Midori MD Cotton Paper is one of my favorite all-purpose options, including for letter writing.

Shop Update: Paper for Letter Writing

March 22, 2022

Even though I failed to get my act together in time to participate in NaNoWriMo last month, I’ve tried to do better with my letter writing, especially now that I have access to a ready stream of paper that’s more appropriate for casual letter writing. I’ve never been one for dedicated “stationery sets,” other than correspondence cards that people have sent me over the years, preferring to rely on standard writing pads that offer more writing space. (Hey, when I do write letters, they tend to be longer.) If you’ve ever received a letter from me, you’ll know that I prefer three types of paper: Clairefontaine Triomphe, Midori MD Cotton, and standard 52gsm Tomoe River paper (which is currently hard to source due to manufacturing changes). What do I like about these specific papers? They’re all “standard” enough to be both readily available and reasonably priced, while still maintaining that classic “vintage stock” feel that’s nicer than a standard legal pad, for both the writer and the recipient.

We’re happy to carry most of these papers in the shop, along with a few other quirky options.

Clairefontaine Triomphe

Available in both blank and lined formats, I would call Clairefontaine Triomphe my workhorse letter-writing paper of choice, since it’s both readily available, inexpensive, and ink-friendly. I love that it’s sold in bound writing pads, so you can use it for general writing and notetaking as well as correspondence. Available now in both A4 and A5 sizes, starting at only $5 USD.

Midori MD Writing Pads (MD Cotton and MD Standard)

If you favor more absorbent paper than Clairefontaine, or if you sometimes enjoy using pencils to write your letters, Midori MD Writing Pads are an excellent option. The unlined MD Cotton Paper has the best overall feel of any writing paper out there (in my opinion) and my only regret is that they don’t make it with a ruling. At the end of the day, I’ve simply adapted to using unlined paper. As I’ve mentioned before Midori MD pads are excellent for letter writing, and they can pull double-duty as a desk pad since they are bound on two sides and can be turned into a landscape orientation to fit beneath a keyboard. Available in both A4 and A5 sizes, starting at $10 for MD Cotton and $12 for standard Midori MD.

Life Noble Note and Bank Paper

While Japanese Stationery Company “Life” sits outside the stationery mainstream, receiving less attention than peers like Midori, many people find their paper equally as good and it’s developed a cult following. Their “Noble Note” 100-sheet writing pads come in blank, lined, and grid rulings. Personally, I find Life’s standard paper to behave closest to standard Midori MD, though perhaps with a bit more texture? If you favor toothier, more absorbent paper, check out their heavier, vintage-style Bank Paper. Available in A4 size, starting at $26 for a 100-sheet pad of Noble Note, and $28 for a 100-sheet pad of Bank Paper.

WMS & Co. ColorPads

Though color-coated paper is extremely hit or miss with fountain pens, I’ve had a lot of fun lately sending notes on the ColorPads from WMS & Co, mainly using ballpoint pen and pencil. (Colored Pencil looks exceptionally good on the grey paper.) I have one of the “Large Square” ColorPads on my desk at work, which I use for both taking notes and sending professional correspondence (thank-yous, cover notes, etc.). The best part is that all of the WMS & Co desk pads contain a minimum of 185 sheets of paper, so they’ll basically last forever. Available from $25.

WMS & Co makes writing pads in a variety of shapes and sizes. I’ve been using the large square ones (center) for work cover notes and casual correspondence.

Disclaimer: The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of all brands shown here. The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

Pencils in Various Hardnesses + Accessories

Shop Update: Grades of Graphite, from 6B to F

March 8, 2022

Headed into 2022, one stationery niche I wanted to be sure continued to thrive was graphite, and that pencil lovers continued to have an outlet to purchase pencils in all grades of graphite, both individually and by the dozen or in a set. We recently filled out our selection of pencils on offer in The Curated Shop, and now feature a range of high-end pencils from multiple brands in hardnesses ranging anywhere from 6B to F.

On the darker end of the scale, we offer pencils in the 6B to 3B range, including a pencil set from Midori MD that features five different pencils in 6B, 4B, 2B, B, and HB hardnesses, along with pencil caps and a sharpener. Fans of softer graphite may also want to check out the Tombow Mono and Mitsubishi Hi-Uni, both of which are available in the dark-but-still-usable 2B and B grades, as well as the 3B Caran d’Ache Edelweiss. We’ve recently added the Tombow 2558 in “B”, so there’s now a darker option to this everyday workhorse.

Pencils-Behind- — A little behind-the-scenes look at our pencil shelf!

As mentioned above, nearly all of our pencils are available individually or by the dozen, in addition to a handful of pencil sampler or gift sets from Midori and Caran d’Ache and, of course, erasers and sharpeners. Visit the T.G.S. Curated Shop to check out the full range, along with our curated selection of pens, paper, and desk and reading accessories.

The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by reader contributions and purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and the T.G.S. Patreon Program, which offers access to online meetups, exclusive discounts and pre-orders, and more! The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of TWSBI and all other brands stocked.

Thursday Drops: New Arrivals Throughout the Redesigned Curated Shop!

February 24, 2022

We recently redesigned our entire online shop in order to make it easier to navigate and to give ourselves room to grow by bringing even more exceptional stationery products on board. This past few weeks have seen a dramatic expansion of our selection of woodcase pencils and pencil accessories, as well as a new notebook and case system from Lochby. Be sure to check out these and more!

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of WMS + Co. and other brands we stock. By shopping with us directly, you are supporting original content, pen reviews, pen show events, etc. from The Gentleman Stationer. If you would like to support us even further, please consider checking out the T.G.S. Patreon Program, which offers access to online meetups, exclusive discounts and pre-orders, and more!

Curated Pens & Pencils

Mitsubishi Hi-Uni Pencils. Often regarded as one of the best woodcase pencils on the market, the Mitsubishi Hi-Uni is now available in 2B, B, F, and HB grades, both individually and by the dozen.
Tombow MONO 100 Pencils. The similarly high-end Tombow MONO 100 is a favorite of writers and artists, also stocked in 2B, B, F, and HB grades and sold individually and by the dozen.
Erasers! Those of us who know the frustration of having a crappy eraser stuck to our wood pencil can appreciate a quality stand-alone rubber eraser. We now stock Tombow erasers suitable for multiple scenarios, from the general purpose Tombow MONO to the MONO Light (suitable for delicate papers), to the Dust Catch, to the MONO Sand Eraser.

In addition to the notebook systems discussed below, we’ve recently aded the Soumkine Universal Planner to the Shop!

Curated Paper & Notebook Systems

Lochby Notebooks and Cases. Made from vegan-friendly waxed canvas, the Lochby series of notebooks and cases include the A5-sized “Field Journal”, the smaller “Pocket Journal”, as well as the Quattro four-pen case and Tool Roll (which of course can also hold pens and a wide variety of writing instruments). The Field Journal and Pocket Journal each ship with 68gsm Tomoe River refills, which are standard A5 and pocket sized and can be used in any other compatible notebook cover or system.
Midori MD Notebooks and Paper. One of the most popular Japanese notebook systems on the market, and for good reason: Midori makes a versatile range of notebooks, notebook covers, writing pads, and accessories such as Diary Stickers and Sticky Memo Pads (recently added!). For those looking for something a bit more traditional and open-format than Traveler’s Notebook.
Traveler’s Notebook. We have the full range of Traveler’s Notebook Covers, Refills, and Accessories in stock, including all of the Standard MD Paper Refills, Specialty Paper Refills (including Tomoe River “Lightweight Paper”), and the “B-Sides and Rarities” collection. If you’re interested in learning more about Traveler’s Notebooks, check out this post on how I’ve set mine up, as well as this post showing how to connect multiple refills and accessories inside the cover.

Curated Desk & Reading Accessories

I’m a person of many interests, and many hobbies, and while pens and ink are first and foremost my main distraction in what little spare time I still have, reading is a close No. 2. For that reason, when we set out to form The Curated Shop, I knew that it would always stock a healthy selection of bookmarks, book stands, and related desk accessories such as desk trays and even hourglasses. If you spend any time at all in The Curated Shop, be sure to check out this section, which as always been my personal favorite.

Curated Washi Tape and Enamel Pins

I’m currently working on expanding our selection of interesting washi tapes and enamel pins, and I absolutely love this product category because it offers a fun and inexpensive way to express yourself at the office and at home in your notebooks and journal.

Thursday Drops: New Reading Accessories from WMS + Co.!

February 17, 2022

This past week we updated the T.G.S. Curated Shop’s main page in a way that I hope makes it easier to navigate while also creating room to grow our various categories, including our selection of curated desk and reading accessories! This week we’re pleased to offer a selection of high-end bookmarks from WMS + Co., in your choice of sterling silver, bronze, and copper. All of these make exceptional gifts, whether it’s a mid-winter pick-me-up for yourself or a gift for someone else. In addition to the official “Reading and Desk Accessories”, many of our writing instruments and notebook systems offer products that pull double duty,

In my humble opinion, everybody needs their own “ex libris” stamp.

Editor’s Note: Reading Accessories strike me as a neglected product category across the board. I’m not aware of many stores that stock items of interest to readers of physical books, and it’s one of the areas of the shop I’d like to grow. If you have favorite products that are hard for you to find and would like me to look into, I’d appreciate it if you’d drop me a comment or an e-mail through the Contact link.

WMS + Co. Corner Page Markers. These bronze and copper corner bookmarks are surprisingly light, slipping easily over the corner of your page to mark your spot in your novel or journal. Currently available in both bronze and copper, with sterling silver on the way.
WMS + Co. Sterling Silver Page Points. We personally use all of the products that we stock in our Desk and Reading Accessories section (it’s how we curate, after all), and this set of three Sterling Silver Page Points is one of a handful of products that sees use every day. I keep two of them in the devotional books I read every morning, and a third in my current book-in-progress.
WMS + Co. Sterling Silver Page Markers. Looking for a slightly larger, more traditional bookmark? These Sterling Page Markers ship as a set of two.
WMS + Co. Bronze Octagonal Rubber Stamp. All of WMS + Co’s high-end rubber stamps come with a voucher that allows you to order your customization for no additional charge. While many people might opt for a letterhead stamp or professional credential, I chose a custom personal library stamp. (Because who actually gets rid of their books, right?) This heavy bronze stamp is cast from an antique version.
WMS + Co. “Philosophical” Hand Stamps. Jazz up your journals and written correspondence with your favorite quote. (Some are more work-friendly than others.) We also sell re-inkable stamp pads, which are not included.
Hightide Co. Folding Metal Book Stand. One of the original products that started the Curated Shop, and still a best seller. (Seriously, some people order like four of these at a time, and I get it, because you can use these in various places around your home, whether on your desk as a book, notebook, or pad holder, in the kitchen as a cookbook holder, or even as a stand to display larger artwork or photographs.
Caran d’Ache Editing Pencils in Red/Graphite and Highlighter/Graphite. A personal favorite that’s never far from my side when I’m working or reading, these Caran d’Ache double-ended pencils are infinitely practical. Sold individually or by the dozen.
Traveler’s Company Brass Ruler and Brass Template Bookmarks. The Traveler’s Company Brass Ruler and template bookmarks are best sellers, whether you use them as a straightedge or just a handy bookmark that can pull double-duty when necessary.
Traveler’s Company Brass Number Clips. Mark multiple places in your research volume, or turn your notebook into a multi-subject by creating sections with these brass clips from Traveler’s Company.
Traveler’s Company Brass Clip. Another “daily user” for me, which can serve double duty as a clip to hold open your Traveler’s Notebook or other journal while you write, or a book while you read.

Lochby 68gsm Tomoe River Refills — 68gsm Tomoe River Paper is back!

Curated Shop Update: A Shop Redesign and Lochby Cases + Notebooks!

February 15, 2022

Over the past weekend I took care of something that was a long time coming, and redesigned the shop in a way that not only makes it more navigable but provides some much needed room to grow in a way that’s not cluttered and confusing. Going forward, the T.G.S. Curated Shop will have four main product pages: Pens and Pencils (+ Refills), Curated Paper + Notebook Systems, Curated Desk + Reading Accessories, and Washi Tape + Enamel Pins. You can check out the new shop landing page here, which breaks everything out by both section and brand.

Introducing Lochby Cases + Notebooks

Also, please join me in welcoming Lochby to the Curated Shop, with their full range of notebook covers and pen cases made from durable, vegan-friendly waxed canvas! The current lineup includes the Lochby Field Journal, an open-sided notebook case/organizer capable of holding up to six slim A5 refills using a combination of front and back cover slots and four elastic cords. The Lochby Pocket Journal is a zippered case that holds up to two 3.5” x 5.5” pocket notebooks, along with cards, etc. (It will also fit a passport.) Both the Field Journal and the Pocket Notebook ship with one 72-page Lochby refill, which contains fountain-pen-friendly 68gsm Tomoe River Paper, with additional refills available for purchase separately. The Field Journal refills are available in Dot Grid, Lined, Plain, and Planner (6 months) rulings, while the Pocket Journal refills are available in Dot Grid, Lined, and Plain versions.

Lochby also makes two dedicated pen cases: the Quattro four-pen case (which actually holds four-plus pens if you use the outer slots), and the Lochby Tool Roll, which can be used to hold anything from pens to bike tools to art supplies to whatever you might want to carry around with you. My favorite aspects of the Quattro are the offset pen slots that prevent unnecessary contact between pens when the case is closed, and a soft liner, both of which help protect against scratching.

The entire Lochby lineup is attractively priced, especially given the quality, ranging from $39-$59 for the various cases, $8.99 for the A5 Tomoe River notebook, and $5.99 for the Tomoe River pocket notebook. You can check them out here, along with the rest of our carefully curated selection of products.

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of Lochby and other brands we stock. By shopping with us directly, you are supporting original content, pen reviews, pen show events, etc. from The Gentleman Stationer. If you would like to support us even further, please consider checking out the T.G.S. Patreon Program, which offers access to online meetups, exclusive discounts and pre-orders, and more!