Thursday Drops: The Return of the Hightide/Penco Pocket Pens, Bookstands, Hourglasses, and More!

When I announced this summer that I was taking a pause to refocus the shop, the most requested line to bring back was the Hightide line of desk accessories, including the Folding Metal Bookstands and Hourglasses, as well as the Penco line of “Perfection” Bullet and Drafting Pocket Pens in all finishes, ranging from simple acrylic to chrome, brass, and matte black.

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The Penco Drafting Writer ballpoint is a pocket drafting pen that ships with what I believe is an Ohto needle-tip refill.

We have also received full restocks of Lochby (which means the Quattro four-pen case is back in stock!) as well as what might be the last shipment of Soumkine hardcover Agendas in the Charcoal cover.

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of all brands sold.

1. Penco “Perfection” Light Bullet/Pocket Pens. I have been carrying one of these inexpensive pocket pens clipped to my Plotter Mini-5 notebook for the better part of a week. Lightweight and versatile, they accept D1 refills and ship with something that feels like a hybrid gel/ballpoint refill (possibly a Jetstream). They come in multiple colors and the blue-grey/light blue is a stunner.

2. Penco “Perfection” Brass Bullet Pens. Perfect for those who like the format of the Fisher Space Pen “Bullet” but want something more substantial. These also take the same D1 refill as the Perfection “Light” bullet pens, and come in three different finishes of chrome, brass, and matte black.

3. Penco Drafting Pencil. Who wants a pocket-sized drafting pencil in .5mm lead size? (Raises hand.)

4. Penco Drafting Ballpoint Pen. While sold separately from the pencil, this similarly styled drafting pen ships with a needle-tip D1 refill (and is of course also compatible with other universal D1-sized refills).

5. Hightide Hourglasses/Sandglasses. The first “cult hit” that we stocked in the Curated Shop, these beautiful hourglasses (yes, they’re actually made from glass) come in 30, 15, 5, and 3-minute intervals. I use them for anything from pomodoro-style work intervals, to timing breaks, to meditation. Honestly, they’re relaxing simply to watch on your desk.

6. Hightide Folding Metal Bookstands. While conceived as a bookstand that allows you to hold a book upright while reading, cooking, etc., they fold up for easy transport and can pull double duty holding a notepad while you transcribe notes, or even a tablet. Nearly all colors are restocked.

7. Lochby Quattro Pen Cases. The Quattro sold out extremely quickly following an appearance at the 2022 D.C. Pen Show. It’s now back in stock, along with all of the other Lochby cases and refills.

8. Soumkine “Oh My 307’ Agendas. These undated hardcover planners (which are an open system, so they can also be used as a notebook) feature fountain-pen friendly paper in a “tall/narrow” hardcover format. Soumkine is reworking their product line, and I don’t believe this particular notebook will be brought back, at least for now, so I’m trying to get these while I can.

9. Caran d’Ache “Claim Your Style” Edition 4 Ballpoint Pens. This year’s Caran d’Ache CYS pens are available for purchase, and all of the colors are good. I don’t think I can pick a favorite. (Some of the Edition 3 remain and are on sale.)

10. Caran d’Ache 2022 Limited Edition 849 Ballpoint Pens. In addition to the Claim Your Style pens, Caran d’Ache has released two other special finishes, one in “Dark Violet” and another in “Pastel Yellow.” Both are in stock and like all Caran d’Ache pens, ship with the excellent “Goliath” ballpoint refill.

The Penco Perfection Light Bullet Pen comes in a range of different colorful options.

First Impressions: Nock Co. x Rickshaw Bagworks Sinclair "Model R" Pen Case

Compared to most pen addicts, I don’t have all that many bags and pen cases. (Sure, I have more than the average “civilian”, but let’s check our comparisons, shall we?) I’ve often asked myself why I’ve never been able to bring myself to sample cases and bags the same way I do writing instruments and paper, and it comes down to two things: attachment, and to a lesser degree, the storage space these things take up.

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Nock Co. x Rickshaw Bagworks Sinclair Model R in Saffron

Most people - myself included - can only truly carry one bag and maybe a couple of cases at a time while really using them. Since that’s the case for me (pun intended), I get accustomed to two, maybe three pen cases as part of my own personal carry, and become attached to them. Among those in regular rotation is a single original Nock Co. Sinclair in black waxed canvas with burgundy interior, which I acquired at a past Atlanta Pen Show as a pen-show exclusive design. While none of the other original Nock Co. cases stuck with me, the Sinclair did, and for this reason I called it “The Most Practical Pen Case.” Because it is. Given that this Sinclair has been a near-constant daily companion for going on seven years, I was overjoyed to hear that Nock Co. is collaborating with San Francisco-based Rickshaw Bagworks to create the Sinclair Model R - a slightly modified, or perhaps more accurately, “evolved” - version of the Sinclair.

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The original Sinclair holds three pens in separate interior slots, opposite a single larger pocket intended to hold notecards or a pocket notebook. (I use the word “intended” loosely - many people who don’t care about their pens touching have crammed upwards of 20+ pens and other accessories into this case, or stuffed it with multiple pocket notebooks, post-its, and other paper products. Hence “the most versatile pen case.”) The Model R keeps this same configuration.

Just how much can the Sinclair Model R hold? See below to find out!

The key differences between the original Sinclair and the Sinclair Model R are as follows:

• Size. The Sinclair Model R is larger, and while it might not appear bulkier, it’s a significantly bigger case. For starters, the case is taller, meaning that there should be more clearance between the top of your pens and the zipper than in the original Sinclair. This was never an issue for me, but for those who carry oversized pens it could be. The Model R is also thicker. How much? You can actually fit the original Sinclair, loaded with three pens, inside the Model R, even if the Model R has pens in the slots. See photos below.

• Plush Lining. The Model R includes Rickshaw’s signature soft interior to protect your pens and other accessories from scratches. Again, I never had this issue - or never paid attention to it - with the original Nock Co. cases, but cordura/nylon does have a propensity for “micro scratching” the shiny finishes on some polished pens. Rickshaw cases are known for providing an added layer of protection.

• Exterior Pocket. Arguably my favorite addition, the Model R includes an exterior pocket that fits my standard-sized iPhone 12 Pro. Anything that adds to the versatility of a pen case is a plus for me, especially since this particular feature transforms the Model R into a case that I can use for “stand-alone carry” as a mini-bag, not just a pen case or “bag-within-a-bag.”

• Paracord Pulls and Optional Pen Loop. You may have noticed that the case I am giving away (check out Monday’s post) features a small loop that you can use to attach the Sinclair Model R to a lanyard, carabiner, pelican clip, etc. The loop currently is not a standard feature, but I understand that it can be added via customization at some point in the future. Personally, I love this detail because the exterior pocket on my twill Filson briefcase has a built-in clip that I would absolutely use to add further security to my pen case. My Rickshaw Model R also has paracord loops on the zippers, a nice touch that may not be necessary but is an added convenience.

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With the exception of my eyeglasses, everything in the previous photo fits into the Sinclair Model R: the Plotter Mini-5, three pens, and my iPhone 12 Pro.

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I’m not sure if I’ll ever actually use the cases in this manner, but maybe for consolidated pen show travel?

I’ve already checked - the Sinclair Model R zips shut in this “configuration” with plenty of zipper clearance.

The paracord loop that can be added to the back of the Sinclair Model R.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

The Sinclair Model R is a worthy successor - and in many ways arguably an improvement upon - prior iterations of the Nock Co. Sinclair pen case. I’m especially glad to see that Rickshaw plans to make the case available in their full array of colors and patterns, and they certainly had some stunners on display at the San Francisco Pen Show.

You can really see the size difference when the cases are side-by-side. Original Sinclair (right) shown with the Model R (left).

You can currently purchase the Sinclair Model R in certain select colors on the Rickshaw Bags website, for the San Francisco Pen Show promotional price of $40. (Standard pricing will be $59 - still a relative bargain in today’s market.) At some point, you will be able to custom configure the colors and design of the case like most other Rickshaw products (including adding the loop discussed above), and I understand the plan is to also allow retailers to stock this design in their own custom patterns and configurations.

I purchased the Saffron Sinclair Model R and the original Sinclair featured in this post with my own funds, for my own use. The black Sinclair Model R show in the first picture was donated by Nock Co. and Rickshaw for giveaway purposes, and you can enter the giveaway here! This post does not contain affiliate links or paid sponsorships.

In the Shop: Midori MD Notebook Covers, from Paper to Leather to PVC

When we think of “notebook systems,” our thoughts immediately jump to the Traveler’s Notebook or something like a Filofax or a Plotter, but the truth is that there are many different systems out there with different levels of complexity. One of the most straightforward for those who prefer their core module to be a standard notebook without a lot of formatting is the Midori MD system/series. We recently built out our Midori MD offerings to include not just the standard MD and MD Light Notebooks, but the Midori series of covers as well as accessories such as sticky notes and notebook dividers.

Undyed natural leather after a few years (and this is relatively clean). Note: This is not a Midori-brand leather cover, but is made from similar undyed leather and provides a indication of how the Midori leather covers will age. Size shown is B6 slim.

Last week, we added several additional MD notebook covers in Midori’s signature goat leather, a soft undyed leather that will develop its own unique texture and patina over time depending on how you use it. (This cover is SUPPOSED to get dirty and ink stained!) We stock these covers in sizes that include B6 Slim, A6, A5, and A4, and recently added a vertical A5 leather sleeve (shown at top), which allows you to carry notebooks up to size A5 in the center pouch and writing instruments and other accessories in the front pockets. For those who prefer something other than leather, we stock Midori covers made from a heavy duty Japanese paper, which will last a long time and age and patina in a somewhat similar manner, as well as standard PVC plastic sleeves.

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of all brands sold.

Labor Day Giveaway, Courtesy of Rickshaw Bagworks and Nock Co.!

Brad was kind enough to send me home from the San Francisco Pen Show with an extra Nock Co. Sinclair “Model R”, in classic black cordura with bright yellow interior. While the case customizer isn’t quite ready over at Rickshaw Bagworks, you can still choose from some of Brad’s favorite color combinations, and comment below on the blog to get this one for free!

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I’m keeping the rules for this giveaway simple, with no widgets, third-party apps, etc. You can leave a comment on this blog post, and/or visit the T.G.S. Instagram and like the post there. I’ll number comments and likes and then pick a winner using a random number generator. The giveaway will remain open until 11:59pm Central U.S. time on Sunday, September 11, 2022. While the giveaway is open to everyone (provided it’s possible for me to ship to you), I may request that you chip in for international shipping if it ends up being prohibitively expensive. Also, if you comment anonymously or don’t allow Instagram DMs, I may not be able to contact you to tell you that you won.

Finally, remember that all orders placed in the T.G.S. Curated Shop through today will receive a freebie, such as some washi tape, an ink sample, a pen or pencil, etc. All orders over $75 ship free!

This giveaway is not a paid promotion. Nock Co. and Rickshaw donated this case for promotional purposes, and T.G.S. is not being compensated in any way by either company for running it.

Sunday Reading for September 3, 2022: Labor Day Weekend Edition

1. 2022 SF Pen Show: Definitely Not a Quick Recap (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). Kimberly and I are apparently locked in (friendly) competition over who can generate the longest recap of the SF Pen Show. This is a great one and extremely detailed.

2. Show Recap: 2022 San Francisco Pen Show (via Well-Appointed Desk). Jesi was stationed at the Dromgoole’s ink rack all weekend, and she sold a TON of ink (including six bottles of Wearingeul to me).

3. Thinking via the Notes I Take, a mnml Digest (via mnmlscholar). Given all of the discussions of notebooks and planners and journaling last weekend, including a couple of in-depth seminars, notetaking and the purpose of the notes I take is something at the forefront of my own mind as well.

4. Ferris Wheel Press Cream of Earl Grey (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). So this is one of the most intriguing colors in the Ferris Wheel Press lineup, IMHO, but is very, very, VERY light.

5. Private Reserve Black Cherry (The New Formula) (via Inkdependence). With my love for all things red-black, you would think that I would’ve tried this one already. No such luck. I may need to pick up a bottle.

6. Col-o-ring Update: Cover Colors & FOLIO! (via Well-Appointed Desk). The Col-o-ring Folio - the largest Col-o-ring EVER, is now available for purchase! While I have no idea what I would do with it, I want one!

7. On the Differences Between Grips (via KraftyKats). Chloe discusses an important factor in selecting your pen of choice, which may also present a reason to visit a pen show - if your grip tends to be sensitive, a show (or your local pen store) offers you the opportunity to try before you buy.

8. Witches: Lamy Azurite (via a fleeting ripple). The Lamy Crystal inks haven’t received much attention from the blogosphere lately, even though I’m generally a fan of Lamy inks and they’re always priced competitively.

9. Long-Term Thoughts on the Visconti Rembrandt Fountain Pen (via Fountain Pen Blog). I love reading “long term” reviews of favorite fountain pens, and whether people’s opinions of certain pens stay the same having used them for years at a time. I need to be better about revisiting prior reviews.

10. Pelikan M205 Apatite Special Edition Demonstrator (via Pelikan’s Perch). Just in time for the announcement of this year’s Pelikan Hubs, Pelikan has revealed the M205 “Apatite” demonstrator to match this year’s special edition Edelstein ink.

In Case You Missed It….

This week on the blog, it was all about recapping a great weekend at the San Francisco Pen Show. My recaps actually started last Saturday, in real time, when I discussed Friday at the show. On Wednesday, I offered my thoughts on what makes the San Francisco show so well-run in general (hint: it involves more classes and seminars, and a broader, more diverse array of vendors), and yesterday I did a very extended walkthrough of everything I took home from the show. Now I just have to figure out where to start with the review content….

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Did I mention we restocked on the Penco Perfection Bullet Pens, both the plastic version and the metal in Gold, Silver, and Matte Black? For those who have asked, yes, they clip quite well to the Plotter Mini-5. ;)

New This Week in the Shop Plus a Labor Day Promotion

Paper, paper, and more paper! I was low on most of the paper brands we stock here in the T.G.S. Curated Shop, including customer favorite Midori MD Cotton. (For those who have asked, the MD Cotton Paper is the same paper that is used in those letterpress specialty Plotter refills pictured in yesterday’s review.) We also have more Clairefontaine Triomphe and Seyes-ruled paper. Every Thursday I index new arrivals and features in a dedicated post. And through Labor Day (Monday at 11:59pm), we’re running a special promotion where all orders will receive a free gift, whether that be some washi tape, an ink sample, or a pen/pencil! No coupon code needed. Just place your orders and enjoy!

TWSBI

Traveler's Company

Planners

Mnemosyne

Many Thanks for Your Shop Support, and Please Consider T.G.S. Patreon!

We’ve been surprised at the level of enthusiasm and support for our curated retail strategy over the past couple of months, and after careful consideration are beginning to build out our inventory with more brands and product categories. I love managing this aspect of T.G.S., as it offers me the opportunity to directly put great stationery - including brands I feel are underappreciated and underemphasized - into your hands. For those who want to support T.G.S. without necessarily adding to their accumulation, 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.