Thursday Drops: Pencils, Pencil Sharpeners, Kaweco, Kakimori and More!

As we approach our move-in date to our new physical location (yay!), we’re in the process of going through our current inventory warehouse and updating our stock. You may see some items we thought were sold out reappear, as with the Kakimori items listed below, and we are also taking the time to reevaluate some lines to make room to bring more in. Anything marked as “Sale” or “Clearance” on the site will likely not be restocked going forward, so take advantage of this opportunity!

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The recently arrived Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto Multi Pen is available with dozens of different refills, and we’ve put a lot of time into making assortments of the various color families.

We currently have plenty of pens in stock from Pilot, TWSBI, Lamy, Kaweco, and Caran d’Ache, including fountain pens, ballpoints, and rollerballs, and also an extensive selection of gel and multi pens as well as pencils. We look forward to showcasing all of these with new display options after we move and you can come see us in person!

1. Caran d’Ache Pencil Sharpening Machines. I’ve been looking to bring these gorgeous pencil sharpeners into the shop for a while now. These are heirloom-quality desk accessories well below the price point of something like an El Casco but of similar heft and history! More compact “Mini” versions are also available.

2. Viarco Vintage-Style Pencils. This week we received a large restock of Viarco woodcase pencils from Portugal, made in one of the last European pencil factories. Made in a range of different vintage styles drawn from the companies archives, these pencils all sharpen extremely well and still stay on the darker side for European HBs. Excellent point retention.

3. Viarco Pencil Caps. So these spring-style pencil caps are one of this year’s surprise hits, as I can’t keep them in stock. Sold in packs of 8, they fit most standard woodcase pencils and will protect your sharpened point from incidental breakage in your case of choice.

4. Kaweco Softfeel Clutch Pencils. A T.G.S. favorite, I keep waiting for these to go out of stock as I understand Kaweco doesn’t make them anymore, but for whatever reason I can still get them. (If they’ve started making them again, I’m not complaining as they’re great.) People love the rubberized grip and the black-yellow color combination.

5. Kaweco Sketch-Up Clutch Pencils. We also have the standard metal Kaweco Sketch-Up in multiple finishes, including chrome, matte chrome, and black plated. The Sketch-Up and Softfeel both make excellent dry highlighters, in addition to the classic sketch pencil. Check out our range of refills here.

6. Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto Gel Pens. One of our recent large additions was the Hi-Tec-C Coleto Multi Pen line, which features Pilot’s excellent needle-tip Hi-Tec-C gel pen in a multi pen format and a range of colors. There are dozens of different refill options, and we also offer assortment packs if you’d like to try them out before stocking up.

7. Zebra Sarasa Grand Vintage Gel Pens. We recently added a high-end gel pen option to our lineup of available pens, and these “Vintage” Sarasas feature matching barrel-ink options in black-infused colors that are more subtle than many gel pens out there. Don’t sleep on these, as they’re excellent.

8. Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter Covers. I will be bringing all of my Roterfaden stock to this year’s D.C. Pen Show the first week of August, so if you’ve been looking to pick one up online and aren’t attending the show, please get your order in soon. These are made to order, so I’m unsure of the timing of any restock either before or after the show.

9. Stainless Kakimori Dip Nib and Hardbound Notebook. As we prepare for a move to our new space, we’ve come across a few stray items that inadvertently weren’t listed on the site, including a handful of items from Kakimori. I do intend to restock this line but they can take a while to ship from Japan.

10. Blackwing “Illegal” Pads. Many thanks to Mike over at Inkdependence for his video review of the Blackwing legal pads. I really love this paper, especially the old-school traditional legal lined ruling. Dot and Grid options are also available.

The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

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A Mid-Summer Update from T.G.S.: Lots of Changes on the Horizon, Including a Brick-and-Mortar Shopping Option Plus Pen Shows!

Those of you who are Patreon members or who subscribe to the shop newsletter may already be aware of some of these announcements, but I figured it was time to update the general readership since we are now very close to our move date! For the past year, I’ve been searching for a physical location for T.G.S., and given rising commercial real estate costs in the greater Nashville, Tennessee area, it hasn’t been easy to find suitable space that’s also reasonably priced. As it turns out, we have a lease on a location, and will be taking possession towards the end of July.

This is an extremely exciting new development for us (me and my family, who collectively run T.G.S.), and will allow us to expand both the T.G.S. Curated Shop as well as the range of pen-related content we can provide through our various media channels. Currently, I don’t have dedicated studio space for photography and video, which necessarily limits the quantity and quality of content that I can produce. The educational and informational content we offer here at T.G.S. will remain a core part of what we do, and a big part of this move is about expanding what we can offer the pen community in that regard.

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I’ve been attending multiple retail trade shows over the past couple of years preparing to expand the various lines of stationery we can offer, as well as partnering with manufacturers and brands on additional exclusive collaborations.

Will There Be an In-Person Shopping Option in Nashville? Yes! But Not Immediately.

As soon as we are able to move over our warehouse and office/fulfillment operations, we will offer in-person order pickup from a fixed location in the Nashville area. Once we take possession, I will post the address and pickup instructions here on the site, but I can go ahead and let my local customers know that the new location is near Berry Hill and central to most of the greater Nashville Metropolitan area. In the coming months - hopefully prior to the holidays - we plan to have a small retail area set up within our space that will allow people to come and shop our various product lines in person. Store hours will be forthcoming.

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D.C. Pen Show Details: Come See T.G.S. In Person!

Due to the impending move, which is currently scheduled to take place the week before the D.C. Pen Show, we will not have time to assemble a full table’s worth of inventory for either the D.C. or San Francisco Pen Shows in August. That said, we will be in attendance, teaming up with our friends at Vanness Pens to help staff the new Vanness Pen Lounge in D.C.! The Pen Lounge will be located in the downstairs conference area below the main ballroom (which at past shows had been used as the “maker’s area” before last year’s hotel remodel. Stay tuned for further details as we get closer to the main event, but this space will feature an area for attendees to socialize, ask questions from a rotating cast of volunteers, and attend mini-classes and workshops throughout the weekend.

In addition to helping staff the Lounge, I will be hosting a workshop on notebook systems, and will have a small selection of samples from brands including Roterfaden, Lochby, Traveler’s Company, Midori, Laconic, and more. While I can’t commit to bringing items for in-person purchase, since our ability to restock inventory may be limited by the move, I will try to have a small selection of T.G.S. products available for purchase at the Vanness tables. Please let me know if there is something you specifically want to see and I will try to make it happen!

The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

New Arrivals: More Viarco Pencils and Accessories (Including Violet Pencils and Pencil Caps!)

Viarco pencils have returned, and it appears as though this brand will be regularly carried by a U.S. distributor, which of course makes me very happy! Viarco pencils represent an excellent combination of quality and value, and are made in one of the last operating European pencil factories. The graphite sharpens very well and holds an excellent point for writing.

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These spring-style pencil protectors are inexpensive and sold in packs of 8.

We currently have all of the various vintage-style pencils in stock, as well as the popular pencil caps and pencil gift sets, which contain a dozen of each vintage style for a half-gross in total. All of these pencils are HB-grade graphite, with the exception of the surprisingly popular vintage violet copying pencils.

The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases through the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

Sunday Reading for July 7, 2024

1. Haven’t Seen a Pen Like This Before…Endless Captiva (via Figboot on Pens). An interesting new twist on the classic Schmidt converter fountain pen.

2. Montblanc Origin Coral and Montblanc Origin Green (via A Gathering of Curiosities). I confess that I’ve not been closely following Montblanc ink releases, but these look really nice!

3. What’s What 7/1/24 (via Line Variation). I’m glad to see the Zebra Sarasa Grand Vintage getting some appreciation, and many thanks for the shout out!

4. The Timeless Benefits of Using a Filofax (via Philofaxy). I couldn’t agree more…don’t miss the twist at the end!

5. Plottermore: How I Plotter (via Weirdoforest Pens). One more for team Plotter! I also love the new pen cases.

6. 2024 Pilot Shareholder Gift Pen (via Rachel’s Reflections). I’ve always thought that Pilot’s annual “Shareholder Gift” release was a cool thing for the company to do. I really like this Custom 74!

7. Gravitas Ultem Quark (via Dapprman). The Quark is a small, yet quite usable, pocket pen from the Gravitas lineup.

8. M. Lovewell - A Quick Visit (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). I love reading recaps of visits to other small stationery stores! M. Lovewell has two locations in Santa Ana and Orange, CA.

9. The Montblanc 100 Day Writing Challenge (via Pete Denison). I completely missed this one. There are some great writing prompts here that might make this challenge worth printing out.

10. Sun-Star Metacil Pocket Pencil Review (via Pen Addict - Sarah). While they’re certainly special-purpose tools, I keep one of these pencils in several different places for making quick notes without having to worry about sharpening.

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In Case You Missed It….

This week on the blog I did my first ink review in a while, looking at Caran d’Ache Magnetic Blue from the “Chromatics” ink line. I also wrote a piece on desktop pencil sharpeners, looking at several options that I have in my own office and which span a wide range of price points. I actually spent a fair bit of time sharpening pencils this week, which I haven’t done in a while.

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You can probably guess why I like the latest Blackwing Volumes release.

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop - Last Day for Fourth of July Sale!

We had two big releases this week: the launch of the Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto multi pen (plus all the refills!), and new arrivals from Blackwing: the Volume 746 “Golden Gate Bridge” pencil and a full restock of the single-stage long-point sharpeners. Don’t miss the last day of our annual 4th of July Weekend Sale! Use the coupon code “FIREWORKS” at checkout to snag 10% off many brands. Full details are in Thursday’s post. Promotion ends today at 11:59pm CT. Your purchases will also help us reduce inventory prior to our move into a new brick-and-mortar space later this month. Stay tuned for more news!

Pencil Sharpeners

Coleto Multi Pens

TWSBI Eggplant

Zebra Sarasa Grand

Check Out T.G.S. Patreon for Breaking news and first access/Special pricing on exclusives!

We’ve recently shared some news regarding our continued growth with our Patreon members. If you enjoy our content (whether here on the main website, Instagram, YouTube Channel or elsewhere), and would like early/extra access to shop releases and gently used stationery opportunities, consider supporting us via Patreon. 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! 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 access to early shop releases, the quarterly gently used sales, a monthly updates newsletter, and of course our monthly Zoom meetups. 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!

Chasing the Perfect Point: Considerations in Choosing a Desktop Pencil Sharpener

Though fountain pens have received the most attention in the "analog revolution" that's taken place during the past decade, the humble woodcase pencil has also seen a resurgence in popularity. Wooden pencils require their own set of "gear", ranging from pencil cases that can accommodate longer pencils like Blackwings, to portable handheld sharpeners, to what I plan to talk about today: the desktop pencil sharpener.

In addition to the satisfying, tactile sensation of writing with a freshly sharpened pencil, many people love the inherent customizability. Depending on whether you are writing, drawing, or even highlighting, you can change the point on your pencil to suit your purpose and/or preference, and a versatile desktop pencil sharpener can make this process a lot easier. That said, there's a wide range of excellent desktop sharpeners available on the market, priced from as little as $20 all the way up to $500+ for a handmade El Casco sharpener from Spain. Here are a few things to consider when looking at desktop sharpeners.

Note: I’m only considering manual sharpeners in this review. Electric sharpeners, in my experience, do not last as long, and I’ve not found one that I’m happy with.

My El Casco sharpener has four different pre-set point style options. I generally leave it set to “as long as possible.”

How do you use your pencils?

Specifically, do you want a longer point for writing, or do you need some versatility for softer graphite or colored pencils used for art or highlighting? Some sharpeners are primarily intended for basic school or office use, and therefore offer just a single point style (typically a long, sharp point). Others have more options, such as shorter blunt tips that many artists prefer for sketching and coloring.

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Even within the “long point” style, there’s a lot of variation. Here, you can see four long-points, from left: El Casco, Caran d’Ache Pencil Sharpening Machine (Mini), Caran d’Ache Pencil Sharpening Machine (Standard), and Uni Mitsubish KH-20. The long El Casco tip allows you to write for a very long time, and the point is very durable, but at the same time it’s blunt and won’t give you an ultra fine line unless you file the point down further. (El Casco incorporates a file into the shavings drawer.)

Do you like curved or needle tips, and do you care whether the sharpener leaves marks on your pencil?

Even if you know that a single-length, long-point sharpener works for you, there's a lot of variation within that category. Certain sharpeners, such as the Caran d'Ache Pencil Sharpening Machine (mini version) and the El Casco, create a curved, almost concave point similar to handheld sharpeners like the M+R Pollux and Blackwing One-Step. Others will sharpen to an equally long "straight" point that ends in a needle tip. Personal preference determines what works best for you, and factors such as handwriting size and style, writing pressure, and aesthetic preferences all come in to play. For example, many people feel that a slightly curved point is stronger, and therefore reduces breakage for those who write with a heavy hand.

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Baring their teeth and waiting to chew up your pencils.

And, yes, certain desktop sharpeners leave "teeth marks". While the Carl Angel 5/Classroom friendly sharpener is the most notorious in this regard, the Caran d'Ache sharpeners will also mark the barrel of your pencils. This isn't something I really care about - pencils are a consumable product and the marks will get sharpened away eventually with the rest of the pencil - but it really bothers some people. Sharpeners like the Carl CC-2000, the Uni-Mitsubishi KH-20, and, yes, the El Casco all feature a "toothless" chuck with a rubber grip instead.

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The standard Caran d’Ache Pencil Sharpening Machine makes what I would consider a “classic” conical long point.

How much desk space do you have? Are you looking for a design piece or heirloom that you can pass along to your children?

An El Casco or a larger Caran d'Ache Pencil Sharpening Machine is intended to serve as a design centerpiece for your desk as much as a sharpener. These things are very large, heavy, and plainly intended to serve as an office focal point. (Trust me, a bright yellow El Casco is a conversation starter.) On the other hand, the "mini" version of the Caran d'Ache sharpener is lightweight, portable, and can easily be tucked into a desk drawer. The Carl Angel 5 and Uni-Mitsubish UH-20 sit somewhere in between.

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From left, the El Casco, the Uni Mitsubishi KH-20, the Classroom Friendly/Angel-5, and the Caran d’Ache Pencil Sharpening Machine (Mini).

The more expensive desktop sharpeners are handcrafted and built to last for many years. The primary example here is the El Casco sharpener, which is handmade in Spain and can command prices of up to $600. As I noted above, they're incredibly versatile, capable of the longest concave points possible, but not everyone needs this level of customization or quality. That said, if you're a pencil enthusiast or a serious artist who wants to invest in a quality tool that your kids can use, you may view it as a worthy investment. Another sharpener reminiscent of the El Casco but at a lower price point is the metal version of the Caran d'Ache pencil sharpening machine. You get a similarly substantial metal construction at a lower price point, but you don't get the point variation options of the El Casco.

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No, I’m not selling my yellow El Casco.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

You don't need to spend a lot of money to get a consistently good experience with a desktop sharpener. It all depends on what you need the sharpener to do functionality-wise, and whether you want to pay extra for things like history, handcrafted construction, and iconic design. On the lower end of the price spectrum, I've had excellent experiences with the Carl Angel 5 / Classroom Friendly Sharpener, as well as the Uni Mitsubishi KH-20. These sharpeners fall in the $20-30 range (with some more expensive specialty colors), and are extremely serviceable. The Uni sharpener even offers a basic point adjustment function. Slightly more expensive ($50) is the mini Caran d'Ache Pencil Sharpening Machine. Finally, as noted above, you have the top end of the pricing scale, with the Caran d'Ache Pencil Sharpening Machine at $150-200 and the El Casco as high as $600.

There are many different manual desktop sharpeners available on the market, and I can only write about the 4-5 I have in my possession. (I can't really justify buying more as they take up a fair bit of space.) Once we take possession of our new brick-and-mortar space later this month, I hope to be able to make more sharpeners available for in person testing and purchase!

UPDATE: For those of you who can’t visit in person, check out this demonstration video I did for YouTube, featuring the sharpeners discussed here.

Don’t miss our current 4th of July Weekend Sale, which can net you an extra 10% off pencils and a sharpener of your choice (some exclusions apply) with the coupon code FIREWORKS at checkout. See the full details here.