Fountain Pen Basics: Updated "Educational" Content and Informational Resources

It’s been a while since I’ve taken a pause to consolidate and update some of the years' worth of articles, lists, and how-to guides from the T.G.S. Archives. Since we surpassed nine years of T.G.S. last month, I’ve spent time revisiting some of this material and updating it, as much of it is out of date. (I ended up deleting the hopelessly out-of-date content, which mostly discussed products that never launched or no-longer exist, as well as retailers/manufacturers long out-of-business or who are no longer relevant to the community.)

This morning, I created a new section under the “Resources” Tab, titled “Fountain Pen Basics,” that contains links to fundamental information and content regarding fountain pens. On this page, I’ve linked to the YouTube Channel, which now contains the first series of “Fountain Pen Basics” videos on filling fountain pens with various filling systems. (More will be on the way.) I’ve surprised myself at how much I’ve enjoyed making the YouTube content, and wish I started years ago. While I’m certainly no master videographer, I’m working on technique, upgrading (within reason) my equipment, and hope to continue with more visual demonstrations that people find helpful. If you’re on YouTube, please consider giving us a follow so that we can expand our reach.

Where T.G.S. Is Going, How We Plan to Grown, and How You Can Support T.G.S. Going Forward (AND A Beginning of Summer sale!)

You may have noticed that our focus this year has evolved. While we still produce informational and educational content, we have also launched a retail shop, which we are continuing to expand by bringing in brands such as Pilot, Kaweco, Lamy, TWSBI, and Nahvalur. As I’ve been hinting in recent months, I also have some big plans in the works which will result in T.G.S. becoming a bigger part of my professional life, and will see a lot more involvement by my family in helping me run the day-to-day so that I can focus on content creation and overall direction of the site.

So to thank everybody for their support, we are starting our annual Memorial Day sale one week early! Use the coupon code “SUMMER23” at checkout to get an extra 10% off your order. Those of you in the Nashville, Tennessee area now have the option of selecting local pickup at checkout, rather than using a separate coupon code. Just message me through the “Contact” link to arrange pickup or delivery. The code will remain good through Monday, May 29 at 11:59pm CT. Some exclusions (i.e. TWSBI) will apply due to manufacturer and distributor restrictions.

Finally, for those of you who would like to take advantage of “extras,” you can support us on Patreon. The main feature of our Patreon program is our monthly Zoom meetup (including one tonight at 8:30pm CT!) along with access to exclusive content, discounts, early access to exclusive TGS collaborations, and periodic sample/gently used sales (though in full disclosure these are going to be more semi-annual rather than monthly or quarterly, due to the simple fact that I’ve reduced my own acquisition and consumption over the past year and have less unused stuff lying around). Patreon is completely optional at either $3 or $5 monthly levels of support, and as I’ve always said, T.G.S. will remain free and not get stuck behind a paywall (but Patreon and the Shop help keep this possible on an advertising and affiliate-free basis). Again, many thanks to all of you! You don’t know how much we appreciate it!

Thursday Drops: TWSBI ECO-T Mint, Nakabayashi Paper, Lamy Restock and More!

Between the TWSBI ECO and the TWSBI ECO-T, I might fall firmly in the ECO-T camp. I love the triangular cap, and sculpted grips on both the ECO-T as well as Lamy’s Safari/AL-Star don’t bother me. This week we added the ECO-T in Mint (more of a “minty blue” than a “minty green”) to the shop, which complements the recently released ECO-T Saffron and Jade/Rose Gold. You can read more about the ECO-T and other triangular grip pens in this recent post. As noted below, we also have more of the Nakabayashi Logical Prime notebooks, and more Lamy pens and replacement nibs. Happy Shopping!

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

1. TWSBI ECO-T in Mint. Sure, this one’s been around for a while, but I keep forgetting how good it looks. As noted above, we now stock two models of the TWSBI ECO-T, in the Mint and the Saffron.

2. TWSBI Diamond Mini AL Grape. TWSBI’s latest release, is well, VERY purple. If you’re a fan of purple pens, you certainly don’t want to miss this one. Likewise, if you’re a fan of the TWSBI Diamond Mini, you don’t want to miss this one, as TWSBI doesn’t often release special editions of this model.

3. Nakabayashi Logical Prime Paper Notebooks. Since their introduction last week, these slim wirebound and threadbound notebooks have sold quite well. The lined paper in particular is available in both 6mm and 7mm rulings, with a French-ruled style layout. Read more here.

4. Laconic Tokyo “Style” Notebook System. I’m drawn to modular notebook and planner systems, particularly refill systems that work in more than one different cover. With Laconic, you can choose from multiple planner and notebook layouts Read more on how the various components of the Laconic Style system fit together here.

5. Penco Prime Timber 2.0 and Passer’s Mate Mechanical Pencils. Pens and pencils from Japanese manufacturer Penco have been a quiet success here in the store, and these recent arrivals are super cool. The Prime Timber is a mechanical pencil-style leadholder that clicks to advance and ships with a sharpener, and the Passer’s Mate is, well, retro.

6. Lochby Venture Pouch. You all cleaned us out of Lochby Venture Pouches at recent pen shows. We’re now restocked in all three colors. The hallmark of the Venture Pouch is that it’s reversible, with a traditional pen pouch on one side and a zippered pen case on the other. Read more here!

7. Lochby Field Journal. If you’re looking for a durable, secure way to house A5 refills such as the the Laconic inserts discussed above, or Midori MD Light paper, Lochby has you covered. Lochby’s own refills are also excellent, and feature 68 gsm Tomoe River Paper.

8. Lamy 2000 4-Color Ballpoint (Multi pen). Our top seller from the Lamy 2000 line, believe it or not. This classic multi pen accepts the versatile D1 refill format, so you can use Lamy’s own ballpoint refill or the gel/ballpoint/low-viscosity refill of your choice.

9. Lamy Cursive Nib. Given how popular these hybrid architect/Kodachi/blade/Naginata nibs are, we bought a bunch. We’ll even install them on a compatible Lamy Safari/AL-Star/Vista with purchase if you send us a request.

10. Lamy Vista Pens and Pencils. Lamy makes a much underloved demonstrator version of the Safari, which I personally enjoy because it’s just different. I say “underloved” because it just doesn’t get as much attention as other items in their lineup, but it should!

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I love the layout on the Nakabayashi Logical Prime Paper, from the rulings to the header.

Fountain Pen Basics: 5 Best Practices for Fountain Pen Users

If there's one thing I really enjoy after nearly a decade in the business, it's knowing that appreciation of pens, ink, and paper isn't some hipster fad, that analog tools aren't going anywhere despite the pressure to digitize everything, and there are still many people out there who have only recently discovered our little niche on the internet. Given the volume of new readers and the large number of questions I've received about "Fountain Pen 101"-type topics, it's helpful to revisit the basics, for both new users and even those of us who are more experienced. Below are five pointers I always offer to new users who ask about fountain pens, particularly those who seem hesitant due to the fountain pen’s reputation for being fussy and high-maintenance. At the end of the day, it's fairly easy to care for a fountain pen, keeping a few things in mind.

Clean Your Pens Regularly

Pen cleaning routines range from the ad hoc ("whenever the ink runs out - every week/month/YEAR?") to the highly regimented ("once a week whether the pen is empty or not"). Personally, I'm not very strict about cleaning, but I try to keep it to once every two months at a minimum. I plan to write a longer resource on pen cleaning techniques for different filling systems, but 90% of the time I simply flush the pen with water. The other 10% of the time, a bath in the ultrasonic cleaner normally does the trick, and it’s rare that I ever use anything other than water mixed with a tiny drop of dish soap to flush a stubborn pen. You can read more about my basic process for cleaning most fountain pens here.

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Use Water-Based Inks Intended for Fountain Pens

If you spend any amount of time on the pen internet, you'll read countless "blacklists" of inks that aren't "safe", that stain, or that will "dissolve plastic." Many of these horror stories are apocryphal tales that started with a grain of truth but are mostly exaggerated. At the end of the day, if an ink is marketed as being "for fountain pens", it is mostly likely ok to use in your pen. If you have an especially rare or precious pen that you don't want to stain or damage, I strongly recommend using only blue or black ink made by a pen manufacturer. Otherwise, there can be no guarantee that dyes uses in red, orange, purple, or other color inks won't stain your pen, and you proceed at your own risk with inks marketed as “permanent”, “super sheening,” “shimmering” or featuring other “special properties.”

For the most part, staining is the real risk. Even if a fountain pen ink dries out in a pen and the ink no longer flows, you typically can fix the problem by flushing the pen with water. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU USE INDIA INK, CALLIGRAPHY INK, OR ANY INK MARKED AS BEING FOR ART OR DIP PENS ONLY, AS THESE CAN PERMANENTLY DAMAGE PENS IF THEY DRY INSIDE THE FEED OR THE FILLING SYSTEM. SOME ARE ESSENTIALLY PAINT. All of the inks we carry in our shop are intended for fountain pens. You can read more about inks that I consider “safe” here, and why sometimes “boring is better.”

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Invest in a Well-Made Pen Case

Protect your pens when you're not using them, or when you're carrying them to and from work. I strongly encourage people to actually use their pens as intended - some dings and scratches are inevitable - but you don't want to risk a pen getting dropped, stepped on, or cracked because it rolls off a desk when not in use. You don't need to spend a lot of money here. Not only do we live in a modern "golden age" of pens, ink, and paper, but the number of pen cases and case designs readily available has absolutely exploded in recent years and you can find anything from single-pen sleeves to 36-pen albums, to handcrafted wooden pen boxes that look great on a desk or bookshelf. Read more on different types of cases here.

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If someone asks to try my fountain pen, I always start with two questions: (1) Have you ever used one before? and (2) Show me how you hold your pen. If the answer to question two is anything like this picture, continue reading below.

Don’t Lend Your Nice Pens to People Who Don’t Know What They’re Doing

This is a controversial "rule", but it's one that I follow. I keep a few inexpensive steel nib fountain pens on me to lend out to those who want to try writing with a fountain pen or express curiosity, but I'll politely decline to lend my nicer pens, especially those with gold nibs. It's something of a myth that you shouldn't allow others to write with your pens because the nib "adjusts to your hand" and letting someone else use the pen ruins it - the real risk is damage. People who are used to writing with modern ballpoint or gel pens that require a lot of pressure can bend the tines, requiring a costly repair.

That said, DO share your pens at pen club or a pen show. There's little to no risk in allowing a knowledgeable person to test out a fountain pen.

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USE Your Pens Regularly

In my experience, any nib writes better after a short "break-in" period, and to a certain extent, a pen will adjust to your hand over time (but the effect is just not as dramatic as some would have you believe). Making sure your pens get used therefore not only ensures that you'll get the best value from your purchase, but I've found that it does help keep things writing smoothly. Note: If you use your pens regularly, and/or have some sort of system for rotating through your collection, you'll also remember to clean them.

I'm listening!

If you're a new user, or someone still relatively new to fountain pens, what would you like to know? For experienced users, what do you wish someone had told you about pens early on - perhaps something that would have saved you a lot of trouble, heartbreak, or money? Drop a suggestion in the comments or via the “Contact” link up top!

This post does not contain paid third-party advertising or affiliate links. The Gentleman Stationer is supported by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

New Arrivals: The TWSBI Diamond Mini AL Grape. This Thing is PURPLE!

I’ve been more excited than most about the arrival of the TWSBI Diamond Mini AL Grape, for two reasons: (1) the TWSBI Diamond Mini is one of the more underrated pens in TWSBI’s lineup, as a piston filler that posts to a full-size pen despite being a “mini”, and (2) the anodized aluminum plating on this particular model is an almost-psychedelic purple. If you’re a fan of purple pens, this is one you don’t want to pass up. Priced at $60 ($65 for the stub).

I’m serious. It’s so purple it almost glows.

TWSBI is due a shout-out for its release calendar so far in 2023. In addition to the Diamond Mini AL Grape, they’ve released new ECO and ECO-T fountain pens, including the ECO-T Saffron and the ECO Persian Green. We currently stock a wide range of TWSBI pens, including all of the recent limited releases and the standard Diamond Mini if purple isn’t your thing!

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The cap on the TWSBI Diamond Mini is threaded, so it posts securely.

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized retailer of all products sold, including TWSBI.

Introducing Nakabayashi Logical Prime Paper: Ink Friendly and Quick Drying

Earlier this year, my friend Ana over at the Well-Appointed Desk recommended that I try out Logical Prime paper from Nakabayashi Stationery, a brand I knew by reputation (mainly for their scissors and desk accessories) but had never personally tried. This paper is apparently known for being fountain pen friendly, with relatively short dry times and nice sheening and shading for showcasing ink.

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So far, the quality has impressed. I’ve pushed this paper with some fairly wet nibs - including a No. 8 Bock Titanium nib - and tested multiple inks, and the only one that’s feathered or bled has been a Kakimori pigmented ink that, frankly, has feathered and bled through everything I’ve tried except mixed media paper. I can see this Logical Prime paper working its way into my rotation, especially where I need a slimmer spiral notebook for discrete projects.

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The notebooks come in four rulings and a blank option. Clockwise from top left: 7mm “lined”, 6mm “lined”, grid, and dot.

The Logical Prime Notebooks contain 40 sheets (80 pages) in the thread-bound format, and 50 sheets (100 pages) in the “W-Ring” spiral binding. The paper comes in four different rulings, including some interesting 6mm and 7mm lined variants that remind me of Clairefontaine Séyes-ruled paper. Pages have a header reminiscent of that on Maruman Mnemosyne, allowing you to better organize your notes.

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All of the standard fountain pen inks I tested worked extremely well.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

Nakabayashi Logical Prime paper recently became more widely available in the U.S. So far, testing with this paper has been extremely positive, and I’ve listed an initial shipment for sale in the shop in both the “Thread Binding” and “W-Ring” (spiral bound) formats. These notebooks are relatively inexpensive, with the thread-bound version priced at $6 and the W-Ring version priced at $7.50. Note that the Logical Prime paper is considered Nakabayashi’s premium paper option, with certain other Nakabayashi paper not handling fountain pens quite as well. I don’t plan to stock anything other than Logical Prime until I have had a chance to test their other offerings.

This post does not contain third-party affiliate links or paid advertising. The Gentleman Stationer is supported by purchases through the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.