Curated Shop Updates: New Arrivals from TWSBI!

It’s here! The latest release in a string of exceptional new releases from TWSBI is the TWSBI ECO-T in “Rosso” - the first red pen that TWSBI has done in a while, and I believe the first in the ECO family. For those unfamiliar with this particular model, the TWSBI ECO-T features a subtly triangular grip section, which I personally find very comfortable. You can read more on this particular pen and how it compares to other triangular grip pens here.

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We also have additional stock of the TWSBI Kai, the latest edition of TWSBI’s special model that they reissue every couple of years. Previously available in “Aurora” (marbled green) and “Draco” (marbled red) finishes, the new Kai is a deep blue paired with warm rose gold. Mine gets inked up this week!

Pre-orders will start shipping today, and additional pens will ship as orders are placed. Many thanks for your support!

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

Sunday Reading for October 29, 2023

1. The YosekaLab Planner, Part 2: Vertical Quadrant (Divided) (via A Gathering of Curiosities). The YosekaLab Planner continues to be something that is piquing my interest. I’ve come to enjoy quadrant-style layouts as well.

2. To What Level Should You “Restore”? (via KraftyKats). The restoration process presents many interesting questions and considerations for vintage pen collectors and enthusiasts. I generally take Chloe’s approach here.

3. Meet Your Maker: Ben Stewart, Mayfair Pens (via Pen Addict - Caroline). I have a Mayfair pen currently in the queue to review, and I can’t wait to break it out after reading this profile.

4. Musubi Pocket Folio Notebook (via Well-Appointed Desk). I love the feel of Spica Bond paper, and was thrilled to see these notebooks released at the San Francisco Pen Show.

5. Nibs and Feeds with Kokuyo’s THIN Paper in Mind (via mnmlscholar). While Kokuyo’s thinner planner paper can work well for planning on the go (the absorbent paper dries fairly quickly), you do need to carefully consider pen and ink combinations that will work best.

6. Stationery Micro Kit (via Pen Picture). What is your “minimal” stationery carry, when weight and space are the most important factor?

7. Rollerballs Revisited and Gels as Well (via Line Variation). It’s hard to beat the Pilot Precise V5, which was one of my go-to pens for years. I think I still have a bunch lying around somewhere.

8. Journaling Series: Journaling When There Are No Words (via Writing at Large). Sometimes the words just won’t come, but you can still journal.

9. MIG Brass Fountain Pen with Mini Kit (via Macchiato Man). Looking to support your local makers? Here’s a new Australian-made pen!

10. Monteverde Color Changing Ink Set (via Well-Appointed Desk). I’m not exactly sure what I would do with these, but it’s an interesting idea.

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In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog, I reviewed a pen that’s been in my pen case, on loan from a friend since last month: The Santini Libra. I also reviewed two Anderillium Inks from the Lepidopteran Series: Viceroy Butterfly Orange and Atlas Moth Brown, and wrote a short piece on my favorite Traveler’s Notebook Accessories for actual travel!

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Can you ever really have too many Roterfaden covers? I just need to choose an A6 to complete the entire stack!

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop

We had several large restocks and new arrivals this past week. First, we received a large shipment from Kaweco that included the Kaweco Collection Sport fountain pens as well as Kaweco Sport accessories such as clips and converters, and more Sketch-Up refills. Second, we received a major restock of Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter Organizers that includes covers in additional sizes and materials, including a wider range of A4 and A6 Taschenbegleiters. Finally, we have both the New TWSBI Eco-T “Rosso” (finally, a red!) as well as additional TWSBI Kai fountain pens avaiable for pre-order! These should start shipping Tuesday.

TWSBI

Roterfaden

Kaweco

Diamine

Patreon Update - Support T.G.S. via Sample Sales, Early Access, and Meetups!

If you’re interested in further supporting T.G.S., consider joining the T.G.S. Patreon, which features not only access to meetups and the early gently used sales (one of which is pending now), 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 pledge!

Travel Chronicles: Actually Traveling with a "Traveler's Notebook"

As befits its name, the Traveler’s Notebook makes a fabulous traveling companion, or so I’ve found on more than one occasion over the past month. Since I’m on the road for a brief long-weekend trip before a hectic week that includes Fountain Pen Day and my eventual return to the office, I thought it might be fun to take a look at the specific setup that I’m using in my personal Traveler’s Notebook, namely the accessories.

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Accessories - Folders, Cases, and Card Holders for the Road

For me, the accessories are the most important items for a “travel” rig since they transform the Traveler’s Notebook from a “notebook” to a functional travel portfolio/wallet. I’m currently outside the U.S., so I need to carry more documentation that I typically would on a domestic flight, including a passport, customs documents, cash, etc., as well as multiple credit cards, identification, and paper copies of my itinerary and confirmations. Here are the various accessories currently in my Traveler’s Notebook:

• Zippered PVC Case. While I always use the clear PVC zippered case to hold things like stamps, paper clips, and Book Darts, this weekend I used it to carry my Passport and customs receipts while moving through the airport. It’s a convenient - yet relatively secure - way for me to keep these documents handy. (I wouldn’t recommend storing these documents in your notebook when you’re not actively using them. Keep them in the hotel safe or concealed on your person!)

• Traveler’s Notebook Pocket Stickers. Like the PVC Zippered pouch above and the folder discussed below, you can add pockets to the front and back covers of your Traveler’s notebook to hold printed copies of confirmations and itineraries, cards, and more. They aren’t necessary for the particular cover I’m using on this trip (more on that below), but I have them in both of my Standard leather covers.

• Traveler’s Notebook Sticky Notes. I’m a sticky note addict who is never without a healthy supply of them. I make “side notes” to myself when I’m journaling, annotate books that I’m reading, and most importantly, leave last-minute notes to the dogsitter while I’m running out the door late for my flight. Though I might not use them regularly when I travel, I can’t bring myself to leave them at home.

• 2024 Limited Edition Plastic Folders and Pencil Boards. I didn’t realize how useful pencil boards (and journaling stencils in general) were until I began using one of my Atelier Musubi notebooks as my personal journal. Not only does it allow you to change up the ruling as you work your way through a blank notebook, but here it helps in situations where you don’t have a sturdy, level writing surface, especially for a fountain pen. A pencil board can also “firm up” the softer Traveler’s Notebook cover, creating a better platform for writing while standing.

• Brass Binder Clip. Whenever I’m writing on the go, and especially when I sometimes have to write standing up, on an airline seatback tray table, or other cramped space, I rely on the Traveler’s Company Brass Binder clip to help hold the notebook open, to mark my place in a specific refill, and even to just clip papers together. This clip is actually one of my most-used stationery accessories across the board, as I switch it between different systems and also carry it in my Roterfadens and Plotters.

You can read more on my personal Traveler’s Notebook Setups here, and if you’d like a tutorial on how to install and connect different refills in the Traveler’s Notebook covers, I’ve also done posts on that in the past.

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My favorite notebook cover ever. No I won’t part with it.

For those Who Ask, No, That’s Not an Official Traveler’s Notebook Cover and This One is Unfortunately Unobtainium, Though I Hope That Changes.

It’s actually an older Roterfaden model cut in an A5 slim size, which is no longer made. I love it because it easily fits Traveler’s Company and other similarly sized refills, and I’m hoping that Roterfaden will agree to bring it back. You can, of course, clip Traveler’s Company refills and accessories into the regular A5 Roterfaden covers, and you can take advantage of their stitched-in card pockets for credits cards and IDs.

This is a very short trip, as I’ll be back Monday, so no delays to regular content, etc. Maybe I’ll do one-more travel-related post on my return?

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It’s a toss-up for me whether the PVC Zippered Pouch or the Brass Clip is the more overall useful stationery accessory.

The canvas slots on the inside cover of this particular Roterfaden transform this cover into an excellent oversized travel wallet.

The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. The Gentleman Stationer is also an authorized retailer of both Traveler’s Company and Roterfaden products.

Thursday Drops: Roterfaden, Round 2! Plus Lochby Tomoe River Refills, TWSBI Kai on the Way, and More!

Additional Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter organizers began hitting the shop last night, and as of this morning, I’ve listed the last of the new stock. After the success of the last run, I decided to expand the range of Roterfaden good that I carry to include more sizes and finishes. There are some stunning pieces in this shipment, including two versions of the Taschenbegleiter with covers made from printing blanket scraps (DB22 and DT20): these are similar to the vegan leather “danceflooring” covers, but made from natural rubber with a cotton backing and have a slightly stiffer feel similar to the recycled leather covers. All sizes (A6, A5, and A4) are currently in stock.

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The DT20 Taschenbegleiter featuring a blue printing blanket cover.

We also have a shipment of TWSBI Kai fountain pens that are on their way to us. I understand that these limited run pens will be made in three batches, and this is the second. They should arrive sometime over the weekend so we’re opening the Kai back up to pre-orders today.

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Enjoy these new arrivals and more! Patreon members should be sure to check the Patreon page for newly listed “Gently Used” items as well as a pre-Fountain Pen Day promotional opportunity. (It’s actually a great time to join, with pledges as low as $3 getting benefits.)

1. Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter Organizers. Featuring a versatile clip-based binder system that works with many different types of notebooks and paper refills, the Taschenbegleiter comes in many different materials and finishes, both leather and vegan-friendly rubber and vinyl. My personal favorite is the light grey recycled leather, which has the look of a leather cover with added stiffness for writing on the go. Check out this YouTube video to see how I have set up my personal Taschenbegleiters!

2. TWSBI Kai Fountain Pens. Somewhat regrettably, TWSBI holds back on releasing more fountain pens in this format, which is the same as the previous “Draco” and “Aurora” releases. The second shipment of these pens is available for pre-order this morning!

3. Kaweco Collection Fountain Pens. I was excited to finally see the Kaweco “Collection” Sport Fountain Pens in person, and these are some great colors! (I immediately picked one of the Olive pens for myself.)

4. Kaweco Skyline Sport Fountain Pens. We recently replenished our stock of Kaweco Skyline Sport fountain pens, and also added the grey and white Skyline Sport fountain pens with the chrome trim.

5. Diamine Inkvent Calendar. It’s coming up on that time of year again, and the Diamine Inkvent Calendars are ready to go! I plan to play along this year and already have set one aside for myself.

6. Kaweco Sport Clips and Converters. With this latest Kaweco restock, we took the opportunity to stock up on Kaweco accessories for the Sport line, including clips and pump converters.

7. Kaweco Sketch-Up Clutch Pencils in Metal and Softfeel Finishes. The Kaweco Sketch-Up is a 5.6mm clutch pencil that accepts the wide graphite, highlighter, or all-purpose colored leads, making it perfect for drawing, highlighting or annotating.

8. Kaweco Sketch-Up Refills. We recently received a major restock of the clutch pencil refills! All colors and types are now in stock.

9. Traveler’s Company Notebooks and 2024 Diary Refills. We’re fully stocked on Traveler’s Notebook Starter Kits (including the new Olive notebooks), and if you’re looking for a dated planner this year, we have all of the various options in stock, in addition to the full line of accessories.

10. Anderillium Ink Lepidopteran Series. The latest ink series from Anderillium is based on moths and butterflies. I recently reviewed two of the colors, Viceroy Butterfly Orange and Atlas Moth Brown.

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

Pen Review: The Libra Fountain Pen from Santini Italia

Even after all these years, I love that I can still discover new makers, and come away as excited as I was back when I first encountered fountain pens. Santini Italia is not necessarily a new brand - the company and its principals have been manufacturing pens since 1998 - but their current line has just started to gain traction in the United States, culminating in their attendance at the D.C. Pen Show back in August. While I didn't get to spend an extended amount of time at their table, and most of their wares had sold by the time I was able to make it over, a friend from my local pen club was kind enough to lend me her Santini Libra in ebonite for review!

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I don’t believe this particular ebonite is still available for purchase, but it features multiple shades of blue and turquoise, along with red, pink, and beige mixed in. The combination is gorgeous.

About Santini Italia

Santini Italia is headquartered in Turin, Italy, the same city as famed Italian penmaker Aurora. As I mentioned above, Founder and manager Giovanni Santini has been involved in pen manufacturing for many years. (You can read more on his and the Company's background on their website, which also links to two excellent Pen World profiles.) What makes Santini unique? Their pens are 100% made in-house, from the pen bodies themselves to the nibs and feeds. In today's marketplace, this is rare. Most smaller makers lack the knowledge and/or resources to make their own nibs profitably and with the necessary level of quality control. Santini's 18k in-house nib is entirely their own, comes paired with an in-house ebonite feed, and is also offered with custom nib grinds. Frankly, I’m impressed.

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The Libra sports a wide coin-edge cap band inscribed with “Santini Italia".

About the Libra Fountain Pen

Santini describes the Libra fountain pen as "classic, elegant, and light." I would agree with all of that, from the form of the pen itself to the materials chosen. While the Libra features a piston filling system, it's not a heavy pen, leading me to believe that Santini uses something other than brass for their filling mechanism. (Perhaps ebonite or titanium?). I would characterize the profile as classic and vintage-inspired, with a slightly oversized cap and peaked ends, a wide cap band with coin edges, and a roller clip. "Santini Italia" is engraved on the cap band, and while prominent, doesn't appear out-of-place in the overall design of the pen. The Libra is definitely a larger pen, and while it will technically post, I found the pen way too long to be usable posted.

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My Santini Writing Experience - All About the Nib

While the pen world's move toward "standard" nibs manufactured by German companies JoWo and Bock certainly has its upside (lower pricing due to economies of scale, interchangeability, ease of repair and customization, etc.) it has also resulted in what some would consider a “uniform” (some would say “consistently boring”) writing experience. Don't get me wrong - I consider JoWo nibs to be reliably smooth writers, and it's hard to beat a well-tuned Bock fine-nib - but at the same time, I love the unique, one-of-a-kind writing experience that you can only get from a nib made and individually tuned in-house.

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Though on the ornate side, Santini nibs are tastefully engraved with the company’s “S” logo and 1998, the year in which they started making pens. I also appreciate that the nib size designation is visible on the nib - something that many pen companies omit these days and which I find inconvenient, especially when trying to easily compare nibs.

It took a bit of time to get used to the Santini nib, with its combination of softness and tactile feel. I reviewed a standard 18k fine nib, paired with Santini's ebonite feed. Overall, I would describe the Santini writing experience as "bouncy", and you of course have the option of a true flex nib if you'd like more line variation. It definitely writes on the wetter side. The closest comparison I can make to another nib would be Scribo, though I found the Santini fine nib more tactile than my extra-fine Scribo, akin to a fine Aurora if the Aurora nib was a bit less stiff. (If you'd like to read previous reviews of both Scribo and Aurora fountain pens, visit the T.G.S. Fountain Pen Review Archive.) Personally, I enjoy my nibs when they’re on the more tactile side: with Santini, those looking for a more "glassy smooth" feeling should probably opt for a nib that lays down more ink, possibly a medium, broad, or even a stub.

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A writing sample from the Santini Libra: The paper is a ruled Clairefontaine “Pupitre” writing tablet, and the ink shown here is Scribo Grigio, a dark grey-blue.

Santini Price Points and Where to Buy

As one might expect from a luxury, small-batch maker that designs and manufactures their pens 100% in-house, Santini pens are not inexpensive, though the Libra remains relatively accessible. In fact, the Libra sits at the lower end of Santini's product range. Available in either acrylic (269 Euros) or ebonite (369 Euros), this pen - at least to me - represents incredible value for the combination of materials, craftsmanship, and artistry, especially compared to many other European makers whose price increases only seem to have accelerated in recent years. Santini makes several other models as well, including the Toscana (starting at 269 Euros), the nine-sided faceted Nonagon (starting at 460 Euros), and the Giant (which sports a No. 8 nib and sells for 630 Euros). While not inexpensive, I found none of these prices particularly eye-popping, considering they all include 18k gold nibs and most include an integrated filling system. All pens can be purchased directly from Santini Italia via their online shop, and I was not compensated in any way for this review.

Santini’s ebonite pens are typically released in runs of 33, and numbered on the cap.

Conclusions and Takeaways

While I would ordinarily want to spend more time with a fountain pen before reviewing it, especially a pen from a brand I've never used, this pen doesn't belong to me and it sadly needs to go home. That said, I've seen enough to know that I will eventually want to acquire at least one Santini pen for my personal collection, and I'd love to be able to compare the Libra against one of Santini’s higher-end offerings such as the faceted Nonagon or the Giant with that magnificent looking nib. Here's to hoping that Santini returns to the D.C. Pen Show (or better yet, another show before August), though I suspect I will have another Santini Pen in hand well before then!

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The Santini Italia Libra, shown here compared to the Montblanc 146 Ultra Black and the Aurora 88 Sigaro Blu.

Further Information: Check Out Our YouTube Channel!

I’ve decided to supplement this review by filming a short video showcasing a few of the pen’s attributes discussed in this review, namely the ebonite material and the nib. The video also includes a writing sample. You can view the video here on our YouTube Channel!

Did you find this review enjoyable and/or informative? If so, please consider supporting us by visiting the T.G.S. Curated Shop, and/or consider joining the T.G.S. Patreon Program! Patreon members enjoy exclusive content, access to meetups, sample sales and more.