New Arrivals: TWSBI Swipes in Salmon and Pear!

A quick update for your Tuesday morning: We’ve received a TWSBI restock and we now have the TWSBI Swipes available in all nib sizes and all colors, including Smoke, Prussian Blue, Salmon, and Pear Green. The Salmon and Pear Green pens are eye-catching, especially if you decide to match them with one of the TWSBI inks.

You can read our full write-up of the Swipe here. In short, we think the Swipe makes an excellent daily driver for new and experienced fountain pen users alike, mainly because it ships with two different types of converters as well as a TWSBI cartridge. Available now, priced at $26.99. Note that as of this morning, we are now restocked on most TWSBI models, including the super-popular Vac700R Iris!

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of TWSBI and all other brands we carry.

Sunday Reading for April 3, 2022 (Atlanta Pen Show Edition)

1. Iroshizuku Out with the Old, In with the New (via Macchiato Man). Pilot is releasing three new colors in the Iroshizuku lineup, and discontinuing three old ones. I’ll try to get some photos from the Pilot table today at the show.

2. Ferris Wheel Press Peter Moss Green (via Mountain of Ink). I recently discovered one of my favorite Ferris Wheel Press inks, Peter Moss Green, which in a finer nib shows up dark but in a broader nib or wetter line has a lot of sheen and character.

3. Traveling with the Kaweco Sport (via A Fleeting Ripple). I’m only just now getting back into traveling, but the Sport fountain pen is an excellent option for those who like to take a fountain pen on the road.

4. A Defense of the Partial Ink Fill (via mnmlscholar). I’ve never been able to do the partial ink fill - I mostly fill my pens to the brim and then write them dry - eventually. But if you’re truly a serial ink changer, I know many people who use partial fills to avoid wasting ink.

5. Cozy Comforts by Robert Oster Signature x EndlessPens x michahfinds (via Rants of the Archer). I haven't looked at many Oster inks lately, but some of these colors are excellent, and the names (“Old Book Smell”!?!) are even better.

6. An Inky Question Part 2 (via Dapprman). As someone who’s interest in ink is “secondary” to my main interests in pens and paper (it’s really about the paper and accessories for me, these days), I sometimes struggle with how to do ink reviews, since there are so many people out there with different formats - photo-visual, descriptive and practical, etc. I’ve landed on the more “descriptive” end of the spectrum, focusing on how well inks work for everyday writing.

7. Vintage Pencils on National Pencil Day (via Writing at Large). I always love seeing Mongol pencils discovered in the wild!

8. Diplomat Elox Fountain Pen Review (via SBRE Brown). Should I get one of these today, the last day of the Atlanta Pen Show? Those orange rings on the black finish… This review is not helping.

9. An Exciting New Start for ukfountainpens.com (via UK Fountain Pens). I totally get Anthony wanting to step away from the grind of regular blogging and focus on other things, and I’m super excited to here that someone will be taking on the site, keeping the back content alive, and possibly even facilitating new content going forward.

10. Enough Is Too Many Is Just Right (via Pen Addict). And I thought it was hard for me to juggle four notebooks. LOL. Sarah has me beat.

In Case You Missed It….

This week on the blog I talked about the notebook “system” I use to keep track of my life and various side projects. I also visited the Atlanta Pen Show - still there today, actually - and I’ve enjoyed saying hello to many of you! Look for a recap this week, along with some excellent content that will be forthcoming on specialty nib grinds. A longer-term research project is almost finished.

This Week in the Curated Shop

This week we released the Midori 70th Anniversary Pen and Ink sets, along with Mitsubishi Hi-Uni and Midori Pencil Sets. As of yesterday, Lochby is fully restocked.

Midori Pens

Midori MD Paper

Pencils

Lochby

This Week “From the Archives” - Best Fountain Pen Inks for Everyday Writing

There’s a wealth of back content here at The Gentlemen Stationer (I have been writing this blog/website/whatever it is for eight years now, and much of it belies categorization in something like the Fountain Pen Review archive. I thought it might be fun - for me as much as you all - to dive into the back catalogue and pull out some of my favorite deep cuts. One per week, perhaps with a little bit of updated commentary as applicable. This week’s post is from the “Best Fountain Pen Inks for Everyday Writing” series, and discusses Lamy Inks - still some of the best “pen company” inks out there, in my opinion, especially their Blue-Black and Black inks.

For some additional fun, and to help support the blog consider joining the Patreon program. Patreon supporters receive special pricing and early access to product releases and collaborations such as the T.G.S. x Sunderland pen, in addition to other benefits. You can read more about T.G.S. Patreon here.

Atlanta Pen Show Day! And a Lochby Update

Happy Pen Show Day everyone! I’m in Atlanta and will be taking in the Atlanta Pen Show today and tomorrow. Atlanta is one of the first shows I attended regularly, and while it’s not the biggest show, it’s well-run and attracts a diverse group of vendors, vintage and modern. If you live in the Atlanta area, or even if you’re within a few hours’ drive - like me - it’s always worth a trip to a pen show. Keep an eye on my Instagram (both feed and stories) for pictures from this year’s event.

If you’re on the fence about Atlanta, check out some of my recaps of prior Atlanta Pen Shows. The last show I attended was in 2019 (pre-Pandemic), and I’ve been a regular attendee since 2015. (That show, by the way, was absolutely epic, and I wrote a two part review that you should read if you want to hear about how good a pen show can be. Part I and Part II are available here.)

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Lochby is Back in Stock

While I hoped to have a Lochby case/notebook cover restock arrive in time for me to take it with me to the show, I couldn’t get my act together in time to actually place the order for a timely arrival. That said, the package is arriving at my warehouse today, so I’ve updated stock numbers and will have orders ready to start shipping Sunday/Monday upon my return from Atlanta.

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of Lochby and all other brands we stock. The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

Thursday Drops: National Pencil Day (Continued) Plus Atlanta Pen Show Offer

Pen Show Season has a couple of different “rush” periods, where multiple shows take place quickly. March and April have the Baltimore, Arkansas, and Atlanta shows all within a month, and while I’ve done all three before, it’s been too hard this year. I will be in attendance at the Atlanta Pen Show this weekend on Saturday and Sunday, and while I won’t have a table, I’m happy to arrange show pickup for any orders you would like me to bring on either of those days, as long as we can arrange to meet before noon on Sunday. Use the code “615PICKUP” at check out to drop shipping charges, and I’ll reach out to arrange at time to meet.

Also, yesterday I launched via the Instagram Stories a National Pencil Day Promotion for 10% off all wood and mechanical pencils, using the coupon code “PENCILDAY22” at checkout. I’ll keep this coupon code live through close of business tomorrow (Friday, April 1) since things tend to get buried on the ‘gram.

Several new products hit the store this week. The new Midori MD 70th Anniversary Fountain Pen Sets have sold like crazy, to the point where I only have two left, one in blue and one in orange. (I’ll have to hunt a grey one this weekend in Atlanta to keep for myself.) We also received 22-pencil Hi-Uni Pencil Sets, containing pencils in 22 different grades of graphite so you can experience the full spectrum of what Mitsubishi has to offer in the Hi-Uni lineup.

1. Midori MD 70th Anniversary Fountain Pen and Ink Sets. Midori has released a clear version of its standard MD fountain pen, in a set complete with a cartridge, converter, and bottle of one of three inks that matches their orange-grey-blue color scheme (the same as found in their MD colored pencils).

2. Mitsubishi Hi-Uni Pencil Sets. Featuring 22 different grades of graphite from 10H to 10B, with F and HB in-between, this pencil set is perfect for artists or others looking to experience the full range of graphite grades that Mitsubishi has to offer.

3. Midori MD Pencil Drawing Set. A drawing set for those of us who like our graphite on the “Darker Side”. Includes Midori MD pencils in 6B, 4B, 2B, B, and HB grades, plus pencil caps and a sharpener.

4. Midori MD “Codex” Day-to-a-Page Notebooks. Freshly restocked in both dot grid and the blank versions, the “Codex” has enough Midori MD paper to allow you go to for an entire year on a page-per-day basis, and ships with stickers to help you set this notebook up for anything from journaling to multi-subject notetaking to planning. Consider adding on some Midori MD Sticky Notes or Undated Planner Stickers to customize your notebook even further.

5. Soumkine “Oh My 307” Universal Planner. I snapped up a bunch of these when I heard that Soumkine would be winding up their Atelier (hopefully only temporarily but I wasn’t taking any chances). We’re running low on the classic “Mustard” covers.

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of Midori and all other brands we stock. In addition to the fountain pens discussed here, we carry the full range of Midori MD notebooks, writing paper, pencils, and other desk accessories.

My Traveler'sRoterfadenLochbyPlotter Notebook "System"

Working at a large corporate organization can be a masterclass in how different people manage large volumes of information. If there’s one constant I’ve noticed, it’s that even today, the majority of people use a hybrid analog-digital system to keep a calendar and take notes. For me, this acts as a failsafe - important dates and notes (especially dates and deadlines) are double-recorded in analog and digital formats. My own “system” is a bit of a mess in that it involves several different notebooks in regular rotation, all with different notetaking and writing styles depending on use. (As you all know, in addition to my full-time job, I have a lot of serious hobbies and other outside interests that I track in different notebooks.) That said, my methodology makes sense to me, and it’s provided the opportunity to evaluate a number of different notebooks and notebook systems over the years. I thought it might be interesting to offer my general thoughts on four that I’ve been using fairly regularly recently, including what I like about them, what I would improve, and who I think this notebook system would be good for.

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My Standard Traveler’s Notebook set up for work, with a trimmed-down Stalogy Half-Year Notebook/Planner. You can see a photo of the notebook closed below.

Traveler’s Notebook

The Traveler’s Notebook is the system I’ve used the longest and most consistently, going on six years now. My Blue Standard Size serves as my daily work planner, notebook, scratch-pad, and travel wallet, and I typically keep it kitted out with 2-3 separate refills, a few folders and a zippered pouch. It’s honestly the one stationery item I can’t see myself giving up. Part of this is sentimental, since there are more versatile and less proprietary options out there, but the way in which the Traveler’s Notebook’s size and functionality dovetails with my own portability needs and notetaking style makes it difficult to replace.

• Who It’s For: Those who value portability and move around a lot. (Hence the name). I enjoy the Traveler’s Notebook for work because it’s easy to slip into any bag or suitcase, and it’s also compact enough to easily carry around from meeting to meeting so that I have my notes and calendar with me at all time. It provides just enough room for me to do the kind of writing I need without taking up the space of a full-size A5 notebook.

• Advantages: Traveler’s Company makes a wide array of refills and accessories that allow you to customize your notebook, in addition to third-party options. The long+narrow paper format is excellent for those who take notes in a bullet-style or list format. (I am one of those people.) The leather covers are extremely durable, and if the elastic cords stretch or break they are inexpensive and easy to replace.

• Disadvantages: Some might find the long+narrow paper format too restricting for journaling or long-form writing, in which case they might consider a Roterfaden or a Lochby. Also, most Traveler’s and Traveler’s-compatible refills don’t have a high page count (unless you opt for lightweight Tomoe River refills), but you can cut down larger A5 notebooks and make your own.

• Where to Get One: Traveler’s Notebooks and refills are readily available at stationery retailers around the world, including the T.G.S. Curated Shop. (And we appreciate your support!)

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Two Roterfaden Taschenbegleiters: “Traveler’s Size” on the left, and standard A5 on the right. Arranged to show the notebook closed and open to the binder clip system.

Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter

The German notebook system with the long name is probably the most versatile of the bunch, in that it uses metal binder clips that allow you to fasten a wide variety of refills (and full notebooks) into various standard-size covers. I don’t use my Taschenbegleiters on a daily basis, but I have two: one Traveler’s-sized one that holds some irregularly used refills containing parts of my personal journal, and another A5 cover that holds some project-specific notebooks.

• Who It’s For: Those who manage a large number of separate notebooks and value the ability to easily swap them in and out of a cover regularly, as well as those who want to avoid systems that require proprietary refills.

• Advantages: Versatility, versatility, versatility. As long as you have the correct size Taschenbegleiter, you can probably figure out a way to make your favorite notebook work. Metal notebook clips are very durable and will not stretch or need replacement over time like elastic cord-based systems.

• Disadvantages: The cover can get quite bulky if you try to include more than 2-3 thicker refills, making it hard to lay the notebook flat for writing. The edges of the binder clips can fray and even tear the pages of your notebook if you prefer thinner paper like Tomoe River. The elastic band that closes the notebook tends to stretch over time. While Roterfaden covers are generally well-made and durable, they are also expensive.

• Where to Get One: While Taschenbegleiters are becoming more popular worldwide, and some U.S.-based retailers such as Baumkuchen stock them, if you want a specific size or color you may need to order directly from Roterfaden in Germany.

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The Lochby Field Journal is capable of securely holding two fairly thick A5 notebooks without sacrificing usability.

Lochby Field Journal

My Lochby Field Journal is new to the rotation, and I’ve used it to hold my personal “Theme System” journal as well as a Nanami Seven Seas Writer that I’ve been meaning to use for some long-neglected creative writing projects. Two key selling points of the Lochby are the aircraft-grade aluminum clip closure, durable waxed-canvas construction, and integration with other items from the Lochby lineup such as the Pocket Journal and “Quattro” four-pen case. These smaller Lochby cases can actually fit in the back pocket of the Field Journal, though it may be a tight squeeze if you keep the notebook overstuffed.

• Who It’s For: Those who want the versatility of a Roterfaden with a more secure closure that won’t stretch, and heavier-duty construction. Those who prefer waxed canvas to leather, which Lochby expressly states is Vegan-friendly.

• Advantages: Feels indestructible. Cord-and-pocket binder system allows you to include up to six softcover-slim notebook refills, which Lochby sells in 68gsm Tomoe River paper, allowing for easy management of multiple projects in one notebook. Notebooks lie flat relatively easily, even when the cover is at capacity. For the quality of construction, the Lochby Field Journal represents an excellent value proposition at around $60.

• Disadvantages: The aesthetic may be a bit too “industrial” or “tactical” for some. Clip closure takes some getting used to. I could personally live without the “handle” or strap on the spine.

• Where to Get One: Lochby is a relatively new brand, with a small retail footprint. I am proud to be a Lochby stockist and sell this product directly.

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The Plotter “Narrow” size shown compared against the Standard Traveler’s Notebook (closed).

Plotter

I adore my “narrow” Plotter notebook but am still struggling to find a regular use for it. This classic six-ring Japanese notebook system from DesignPhil, the makers of Midori and Traveler’s Notebook, features high-quality construction, excellent in-house paper options, and a clean aesthetic. My own difficulties with it stem from the fact that I just haven’t discovered where this particular notebook fits into my workflow, particularly since the “narrow” size limits the use (for me at least) to quick notes and short to-do lists. Currently, I’m using my Plotter cover as a portable binder to organize brainstorming notes on various in-progress posts and projects for T.G.S. Look for more Plotter-related content in the future, as I’m slotted to purchase a larger A5 size soon, which might break into the regular rotation.

• Who It’s For: Those who prefer a ringed binder system that allows you to easily organize and reorganize your notes and other content on a page-by-page basis, as well as those looking for a ringed notebook system that has excellent paper readily available in Plotter-compatible

• Advantages: Highly integrated system with notepads, notebooks, folders, and binders all designed to work with one another. For example, you can write on a fountain-pen friendly Plotter notepad (which is bound like a notebook), and then decide later whether to tear off a sheet and add it to your binder, where you can organize loose notes by topic. I like that the Plotter notepads can be kept intact and used independently of the binder system, though I have yet to test their durability for daily carry.

• Disadvantages: The highly integrated nature of the system could be seen as a disadvantage to many. Plotter is relatively new, and the cost of entry is high. The rings on Plotter binders/notebook covers are fairly small, limiting capacity. Those who carry a thicker notebook because they use a lot of paper or take a lot of notes will probably want to explore something that holds more paper.

• Where to Get One: Currently, Plotter is sold directly via the Plotter USA website.

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This post is not intended to be a comprehensive overview of any single “notebook system”, but rather a quick reference guide to help you discover which, if any, might be right for you. Everyone’s needs and preferences are different. Is there a notebook system that you use and love that you think I should know about? Please drop me a line or leave a comment!

This post does not contain paid advertisements or third-party affiliate links, though the T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of both Traveler’s Notebook and Lochby products. All opinions expressed herein are my own.