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The Gentleman Stationer

Vintage Living in the Modern World.
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Sunday Reading for September 1, 2024 (The How-Is-It-Labor-Day-Already Edition)

September 1, 2024
  1. 2024 San Francisco Pen Show - Still the Funnest Pen Show (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). Kimberly posted an epic recap of the 2024 SF Pen Show, which makes me even sadder for having to miss it!

  2. A Year of Curiosities (via A Gathering of Curiosities). Happy one-year bloggiversary! I’ve enjoyed reading R.B.’s blog since it launched.

  3. Top 10 Pens You Can’t Buy (And One You Can) (via Figboot on Pens). Like David, most of my “regrets” involve not picking up a pen I really liked when I had the chance because I thought it was “overpriced” by $50 or so, only to have it shoot up on the secondary market. I could also do a post on top 10 pens I regret selling.

  4. On Flying (via Urban Adventure League). Posting this here because I’ve had many of the same thoughts about flying, which I enjoy increasingly less. And because I love extended train travel, though we have no real Amtrak option.

  5. Visit to Lamy x Ink House in Hong Kong (via Inkredible Colours). While I don’t love flying, it does make trips like these possible.

  6. Three Ring Circus (via Philofaxy). I was fortunate enough to have a friend procure me a three-ring Plotter at this year’s San Francisco Pen Show, since I couldn’t make it. I really enjoy their three-hole “card” format for quick notes.

  7. Ryman Medium Soft Cover Notebook Review (via Fountain Pen Blog). I’m taking notes on UK-specific stationery brands to check out during my trip to London in October (where I’ll just be missing the London Pen Show, by a day).

  8. Filofax Fountain-Pen Frustration (via Nifty Notebook). I’ve had good luck with recent releases of Filofax paper, especially in the spiral-bound notebooks, but it could have changed yet again as it’s been a couple years and Plotter paper is reliable for the ringed binders.

  9. September Planner/Journal Setup: Academia (via Well-Appointed Desk). Monthly planner themes? That’s an interesting idea, and seems like a great way to use up stamps and washi.

  10. Wearingeul H.P. Lovecraft Literature Ink “Call of the Cthulhu” Giveaway (via Pen Addict). The first Wearingeul that’s tempted me in quite some time!

The Lamy Econ in Indigo and Black. I love the grippy texture.

In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog I reviewed a not-fancy-but-rock-solid ballpoint, the Lamy Econ. I generally use ballpoints as my primary secondary writing instruments simply due to their versatility, and Lamy’s improvement of the M16 ballpoint refill over the years has boosted their ballpoint lineup into my regular rotation.

Return of the T.G.S. x Sunderland mk1 Pens and Labor Day Weekend Shop Hours And Discount COdE!

The big news from this week is the return of the T.G.S. x Sunderland Machine Works mk1 machined pen! Our first pen collaboration is also one of my favorites, and I’m happy to announce that we were able to do another run and that I hope to make this pen a regular presence in the shop provided supply keeps up with demand. The pens are currently set to arrive this week, and are available for pre-order if you’d like to reserve one and be one of the first to ship, though I did order a lot and expect that anyone who order reasonably quickly will be able to get one. You can read more on the Sunderland mk1 in the original review.

And don’t forget: Use the code “LABORDAY” at checkout to claim a 10% discount off desk and reading accessories this weekend. All orders over $100 will receive a complimentary 3” TGS Vinyl holographic sticker, for your water bottle, laptop or even you’re car (if you’re a true fan :)

We’re also continuing the “soft open” at the new T.G.S. location. We are located at 4320 Kenilwood Drive, Suite 113, Nashville, Tennessee. (You can find a video showing exactly where we are located on our Instagram.) Hours today will be 1pm-5pm on Sunday September 1. We have a bunch of new stuff to see both in-store and online, including new washi tapes and stickers from iLootPaperie, new Studio fountain pens from Lamy, the Lamy Note+ Apple Stylus, and plenty of Tom’s Studio pens, including offbeat gems like the One-Dip Metal Nibs and the Lumos fineliners.

iLootPaperie
iLootPaperie
Tom's Studio
Tom's Studio
Lamy
Lamy
Platinum
Platinum

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

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 either online (or in person, if you’re in the Nashville area)! If you enjoy in-person and virtual meetups and having access to more personal content, the T.G.S. Patreon includes these as well as 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!

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We had a lot of fun in the shop yesterday playing with the Tom’s Studio One-Dip Nibs! I love these things!

Sunday Reading for August 25, 2024

August 25, 2024
  1. Hobonichi 2025 (via Inky.Rocks). Hobonichi has revealed their 2025 designs, including some unique designs in the Weeks series and covers.

  2. Notebook System for 2025 (via Stationery Pizza). Is it that time of year already? I’m personally deciding whether I want to stick with a dated system (like my Hobonichi setup) or move back to undated notebooks for the flexibility.

  3. Atlas Stationers’ Sidewalk Sale (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). I’ve been feeling a little burned out on the travel-intensive pen show scene lately, and have loved seeing these regional events focused on local vendors and makers, with national brands providing support by traveling to the event.

  4. Leonardo MZG 2.0 The Art of Guilloche (via Figboot on Pens). Leonardo has had a lot of success with their guilloche patterns on pens. Now if they could only release more in the standard Momento Zero!

  5. New Blackwing Colors (Review of “Sand” Eraser) (via Fueled by Clouds and Coffee). Blackwing announced a revision to their Blackwing Colors line of colored pencils, and they’ve added an integrated sand eraser that appears to work pretty well!

  6. Pen Show Nibs Overviews (via Rachel’s Reflections). I’ve been thinking about whether I should be recording all of the nib work I’ve had done at pen shows. This is a great idea, as I have many modified nibs, and I know I’ve forgotten the details about many.

  7. How I Use My Notebooks: Gym Journal (via Writing at Large). I actually see lots of people carrying notebooks at the gym. A great idea from this series.

  8. Notebooks from Chile (via Notebook Stories). Part of the fun of traveling is, indeed, buying stationery you can’t get back home!

  9. Lamy Safari Ballpoint Piña Colada Review (via Pen Addict - Jeff). The Piña Colada Safari edition isn’t getting near enough love. Light blue + yellow is an awesome color combination, and I think I’m going to keep one of each of this one.

  10. Other Uses for Pen Cases, Part I and Part II (via Well-Appointed Desk). How do you use your pen cases? They’re infinitely useful, which is why you can’t have too many of them.

In Case You Missed It…

This weekend I didn’t get to go to the San Francisco Pen Show due to some unforeseen family events that arose. While disappointing, I needed to be at home and I’m sorry to have missed seeing everyone there! I did publish two new reviews this week: a review of the Platinum Preppy Wa “Modern Maki-e” Fountain Pens, Second Edition, and a review of the Tactile Turn “Vice” Limited Edition pens in both the “Night” and “Day” finishes. (Yes, I bought both of the Tactile Turns and kept one of each Preppy Wa.)

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop - Lamy Studios and A Soft Shop Open!

The new 2024 Lamy Studios are here! I can finally redeem myself for selling my formerly limited Lamy Studio Wild Rubin edition, because this year’s Lamy Studio Royal Red Matte looks quite similar (though perhaps a touch darker, which is great). We also have stock of the Lamy Studio Piano Red, which features the excellent Lamy 14k nib that I consider one of the best sub-$200 gold nibs out there. For those who use the Kindle Scribe, reMarkable tablet or other e-ink device, we’ve restocked the Lamy Safari Twin Pen and Lamy AL-Star pen with the tip suitable for writing on matte-screen devices. (I like these because there is a .38mm tip size option on the Twin Pen, which allows for finer writing than a standard Wacom stylus.) For a full list of new arrivals, check out this week’s Thursday Drops post, which includes some new Roterfaden accessories!

Lamy
Lamy
TWSBI
TWSBI
Anterique
Anterique
Tom's Studio
Tom's Studio

I opened up the shop Friday afternoon and Saturday to local pen club members, Patreon supporters, and those who follow on Instagram in the Nashville area, and it was so much fun talking with everyone who stopped by, as well as validating to see that there is, indeed, demand for one more dedicated pen shop in Nashville! Starting the second week of September or so, we will have regular posted open hours (probably Friday afternoons and Saturdays), and until then keep an eye on the site, the Middle Tennessee Fountain Pen Club Facebook Group, and Instagram for “pop-up” hours. If you’re traveling to the area and would like to stop by, I will of course do visits and sales by appointment so just reach out through the site/e-mail/social media.

It doesn’t look quite as messy anymore - you’ll be seeing some updated photos this week! Check out a current video tour on YouTube.

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

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 either online (or in person, if you’re in the Nashville area)! If you enjoy in-person and virtual meetups and having access to more personal content, the T.G.S. Patreon includes these as well as 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!

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The TWSBI Vac700R in Kyanite Blue (center) is now in stock and available for purchase!

Sunday Reading for August 18, 2024

August 18, 2024
  1. D.C. Show Recap (via Figboot on Pens). David made a great video recap of the D.C. Show, including a shot of that line to the parking lot on Saturday morning!

  2. 2024 D.C. Pen Show (via Rachel’s Reflections). Another epic D.C. Pen Show recap and quite a nice nib haul!

  3. May-August 2024 in Stationery (via A Gathering of Curiosities). I always love reading about this highly curated personal collection and watching it evolve.

  4. YOSEKALAB Two-Month Weekly Planner Review (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). I love open-format planners, and Yoseka’s version experiments with several different layouts.

  5. Tactile Turn Vice (via Figboot on Pens). Yeah, I just ordered both of these. Can’t escape my Florida heritage. I know it’s right before San Francisco but I would be so mad at myself if I missed these.

  6. Anterique “Mach Ball” Brass Edition Ballpoint Pen (via Well-Appointed Desk). Many thanks to Ana for reviewing this pen, and from a lefty’s perspective!

  7. Platinum 3776 Music Nib Fountain Pen Review (via Blake’s Broadcast). Platinum’s music nib has a bit of a cult following, as there are relatively few three-tined music nibs still offered, mainly by Japanese companies.

  8. Paris 2024 Olympics Moleskine Notebooks (via Writing at Large). I didn’t get too into the Olympics this year, with everything going on at the shop, but I would’ve loved to have gotten my hands on these!

  9. Retro 51 Rollerball Conversion Kit (via Well-Appointed Desk). A very cool idea from Retro 51, which allows you to convert your Retro 51 fountain pen into a rollerball that uses fountain pen ink.

  10. Mark’s Tokyo Edge Days Metal Gel Pen Review (via Pen Addict - Sarah). Mark’s Tokyo is known for their unique designs, including the “Days” theme which spans multiple product lines. We carry several of their items in our shop here in the States if you can’t make it to London Graphic Center like Brad!

There's always a use case for more sticky notes!

In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog, I posted a new entry in the “Ask TGS” series, in which I updated my prior thoughts on “planner pens” - meaning those that fit easily into pen slots in planners and notebook systems. I also reviewed the Midori MD “Memo Block” Notepad and the Midori MD A7 Sticky Note Notepads, both of which have been popular items in our shop but which I’d never tested extensively myself until recently.

Slowly, but surely, our retail area is taking shape!

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop: More Store Progress!

This week in the shop, we launched an expansion of the Anterique ballpoint lineup, including mini versions of the standard Anterique ballpoint pens in both the brass edition and the regular acrylic versions. The TWSBI Kyanite Blue Vac700R also arrived, along with a full restock of the TWSBI Swipe fountain pens in most nib sizes. You can check out these new arrivals and more in this week’s Thursday Drop’s post! Also, I did a short video walkthrough of the new location on Instagram. I’ll post more shop content, directions, hours, etc. as we get closer to an official opening - we’re mostly likely still on track for early September.

Midori MD
Midori MD
TWSBI
TWSBI
Anterique
Anterique
Tom's Studio
Tom's Studio

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

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, the T.G.S. Patreon includes these as well as 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!

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Sunday Reading for August 11, 2024

August 11, 2024
  1. Yoseka Stationery Fest (via Inky.Rocks). I’m sure there will be a full recap coming as well, but I was jealously following along with the Stationery Fest attendees in real time.

  2. Tactile Turn Vice Side Click Pen Review (via Pen Addict). Wow. I can’t choose between either of these and I might have to buy both.

  3. …On Pocket Pens (via Dapprman). The number of pens in my collection that can be considered “pocket” or “EDC” has definitely expanded over the past several years.

  4. Waterman Exception “L’Essence Du Bleu” (via Scrively). I acquired my first Exception pen this year at the Chicago Pen Show, and have been thoroughly enjoying it.

  5. Sugar Turtle Studio - Four Ink Reviews (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). Don’t miss out on these Diamine exclusives from Tom’s shop.

  6. All Good Things Must Come to an End (via Goodwriterspens). I’m glad to here that a vintage resource will continue to remain available as a reference.

  7. Takeo Dressco Spica Bond Notebook Review (via Blake’s Broadcast). Spica Bond paper is one of those specialty Japanese papers that you are seeing more and more. This notebook apparently comes in A5 slim.

  8. P.W. Akkerman Voorhout Violet (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). This dusty purple is one of my favorite Akkerman inks.

  9. Coming Soon! Rickshaw x Well-Appointed Desk Pen Cases (via Well-Appointed Desk). I was able to see these in person at the D.C. Pen Show and they look great. I can’t wait for the release.

  10. M670 Grey White: A New Pelikan Souverän Model (via Pelikan’s Perch). A new look for Pelikan with dark PVD trim!

In Case You Missed It…

This week I posted my recap of the 2024 D.C. Pen Show, along with links to online resources from the classes/seminars I held. I haven’t seen many show recaps yet, but that may change as those people attending both the D.C. Pen Show and Stationery Fest return and compare both experiences. On the review side, I reviewed the Kokuyo Mark+ Dual-Tone Highlighters, which have been a key component of my everyday work rotation for a couple of years now.

The Anterique Brass Edition Ballpoint in Navy Blue is one of several sharp-looking new colors.

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

We’re now almost fully moved in to our new space, and it gradually feels like things are getting back to normal! I’ve certainly been thankful for a week at home recovering from D.C. in advance of the San Francisco Pen Show in less than two weeks. In the shop, we have a full restock of Tom’s Studio Lumos Pens (including the new Lumos Brass special edition), as well as the Studio Pocket fountain pens and all of the Tom’s Studio inks. Most standard paper lines have also been restocked, including Nakabayashi and Life Stationery. Finally, we’ve added nearly a dozen new colors of Anterique ballpoints in both standard and brass editions.

Roterfaden
Roterfaden
Tom's Studio Pens
Tom's Studio Pens
Anterique
Anterique
Tom's Studio Inks
Tom's Studio Inks

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

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, the T.G.S. Patreon includes these as well as 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!

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Just a few of the notebook systems we were discussing in the Pen Lounge yesterday!

Sunday Reading for August 4, 2024 (D.C. Pen Show Edition)

August 4, 2024
  1. Pilot Custom 743 - Ranking the Nibs (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). Pilot now offers the full range of specialty nibs to the U.S. market. I hope to bring some of these options to our own shop soon.

  2. Delta Dune…or Is It Duna? (via Figboot on Pens). The old Delta pen company was one of my early favorites when I first got seriously into the hobby. The revived Delta has some interesting designs and I hope to have some time to see their wares today.

  3. On Traveling When Older (via Urban Adventure League). A lot resonated with me in this piece. My style of travel has definitely changed (dare I say “slowed dramatically”) as I’ve gotten older.

  4. Hakase Part II: NJ15A, the Pen (via Dapprman). Part 2 of the Hakase journey - actually receiving the pen!

  5. Pencil Boards? (via Stationery Pizza). Posts that simply pose a question are sometimes fun. Do you use pencil boards? How and where? I have a few but seldom break them out. (On the flip side, I agree the Traveler’s Notebook Brass Clip is an insanely useful accessory.)

  6. Reader Question No. 9: How Long Do You Keep Your Notes (via Analog Office). I tend to hang on to everything that isn’t pure “scrap paper”, especially journals and notebooks that form a snapshot in time.

  7. Ink Omakase: July 2024 (via Inkredible Colours). This is an awesome idea!

  8. Prepping for a Pen Show (via Rachel’s Reflections). I’m not nearly this organized, and my show experiences - especially prep - would definitely improve if I were. I especially like the idea of taking a pre-show nib inventory.

  9. Journaling to Improve Handwriting and for Posterity (via The Postman’s Knock). Journaling can also be a way to practice and improve your handwriting without it feeling like “handwriting practice.”

  10. Stationery Store Day (via Well-Appointed Desk). Many thanks to all of you who supported us this weekend, both in person at the D.C. Pen Show and online! I wasn’t aware Stationery Store Day is a thing, but with Record Store Day, etc., it should be!

In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog I wrote a post about building out a new office, and the various choices I have to make with respect to layout, furniture, and accessories. I also shared my Friday report from the 2024 D.C. Pen Show, and hopefully I will have some time to wander the show today and do a more in-depth report on independent makers and new brands attending the D.C. Show for the first time.

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop - Tokyo Traveler’s Notebooks and the Pen Show Weekend Discount!

This week’s theme was “Restock!” We’ve been running down our stock of heavier items in advance of our move, so that we would be able to have shipments directly delivered to the new space. We now have most of the Traveler’s, Midori MD, and Maruman Mnemosyne restocked and available for purchase, along with newly arrived Traveler’s Notebook “Tokyo” Limited Editions and a new vegan-friendly Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter in black cactus leather.

Also, many thanks to those of you who sat in on my “notebook systems” overview course at the Vanness Pen Lounge in D.C.! For those who missed out on the fun, you can take 10% of most brands using the coupon code PENSHOW10 at checkout (some brand exclusions apply). I’ll be at the D.C. Pen Show until close to closing time, so come see me at the table next to between Vanness and Matthew’s Nib Works.

Roterfaden
Roterfaden
Traveler's Company
Traveler's Company
Platinum
Platinum
Endless
Endless

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, the T.G.S. Patreon includes these as well as 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!

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