Philadelphia Pen Show: The Short Show Recap

January 13, 2024

Well, the “Short Show” for me, because I’m headed back home today after a quick stopover at the Philly Pen Show on Saturday! The show continues for two more days, however, running through Sunday afternoon. Philly is a smaller show, and it offers an excellent opportunity to meet with vendors, makers, and distributors in-person, in a much less stressful environment than the chaos that can be the larger shows of D.C. and San Francisco.

If you’re in the area, there’s much to see. Franklin-Christoph (a show sponsor and organizer) brought multiple show special pens plus an ink. They also have some of their new Model 31 Pens, including unique materials paired with brass and chrome sections.

Franklin Christoph Model 31 — Franklin-Christoph Model 31 pens alongside their new .7mm mechanical pencil.

Of course, for their home show, Schon DSGN brought something special. This yet-to-be named larger Ultem fountain pen features a textured anodized overlay, and as of Friday afternoon there were only a handful left. This pen is similar to their D.C. Pen Show special release, omitting the clip. I now have to decide between one of the Franklin-Christoph’s and one of these for the single pen I’m allowing myself this weekend.

On Friday I spent much of the day hanging out behind the Hinze Pens table, working on potential follow-ups to last summer’s collaboration, so stay tuned. (Let’s just say I spent a lot of time with these Micarta Pocket pens….)

Micarta Pocket Fountain Pens on Show Table — I didn’t realize that Micarta came in such wild colors.

Come Say Hello in Philly, and Don’t Forget Our Show Promotional Discount!

If you’re at the show, I’ll be at the Hinze Pens Table until just after lunch, when I have to head back to the airport. Please stop by and say hello! I have T.G.S. buttons and pins available for everyone. Also, if you can’t make the show, remember that it’s a pen show weekend so we’re offering 10% off most brands (excluding TWSBI, Roterfaden, and a couple others) using the coupon code “PENSHOW10” at checkout. We’ve recently restocked on a number of brands after the New Year so please be sure to visit the shop. We greatly appreciate your support!

The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. We greatly appreciate your support!

Philadelphia Pen Show Suitcase On the Road

Thursday Drops: Roterfaden, Clairefontaine Looseleaf, and a Pen Show Weekend Flash Sale!

January 11, 2024

So I’m off to the Philadelphia Pen Show - a pen show I haven’t attended in several years - for Friday and most of Saturday. Of course the day I leave I receive notice of the arrival (or imminent arrival) of three major product restocks, including Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter covers, Clairefontaine Seyes-ruled looseleaf sheets, and most Lamy products. I’m going to go ahead and list these now, especially the Roterfaden, so that I’ll be able to get ahead of the shipping rush by being able to prep orders to go out quickly next week. Enjoy!

Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter Binder on Desk — Roterfaden binders in all sizes are set to arrive next week. Pre-order yours now and it will ship quickly!

Whenever I head out of town for a pen show, I typically run a short flash sale that will last through the weekend. From now through Sunday night (1/14) at 11:59pm, take 10% off most shop products using the code “PENSHOW10” at checkout. Certain brands such as Roterfaden and TWSBI are excluded because they cannot be discounted. Thanks in advance for all your support!

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

Roterfaden Pre-Order - New Stock Estimated to Arrive 1/15. Many of you have reached out wanting to know when Roterfaden will be restocked. We have a shipment in customs right now that should be released next week. If you would like to reserve one, I have made several models available for pre-order. Note that Roterfaden cannot be discounted and the Pen Show weekend discount does not apply.
Select Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pens. As noted in this post from earlier this week, we’re excited to add the Pilot Vanishing Point to our selection of Pilot fountain pens. We also have Vanishing Point nib units available in case you would like to have more than one nib size on hand.
Pilot Explorer Fountain Pens. I felt strongly that I needed to build out our selection of lower-cost fountain pens suitable for both new users and seasoned enthusiasts. The Pilot Explorer is that pen, featuring a diverse range of nice-looking finishes and excellent nibs, paired with a $25 price point.
Clairefontaine Seyes/French-Ruled Looseleaf Sheets. At long last, these shop favorites have returned following the release of our import order from customs. I just received notice that the boxes were delivered today, and these will be available to ship starting this weekend. We’ve ordered a large volume of A5 single, A4 single, and A4 double (booklet-style) sheets.
Camel Pencils. Don’t sleep on these excellent Japanese pencils with the integrated eraser. The wood grain is gorgeous on these pencils and we have almost sold through our first shipment.
Profolio Notebooks. The latest addition to our selection of Japanese paper, Profolio notebooks feature a unique multi-lined layout, and come in multiple colors and sizes.
Nakabayashi Logical Paper. I’m not doubling down on multi-lined paper, I’m tripling down. Nakabayashi’s “Logical” series comes in several different formats, including both threadbound and ringbound notebooks. We also have the popular Yu-sari paper in both notebooks and looseleaf sheets.
Lamy 2000 Restock. All models of the Lamy 2000 are restocked. To read why we love this pen as one of our daily workhorses, check out our Lamy review archive.
Lamy AL-Star Lilac and Petrol Pens. I managed to get in one more re-order of Lamy’s 2023 AL-Star release in fountain pen, rollerball, and ballpoint formats.
Lamy Pico Pocket Ballpoints. The Pico sold out quickly over the holidays, and this didn’t surprise me at all. It’s a great writing pocket pen that expands from the size of a tube of lip balm to a full-sized ballpoint pen. The telescoping design makes for an excellent fidget toy, too.

TWSBI Precision Full Set side by side — TWSBI Precision Pens, the Full Set.

Pen Review: The TWSBI Precision Fountain Pen

January 10, 2024

Despite epitomizing so-called old technology, do you know what product continues to be enduringly popular? The woodcase pencil. Do you know what else tends to sell insanely well, though they’re a bit more of a cult taste? Hexagonal pens designed to mimic the feel of the pencil. Often marketed as “drafting” or “technical” pens, these are one of the most heavily requested products, both for review purposes and for the shop. The now-discontinued Rotring 600 fountain pen remains the darling of this category, yet for years TWSBI has sold a fountain pen version of its “Precision” line. I can’t believe I’m just now reviewing it.

Hexagonal Pens on desk around TWSBI Precision — Hexagonal Pens: They’ll never roll off the desk! The TWSBI Precision fountain pen, second from right, shown with the Caran d’Ache 849 Paul Smith (top), the Rotring 600 (right), the Mark’Style Days Metal Gel Ballpoint, an the TWSBI Precision Ballpoint/Mechanical Pencil (far left).

I first got my hands on the Precision ballpoints and mechanical pencils last year. I loved them both and they are constantly in my “go-anywhere” rotation, especially when I’m working and need a reliable, understated no-nonsense writing instrument. The Precision fountain pen is a larger take on the same format, with brushed “gunmetal” construction that assumes as understated a look as a fountain pen like this one can possibly have. I do appreciate added texture on metal pens: this one feels especially good in the hand with excellent balance and just the right amount of “grippiness” to prevent slippage.

TWSBI Precision Grip and Nib Section — Something about a technical pen gives you an increased sense of … precision… especially when writing or annotating. I opted for a fine nib on the fountain pen, and I’ve been using it regularly to take smaller notes. The nib is the same as on the TWSBI Diamond 580, though you will need to swap the nib manually (friction fit) as I’m told the nib units are designed slightly differently.

Though traditionally intended for “technical” professionals such as architects, there’s no reason you can’t use a so-called drafting pen for everyday writing. The Precision writes comfortably due to the rounded section (no knurling here), and I’ve found the pen to feel best unposted. That said, the piston knob/blind cap on the back of the pen does come equipped with a double set of o-rings to allow you to post the cap securely, and while a touch long for my taste, the pen certainly remains usable.

Like most TWSBI fountain pens, the Precision fills with TWSBI’s reliable piston mechanism, and this particular model includes an ink window just above the section threads so you can monitor your ink level. Here the Precision borrows from the TWSBI “Classic” - yet another TWSBI back-catalogue item I’ve never reviewed. While the Precision doesn’t hold as much ink as the TWSBI ECO or the Diamond 580, you’ll still get a significant amount of writing from each fill. I’ve had this one inked for a couple of weeks and it’s not run dry on me yet despite fairly heavy use at work. As noted above, the pen sports the same nib as the Diamond 580, and offers the same reliable writing experience.

TWSBI Fountain Pen Size Comparison — The TWSBI Precision (Center) compared against a TWSBI Eco and a TWSBI Diamond 580. Size-wise, the precision sits in the middle of the pack, more akin to the Classic.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

The TWSBI Precision reaffirms, once again, my decision to spend some time revisiting companies’ “back catalogues” and reviewing older models that I bypassed in the early days of T.G.S. The Precision is an excellent fountain pen, especially for $80 (compared to $300+ for some of the vintage Rotrings), making it a great way to try out this type of writing instrument. The nibs are standard TWSBI Diamond 580 nibs, though the nib units are slightly different and you will need to swap the nib directly (by pulling and replacing) rather than using the Diamond 580’s threaded nib unit. The design offers TWSBI fans and/or those looking for a reasonably priced “technical” fountain pen something quite different to add to their rotation.

TWSBI Precision showcasing the TWSBI Red Dot on the Cap

I’m somewhat surprised TWSBI has not expanded the Precision fountain pen lineup with at least one or two other colors, such as standard black and silver to match the ballpoint and mechanical pencil. Given the demand for this type of fountain pen, and Rotring’s exit from the technical fountain pen market, there should be a natural opening, and that brushed metal finish would look exceptionally good in multiple colors.

TWSBI Branding on the Precision Blind Cap

For further reading, be sure to check out our review archive featuring additional reviews of TWSBI and other brands. You can purchase the TWSBI Precision fountain pen, as well as other TWSBI products, directly from us in the T.G.S. Curated Shop. The content side of the Gentleman Stationer is entirely self-supported via the shop and the Patreon Program.

Pilot Vanishing Point Matte Black Lineup

New Arrivals: Workhorse Pens from Pilot! Vanishing Points and Explorers are Here!

January 9, 2024

The idea of a “workhorse pen” - a reliable, often unassuming daily driver that can offer years of reliable service - is one of the key ideas around which I’ve built both the site and our Curated Shop. As we’ve expanded our retail selection over the years, we continue to introduce new pens from brands both new and established that fall into this category, including a growing number of pens from Japanese company Pilot. Last week we received our initial shipment of select models of the Pilot Vanishing Point (Pilot’s classic retractable capless fountain pen), as well as the lower-priced ($25) Pilot Explorer fountain pen. We also stock additional Vanishing Point nib units, which are easily interchangeable.

Pilot Explorer Matte Black Fountain Pen — As someone who was initially skeptical of the Explorer when it was first announced, I’ve come to love this lightweight, well-balanced fountain pen that also fits fairly well into planner and notebook loops, making it a good “planner pen”.

Pilot fountain pens feature some of the best-writing nibs out there, and while Pilot refuses to play the special and limited edition release game to the same extent as some other companies, what they do put out is highly reliable. I’m headed into a heavy month of two-job work that includes a lot of travel, and my personal carry for the new year includes not just a Vanishing Point and Explorer but also a Custom 74 and Custom 823.

Pilot Custom 74 in Blue Stone — Don’t sleep on the Custom 74 - it’s one of my favorite nibs.

In addition to our lineup of Pilot Pens, be sure to check out our selection of Pilot ink, including a refreshed Iroshizuku lineup. Many thanks for your support, and if you’re going to be attending the Philadelphia Pen Show this weekend, I’ll be visiting as well so look for me with our friends at Hinze Pens!

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

2024 is Off to a Good Start: Hobonichi Cousin Layout

Sunday Reading for January 7, 2024: Happy New Year!

January 7, 2024

Tokyo’s Best Stationery Store: “Cute Things from Japan” (via Inky.Rocks). Add this one to the list for my Tokyo trip! I’m so sad that I missed them at the San Francisco Pen Show.
2024 Stationery Intentions (via A Gathering of Curiosities). I love reading about everyone’s intentions for 2024, especially those who have been in the hobby for a while. “Streamlining” is an increasingly common theme.
2024 Journal, Planner, and Notebook Setup (via Pen Addict). I need to do my own review of the William Hannah. It’s an excellent flexible notebook option.
$30k in Pens from Taccia and Palisades (via Figboot on Pens). A touch outside of my price range, but fun to see nonetheless….
23 Memorable Inks in 2023 (via Ink Octopus). Just what I need, a list of more inks to buy and try in 2024! :)
Diamine Inkvent 2023: A New Year’s Eve Review (via A Gathering of Curiosities). It’s interesting to hear everyone’s reactions to this year’s Diamine Inkvent Calendar. Everyone’s “No Way!” category seems to contain the scented inks. :)
The Inkvent Draft Is a New Family Tradition (via mnmlscholar). In our house, the one-way Inkvent Draft would get pretty boring real fast! This is a great idea for a multi-addict household.
Pen Show Calendar Updated! (via Well-Appointed Desk). This is my go-to resource for pen show logistics, and the calendar stays up-to-date throughout the year.
Old Inks (via Goodwriterspens). Collecting old inks is something that I dabbled in for a while early on, and shockingly, many older inks remain stable and usable years later.
Planning in 2024: The 12-Week Year (via Writing at Large). Breaking down the year into manageable chunks is an excellent way to get started with planning.

Fine Tip Lamy Safari EMR Pen — Did you know there is a fine-tip Lamy EMR Pen? In both Safari and AL-Star format!

In Case You Missed It….

This week on the blog, I published my daily journal lineup for 2024, which is all Hobonichi (each used for a different purpose). I also wrote the next installment of my “Strategic Paper Replacement” series, in which I talk about my experiments with e-ink paper tablets like the Remarkable 2 and the Kindle Scribe. And, finally, we come to the end of Inkvent 2023, with my full-length YouTube recap that includes my thoughts on all 25 inks.

This Week in the Curated Shop…. More Pilot!

The first new arrivals of 2024 are starting to trickle into the shop! On Friday we received a shipment of pens from Pilot, including the black-trimmed Vanishing Point “Capless” pens, as well as the Pilot Explorer, a relatively new pen from Pilot at the $25 price point that’s sharp looking and is an excellent well-balanced writer. I inked up a matte black medium myself. We’re also fully restocked on Pilot Iroshizuku inks, including favorite colors such as Shin Kai, Yama Budo, Tsuki-Yo, and Sui-Gyoku (one of the newest additions). Finally, read about our favorite TWSBI releases from 2023.

Pilot

TWSBI

Highlighters

Profolio

Help Support T.G.S. in 2024!

If you enjoy our content (whether here 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. This month, Patreon supporters have had access to additional Inkvent content, including commentary on my favorite Diamine Inkvent inks and more. The first of these Inkvent posts is public, so please check out Patreon to learn more!

No matter how you support us - even if just with a comment, recommendation, or encouraging word - we greatly appreciate your readership!