Thursday Drops: Travel Stationery

As much of the world begins to reopen following an easing of the pandemic, many of us have found ourselves traveling once again, whether for work or pleasure. This morning, I’m headed out on the road for an entire week for the first time since early 2020. I’m honestly not sure how I feel about it - I’ve grown used to the comforts of working from home, and don’t really miss the inconveniences and indignities of modern air travel (especially short-haul domestic), but there are so many friends and colleagues whom I haven’t seen in person for years. It also gives me the opportunity to break out my travel gear, especially the chance to put my “Traveler’s Stationery” to good use. This week’s Thursday Drops features several items that will be accompanying me this week, and you may even see some action shots on Instagram as I hit up the Baltimore Pen Show!

UPDATE: I’ve added some new items to the “Gently Used” page, which features several items I’m looking to clear out of my collection to make room for show acquisitions and more reviews. All are in near perfect condition, with most of the inks missing just 1-2 fills.

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From left, the SchonDSGN Pocket Six in Faceted Brass, SchonDSGN Classic Ballpoint in DLC Coated Stainless Steel, Traveler’s Company Brass Pencil, Traveler’s Company Brass Ballpoint, and Traveler’s Company Fountain Pen in Factory Green.

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of all brands sold. PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM TRAVELING FOR THE NEXT WEEK AND ITEMS WILL SHIP STARTING 3/18 UPON MY RETURN. As always, if you place an order during my pen show travels or when I’m otherwise out of town, I always include extras and freebies in your order as a special thanks. I appreciate your support and being patient with a small two-person business!

1. Traveler’s Notebook. By far my favorite “travel” stationery item is my Traveler’s Notebook. I placed “travel” in quotes because I actually use it as my work planner and everyday productivity notebook, and it “travels” with me pretty much wherever I go. For trips, this notebook is pretty much indispensable, as I can take full advantage of the various folders, zippered cases and other accessories.

2. Sunderland mk1 Rollerball - TGS Special Edition. An indestructible pen that’s an excellent option for travel, I was fortunate to be able to do a collaboration with Brad Sunderland on this exclusive edition mk1 rollerball with a T.G.S. matte black and matte burgundy color scheme. I have exactly one of these pens remaining in stock.

3. Traveler’s Company Brass Ballpoint Pen. My personal favorite of the “TRC Brass” writing instruments, the ballpoint features a needle-tip hybrid ballpoint-gel refill that is an exceptionally nice pen for working on airplanes or reading in bed (or on the beach). Also available in the “Factory Green” finish.

4. Traveler’s Company Brass Fountain Pen and “Fountain Pen Rollerball”. Traveler’s Company has taken the “bullet pencil” format and expanded it beyond ballpoints and woodcase pencils, to include a fountain pen and rollerball that both take standard international fountain pen ink cartridges. The nib on the fountain pen is excellent.

5. Traveler’s Company Brass Bullet Pencil. Arguably the most faithful modern interpretation of the classic bullet pencil, the Traveler’s Company version is both classy and durable. I love the round, dark pencil refills and the massive pink eraser.

6. SchonDSGN Classic Machined Pen (via SchonDSGN). If I have to throw a third-party link into my travel pen post, it’s going to go to Schon DSGN. Their classic ballpoint is, well, a classic.

7. Schon DSGN Pocket 6 Fountain Pen (via SchonDSGN). A pocket fountain pen with a full-size JoWo No. 6 nib? This pen is outstanding, and perhaps the best pocket fountain pen option on the market. You can read my review here.

8. Pokka Pens and Accessories. The absolute best inexpensive pocket ballpoint is back in stock, along with all of the clips, caps, and keychain accessories.

9. Penco D1 Bullet Pen. This under-sung pocket ballpoint option comes in three different finishes, chrome, brass, and black, and features an excellent D1 refill that nonetheless can be swapped out with your D1 refill of choice.

10. Refills for All Pens Sold. Of course, we sell refills for all of the pocket ballpoints we offer, ranging from ballpoint refills to pencils to fountain pen ink cartridges.