Thursday Drops: Tombow Airpress, New Nahvalur Rose Gold Original Plus Pens, and More!

February marks the end of “recovery from the Holidays” season and the beginning of “New Release/Prep-for-Pen-Shows” season. I spent the past few days at trade shows. in NYC, and there is so much good stuff coming in addition to what is arriving every day. This week saw the release of the Nahvalur Original Plus Lovina Graphite and Matira Quartz, new versions of the rose gold-trimmed Original Plus limited editions from last year. We also have the Ruby Koi Nautilus, Uni Jetstream Edge ballpoints fresh from Japan, and our first “write-anywhere” pen, the Tombow Airpress!

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This material was incredibly difficult to photograph accurately (especially the black) but I was able to highlight some of the sparkles here. For additional detail, check out this YouTube Short I just posted - video is easier.

Finally, we know that it’s InCoWriMo - we didn’t forget! - so be sure to check out the InCoWriMo section of the Curated Shop if you need to stock up on letter writing supplies. InCoWriMo is also a great time to use up Washi Tape, stickers, and other supplies!

The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

1. Nahvalur Original Plus Lovina Graphite and Matira Quartz. Nahvalur has released a new version of the highly successful Lovina/Matira Original Plus pens, featuring two new resins with slightly different hues and added chatoyance.

2. Nahvalur Original Plus Lovina Black and Matira White (Limited Edition Version). We still have remaining stock of last year’s Original Plus “Lovina Black” and “Matira White,” if the newer resins aren’t your thing! Only two or three pens remain, I believe.

3. Nahvalur Nautilus “Ruby Koi” Limited Edition. The latest limited edition Nautilus release features black and red striated German ebonite, paired with red anodized trim. Both plated stainless steel and 14k gold nib options are available.

4. Tombow Airpress Pressurized Ballpoint Pen. Tombow’s write-anywhere “Airpress” pressurized ballpoint features and easily deployable knock, a .7mm refill, and the ability to write in difficult conditions (wet, dusty, even upside-down).

5. Uni Jetstream Edge Ballpoint (.28mm and .38mm Options). The Jetstream Edge offers Uni’s finest tip to date, with its .28mm option. The .38mm is a more traditional Japanese ultra-fine tip but the .28mm is a remarkably smooth writer.

6. Uni Jetstream Prime Twist Ballpoints. We’ve been looking to bring in higher-end options for Uni’s flagship low-viscosity ballpoint pen, and the Jetstream Prime is an excellent everyday writer with a comfortable shape and tried-and-true refill/mechanism.

7. Roterfaden Notebooks and Sheet Protectors. At your request, we brought in additional versions of the Roterfaden-branded notebooks, as well as the sheet protectors in both A5 and A4 sizing.

8. Uni Jetstream Ballpoint Refills. Jetstream refills can be added to the pen of your choice! Both Parker-style and D1 versions are available.

9. Hi-Uni and Uni Smear-Resistant Graphite Mechanical Pencil Refills. As we build out our selection of pencils, both woodcase and mechanical, we’ve added some higher-quality mechanical pencil refills, including the Hi-Uni leads and the standard Uni smear-resistant graphite, which are perfect for everyday use. Grades F through 2B are currently available.

10. InCoWriMo Writing Store! February is International Correspondence Writing Month (InCoWriMo), and while I haven’t done a very good job of publicizing this fact this year, we maintain an InCoWriMo category in our paper section year-round so that you can easily identify paper suitable for letter-writing!

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[Updated] New Arrivals: Nahvalur Nautilus Ruby Koi Fountain Pen, and New Lovina Graphite and Matira Quartz Original Plus Pens!

I’m not sure that we’ve ever had limited run fountain pens sell out quicker than the two Nahvalur “Pen of the Year” models, inspired by the Year of the Rabbit and Year of the Dragon, respectively. Fortunately, Nahvalur appears to be staying at it this year, releasing yet another gorgeous limited run pen in striated red and black German ebonite with red anodized trim that they’ve dubbed “Ruby Koi.” Given my love for anything red and black, but I’m not sure I could pick out a Nautilus color combination that speaks to me personally more than this one, and I hope it sticks around for at least a little while (though probably not since it’s a numbered edition).

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Vintage-style striated German ebonite paired with either a 14k (left) or gold plated (right) nib makes for a gorgeous combination.

As with the Pen of the Year, the Nautilus Ruby Koi is available with both gold-plated stainless steel and 14k gold nib options. These pens are priced at $188 for the steel option and $308 for the gold. As a piston filler, the Nautilus Ruby Koi accepts bottled ink only, and we recently restocked on Nahvalur ink as well.

This material is a gorgeous true red-black ebonite!

Updated: As of 11am Central Time, New Lovina Graphite and Matira Quartz Fountain Pens Are Available!

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This morning, Nahvalur announced the release of two new colors in the “Original Plus” series - Lovina Graphite and Matira Quartz. These are new takes on last year’s limited edition “Lovina Black” and “Matira White” pens - they still have the rose gold trim but the Black and White resins add chatoyance (i.e. some sparkle/shimmer) to the material! It’s a very nice look with lots of depth. These have arrived and are available to ship immediately, priced at $55 each.

Note - for those of you looking for a Lovina Black and Matira White pen (without the chatoyance), we still have a couple left, mostly broad and stub nib sizes.

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized retailer of Nahvalur Pens.

Thursday Drops: The GOAT Workhorse Pen, Kakimori, Roterfaden Accessories, and More!

I’m in the process of preparing my notes for a seminar I’m leading at the California Pen Show this month, which will focus on stationery for everyday use, techniques I use to incorporate these tools into my daily life, and how I think they’re helpful. Today’s Thursday Drops post offers a bit of insight into the type of products I will be discussing! I strongly encourage anyone who plans on attending the California Pen Show to check out the slate of classes on offer, because strong attendance will encourage more of this type of content in the future.

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In addition to the big ticket items, there’s always going to be room in our shop for the practical, such as these Roterfaden Sheet Protectors that let you better organize your Taschenbegleiter.

The pens, paper, and ink that I use everyday might surprise people. Though expensive limited edition fountain pens and inks with crazy properties like wild shimmer and sheen garner much of the attention in the stationery blogosphere, most of what I write with on an everyday basis is far more straightforward and, well, kind of boring, but in a good way. When I’m working - which more often than not boils down to getting words/concepts/thoughts on a page - I want a reliable pen/ink/paper combination that I don’t have to think about at all because it just works. This week's slate of new arrivals mostly fall directly into that bucket!

1. Uni Jetstream Prime Ballpoint Pens. I’d venture that the Uniball Jetstream can easily be dubbed the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) workhorse pen. The Jetstream Prime is Uni’s “upscale” housing for the Parker-style SXR-600 refill, with a tried-and-true twist ballpoint design and excellent balance in the hand. Choose between matte and pearlescent finishes.

2. Uni Jetstream SXR-600 Parker-style Ballpoint Refills. We’re thrilled to be able to offer the Jetstream Parker-style refill (which can be used in an absolutely massive variety of pens) in .38mm, .5mm, and .7mm tip sizes. They last forever and are the first upgrade I typically make to any Parker-style ballpoint or rollerball.

3. Uni Jetstream SXR-200 D1 Refills. Similarly, all of my D1 multi pens typically feature the SXR-200 D1 Jetstream refill. Available in red, blue, and black, and .5mm and .7mm tip sizes. A exceptional upgrade for the Lamy 2000 multi pen/4-color Ballpoint.

4. Nahvalur Nautilus “Ruby Koi” Limited Edition Fountain Pen. Nahvalur has done it again, with its second gorgeous limited edition release of 2024. The “Year of the Dragon”-inspired pen sold out in less than a week, and hopefully these will follow. “Ruby Koi” features red and black German ebonite paired with either a gold-toned stainless steel or 14k gold nib.

5. Pilot Fountain Pens. Additional Pilot fountain pens arrived yesterday, including new additional Explorer colors (grey, white, and clear!). Core workhorses such as the Vanishing Point, Custom 74, and Custom 823 are also fully restocked.

6. Kakimori A5 Hardbound Notebooks. Kakimori is one of the boutique Japanese brands that has been on the shop “short list” for some time, and last week we received our initial shipment that included a selection of hardbound A5 notebooks in traditional Japanese fabrics. Featuring OK Fools paper with a light grey grid layout.

7. Kakimori Metal Nibs and Holders. Kakimori nibs have become the go-to solution for those who want a dip nib that’s more durable than a glass pen but which doesn’t need to be replaced after a month or so of use. The brass nibs will patina over time and take on a beautiful burnished look.

8. Roterfaden Notebooks in All Sizes. We carry the full range of refills for the Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter organizer system, from A6 to A4, as well as specialty layouts such as the “Project Planner” and undated monthly calendar.

9. Roterfaden Sheet Protectors in A4 and A5. One of the more commonly requested Roterfaden accessories are the plastic sheet protectors, which allow you to carry loose papers, receipts, business cards, and other items inside your Taschenbegleiter. I personally carry multiple sheet protectors in a single set of clips. Sold in packs of three.

10. Traveler’s Company 2024 Calendar Refills. All of our dated 2024 Traveler’s Company dated diaries are now 20% off. It’s not too late to pick one up to outfit your Traveler’s Notebook for the upcoming year, though some specific layouts are sold out and won’t be restocked.

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A red and black ebonite Nautilus? Too bad I couldn’t snag this one as a signature release….

Welcome Kakimori! Including Brass and Stainless Nibs, Nib Holders, and Hardbound Notebooks

We’re thrilled to now be able to offer Kakimori metal nibs, nib holders, and hardbound A5 notebooks in a variety of Japanese fabrics. The Kakimori brass and stainless steel nibs are exceptional tools for ink sampling and swatching, in addition to calligraphy and everyday writing. I reviewed the brass nib back in 2022, and this particular dip nib (along with a Kakimori Sakura nib holder) has made ongoing appearances in my reviews and YouTube videos over the years, including the recent Inkvent video series. While Kakimori metal nibs are more expensive than other dip nibs, these are designed to last for many years, as opposed to inexpensive dip nibs that must be discarded after a month or so of use. As I hate to throw anything away, I find it to be a more sustainable approach, and the nib gains patina (and character) over time.

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The conical shape of the Kakimori nibs and the grooves on each side ensure plenty of line variation and continuous ink flow.

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Kakimori Nib Holders also come in a variety of materials, including raw aluminum, Sakura (Japanese Cherry) wood, and Aizome (Sakura wood that’s been dyed with indigo).

Kakimori Notebooks feature 64 sheets/128 pages of fountain pen friendly OK Fools paper with a light grey 5mm grid, in a Smyth-sewn binding. I’ve been testing this paper since it arrived, not previously having tried OK Fools paper, and really enjoy it. Ok Fools is a softer paper, yet still handles fountain pen ink quite well. The light grey ruling keeps the focus on the ink. Each notebook comes in a Kakimori light-grey slipcover for protection, which you can either recycle or keep for posterity if you use these to protect your used notebooks on a bookcase.

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As mentioned, Kakimori products available as of this morning in both the pen section and notebook section of the T.G.S. Curated Shop. Nibs and holders are sold separately.

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized reseller of Kakimori products.

Thursday Drops: A Whole Lot of Roterfaden, Plus a TWSBI Pre-Order Update

We’ve spent the last few days unpacking a massive shipment of new Roterfaden Taschenbegleiters in all three sizes, including a major shipment of the larger A4 covers in some unique color combinations, and we even have one four-clip version for those who want the ability to carry four, as opposed to three, notebook refills. We’ve also restocked on Roterfaden-branded notebooks, and in today’s post I’ll also highlight some of my favorite Roterfaden-compatible inserts.

I’ve heard that people are still looking for Traveler’s Notebook 2024 Calendar Refills - we still have a limited number in stock, and they are on sale! Once they’re gone, they’re gone so if you’ve been looking to build out your Traveler’s Notebook as a planner get these before the last of them sell out.

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Finally, a note for all who have pre-ordered the TWSBI Black Diamond 580 Pens: They have arrived! Pre-orders are shipping out today, January 5, and the pens are now available for immediate shipment, along with a full restock of most TWSBI models.

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized reseller of all brands sold.

1. Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter. This German clip-based cover system has long been a favorite of mine. Since they come in A4, A5, and A6 sizes, you have the choice of using standard notebooks or Roterfaden’s own proprietary refills.

2. Midori MD Light Notebooks. While I tend to carry thicker notebooks in my personal Roterfaden covers,

3. Midori MD Light 70th Anniversary Notebook Set. We still have limited stock of these seven-notebook sets, each with a different color grid ruling and thread binding.

4. Lochby A5 Tomoe River Notebooks. Featuring 68gsm Tomoe River Paper and four different ruling formats, these A5 notebooks from Lochby are excellent options for Lochby’s own Field Journal or any option including Roterfaden.

5. Laconic Tokyo A5 Notebook Refills. These slim A5 notebooks feature a wide range of different layouts, from daily, monthly, weekly, and 100-day diary/planner to the (much) less common Gantt Chart and Spreadsheet.

6. Traveler’s Company 2024 Diary Refills. We’re down to our last stock of the Traveler’s Company Planner refills for 2024. It’s not too late to get started, and if you’re looking to build out the system we have all of the Starter Kits and accessories.

7. Life Noble Note. Another quality Japanese Paper Brand, Life notebooks even make a version that comes with the super-small Kleid grid!

8. Anterique Brass Ballpoints. Looking for a planner pen to fit your Roterfaden (or other) pen loop? These slim click ballpoints feature an excellent refill

9. Pilot Vanishing Point. Retractable Fountain Pens are an essential for some of us who work on the go, and the Vanishing Point is both the original and best (in my opinion) iteration of this design. Nib units are also interchangeable, so you can switch from an EF to a Stub depending on the type of writing you want to do.

10. Pilot Explorer. As a less expensive, slimmer fountain pen, the Pilot Explorer has become a newfound favorite. This pen features Pilot’s reliable stainless steel nib and ships with both a cartridge and a converter.

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I went for some wild colors this time around!