Sunday Reading for May 31, 2026

1. 9 Years in the Rabbit Hole (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). Happy penversary to Kimberly! I like this exercise of going back and re-inking the pens that first got you into the hobby.

2. In Memoriam: Platinum Curidas, 2020-2026 (via Pen Addict). I’m honestly surprised the Curidas actually held on this long. It was a decent attempt, but the design never caught on with mainstream fountain pen users.

3. Michael Schur & Joe Posnanski - Big Fan! (via Figboot on Pens). Not necessarily all pen-related, but this was a cool interview for David to get to do.

4. Did I Get Lucky? Gentleman Stationer Mystery Boxes! (via dwrdnet). I always have fun putting these together and watching people react to the unboxing. I will do more of these in the future.

5. I Bought Every Blackwing Pencil So You Don’t Have To (via dwrdnet). I guess the pencil box was successful…. :)

6. Baran’s Pen Sleeves (via UK Fountain Pens). I’ve not seen these before - I love fabric pen sleeves and rolls, especially from small makers with a story behind them.

7. Read on Expiration (via Dime Novel Raven). What will happen to all those journals?

8. My Top 3 3D-Printed Fountain Pens (via SBRE Brown). 3D-printing is never something that’s grabbed me, but you’re starting to see it more and more in the pen space.

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Read more about my visit to the Kakimori Inkstand!

In Case You Missed It…

I’m back from Japan! In the coming week or so I’ll be publishing my trip recaps and sharing my experiences and, of course, all the fun stuff I brought back. I’ve published two recap installments so far, including a pictorial of my trip to Itoya and other shops, as well as a recap of a trip to Kakimori’s Tokyo location that included the custom notebook and custom ink experiences.

OnionBrand A5 leather notebook cover in Olde Walnut.

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

There were lot’s of fun arrivals this week, including the new TWSBI ECO Fluorite Purple + Bronze which sold out in under 8 hours and per TWSBI likely won’t be restocked for a month or so. We’ve also restocked on OnionBrand A5 leather notebook covers in a couple of different finishes, including Olde Walnut and Tanner’s Claret, the reddish-brown hue that was so popular in San Francisco. Finally, we have the new Pilot Custom 845 Urushi in Prussian Blue, and it’s a stunner, as well as additional MD Products Dot Grid A5 notebooks, among other items. Be sure to check out each week’s Thursday Drops post for a full list of new arrivals and restocks!

Our Nashville showroom is open regular hours (Thursday and Friday 1-6pm and Saturday 10am-5pm). Come see these and more in person!

Caran d'Ache

Pilot

Midori and MD Products

Uni

How YOu Can Support us further: Visit Us on Patreon

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.

Holiday Weekend Reading, May 25, 2026 (Japan Edition!)

1. Visit to Traveler’s Factory Airport, Japan (via Inkredible Colours). Funny how I just stopped in here myself! It’s a fun little place to pick up some unique refills and accessories.

2. 2026 Stationery Park Recap (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). Another stationery event that looks well-attended and well-stocked.

3. Obsessed with Show Inks: ChiPS 2026 (via Dime Novel Raven). This year’s Chicago Pen Show seemed like an improvement on recent years, as many vendors I spoke to had a good experience. And of course there are all the show inks…

4. I Tracked Down the Zento Signature Special Edition Only to Swap to a New Ink (via dwrdnet). It’s interesting to read about preferences, because I strongly prefer the Zento refill to the Uni One. You also can’t find these anywhere, including Tokyo.

5. 26 Pens in Under 26 Minutes: My Diplomat Pens Family (via Inkdependence). Diplomat pens are reliable writers, and Mike has quite the collection.

6. Tour of Papier Plume, New Orleans Stationery and Pen Store (via Feed Your Creativity). Papier Plume is one of my favorite U.S. stationery destinations, and a must-visit if you are ever in New Orleans.

7. Magna Carta Truflex Gold Nib (via Inky.Rocks). I have seen what these Magna Carta Truflex nibs can do and the results seem impressive. I may try to get my hands on one at an upcoming pen show (D.C. or San Francisco).

8. TaG Submarine Ballpoint (via Figboot on Pens). These TaG pens have caught my eye more than once. Now I just have to try one.

9. Dicey Journaling (via From the Pen Cup). More fun journaling ides with Mary! I have a set of these dice and may give this a whirl.

10. Mini Photo Printer Comparison for Journaling (via Well-Appointed Desk). I took my Canon Ivy with me to Japan, and have generally been pleased given how I use this piece of gear.

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Just wait until you read my recap of the Kakimori Ink Stand experience!

In Case You Missed It…

I’m in Japan! This past week I haven’t had too much time to post trip updates, other than my Travel Day status update, and a pictorial recap from Days 2 and 3 (where I bought a LOT of stationery right out of the gate). Stay tuned for additional recaps this week, including my visit to Kakimori Tokyo and the custom notebook and custom ink stand experiences.

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop: Don’t Miss the Memorial Day Sale!

This year’s annual holiday weekend sale will snag you 10% off most brands of ink and paper using “TOKYO10” at checkout. We’ve also received the new Lamy Safaris in Neon Pink and Neon Yellow, as well as over 1000 Zebra Sarasa Clip gel pens, Pilot Frixions, and more.

Our Nashville showroom is open regular hours (Thursday and Friday 1-6pm and Saturday 10am-5pm) during my absence. Please be patient if we do take a bit longer to respond to e-mails and social media inquiries due to travel.

Zebra

Tono & Lims

Craft Design Technology

Pilot Metropolitan

How YOu Can Support us further: Visit Us on Patreon

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.

Sunday Reading for May 17, 2026

1. TGS Mystery Box May 2026 - What Did I Get? (via dwrdnet). Derek unboxes the first Curated Box of 2026! As a note, the box shown in this video is one of the curated stationery boxes that we do every few months through our Patreon program, which are distinct from the Mystery boxes we currently have on offer in our clearance section.

2. At the Swap Meet (via Typewriter Revolution). A fun event for typewriter enthusiasts, as people thin out their collections.

3. Unplug and Get Off Grid For a While: Tactile Turn’s Newest Seasonal Design Pen (via Inkdependence). Since I’m going on Japan, I need to be on a no-buy for the next three days, but this one is hard to resist. Maybe when I get back….

4. The Pen Is Mightier Than the Sword…the Conway Stewart Indiana Jones (via Figboot on Pens). I typically dislike movie collaboration as well - just not my thing - but this one is well-executed.

5. Video Review: Pilot Custom Heritage 91 (via Scrively). Did an orange Custom Heritage 91 just go on my Japan shopping list?

6. What’s in the Bag for Stationery Park? (via Pen Addict). Kimberly’s off to another stationery show adventure and show’s us what she’s bringing along. I love a good bag dump video.

7. Pen Show Schedule - Updated! (via Well-Appointed Desk). Ana runs what is probably the most comprehensive pen show calendars on the internet. I agree with her point that there really is no “pen show season” anymore - there’s something happening year-round!

8. Platinum Classic Lavender Black Ink Review (via Pen Addict). The Platinum “Classic” series are some of the more interesting inks out there by virtue of the fact that they contain iron gall, which as Sarah points out allows them to be both permanent and shade.

In Case You Missed It…

It’s been busy around here getting ready for what I hope is an epic two weeks away! This past week we released Episode 9 of On The Paper Trail, which includes a discussion of the On The Paper Trail Live Event that will take place in Nashville October 16-18. (Tickets are now on sale and hotel information is also live.) I spent most of yesterday on back-office matters, including updating a new “Events” page that contains information on which pen shows and other events we will be attending for the rest of the year.

This Week in The T.G.S. Curated Shop (And Last Call for Mystery Boxes)

Our goal for this week was to get all of our inventory backlog processed before I’m out of the country, so that my colleagues don’t have to deal in my absence. :) In addition to the new Lamy Safaris in Neon Yellow and Neon Pink, we now have Pilot Metropolitan fountain pens, rollerballs, and ballpoints, the entire lineup of Zebra Sarasa Clip gel pens, new Lochby 6-ring binders, and a whole lot more! Finally, all mystery boxes will be removed from the shop this evening at 5pm CT. Last Call!

Be sure to check out each week’s Thursday Drops post for a full list of the new arrivals, and these posts will continue for the next two weeks since I’m on a work trip, not vacation.

Kaweco

Lochby

Craft Design Technology

Zebra Sarasa

As a reminder, the online store will continue to be open with orders shipping regularly, and our Nashville showroom will remain open regular hours (Thursday and Friday 1-6pm and Saturday 10am-5pm) during my absence. Please be patient if we do take a bit longer to respond to e-mails and social media inquiries due to travel.

How YOu Can Support us further: Visit Us on Patreon

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.

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.