Drama in the Pen World (via SBRE Brown). A very interesting response with some observations on certain controversies that have roiled the pen community over the past year.
Leonardo Officina Italiana Momento Magico, the OG (via Pen Addict). The Momento Magico, with the ink window, is the one Leonardo model I’ve not yet tried. I need to give this one a shot given how much I’ve enjoyed the standard Momento Zero.
My Humble Workspace (via Well-Appointed Desk). I love seeing how others work, especially fellow reviewers!
A Look at My Brown Ink Stash (via Fountain Pen Blog). Breaking down the ink stash is one of the more sobering tasks for any fountain pen user, especially when you start looking at colors together. Are these shades too similar? How many bottles of this same color do I really need?
Musgrave Tennessee Red Pencil Review (via Writing at Large). The Musgrave Tennessee Red, is, in my humble opinion, one of the prettiest pencils made right now, and the dark core is sublime.
Pen Porn: Benu Forest Pond (via Rachel’s Reflections). This is a new look for Benu, and I have to say that I’m enjoying it!
2022 State of the Scholar: Tray One (via mnmlscholar). It’s always fun to see if my writing inspires anyone to take similar action. I especially love to see people’s curated pen collections and hear about why they select the pens they do!
How to Sell a Fountain Pen (via Inkjournal). During last week’s Patreon meetup, we had a discussion about the best way to sell fountain pens that you no longer use. This article is a great resource!
Dominant Industry Autumn Forest (via Mountain of Ink). The one new ink that’s still on my list!
Edison Pen Co. Comet Fountain Pen Review (via Pen Addict - Sarah). The Comet is Edison’s newest fountain pen model, which debuted at this year’s Chicago Pen Show. Be sure to check it out the next time you’re on their site or at their show table.
In Case You Missed It…
This week on the blog I wrote an article about seeking the “sweet spot” in pen size, especially with pens seemingly becoming ever larger. I also reviewed a pen I’ve had in the queue for a long time: My Hinze Pen in “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” resin. I’m looking forward to spending some time with Hinze and the rest of the pen community at the upcoming D.C. Pen Show this week!
D.C. Pen Show and Curated Shop Updates!
Many of you may have seen the announcement posted by Vanness yesterday that due to unforeseen circumstances, they will be unable to attend the D.C. Pen Show this week. I was planning to work with Vanness this week, so we’re busy rejuggling plans. As of now, the plan is that T.G.S. will be taking over two of the Vanness tables, though it remains to be seen whether we will be selling directly at the show, or instead set up with samples and testers. Be sure to stop by!
In the meantime, we are still running a 10% off “pre-pen show/summer inventory reduction sale”, with the discount automatically applied to certain items at checkout. While not discounted, we do have a handful of Traveler’s Notebook 2022 Limited Editions available in the blue “Airline” cover. Now is a great time to pick up a Traveler’s Notebook and stock it with refills and accessories! Finally, be sure to check out the “Gently Used” page, as there are a few pens still available, all in great condition!
Consider T.G.S. Patreon!
I would love for the T.G.S. Patreon to become a core method of support for the T.G.S. website, and have tried to streamline it. I’ll also need to be a bit more vocal about its availability and what it offers. The Patreon Program offers two options for tiers of support: $3 and $5, and plan on making monthly meetups, pen show events, and periodic exclusive content the primary benefits. Of course, Patreon members will continue to get first access to periodic sample sales, with right of first refusal on gently used pens. Attention Patreon Members: Yesterday I posted half-a dozen or so new “gently used” products to the sale page, so check it out. I’m doing a general “stash and sample” reduction, so more will follow.