Thursday Drops: Inkvent Starts Tomorrow! Plus a Few Remaining Holiday Markdowns

Tomorrow is Inkvent, so you can guess what I’ll be doing today! We have a couple of Inkvent Calendars remaining from our allocation, so if you’d like to play along this December, now’s the time! Other colorful gift items include the new Caran d’Ache Keith Haring series, the Caran d’Ache “Colormat-X” set of new matte-textured 849 ballpoints, and the “Kaweco Collection” Kaweco Sport fountain pens! Finally, we recently received a restock of Write Notepads items, including the popular writing pads and the Classic Hardcover Notebooks.

View fullsize

View fullsize

Update: As of this evening, we received our shipment of Kaweco Art Sport Fountain Pens, in four unique Italian resins!

Just a reminder that in order to ensure domestic U.S. delivery by December 25, it’s important to get your orders in within the next two weeks. For Holiday gift ideas, check out the 2023 edition of the T.G.S. Holiday Gift Guide! Also remember that we offer a gift card option.

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized retailer of all brands sold.

1. Diamine Inkvent Calendar. Starting tomorrow, I’ll be opening doors 1-25 of the 2023 Inkvent Calendar, and swatching a 12ml sample of ink up until December 25 (where we open the 30ml bottle). Want to play along? Pick up an Inkvent Calendar. It will probably have you set on ink for the year.

2. Caran d’Ache Keith Haring 849 Ballpoint Pens. These collaborations with the estate of pop artist Keith Haring (whose artwork was featured on the “Very Special Christmas” album covers back in the late 1980s, early 1990s) would make an awesome gift for art fans, as well as for those who just enjoy a cool design on the 849. While the black pen is my favorite, the red is probably more classically Haring?

3. Caran d’Ache Keith Haring Colour Set. This set of 10 special edition water-soluble colored pencils also comes with a Fibralo brush pen. The pencils are engraved with Keith Haring’s signature. Pair this with the Colour Pad for a great gift idea!

4. Caran d’Ache Keith Haring Colour Pad. This A5 pad features 20 different Keith Haring drawings that you can color in to add your own twist on the original artwork.

5. Write Notepads Classic Hardcover Notebooks. A hardcover journal makes an excellent gift for pretty much anyone interested in reading and writing. These Write Notepads look great on a shelf once finished, and come in either lined or dot grid paper. Blue, grey, and cranberry (dark red) color options available.

6. Camel HB Pencils in Natural Wood Lacquer. Camel Pencil from Japan makes some of my favorite woodcase pencils on the market. The HB graphite is dark and smooth for an HB core, and these sharpen extremely well.

7. Caran d’Ache x Nespresso Edition No. 4 Swiss Wood Pencil Set. We still have a handful of these Caran d’Ache x Nespresso pencil sets from last year, as well as the standard Swiss Wood Pencil Set that includes a sharpener and eraser.

8. M+R Brass Pencil Sharpeners. Camel pencils serve as an excellent platform for the M+R brass sharpeners, including the long point Castor & Pollux sharpeners.

9. Lamy Pico Pocket Ballpoint Pens. The Pico is up there as one of my favorite all-around pocket ballpoint pens, and we have a fresh shipment ready to go. I’ve given these as stocking stuffers for years and people have enjoyed them - even “non-pen” people.

10. Laban Greek Mythology Ink Series. This is a bit of a random addition, but if you’re looking for a gift for a fountain pen person and don’t feel comfortable with a pen, this epic ink series based on 10 different ancient Greek gods and goddesses

Thursday Drops: Traveler's Sticker Release and Accordion Paper is BACK! Also, More Pencils and Sharpeners!

I’m finally through orders placed over the show weekend, with all of those shipped out yesterday! Today I dug into the “new arrivals” pile, which includes the long-awaited Traveler’s Notebook Sticker Release Paper and Accordion Fold papers! Formerly part of the “B-Sides and Rarities” collection, these were recently announced as additions to the regular collection of Traveler’s Notebook Specialty Papers, and are now available in both Standard and Passport sizes. We also have restocks on certain Laconic Tokyo items, as well as Caran d’Ache Pencils and M+R Sharpeners. And I’m not even halfway through the boxes…. Stay tuned!

View fullsize

I know we’ve had a lot of new arrivals lately: To read more about our latest shop additions, check out this post featuring new notebooks from Nakabayashi and some new scissors, as well as this post announcing the arrival of plenty of new Clairefontaine paper products and restocked favorites!

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized reseller of all brand sold.

1. Traveler’s Notebook Specialty Paper, Including Sticker Release and Accordion Paper. Traveler’s Company announced earlier this year that they were adding the Sticker Release Paper and Accordion Fold Paper to the regular lineup of Specialty Papers in both Standard and Passport sizes. They are now available!

2. Laconic Tokyo Zippered Pouches. I love zippered pouches. I move between briefcases, backpacks, and travel bags fairly frequently, and one way in which I do this is by keeping separate pouches packed with different items (stationery, paper, pens, chargers, cords, etc.) so that I can easily move them between bags.

3. Laconic Style Notebook Refills. While some versions continue to be on backorder, we just received a bunch of the “Spreadsheet” notebooks, as well as more Gantt Charts! These slim softcover A5 notebooks are excellent for covers like Roterfadens and the Lochby Field Journal, which allow you to use multiple refills.

4. Caran d’Ache Swiss Wood Pencils. I love to see that we’re selling more pencils these days, as one of my goals when I set out to expand the shop was to provide a home for many of the high-end pencil brands following the closure of CW Pencils. In addition to the standard Swiss Wood, we also carry the Nespresso Swiss Wood Collaboration and the Crayons de la Maison Caran d’Ache gift sets.

5. Caran d’Ache HB Office/School Pencils with Erasers. Caran d’Ache pencils are typically capped and don’t feature an eraser on the end. These are the exception, and quite popular. Available individually and by the dozen.

6. M+R Pencil Sharpeners. Looking for an excellent German brass pencil sharpener, with replaceable blades? We are restocked on the range of M+R sharpeners, including the long-point Castor and Pollux sharpeners, as well as both classic brass bullet versions.

7. Caran d’Ache 849 “Black Code” Ballpoint Pens and Mechanical Pencils. My first “signature” selection for the shop - while it’s not a special edition or an exclusive, it pretty much matches my stationery aesthetic perfectly. Mechanical pencils are now back in stock in addition to the ballpoint.

8. Caran d’Ache Chromatics Bottled Ink. I love the color range of the Caran d’Ache “Chromatics” line, and you all apparently agree since it’s sold rapidly. We now have all colors back in stock.

9. Pilot Iroshizuku Ku-Jaku Ink. When I brought Iroshizuku into the shop a few months ago, the one that was on perpetual backorder was “Ku-Jaku” (“Peacock”), a favorite of those who love darker teal inks. For a brighter teal, the excellent “Sui-Gyoku” is a new addition.

10. Lochby Cases and Covers. Following my return from the D.C. Pen Show, all Lochby cases and covers are now relisted in the shop and available for purchase. At last check all colors are in stock but I will likely need to reorder prior to San Francisco.

Thursday Drops: Summing Up the New 2023 Fountain Pen Arrivals

We’re reaching the six-month midpoint of 2023, and typically around this time I’m on vacation and using the time off to summarize my favorite releases, reviews, and store arrivals for the year. Due to some family travel, our schedule has been thrown a bit and vacation moved up to last month, so for the first time in years I’m actually spending the month of June at home! I’ll of course be doing some mid-year recaps, but perhaps with a slightly different approach than in the past.

View fullsize

From Left: Endless Creator, Pilot Vanishing Point, and Platinum Matte Curidas

In the shop, 2023 has seen us build out our selection of fountain pens, after spending the first two years thinking very carefully about what we wanted to carry. To date, the focus has been on “workhorse” pens that you can use for daily writing, spanning a range of price points, filling systems, and designs that now include a couple of recently released retractable nib pens. Today’s post highlights what we’ve added so far this year, and we have more on the way!

1. Lamy 2000 Fountain Pen. Since starting the shop, I’ve been waiting to bring in the Lamy 2000 line in its entirety, and we’re most of the way there. By far my favorite workhorse for everyday writing, the Lamy 2000 is one of my most-recommended fountain pens for those looking for a no-nonsense piston filler.

2. Pilot Custom 74 Fountain Pen. Similar to the Lamy 2000, the Pilot Custom 74 is one of those no-brainer recommendations where it’s hard to go wrong. Now available in 8 different demonstrator finishes with EF through Broad 14k nibs. Check out my recent “Review Revisited” for a closer look at the Custom 74.

3. Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen. Slightly larger than the Custom 74 and featuring a high-capacity vacuum filling system, the Pilot Custom 823 is the first “upgrade” for many fountain pen enthusiasts looking for a more technical fountain pen that’s remains approachable and not overly complex. The Custom 823 got the “Workhorse Pens” review treatment back in April.

4. Kaweco Sport and Skyline Sport Fountain Pens. Of course you need a pocket fountain pen in your rotation, and the standard Kaweco Sport (gold trim) and Skyline Sport (silver trim) is the first stop for most. It’s really hard to compete with the Mocha, Mint, and Fox Skyline colors!

5. Platinum Curidas Matte Fountain Pens. A retractable fountain pen? Of course we need one in our lineup. You can say I’m sort of obsessed with these Matte Curidas pens at the moment, especially the blue. I hope that Platinum continues to make this specific model.

6. Endless Creator Retractable Fountain Pen. I’m happy to see that there is more of a pricing spectrum with retractable nib fountain pens. Endless - makers of the “Recorder” notebook series, has released their “Creator” fountain pen at the $50 price point, and so far I’ve been impressed at what they’ve been able to do here with an original design while still keeping the price relatively accessible.

7. Platinum Preppy Wa “Modern Maki-e” Limited Editions. One reason I absolutely love the Preppy Wa is because it brings the fun of fountain pen limited editions to the lowest price point of all. The Platinum Preppy is an excellent entry level fountain pen, and the “Wa” series (now in it’s third rendition), continues with these Maki-e style designs.

8. Lamy AL-Star, Safari, and Vista. We plan to begin carrying the standard Lamy colors of the AL-Star and Safari in the near future, and currently stock a selection of the special release colors, including the Lilac and Petrol AL-Star fountain pens.

9. TWSBI Special Releases, including the ECO-T Saffron, ECO Persian Green, and Diamond Mini Grape. I may have to do a post specific to TWSBI in the near future, because over the past 12 months they have released some of my all-time favorite editions in some of my favorite colors. (Saffron and Purple? These could turn into classic TWSBI releases.)

10. Nahvalur Original Plus New Colors and Trim. Originally announced late last year, Nahvalur reworked it’s “Original” lineup to include a vacuum filling system in the original transparent acrylic demonstrators, and then two new models with rose gold trim.

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized retailer of all brands sold.

Thursday Drops: Caran d'Ache + Paul Smith 849 Ballpoints, Refilling on Refills, and More!

Happy Thursday! It’s a short work week and we’re almost to the weekend again, so hang in there! We have lots of fun stuff to discuss today. In addition to receiving a new shipment of Write Notepads Notebooks, we are also fully restocked on the ever-popular Caran d’Ache + Paul Smith collaboration 849 ballpoint pens, as well as Rollerball refills from Caran d’Ache and the excellent low-viscosity refills from Anterique. (Those interested in how to use the Anterique refills in vintage Bic Clic-style pens should read this recent post.) Over the past few weeks, we’ve also expanded our selection of fountain pens from TWSBI and Nahvalur, with additional models from the ECO-T and the Original Plus lines. Happy Shopping!

View fullsize

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized reseller of all brands sold.

1. Caran d’Ache + Paul Smith 849 Ballpoint Pens. This year’s bicolor release is back in stock in all colors, with the Racing Green/Navy and Cobalt/Emerald color combinations leading the way in popularity so far.

2. Anterique Stationers Brass Ballpoint Pens. These well-balanced ballpoints from Japanese stationery Anterique combine vintage click-pen design with a modern brass barrel to offer an exceptional combination of balance and durability. I walk through the entire Anterique line in this recent YouTube video.

3. Caran d’Ache 849 Rollerball Pens. With this most recent shipment, all colors of the larger Caran d’Ache 849 Rollerball pens are back in stock, including favorites white and grey.

4. Caran d’Ache 849 Ballpoint Pens in Anthracite Grey. Of the standard colors, the matte Anthracite Grey is the top seller. We also have the mechanical pencil version!

5. Caran d’Ache 849 Rollerball Refills. I’m generally not a fan of rollerball refills and their tendency to bleed, but even I’ve had to change my tune a bit with these. As I wrote last month, I’ve had good luck in getting these to fit the standard 849 ballpoint body in addition to the larger Rollerball.

6. Anterique Stationers Low-Viscosity Ballpoint Refills. We just received a massive shipment of the Anterique refills and have a good stock for the foreseeable future!

7. TWSBI ECO-T Fountain Pens in Mint and Saffron. The ECO-T has become a personal favorite from the TWSBI lineup, and I go back and forth on whether it’s due to the rounded triangular grip or the colors.

8. ECO-T Jade and Rose Gold Ink Set. We still have a few of this winter’s Jade + Rose Gold ECO-T gift sets, for those who don’t want to miss out on this special edition.

9. Nahvalur Original Plus Fountain Pens in Lovina Black and Matira White. Nahvalur recently sent another shipment of their Vacuum-filler pens in black and white with rose gold trim. Over on the YouTube Channel, I did a short video looking at these pens in more detail, and I also did a longer video on how to use the vacuum filler system for those who are curious.

10. Washi Tape and Enamel Pins. Traveling this summer? A fan of sending postcards? Fun washi tape is a great way to decorate written correspondence, and we have plenty of it, along with our enamel pins that you can wear to the library this summer to show your love of stationery and reading!

Thursday Drops: InCoWriMo Supplies, Composition Books, Mini-Stationery & More!

International Correspondence Writing Month (or “InCoWriMo”, as it’s called) is upon us starting next month, so it’s time to load up on your letter-writing supplies including both specialty letter pads as well as fun supplies such as Washi Tape, Enamel Pins (if you like to include small gifts with your letters), and more! The first of the 2023 additions to the Curated Shop already have started to roll in, including composition books from Mr. Boddington’s Studio, and the Midori XS Stationery Kits. Finally, don’t miss our ongoing “gently used” sale, with several fountain pens, ballpoints/rollerballs, and inks still available.

Happy Shopping!

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of all brands sold (secondhand “gently used” page excluded, though we always stand by everything we sell).

1. Mr. Boddington’s Studio Composition Books. I’m a huge fan of the composition book format for a no-frills writing experience, and I wasn’t going to leave these whimsical designs on the table when I saw them. I’m going to sell these both individually and in a set of all six designs.

2. Midori MD Letter Pads and Envelopes. We’ve been asked to stock the Midori MD Letter Pads, and your requests have been answered in time for InCoWriMo! We have them in both the standard MD Paper as well as MD Cotton Paper, with matching envelopes.

3. Midori XS Stationery Kits. Ever wish you could take your desk with you in your bag? These compact stationery kits from Midori feature mini-versions of favorite everyday desk items, including scissors, a stapler, a craft knife, and more.

4. Crayons de la Maison Caran d’Ache Edition No. 10 Pencil Set. The latest edition of Caran d’Ache’s premium luxury pencil set features a woodsy patchouli-based scent developed in connection with Swiss parfumier Mizensir. I love that this year’s set features a blue, green, and two natural toned pencils.

5. TWSBI ECO-T Jade and Rose Gold Pen and Ink Set. The latest addition to TWSBI’s rose gold ECO lineup features the “softly triangular” ECO-T model, along with a bottle of what might be my favorite color of TWSBI ink, Midnight Blue.

6. TWSBI Precision Ballpoint Pens and Mechanical Pencils. Our initial batch of TWSBI Precision technical-style writing instruments sold out quickly, but we’ve received another shipment. I love the softer knurling, which I don’t find as sharp as other brands.

7. Giuliano Mazzuoli Nobile ITALIA Ballpoint Pen/Mechanical Pencil. I’ve been reaching for a lot of mechanical pencils these days, and the one that’s always in my bag is this ergonomic gem from Mazzuoli that not only serves as a .7mm mechanical pencil but also as a ballpoint. The pen ships with interchangeable Schmidt mechanical pencil and ballpoint pen mechanisms.

8. Platinum Preppy Wa Limited Edition Fountain Pens (Second Series). A favorite trend from the past year is the emergence of lower-priced options in the limited and special edition categories, with Platinum leading the way. The Preppy Wa has sold briskly two years in a row.

9. Platinum Plaisir Aura 2022 Special Edition Fountain Pen. Similarly, Platinum has taken to releasing a special version of their “next level” entry pen, the Plaisir, in different finishes. This year was the “Aura,” which added a tinge of color gradient to a pearlescent white barrel, in addition to three different sections.

10. Opus 88 Minty Fountain Pens. The “Minty” doesn’t get as much love as many other Opus models, which is of course why we brought it into the shop. I don’t really understand why, as it’s garnered rave reviews from bloggers and others who have tried it.