Sunday Reading for May 10, 2026

1. Teranishi Guitar Taisho Roman Haikara Antique Black (via Inkdependence). I love unique blacks, especially those that aren’t really black. :)

2. Sometimes It Need Simplicity (via Dime Novel Raven). Every once in a while you just need to pare back the carry, especially with things like notebooks.

3. Interview with Rich of River City Pens (via dwrdnet). Derek interviews Rich from River City - it’s always interesting to hear from the makers directly!

4. Venvstas Calibro 8 (via Figboot on Pens). Yes, Venvstas is still at it. All of these pens have a distinctive design, which isn’t really my style.

5. Would I Buy Them Again? Take 2 (via Rachel’s Reflections). This is an interesting exercise - looking at all the pens in your collection, would you do it all over again? I’m probably about 70/30 yes/no.

6. A3 Doodle Project - April 2026 (via Fountain Pen Love). A really cool idea here - I love the idea of oversized doodles, especially with inks that shimmer and sheen.

7. Onoto Scholar Fountain Pen (via SBRE Brown). On the smaller side compared to other Onoto pens, I’ve found the Scholar to be an excellent writer and a good introduction to this brand.

8. What’s Left Behind (via From the Pen Cup). Another great post from Mary - do use your stash, but still save everything.

9. Eleven Lines of Fury (via Pete Denison). Eventually I’ll collect all these posts on journaling techniques.

10. Journal Your Way: Five Tips to Recharge Your Journaling (via Well-Appointed Desk). About midway through the year is when my journaling can tend to fall off. This post has some great ways to mix things up and make journaling interesting again.

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In Case You Missed It…

This week I reviewed the Pilot FA nib on the Custom 743 - a specialty Pilot nib that’s become a favorite writer even though it’s not the “flex” nib that many expect. I also dropped the first installment of my “Japan” series, since I will be traveling internationally for two weeks at the end of the month! In this post I talk about travel strategy and packing for at trip where I’m almost certainly coming back with more than I leave with.

This Week in the TGS Curated Shop

Wow, where do I start? This week we dropped a dozen or so new inks from Tono & Lims, which are selling quite rapidly and I’m thrilled to know that so many of you are enjoying them. There are some gorgeous multi-shaders in this shipment, as well as the full contingent of Bechorium series inks! Yesterday we also added the Pilot Metropolitan fountain pens in most colors and all three nib sizes, including the CM (cursive medium) nib. Finally, we have the Lochby Field Binder, a 6-ring binder in waxed canvas and three different sizes: A5, A6, and A7. (A6 and A7 roughly correspond to Bible and Mini on the Japanese scale.) Be sure to check out each week’s Thursday drops post for a full list of new arrivals and restocks.

This week we will be open regular hours, 1-6pm Thursday and Friday, and from 10-5pm Saturdays. We will remain open while I’m traveling later this month, as I have a great team to help me keep everything running smoothly!

Lochby Binders

Kaweco Ballpoints/Rollerballs

Tono & Lims

Lochby Cases

How YOu Can Support us further: AND SAVE THE DATE FOR OCTOBER 16-18, 2026 for On The paper Trail Live in Nashville!

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 special promotions, consider supporting us via Patreon. In addition to exclusive content, Discord access, and online meetups, Patreon supporters have access to one or more initial “practice” episodes of “On the Paper Trail” which have not been publicly released. Also, as we noted in our most recent episode, we are planning an On The Paper Trail Weekend Event in Nashville the weekend of October 16-18, 2026! Stay tuned as we plan to release additional details in the coming weeks.

Sunday Reading for May 3, 2026

1. The TRAVELER’S 20th Anniversary Card Size Notebook Might Replace My Plotter Mini 5 (via dwrdnet). I’ve been carrying my own card-size notebook as a wallet, and do prefer it to the Mini 5 for that purpose. We’ll see how it holds up over time.

2. My Final William Hannah Unboxing (via Inkdependence). I’m so sorry to hear they are closing! Support those businesses you want to see succeed, because this is hard. WH offered a premium disc-bound notebook systems.

3. Lamy Noto Teal Ballpoint Pen Review (via Pen Addict). The Lamy Noto is an underrated ballpoint pen that delivers quality at a good price point. (Plus, you can pair it with the Lamy x Jetstream M17 refill….)

4. New Urushi: Wet & Wise Infinity Eight (via Figboot on Pens). David always manages to locate those smaller companies with unique offerings!

5. Benu Movie Star Fountain Pen (via Inky.Rocks). The Benu Haute line has caught my attention! While most of this line still has the signature Benu “flash”, but it’s somewhat understated in comparison with their other offerings.

6. Col-o-dex Update: 3 Years In (via Olive Octopus). Lisa swatches a lot of ink! Here she shows how she developed her process over time.

7. Emerging from Hibernation (via From the Pen Cup). “Harvesting for pencils” gets me every time.

In Case You Missed It….

This week we released Episode 8 of On The Paper Trail, where we checked in on our 2026 Planner and Notebook systems and talked about what’s working, what might not be working, and what needs to change. We also discuss additional details of our upcoming October event (Nashville, October 16-18!) and a trip to Japan we’re taking later this month. Yesterday I also published a T.G.S. 12th Anniversary Post discussing how my personal carry has changed over time, as I dump out my two current pen cases and walk through what I have inked up and how I use them. If you missed the earlier T.G.S. Anniversary posts, I previously discussed this year’s updates to the “Best Pens” list, as well as a post on 5 Fountain Pens Everyone Should Experience.

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

Well, the BIG news from this past week was the release of the TWSBI ECO Rootbeer + Bronze fountain pens, which sold very quickly to the point where we may only have a single pen left as of the time of this post. We also received a huge box of Craft Design Technology products, including the new CDT x Pilot Frixion Highlighters, additional Frixion3 Multi Pens, and the CDT x NJK Pencil Sharpener Collaboration. Be sure to check out each week’s Thursday Drops post for up to date information on new releases and restocks, as well as other shop announcements.

Stop by our Nashville Shop and see these and more this week, in addition to shopping online. We are open from 1-6pm Thursday and Friday, and from 10am-6pm on Saturday.

Uni EMOTT

Platinum Preppy Black

Zebra Mildliners

Taccia Ink

How YOu Can Support us further: AND SAVE THE DATE FOR OCTOBER 16-18, 2026 for On The paper Trail Live in Nashville!

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 special promotions, consider supporting us via Patreon. In addition to exclusive content, Discord access, and online meetups, Patreon supporters have access to one or more initial “practice” episodes of “On the Paper Trail” which have not been publicly released. Also, as we noted in yesterday’s post, we are planning an On The Paper Trail Weekend Event in Nashville the weekend of October 16-18, 2026! Stay tuned as we plan to release additional details in the coming weeks.

Sunday Reading for April 26, 2026

1. Letter Writing Essentials: What’s In My Complete Setup (via dwrdnet). Derek shows off his letter writing kit, including typewriters.

2. Sunken Treasure? The Eagle Pen Co. Shipwreck (via Figboot on Pens). That’s some crazy patina on those pens, and a great example of some of the unusual stuff you can find at pen shows.

3. Fabriano Ecoqua Original Notebook Review (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). It’s been some time since I’ve used Fabriano paper but this seems quite serviceable for everyday writing.

4. Filofax Stores (via Philofaxy). A bit nostalgic because I definitely remember all of those Filofax displays.

5. Bloggiversary IX (via Weirdoforest Pens). Congratulations on the bloggiversary! It doesn’t matter how frequently you post as long as blogs are still there. (Plus I love the Lavender Fog shoutout to the Soft FM Nib.)

6. Ink Review #2905: Colorverse Rainy Day (via Mountain of Ink). I’ve enjoyed exploring the Joy in the Ordinary inks from Colorverse, which branch outside their usual “Space” theme.

7. Rickshaw Leigh Reyes Limited Edition Sinclair R (via Pen Addict - Sarah). I’ve had one of these Sinclair cases for years and absolutely love the artwork. One of my favorite limited Rickshaw collaborations.

8. Kaweco DIY Glow-in-the-Dark (via Well-Appointed Desk). Kaweco is doing a “glow model” sport for this year’s DIY events. As an FYI, we’ll be hosting the Kaweco DIY machine in October, both in shop and at our On The Paper Trail Event in Nashville October 16-18.

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In Case You Missed It… It’s the T.G.S. 12th Anniversary!

It’s hard to believe The Gentleman Stationer has been around for 12 Years! This week I updated the Best Pens recommendations page for 2026 - an annual event that occurs around our “bloggiversary”. I also published a piece on Wednesday with my thoughts on 5 pens that I think all fountain pen enthusiasts - and especially those looking to get into pens - should experience at some point.

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

We’ve been busy unpacking our latest shipments from Japan, including new inks from Taccia and Teranishi, “Juice” series gel pens from Pilot featuring the new “Synergy Tip,” and as of yesterday, a restock of products from Craft Design Technology, including pens, paper, and accessories such as the CDT Pentel Tradio, their signature green memo pads, and more memo roll sticky notes! Be sure and check out each week’s “Drops” post for the latest news on arrivals, restocks, and more.

Stop by our Nashville Shop and see these and more this week, in addition to shopping online. We are open from 1-6pm Thursday and Friday, and from 10am-6pm on Saturday.

Teranishi Ink

Craft Design Technology

Pentel

Pilot Pens

How YOu Can Support us further: AND SAVE THE DATE FOR OCTOBER 16-18, 2026 for On The paper Trail Live in Nashville!

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 special promotions, consider supporting us via Patreon. In addition to exclusive content, Discord access, and online meetups, Patreon supporters have access to one or more initial “practice” episodes of “On the Paper Trail” which have not been publicly released. Also, as we noted in yesterday’s post, we are planning an On The Paper Trail Weekend Event in Nashville the weekend of October 16-18, 2026! Stay tuned as we plan to release additional details in the coming weeks.

Sunday Reading for April 19, 2026

1. My 2026 Atlanta Pen Show Haul (via Inkdependence). I love a good pen show haul unboxing video, and Mike delivers on this unboxing of his Atlanta Pen Show finds.

2. Hakase JG10A (via UK Fountain Pens). I’ve seen these pens in person, and yes, the craftsmanship may justify the wait list.

3. Leonardo + Stilo e Stile Poliedrica Desert Night (via Figboot on Pens). Leonardo is getting in on the semi-triangular fountain pen game. Not sure how I feel about this particular design going mainstream.

4. Hexagonal Fountain Pens (via dwrdnet). Many people appreciate hexagonal fountain pens for the grip, which mimics a traditional woodcase pencil.

5. My Bag (and What’s in It) (via SBRE Brown). I love seeing a good bag dump video, and I’m also partial to bags with lots of compartments and pockets, both internal and external.

6. I Forgot My Sketchbook at Work (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). I forgot a set of pens at work - or at least thought I did - and ended up caving to go in on the weekend and look for them. Couldn’t take it.

7. Back on the Swatch Wagon (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). I’m working through a boatload of swatches myself this weekend, and sort of rediscovered that it’s a great way to unwind at the end of the day, even if it is sort of a work project for me.

In Case You Missed It….

The big news this week was the release of Episode 7 of On the Paper Trail, when Lisa and I managed to get back in the studio after a few weeks on the road to discuss our favorite underappreciated stationery. We each select a handful of items/brands from three categories (pens, paper, and ink) and discuss why we like each one. On Saturday I took a look at the Pilot Juice Up and Juice Plus gel pens, both of which feature Pilot’s “Synergy Tip” - a hybrid pen that combines the precision of a needle-point with the smoothness of a conical tip.

Yes, there are now 8 new Taccia inks that you can choose from!

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop - Gel Pens and Yes, More Taccia Inks!

If you haven’t guessed, we recently received a massive shipment of gel pens, inks, and mechanical pencils direct from Japan. We now have additional Uni Zentos, Pilot Juice+ and Juice Ups, Uni Jetstream standard ballpoint and multi pens, and the excellent double-ended Kire-Na Highlighters. On the paper side, we’ve added new letter writing sets from Belle & Union, and we’ve completely restocked on paper from Kobeha (including Graphilo and some inexpensive iiro Bible-size 6-ring refills). Be sure to check out each week’s Thursday Drops post for a full listing of all new arrivals and restocks.

Stop by our Nashville Shop and see these and more this week, in addition to shopping online. We are open from 1-6pm Thursday and Friday, and from 10am-6pm on Saturday.

Pilot Juice+

Uni Kuru Togas

Kobeha/Graphilo

Belle & Union

How YOu Can Support us further: AND SAVE THE DATE FOR OCTOBER 16-18, 2026 for On The paper Trail Live in Nashville!

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 special promotions, consider supporting us via Patreon. In addition to exclusive content, Discord access, and online meetups, Patreon supporters have access to one or more initial “practice” episodes of “On the Paper Trail” which have not been publicly released. Also, as we noted in yesterday’s post, we are planning an On The Paper Trail Weekend Event in Nashville the weekend of October 16-18, 2026! Stay tuned as we plan to release additional details in the coming weeks.

Sunday Reading for April 12, 2026

1. 2026 San Francisco Stationery Fest Recap (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). An epic recap of an event that featured some of the best after-hours events that I’ve experienced at any sort of pen or stationery event. Karaoke, anyone?

2. USPS Shipping Updates (via Vanness1938). An important update for everyone to hear as it doesn’t just apply to Vanness - it applies to everyone. Shipping delays are endemic right now with slow delivery times, missed pick-ups, and missing packages. These aren’t just affecting customer orders but our own attempts to restock and get additional inventory.

3. 2026 Atlanta Pen Show (via Olive Octopus). I missed Atlanta this year due to a conflict with another event, but hopefully will be able to catch up with everyone next year. Many thanks to Lisa for running the shop (almost certainly better than I can) in my absence.

4. Interview with Richard Polt Author of the Typewriter Revolution (via dwrdnet). I’ve played witness to Derek’s emerging interest in typewriters over the last year or so, and this is a great opportunity to hear from one of the luminaries in the typewriter community.

5. “Planner Reset” (via Philofaxy). Personally, while I make tweaks to my planner/notebook “system” (loosely defined) throughout the year, I try to limit complete resets to year-end unless something is absolutely not working.

6. Visit to Bungu no Mori in Osaka, Japan (via Inkredible Colours). Since I’ll be visiting Osaka in late May, early June, I’ve added this one to the list!

7. Pelikan Edelstein Pyrite Ink Review (via Pen Addict). A step too far into the shimmer, perhaps?

8. Moving from a Franken-Bujo to a Wonderland222 Planner (via Well-Appointed Desk). I’ve really enjoyed my Wonderland222 Planner this year and find it to be one of the more versatile layouts in either the undated or dated formats.

9. What Would You Put in Your PPK (via Well-Appointed Desk). What would you bring along if you were only allowed a box the size of a relatively slim A5 notebook?

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In Case You Missed It….

While I always enjoy traveling to pen shows (and stationery fests!), I’m usually glad to get back to my writing routine! This week I compared two popular multi-pen systems: the Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto and the Uni Style-Fit, which is somewhat timely given that I took both with me to San Francisco and their appearance at the table prompted a lot of questions that needed answering. I also wrote a post offering my hands-on impressions of the Uni Zento Signature, a coveted “it” pen that’s received much attention on the stationery intranets over the past year or two and unfortunately remains largely unavailable. It’s a nice pen, and a great EDC option, but I may actually prefer the mid-tier Zento Flow for longer writing sessions due to how the pens balance in my hand.

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I think I forgot to mention this week we have all sorts of new washi tapes from Papier Platz (including the Eric Small Things collaboration tapes), plus new tapes from Oeda Letterpress.

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

We’ve fully restocked on select models of the Uni Zento, the Uni Jetstream Prime and Prime 3 Multi Pens, and Kuru Toga and Mono Shaker mechanical pencils! We also finished listing our recent restock of Midori paper, including Soft Color staple and spiral notebooks, and new MD Product (formerly Midori MD) notebooks in dot grid rulings beyond A5! Check out each week’s Thursday Drops posts for a full list of new arrivals and restocks.

Our Nashville Shop will be open this week for normal hours, from 1-6pm on Thursday and Friday and from 10am-6pm on Saturday. Please come by and see these products and more in-person!

Midori Paper

Herbin

Tombow

Uni

How YOu Can Support us further: AND SAVE THE DATE FOR OCTOBER 16-18, 2026 for On The paper Trail Live in Nashville!

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 special promotions, consider supporting us via Patreon. In addition to exclusive content, Discord access, and online meetups, Patreon supporters have access to one or more initial “practice” episodes of “On the Paper Trail” which have not been publicly released. Also, as we noted in yesterday’s post, we are planning an On The Paper Trail Weekend Event in Nashville the weekend of October 16-18, 2026! Stay tuned as we plan to release additional details in the coming weeks.