I’ve been doing some pruning and sorting lately, as I often decide towards the end of the year what stationery items and other “gear” I will keep in rotation, and what I plan to move on from. Given the nature of what I do, I cycle through stuff often, and the items that truly get “used” to the point where they show signs of significant wear are few and far between. That said, three particular items jumped out at me, and none of them are fountain pens.
Traveler’s Company Brass Ballpoint, San Francisco Pen Show 2022 Limited Edition in Olive Green. I pre-ordered this pen at the same show where I purchased the Plotter Mini-5, and once it arrived a few months later, I clipped it directly to the pen slot in the Plotter and it’s been in my pocket ever since. The “bullet pencil” has never really caught on with me, mainly due to having to carry a hand sharpener, but this pocket ballpoint uses the same convenient format with an excellent needle-tip refill. I do wish that Traveler’s made the color versions part of their regular lineup, but the standard brass develops a warm patina with age.
Lamy 2000 Ballpoint, “W. Germany” Edition. Ok, so this one may be cheating a bit, as it had some history on it when I bought it, but my early 1980s-era Lamy 2000 ballpoint pen showcases what the black Makrolon Lamy 2000 can look like after decades of regular use. The grooves are more or less worn completely smooth, lending the pen a shinier appearance, but the knock still functions with a solid click and this one remains a workhorse. For those looking for a sharp gift for a non-fountain pen user - particularly someone who might work in a stuffy office and therefore prefers something fun yet understated - the standard pens and mechanical pencils in the Lamy 2000 line are excellent options and will last a very long time.
Plotter Mini-5 Binder/Wallet. Believe it or not, this used to be grey leather. Compare the photo shown at the top with the photo below, taken immediately after I purchased it. All of the grey leather products I’ve owned over the years transition to a greyish brown, which may or may not be your preference but I enjoy the patina. This Plotter Mini has gone in my pocket nearly every day, and in addition to serving as my emergency notebook, I use the card holder for my work access pass and a couple of credit cards.
What’s your most “well-loved” stationery item? I’m interested to hear different stories, as everyone’s daily users vary depending on individual needs and preferences.
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