I’ve thought a lot recently about stationery items that should form the “core” of any stationery collection. If I had to liquidate everything and start from scratch, what pieces would I purchase again? I’ve bought and sold thousands of pens, pencils, notebooks, and desk accessories over the years, and have a good idea of what I like and don’t like, what I need and don’t need. While I could play the “top ten” game forever, and come up with hundreds of different combinations depending on my constantly evolving preferences, what follows is a “top ten” list for this particular season of my life and career. Of course, what works for me doesn’t necessarily work for you - it’s merely intended as food for thought. Enjoy!

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Lamy 2000 (via Goldspot Pens). The Lamy 2000 will always serve as my “Desert Island Pen,” given its supreme functionality, durability, and minimalist industrial aesthetic. Plus, I love how the hooded 14k nib writes. You can read my review of the Lamy 2000 here.
Fisher Space Pen (via Vanness Pens). I keep a Fisher Space Pen AG7 or “Shuttle Pen” on my desk at all times, and if you’ve ever received a note from me on your packing slips, chances are it was likely signed with one of my Space Pens. The Fisher Space Pen isn’t just a great ballpoint, it’s an iconic piece of American history. Read my review here.
Caran d’Ache 849 Ballpoint (via T.G.S. Curated Shop). When I’m in the mood for some color, and want a pen with some personality that isn’t a rollerball (which as time goes on I dislike more and more), I reach for the iconic Caran d’Ache 849. With faceted sides that taper to a point like a woodcase pencil, I find the 849 supremely comfortable to write with, and the included refill is quite smooth. Check out my retail offerings for a selection of special and limited editions.
Rotring 600 or Rotring 800 Mechanical Pencils (via Goldspot Pens). My mechanical pencil of choice? Easily the Rotring 600 or 800, depending on whether you prefer a fixed or retractable pipe mechanical pencil. If you carry your pencil in a pocket, go with the 800. Read my write-up comparing these two here.
Caran d’Ache Fixpencil (via T.G.S. Curated Shop). Some people might not consider a 2mm leadholder a stationery “essential,” but if so, there’s no better option than the Caran d’Ache Fixpencil. A leadholder built for writing as well as drawing and drafting, the Fixpencil incorporates a sharpener inside the button cap so you can get the woodcase pencil experience with out having to worry about carrying a separate sharpener. Now available in color versions (pictured above) as well as the classic matte black.
Blackwing Natural Pencils (via Vanness Pens). Choosing just one brand of woodcase pencil would be difficult, but if I had to choose, it would probably be a Blackwing, and of their four standard versions, I would go for the “Natural” model with the extra-firm graphite. I’m a sucker for natural wood pencils, and the extra firm graphite lets you go a bit longer without sharpening.
M+R Brass Bullet Pencil Sharpener (via T.G.S. Curated Shop). If I was forced to pick one handheld pencil sharpener to pick, I’d probably choose this one, even over my more expensive long-points. Why? A combination of durability, quality, and overall value. Plus you can easily purchase replacement blades to keep your brass sharpener in action for the long haul.
Baron Fig Confidant Notebook (via Baron Fig). The Baron Fig Confidant is one of the best all-around notebooks I’ve used over the years, featuring a strong combination of design, size, and versatile paper. Baron Fig periodically releases special edition collaborations and designs that many people love to collect.
One Star Leather Goods Notebook Cover (via One Star/Etsy). Looking for a nice leather cover for your favorite notebook? Keegan at One Star leather can custom make a leather cover for your preferred brand. Check out my review here.
Pocket Notebooks or Spiral Notebooks (via T.G.S. Curated Shop). In addition to a “formal” notebook, I like to keep different paper formats on hand for sketching out my thoughts. Currently, I have in rotation a Write Notepads Spiral Dot Grid Notebook, as well as an endlessly rotating series of Pocket Notebooks from either Field Notes or Write Notepads. While the Write Notepads paper works great with fountain pens, it’s not something I tend to worry about with my pocket notebooks.