Sunday Reading for October 13, 2019

1. A Stationery Tour of Tokyo (via CW Pencil Enterprise). I. AM. SO. JEALOUS. I was following Caroline’s trip via Instagram, and am now in the process of planning my own Tokyo tour, maybe for the 2020 Tokyo Pen Show? Anyone interested in collaborating on a group trip?

2. TIPS 2019: Again A Stationery Fair (via Cronicas Estilographicas). I’m not sure what the problem is with expanding pen shows to include general stationery items and non-vintage fountain pens. Seems like a perpetuation of the mentality that was jeopardizing the existence of pen shows as recently as five years ago. I’m planning to attend the Tokyo Pen Show next year if possible, and if the sole focus was “vintage fountain pens,” I wouldn’t even consider it.

3. Recap: Dallas Pen Show (via Well-Appointed Desk). Dallas is on my list of shows to attend next year, when I’ll focus on visiting new shows rather than cycling through a rehash of same-old, same-old.

4. Becoming the “Sumgai” at the 2019 London Pen Show (via UK Fountain Pens). Anthony recaps his visit to the 2019 London Pen Show, which seems to be growing nicely with more retailer involvement.

5. Was the Bauhaus a Hit or a Miss? (via Fountain Pen Economics). Dr. Deans/Proctor Beans is back, with his own thoughts on the Lamy 2000 Bauhaus 100th Anniversary editions, and Lamy strategy in general.

6. Diving In (via From the Pen Cup). I need to dive into my own train wreck of an office as well, and plan to start 15 minutes at a time and work my way through gradually. My accumulation has slowed, and I’ve found that focusing on acquiring less has done more good than trying to get rid of stuff.

7. A Beginner’s Guide to Fountain Pen Inks (via Fountain Pen Follies). If you’re new to fountain pens, read this article, then read it again. Bookmark it, as well as the Richard Binder piece Laura links to.

8. The Current State of Fountain Pen Ink (via Fountain Pen Love). I still go back and forth on whether the market for fountain pen inks is oversaturated (pun fully intended), but there’s no denying the current ink market is vastly different than it was a decade ago.

9. Video Review: Kasama Una Fountain Pen (via Nib & Ink). Matthew reports live from the Dallas Pen Show (with a special guest) to review Kasama Una pens from the Philippines. I’ve seen one of these chunky pens in person, and they’re unique pieces that I hope make their way to the U.S. in greater quantities.

10. Diamine Rustic Brown (via Ink Sharks). Where is the line between a brown ink and a burgundy/maroon ink? This color from Diamine certainly pushes the limit.

11. Pineider La Grande Bellezza Arco Fountain Pen (via Pencilcase Blog). Dries reviews Pineider’s take on “Arco” materials. I’ve had a chance to use this myself, and while it’s a nice-looking pen, Pineider’s overly ornate design choices have prevented me from purchasing one of their pens for myself.

12. How To Take Care of Your Calligraphy Pen (via The Postman’s Knock). Interested in calligraphy, or maybe you just enjoy writing with a flexible dip pen? Check out these “care tips” here.

Please Visit and Support My Sponsors and Affiliates!

Please take a moment to visit my sponsors and affiliates, who help keep the blog going. It's next to impossible to maintain a steady stream of fresh review content without some form of sponsorship or affiliate relationship, especially with a passion like pens that can easily empty your wallet. When you shop these links and support TGS sponsors and affiliates, you support the blog, and I appreciate all the help I can get!

1. Vanness Pens. Vanness Pens carries rare and hard-to-find inks from all over the world, including Vinta, Krishna, Colorverse, Callifolio, Akkerman, and the full line of DeAtramentis. Vanness is also the exclusive U.S. retailer for Galen Leather products! You can check out my recap of a visit to Vanness here.

2. Pen Chalet. Pen Chalet has a wide variety of available pens and offers unbeatable value on pens, inks, pen cases, etc. Through Monday, use the coupon code “COLUMBUS” at checkout to get an additional 10% off.

3. Anderson Pens. In addition to having one of the largest offerings of bottled ink in the world, Anderson Pens is an authorized retailer of a wide range of brands, including Sailor, Aurora and Faber-Castell. Check out the sponsor profile I published here.

4. Appelboom. Please check out Appelboom's extensive selection and excellent pricing on a wide range of brands, including Montblanc pens such as this Classique 145 I reviewed.

5. Goldspot Pens. Goldspot regularly offers excellent promotions and specials! Check out their "Weekly Dip" section for details.

6. The Nibsmith. Dan offers a vast selection from Aurora, Montegrappa, TWSBI, Sailor, Pilot, along with nib customization services that is included free of charge on certain pens!

7. Pokka Pens. Pokka Pens makes high quality, portable ballpoints that make for a great EDC option. Check out my review here, and don't forget to use the code GENTSTA to get 10% off your purchase!

8. Tempus Planner. The Tempus Planner is a dateless planner designed to help you with prioritizing important tasks and goal setting, while leaving you with the flexibility to work how you want. TGS readers will get 15% off their first order, using the coupon code “Tempus15” at checkout!

9. Good Made Better. I’m happy to announce that Good Made Better, the maker of the Penwell pen holder (review here) is joining the blog as an advertiser/sponsor. I love the Penwell lineup, and have at least three of them between my home and work offices.

10. TGS Amazon Page. I run across many more items (pens, pencils, books, accessories, etc.) in my online "travels." Amazon has an option where I can set up an affiliate page to host product recommendations and earn fees on referrals. Amazon does not sponsor this blog.

11. Favorite Etsy Stores. I frequent a handful of Etsy stores that sell pens, leather goods, paper, and miscellaneous stationery and office goods. (Affiliate)

In Case You Missed It….

This week on the blog, I reviewed another PenBBS Model, the No. 308 (the basic cartridge/converter pen). I also took a look at two of my most basic “Workhorse” fountain pen inks: Lamy Black and Lamy Blue-Black. Finally, don’t miss this week’s Deals & Drops, which has links to this year’s Jibun Techo and Hobonichi releases, as well as new pens from Platinum, Montblanc, and Leonardo!

Happy Sunday, and as always, thanks for reading!

Disclaimer: This post contains links to paid sponsors and affiliates.

Deals & Drops: Fall Break Edition

I’m at the beach this week for a short fall trip. Though the weather has been windy and a little cool, it’s nice for it to finally feel like fall! We’re really starting to see a shift in retailer focus as well, as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are almost upon us. You’ll notice a lot of planner-related content this week. Hobonichis are in stock and ready to ship, as well as my current favorite, the Jibun Techo. If you need more structure than the Hobonichi provides, and still want a versatile fountain-pen friendly planner, I would highly recommend that you give the Jibun Techo a try.

Disclaimer: This post contains links to paid sponsors and affiliates. Please see our Privacy and Cookie Policies for additional information.

1. Pen Chalet $10 on the 10th Promotion (via Pen Chalet). Pen Chalet regularly runs daily promotions like this one, but they seldom overlap with a Deals & Drops post. Today, receive $10 worth of store credit on future purchases for each $100 you spend. If you have your eye on a relatively expensive pen (or multiple pens), today might be a good day to purchase as you could get a lot of value back.

2. Platinum 3776 Carnelian U.S. Exclusive Fountain Pen (via Nibsmith). Platinum just announced a release of the 3776 in a red demonstrator, which will be a U.S. exclusive. I can’t wait to see this one in person. Platinum makes some of the best demonstrators on the market.

3. Leonardo Officina Italiana Momento Zero Grande Fountain Pen (via Pen Chalet). The Momento Zero Grande is in stock, and right now if you purchase yours from Pen Chalet you will receive a complimentary bottle of Leonardo ink!

4. Leonardo Officina Italiana Exclusive Momento Zero Fountain Pen (via Pen Chalet). Had your eye on one of the exclusive Momento Zero Fountain pens from Pen Chalet? Though many nib sizes are sold out, there are still some left at a new low price. Check out my review of a past special edition here.

5. Jibun Techo 2020 Planners and Accessories (via Vanness Pens). Are you a fan of the Jibun Techo “Logger-style” planners like I am? Vanness now has them in stock, along with a lot of templates, rulers, stickies, etc. that compliment your new planner.

6. Galen Leather A5 Zippered Portfolio (via Vanness Pens). Pair your Jibun Techo with a leather portfolio cover from Galen Leather! These sturdy leather folios are durable, age beautifully, and are flexible enough to use with anything A5 or smaller. My review here.

7. Montblanc Meisterstuck Solitaire Gold Leaf LeGrand Calligraphy Pen (via Appelboom). Yes, it’s expensive, but not GvFC-Pen-of-the-Year expensive. Montblanc’s new “flex” pen has what looks to be a Japanese-style gold leaf finish, which I find gorgeous. I’ve not tried the calligraphy nib so I can’t vouch for how “flex” it is (or not).

8. Montblanc Heritage Rouge et Noir Serpent Marble Fountain Pen (via Appelboom). This newest iteration of the “snake pen” absolutely kills it, IMHO. This is the kind of vintage-inspired creativity I want to see from Montblanc, and for which I’d be willing to pay the premium.

9. Vintage Montblanc Pens (via MaryMagicBox/Etsy). Vintage Montblanc Pens that DON’T cost thousands of dollars? Check out Mary’s Etsy shop. I’ve heard great things and had the ability to see her work in person.

10. Retro 51 Creepy Scrawlers Edition (via Pen Chalet). A Halloween-themed Retro 51? A limited run of 1313 pens? Get yours now!

11. PenBBS Model 308 Galaxy Limited Edition (via PenBBS/Etsy). PenBBS has released the Model 308 in the “Galaxy” acrylic. I have the Galaxy in the Model 352, and it has a great deal of depth to it. In terms of the Model 308, you can read my recent review here.

12. Montegrappa Fortuna Mosaic Price Drop (via Goldspot). Goldspot’s Weekly Dip special has a great deal on the Montegrappa Fortuna, their lower-priced steel-nib offering, in two of the “Mosaic” colors. You can read my review of another Fortuna model here.

13. Sailor Pro Gear Limited Edition Mazu (via Anderson Pens). Check out this sparkling green limited edition Pro Gear fountain pen that looks to be arriving near the end of October.

14. Hobonichi Graph Notebook (via Amazon). Pick up a 240 page graph notebook to go along with your A6 Hobonichi Techo!

15. Hobonichi Cousin A5 (via Amazon). The Hobonichi Cousin has intrigued me for years, and I’ve been looking for a way to work it into my life. I’m not sure this year is the year, since I’ve only just now figured out my Jibun Techo system, but if I went back to Hobonichi I would opt for the larger size. If you’re concerned that the standard A5 might be too thick, the “Hobonichi Cousin Avec” breaks the year into two separate books.

16. Hobonichi 5 Year Techo with 2020 Start (via Amazon). I’m not sure where I stand on 5-year journals, but if you like the idea, Hobonichi has one.

Sunday Reading for October 6, 2019

1. The Beautiful Lamy 2000 Blue Bauhaus Limited Edition, and Why You Are Lucky Not to Have One (via Fountain Pen Follies). Laura shows off her “Blauhaus” (new moniker, love it), and offers some thoughts on why you might/might not want to buy this pen, if you can find one. I bought mine for the same reason - I’m just a Lamy fan.

2. Platinum Procyon Deep Sea Fountain Pen Review (via SBRE Brown). Stephen reviews the Platinum Procyon fountain pen, which I mentioned in this week’s Deals & Drops. Platinum sells a lot of mid-range pens (around the $50 price point) that don’t get a lot of attention. Is this fair?

3. The Small and Sparkly Pelikan M205 Star Ruby (via UK Fountain Pens). This pen pleasantly surprised me, as I expected the color to be a lot lighter and less syrah/wine-like than what I’ve been seeing in reviews. I’m going to take a pass on this one because sparkly pens aren’t my thing, but Pelikan did something different here and it worked for them.

4. Sailor Pro Gear Classic Graphite LIghthouse with Zoom Architect Nib (via Pen Addict). Susan reviews this Pro Gear in a Zoom nib with an architect grind from John Mottishaw. I agree that grey pens aren’t “boring” at all, and we need to see more of this classy, understated color. I’m picking one of these babies up before they go away.

5. Troublemaker Inks (via Mountain of Ink). Kelli reviews another set of inks from the Philippines, from a new company named “Troublemaker.” These look like some really interesting sheeny colors, which hopefully don’t live up to their name.

6. New Arrival (via Bleistift). I didn’t realize a Mother 2 Hobonichi Techo cover was a thing. That’s amazing!

7. Fall Fountain Pen Giveaway at Pen Chalet (via Pen Chalet). Our sponsor Pen Chalet is giving away a set of 6 Robert Oster inks with the Montegrappa Tulip for Team Fox fountain pen. Don’t miss this one. Full details here!

8. Cheap Tools (via Cronicas Estilographicas). Some food for thought here, but I’m not sure I agree with the premise. Sure, Pelikan gets free advertising from the Hubs event, but is it fair to really make the leap to the assertion that we’ve become “cheap tools” of Pelikan advertising by attending? There’s a difference between a company sponsoring what is essentially an unsupervised gathering of customer-enthusiasts to build a sense of community around the product and the brand, and, say, using the consumer’s personal information and history for advertising purposes and/or selling it to others, which is the type of behavior this “if-it’s-free-you-are-the-product” argument is typical directed to.

9. Analog Tools (via Well-Appointed Desk). I love reading about friends’ “analog” hobbies other than pens. For example, Laura’s a super-accomplished knitter!

10. A Public Declaration (via From the Pen Cup). This looks way too familiar….

Please Visit and Support My Sponsors and Affiliates!

Please take a moment to visit my sponsors and affiliates, who help keep the blog going. It's next to impossible to maintain a steady stream of fresh review content without some form of sponsorship or affiliate relationship, especially with a passion like pens that can easily empty your wallet. When you shop these links and support TGS sponsors and affiliates, you support the blog, and I appreciate all the help I can get!

1. Vanness Pens. Vanness Pens carries rare and hard-to-find inks from all over the world, including Vinta, Krishna, Colorverse, Callifolio, Akkerman, and the full line of DeAtramentis. Vanness is also the exclusive U.S. retailer for Galen Leather products! You can check out my recap of a visit to Vanness here.

2. Pen Chalet. Pen Chalet has a wide variety of available pens and offers unbeatable value on pens, inks, pen cases, etc.

3. Anderson Pens. In addition to having one of the largest offerings of bottled ink in the world, Anderson Pens is an authorized retailer of a wide range of brands, including Sailor, Aurora and Faber-Castell. Check out the sponsor profile I published here.

4. Appelboom. Please check out Appelboom's extensive selection and excellent pricing on a wide range of brands, including Montblanc pens such as this Classique 145 I reviewed.

5. Goldspot Pens. Goldspot regularly offers excellent promotions and specials! Check out their "Weekly Dip" section for details.

6. The Nibsmith. Dan offers a vast selection from Aurora, Montegrappa, TWSBI, Sailor, Pilot, along with nib customization services that is included free of charge on certain pens!

7. Pokka Pens. Pokka Pens makes high quality, portable ballpoints that make for a great EDC option. Check out my review here, and don't forget to use the code GENTSTA to get 10% off your purchase!

8. Tempus Planner. The Tempus Planner is a dateless planner designed to help you with prioritizing important tasks and goal setting, while leaving you with the flexibility to work how you want. TGS readers will get 15% off their first order, using the coupon code “Tempus15” at checkout!

9. Good Made Better. I’m happy to announce that Good Made Better, the maker of the Penwell pen holder (review here) is joining the blog as an advertiser/sponsor. I love the Penwell lineup, and have at least three of them between my home and work offices.

10. TGS Amazon Page. I run across many more items (pens, pencils, books, accessories, etc.) in my online "travels." Amazon has an option where I can set up an affiliate page to host product recommendations and earn fees on referrals. Amazon does not sponsor this blog.

11. Favorite Etsy Stores. I frequent a handful of Etsy stores that sell pens, leather goods, paper, and miscellaneous stationery and office goods. (Affiliate)

In Case You Missed It….

This week on the blog I reviewed another new notebook, the Endless Recorder, which is the first notebook I reviewed featuring 68 GSM Tomoe River paper. I also wrote up what is fast becoming one of my favorite pen models on the market, the Franklin-Christoph Model 20, of which I now have three!?!? Finally, this week’s Deals & Drops featured the first of what I anticipate will be many seasonal and holiday-related releases, as well as some new pens from Pelikan, Montblanc, and Aurora, along with a new Joey Feldman ink from Vanness!

Happy Sunday, and as always, thanks for reading!

Disclaimer: This post contains links to paid sponsors and affiliates.

Sunday Reading for September 29, 2019

1. Pelikan Hubs 2019 - Philadelphia: A Recap (via Pelikan’s Perch). Joshua sums up the best thing about all of the Pelikan Hubs: the extent to which this event has grown over the past few years! Plus Philly looks like it has a great location.

2. San Francisco International Pen Show 2019 (via Gourmet Pens). Azizah recaps her trip to the San Francisco Pen Show and talks about what is fast becoming one of the hottest events on the Pen Show circuit. She also has video from the event itself, including some video of the art from Joey Feldman, Leigh Reyes, and Dan Hoizner that will be auctioned off for St. Jude. Stay tuned to the Pen Addict for details!

3. Montblanc Writers Edition Rudyard Kipling Fountain Pen (via The Pencilcase Blog). You don’t see many reviews published of a Montblanc Writers Edition pen, and this Kipling pen has been growing on me, though the Wolf’s Head makes me think more “Game of Thrones” than the “Jungle Book.”

4. Italy’s Diamond in the Rough: Santini (via UK Fountain Pens). I’ve seen Santini Pens at pen shows, but not their higher end offerings, just the brightly patterned/colored barrels Anthony references. I did not know that they make their own nibs, and it looks like some QC process improvements might be in order. (Also, if you haven’t already, check out Anthony’s post from earlier this week on the “15 Types of Pen Addict.” It’s hilarious.)

5. My First Look at the Pelikan M205 Star Ruby (via Fountain Pen Follies). This pen looks completely different than in the marketing photos I’ve seen - much darker, and the sparkles are much less pronounced. Check out Laura’s photos before you buy, if you are still considering this one.

6. Pen Sale! The 100 Pen Challenge (via Clicky Post). There are still some pens left from Mike’s massive 100 Pen clearance sale. That Pilot Myu at $90 went fast!

7. Dearly Departed (via From the Pen Cup). R.I.P., Mr. Bear.

8. Yookers Metis Felt-tip Pen Review (via Pen Addict). I’ve been testing one of these Yookers refillable felt/plastic-tip pens and I’ve been extraordinarily pleased at how well it’s performed, particularly how well the tip flushes out, even with Noodlers Ink!

9. Notebook Review: Field Notes National Parks (via Well-Appointed Desk). Tina reviews the Summer 2019 quarterly limited edition, which honors America’s National Parks. Though I’ve fallen off the Field Notes wagon, these are the best set of books that I’ve seen in a while.

10. When Do You Get Nervous? (via Notebook Stories). I start getting nervous with far more than 10 pages to go.

Please Visit and Support My Sponsors and Affiliates!

Please take a moment to visit my sponsors and affiliates, who help keep the blog going. It's next to impossible to maintain a steady stream of fresh review content without some form of sponsorship or affiliate relationship, especially with a passion like pens that can easily empty your wallet. When you shop these links and support TGS sponsors and affiliates, you support the blog, and I appreciate all the help I can get!

1. Vanness Pens. Vanness Pens carries rare and hard-to-find inks from all over the world, including Vinta, Krishna, Colorverse, Callifolio, Akkerman, and the full line of DeAtramentis. Vanness is also the exclusive U.S. retailer for Galen Leather products! You can check out my recap of a visit to Vanness here.

2. Pen Chalet. Pen Chalet has a wide variety of available pens and offers unbeatable value on pens, inks, pen cases, etc.

3. Anderson Pens. In addition to having one of the largest offerings of bottled ink in the world, Anderson Pens is an authorized retailer of a wide range of brands, including Sailor, Aurora and Faber-Castell. Check out the sponsor profile I published here.

4. Appelboom. Please check out Appelboom's extensive selection and excellent pricing on a wide range of brands, including Montblanc pens such as this Classique 145 I reviewed.

5. Goldspot Pens. Goldspot regularly offers excellent promotions and specials! Check out their "Weekly Dip" section for details.

6. The Nibsmith. Dan offers a vast selection from Aurora, Montegrappa, TWSBI, Sailor, Pilot, along with nib customization services that is included free of charge on certain pens!

7. Pokka Pens. Pokka Pens makes high quality, portable ballpoints that make for a great EDC option. Check out my review here, and don't forget to use the code GENTSTA to get 10% off your purchase!

8. Tempus Planner. The Tempus Planner is a dateless planner designed to help you with prioritizing important tasks and goal setting, while leaving you with the flexibility to work how you want. TGS readers will get 15% off their first order, using the coupon code “Tempus15” at checkout!

9. Good Made Better. I’m happy to announce that Good Made Better, the maker of the Penwell pen holder (review here) is joining the blog as an advertiser/sponsor. I love the Penwell lineup, and have at least three of them between my home and work offices.

10. TGS Amazon Page. I run across many more items (pens, pencils, books, accessories, etc.) in my online "travels." Amazon has an option where I can set up an affiliate page to host product recommendations and earn fees on referrals. Amazon does not sponsor this blog.

11. Favorite Etsy Stores. I frequent a handful of Etsy stores that sell pens, leather goods, paper, and miscellaneous stationery and office goods. (Affiliate)

In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog, I reviewed the Baron Fig “Gather” product review journal, one of the “Guided Edition” Confidants that Baron Fig has released this year. I also published a short guide to choosing what I call a “Workhorse” fountain pen, meaning a pen you will use to write everyday. This week’s Deals and Drops focused on some new releases from Diplomat (Aero Flame, anyone?), Pelikan, and Montblanc, as well as some price drops on pens released this past year.

Happy Sunday, and as always, thanks for reading!

Disclaimer: This post contains links to paid sponsors and affiliates.

Sunday Reading for September 22, 2019

1. 2019 Pelikan Hub Report (via Fountain Pen Follies). Hopefully everyone enjoyed this year’s Pelikan Hubs, and I’m happy to report that our own Nashville Hub continues to grow! It’s been amazing watching this event develop over the past few years.

2. Identifying Vintage Fountain Pen Ink Bottles and Boxes (via Fountain Pen Love). Everyone should check out this beautifully photographed and informative post about vintage fountain pen inks, even if you’re not a vintage ink collector yourself. I have a few bottles of vintage which I enjoy using from time to time, but this is a rabbit hole I haven’t fallen down.

3. Should I Have Stopped Buying Pens in November 2016? Thoughts on the Lamy 2000 Bauhaus. (via UK Fountain Pens). If I had personally stopped buying pens at an earlier stage of this madness, my journey would have ended with the standard Lamy 2000.

4. Baron Fig Clear: Habit Journal Confidant Plus (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). Baron Fig has updated its Clear Habit Journal into the larger “Plus” size Confidant format. I don’t use structured bullet journals/habit trackers, but this one receives rave reviews.

5. Robert Oster Astorquiza Olive (via Mountain of Ink). Following up on Robert Oster’s earlier collaboration with Claudia Astorquiza of Bauer Inks, Astorquiza Rot, they’ve released a new ink! It’s a nice brownish-olive ink that reminds me a little bit of Oster Melon Tea?

6. Introducing Montegrappa Tulip for Team Fox (via Pen Chalet). Montegrappa is releasing a new series of pens in collaboration with the Michael J. Fox Fountain to raise money for Parkinson’s Research. The color combination and tulip clip are nicely done.

7. Stickin’ With It (via From the Pen Cup). I’ve been having similar thoughts, feeling like I’m all over the place with a dozen half-used notebooks and inked pens. Just pick one or two to use and power through for a while?

8. Vinta Inks Overview (via Well-Appointed Desk). Ana provides a comprehensive overview of the newest ink hotness - Vinta Inks from the Philippines. These inks have subtle nuances that I’d like to try out in person at some point, but my ink backlog is huge….

9. Pelikan Re-Introduces Broader Nib Widths & Other Tidbits (via Pelikan’s Perch). After ceasing production of its non-standard nib widths several years ago, Pelikan is slowly reversing course.

10. Why Some People Become Lifelong Readers (via The Atlantic). I’ve been trying to read more this year, with decent success, but I’d love to kick it into the book-per-week realm, as opposed to book-per-month.

Please Visit and Support My Sponsors and Affiliates!

Please take a moment to visit my sponsors and affiliates, who help keep the blog going. It's next to impossible to maintain a steady stream of fresh review content without some form of sponsorship or affiliate relationship, especially with a passion like pens that can easily empty your wallet. When you shop these links and support TGS sponsors and affiliates, you support the blog, and I appreciate all the help I can get!

1. Vanness Pens. Vanness Pens carries rare and hard-to-find inks from all over the world, including Vinta, Krishna, Colorverse, Callifolio, Akkerman, and the full line of DeAtramentis. Vanness is also the exclusive U.S. retailer for Galen Leather products! You can check out my recap of a visit to Vanness here.

2. Pen Chalet. Pen Chalet has a wide variety of available pens and offers unbeatable value on pens, inks, pen cases, etc.

3. Anderson Pens. In addition to having one of the largest offerings of bottled ink in the world, Anderson Pens is an authorized retailer of a wide range of brands, including Sailor, Aurora and Faber-Castell. Check out the sponsor profile I published here.

4. Appelboom. Please check out Appelboom's extensive selection and excellent pricing on a wide range of brands, including Montblanc pens such as this Classique 145 I reviewed.

5. Goldspot Pens. Goldspot regularly offers excellent promotions and specials! Check out their "Weekly Dip" section for details.

6. The Nibsmith. Dan offers a vast selection from Aurora, Montegrappa, TWSBI, Sailor, Pilot, along with nib customization services that is included free of charge on certain pens!

7. Pokka Pens. Pokka Pens makes high quality, portable ballpoints that make for a great EDC option. Check out my review here, and don't forget to use the code GENTSTA to get 10% off your purchase!

8. Tempus Planner. The Tempus Planner is a dateless planner designed to help you with prioritizing important tasks and goal setting, while leaving you with the flexibility to work how you want. TGS readers will get 15% off their first order, using the coupon code “Tempus15” at checkout!

9. Good Made Better. I’m happy to announce that Good Made Better, the maker of the Penwell pen holder (review here) is joining the blog as an advertiser/sponsor. I love the Penwell lineup, and have at least three of them between my home and work offices.

10. TGS Amazon Page. I run across many more items (pens, pencils, books, accessories, etc.) in my online "travels." Amazon has an option where I can set up an affiliate page to host product recommendations and earn fees on referrals. Amazon does not sponsor this blog.

11. Favorite Etsy Stores. I frequent a handful of Etsy stores that sell pens, leather goods, paper, and miscellaneous stationery and office goods. (Affiliate)

In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog I published a couple of different pieces as a change of pace. First, I looked at some Noodlers Inks that I had modified by adding water or “White Lightning” Ink Additive from Vanness, which made otherwise high-maintenance inks more manageable for me by increasing flow for dry writers or otherwise decreasing feathering, bleed-through, smearing. I also received a last minute, fortuitous purchase from Sakura Fountain Pen Gallery: a blue Lamy 2000 Bauhaus 100th Anniversary Edition. I recapped Lamy’s Special and Limited Edition releases from 2019, and offered some commentary (ok, a rant) about the pricing and availability issues with the Bauhaus 100th Anniversary pen. Appropriately, this week’s Deals & Drops focused on Lamy Special Editions, including a few lotteries where you can enter for a “chance to purchase” the blue Bauhaus pen.

Disclaimer: This post contains links to paid sponsors and affiliates.