Clairefontaine Looseleaf Sheets A4 and A5 Packs

New Arrivals: Clairefontaine Looseleaf Sheets Are Back, in both Individual Sheets and Booklets

January 16, 2024

Two years ago we brought in an old favorite: Clairefontaine French-ruled paper in looseleaf individual sheets and booklets. This particular product holds a special place in my heart - especially the double booklets - because it was the first fountain pen-friendly stationery product from my time abroad that I “smuggled” back into the country and hoarded because you could rarely find it in the U.S. These days, “Seyes” paper is somewhat more widely available but still unusual, so I’ve tried to keep it in stock when I can. We recently procured another large supply in both A4 and A5 formats, with A4 available in both formats and A5 (17 x 22cm) available in the single sheets.

Clairefontaine Seyes Ruled Booklet Open on Desk

You can read more on why I love this particular ruling here, but needless to say I rotate it through most of my notebooks and use it for a variety of notetaking, drafting, and letter-writing projects. I’ve tried to curate the shop in a way that we can offer French-ruled paper in all available formats. A few notes on the individual sheets:

A4 paper comes in packs of 50, 100, and 200-count sheets. Individual sheets are hole-punched for various three-ring binder layouts. The double-sheet booklets are not pre-punched.
A5 paper comes in packs of 50 and 100 sheets. As those familiar with Clairefontaine French-ruled notebooks know, the “Seyes” ruling is slightly larger than traditional A5, at 17 x 22cm. That said, it’s fairly easy to trim to fit A5 binders from Plotter, William Hannah, Levenger Circa, Staples Arc, etc., if that’s what you’re looking for.

Clairefontaine A5 Size Difference — Clairefontaine “A5” has odd dimensions. You can find double-punched notebooks that fit the paper as-is, if that’s your thing, but they are uncommon in the U.S. Most people I know use the A5 paper for letter-writing or notetaking, or they trim down the margins, which is easy to do. (See below.)

Clairefontaine French-Ruled Paper Hole-Punched for Plotter — I used the Plotter blue sheet as a guide and trimmed these by hand with scissors because I’m snowed in and don’t have access to my office paper cutter. Trimming the top and left margins leaves a perfectly proportionate A5-sized Plotter refill!

Clairefontaine looseleaf paper is priced anywhere from $6.50 to $21.50 per pack, depending on size and quantity. The T.G.S. Curated Shop has additional formats available, including spiral, staple, and clothbound notebooks. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized reseller of Clairefontaine products.

Philadelphia Pen Show: Two Schon DSGN Large Pens Plus a Rubber Duck — Two of the items in this picture came home with me from the Philadelphia Pen Show.

Sunday Reading for January 14, 2024 (Philly Pen Show Weekend Edition)

January 14, 2024

Montblanc Brothers Grimm (via Figboot on Pens). Ok, so this one might be an acquired taste, but I love it. At some point (provided circumstances allow) I will add one to the collection.
Eating My Hats: Diamine Early Dusk and Leonardo Andromeda (via A Gathering of Curiosities). I’ve also never really understood the idea of forcing yourself to use an ink solely to use it up. I change my ink with my mood, though there are some I use more than others, and I have finished bottles “naturally”!
Waterman Carène Stub Nib: Initial Thoughts (via Cheryl Lindo Jones). Wait, there’s a Carène stub? Is the sole purpose of this week’s links to tempt me after I just got back from a pen show?
Appelboom Boston Is Closing (via Line Variation). I saw this announcement last week and was likewise sad to see it. Given high rents and costs of operation in downtown areas in major U.S. cities, however, it’s getting more difficult to operate businesses like pen stores, at least in these locations.
Handwriting Equals Thinking: Or, Why I Use a Paper Planner (via Analog Office). Couldn’t have said it better!
Dip Pens Part I: Some Basics (via Writing at Large). I’m looking forward to this multi-part series on using dip pens, something I dabble in but have never fully explored.
What To Do With Last Year’s Inserts? (via Philofaxy). Do you archive or destroy past planner inserts? For work, I destroy. Anything that approximates a journal, I keep.
A Comparison of Muji Paper Types (via Inkredible Colours). If you live near a Muji store and enjoy their extremely inexpensive notebooks, here’s a great comparison of how each version performs with fountain pen ink.
I’m Sorry Shimmer Inks (via Rachel’s Reflections). I had a similar experience this year during Inkvent. If you’ve written off shimmer inks in the past due to bad experiences with clogging, smearing, etc., consider giving them another chance. Many of the newer formulations are excellent.
Reflections on a Year of Journaling (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). Thinking of taking up journaling in 2024? There are plenty of great ideas in this comprehensive post.
Mark’s EDiT Reading Notebook (via Well-Appointed Desk). Ana has a giveaway for this cool notebook from Mark’s Tokyo! They are one of the more creative Japanese stationery companies, with a variety of products that I didn’t know included journals.

TWSBI Precision Fountain Pen, Ballpoint, and Mechanical Pencil Side-by-Side

In Case You Missed It….

This week on the blog, I reviewed the TWSBI Precision fountain pen, which is one of the few drafting/technical style fountain pens that remains on the market. I also traveled to the 2024 Philadelphia Pen Show to kick off the Pen Show Circuit for yet another year. The show goes on for another day, so if you’re in the Philadelphia area (or even a short drive further afield) check it out!

Pilot Vanishing Points in Gunmetal Grey and White

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop (PEN SHOW WEEKEND SALE!)

In addition to welcoming more models of Pilot pens, including the Vanishing Point, we’ve recently received a restock of Lamy, more Clairefontaine looseleaf sheets and double-sheet booklets, and a shipment of Roterfaden is on the way! I’ve made a handful of the Roterfadens available for pre-order so those of you who really want one can reserve a binder, and they should arrive this week, though please be aware that there’s a federal holiday and a winter storm brewing here on the east coast of the U.S., which could delay things.

Finally, don’t miss our Pen Show Weekend Promotion, with 10% off many T.G.S. Curated Shop Items using the code “PENSHOW10” at Checkout. I will extend the sale through Monday at 11:59pm due to the MLK Day holiday tomorrow!

TWSBI

Pilot

Nakabayashi

MT Washi Tape

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!

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.