Sunday Reading January 26, 2025

1. Do I Really Need to Get Into Pantone Brown (A Gathering of Curiosities). Also not sure I’m all-in on this one.

2. 24 Memorable Inks in 2024 (via Olive Octopus Ink). Seriously, hide your wallet.

3. 2025 Philadelphia Pen Show Recap (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). I missed the Philly Show this year, so it was great to catch up.

4. 14k Flex! The Magna Carta Mag 650 (via Figboot on Pens). Magna Carta has experimented more than most with larger nibs and flex nibs, and here’s an attempt at a vintage-style 14k flex. Honestly this looks good.

5. Fountain Pen Cleaning? (via Stationery Pizza). I’ve fallen waaaay off the wagon on my fountain pen cleaning lately. I need to do a reset soon.

6. Dressco Cloth Notebook (via Blake’s Broadcast). I’ve seen Dressco notebooks available and have been curious, but I’ve never tried one. Same for “Conqueror” paper.

7. How Do Your Various Interests Complement Each Other? (via SBRE Brown). Do you find that all of your interests complement each other or compete for your attentions?

8. What Makes a Good Ink Bottle? (via Rachel’s Reflections). Another take on what makes a good ink bottle. Emphasis on stability.

9. Journaling the Backyard (via From the Pen Cup). What a cool journaling idea. Another great post from Mary.

10. Shachihata Daily Log Stamp - Weather and Days of the Week (via Well-Appointed Desk). These daily stamps let you add dates, weather and more to your planner and journals. I’m exploring stamps more lately.

View fullsize

In Case You Missed It….

This week on the blog I reviewed my latest “Workhorse Pen,” the Pilot S20 Ballpoint with the Dr. Grip “Cocoon” hybrid refill. I also wrote a new installment on my 2025 writing/notetaking system, in which I look at pocket notebooks and index cards, and how the two might work together.

View fullsize

The Musgrave Bugle is a classic capless wood pencil that comes in three different finishes!

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

We had a big week of new arrivals in the shop, including not only a fresh shipment of Pilot and Uni ballpoints, but new notebooks from Anecdote Goods, the latest Lochby Release (Field Journal Mini), a giant shipment of wood pencils from local-to-us manufacturer Musgrave, and the latest Volumes release from Blackwing with a full restock of sharpeners and more! The January hold has lifted on most distributors and new goods are arriving every day. Be sure to check out Thursday Drops for a full list of new arrivals.

Our brick-and-mortar shop will be open again this coming week. Come by and see us!

Musgrave

Notsu

Anecdote Goods

Field Notes

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

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 (one of which just dropped yesterday), 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!

Everyday Notetaking and Creating an "Idea File": On Perforated Field Notes and Index Cards

One thing I’ve struggled with in my notetaking system over the years is organizing and managing information for longer-term use. Sure, if my notes are immediately incorporated into a larger piece of work, like a blog post or a legal brief, this isn’t much of an issue because I typically won’t keep the raw notes and will just discard them when I’m done with the project. But what about those stray thoughts and ideas that I write down not necessarily for immediate, or even intermediate-term, use? An idea for a post or product or book that I might not get around to writing for a year or more? I’m sure that I have dozens of such ideas and stray thoughts buried in old journals and notebooks, but they’re not easily accessible, much less organized by topic or in any other useful way. Lately I’ve been preoccupied with creating a filing system for this type of information with minimal structure that doesn’t take too much time to maintain.

View fullsize

Some pocket notebooks from years past. Some are VERY old.

As I hinted at in my post earlier this year discussing my planner setup for 2025, I’m renewing my focus on finding and using the right tool for the job, rather than trying to make everything fit within the confines of a single system, like I tried last year with Hobonichi. So what’s the solution here? I spent some time over the holidays sorting through my personal “archive” of old notebooks, and honestly when I felt the most “organized” (relatively speaking) was when I consistently carried a 3x5 pocket notebook to collect the random stuff. It wasn’t a perfect solution, but when I finished each notebook, I was in the habit of quickly flipping through and extracting the important ideas from the shopping lists and other miscellany, and either transcribing it somewhere else, tearing out the page and photographing or scanning it, or simply writing up a quick index at the back to highlight the best bits and then filing the entire notebook away.

View fullsize

These are good perforations. They’re sturdy enough to hold together in the notebook, while still allowing you to remove pages cleanly. (The paper is what I would call “decently” fountain pen friendly, and very good for Field Notes.) I’m also considering testing some of the Maruman Mnemosyne A7 and B7 pads, which also have perforated pages and will have more fountain pen friendly paper.

I started considering a return to pocket notebooks when I saw that the latest Field Notes special edition (“Vintage”) featured perforated pages that are about the same size as a 3x5 index card when detached. I’ve also been using more index cards in general, and have begun carrying them around in my bag because I like being able to sketch out thoughts and ideas while visually rearranging the cards. I’ve had mixed luck with index cards, in terms of finding ones that can handle all the various types of pens and pencils that I use, but recently I’ve been very impressed with two brands: Levenger (a classic) and a new brand called Notsu, which makes very ink friendly dot grid index cards as well as some foldable “To Do” format cards.

The Notsu “Centre Rise” is a product I’m testing out. It’s a combination card case and stand that fits together magnetically and ships with dividers you can use for a mini filing system. I’ve been carrying this one around in my briefcase, and made a small-ish test order for the shop. You will likely see a separate post on the system itself.

A few weeks back I went on Amazon and purchased a 3x5 index card file box with dividers, which I’ve since been using to collect and organize not just index cards but torn out pages from Field Notes, old sticky notes and small slips of paper, Plotter cards and Mini 5 sheets and more. I’m still working on how broadly/specifically to organize topics and ideas, but I’m liking how the project is taking shape.

Isn’t This a Use Case for Digital Software?

Maybe for some people, but I’ve tried using tools like Evernote, Devonthink, and Tinderbox over the years, and for me, each of them adds another layer of complexity and digital work (mainly tagging files with hashtags) in order to make the system usable. It also requires you to regularly go back through your notebooks and journals and physically transcribe or type information. I end up spending more time tinkering with the software than actually writing. While some might find my system archaic (though probably not readers of this blog), I vastly prefer a simple physical filing system, though it does require a periodic review to keep it relevant and useful.

One thing I like about this Notsu card case - separate and apart from the “stand” functionality - is that it closes up into a fairly compact, sturdy box that slips easily into your bag for taking notecards on the go. (It fits any 3x5 cards, not just the Notsu brand.)

I’m also becoming more interested in index cards and how people use them. Do we have any other index card fans out there? I’ve read many articles on how professional writers - and particularly writers of nonfiction - use index cards to organize research and ideas, though these systems can get pretty elaborate and span multiple boxes of cards. Personally, I’d love to keep just the single card file for storage, and regularly prune it back by discarding those ideas that don’t turn into anything that I’d ever use. Stay tuned!

Thank you for reading! The Gentleman Stationer is supported by the T.G.S. Curated Shop and the T.G.S. Patreon Program. If you’d like to visit our in-person location, you can view directions and up-to-date hours here.

Thursday Drops: Introducing the Lochby Field Journal Mini, New Notebooks from Anecdote Goods, and More!

Now that we’re into the second half of January, we’re starting to see new arrivals show up on our doorstep as warehouses restart shipping. The first big new product release of 2025 is the Lochby Field Journal Mini, designed to hold up to four pocket notebooks in the “standard” 3.5” x 5.5” size. (This includes Field Notes and the Lochby Tomoe River 68gsm paper notebooks.) We also received a general restock of our other Lochby products, which include the popular full-size Field Journal, the Quattro Pen Case, and the Venture Pouch.

View fullsize

We also want to welcome Anecdote Goods, a Los Angeles-based notebook company that makes sturdy notebooks covered in either buckram cloth or vegan leather. We’ve tried to find some new brands that represent a balance of performance and value, and these perform quite well for a $20-and-under price point. Finally, we have a fresh shipment of everyday ballpoints, including Pilot S20s, Pilot Birdies, and Uni Jetstream 4+1 Multi Pens in colors old and new. (Perhaps to pair with your new Anecdote?)

Our brick and mortar shop is open again this week for regular hours Thursday through Saturday, and otherwise by appointment. For directions and specific hours keep an eye on this page, which will also reflect any changes each week due to inclement weather, travel, etc.

1. Lochby Field Journal Mini. One of the main requests at pen shows last year was a Lochby Field Journal sized to fit the Lochby Tomoe River Pocket Notebooks. Well, that day has come! Available in the same three colors as the rest of the Lochby lineup, the smaller Field Journal has a four-cord setup that allows you to loop in four different pocket notebooks.

2. Lochby Pocket Notebooks. These 3.5” x 5.5” pocket notebooks feature 68g Tomoe River Paper in either dot, lined, or plain format, and are back in stock just in time for the Mini Lochby Field Journal.

3. Anecdote Goods Hardcover Journals. A common request that I’ve had in the shop is for a solid everyday notebook that represents a balance of quality and value. These hardcover notebooks from Anecdote feature a buckram cloth cover with a pleasant texture, and either dotted or lined paper that handles most ink fairly well, though especially wet inks and fountain pens broader than medium might see some show-through.

4. Anecdote Goods Softcover Journals. These inexpensive softcover journals feature 192 pages of lined paper and a vegan leather cover with an elastic closure. Note that this paper is lighter weight than in the hardcover journal and should probably be limited to non-fountain pens.

5. Profolio Notebooks. These softcover fountain pen friendly notebooks feature multi-lined paper similar to Nakabayashi Logical Prime/Logical Air and Clairefontaine Seyes-Ruled, though in a warm cream tone.

6. Lochby Quattro Four-Pen Case. One of our most popular accessories, the Quattro features four pen slots, which are offset to allow for a slimmer form factor as well as additional protection for your pens.

7. Lochby Venture Pouch. The reversible Lochby Venture Pouch combines a standard pen/pencil/stationery pouch with a pen case, using a cool reversible design. Check out this YouTube video to see how it works.

8. Pilot S20 Ballpoint Pens. The Pilot S20 ballpoint has become one of my favorite new everyday workhorses. The refill is the Dr. Grip-style “Cocoon”, which features Pilot Acro-ink in a .7mm fine tip and is available for purchase separately. Check out our Workhorse Pens write-up from yesterday.

9. Uni Jetstream 4+1 Multi Pens. Now including a new beige color! These favorite 4-colors-plus-mechanical-pencil multi pens come in muted pastels plus a comfortable bamboo grip. (Oh, and we have more of the Karimoku collaborations as well, which include a section made from repurposed furniture wood.)

10. Anterique Brass Ballpoints. The classic click pen, kicked up a notch. These feature the exceptionally good Anterique Mach-Ball refill and a brass barrel which gives the front of the pen a nice balance. They also patina well over time.

View fullsize

Workhorse Pens: Pilot S20 Ballpoint

The T.G.S. “Workhorse Pen” series is where I park all of my recommendations for those pens that I personally rely on to get work done. While this series started out as exclusively focused on fountain pens, as my interests have become more eclectic over the years, I’ve expanded the series to cover other categories - namely low-viscosity ballpoint pens.

View fullsize

While the low-viscosity ballpoint pen received its own writeup as a category, I wanted to take a moment to highlight an exceptionally good take on the product: the Pilot S20 ballpoint pen. The S20 has been around for a while, in both ballpoint and mechanical pencil format, though like many of Pilot’s best products, distribution has been largely limited to Japan. Featuring Pilot’s “Acro-ink” (the Acroball refill in a Dr. Grip-style cartridge), the S20 stands out due to its unique shape and feel in addition to the excellent writing experience.

View fullsize

Four different low-viscosity ballpoint pens (well, almost) that I use regularly. From left: Pilot S20, Uni Jetstream 4+1, Anterique Mach Ball in Clear Green, and the Caran d’Ache Infinite 888, which is not technically a low-viscosity ballpoint but has an exceptionally good refill. .

I won’t belabor the benefits of low-viscosity ballpoint ink, because they aren’t necessarily specific to the S20 and I’ve already written about them fairly extensively. To briefly recap, low-viscosity ballpoints are sometimes referred to as “hybrid gel” pens, meaning that they feature smoother ink flow than your typical oil-based ballpoint, while maintaining the faster dry times and increased permanence. The downside? Color selection. I’ve not seen many hybrid ballpoint pens come in colors other than black or blue (and sometimes red and green), as opposed to gel pens, which these days are available in pretty much any color you can think of.

View fullsize

The combination of the gently shaped section and the tactile wood used in the Pilot S20 make for one of the most “usable” pens I’ve experienced. It’s honestly the first pen in a while that just makes me want to pick it up.

Why do I love the Pilot S20 so much? For starters, both the top and bottom halves of the pen feature a concave hourglass shape, which allows it to rest comfortably in my hand. While “feel”, “balance”, and “comfort” are highly subjective, in that they often depend on variables like hand size and writing pressure, I personally consider this one near perfect. The wood barrel gives the pen a tactile feel, making it one of those pens that’s a pleasure to pick up simply because it feels elegant - almost extravagant - despite only costing $25.

View fullsize

The Dr. Grip “Cocoon” refill.

As for Pilot’s “Acro-ink”, to me this refill feels more gel-like than the Uni Jetstream or the Anterique Mach-ball refills, which have a more tactile feel akin to a pencil. Part of this might be that the S20 comes in a .7mm tip size, but I’ve always felt that Pilot Acroball pens lay down a darker, wetter line than their counterparts. This pen is a very smooth writer, so much that I’ve recently started using it for journaling - something I can’t say about other ballpoints in my rotation.

View fullsize

Takeaways and Where to Buy

Since I got my hands on the S20 last year, I’ve not taken it out of my personal rotation. The red and black version sits in my Plotter A5 pen loop, and has become an everyday planner pen for me. The brown and black version lives on my writing desk at home. While the Dr. Grip is marketed as Pilot’s “ergonomic” everyday pen, I tend to find it slightly too large. The S20 better fits my own hand and writing style, while keeping the same excellent refill.

View fullsize

For writing samples, I used standard Target-brand copy paper, since that is how many people have to use their ballpoints at work, school, and otherwise out in the world. Of the three shown here, I think the Pilot Acroball ink is the darkest, followed by the Anterique Mach Ball, and then the Jetstream. All are very good and I use them interchangeably.

As of this week, we have the Pilot S20 ballpoints back in stock in our shop. We sold through our initial shipment around Christmas, but have plenty once again. A few of you have asked about the mechanical pencil version, and the .5mm is on the way as soon as our supplier has it back in stock. (.3mm will depend on interest, so let us know!) The S20 ballpoint is priced at $25 and comes in two colors: Red/Black and Brown/Black. Additional refills are also available. I’ve checked, and these are indeed the same cartridges that fit the Dr. Grip pens sold here in the states, though these are .7mm “Fine” refills whereas most U.S. Dr. Grip pens are sold with the 1.0mm “Medium”. Personally, I prefer the fine, and will likely try to swap one into my Dr. Grip Full Black to see if it gets more use.

Thank you for reading! The Gentleman Stationer is supported by the T.G.S. Curated Shop and the T.G.S. Patreon Program. If you’d like to visit our in-person location, you can view directions and up-to-date hours here.

New Arrivals: Ballpoints and Multi Pens to Kickstart Your New Year's Productivity

I had a bit of a surprise Monday morning, when an unexpected delivery from Japan arrived. (Somehow I must’ve missed the shipment notification.) Included in this first big delivery of the New Year was a restock of the excellent Uni Jetstream 4+1 Multi Pens in three colors, Sage, Blue Grey, and the new “Beige”, as well as the orange and blue Karimoku collaboration finishes.

View fullsize

Fans of muted earth-tones like beige and sage will love the Uni Jetstream 4+1 “Bamboo” series.

We also received more of the exceptionally good Pilot S20 ballpoints, which I’ve enjoyed so much I’m working up a “Workhorse Pen” post highlighting what I consider one of the best low-viscosity ballpoints out there. Featuring Pilot’s “Acro-ink” in a Dr. Grip-style refill, this .7mm ballpoint writes a smooth, dark line, and features a contoured wood barrel that will appeal to many pencil fans as well as ballpoint enthusiasts. Finally, we’ve received the ballpoint version of the Mini 5-friendly Pilot Birdie, so you can complete the trifecta set (pictured at top).

View fullsize

I’m trying very hard to get the matching mechanical pencils, which apparently can be difficult to source.

Come visit us in person! Public hours are Thursday and Friday from 1-6pm, Saturday from 10-6pm, and otherwise by appointment. We look forward to seeing you this week!