New Project! Gravitas BiFrost (via Figboot on Pens). Though it looks like these have sold out already, congrats on another great project!
Shorthand Shop Visit (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). I love a good shop visit recap. While I’m familiar with some of their notebooks, I didn’t realize that they also had a physical store.
Pocket Notebooks Are Back? (via Stationery Pizza). I’ve been noticing more interest in pocket notebooks once again, from Field Notes to the new Lochby Sidekick. Is the trend coming back around?
Thank You Atlanta, I Think? (via Pen Addict). While I wasn’t quite as down on this particular show as Brad - I think the issues with organization are a one-off and the result of a set of circumstances that likely won’t happen again as help arrives for the future - he makes some valid points applicable to all existing pen shows, which need to up their game as there’s a lot more competition for attendee dollars.
Top 5 Fountain Pens Under $50 (via Blake’s Broadcast). Some great options here! There’s at least one that I haven’t considered.
How Will Tariffs Affect Notebook Prices (via Notebook Stories). I guess we will find out over the next 90 days - or beyond. I talked a bit about this in Wednesday’s post.
Ensso Bolt (via Dapprman). I applaud Ensso for original ideas, as new riffs on retractable fountain pens are few and far between. I think it remains to be seen how the silicon membrane/seal stands up over time.
Unboxing the Rickshaw Banzai Bag: The Ultimate Pen and Stationery Bag (via dwrdnet). I agree that the Banzai Bag is likely the “ultimate” in stationery carry. It’s an exceptionally good pen show bag where you don’t want to have a huge clunky bag knocking into people.
Video Review: TWSBI Go (via Scrively). The Go has always been a great option for serial ink samplers, since it’s extremely easy to clean and fill.
Why Pencil? (via Pens! Paper! Pencils!). If you’re not following this site, you should. Ian’s pencil drawings are absolutely incredible.
Review and Giveaway: Benu Pixie Fountain Pen (via Well-Appointed Desk). The Pixie has certainly garnered a lot of attention since it’s release. A bit too small for me, but pocket pen fans should check it out.
In Case You Missed It….
This week on the blog, I recapped my trip to the 2025 Atlanta Pen Show, where I personally had a great weekend visiting with readers and customers in person. I’ve spent a lot of time on the road at shows this month, and while I was away I filmed a ton of video content in addition to taking pictures. This week I released a video showing what it’s like to get a nib ground at a show, when my friend Chad had Matthew Chen grind a broad Pilot nib into a Kodachi. I personally had two pens ground to Kodachis, and I talked about these particular grinds in my video where I broke down my Arkansas Pen Show Haul.
Introducing the T.G.S. x Hinze Pens “Violet Tendencies” Taschenstift: Our Latest Exclusive Release!
At last weekend’s Atlanta Pen show, we did a “soft launch” of our latest exclusive release: the T.G.S. x Hinze Pens “Taschenstift” fountain pen in a CrazyFiber micarta material called “Violet Tendencies”. CrazyFiber/micarta is a unique material made from stacked cloth that has been treated with resin and cured so that it can be turned on a lathe. This gives the pen a unique feel in the hand, and this particular Taschenstift model is designed to post by friction fit rather than threads on the barrel. We have a limited number of pens for this round, with more as a possibility if there is sufficient interest. Patreon members and newsletter subscribers get a special price, so be sure to check your Patreon feed/e-mail inbox for details.
This week we also received a full Pilot restock, additional Kuretake Art Nouveau inks, Herbin Inks, and new to us Lamy models!
Check Out T.G.S. Patreon for Breaking news and first access/Special pricing on exclusives and Sample Sales
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 gently used stationery opportunities, 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)! If you enjoy in-person and virtual meetups and having access to more personal content, the T.G.S. Patreon includes these as well as access to early shop releases (including the Taschenstift “Violet Tendencies”), the quarterly gently used sales, a monthly updates newsletter, and of course our monthly Zoom meetups. Patreon support starts as low as $3 per month, and if you pay annually there is a further discount.