Sunday Reading for August 11, 2019

August 11, 2019

D.C. Pen Show Recap (via The Looped Square). Joseph got to experience the show as an attendee this year, and not having not worked the D.C. Show in a couple of years, it’s refreshing to read this perspective. A great review (and I had no idea there were so many nib grinders there)!
D.C. Pen Show 2019 (Figboot on Pens). David has a great video recap of the 2019 D.C. Pen Show, which you should definitely take the time to watch. I totally missed Cirque du Soleil staying at the hotel!
Two Years of Daily Journaling (via Writing at Large). A daily journaling habit is something that I’ve struggled to maintain over the years. Honestly, it probably would help me a lot in several areas of my life, and it’s something I’ll need to work on.
The Kasama Una Isn’t Perfect, But It’s Certainly Different (via UK Fountain Pens). I’ve admired Kasama pens over Instagram, and if they ever decide to scale up production, these pens could be a hit.
Tactile Turn Pencil (via Pencilcase Blog). Will Hodges of Tactile Turn has consistently improved his machining over the past few years, and the most recent line of Tactile Turn products are among some of the best yet. I love the look of this pencil.
A Pen Addict’s Assessment of School Supply Shopping (via Pen Addict). Sarah nails this one, having recently experienced “modern” school supply shopping for the first time. Not only are the lists ridiculously overinclusive, but some schools (at least here) force you to purchase “packages” of marked-up supplies through the school, further precluding any fun or creativity in the process.
Opus 88 Koloro Fountain Pen Giveaway (via Well-Appointed Desk). Ana (in conjunction with our own site sponsor Appelboom) is giving away an Opus 88 Koloro fountain pen! Don’t miss an opportunity to get in on this one.
Karas Pen Co. Fountain Pen Vertex in Chrysopeia (via Ed Jelley). Ed reviews Karas Kustoms’ latest release. I also have a Vertex as well, and despite some flow issues with a finicky Bock nib, I’m extremely impressed with the design and the quality.
Diamine 150th Anniversary Safari (via Ink Sharks). I love these Diamine 150th Anniversary Inks, as they generally behave well and have nice depth of color. Fans of dark/dusty greens should check out Safari.
Pilot Iroshizuku 100th Anniversary Benzaiten (via Alt.Haven). This light pink color is one of the new 100th Anniversary Iroshizuku inks that people are going crazy over. Personally, it’s too light for me, but if you enjoy pink inks give this one a look.

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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.

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.
Pen Chalet. Pen Chalet has a wide variety of available pens and offers unbeatable value on pens, inks, pen cases, etc.
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.
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.
Goldspot Pens. Goldspot regularly offers excellent promotions and specials! Check out their "Weekly Dip" section for details.
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!
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!
Tempus Planner. Many thanks to our newest sponsor, who will be joining us for the next few months! 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!
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.
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 recapped last weekend’s 2019 D.C. Pen Show, and provided my thoughts on the event. Deals & Drops also focused on things I saw at the show. I also reviewed my favorite of this year’s limited edition Montblanc inks - the “single malt scented” collaboration with James Purdey & Sons.

Happy Sunday, and as always, thanks for reading!

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

Sums up how I feel right about now.

Monday Reading for August 5, 2019

August 5, 2019

How to Buy Your First Parker 51 (via Writing at Large). A very detailed post on how to purchase a user-grade Parker 51, for your own personal use rather than collecting.
A Personal Journey with the Montblanc Agatha Christie Writer’s Edition (via UK Fountain Pens). The Agatha Christie is one of those pens I’ve admired from afar, given its secondary market price tag. Also, a great story behind this pen acquisition.
Why Do Some Notebooks Lay Flat Better Than Others? (via Fountain Pen Love). Spoiler: It has to do with a combination of binding and number of signatures.
Pineider Portable Filler and Snorkel Filler (via SBRE Brown). We sold a ton of these at this past weekend’s D.C. Pen Show.
Karas Pens Vertex (via UK Fountain Pens). I have a Vertex review sample as well, which is still in the review queue. I’m impressed with the design of this pen!
Review: Blackwing Volumes No. 10 (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). Les reviews the most recent release from Blackwing, along with a quality control issue on her set. That shouldn’t happen as the price approaches $30 per dozen.
Birmingham Pen Gray Inks (via Mountain of Ink). I filled a pen with a gray ink for the first time in quite a while this weekend, and I need to give this color another go, especially with grays that have undertones of another color.
Top $25-50 Fountain Pens for 2019 (via Pen Chalet). Sure, it’s limited to pens sold by Pen Chalet, but the Pelikan Stola is probably the only one on here I would argue about.
School Pencils: We Can All Do Better (via CW Pencil Enterprise). Some great thoughts on what to buy now that back-to-school season is upon us. The Ticonderoga is indeed not your only option, though it’s still a decent inexpensive pencil.
Nib Review: Grind from Nibsmith (via Well-Appointed Desk). Jesi reviews the cursive italic grind on her new Pelikan M600 Violet and White. Dan offers a grind with certain pens above a certain price point.

Please Visit and Support My Sponsors and Affiliates!

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. This week, Vanness is also running a special in the “Grandpa’s Basement” clearance section of their website. Get an extra 10% off with the code “SUMMER19” at checkout!
Pen Chalet. Pen Chalet has a wide variety of available pens and offers unbeatable value on pens, inks, pen cases, etc.
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.
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.
Goldspot Pens. Goldspot regularly offers excellent promotions and specials! Check out their "Weekly Dip" section for details.
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!
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!
Tempus Planner. Many thanks to our newest sponsor, who will be joining us for the next few months! 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!
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.
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’s schedule has been a bit off due to D.C. Pen Show travel, but I did manage to post a few pen show-specific articles, including this piece on prepping for the D.C. Pen Show, and another post with pictures from Friday and Saturday at the show. This week’s Deals & Drops has some of my D.C. Pen Show viewing/shopping list, and you’ll see what I actually picked up later this week!

As always, thanks for reading! My brain’s a bit fried right now from a full four days of conferencing and travel but I’ll have a recap up on the blog at some point.

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

Keep those pencil points sharp! Back to School season is almost upon us!

Sunday Reading for July 28, 2019

July 28, 2019

How To Buy Your First Vintage Fountain Pen (via Writing at Large). This is an excellent - and comprehensive - guide to purchasing your first vintage fountain pen. If you’re preparing for your first foray into vintage at the upcoming D.C. Pen Show, check out this primer.
First Look: Tactile Turn Bolt Action and Bolt Action Short (via Nib & Ink). Tactile Turn has relaunched the Slider and Glider bolt-action pens under a new name. Matthew has his initial impressions up in a new video.
Diamine Salamander (via InkSharks). Diamine Salamander has been one of those inks on my radar for a very long time, and is often described as a “match” for the long-discontinued Montblanc British Racing Green.
Left-Handed Fountain Pen Use: Theory, Tips & Tricks (via SBRE Brown). I’m the only one in my household who is not a lefty, so I can appreciate many of the struggles they face with slow-drying ink, coated paper, etc. If you’re a lefty and want to understand how you can make fountain pens work better for you, check out this video.
The Aurora Duo-Cart Could Just Be a Modern Classic (via UK Fountain Pens). I love my Aurora Duo-Cart, though I haven’t inked it up in a long time, which needs to change. This article may have just inspired me to get it out of storage and into the pen case.
How To Preserve a Notebook That Has Sentimental Value (via Oakland Press). A very interesting article, which jumped out at me since I’m the family archivist and have inhererited (or rescued from the trash pile) most of the journals, notebooks, and handwritten correspondence from my family.
Baron Fig LE “The Editor” Squire (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). Baron Fig released a red pen? Count me in. I’m also overjoyed to see that they finally shipped a pen with the red Schmidt rollerball refill!
Robert Oster Melon Tea (via Hand Over That Pen). It’s been a while since we’ve seen a HOTP ink review, and this Oster (a personal favorite) is a great alternative to Diamine Salamander, especially if you want more brown in your brownish-green.
Diamine Red Dragon Review and Giveaway (via Pen Chalet). Red Dragon is an excellent dark red ink, but it’s been around for some time now (as in, years), so it’s not a new release. Apart from that one point, Pen Chalet has a good short writeup along with a chance to win a 30ml bottle.
The System: Alloy Limited Edition Retro 51 Tornado (via Clicky Post). Mike Dudek has released a new version of his collaboration with Retro 51, this time in acid-etched metal alloy!

Please Visit and Support My Sponsors and Affiliates!

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. This week, Vanness is also running a special in the “Grandpa’s Basement” clearance section of their website. Get an extra 10% off with the code “SUMMER19” at checkout!
Pen Chalet. Pen Chalet has a wide variety of available pens and offers unbeatable value on pens, inks, pen cases, etc.
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.
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.
Goldspot Pens. Goldspot regularly offers excellent promotions and specials! Check out their "Weekly Dip" section for details.
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!
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!
Tempus Planner. Many thanks to our newest sponsor, who will be joining us for the next few months! 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!
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.
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 one of my most-used desktop tools: My Carl Angel-5 Pencil Sharpener, and I also offered my first impressions of the Aolani, a new release from Kanilea Pen Company. Finally, the them of this week’s Deals & Drops was “Back to School and Back to Work,” as you stock up for the start of the new school year!

Happy Sunday, and as always, thanks for reading!

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

Been doing a little pencil shopping on eBay… Check out this week’s latest post for details!

Sunday Reading for July 21, 2019

July 21, 2019

Prometheus Writes Alpha Bamboo Pen (via Nib & Ink). A really cool looking pen, and an excellent video review from Matthew.
Updates to the Tokyo Pen Shop List (via Cronicas Estilografica). Bruno has updated his comprehensive list of places to do your Tokyo pen shopping! A bucket-list trip for me!
Pen Chalet Endless Recorder Notebook Review (via Fountain Pen Love). Have you ever wanted a Tomoe River notebook in the Moleskine/Leuchtturm format? Check out the Endless Recorder.
Lamy eBay Confusion (via FPQuest). Ray has a great discussion here on the market for counterfeit Lamy Safaris. If you are shopping around, and the price looks too good to be true on that coveted limited edition, it probably is.
Robert Oster Signature Astorquiza Rot (via InkSharks). Astorquiza Rot is a great looking red that has just a hint too much pink to it for my personal taste, but I agree that Robert Oster inks are generally well-behaved and an exceptional value.
Montegrappa NeroUno Fountain Pen Review (via SBRE Brown). A NeroUno Linea has always piqued my interest from an aesthetic standpoint, but the shape causes me some hesitation (as well as their tendency towards a dryness in the nib).
Ink Review #790: Robert Oster Black Is Black (via Mountain of Ink). I didn’t realize until reading Kelli’s review that Robert Oster has never released a black ink. This one certainly looks interesting, with lots of those “off-black” shades that I find appealing.
Leonardo Officina Italiana Sepia Ink Review and Giveaway (via Pen Chalet). Still looking for that “perfect” Sepia ink? I haven’t tried this one, but here’s an opportunity to win a free bottle!
Straits Pen Honest Ink Slowpoke Review (via Alt.Haven). I’ve been impressed with Straits Pen Honest Inks, and have several samples including Slowpoke Green. Look for a review at some point.
Sailor Pro Gear Tequila Sunrise (via Pen Addict). Susan reviews the only Sailor Pro Gear limited edition that has appealed to me in a long time. They really did nail it in terms of matching the color of the cocktail.

Please Visit and Support My Sponsors and Affiliates!

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. This week, Vanness is also running a special in the “Grandpa’s Basement” clearance section of their website. Get an extra 10% off with the code “SUMMER19” at checkout!
Pen Chalet. Pen Chalet has a wide variety of available pens and offers unbeatable value on pens, inks, pen cases, etc.
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.
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.
Goldspot Pens. Goldspot regularly offers excellent promotions and specials! Check out their "Weekly Dip" section for details.
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!
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!
Tempus Planner. Many thanks to our newest sponsor, who will be joining us for the next few months! 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!
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.
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 discussed my journaling setup from this year, and the three notebooks that have formed the core of my writing kit. I also wrote a piece about stockpiling stationery, and when it might - under the right circumstances - make sense. This week’s Deals & Drops focuses on inventory clearance sales at Pen Chalet and Vanness, along with some new releases from Retro 51 and others.

Happy Sunday, and as always, thanks for reading!

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

I always enjoy visiting the Esterbrook table at pen shows! Who knows what they’ll be showing of in D.C.?

Sunday Reading for July 14, 2019

July 14, 2019

Going Equipped (Inside My EDC Bag) (via UK Fountain Pens). Anthony’s EDC kit (particularly computer choices and headphones) is eerily similar to my own. To the point where if I published my own “bag dump” I might be accused of plagiarism.
Nagasawa Kobe Profit Skeleton (Proske) + Music Nib (via InkSharks). I was obsessed with this particular pen after seeing it at the DC Pen Show 3 years ago (when Nagasawa attended). I finally acquired one and this review reminds me that I need to ink it up.
Derived from Human Sewage…. (via Bleistift). An awesome idea, IF you can get past the “ick” factor….
Sailor Ink Studio Wish List (via Mountain of Ink). Kelli has now reviewed all 100 Sailor Ink Studio Inks and talks about some of her favorites. Those “dual shaders” look absolutely awesome!
Pilot Murex: A Usable Myu? (via UK Fountain Pens). I’ve personally not had an issue with Myu from a usability perspective. I’ve also never reviewed that pen, which needs to change. The Murex is a favorite of many but for some reason has never captured the same level of outright fanaticism as the Myu, which of course says more about the nature of the “pentranet” than the pen itself.
Lamy Crystal Azurite Ink Review and Giveaway (via Pen Chalet). Azurite is one of the more popular colors from Lamy’s Crystal ink lineup. Don’t miss this chance to win a free bottle!
Sailor Ink Studio 123 (via Pen Addict). Susan reviews No. 123 from the Sailor Ink Studio lineup, and this ink appears to be one of those “Dual Shaders” Kelli was discussing in her overview.
Let’s Talk About Sepia Ink (via Well-Appointed Desk). I can vouch for what Ana’s saying here, in terms of how many people at pen shows will walk up to the table looking for a “true sepia.” If this piques your interest, then read on!
Galen Leather Tool Wrap vs. Superior Labor Leather Pen Roll (via Gourmet Pens). I need to sit down and watch this one closely, as I’ve been considering investing in a nice leather pen roll for some time now but haven’t pulled the trigger.
ITALIA Fountain Pen by Ensso (via Ed Jelley). Machined fountain pen specialists Ensso have released a new design on Kickstarter, the “ITALIA,” which sports a more traditional design than Ensso’s more modern, minimalist offerings.

Please Visit and Support My Sponsors and Affiliates!

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. This week, Vanness is also running a special in the “Grandpa’s Basement” clearance section of their website. Get an extra 10% off with the code “SUMMER19” at checkout!
Pen Chalet. Pen Chalet has a wide variety of available pens and offers unbeatable value on pens, inks, pen cases, etc.
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.
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.
Goldspot Pens. Goldspot regularly offers excellent promotions and specials! Check out their "Weekly Dip" section for details.
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!
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!
Tempus Planner. Many thanks to our newest sponsor, who will be joining us for the next few months! 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!
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.
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…

I was on the road for the early part of last week, so my first post revisited my “travel kit” for the first time in several years. I also reviewed a new, lower-priced release from Esterbrook, the Phaeton 300R fountain pen, which is a hooded-nib offering, and you all know how much I like hooded-nib pens. Finally, this week’s Deals & Drops looked at several recent releases that will be available to check out at this year’s upcoming D.C. Pen Show, where I’ll be working behind the Vanness Pens table. Hope to see you there!

Happy Sunday, and as always, thanks for reading!

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