Sunday Reading for September 22, 2024

1. San Francisco Pen Show 2024 Highlights (via Olive Octopus). Lisa has an excellent, and very comprehensive, recap of the 2024 San Francisco Pen Show. I had wanted to get there to peruse the glass pens myself, but life intervened.

2. 2024 Commonwealth Pen Show (via Line Variation). This month, the Commonwealth Pen Show reconvened after a year off, in a new venue and with a two-day schedule.

3. Visit to NBC Stationery and Gifts (Raffles City outlet) in Singapore (via Inkredible Colours). Stationery travelogue alert!

4. Pelikan’s TintenTurm Open Day 2024 (via Bleistift). Pelikan has an “Ink Tower”? And it’s periodically open? Bucket list.

5. An Accidental Montblanc Addition (via A Gathering of Curiosities). Yes, modern Montblanc is pricey, but you can still find amazing value (and excellent nibs) in the older not-quite-yet-vintage pens.

6. Industrial Strength Storage from NFP Design (via Figboot on Pens). NFP Design makes excellent storage options at reasonable price, but this one might be a bit overkill for my needs. :)

7. Modern Capless… The New Nahvalur Eclipse (via Figboot on Pens). David does a fairly extensive walkthrough of the latest Nahvalur release, a capless pen with a unique design.

8. I Like Mechanical Pencils, Too (via Rachel’s Reflections). There’s a strong mechanical pencil contingent out there in the fountain pen community.

9. White Bear Pens Echo Fountain Pen Review (via Pen Addict - Sarah). I have yet to pick up a White Bear Pen by Mikayla, but I have it on the list for next year’s pen show circuit!

10. Pen Review: Teranishi Guitar Glass Pen with Cap (Aurora Long in Jelly Blue) (via Well-Appointed Desk). Another shout out for glass pens, whose popularity is increasing in the U.S. after really taking off in Japan.

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In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog I reviewed a couple of newly arrived products, including the Kakimori Object Index Cedar Pocket Pen, which is a new take on the woodcase needle-tip ballpionts in a more compact size. I also did a comparison post between the Kakimori Metal Dip Nibs and the Tom’s Studio One-Dip Nib.

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This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop

Most of the Object Index product line arrived this week, along with the Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pens in the new Clear finish and the Pilot E95s pocket pens in Black. We’ve also fully restocked on all colors of Pilot Iroshizuku inks in both bottles and cartridges, and have some remaining stock of the recently re-released T.G.S. x Sunderland Machine Works pens, with the matte black bead-blasted finish, red section, and DLC Clip. Finally, Many thanks to everyone who visited us in the shop this weekend! Every week we see more new faces. Please keep checking this page for updated hours and details on how to visit by appointment if you can’t come by Friday and Saturday.

Dip Pens

Lamy

Pilot

Sunderland Machine Works

Check Out T.G.S. Patreon for Breaking news and first access/Special pricing on exclusives (Including the Sunderland Mk1)

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 either online (or in person, if you’re in the Nashville area)! If you enjoy in-person and virtual meetups and having access to more personal content, the T.G.S. Patreon includes these as well as 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. This month’s Patreon “special” is an extra bit off the TGS Sunderland Pen.

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Dip Pen Comparison: Kakimori Metal Nibs vs. Tom's Studio One-Dip Nibs

I’m far from an accomplished artist or calligrapher, but that doesn’t stop me from enjoying and messing around with dip pens! While most traditional calligraphy nibs aren’t intended to be used for longer than a month or so, as they corrode, over the past couple of years certain companies have focused on brass and stainless steel nibs that are more akin to glass nibs and lettering pens, in that they can be reused over the long-term.

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From left, the Kakimori Brass Nib, the Kakimori Antique Brass Nib, and the Tom's Studio One-Dip Brass Nib.

The two receiving the most attention are Kakimori’s metal dip nibs (particularly the brass options) and Tom’s Studio’s relatively recent “One-Dip Nib”. Since I was in the shop all day yesterday and had some down time, I broke out my personal dip pens and started playing around with a few different inks to get a better sense of how these nibs compare.

A close-up shot of the Kakimori Antique Brass Nib, where you can see both the ink channels and the (very) sharp tip.

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A writing sample with the Kakimori standard Brass Nib. I've done a couple different writing samples showing the line variation you can get with the Kakimori metal nibs - as you can see it's a bit easier to write sharper lines with the Kakimori, whereas the Tom's Studio One-Dip below lends itself to a more rounded script.

To start: I’ve previously reviewed the Kakimori metal dip nibs, so for a more specific analysis of how that nib particular nib works and how I’ve used it in the past, you should check out that review. While I haven’t fully reviewed the Tom’s Studio One-Dip nib on its own, I would describe it as more akin to a traditional “lettering pen” or “ruling pen”, which operates via a thumbscrew/dial that you use to open and/or close the ink channel to adjust how wet the pen writes. These pens are very different, and while I’m personally inexperienced with ruling pens and therefore still getting the hang of the One-Dip Nib, here are a few observations:

• I’ve found the Kakimori nibs to be the most user-friendly and intuitive. They hold the ink in the channels that encircle the conical nib, and feature a sharper point that makes it easier to write a finer line with the pen held vertically. You simply dip the nib and go. The downside? I’ve found that the channels have a tendency to clog with heavier shimmer inks, and can be difficult to completely clean without something like a toothbrush. Certain free-flowing inks may also “blob” onto the page, and there’s little you can do about this, whereas the Tom’s Studio One-Dip nib lets you adjust the inkflow.

• The One-Dip nib is probably the more versatile tool, especially for accomplished calligraphers, illustrators, and other artists who actually know what they’re doing, unlike yours truly. My main observation with this nib is that with very wet inks, you can control line width by turning the thumbscrew/dial on the side, which either narrows or opens the ink channel. Even the slightest of adjustments will give you variation, though the narrowest line I’ve been able to get with the One-Dip nib is still wider than what I can achieve with the point of the Kakimori. Writing with this pen is more akin to folded nib calligraphy.

• Each nib lends itself to different techniques, especially outside of writing. For example, if you enjoy drawing, illustrating, or simply playing around with how ink behaves on paper, the Tom’s Studio One-Dip nib has smooth sides, which means that you can dab some ink onto the paper and use the rounded edges as a brush without flooding the page with more ink. It’s difficult to do this with the Kakimori nib, since the ink is stored in the channels on the outside of the nib.

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Showing just a bit of line width/wetness variation with the Tom's Studio One-Dip Nib. Here, I've adjusted the thumbscrew to get alternately lighter and darker lines.

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From what I've seen online, many people have been using the Tom's Studio One-Dip nib to draw and then brush/fill in their illustrations with color. For those who want to know, the inks featured here are three of my favorite Tom's Studio ink colors: New Forest, Mallard, and Loch Ness!

Takeaways and Where to Buy

As someone who primarily uses my pens for writing, I’ve been trying to introduce another layer to my enjoyment of this hobby by doodling/drawing more frequently, and as a result I’ve accumulated a fairly large collection of dip pens. In addition to drawing and some creative journaling, I also use these pens for most of my ink swatches, as they allow you to alternate between lettering and broad brush-like strokes of ink. I haven’t posted most of this - some of it’s really bad - but I find it fun, relaxing, and I’ll try to do a better job of sharing more in the future.

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We currently stock both Kakimori nibs and Tom’s Studio One-Dip nibs in our own shop. As mentioned above, the Kakimori nibs come in brass, antique brass, and stainless steel finishes, and the Tom’s Studio One-Dip nibs are available in brass and stainless steel versions. We also have Kakimori-compatible nib holders in stock, though the One-Dip Nib requires a standard metal-clutch ring nib holder, as opposed to the rubber used by Kakimori.

The Gentleman Stationer is supported by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. If you’re in the Nashville area, come visit us in person at our new shop and check out these pens, inks, and more!

Thursday Drops: More Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pens (Including Clear), and Introducing the Pilot E95s

While they arrived in the U.S. earlier this summer, I had to wait until the new shop was fully set up before I could bring in additional Pilot inventory, including the new Custom 823 fountain pen in Clear acrylic. Previously available only in Japan, U.S. consumers now have a third option in addition to the Amber and Smoke. We’ve also added the Pilot E95s (formerly known as the “Elite”) which is Pilot’s current “pocket” fountain pen offering that features an inlaid 14k nib.

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Kakimori Colour Liners are fineliner pens that you can fill with your favorite fountain pen inks!

Per a post from earlier this week, we now carry both Kakimori and Object Index products from Japan, including Kakimori’s excellent dip nibs and holders, as well as the range of pens, pencils, and office and desk accessories from sibling brand Object Index. Be sure to check out our initial review of the Cedar Pocket Pen, which features a similar needle-tip ballpoint refill as the store favorite Mark’style Tous les Jours ballpoints.

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized reseller of brands sold. If you haven’t heard, we now have a physical shop in Nashville, Tennessee! For open hours, be sure to check out this page here, which will be kept up-to-date.

1. Pilot Custom 823 Now Available in Clear! In recent years Pilot has focused on expanding their North American offerings with exclusives and colors previously only available in Japan. The most recent release has been the Clear 823 demonstrator, which joins the Amber and Smoke in the permanent lineup.

2. Pilot E95s Fountain Pen. This modern take on the integrated nib pocket pen features vintage style design and portable size. Arguably the closest thing you can find to the Pilot Myu on the market today. Currently available in classic black, with the burgundy/ivory on backorder.

3. Pilot Custom 74. Along with the 14k nib Lamy Studio, I consider the Pilot Custom 74 one of the better deals for a gold nib pen, coming in at sub-$200. These clear demonstrators come in a wide range of jewel-like colors.

4. Pilot Iroshizuku Inks. We’re fully restocked on Pilot Iroshizuku Inks in both bottles and cartridges, including favorite colors such as Kon Peki, Tsuki-yo, Sui-Gyoku and more.

5. Object Index Pens, Pencils, and Desk Accessories. Kakimori sibling brand Object Index offers a curated selection of stationery products from select Japanese manufacturers, all designed to match a single aesthetic. Grey, yellow, and natural wood are some of my favorite colors across the stationery spectrum, so this new line immediately jumped out at me as something I would be interested in.

6. Kakimori Brass Nibs and Nibholders. A favorite for lettering, calligraphy, drawing, and ink sampling, Kakimori’s metal dip nibs are now available in an antique brass finish, in addition to standard brass and stainless steel versions. Wood and metal nibholders are also back in stock.

7. Kakimori Hardcover Notebooks. Kakimori’s gorgeous casebound hardcover notebooks are back in stock, with several new patterns and cover styles developed in collaboration with select designers.

8. Tom’s Studio One-Dip Brass and Stainless Steel Nibs. A slightly different take on the metal dip nib than the Kakimori version, the “one-dip” nib borrows from vintage ruling and lettering pens, allowing you to adjust inkflow and line width using a dial on the side of the nib. Read more about how these work here. Note that these are not compatible with Kakimori nib holders, but rather will fit standard metal “clutch” calligraphy straight pens.

9. Lamy AL-Star Autumn Pink and Sage Green Pens and Pencils. Lamy’s latest AL-Star releases complement their earlier “Fiery” and “Aquatic” releases, with two new black-trimmed models. Available in fountain pen, rollerball, ballpoint, and .5mm mechanical pencil formats.

10. Lamy Studio Royal Red Matte and Piano Red Fountain Pens. Lamy’s 2024 Studio release features two deep red finishes: one in the lacquered “Piano Red”, paired with their excellent 14k gold nib, and the other in a matte red finish that I’ve been waiting years for them to re-release. I hope these stick around for a while.

Pen Review: Object Index Cedar Pocket Pen

If today’s pen looks somewhat familiar, it’s because Object Index has released a pocket-sized take on the Mark’style Tous Les Jours Needle-tip ballpoint, and both feature different versions of the same excellent low-viscosity ballpoint refill. I love these pens because (1) they write a very fine .5mm line that dries almost instantly, with zero smearing; and (2) the hexagonal cedar barrels convincingly imitate the feel of a woodcase pencil.

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Though “pocket-sized,” the pen is still long enough to feel balanced - sort of like when woodcase pencils reach that “perfect” length, having been sharpened several times.

Object Index is a Kakimori “sibling brand” that recently arrived in the shop. The Object Index line includes pens, pencils, and various office and desk accessories, all with a shared minimalist design and complementary colors that include grey, yellow, and natural wood tones. Their take on these “woodcase pens” is a bit more understated than the Mark’s version, with minimal branding and a brushed metal nose cone and knock. The knock feels slightly upgraded on the Cedar Pocket Pen, with more resistance and a firmer feel.

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The signature needle tip of the Ohto refill.

While marketed as a “pocket pen,” I probably won’t be carrying this one in my actual pants pocket, as it’s wood and therefore more subject to damage than a heavier duty metal pen. That said, it’s quite slim, and will fit easily into the pen holders integrated into pocket notebook covers, Plotters, and more, which makes it portable. I understand that this particular pen is also designed to fit into a notepad made by Object Index, which I may try to get in the future.

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Each pen ships with two extra refills, in addition to the one in the barrel.

These needle-tip ballpoints use refills made by Ohto, another Japanese company that makes some of the best needle-tip ballpoint and gel refills around. As I mentioned, it uses a low-viscosity ink that behaves similar to a Uniball Jetstream. Each pen comes as part of a set, which includes three refills (one in the pen, two extra in the package) and is priced at $15 and available in three colors: Grey (shown here), as well as Yellow and Natural. We also have additional refills for this pen available once you use up the three included in the pack (though this will likely take you a VERY long time). For everyday writing, these pens can’t be beat, and many thanks to Kakimori for including an extra in my shipment so that I could review it and test it out myself.

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.5mm Needle-tip writing sample on Midori MD Memo Block paper.

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

New Arrivals: Kakimori and Object Index!

Wow, that weekend was a blur! Many thanks to everyone who stopped by the shop this weekend to hang out. If you were there, you may have noticed that I spent much of my time photographing and listing all of these new arrivals from Kakimori and its sibling brand, Object Index, including several new Kakimori notebooks, the latest Kakimori brass nibs (including the “antique” finish), nibholders, and much of the Object Index range of pens and markers, pencils, and desk accessories.

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The Kakimori brass nibs are now available in a new “Antique Brass” finish! Kakimori nibholders are also available.

For those unfamiliar with Object Index, they are a Kakimori “sibling brand” (or sub-brand, whatever your preferred term), which focuses on everyday stationery with a minimalist aesthetic. I’ve always loved parallel-style highlighters, which feature a chunky design and two colors with relatively precise tips. The Object Index versions are great, and the Modular Marker is a grown-up take on something I haven’t seen since grade school. Kakimori was kind enough to send me sample of most of the line, which I’ll be exploring in greater detail in the coming weeks.

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized seller of Kakimori and Object Index. Please check out this page for details on our new physical shop, including public hours.

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