Monday Morning Links for the Week of June 17, 2019

1. Quantifying Greatness: Going Deep Down the Rabbit Hole (via UK Fountain Pens). Deep down the rabbit hole, indeed! I could never work with a system like this, just because I would never be able to keep all the factors straight, but it’s impressive!

2. Fumisome Chlorophyll (via Macchiato Man). Stationery TAG - makers of Kyo-no-oto and Kyo-iro inks - apparently have a new ink line, Fumisome. This particular ink looks a bit pale for me but I’m curious as to what the rest of the range look like.

3. The Simple Joy of Mucking About with Pens (via UK Fountain Pens). Local pen meetups are great for this exact reason - sometimes it’s fun to grab a beer and test pens in a bar. And deal with all the strange looks people give you.

4. Disassembly LIne: Leonardo Momento Zero (via SBRE Brown). Stephen breaks down how to take apart and maintain one of my favorite new pens on the market - the Leonardo Momento Zero.

5. Yoseka Notebook (via Mountain of Ink). Kelli reviews a notebook from Yoseka Stationery, a new shop in Queens, NYC. I have one of these that Yoseka sent me for review, but haven’t been able to crack it open yet. I’m glad to see Kelli enjoyed it.

6. Thinning the Accumulation (via FPQuest). I will also likely do some “thinning” in the coming months, so watch the blog for some sales. In this post Ray discussed how he decided which pens to sell and where he sold them, as well as all the considerations that went into each decision.

7. MiGoals Get Shit Done A6 Notebook and Giveaway (via Well-Appointed Desk). Finally, a notebook for when you want to, well, you know. Don’t miss the chance to win.

8. Passing the Torch: 70 Years of Service (via Pelikan’s Perch). Pelikan has been around for 181 years - the amount of history stored in the Company’s archives must be incredible!

9. Why the World’s Best Mathematicians are Hoarding Chalk (via The Cramped). Believe me, we understand.

Please Visit and Support My Sponsors and Affiliates!

Please take a moment to visit these fine folks who help keep this blog going! It's next to impossible to keep up a steady stream of fresh review content without some form of sponsorship or affiliate relationship. I'm grateful to everyone who's helped me out along the way.   

1. Vanness Pens. Vanness Pens carries rare and hard-to-find inks from all over the world, including Colorverse, Callifolio, Akkerman, and the full line of DeAtramentis. 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. Many thanks to our newest sponsor, The Nibsmith! Dan offers a vast selection from Aurora, Montegrappa, TWSBI, Sailor, Pilot, along with nib customization services!

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. 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.

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

10. Huckberry. Huckberry is one of my favorite places to shop online. In addition to clothing and outdoor gear, Huckberry stocks a vast selection of everyday carry (EDC) items. (Affiliate)

In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog I continued my exploration of the brand PenBBS, reviewing the model 355 Bulkfiller, and the double-nibbed 469. For last week’s Deals & Drops, I included some recently released notebooks from Studio Neat, as well as some last-chance Pen Chalet / Leonardo Pens exclusives and new releases from Platinum.

Have a great week, and as always, thanks for reading!

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

Sunday Reading for June 9, 2019

1. The Magic of Nakaya (via UK Fountain Pens). Anthony pretty much nails the combination of factors that makes Nakaya such a beloved brand. I added Nakaya to my stable of pens earlier this year, and will really take my time on a review.

2. Reviewing the Dixon Ticonderoga (via Pencil Revolution). Johnny reviews another classic that we all know and … love? I have a lifetime stockpile of cedar Ticonderogas, so I haven’t purchased any recently. It’s unfortunate that they are no longer being made with cedar, apparently, but I’m glad to hear that overall quality is on the upswing.

3. Lamy Safari Mint Glaze Review (via Pen Addict). I still haven’t pulled the trigger on any of this year’s Pastel Safaris. I can’t decide which one strikes me, but the “Mint Glaze” version is quite pretty.

4. Tactile Turn Aluminum Glider Review (via Writing at Large). I enjoy Will Hodges’ Tactile Turn products, and they make some of the best machined pens on the market. I don’t have a Slider or a Glider, but this review is consistent with my own experiences with the brand.

5. Fountain Pen Shootout: Namiki Emperor vs. Conid Kingsize (via SBRE Brown). Stephen compares two very large - and expensive - pens from Pilot/Namiki and Conid. I enjoy this type of comparison content.

6. Ink Flight Book Reading List (via Ink Journal). For those of you who don’t subscribe to Ink Flight, here’s another reason to start: Book recommendations in each package! I can get behind all of these, and I think I’ve read most of them.

7. J. Herbin Kyanite du Nepal (via Pen Addict). Susan publishes some great shots of the newest Herbin ink from the 1798 series - this one is a vibrant turquoise with silver shimmer.

8. Colorverse #69 Opportunity (via Well-Appointed Desk). Laura reviews one of the inks from the latest “season” of Colorverse inks, which sports a Mars theme. None of these more recent inks have jumped out at me, and maybe strike me as a bit repetitive?

9. Studio Neat Totebook (via Pen Addict). I missed this while I was out of town, but Brad reviewed Studio Neat’s latest release, a softcover notebook. I have a set of these as well which I will be posting about soon.

10. Colorverse Monument Valley Ink Review and Giveaway (via Pen Chalet). Don’t miss your chance to win a complimentary bottle of Pen Chalet’s exclusive Arizona-themed inks. collaboration with Colorverse.

Please Visit and Support My Sponsors and Affiliates!

Please take a moment to visit these fine folks who help keep this blog going! It's next to impossible to keep up a steady stream of fresh review content without some form of sponsorship or affiliate relationship. I'm grateful to everyone who's helped me out along the way.   

1. Vanness Pens. Vanness Pens carries rare and hard-to-find inks from all over the world, including Colorverse, Callifolio, Akkerman, and the full line of DeAtramentis. 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. Since Monday is National Ballpoint Day, use the coupon code BPDAY2019 to get an extra 10% off your order.

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. Many thanks to our newest sponsor, The Nibsmith! Dan offers a vast selection from Aurora, Montegrappa, TWSBI, Sailor, Pilot, along with nib customization services!

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. 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.

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

10. Huckberry. Huckberry is one of my favorite places to shop online. In addition to clothing and outdoor gear, Huckberry stocks a vast selection of everyday carry (EDC) items. (Affiliate)

In Case You Missed It…

What a week! It was a bit of a struggle to get back into a rhythm on my return from vacation, but maybe that’s a good thing? It allows me to rethink things a bit and try out some different ideas for new content. This week I reviewed a bunch of products that weren’t on my radar until several months ago: inks from South Korean brand 3 Oysters, and a vacuum-filler fountain pen from Chinese brand PenBBS, the No. 456.

This week’s Deals & Drops looked at several offerings from PenBBS, as well as a new Leonardo store exclusive Momento Zero available now at Pen Chalet.

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

Monday Morning Links: Back at the Grind

1. Nine Factory Nibs You Have To Try Before You Die (via UK Fountain Pens). I agree with all of these, and have had the privilege of trying many of them with the exception of some of the higher-end Pilot/Namiki nibs. A reminder that you don’t necessarily have to get nibs ground in order to get a unique writing experience.

2. How To Use Your Fountain Pens More Often: Stream of Consciousness Writing (via Fountain Pen Love). This technique goes by many names: morning pages, stream-of-consciousness, etc., and I agree it’s a great way to not only use your pens and ink but to clear your mind before or after a long day.

3. Tactile Turn Gist 2.0 Fountain Pen (via Pencilcase Blog). I’m a big fan of the Gist 2.0, and I’m glad to see my own thoughts echoed here. I easily recommend it as one of the more solid machined pen offerings on the market.

4. Shark Pen Review (via SBRE Brown). Ah, the Shark Pen. Buy an entire set of colors online through Amazon or eBay, and have your kids thinking you’re the coolest person ever, and your coworkers thinking you’re crazy.

5. Writing Exhibition at the British Library (via Notebook Stories). Articles like this are why I enjoy reading The Economist.

6. Quo Vadis Life Journal Infinite Review (via Mountain of Ink). Kelli reviews an undated planner from Quo Vadis, which I highlighted a couple weeks back. Quo Vadis makes great notebooks and planners, using Clairefontaine paper.

7. Colorverse Monsoon Storm Ink Review and Giveaway (via Pen Chalet). Check out this review of the new collaboration between Colorverse and Pen Chalet, a dark teal ink, and don’t miss a chance to win a bottle. Only a few hours left!

8. P.W. Akkerman SBRE Brown Ink (via Pen Addict). Susan reviews SBRE Brown’s signature ink, which is a pretty reddish brown. Get a bottle while it’s still in stock, as it’s made in batches.

9. Lamy Crystal Obsidian (via Well-Appointed Desk). Lamy always makes interesting black inks, and I need to try out Obsidian, which appears to be more of a “true black” ink than standard Lamy black that has green/grey undertones.

10. Pelikan Hubs 2019 (via Pelikan’s Perch). Sign up for Pelikan Hubs now, if you haven’t already, to ensure your city is chosen for a hub!

Please Visit and Support My Sponsors and Affiliates!

Please take a moment to visit these fine folks who help keep this blog going! It's next to impossible to keep up a steady stream of fresh review content without some form of sponsorship or affiliate relationship. I'm grateful to everyone who's helped me out along the way.   

1. Vanness Pens. Vanness Pens carries rare and hard-to-find inks from all over the world, including Colorverse, Callifolio, Akkerman, and the full line of DeAtramentis. 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. Many thanks to our newest sponsor, The Nibsmith! Dan offers a vast selection from Aurora, Montegrappa, TWSBI, Sailor, Pilot, along with nib customization services!

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. 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.

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

10. Huckberry. Huckberry is one of my favorite places to shop online. In addition to clothing and outdoor gear, Huckberry stocks a vast selection of everyday carry (EDC) items. (Affiliate)

In Case You Missed It…

Last week I was on vacation, so no new content, but I did publish a series of “recap” posts looking at my favorite pens, favorite inks, and miscellaneous accessories and paper from the first six months of 2019. I also managed to get in a Deals & Drops post since I can’t stop shopping for pens online, even when I’m on vacation. Back to normal this week!

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

Vacation Reading: Links for the Week of May 27, 2019

1. My Japan Haul (via UK Fountain Pens). What a haul from what seems like a great trip to Japan! The higher-end Namiki pens are something I’ve been meaning to explore.

2. Going on a Diet (Recalibrating to Smaller, Cheaper Pens) (via UK Fountain Pens). Relatedly…. ROFL, even though I’m doing something similar right now.

3. Blackwing 811 Review (via Writing at Large). I’ve not yet cracked open my box of Blackwing 811 “library pencils,” but I love this theme. The lack of a standard hardness scale doesn’t really bother me with Blackwing. I consider it part of the charm, and I find that all of these pencils work reasonably well for writing, even the standard Blackwing/Blackwing “MMX”.

4. Montblanc British Racing Green (via Macchiato Man). Ah, British Racing Green. The one “classic” Montblanc ink that everyone talks about that has escaped me, and yet another color that Montblanc would sell the heck out of if they brought it back. Good thing there are apparently some decent substitutes out there!

5. Baron Fig Fortress LE Squire Click (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). I’ve never tested a Squire Click, but if you appreciate slimmer pens and/or don’t like the twist action on the standard Squire, this might be for you.

6. Baron Fig Gather Review Journal (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). This product interests me a lot, not necessarily to use in connection with pen reviews and the blog - I have my own “system” to track that stuff - but for other things I enjoy and want to track simply for my own personal enjoyment (whiskey, books, music, etc.).

7. Pilot Iroshizuku 100th Anniversary Inks Part I and Part II (via Mountain of Ink). Kelli reviews all of the Pilot 100th Anniversary Inks. Bishamonten and Hoteison are still the clear winners for me, here.

8. PenBBS 350 Fountain Pen with Rollerball Adapter (via Pen Addict). One of the PenBBS pens I recently received in the mail came with a rollerball adapter, and when I saw this review I was anxious to hear Susan’s thoughts on it.

9. What the Heck is White Lightning? (via Well-Appointed Desk). White Lighning works. Trust Ana. And me. All those unusably dry inks that you can’t bear to part with because you love the color? Just add a drop.

10. Bolt Action Pen Shootout (via Ed Jelley). Check out Ed’s single post comparing bolt action pens from Karas Kustoms, Tactile Turn, Maxmadco, and Inventery Co. Includes great photography (as always).

Please Visit and Support My Sponsors and Affiliates!

Please take a moment to visit these fine folks who help keep this blog going! It's next to impossible to keep up a steady stream of fresh review content without some form of sponsorship or affiliate relationship. I'm grateful to everyone who's helped me out along the way.   

1. Vanness Pens. Vanness Pens carries rare and hard-to-find inks from all over the world, including Colorverse, Callifolio, Akkerman, and the full line of DeAtramentis. 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, don’t miss the chance to get an extra 10% off your order using the coupon “MEMORIAL” at checkout.

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. Many thanks to our newest sponsor, The Nibsmith! Dan offers a vast selection from Aurora, Montegrappa, TWSBI, Sailor, Pilot, along with nib customization services!

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. 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.

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

10. Huckberry. Huckberry is one of my favorite places to shop online. In addition to clothing and outdoor gear, Huckberry stocks a vast selection of everyday carry (EDC) items. (Affiliate)

In Case You Missed It….

New review material is going to be pretty sparse since I’m on vacation, but in the meantime you can enjoy the posts from the past week, such as this post on my favorite pen storage solutions. I also have some recap-style posts ready to go, such as this one looking at my Top 5 pens from the first 6 months of 2019. Also, right before I left, I had an interesting mail call in which I received a bunch of pens from PenBBS and LiveInYou. I can’t wait to ink these up as soon as I get back.

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

Monday Morning Reading for May 20, 2019

1. Travels with Pens: Japan Concluded! (via UK Fountain Pens). Definitely a bucket list trip for me. The stationery stores (and just about everything else) look like nothing I’ve ever seen.

2. How to Test a Fountain Pen Before Buying It and Other Life Skills (via Leigh Reyes). More useful knowledge from Leigh, who definitely has experience buying pens! Especially at pen shows, where you may be picking out a pen from a vendor without a return policy or who you might never run into again, it’s important to know how to put a pen through its paces before you commit, or before you leave without having the nib adjusted.

3. Montegrappa Extra Custom Fountain Pen (via Pencilcase Blog). I admit that I’ve spent hours playing around with the Montegrappa configurator on their website. The Extra 1930 in Brown Tortoise has become a favorite pen for me, and I can see myself adding a second at some point.

4. Apica CD15 Notebook Review (via Fountain Pen Love). I’ve not used a ton of Apica notebooks, simply because I often need more paper, but you can’t argue with the quality and their compatibility with fountain pens.

5. 2 years and 700 Inks (via Mountain of Ink). I can’t imagine powering through this many ink reviews. If you’re not following Kelli and her blog, you should do so. She also lists her favorite inks by brand.

6. Introducing Scrittura Bolognese SCRIBO (via Pen Chalet). SCRIBO, a new Italian company founded by former employees of OMAS, is coming to Pen Chalet! I’m excited to see these pens stateside!

7. Hoverpen: The Executive Pen that Defies Gravity (via Clicky Post). Mike checks out an interesting design that’s currently up on Kickstarter. The use of the Cross ballpoint refill will likely make me pass, since it’s far from my favorite.

8. Tokyo Pen Scene in 2019 (via Cronicas Estilographicas). An interesting overview of pen trading and pen show events in Tokyo this year.

9. Colorverse Pen Chalet Special Edition Ink (via Well-Appointed Desk). Pen Chalet has collaborated with Colorverse on an exclusive set of two colors: Monsoon Storm and Monument Valley, both of which I may have to add to my Colorverse hoard.

10. Lamy Safari 2019 Special Edition: Mint Glaze (via The Finer Point). I like Lamy’s choice of pastel colors, and everyone who has reviewed them to date seems pleased. The green and blues are my favorites.

11. First Look: M805 Blue Dunes Special Edition (via Pelikan’s Perch). While I’m glad to see another release in the rhodium-trimmed M805 design, I’m not sure how I feel about the swirled blue acrylic.

12. Jacques Herbin 1798: Kyanite du Nepal (via Ed Jelley). I have a sample of this ink as well, and have also been really impressed with how nicely the silver shimmer complements the turquoise.

Please Visit and Support My Sponsors and Affiliates!

Please take a moment to visit these fine folks who help keep this blog going! It's next to impossible to keep up a steady stream of fresh review content without some form of sponsorship or affiliate relationship. I'm grateful to everyone who's helped me out along the way.   

1. Vanness Pens. Vanness Pens carries rare and hard-to-find inks from all over the world, including Colorverse, Callifolio, Akkerman, and the full line of DeAtramentis. 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. Many thanks to our newest sponsor, The Nibsmith! Dan offers a vast selection from Aurora, Montegrappa, TWSBI, Sailor, Pilot, along with nib customization services!

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. 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.

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

10. Huckberry. Huckberry is one of my favorite places to shop online. In addition to clothing and outdoor gear, Huckberry stocks a vast selection of everyday carry (EDC) items. (Affiliate)

In Case You Missed It….

This past week on the blog I reviewed a new product from Staples: their “Tru Red” notebooks from the “Business Essentials” lineup, and I’ve subsequently confirmed that the black softcover spiral notebooks have excellent fountain pen friendly paper. I also published my review of the Leonardo Officina Italiana Momento Zero, which might be my favorite pen of the past two years. Finally, this past week’s Deals & Drops rounds up 2019 new releases to date.

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