Kaweco Sport Piston fountain pen, which is a balanced review looking at the pen for what it actually is with a realistic perspective on what Kaweco could accomplish in today’s market.
When the Product Isn’t What You Expected (via Well-Appointed Desk). I had a very different experience with the Metacil Pencil and carry the shorter pocket version quite frequently, but this review demonstrates how personal use case and all the different variables (paper type, graphite preferences) can create wildly different experiences from user to user.

Uni Mitsubishi Metal Mechanical Pencil Lead Case — My adventures in weird stationery continue….

In Case You Missed It….

This week on the blog, I reviewed a second piece of “Weird Stationery” (after the Metacil), which is a metal mechanical pencil lead case from Uni that I discovered at Kinokuniya earlier this year. I also talked briefly about two of my favorite small makers (Shawn Newton and Nicholas Pasquale) with whom I just released two exclusive collaborations that are now available. More on those below.

TGS x Newton Pens Majestic Fountain Pen — Check out the shop listing for additional photos, including close-ups of our new engraved nibs.

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop - New T.G.S. Exclusive Editions!

The biggest news from the shop this week was the launch of two new T.G.S.-exclusive collaborations with Newton Pens and PensByPasquale (Nicholas Pasquale). The first pen is a Newton Pens Majestic in T.G.S. Signature Black and Red, but with a crimson nib by Hinze Pen engraved with the T.G.S. Logo! The second is a hand-turned nib holder from PensByPasquale which is compatible with both Kakimori and standard dip nibs. The nib holders will ship starting June 24, while the Majestic pens are available to ship immediately!

You can read more from Tuesday’s post on new Uni Mitsubishi arrivals as well as this week’s Thursday Drops post, but we recently received new special edition Uni Jetstream 4+1 Multi Pens in the Uni x Karimoku finish, as well as additional Jetstream Prime Pens and Mechanical Pencil Lead cases. Lots of fun stuff you don’t see very often!

Lamy Pens

Uni Pencils

Mark's Tokyo

Midori MD

Check Out T.G.S. Patreon for Breaking news and first access/Special pricing on exclusives!

No matter how you support us - even if just with a comment, recommendation, or encouraging word - we greatly appreciate your readership!

Sunday Reading for June 9, 2024

June 9, 2024

Sailor’s Newest Fountain Pen! (via Inky Rocks). Sailor’s “Tuzu” has received a lot of attention lately. I need to get my hands on one.
Hinze Taschenschift (via Figboot on Pens). These Hinze Micarta pocket pens are always favorites at pen shows. I may have something to show y’all very soon…
Wanting and Having (via A Gathering of Curiosities). A beautiful piece about building a pen collection and, most of all, enjoying it.
Nib Comparison: Pilot Capless F, FM, and M (via Line Variation). A detailed comparison of Pilot nibs, both in terms of the line written and how the nibs are shaped. And congratulations on the one-year
Fountain Pen Review: 2024 Lamy Safari Special Edition Pink Cliff and Violet Blackberry (via Rants of the Archer). The more I write with the Pink Cliff and Violet Blackberry pens, the more they’ve grown on me. I’m also enjoying the second round of 2024 Safaris - more on those below.
Schon DSGN Monoc Nib Fountain Pen (via Blake’s Broadcast). The Monoc nib might be the most innovative addition to the fountain pen landscape in years. I’m following closely as Ian continues to add new finishes and nib sizes.
Scribo Rosso Melograno (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). Scribo inks tend to be overlooked, and it’s unfortunate because some of their colors are absolutely stunning. Plus you get that gorgeous glass bottle.
Gravitas Skittle Dinkey (via Dapprman). I have a Dinkey that I picked up at the Los Angeles, and I’ve been enjoying this little pocket pen. Gravitas makes several different pocket pens in various sizes, and the Dinkey makes for a nice mid-sized pocket writing instrument.
Doodling with Fountain Pens: Petals Pattern (via Fountain Pen Love). This is a really cool way to use your pens and inks, though one I’ve not experimented much with.
Fountain Pen Review: Sailor Pro Gear Slim Follow the Mermaid (via Well-Appointed Desk). This is a great looking limited edition Sailor, and the market bears watching as the price comes down on some of these limited edition’s over the summer.

Metacil Writing Sample with Blackwing Soft Core Pencil

In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog, I wrote a short review of a curious stationery product I discovered while in NYC back in March: the Metacil Pencil, which is one of those “infinity” pencils that doesn’t need sharpening. I was pleasantly surprised at the improvements in the technology over the past few years. I also recapped my travel kit for a short weekend family trip, which included no fountain pens! You can read more on why I built my specific travel kit this way and why I chose the things I did.

Lamy Safari Pina Colada and Cherry Blossom

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop - Plus Updated gently used

The new Summer Lamy Safari Special Editions are here! Pina Colada (turquoise/yellow) and Cherry Blossom (pink/red) are both glossy finishes, and since I’m a sucker for anything with yellow on it, a medium Pina Colada went right into my pen case. Check out this week’s Thursday Drops post for the full list of Lamy pens that we have in stock, new Caran d’Ache pens and pencils, and more!

On Thursday I also posted some additional gently used stationery products, including a number of fountain pens from brands including Leonardo, Opus 88, Hightide and more, as well as some limited edition Baron Fig pencils from years ago. I’m clearing out some of my personal stash to raise funds for a couple of new projects I’m working on, which I hope to be able to announce soon! All purchases from the Gently Used Page can be combined with general TGS Curated Shop purchases for free shipping.

Gently Used Sale 2024 Baron Fig Pencils — I have a big stash of limited edition pencils that I’m never going to use up, including a handful of each of the pencils shown here! Check out the Gently Used Page if you’re interested. Patreon supporters already have had first pass.

Now is a Good Time to Check Out T.G.S. Patreon!

No matter how you support us - even if just with a comment, recommendation, or encouraging word - we greatly appreciate your readership!

Traveler's Notebook Passport layout refills and accessories — I couldn’t help but share this excellent shop order from someone who was apparently getting ready for a trip! Makes me want a Passport size Traveler’s Notebook! (We all know that building out the notebook is half the fun.)

Sunday Reading for June 2, 2024

June 2, 2024

Estonia Recap, Stationery Edition (via A Gathering of Curiosities). This sounds like a wonderful trip! A Stationery travelogue not focused on acquisition.
News on Gravitas - Pen Venture Now the Agent (via Dapprman). Some breaking news here that I’m quite excited to see - Gravitas Pens shipping and customer service/fulfillment apparently will now be handled by Pen Venture out of Romania (who I’ve bought from in the past and found to have excellent customer service).
From Sample to Bottle: a Celadon Cat Story (via mnmlscholar). Sometimes samples lead to full bottle purchases. I love Celadon Cat.
Considering Binders: Why? and Why Not? (via Stationery Pizza). Binder system vs. stand-alone notebook vs. notebook system? There are advantages and disadvantages to each, but what works for you will mostly depend on how you intend to use your stationery.
Smythson Featherweight A5 Spiral Bound Refill Notebook Review (via Blake’s Broadcast). I’ve yet to try Smythson paper, as it’s a very premium paper option but people love the experience as it’s a stationery classic.
Fourth Anniversary (via Inkredible Colours). Congrats on another bloggiversary! I love this anniversary/annual recap format.
7 Years Already?!? (via Pen Addict). Kimberly looks back at her first order after 7 years in the pen community!
Pen Research: Vintage Pilot Edition (via Rachel’s Reflections). Have you ever purchased a vintage pen and then had to research where it came from? It’s part of the fun!
Diamine Cult Pens Wonders of the World (via Well-Appointed Desk). These inks have been sitting in my Cult Pens cart for quite some time, and I should probably just go for it.
Not That Kind of EF, Please and Thank You (via Pen Addict - Sarah). Thank goodness everyone was ok! Terrifying!

In Case You Missed It…

Skogsy Low Volume Eyedropper nib with writing sample

This week on the blog I reviewed a new pen from a brand I’ve not reviewed before: Skogsy Pens and their Low Volume Eyedropper model, which I picked up at the Chicago Pen Show last month. Since that nib was a broad, and because I’ve been using more broad fountain pen nibs lately, I thought it might also be fun to write a piece on how/why I’ve been trying to branch out from my default medium nib size and try more broad nibs. In short, I love that stainless steel broad nibs don’t necessarily write all that much wider than mediums, but allow you to see the ink properties better.

Midori MD Cotton new Paper sizes A5 and A5 Square

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop…More Midori!

Some really cool stuff hit the shop this week, including the new Caran d’Ache Nespresso 849 collaboration and some new Midori MD Cotton Notebooks in both A5 and “A5 Square.” Midori’s 20% cotton paper formulation is one of my all-time favorite ink-friendly papers, and these notebooks don’t disappoint. (One of the A5 versions went right into my A5 Roterfaden.) We are also restocked on Traveler’s Company Notebooks, Refills, and Accessories, Caran d’Ache pencils, and pens from Mark’s Tokyo, which are longtime shop favorites! Be sure to check out this week’s Thursday Drops post for a full list of new arrivals and restocks.

Finally, the T.G.S. Gently Used Page is restocked with review samples, store testers, and some gently used pens from my personal collection. These periodic sales have helped fund our expansion, and any purchases can be combined with regular shop orders for free domestic US shipping above $75 USD.

Caran d'Ache

Mark's Tokyo

Stálogy

Cases and Accessories

Now is a Good Time to Check Out T.G.S. Patreon!

We’ve recently shared some news regarding our continued growth with our Patreon members, and have also recently added some items to the Patreon Shop. If you enjoy our content (whether here on the main website, Instagram, YouTube Channel or elsewhere), and would like early/extra access to shop releases and gently used stationery opportunities, consider supporting us via Patreon. We do our best to remain 100% self-supported without having to rely on third-party advertisers or affiliates. Of course, the number one way to help is to visit our curated retail shop! If you enjoy in-person and virtual meetups and having access to more personal content, consider joining the T.G.S. Patreon, which also includes access to early shop releases, the quarterly gently used sales, a monthly updates newsletter, and of course our monthly Zoom meetups. Patreon support starts as low as $3 per month, and if you pay annually there is a further discount.

No matter how you support us - even if just with a comment, recommendation, or encouraging word - we greatly appreciate your readership!

J. Herbin Cafe des Iles Brown Ink Writing Sample

Sunday Reading for May 26, 2024 (Memorial Day Weekend Edition)

May 26, 2024

Registration for the 2024 Pelikan Hubs Now Open (via Dapprman). Big news! Get your Pelikan Hubs registrations in to ensure you can participate in this year’s Hub in your city of choice.
Kyuseido Kakari FS Fountain Pen Review (via SBRE Brown). Ok, so this has inspired me to ink my Kakari back up and maybe do a Conid comparison.
Mad Science Pen Company Beta Type-R Vanness Collaboration Fountain Pen Review (via Pen Addict - Jeff). Long name, cool pen! I saw these in person at this year’s Arkansas Pen Show and kinda regret that I didn’t get to pick one up.
The Design Process of My Hit List (via Stationery Pizza). Keeping a list of action items/hit lists is one of the most basic organization techniques, and there are dozens of different ways to do it.
Pilot Iroshizuku Kiri-Same Fountain Pen Ink Review (via Blake’s Broadcast). The Iroshizuku grey inks don’t get enough attention, in my opinion!
Endless Creator Fountain Pen Review (via The Poor Penman). A great review of what is a “1.0 Design”. I still love that Endless took the risk here in putting something kinda weird to market.
Reading and Writing (via Goodwriterspens Blog). What came first/easiest for you?
Piston-happy and Chugging Along (via mnmlscholar). I can relate to the satisfaction of having a full workload and a piston full of ink!
Pen Review #812: Inkebara Sand (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). These Inkebara inks are becoming extremely popular options, and this golden “Sand” color is one of the more popular inks, from what I understand.
Link Love: Visiting The Supply Closet (via Well-Appointed Desk). Let’s just say I’m VERY interested in store setup ideas lately, and this is an absolutely awesome idea for a shop-within-a-shop.

Waterman Laureat Fountain Pen Grip with Ink

In Case You Missed It….

This week I looked at two pens that are very different: First, the recently released TWSBI ECO Caffé Bronze fountain pen, which as the name indicates features TWSBI’s gorgeous bronze-toned trim. Second, I took another look at my first fountain pen, the now-discontinued Waterman Laureat, and offered some thoughts on what current pens on the market I find comparable. Finally, I also did a short post comparing the different grades of Blackwing graphite, which I haven’t done in some time and is timely considering the release of the “XX-Firm” variant in last quarter’s Volumes edition.

Also, please visit the T.G.S. YouTube Channel to check out our latest videos, including a demonstration of the recently released Blackwing Pencil Extender!

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop - Sale and Giveaway!

It’s Memorial Day Weekend, and the kick off to Summer! Through Monday at 11:59pm CT, take 10% off your T.G.S. Curated Shop order using the coupon code “SUMMERSALE” at checkout. Also, don’t miss our weekend giveaway, featuring a Lamy AL-Star Rollerball, a Scriveiner Fountain Pen, and a Blackwing Pencil Assortment. Full details on both are in this week’s Thursday Drops post.

We’ve also received the latest release from Midori: the MD “A5 Square” Cotton notebook! Midori is starting to release the MD Cotton paper in some new formats (including a forthcoming standard A5 which has an undetermined arrival date). Now is a great time to stock up on refills for your notebook systems, and we have plenty of A5 notebook options that will fit Lochby and Roterfaden covers, including Tomoe River Paper options and a recent restock of the Laconic layouts!