The 2023 T.G.S. Holiday Gift Guide is Live!

Sure, it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but since I’ve been getting “Black Friday Sale” alerts since the Fourth of July, why not? ;) You can find the 2023 version of the Gift Guide here, and since new arrivals tend to trickle in from distributors through November and early December, I will likely update it periodically.

Each year, I don’t revise the Gift Guide from scratch, since the different categories of recommendations don’t change much. Since the store has grown exponentially in the past year, however, you’ll find new items in each category, most of which are targeted gift ideas for those who you think might appreciate stationery but may not necessarily be as “enthusiastic” about it as many T.G.S. readers.

A Note on Shipping

This looks to be a busy holiday season, so the earlier you get your orders in the better. The holidays always suffer from shipping delays - we have no control over USPS, UPS, or Fedex - so please give yourself time by ordering well in advance of when you will need your package to arrive. Finally, please review our shipping polices, particularly as they pertain to international shipments as those are more delay-prone due to customs issues.

As always, many thanks for your support! The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases through the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

Thursday Drops: T.G.S. Gift Guide Preview, Including Book Darts, Anterique, and More!

The Holiday Season is almost upon us! While the full 2024 T.G.S. Holiday Gift Guide will drop this weekend, this week’s Thursday Drops post features a preview of our standard gift recommendations as well as some new arrivals. (Thank goodness Book Darts made it back in time!) The past couple of weeks have seen the arrival of new items from Anterique Stationers, Lamy, Kaweco, and Caran d’Ache, among others, all ready to ship immediately.

This past year we’ve also worked to expand our shop selection beyond your typical pen and stationery store to include a range of high quality desk and reading accessories that make excellent gifts, including for the pen and paper enthusiasts in your life who might be particular about their pen and ink preferences and “challenging” to shop for. :) Finally, for those who can’t decide, we do have a digital gift card option!

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Anyone recognize artwork similar to a classic 1990s Christmas Album?

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

1. T.G.S. Signature Book Darts. One of our first shop items is back in stock! Book Darts are one of my favorite all-time desk accessories, useful for anything from marking passages in favorite books to dividing notebooks into multiple sections.

2. Anterique Brass Ballpoint Pens. Looking for a pen-related gift for someone who enjoys a quality pen but may not be as “particular” as you? Anterique takes an instantly recognizable classic format and upgrades it with a brass barrel and high-quality refill.

3. Caran d’Ache Keith Haring Limited Edition Sets and Rylsee Limited Edition Fixpencil. The rest of the 2023 Caran d’Ache Limited Editions are here, with two new 849 Ballpoints featuring the work of pop artist Keith Haring, along with a signature colored pencil set and a limited edition Fixpencil set designed in collaboration with Swiss lettering artist Rylsee.

4. Diamine Inkvent Calendars. We still have a few of these hanging around! I’m planning my “Inkvent” sampling strategy because I plan to start playing along as of December 1!

5. TWSBI Kai Fountain Pens. Yesterday I reviewed TWSBI’s latest (third) release in their acrylic limited edition series, the Kai. As I mentioned in the review, I wish TWSBI would make this particular shape part of the regular lineup.

6. TWSBI ECO-T “Rosso” Fountain Pens. As a fan of red pens, I’m thrilled to see a red TWSBI ECO! I’m still trying to match an ink to this particular color.

7. Kaweco Collection Fountain Pens. We brought in additional colors of Kaweco Sport fountain pens from the “Kaweco Collection” series! There are some fun offbeat colors in this line, including some muted blues, blue-greys, and light greens.

8. Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter Organizers. Looking for an upgraded leather (or vegan leather) cover to house your notebooks or planner(s) for 2024? TGS is now an authorized retailer of Roterfaden, and we have both A5 and A6 sized covers in stock and ready to ship.

9. Traveler’s Notebooks and 2024 Refills. The Traveler’s Notebook is one of the more versatile, customizable notebook systems on the market, with its wide range of accessories and refills.

10. Lochby Notebooks and Cases. Whether you’re looking for a pen case, a travel carry-all, or a versatile notebook cover that handles most A5 sizes, Lochby makes durable waxed canvas goods that pair well together.

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Don’t rule out fun desk accessories such as these combination eraser balls, pencil holders, and picture stands (?!?) from HMM Project!

Pen Review: TWSBI Kai Limited Edition Fountain Pen

TWSBI rarely adds new pens to their lineup, with the last completely new shape being the TWSBI Swipe. While some might view the recently released TWSBI Kai as a “new addition”, that’s not entirely true: TWSBI previously released limited runs of similar acrylic piston fillers, spaced approximately 2-3 years apart. The first, the TWSBI “Aurora”, was a green pen in short supply, while the second, the TWSBI “Draco”, received a broader release and more people were able to get their hands on them. The Kai seems to be more widely available, though TWSBI continues to describe it as a limited release. That’s not unusual - most TWSBI editions such as the special edition ECO and Diamond 580 fountain pens are made for a period of time and then retired, but the standard (i.e., clear acrylic, black/white, rose gold) versions remain available. What is unusual is the absence of this otherwise unnamed acrylic piston filler from the regular lineup. It’s solely a limited edition pen.

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The TWSBI logo is subtly engraved on the finial, as opposed to the inlaid red plastic logo.

I Would Love to See More Regular Higher-End TWSBI Fountain Pens

I’ve really enjoyed working with the TWSBI Kai for the past couple of weeks. Having missed out on the Draco, I made sure to reserve a Kai for myself as part of my larger order for the shop. The pen has not disappointed - the Kai both looks great and serves as a comfortable workhorse with a shape somewhat reminiscent of the Aurora Optima. The Kai shares the same streamlined flat-top profile - an all-time favorite - though the Kai does not post as deeply as the Optima. Fortunately, like most TWSBI piston fillers, it’s also lightweight and well-balanced even unposted.

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No surprises here. The Kai uses the same nib as the Diamond 580, which offers the same reliable writing experience I’ve come to expect.

There’s nothing particularly remarkable or unexpected about the writing experience itself - the Kai is classic TWSBI, and uses the same reliable nib as found in the Diamond 580 series. (The Kai doesn’t use the interchangeable nib units, however, as the nib is friction-fit.) What does make this pen stand out, however, are the visuals. I’ve always admired this series of TWSBI releases, and remain puzzled by their irregularity. The Kai is a beautiful pen, featuring a deep indigo blue-flecked acrylic trimmed in rose gold, which TWSBI always does extremely well. The material has a lot of depth, and I’d venture that the pen looks more expensive than its price point would suggest.

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As a more general matter, I’ve noticed that TWSBI’s nib consistency has improved in recent years, and that there is more delineation between the sizes. This EF nib actually writes an extra-fine line. Not a fine (or even a medium like some I’ve used in the past), but a true extra-fine.

A few design touches distinguish the Kai from other TWSBIs. First, there’s no red anywhere on the pen. Most TWSBI models feature the signature red TWSBI finial on the cap, yet the logo on the Kai is engraved. I go back and forth on whether I would prefer the Kai with a pop of red, but at the end of the day feel that TWSBI made the right choice by not adding additional plastic to a higher-end offering.

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Second, the barrel and inner cap feature metal rose-gold threads, which work smoothly without any grating noise or excess friction. The pen uncaps in two turns, allowing for quick deployment, and the threads sit high enough on the barrel (behind the ink window) that they don’t interfere with my grip. If I had one critique of the design, it would be the posting issue I mentioned above. Flat-top pens such as this one - including favorites like the Aurora Optima and Sailor Pro Gear - seem especially suited for posting. Could TWSBI have slimmed down the barrel just a bit more? Perhaps, but apart from the Diamond Mini and Vac Mini, TWSBI has never designed pens that post well, and the fact that the Kai is no exception doesn’t surprise me. (Note: As shown above, like most TWSBIs, the Kai does technically post, just not deeply, and I find it uncomfortably long and awkward to use this way.)

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The metal threads just work here. I find the pop of rose gold on the barrel visually interesting.

So Where Exactly Does the Kai Fit into TWSBI’s Lineup?

I would organize the current TWSBI fountain pen lineup as follows:

• Entry Level Pens: TWSBI Go ($18.99); Swipe ($26.99); and TWSBI ECO and ECO-T “Standard” ($32.99)

• Mid-Range: TWSBI ECO and ECO-T “Special Trim” editions ($49.99 - $70), TWSBI Diamond 580 and Diamond Mini “Standard” ($50-$65); Vac Mini ($60); Vac700R ($65)

• Upper Mid-Range: TWSBI Diamond 580 Rose Gold Editions ($80-$85); Vac700R Iris ($80); Precision ($80)

• “High End”: TWSBI Kai, Aurora, and Draco Special Editions ($130 - the Draco and Aurora were actually priced higher at $150(?))

As you can see, that’s a pretty compressed range in terms of price point, with even the “high-end” TWSBI pens not breaking the bank. TWSBI is known for never having targeted the gold-nib market or the “luxury” price point, hence their fairly dominant market position in the sub-$100 fountain pen segment. I would like to see the Kai, or some version thereof, become a permanent offering. Even if there’s no standard version, having one special or limited pen always available would round out TWSBI’s lineup and expand their appeal beyond those who enjoy the demonstrators.

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One of these things is not like the others.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

I’m enjoying the TWSBI Kai, and I’m glad I picked one up to compensate for missing out on the Draco (though I’d love to see them bring back that burgundy and black combination). While the Kai is a bit more expensive than other TWSBI piston-fillers, the price is consistent with higher-end pens from brands like Opus 88 and Nahvalur, and maybe even a little lower. It would be great to be able to recommend the Kai as a workhorse fountain pen to those seeking a slightly more traditional design than the Diamond 580 or Vac700R. There’s certainly demand - the Kai has sold well, and I’ve seen Dracos selling on the secondary market for hundreds of dollars!

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The Kai is a classy pen that wouldn’t look out of place next to pens twice the price.

As TWSBI retailers, we carry the TWSBI Kai in the T.G.S. Curated Shop, and have a selection of these pens currently in stock. It’s unclear when the next run will be made available after these sell out, though I seem to recall that the Draco stuck around for six months or so. The Kai is priced at $130.00, which is the top of the TWSBI range, though in line with the price point of many other similarly-styled resin piston fillers.

Further Reading on twsbi

I’ve managed to review most TWSBI pens, with a couple exceptions, over the years. If you’d like to review previous content, please check out the Fountain Pen Review Archive, which is organized by brand, including TWSBI.

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 paid advertising or third-party affiliate links.

New Arrivals: 30+ Different Varieties of Anterique Pens, Plus Anterique "High-Lighters"!

Anterique Stationers has taken the classic vintage-style click pen and improved upon it vastly, adding a .5mm “Mach Ball” refill that in my opinion rivals the Uniball Jetstream in terms of reliability, smoothness, and smear resistance. After a trial with the core colors, we recently added to our stock and now offer 30+ different varieties of this pen, including new white + clear demonstrator models. The Brass Ballpoints (shown above) have also been fully restocked, including in two new colors.

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We’ve also brought in Anterique’s whimsical highlighters (or “High-Lighters”), which are standard chisel-tipped highlighter markers but take on the appearance of vintage paint tubes.

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The updated T.G.S. Annual Holiday Gift Guide with be forthcoming later this week, and I expect Anterique Stationers to feature prominently. These pens are excellent gift ideas for people on your list who may appreciate a good pen but not necessarily something far outside their comfort zone. The design is immediately familiar to pretty much anyone, as is the upgrade in quality!

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized retailer of all brands sold, including Anterique Stationers Products.

Sunday Reading for November 12, 2023

1. How Pens Leave and Enter the Gathering (via A Gathering of Curiosities). How do you manage the number of pens in your collection, if at all? Do you adopt a “one-in, one-out?” philosophy? How do you choose which pens stay and which pens go?

2. Fountain Pen Day 2023: An Interview with Mr. FPD (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). I’ve been in the hobby long enough to recall when Fountain Pen Day first started. I enjoyed reading this interview with my friend Cary Yeager, who started the whole thing!

3. Fountain Pen Day Project: Starting My Ink Swatch Library (via Cheryl Lindo Jones). Another Fountain Pen Day has come and gone. Did you have any special pen-related projects that you tackled last week?

4. Tokyo Pen Show Haul (via Inky Rocks). Ok, so I’ve been watching TIPS videos for the past week and have now decided that I’m going to do anything and everything in my power to get there next year.

5. Pen Upgrade: Pilot 912 with Custom Nib Studio Spencerian Nib (and Flexible Nib Factory Feed) (via Well-Appointed Desk). If you are looking for a soft flexible nib and are willing to invest in customization, I cannot recommend Gena enough for this grind.

6. This Is All of It (via Line Variation). I really do need to photograph my own collection, even if just for informational/inventory purposes.

7. Summoning All of the Grinds. Well, Five of Them (via mnmlscholar). There are many ways to choose a “currently inked rotation.” Some people go by color, others by size and shape, and as here, a nice selection of different nib grinds.

8. Monteverde Jungle Chameleon (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). Whoa, this very dark purple really jumped out at me!

9. Flushing New Fountain Pens (via Dapprman). This post points out an important thing to remember with any new pen - if you have flow or skipping issues with a new arrival, be sure to rinse it out and re-ink first because the problem could simply be manufacturing residue or dried ink from quality control testing.

10. Ink of the Week: Scribo Grigio (via Fountain Pen Love). Or, as I like to describe it, “Best Ink of All Time?” Seriously, it may come to that, as I have three pens inked with it right now.

11. Pelikan M200 Pastel Blue (via Mountain of Ink). A nice review with photos of the latest Pelikan M200 release, which is a pastel blue color paired with ivory. I tend to prefer Pelikan’s transparent demonstrators in this line but variety is good!

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In Case You Missed It….

This week on the blog I reviewed a pen that I picked up at this year’s Dallas Pen Show: a Nagasawa Stationery exclusive 1911L dubbed the Kobe Affection Kyomachi Legend Blue! I also wrote a piece outlining my plans for the remainder of 2023 and 2024 in terms of my notebook and planner setup, as well as some additional insight into how I manage my workflow using analog tools.

Finally, be sure to keep an eye on the T.G.S. YouTube Channel! Yesterday I hit publish on a companion video to my recent review of the Santini Italia Libra fountain pen, and I have another such video in the works on the Sailor 1911L Kyomachi Legend Blue. Video content on these two pens offer me the ability to provide some additional context when discussing size, writing samples, etc. You can expect more of this type of content when I review stuff going forward.

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We are now fully restocked on the Anterique Brass Ballpoints, including two new colors! (Keep in mind that the top portions are interchangeable with the standard Anterique Pens, allowing you to mix and match to create pretty much any brass + color combination you like.)

Curated Shop Arrivals: New Lamys, Caran d’Ache Special Editions, and Anterique Brass!

The past few days have been huge for the Curated Shop, as we’re listing new arrivals prior to the holidays. The rest of the Caran d’Ache Keith Haring special editions arrived, including the Keith Haring 849 Ballpoints in two different designs, along with Anterique Brass Ballpoints in two new colors.

On the heels of our Kaweco expansion, we’ve also decided to offer additional pens from Lamy, including one of my favorite sub-$200 14k nib options: the Lamy Studio. Be sure to check out all of the new shop arrivals for the remainder of the month as we have more on the way.

Anterique

Lamy

Caran d'Ache

Roterfaden

How to Support TGS!

If you enjoy our content (whether on the main website, Instagram, YouTube Channel or elsewhere), there are several ways that you can support us. We do our best to remain 100% self-supported without having to rely on third-party advertisers or affiliates. Of course, the number one way to help is to visit our curated retail shop, especially during the upcoming holiday season! If you enjoy in-person and virtual meetups and having access to more personal content, consider joining the T.G.S. Patreon, which also includes early access to quarterly gently used sales. Patreon support starts as low as $3 per month, and if you pay annually there is a further discount. No matter how you support us - even if just with a comment, recommendation, or encouraging word - we greatly appreciate your readership!