Thursday Drops: New Colors from Anterique, Tom's Studio Lumos Brass, Tokyo Traveler's Notebooks and More!

Things are finally getting back to normal, at least on the back-office side. We’ve restocked on several favorite brands, including Tom’s Studio and Anterique, including a new limited edition Brass Lumos fineliner and several new colors of the standard and brass edition Anterique ballpoints. Don’t forget to check out the new Cactus-leather Roterfaden KL_24, as well as our dwindling stock of the Traveler’s Notebook Tokyo Edition.

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I’ve also opened up local pickup for the new location. If you are located in or traveling to the Nashville, Tennessee area, you can now pick up your order in person during specified hours or by appointment. After placing your order, you will receive an automated confirmation e-mail with details and I will follow up. We’re not quite ready for people to stop by to browse in person, but I will post hours as soon as we are fully set up, which will likely be September 1.

Many thanks to everyone who has supported TGS as we grow! The physical location is an exciting new development that should allow us to expand the range of products we can offer as well as provide a location to host events, etc.

1. Traveler’s Notebook Tokyo Limited Edition. The 2024 Traveler’s Notebook limited edition features a black leather cover adorned with the symbols of Tokyo, in silver. We have a handful of these left, and we’ve also restocked on nearly all Traveler’s Company refills and accessories.

2. Tom’s Studio Lumos Refillable Fineliner, Brass Limited Edition. The Tom’s Studio Lumos pens are one of the surprise hits from 2024 in our shop, though I probably shouldn’t be surprised since a refillable fineliner pen that allows you to use fountain pen ink is a fantastic idea. Now available in Brass, in standard Lumos, Lumos Pro Duo, and Lumos Mini versions. Read more on the Lumos and how it works here.

3. Tom’s Studio Lumos Pens, Standard Colors. We’ve also restocked on the standard Lumos pens in most colors, including the single-tip Lumos Write which comes with firmer marker-style tips if you prefer that feel for writing. (Personally I enjoy the softer standard Lumos fineliner tips as well, which are similar to a micron pen.)

4. Tom’s Studio “Studio Pocket” Fountain Pens. The Tom’s Studio pocket fountain pens feature a faceted cap design and allow you to easily swap the standard fine or medium nibs with one of the Tom’s Studio specialty nibs (the Architect is one of the better off-the-shelf architect grinds I have tried). Read more on our initial impressions here.

5. Anterique Ballpoints. These Japanese low-viscosity ballpoints take the classic click-pen design and upgrade it to something that’s refillable and can be used everyday. From a thicker plastic barrel to a higher quality knock to an excellent refill, even the basic plastic versions are fantastic pens, and they come in dozens of colors.

6. Anterique Ballpoints, Brass Editions. The heftier brass versions of the Anterique ballpoints feature the same general shape and refill, only with a machined brass barrel. The back part of the pen is interchangeable, so you can indeed swap colors.

7. Tom’s Studio Fountain Pen Inks. Tom’s Studio makes a line of excellent inks to go along with their Lumos refillable fineliners and fountain pens. These are standard water-based fountain pen inks (no shimmer) and stand out because it’s a relatively muted color palette across the line.

8. Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter KL_24 Cactus Leather Model. These didn’t arrive in time for me to have them ready to go in D.C., but there is a new vegan-friendly option in the Roterfaden lineup! This one features a soft cactus leather exterior and a new interior brushed cotton liner with zippered pockets and sleeves.

9. Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter LTD-022. The Taschenbegleiter that many people were looking for in D.C. (which I forgot to pack) was this standard black leather and red elastic. The Taschenbegleiter V-19 is the vegan-friendly version with a cover made from black danceflooring material.

10. Lochby Covers and Cases. All Lochby products are back in inventory following the D.C. Pen Show, ranging from the A5 Field Journal to the Tool Roll to the reversible Venture Pouch.

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New Arrivals: Tom's Studio Lumos Brass Special Editions

I had a fun surprise waiting for me when I returned from this past weekend’s D.C. Pen Show. The Tom’s Studio Lumos refillable fineliners have been one of my favorite discoveries of 2024, and they recently released brass versions of the Lumos Pro, the Lumos Pro Duo, and the Lumos Mini! These pens function the same way as the standard Lumos pens, using the refillable fibre tip and wick system that allows you to use fountain pen inks in a fineliner format. You can read more about how these pens work here.

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In addition to the new Lumos Brass editions, we received additional stock of the standard Lumos pen models in most colors, Studio Pocket Fountain Pens (which you can of course pair with any of the Tom’s Studio Specialty Nibs sold separately), and all colors of the Tom’s Studio ink line. Tom’s Studio inks are water-based and appropriate for fountain pens as well as the Lumos line.

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

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The Lumos Pro Duo (left) and Lumos Mini in brass.

Thursday Drops for August 1, 2024: More Tokyo Edition Traveler's Notebooks, Cactus Leather Roterfadens, and More!

Well, maybe more like Wednesday night drops, but we’re traveling bright and early tomorrow to the D.C. Pen Show, which runs August 1 through August 4 (Thursday through Sunday). In general, Thursday is a trader day, primarily vintage, though there are some people who do set up in the afternoon. I will be next to the Vanness Pens table, and also assisting in the Vanness Pen Lounge where I’ll be hosting a course on notebook systems and generally visiting through the weekend. I’ll have samples from various systems including Traveler’s Company, Lochby, Roterfaden and more, as well as product available for purchase back at the table.

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Of course, if you can’t join in the fun at the D.C. Pen Show, as always you can take 10% off most shop orders through 11:59pm Sunday on August 4 using the coupon code “PENSHOW10” at checkout. Some exclusions apply due to brand restrictions, including TWSBI, Roterfaden, Pilot, and a few others. We currently have a fresh shipment of the limited edition Tokyo Traveler’s Notebooks, some new Roterfaden Taschenbegleiters that include a Cactus Leather A5 version (entirely vegan!), and a fresh shipment of nearly all Maruman Mnemosyne Notebooks and Life Paper. Happy shopping and I hope to see you starting tomorrow!

Many thanks to everyone who has supported us this week as we moved to our new shop. We look forward to welcoming you in person soon!

1. Tokyo Limited Edition Traveler’s Notebook. Featuring a black standard cover adorned with symbols of Tokyo, this is a gorgeous edition that comes with two elastic bands: one in standard black and one in a sakura pink. Guess which one I went for!

2. Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter KL_24 Cactus Leather Edition. This latest release from Roterfaden is 100% vegan friendly, featuring a soft cactus leather exterior, vegetable felt interior cover, and a waxed cotton lining that contains both pockets and a zippered pouch. Be sure to check out the pictures on this one as it’s quite unique. It also features an elastic to hold the notebook cover closed.

3. Life Typewriting Paper. Tokyo-based Life Stationery makes some of the more unique paper formulations out there, including this typewriter paper that not only stands up to a typewriter but also handles fountain pen ink.

4. Life Airmail Paper and Envelopes. Almost as thin as true onionskin, don’t be fooled because this paper will handle a fountain pen quite well, though you will be able to see through to the other side, so write on one side only.

5. Midori MD Letter Writing Paper. Available in both standard MD Paper and MD Cotton Paper, this popular lined paper (with matching envelopes sold separately) is a favorite among those who enjoy written correspondence and we’re glad to have it back in stock.

6. Maruman Mnemosyne Notebooks. These fountain pen friendly (and relatively cost-effective) notebooks are a favorite. Perforated pages for the win and they come in multiple rulings!

7. Hightide Folding Metal Book Stands. Available in nearly a dozen different colors, we’ve restocked these favorite desk accessories as we build out our physical shop. Read more about how I incorporate these into my own office workflow in yesterday’s post.

8. Hightide Sandglasses. Nearly all colors and sizes of the popular Hightide Sandglasses are back in stock. Read more about how you can incorporate analog timers into your everyday workflow.

9. Caran d’Ache Nespresso 849 Ballpoint Pen. This year’s Nespresso 849 special edition is a gorgeous matte midnight blue, with the pen’s body made partially from recycled Nespresso capsules.

10. Caran d’Ache “Claim Your Style” 849 Ballpoint Pens (Matte Gradient Editions). Caran d’Ache went all-in on the matte finishes this year, with the Claim-Your-Style 2024 releases also incorporating a two-color gradient.

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Everything will have a place in the new shop, including these NJK Pencil Sharpeners which we have on display!

Shop Update: Today, We Move!

I thought I’d be able to post some regular content that I’ve had in the works, but quickly figured out that is insane. I’m up bright and early with a rented cargo van moving fixtures and, hopefully, most of the remaining T.G.S. inventory from my old warehouse to the new location. But first, coffee.

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I did manage to get most of the ink unloaded this week!

Just a reminder, we are not closed and still shipping orders within our usual 2-3 business day time-frame, which I’m trying very hard to stick to given that the D.C. Pen Show is coming up this week. If you would like something delivered before I leave for the show Thursday, please try to get your orders in by Tuesday (Wednesday morning at the latest.) Many thanks for all your support, especially those of you who have made a special effort to patronize our little business as we endeavor to grow it and bring a new pen and stationery experience to the Nashville area!

Thursday Drops: Big Shop Restock on Roterfaden, Midori, Laban, and Platinum!

It’s move week here at TGS HQ (the new one, pic below!) but it’s still somewhat business as usual as we’re busy shipping orders and entering newly arrived items into stock. The other day we received a full shipment of A5 Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter binders, as well as a case of Profolio Oasis Notebooks and a restock of the excellent Laban Greek Mythology series inks. Those who are fans of the Aphrodite Pink and Artemis Navy will find plenty of those colors in stock! We also have Platinum Pens, Endless Recorder notebooks, and more.

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I picked up several Roterfadens in TGS “Signature” colors black and red, including a vegan version.

Next week we will be traveling to the D.C. Pen Show Thursday Aug. 1 through Aug. 4. While this shouldn’t delay shipping too much - I’ll head home to help ship all orders before flying out to Stationery Fest in NYC that Wednesday - if you have something you would like to arrive by the end of next week, please try to get orders in by Monday to ensure timely delivery. And come see us with Vanness Pens in the downstairs Pen Lounge at the D.C. Show!

The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. We greatly appreciate your support!

1. Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter Binders. We have mostly A5 binders in this latest shipment, though we still have some of the recycled leather A4 portfolios in the grey/honey suede combination. We also stocked up on the four-clip version, as that is a popular request. The LTD 020 binder features four standard clips, whereas the LTD015 features four clips with an adjustable elastic that allows you to move the clips between A5 and A6 size refills.

2. Profolio Oasis Notebooks. Fans of multi-lined paper should definitely check out the Profolio Oasis notebook line, which comes in five different colors and three sizes, including A6, A5, and the increasingly popular B5.

3. Platinum Preppy Wa “Modern Maki-e” Second Edition Fountain Pens. Platinum’s brought the limited edition game back to a lower price point with their second Preppy Wa “Modern Maki-e” release, featuring six new designs inspired by scenes from Japanese folklore.

4. Platinum Prefounte Fountain Pens. Potentially my new favorite “first fountain pen” recommendation, the Prefounte takes what’s great about the Platinum Preppy and classes it up, just a bit. It’s also a great everyday writer and work pen for those who don’t want to risk their more expensive pens in open-desk and other setups.

5. Platinum Desk Pens. Fans of the Prefounte and Plaisir will want to check out the Platinum Desk Pen. While the format of the desk pen itself may not necessarily work for you, the extra-fine stainless steel nib is a joy to write with, maintaining a slight bounce. I’ve had good luck transferring it to the other Platinum steel-nib pens, and for those who enjoy the desk pen format, there’s a base unit.

6. Laban Greek Mythology Fountain Pen Inks. The popular Laban
   Greek Mythology series is back in stock, including the hard-to-find Aphrodite Pink and Artemis Navy Blue.

7. Platinum Carbon Black and Pigment Blue Inks. Looking for permanent inks? Platinum makes some of the best, with Carbon Black being a favorite waterproof black option.

8. Hightide Co. Sandglasses. Our most popular desk accessory is back in stock. We have all time increments available, including 30, 15, 5, and 3 minutes, as well as the 15 minute “slim” design. You can read more on how you can use a sandglass/hourglass here.

9. Hightide Metal Book Stands. These folding metal book stands are infinitely useful, as they hold not just books and journals but writing pads, tablets and more. I use them while transcribing notes and handwritten drafts, and keep one folded flat in my briefcase.

10. Blackwing Illegal Pads. We once again have Blackwing’s excellent legal pads in grid, dot, and lined layouts. Some of the best true “legal pads” I’ve used, these are sold in packs of 2 pads each. Though designed around pencils, they also work quite well with fountain pens.

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A work very much in progress, but stay tuned!