2022 D.C. Pen Show: Short Friday Recap and Saturday Details

So far at the 2022 D.C. Pen Show, we’ve only had a half a public day (from 12-5pm on Friday). Attendance was good, but it’s nowhere near the rush that typically hits the show on Saturday, when the show is open to the public all day (10-5). Due to construction in the hotel, things look very different, and it’s worth spending a bit of time familiarizing yourself with the show layout before diving in.

First, there are multiple levels (upstairs and downstairs) to this year’s show. The main ballroom and the hallways surrounding it will look very much the same. T.G.S. is located in the front hallway between Shawn Newton and Pilot Pens, immediately to your right as you enter the show. As I’ve mentioned online, we do not have items available for on-site sale (we didn’t have enough time to prep inventory), but we do have a wide selection of testers and samples available for you to play with, as well as a show special coupon for you to take home and use online should you find something you like.

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Be sure to visit the Gulgurilkbahar table next to Galen Leather, featuring these beautiful hand-painted Kaweco Sports!

If you continue down the hallway to the left of the main ballroom, you will see a staircase with a banner above it. Downstairs is the “independent makers” area, with vendors such as Galen Leather, Carolina Pen Company, Kanilea Pen Company, Hinze Pens, and Schon DSGN. Please don’t forget to head downstairs to visit!

So What Did I Pick Up On Friday?

I was at the table visiting with people for most of the day, but I did have the opportunity to do a quick sweep of the show, including picking up some new samples from Galen Leather, a Nahvalur (formerly “Narwahl”) Nautilus in purple striated ebonite, and a handful of pens from Gravitas (Ben Walsh) who was attending from Ireland. I need to make some more visits today, and will report back with a full recap and post early next week, but in the meantime will be documenting the show over on my Instagram account.

A Reminder on Pen Show Weekend Specials

Whenever I’m traveling to a show, I typically run a special online in the shop, and this weekend is no exception. You can still get 10% off certain pens and paper, automatically applied at checkout. This sale will end Sunday at 11:59pm, so take advantage while you can! The Pen Show-exclusive coupon discount will remain active for two weeks after the show, expiring Sunday, August 21 at 11:59pm. There are a handful of additional Traveler’s Notebook 2022 Limited Sets in the Passport size (“Traveler’s Train” and “Traveler’s Records”) available, as well as the new Platinum Plaisir “Aura” 2022 Special Editions, so be sure to check them out!

The Gentleman Stationer is supported by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. This post does not contain links to paid sponsors or affiliates.

Thursday Drops: Back to School Season (Already?!?)

We start school in our house today, and the 2022 D.C. Pen Show hasn’t even happened yet! Well, at least it was an excuse to go stationery shopping, and we ended up buying our first Trapper Keeper. (Apparently they still exist.) I’ve been receiving requests for recommendations from readers looking to purchase fountain pens, pencils, and high-quality paper and supplies for college, for their school-age children, and even for back-to-work as offices continue to reopen and require in-person attendance, so today’s post will pull those together into a list. Enjoy!

Fountain Pens

1. TWSBI Swipe Fountain Pen. I would consider the Swipe to be the perfect entry point for those looking at a work-friendly fountain pen, because it ships with two different converters and a cartridge included. TWSBI recently expanded the Swipe lineup to include two new colors, “Salmon” (Pink-Orange) and “Pear” (a light green).

2. TWSBI ECO Fountain Pen. If you’re not afraid of filling from a bottle (and you should’t be!), the TWSBI ECO represents tremendous value in the fountain pen world. The new “Transparent Yellow” demonstrator version just hit the shop yesterday and it’s a stunner.

3. TWSBI Diamond 580 and Diamond Mini Fountain Pens. The original TWSBI fountain pen remains my personal favorite, as does the mini version. The recently released Diamond 580 in the gorgeous “Iris” finish is now available for purchase in the shop.

4. TWSBI Vac Mini. The Vac Mini remains my go-to TWSBI pocket pen, as it makes for a perfect pocket “ink tank”. If you enjoy posting your fountain pens, TWSBI’s “mini” pens feature threading on the barrel-end, which allows you to secure the cap and turn the pocket pen into a full-size writing experience.

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Pencils, Ballpoints, and Rollerballs

1. Tombow 2558 Pencils. Good pencils top my list of requested recommendations this time of year, and each time I always go back to this Tombow pencil, which sports a beautiful golden orange lacquer, an excellent eraser, and a dark graphite core available in both HB and B.

2. Caran d’Ache 849 Rollerball. The Caran d’Ache 849 Rollerball is a slightly larger version of the classic 849 hexagonal form factor. While it ships with an excellent CdA rollerball refill, it will also take any Parker-style refills, including ballpoints.

3. Caran d’Ache 849 Ballpoint. The ballpoint that’s been around forever remains one of our top-selling products. We’re fully stocked on the classic version, and also have several of last year’s limited edition “Claim Your Style” pens available, marked down to make room for the new season arriving soon.

Notebook Systems and Cases

1. Traveler’s Notebooks. My personal favorite of all planner and notebook systems out there, this simple folded leather cover-and-cord system is infinitely customizable with a full range of accessories. Each notebook comes in a starter kit, with everything you need to get writing, and for a limited time you can still pick up their 2022 limited releases in one of four themes: Hotel, Airline, Train, and Records!

2. Midori MD Paper System. If you’re looking for something perhaps even more flexible, with more available paper sizes yet which incorporates the same fountain pen friendly paper as the Traveler’s Notebook system, try out Midori, which also features a wide array of accessories.

3. Lochby Notebook Covers and Cases. The newest addition to our lineup, Lochby, is known for is simple-yet-durable notebook covers and cases, ranging from the A5 Field Journal to the Quattro Four-Pen Case to the versatile Tool Roll. I will have the full line of Lochby samples present at my table in D.C., so stop by and check them out!

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of all brands sold, including those shown here. If you’re attending the D.C. Pen Show this weekend, please visit our table. We aren’t selling on-site, but we will have a special coupon that readers can use to access certain promotions. As always, U.S. orders over $75 ship free.

10 Things to Do at a Pen Show Other Than Buy More Pens

I’ve spent most of this week getting ready to attend the 2022 D.C. Pen Show, and while I’m super excited about the event, and especially about seeing friends who I only get to visit with once or twice a year, it’s always a struggle to avoid getting carried away. It’s easy to do! D.C. is the largest pen show in the world - definitely in the U.S. - and I don’t believe I’ve ever seen more pens, ink, paper, and related ephemera together in one place!

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One of several ink testing stations at a past D.C. Pen Show. I hope they’re back this year.

I regularly get e-mails from readers who want to attend the show, but are concerned because they’re not in a place where they can or want to spend more money on yet more pens. Will there be anything for them to do at the show? The answer to that question is yes, and I thought I’d kick off the extra-long D.C. Pen Show “weekend” with a list of things you can do at a pen show that (mostly) won’t kill your budget.

1. Take a Class or Seminar. While some classes (such as calligraphy) charge a nominal materials fee, there are currently ten free seminars available Friday through Sunday, covering topics ranging from pen history to vintage pen repair to modern “indie” pens.

2. Learn About History from Vintage Vendors. You don’t have to purchase vintage pens to learn more about them. Walking the show, talking to vintage vendors and private collectors, and taking pictures of those brands and models that interest you can be equally educational and satisfying. Just be sure to ask permission before picking up pens and/or photographing them.

3. Test Out Different Pens and Paper. Even if you don’t intend to buy a new pen or need any more paper, many of the show tables will have testers and product samples available for you to peruse. At my own table, even though I’m not selling on-site, I plan to have pens inked up and samples of all different sorts of fountain pen friendly paper on the table for people to test.

4. Visit the Ink Sampling Table. The D.C. Pen Show usually features an extensive ink testing station donated by retailers, where you can sample inks from various brands. Pro tip: I would highly recommend NOT filling your pen directly from public bottles of ink - you have no idea whether or not the ink has been contaminated or how old it is. Rather, use a dip pen or q-tip to swab a color sample into a notebook.

5. Meet the Makers. Do you enjoy meeting and talking with the people who made your pens and inks? Many of them will be at the show. Be sure to tell them how much you appreciate their work!

6. Write With Your Pens/Take Some Downtime. For some of us, any pen show weekend is a “mini vacation” that lets us get away from work and other obligations and do nothing but enjoy our hobby. So enjoy your hobby! Find a quiet corner, grab a coffee/beer/wine/water, and spend some time journaling or writing.

7. Have Nibs Tuned or Ground. Instead of purchasing ever-more pens, perhaps you want to tune or tweak a pen that you already own? Check out the list of exhibitors - there will be TEN (10) nib workers on site tuning and grinding nibs.

8. Trade Pens and Inks with Other Attendees. Every year, people come to the show looking to send under-loved pens and inks to new homes. After-hours events in the hotel bar always turn into a great venue for trading and/or selling your personal pens. Just follow the #penshowsafterdark hashtag.

9. Talk to Other Enthusiasts. While I’m admittedly on the introverted side (and most of us in this hobby are to some degree), I’ve met many close friends in this hobby, including at shows. Making the extra effort to socialize can be valuable!

10. Get Out of the Show and Visit the Area. You can only take so much pen show! In a larger show, in an area like D.C. or San Francisco, take an afternoon or evening to visit local shops, restaurants, and museums. If you’re there for the weekend, shows tend to get crowded on Saturday afternoon, which is always a good time to take a break.

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Come Visit the T.G.S. Table at the D.C. Pen Show

While I’m flying and will NOT have a retail setup (due to the last-minute logistics of attending), I will be bringing lots of pens and paper for people to see in person and test at the table. I will also be assisting with the D.C. Pen Show Scavenger Hunt, and generally available to talk and answer any questions you may have navigating the pen show!

Finally, today is the last call for D.C. pickup orders. If you want to place an order online for delivery at the show, please get them in tonight before 5:00pm US Central Time. Many thanks!

The Gentleman Stationer is supported by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. This post does not contain links to paid sponsors or affiliates.

In the Shop: New TWSBIs Have Arrived! Introducing the 580 Iris, White Rose Gold II, and ECO Transparent Yellow

As of this morning, and just in time for D.C. Pen Show delivery, we have three new TWSBI models on offer: the Diamond 580 in TWSBI’s Iridescent “Iris” finish, the Diamond 580 White Rose Gold II, and the ECO in Transparent Yellow. All three of these are complete stunners, to be perfectly honest, and a key driver in my slimming down of my own pen collection has been to make room for the arrival of one or two of these. If you’d like to place an order for pickup at this week’s D.C. Pen Show, please get your orders in by close of business tomorrow (Wednesday, August 3) so that we have adequate time to pack it.

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A Note on the D.C. Pen Show

After carefully evaluating stock levels, we’ve made the decision to NOT sell on-site at the D.C. Pen Show. While I still plan to bring a full table of paper testers, pens, cases, and other items for you to see in person, given how fast things moved with Vanness having to cancel, we had to admit that we’re simply not prepared to stock both the online site and a booth at the show. If you were planning on purchasing something from T.G.S., including any Lochby cases, Traveler’s Notebooks (we still have limited sets!), or TWSBI fountain pens, any orders placed online can still be picked up at the table. Just use the coupon code “615PICKUP” at checkout.

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of all brands sold, including those pictured here.

Sunday Reading for July 31, 2022

1. Drama in the Pen World (via SBRE Brown). A very interesting response with some observations on certain controversies that have roiled the pen community over the past year.

2. Leonardo Officina Italiana Momento Magico, the OG (via Pen Addict). The Momento Magico, with the ink window, is the one Leonardo model I’ve not yet tried. I need to give this one a shot given how much I’ve enjoyed the standard Momento Zero.

3. My Humble Workspace (via Well-Appointed Desk). I love seeing how others work, especially fellow reviewers!

4. A Look at My Brown Ink Stash (via Fountain Pen Blog). Breaking down the ink stash is one of the more sobering tasks for any fountain pen user, especially when you start looking at colors together. Are these shades too similar? How many bottles of this same color do I really need?

5. Musgrave Tennessee Red Pencil Review (via Writing at Large). The Musgrave Tennessee Red, is, in my humble opinion, one of the prettiest pencils made right now, and the dark core is sublime.

6. Pen Porn: Benu Forest Pond (via Rachel’s Reflections). This is a new look for Benu, and I have to say that I’m enjoying it!

7. 2022 State of the Scholar: Tray One (via mnmlscholar). It’s always fun to see if my writing inspires anyone to take similar action. I especially love to see people’s curated pen collections and hear about why they select the pens they do!

8. How to Sell a Fountain Pen (via Inkjournal). During last week’s Patreon meetup, we had a discussion about the best way to sell fountain pens that you no longer use. This article is a great resource!

9. Dominant Industry Autumn Forest (via Mountain of Ink). The one new ink that’s still on my list!

10. Edison Pen Co. Comet Fountain Pen Review (via Pen Addict - Sarah). The Comet is Edison’s newest fountain pen model, which debuted at this year’s Chicago Pen Show. Be sure to check it out the next time you’re on their site or at their show table.

In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog I wrote an article about seeking the “sweet spot” in pen size, especially with pens seemingly becoming ever larger. I also reviewed a pen I’ve had in the queue for a long time: My Hinze Pen in “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” resin. I’m looking forward to spending some time with Hinze and the rest of the pen community at the upcoming D.C. Pen Show this week!

D.C. Pen Show and Curated Shop Updates!

Many of you may have seen the announcement posted by Vanness yesterday that due to unforeseen circumstances, they will be unable to attend the D.C. Pen Show this week. I was planning to work with Vanness this week, so we’re busy rejuggling plans. As of now, the plan is that T.G.S. will be taking over two of the Vanness tables, though it remains to be seen whether we will be selling directly at the show, or instead set up with samples and testers. Be sure to stop by!

In the meantime, we are still running a 10% off “pre-pen show/summer inventory reduction sale”, with the discount automatically applied to certain items at checkout. While not discounted, we do have a handful of Traveler’s Notebook 2022 Limited Editions available in the blue “Airline” cover. Now is a great time to pick up a Traveler’s Notebook and stock it with refills and accessories! Finally, be sure to check out the “Gently Used” page, as there are a few pens still available, all in great condition!

Traveler's Company

Lochby

Maruman

Book Darts

Consider T.G.S. Patreon!

I would love for the T.G.S. Patreon to become a core method of support for the T.G.S. website, and have tried to streamline it. I’ll also need to be a bit more vocal about its availability and what it offers. The Patreon Program offers two options for tiers of support: $3 and $5, and plan on making monthly meetups, pen show events, and periodic exclusive content the primary benefits. Of course, Patreon members will continue to get first access to periodic sample sales, with right of first refusal on gently used pens. Attention Patreon Members: Yesterday I posted half-a dozen or so new “gently used” products to the sale page, so check it out. I’m doing a general “stash and sample” reduction, so more will follow.