Roterfaden TGS_25 Update and Final DC Pickup Instructions!

July 30, 2025

We interrupt our regularly scheduled stationery programming for this public service announcement: Due to the interest in our recent Roterfaden collaboration, the TGS_25, we’ve been offered and have decided to do another full run! Many of you have been e-mailing me, but unfortunately we are not equipped to do a wait list or hold stock upon request. Here’s how this will work:

Once I receive notice from Roterfaden that the Taschenbegleiters are ready, I will post an announcement so that people can start watching the site for news/updates.
Once I receive notice from DHL that the package has been shipped to me and cleared customs, I will post additional stock for pre-purchase. Typically, this happens 5 days or so before they actually arrive, but sometimes it’s quicker.
As always, some stock will initially be set aside for Patreon supporters, who continue to receive special pricing on exclusives as part of their benefits.
Based on the recent trade announcement, I do not currently believe that the new agreement will require a price adjustment. If everything remains stable, the TGS_25 will continue to be priced at $195. That said, because costs have been so unpredictable, I have to leave open the possibility of an adjustment as this is an expensive project.

Roterfaden A5 Taschenbegleiter Covers — I will have most of these at the D.C. Pen Show with me!

DC Pen Show Update: July 31, 2025 - August 3, 2025

This coming weekend is DC Pen Show Weekend! For details on our workshops and where we’ll be located, check out our post from last week.

Any orders placed for D.C. Pickup are already on their way to D.C. with a friend, so the current “DCPICKUP” code is limited to those products that I will be carrying with me to the show (Roterfaden and Lochby). If you would like to reserve a product from one of these lines for show pickup, please get your order in by the end of the day today as I will be fully packed by tomorrow morning. Currently we have stock of most versions of the A5 Roterfadens since the last order was quite large. (We do not have any remaining stock of the TGS_25, and I will not have any with me in D.C.) The code will drop any shipping charge at checkout.

Just a friendly reminder that our local shop is closed this upcoming Friday and Saturday because we will be attending the Washington, D.C. Pen Show! We will have special hours on Thursday (10am-2pm), and if there is something you’re looking to pick up at the store you can always make an appointment to shop in person. I hope to see many of you this weekend!

New Arrivals: Pilot Multi-Pen Refills for the Pilot Acroball 4+1 and the Legno D1

July 29, 2025

We’ve been holding back a bit on promoting some excellent Pilot Multi Pens because we still hadn’t received our shipment of refills. Well, that’s no longer an issue! We have stock of the Pilot 4+1 Multi Pens (which take the BVRF-8 refill), as well as the Pilot Legno 2+1 Multi Pen (which takes a D1 refill, and we can now offer the Pilot Acro Ink version!) I’m especially excited to have these Acro Ink D1 refills in stock, because it’s yet another option for all the D1 Multi Pens we carry, such as the Lamy 2000, Lamy Logo, Lamy CP1 and Lamy ST (all of which are now back in stock).

Uni has sort of cornered the market on low-viscosity ballpoints and multi pens, at least here in the U.S., but Pilot’s Acro Ink is very good, and I’ve always had a positive experience with the Acroball and Dr. Grip pen lines. I would characterize the ink as slightly more like a traditional ballpoint than Jetstream ink, but it’s smooth, dark, and dries quickly. If you haven’t tried this one yet, it’s certainly worth checking out! I’ve also created a general multi-pen category in the store, to make it easier to see all the different options together.

Braun Desk Accessories (Calculator and Clock) atop my personal desk

Sunday Reading for July 27, 2025

July 27, 2025

The Unbelievable Roterfaden TGS 25 - Everything You Need to Know (via dwrdnet). Many thanks to Derek for walking through our Roterfaden collab! These are almost sold out, and while I’m a bit sad I can’t take them to D.C., I’m ecstatic for all of these to find new homes.
Let’s Figure Out the Lumos Pro Duo from Tom’s Studio (via Inkdependence). Mike walks through the Lumos refillable fineliner and how they work. These pens have struck a chord with people looking to be able to use their fountain pen inks in a fineliner format that can be a bit more office and travel friendly. They remain one of our own best-sellers.
Louise Carmen Better Than Paper Republic? Plotter? Traveler’s Notebook? (via Inky.Rocks). I loved seeing this comparison. Louise Carmen is a brand that I’m seeing more of online, as well as Paper Republic.
Radio, Revisited: Local Radio Has Gotten Good (finally), a New C. Crane, and Goodbye to Satellite (via Urban Adventure League). I’ve had fun rediscovering my local terrestrial radio recently. I’ve always appreciated my local NPR affiliate, but have barely used my satellite subscription in recent months.
Pen Show Planning (via Rachel’s Reflections). What, we’re only a week out from D.C.? Guess I’d better pack. And prepare my class.
New Journal and 10 Years of Writing at Large (via Writing at Large). Congrats on 10 years! A huge bloggiversary accomplishment.
Schon DSGN x Custom Nib Studio Sashiko Fountain Pen (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). Whoa. I missed this launch, but maybe I’ll get to see this one in D.C.
A Trip to Tokyo: Local for a Moment (via Pete Denison). As always, Pete’s travelogues are excellent, observant, and a fun read.
Hey, DC! Reminder: Sign Up for Pen Show Workshops (via Well-Appointed Desk). If you’re planning on attending the D.C. Pen Show, everyone should be aware that certain classes and workshops require a reservation, and others require a class fee. If you’re looking forward to attending one of these, you may need to sign up so please check the D.C. website.
Kobe Ginza Gold Sepia Fountain Pen Ink Review (via Pen Addict). I also love offbeat muted colors, and “Gold Sepia” checks this box.

Yamamoto Bullet Jotter Open with a Fountain Pen — These Yamamoto Bible-Sized Jotter pads could be an indispensable accessory for those who use Bible size Plotters and similar ring binders.

In Case You Missed It….

I spent most of this week shipping Roterfadens and attempting to prep for D.C., with Tennessee tax-free weekend thrown into the mix! If you’re coming to D.C. (or just want to know what a pen show is all about), check out Wednesday’s post previewing my workshop on Notebook Systems 101. Yesterday I built on that a bit, discussing the idea of how to pair systems from different brands to customize build-outs for your specific needs.

Maruman Basics Notebook 150 Pages stacked A4 and A5

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop: Last Call for TGS_25

We are down to ONE remaining unit of our Roterfaden collab as of this morning. I’d really love to send this one off to a new home soon. If you missed out, I will place a restock in the future as soon as we get some certainty on the trade situation and what pricing will look like going forward. In the meantime, we are well-stocked on standard A5 Roterfaden Taschenbegleiters, as well as a limited number of B6 versions. We also have a restock of Yamamoto Select A4 papers, and their new Bible-sized Bullet Jotters, complete with 6 different refills that include the new Canopus and Meringue papers. For a full list of restocks and new releases, check out this week’s Thursday Drops post!

We will have reduced hours this week in our brick-and-mortar shop, as we are traveling to the D.C. Pen Show. August is Pen Show Month, so in-person shopping will be somewhat irregular unless I can get help covering shop hours. This week we will be open on Thursday for modified hours but closed Friday and Saturday.

Braun

Yamamoto Paper

Original Brooks

Toyo Steel

Consider Further Supporting T.G.S.!

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 special promotions, 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)! The T.G.S. Patreon includes early access and discounts on exclusive shop releases (including the Taschenstift “Violet Tendencies”), the quarterly gently used sales, a monthly updates newsletter, and of course our monthly meetups. Patreon support starts as low as $3 per month, and if you pay annually there is a further discount. As noted above, we’ve recently started a Discord community for all paid Patreon supporters.

Yamamoto Paper compared against Bullet Jotter

Complementary Notebook Systems and Stationery: Yamamoto Bullet Jotters

July 26, 2025

Of all the notebook systems, planners, and related products on the market, what I really appreciate is a brand or system that doesn’t lock you into a specific format, allowing you to experiment with different types of paper and to mix-and-match refills. It’s a big reason why I like flexible cover-based systems like the Lochby Field Journal series, the Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter, and binder and disc-based systems that you can really unlock by buying a hole punch and using whatever paper you choose. In my Notebook Systems 101 workshops that I’ll be holding at the upcoming D.C. Pen Show next week, how different planner and notebook systems interact and complement one another will be a major topic of discussion.

To that end, I wanted to spotlight a new product from Yamamoto Paper: The “Bullet Jotter,” which is a Personal/Bible-sized notepad holder that can be used as a stand-alone product or as a companion to a Bible-sized binder from brands such as Plotter. This small portfolio measures roughly 4.5” x 7.2”, lies completely flat, and holds two pads of Bible-sized paper (one pad of Soliste and another of Sheep Clouds Bond are included). You can use the notepads as is, and the paper can also be hole-punched for filing, as shown below in my Plotter.

Yamamoto Paper Bullet Jotter with TWSBI Writing Sample — I used a Carl/Plotter hole punch to add the sheet of Sheep Clouds Bond to my Bible-size Plotter.

Yamamoto, a Japanese paper distributor, has sourced six different Japanese papers to fit the Bullet Jotter (or to use as individual notepads). In addition to the Soliste and Sheep Clouds Bond, there are pads of Sanzen Tomoe River, Canopus, Meringue, and Slight White. Some of these already have been made available in Yamamoto’s sampler packs and A4 looseleaf sets, but Canopus and Meringue are new papers that I look forward to exploring.

Yamamoto Paper Bullet Jotters Different Colors stacked

As of this morning you can get the Yamamoto Bullet Jotter, refills, and plenty of other Yamamoto papers in our shop. We’re somewhat frantically trying to get a ton of new inventory listed before the D.C. Show, and these might come with us. Please note that we are open today (Saturday) for in-person shopping, and will be open Thursday for limited hours before closing next weekend for D.C. You can keep track of updated hours here.

Braun Desk/travel Alarm clock sitting on desk

Thursday Drops: Roterfaden TGS_25 Special Edition, Traveler's and Maruman Restock, and Braun Clocks!

July 24, 2025

We have a bit of everything this week, with the big news being the release of our own special Roterfaden collaboration, the TGS_25, in an A5 slim format. While I expected it to be popular (this is an uncommon Roterfaden size that only periodically appears in special releases), I wasn’t quite prepared for how quickly this one has sold. We do still have some stock remaining, and I have held back a handful for our local customers this weekend. Just a reminder to our Patreon supporters that they have a special pricing offer on this release - please check the Patreon feed for details.

Yesterday we also received a restock of many different Traveler’s Notebook refills and accessories, as well as Standard and Pocket Starter Kits. Maruman Spiral notebooks are back in stock, as well as some of the more popular Yamamoto A4 papers, including Kin Kaku Den, Soliste, Slight White, and Light Force. Finally, be sure to check out our ever-expanding selection of desk accessories, including Toyo steel boxes and Braun desk alarm clocks - a new analog timer to complement our sandglass selection!

Our brick-and-mortar shop is open Thursday and Friday from 1pm-6pm, and on Saturday from 10am-6pm, and otherwise by appointment. Hope to see you soon!

Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter TSG_25 (T.G.S. Special Edition). Our most recent collaboration is an A5-Slim Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter, in a soft exterior Olive leather with dark grey suede interior. This Taschenbegleiter will fit notebooks from several different existing brands, or you can cut down a standard A5 to fit the dimensions. You can read more about this release and how it works in Tuesday’s post.
Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter Standard Sizes (A5 and B6). Along with our TGS_25 special edition, we have additional stock of A5 and B6 Taschenbegleiters in a variety of cover colors and interior finishes.
T.G.S. x Hinze Taschenstift “Violet Tendencies” Micarta Fountain Pen. We have some remaining stock of our latest fountain pen collaboration with Hinze Pens, which features a dark purple Micarta with a matching anodized nib and section. You can read more about this here.
Lochby Voyager A5 Slim Journal Cover. For those not into the leather Taschenbegleiter, Lochby offers their own A5 Slim cover in waxed canvas. These will accept any refill/notebook up to 4.3” x 7.3”.
Uni Jetstream M17 Ballpoint Refill. We have another shipment of the excellent Uni Jetstream refill designed to fit Lamy ballpoint pens that take the standard M16 refill (Safari, AL-Star, 2000, etc.). .5mm and .7mm tip sizes are available.
Braun Desktop/Travel Alarm Clocks. I rediscovered this line of classic Braun desk accessories when I visited London last year, and while I haven’t yet been able to source the calculator, I did find this compact travel alarm clock that I use as a non-phone desk clock at my office.
Toyo Stackable Steel Storage Boxes. These stackable steel boxes from Japan are a modern design classic, and can be used to store anything from stationery to office supplies to charging cables to coffee and tea. (I hear some people even use the taller sizes to store ink bottles.) Multiple colors and sizes are available.
Original Brooks Hand-sewn Notebooks. These handmade creations are U.S.-made using reclaimed scrap, vintage, and even antique paper, and even include a few envelopes sewn into the notebooks that you can use to hold mementos. Two sizes available.
Shorthand Press Notebooks and Desk Pads. For obvious reasons, we’ve been exploring U.S.-sourced stationery over the past several months, and have decided to bring Shorthand Press’s gorgeous spiral notebooks and classic vintage-inspired desk pads into the shop. Made in Los Angeles.
Appointed Notebooks and Writing Pads. One of the most pencil friendly papers we’ve used, Appointed paper is textured and really takes graphite well due to its texture. We also love the textured linen covers.