Sunday Reading for November 24, 2024

1. 10 Useful Things (via Olive Octopus). Non-pen items can be repurposed to make your cleaning/collecting/and testing easier and more enjoyable! This is a great list, and I’ll double down on the glass stirs for ink swatching.

2. Personalized Stationery (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). I’ve often wanted to customize some letter-writing stationery and notecards - maybe I need to use the discount code included in this post!

3. Best Esterbrook Ever? King of the Night (via Figboot on Pens). This Dracula-inspired campy Estie has a great red, white and black swirl pattern.

4. Kilk Yggdrasil and Kilk Dusk (via A Gathering of Curiosities). Kilk is a rapidly growing brand from Istanbul, Turkey that specializes in unique designs, many of which include sterling silver inlays and accents.

5. Traveler’s Notebook as a Planner: After the First Use (via Stationery Pizza). The ability to easily experiment with different formats is one of the benefits of modular notebook systems like the Traveler’s Notebook.

6. If You Like: Pelikan Piña Colada Rollerball Pen (via A Fleeting Ripple). The “ink ball” rollerball technology has vastly improved in recent years. I’ll need to keep an eye out for this Pelikan!

7. Visit to Hands (Orchard Outlet) in Singapore (via Inkredible Colours). Now that I have a shop I always love to look at display options, especially for the individual gel pens and ballpoints.

8. Inky Madness - Diamine (via Rachel’s Reflections). I’m re-exploring Diamine as an ink line after a few years away, and a few of these caught my eye.

9. Video Review: TWSBI Diamond 580 RGT-II (via Scrively). Even as TWSBI expands its range of pens that include rose gold trim, the original Rose Gold Diamond 580 remains a stunner.

10. Saying Goodbye to Anderson Pens (via Well-Appointed Desk). I feel super sad about this, as the Andersons were a fixture on the early pen show scene when I first entered this hobby. I wish them nothing but the best for the future.

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The Kaweco Classic Sport vs. the Classic Sport Piston Filler. The gold ring means piston!

In Case You Missed It

This week we launched the 2024 T.G.S. Holiday Gift Guide! An annual tradition for several years, I walk through multiple categories of gift ideas ranging from gifts for pen enthusiasts (pro tip: don’t buy a fountain pen), to those in your life who are stationery curious but not yet full-blown enthusiasts. I also offer some insights into trends I’m seeing in delivery times leading up to the holidays, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time for gift deliveries. Since we also received our initial shipment of Kaweco Classic Sport Piston Filler fountain pens, yesterday I posted my initial thoughts on how this pen compares to not just the standard Classic Sport, but also the previously released AL-Sport Piston Filler.

The week ahead of me is already planned…

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

In addition to the arrival of the Classic Sport Piston Filler, we also received the latest AL Sport “Kaweco Collection” release in Olivine, and the entire Kaweco Perkeo lineup. Most of this week, however, I spent getting ready for the upcoming Inkvent season, as well as processing and swatching multiple new lines of inks such as the Teranishi Inks from Japan, the new Diamine 160th Anniversary Inks, and a curated selection of my favorite inks from the standard Diamine Ink lineup.

Check out this week’s Thursday Drops post for the entire listing of new arrivals.

Diamine Ink

Platinum Ink

TWSBI

Pilot

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. For example, Patrons receive an extra bit off the TGS x Sunderland Collaboration Pen, and Patreon supporters have their own special Fountain Pen Day promo “mystery box” opportunity, while supplies last and which is still available!

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

Kaweco Sport Piston Filler Redux: Classic Sport vs. AL Sport Piston Comparison

This release took me a bit by surprise. While I did suspect that Kaweco would eventually release a lower-cost version of its initial piston-filling fountain pen, I didn’t expect it to happen so soon. Of course, we’re talking about the just-released Kaweco Classic Sport Piston Filler fountain pen, which arrived Wednesday. Now that I’ve had a few days to mess around with it, I can answer a few of the questions that I received and offer my initial impressions on how it compares both to the standard (cartridge) Classic Sport model and the AL Sport Piston Filler.

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The standard Kaweco Classic Sport (top) vs. the Kaweco Classic Sport Piston Filler (bottom).

Kaweco Classic Sport (Cartridge) vs. Classic Sport Piston Filler

• Appearance. As with the AL Sport, Kaweco chose to use the most basic version of the Classic Sport (clipless black with gold trim) as the starting point for the Classic Sport Piston Filler. Capped, you won’t notice any meaningful difference from the standard cartridge Classic Sport other than the gold ring at the blind cap, which you remove to access the piston knob. (The blind cap at the back of the pen prevents the piston from accidentally being turned when the pen is posted.) Uncapped, you will of course see the ink window, tinted grey, which immediately differentiates the barrel on the piston filler from the standard cartridge pen.

• Weight. The first thing about the Classic Sport Piston Filler that struck me was the weight - the pen is notably light, with the added heft from the piston only slightly perceptible in my hand. It’s of course much lighter than the AL Sport Piston Filler, but that’s to be expected given the difference in materials.

• Clip Compatibility. There is no integrated clip in the Classic Sport Piston Filler. The standard add-on Kaweco Sport clip fits, so you can use that as you like. I personally prefer a sleeker clipless look on the Classic Sport, and if I need a clip on a pocket pen, I usually opt for the AL Sport Piston Filler or one of my Art Sport models (which also feature the integrated clip).

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Both piston fillers feature ink windows.

Classic Sport Piston Filler vs. AL Sport Piston Filler Fountain Pen

• Overall Aesthetic. The designs of the Classic Sport and Al-Sport piston fillers are distinct, even though the internal mechanics may be identical. Personally, I think the AL Sport Piston Filler looks more upscale, with the curved clip, matte metal body, and greater heft in the hand. Of course, it’s also more expensive, priced at $165 as opposed to $75 for the Classic.

• Clip vs. No Clip. As noted above, the AL Sport Piston Filler features the integrated clip, borrowing the same design from the Kaweco Sport Luxe series and the latest collection of Art Sport fountain pens. The clip is a matter of personal preference that often draws strong opinions. If you absolutely need a clip, you can add one to the Classic Sport.

• Ink Capacity. Both pens appear to use the same piston mechanism, and hold the same volume of ink. While I’ve not done a scientific measurement, the pistons took in enough water/ink to fill approximately 3/4 of the way to the 1ml marker on a sample vial. So I’ll guesstimate approximately .7ml of ink. This is roughly what would fit in a standard fountain pen converter, and probably more ink than you would get in a short international cartridge and certainly more than in the Kaweco Mini Converter. Piston or not, the Kaweco Sport will never be an “ink tank” fountain pen, but the piston pens hold more than enough ink to get most people through a few days of writing.

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The integrated clip on the AL Sport Piston Filler (left) vs. the standard Kaweco Sport Clip on the Kaweco Classic Sport Piston Filler. The add-on clip is sold separately for the Classic Sport.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

This post contains only my initial thoughts on Kaweco’s latest release - one thing I want to see is whether the Classic Sport Piston Filler shares the same excellent ink flow as the AL Sport version. As I pointed out in my post on that pen, having the ink sit directly behind the nib and feed (as it does with most piston fillers) often leads to heavier ink flow and an overall wetter writing experience, which I’ve always found to be a good thing with smaller nibs like those in the Kaweco Sport series. So far, the writing experience has been quite nice and consistent in both the Classic and AL Sport versions, but I plan to do a longer-term test.

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Come by our shop and see not just the Kaweco Sport Piston fillers, but also the other new releases like the latest Kaweco Collection AL Sport “Olivine” (shown at left).

We currently have stock of both the Kaweco Classic Sport Piston Filler and the AL Sport Piston filler in the shop. If you’re in the Nashville area, I have two tester pens inked up so you can come by and try them in person if you like. We’ve also just received a major restock of Kaweco Bottled Ink, Kaweco Ink Cartridges, and other styles of fountain pens such as the full-sized Kaweco Perkeo!

During the upcoming holiday season, our store will be open for extended hours. Please check the “About” page for directions and updated operating hours, as well as announcements regarding any special events.

Thursday Drops: Kaweco Sports, Including a New Piston Filler, and a Restock from Japan!

What better way to usher in the holiday season than to welcome a giant Kaweco restock, which includes a handful of hotly anticipated new releases. First up is the 2024 Kaweco Collection AL Sport in “Olivine”, a gorgeous gold-tinged green color. Second, what we all suspected was coming, but is now a reality: a piston version of the Classic Sport. This latest release dispenses with the integrated clip and uses the lightweight plastic body of the Kaweco Classic Sport as opposed to the AL Sport (which will continue to have its own piston-fill version). Last but not least from Kaweco, we’ve brought the Perkeo into the shop, in all available standard colors as well as the 2024 Kaweco Collection special release, Infrared.

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Did I mention we received a huge shipment direct from Japan yesterday? New additions include the super smooth (and ergonomic) Pilot S20 ballpoints, as well as additional stock of the Uni Jetstream Prime, Uni Jetstream Edge, and the Zebra Sarasa Grande Vintage. All color options should be in stock once again!

1. Kaweco Collection AL Sport in Olivine. The AL Sport is the aluminum version of the iconic Kaweco Sport fountain pen, which offers a bit more heft and durability than the plastic version. This 2024 special release features a soft golden green color.

2. Kaweco Classic Sport Piston Filler Fountain Pen. Everyone expected Kaweco to do this at some point, and it’s a pleasant surprise to see this release emerge just before the holidays! The Classic Sport receives a piston upgrade, currently available in standard black without a clip included.

3. Kaweco AL Sport Piston Filler Fountain Pen. The initial Kaweco Sport Piston filler is still available, and will now apparently be known as the “AL Sport” Piston. Personally, I prefer this version with the integrated clip and more heft.

4. Kaweco Perkeo Fountain Pens. Priced at just $18, the Kaweco Perkeo was Kaweco’s answer to consumer demand for a full-size, low-cost fountain pen. Available in multiple colors, the Perkeo is lightweight and takes standard international cartridges and converters. The 2024 Kaweco Collection version, “Infrared”, is also available.

5. Diamine 160th Anniversary Inks. Diamine recently celebrated their 160th anniversary as a company, and in connection with that milestone released a series of inks inspired by the landmarks and locations around their factory.

6. Diamine Inkvent Calendars. Inkvent is about to begin! These inky takes on the traditional Advent calendar offers 24 12ml bottles of ink, followed by a 30ml bottle for the 25th day. Each day is supposed to be a surprise, so no posting spoilers!

7. Teranishi Guitar Fountain Pen Inks. These cult favorite inks from Japan are now available in the shop and online. The Teranishi inks feature offbeat colors unique to this particular line.

8. Platinum Classic Inks. The Platinum Classic series features five different inks with iron gall content, meaning that the inks appear lighter shades when wet but darken to a black-infused color as they dry. These inks are all safe for fountain pens. We’ve also recently added Pilot Chou Kuro Black and Carbon Black to our bottled ink options. Both are very dark pigmented black inks that show extremely good water resistance.

9. Pilot S20 Ballpoint Pens. A friend gifted me one of these pens earlier this year, and I immediately knew that I had to have these for the shop. With a smooth wood finish, the S20 accepts the Dr. Grip “Cocoon” hybrid ballpoint refill, and comes in two colors: red or brown.

10. Nakabayashi Paper. Customer favorite Nakabayashi Logical Prime, Logical Air, and Yu-Sari paper is restocked in nearly all formats.

Are you shopping for a gift this holiday season? Check out the T.G.S. Holiday Gift Guide, which we update each year! If you’d like to come shop in person, our brick-and-mortar shop is open this week on Thursday (1-6pm); Friday (1-7pm); and Saturday (10-7pm).

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The latest AL Sport release from Kaweco features this beautiful golden green “Olivine” finish.

The T.G.S. 2024 Holiday Gift Guide is Live!

Our annual Holiday Gift Guide has been updated and is live on the site! The biggest difference this year has been our ability to offer everything in our gift guide for in-person shopping at our new Brick-and-Mortar store, located in Nashville, Tennessee! We plan to have regular hours through the holidays, and will possibly open on a few additional Sundays between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. We are usually at the shop for a few hours every day, even those days we are officially “closed,” so if you’d like to make an appointment to shop on days that we are not showing as open please do reach out.

A few highlights on holiday shopping from T.G.S., in addition to what is mentioned in the updated Gift Guide:

• Certain Items Are Limited. Roterfadens, Sunderland Pens, Diamine Inkvent Calendars, and some of the new Kawecos that recently arrived, such as the new Classic Piston Filler and the AL Sport Olivine, are available in limited quantities and it’s been hard to get timely restocks this year. If you’ve been considering one of these items, and it’s available, please don’t wait.

• We Have a Ton of New Ink In-Store. All of our recent ink shipments, including new inks from Diamine, Teranishi Guitar, and Platinum, arrived at around the same time! While we’re working as fast as possible to get these listed online, they are all available immediately for purchase in-person.

• Shipping/Delivery Times. While our shipping times have been pretty fast since we’ve moved to our new space (orders are typically out the door within 2 business days), we have no control over carrier delivery times, which always slow during the holidays. I would advise giving yourself 10 days grace if you need something for a gift by a specific date. Note that during the holiday season, due to unpredictable delays, some carriers are not considering a package “lost” until 20 days have passed on a domestic delivery, and up to 6 weeks for international shipments. If you need something expedited, please send us an e-mail and we can explore overnight or express shipping options.

As stressful as it is, I always love the holiday season! Enjoy the gift guide, thank you for your support, and as always, please reach out if you have any questions.

New Arrivals: Get Ready for Inkvent/Colorvent with Col-o-ring Books and Swatching Supplies!

Confession: I opened my Colorverse Colorvent Calendar yesterday. Starting December 1, I plan to post each day’s ink from both the Colorvent and the Diamine Inkvent Calendars, just as I did last year. Most of these mini-reviews will probably go to Instagram and to YouTube (you can check out my recap of last year’s Inkvent here), but I’ll definitely do summaries as well. Typically, what I’ve done in the past is swatch each ink on a standard Col-or-ring card (which shows off ink properties like sheen and shading), and then also compare the inks side-by-side on Midori MD Cotton paper, which to me offers excellent color reproduction and is also one of my favorite papers for my personal writing, so I get a sense of how the inks will work in the real world.

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While Colorvent Calendars are sold out, we still have a few Diamine Inkvent Calendars available, in addition to all the gear you can use for working your way through “Inkvent,” such as Col-o-ring Ink Testing Books and dip nibs from Kakimori and Tom’s Studio. Stay tuned as the holiday season kicks off in about two weeks!

This week our brick-and-mortar shop returns to regular hours: Thursday 1-6pm; Friday 1-7pm; and Saturday 10-7pm. We are considering adding additional hours for the holiday shopping season after Thanksgiving. Stay tuned!

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