New Arrivals: Kit Your Traveler's Notebook Out for Your Summer Travels!

I nearly spouted coffee across the table this morning when my daughter told me that the last day of school is this coming Thursday! Where did the year go? At the same time, I’m ready for summer, and all it entails. Work quiets down, and I usually change out my Traveler’s Notebooks to feature more journaling-style inserts as opposed to the productivity and planner-focused build-outs that I’ll use during the Fall through Spring months.

Introducing the New Traveler’s Notebook Repair Kit in Spare Colors

One of my favorite aspects of the Traveler’s Notebook system is its customizability, including the ability to change the elastic to add a pop of color to the outside of your notebook. Traveler’s has begun releasing their Repair Kits in new color combinations, including this Version 010 (Spare Colors). While certain of the colors in this package were previously available in the standard pack, this (relatively) new release is notable for the addition of a grey-blue elastic cord, which I think would look awesome on the black, blue, or even the olive notebook covers.

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Traveler’s has decided to release the repair kits in different color combinations. The “Spare Colors” comes with the five replacement cords shown here, plus two replacement bookmark strings and a spare fastener.

We are currently fairly well-stocked with most Traveler’s Notebook Starter Kits in both Standard and Passport sizes, as well as most refills. For those of you looking for the B-Sides and Rarities collection, our inventory is low because I understand that these are in the process of being added to the regular lineup and will reappear at some point in the future. If you want these refills, get them now as we are very low and I don’t have a firm ETA on the new versions. Many thanks for your support!

This week is a great time to get started with Traveler’s Notebook or one of our other notebook systems, as we are running a Memorial Day Sales Promotion through 11:59pm CT on Monday, May 29. Take 10% off your total order using the coupon code “SUMMER23” at checkout. Some exclusions (such as TWSBI) apply.

Sunday Reading for May 21, 2023

1. Writing in the Shower (via Analog Office). Does anyone else use Rite in the Rain notebooks to write in the shower (or maybe the pool)?

2. Esterbrook 2Go Pen Cup Review (via Pen Addict - Sarah). In addition to their pens, Esterbrook has focused on a line of accessories that I consider quite impressive, including not only the “Pen Nook” pen cases but this new “2Go” collapsible pen cup that doubles as a pen roll/sleeve.

3. You Can’t Take It With You (via From the Pen Cup). After witnessing so many pen show estate fire sales over the years, Mary is absolutely correct that you should have a plan - or at least instructions - that provide for your last wishes with respect to your collection.

4. Logical Prime W-Ring Notebook Review (via Blake’s Broadcast). Blake has a very comprehensive review of the Nakabayashi Logical Prime Notebooks, and as he notes they are reasonably priced options with fountain pen friendly paper.

5. Previously Unknown Filofax Organisers (via Philofaxy). That “Academy” version is rad.

6. But Can Your Typewriter Do This? (via Analog Office). I spent most of the video wondering what he was going to do with the NES console.

7. Stubs and Stones: Galen x Studio Agackakan v1 Fountain Pen (via A Fleeting Ripple). I’m glad to see Galen doing some unusual fountain pen collaborations. This is a beautiful piece.

8. Dominant Industry Winter Wood (via Inkredible Colours). Why can’t there be more brown-black inks? It gives your standard brown and black options just a touch more depth.

9. Yea, But How Do You Use That? The Fabulous Insightful Mundanity of “How I’m Using My Collection” Posts (via mnmlscholar). I think part of the draw to these kinds of posts is to assure ourselves that we’re not “crazy” (at least not in a bad way), and that others love to use their tools in even more wonderful and complex ways that we do (even if it does sometimes amount to “taking the long way around”).

10. Wearingeul Ink Color Chart Cards (via Well-Appointed Desk). Ink companies are releasing their own tools for ink swatching, so Ana compares the Wearingeul offering to her own Col-o-ring products.

In Case You Missed It…

I’m really tired. After driving 12 hours on Sunday, I had to hit it pretty hard, shipping accumulated orders and getting caught up on the day job, in addition to this week’s posts! Here’s to hoping that things quiet down for a while. This week on the blog, my main focus was revisiting and updating certain of the foundational information on the site, and building out our “Fountain Pen Basics” resources both on the site and on our YouTube Channel. This week, I published a post titled “5 Best Practices for Fountain Pen Users,” as well as a new “Fountain Pen Basics” Section that can be found under the “Resources” tab on the blog. And don’t forget to check out Fountain Pen Basics on T.G.S. YouTube! We’ve recently added three new videos on fountain pen filling systems, with more on the way.

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Also, we’re giving away this A5 Folio from Galen Leather, with the giveaway closing tonight at 11:59pm CT. All you have to do is like this Instagram post, or comment on one of the site posts from Thursday through Sunday (including this one).

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop - Early Access Memorial Day Sale!

The best news of all is that I finally made some headway in getting my office cleared out so that I can start focusing on content (of which I have a ton in the works). This week, we have available the TWSBI ECO-T in Mint, which I would describe as a beautiful sky blue color with a hint of mint green. We also have the TWSBI Diamond Mini AL in “Grape”, which is a gorgeous “nuclear purple” color that really pops. Finally, as appreciation for all your support so far this year, we’re opening up our Memorial Day Weekend Sale exactly one week early! Through Monday, May 29, take 10% off almost everything in the shop using the coupon code “SUMMER23” at checkout. Some exclusions will apply (i.e. TWSBI).

TWSBI

Nakabayashi

Laconic

Penco

Consider Supporting Us Via T.G.S. Patreon!

T.G.S. Patreon is currently the only non-shop means of support for the site, and features not only access to meetups and early gently used sales, but more exclusive content. Patreon support starts as low as $3 per month, and if you pay annually there is a further discount. In addition to purchases from The Curated Shop, Patreon allows us to continue to grow the site without relying on advertisements and affiliate marketing. If you’re interested in meetups and exclusive content, or simply supporting the site, we greatly appreciate your support!

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.