Advice for New Fountain Pen Buyers (via SBRE Brown). So many new users (and relatively new users) have entered the fountain pen market, especially during the past two years, but there’s not been a lot of newbie-focused posts and videos. Much of what is out there, at least from the “established” bloggers, YouTubers, etc., is dated. I’m glad to see Stephen do this video.
Pocket Pen Roundup (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). In my humble opinion, all pen enthusiasts need at least one reliable pocket pen. Kimberly has some great recommendations, which somewhat overlap with my own.
Penquisition PenSkew Slim (via KraftyKats). If you’re in the market for a 3D-printed pen stand, and much more, be sure to check out the Penquisition store!
A Good Taste of Life: Kaweco Sport Milk Chocolate (via A Fleeting Ripple). Brown pens are highly underrated, especially if its a warm chocolate tone. Be sure to check out Kaweco’s latest release in the Sport line, special for Fontoplumo.
ScriBo NeroNero (via Dapprman). I love an interesting black ink, and this one from ScriBo apparently has grey and bronze undertones.
Galen Leather Pen Case with Notebook Holder (via Fountain Pen Love). An interesting idea to pair a 10-pen case with a notebook holder. I’m not sure that I would carry this many pens paired with a notebook - I tend to stick to 4 or so when I’m out and about - but if you regularly switch up for journaling, etc. this is an option.
Part II: Galen Leather Hard Pen Case and Notebook (via Fountain Pen Love). I have the 12-pen hard case from Galen, and I absolutely love it. While it’s not a daily carry for me, it’s great for pen shows and pen club. As this review shows, smaller versions are available.
Constant Companion: The Write Notepads & Co. Pocket Flip Notebook (via From the Pen Cup). If Mary uses it consistently, it must be good. You all know that I love Write Notepads paper!
The Paper Mind Mitsubishi Bank Paper Notebook Review (via Pen Addict). This bank paper notebook is one of my favorite ideas of the past year. I love the Mitsubishi bank paper and enjoy seeing new companies form around a specialized product.
Montblanc Homage to Victoria and Albert (via Well-Appointed Desk). I really need to get me a bottle of this. The color is gorgeous.
Tortoises So Rare, They Were Thought Extinct: The Great White Whales of the Souverän M600 Line (via Pelikan’s Perch). I will never understand why Pelikan is so stingy with their brown tortoise pens and confines them to limited edition status. These classic designs are, to me, essentials that they should sell in every size.
This week’s “main event” features a post on metal/machined pens as great everyday writers - provided they are done right.
In Case You Missed It…
Construction is over…at least for purposes of how it affects the blog. I once again have a desk that I can use to write, and while I’m still waiting on the plumbing to get hooked up in my work area so that I can clean some pens and switch out some inks, things will start looking back to normal around here (or at least as “normal” as it ever is). This week I reviewed the new Esterbrook Needlepoint Nib by Kirk Speer, which is now available with the purchase of an Estie Fountain Pen from most Esterbrook retailers. I also continued the Workhorse Pens series, with a piece on Metal Pens as Workhorse Pens!
This Week in the Curated Shop!
This past week we added mechanical pencil versions of the Caran d’Ache 849 Black Code, Gold Bar, and Brut Rosé models. If you purchase a matching set, it automatically qualifies for free shipping, with no coupon code necessary! On Thursday we also released a shop post focused around travel-friendly stationery, including the Spiral Ring notebooks from Traveler’s Company! Per the links below, we’ve added new reading accessories, notebook dividers and office supplies, and the rest of the Traveler’s Company “Travel Tools” limited edition sets from 2020!
T.G.S. From the Archives, and 10,000 Follower Giveaway!
This past week we hit 10,000 followers on Instagram, which is a huge milestone for this hobby project that I never thought would grow as much as it did! In celebration, we are giving away a handful of awesome prizes, including a T.G.S. x Sunderland mk1 pen and a mystery prize, which you might be able to guess based on this week’s “From the Archives” post. No spoilers until the giveaway goes live tomorrow morning!
The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop, and the T.G.S. Patreon Program. Many thanks for your generous support!