The Intriguing Benu Haute (via Figboot on Pens). I’m waiting for the Benu Haute to take off, because I personally think this one is a game changer for the brand. It’s an excellent pen with a unique yet more mainstream look.
Interview with The Pen Addict (via dwrdnet). Derek sits down with the Pen Addict himself, Brad Dowdy, for an interview!
Pilot Iroshizuku Yama-Budo (via Inkredible Colours). Even after all these years, one of the first two Iroshizuku inks that I bought remains a personal favorite that sees regular use.
2026 Baltimore Pen Show Recap (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). I agree that the Baltimore Pen Show seemed to fly under the radar this year from a promotion perspective. I have enjoyed the show in the past but have had to miss the past couple of years due to conflicting work/family obligations on this particular weekend.
London Spring Pen Show 2026 (via UK Fountain Pens). I will attend one of the London shows one of these days, especially now that we have a direct flight from Nashville. I love how spaced out this show looks.
How Do We Create Your Ink Samples? Behind the Scenes at Vanness (via Vanness Pens). Even though I’ve personally seen this process many, many times, I always enjoy hearing about how everyone works behind the scenes.
Pelikan M200 Orange Delight (via Scrively). A review of the most recent Pelikan release - this time in a bright orange with a transparent barrel.
Hakase GW15C (via UK Fountain Pens). What, two articles from UK Fountain Pens in a week? I’ve had the opportunity to handle a Hakase (Matthew Chen’s) and the craftsmanship that goes into these functional pieces of art is exquisite.
Unfinished Notebooks (via Notebook Stories). What do you do with unfinished notebooks? Do you go back through them and try to finish them? I have my own archive I’m considering.
It’s the Little Things… (via Well-Appointed Desk). Finding stationery that you forgot you owned is indeed one of the little joys of this hobby, especially if it’s no longer made or causes you to remember a pen show or other experience.
This week’s Episode of On The Paper Trail will be our last before we record in front of a live audience at the San Francisco Stationery Fest! You can sign up here if you’ll be attending and would like to visit in person.
In Case You Missed It….
This week on the blog was a big one. First, Episode 5 of On The Paper Trail is now live, with Lisa and I discussing using vs. collecting stationery. You can watch on YouTube or listen in your favorite podcast app, and I’ve also put together a landing page where you can view/listen to past episodes as well as updates on upcoming events. Second, yesterday I published an overview of the Pilot “Custom” line of fountain pens, which is a project I’ve been considering and working on for some time. I think of the “Custom” line as Pilot’s “standard” line of fountain pens, and they play a key role in my own personal pen collection and make up a significant percentage of the pens I own.
This year Colorverse really did pick some of the best Colorvent colors, in my opinion.
This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop…Colorverse!
The 2025 “Top 3” Colorvent Inks have arrived, with Polar Night, Follow the Water, and Erebus Crater available as stand-alone bottles. We’ve also restocked the Top 3 Inks from 2024, including favorites Pulsar Pulse and Milky Way. Additionally, we’ve added the “Glistening” (shimmer) series, and received more “Joy in the Ordinary”. Finally, we had a major Pilot restock arrive Friday, and are fully restocked on standard and Madoromi Kakunos, as well as Explorers, Custom 74 Fountain Pens, and the Lavender Fog release!
Please note that we will have modified Nashville store hours this week and next, since we will be traveling. This week we will be open Thursday (3/19) from 1pm-5pm, closed Friday (3/20), and open Saturday (10-6pm). Check the “About” page or our Google profile for updates.
How to Support T.G.S. and Our Various Projects
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 special promotions, consider supporting us via Patreon. The T.G.S. Patreon includes early access and discounts on exclusive shop releases, a monthly updates newsletter, and of course our monthly meetups. As of this morning, ALL Patreon supporters (including non-paying free members) have access to one or more initial “practice” episodes of “On the Paper Trail” which have not been publicly released.