On The Paper Trail Episode 13: Permanent Inks for Our First Ink Episode!

July 29, 2026

Our first fountain pen ink episode, where we discuss permanent inks! In this episode you'll learn about document inks, pigment inks, and iron gall inks, including relative waterproofness and lightfastness, pen care, and more. Fountain pen ink is a huge topic, so expect more ink-related episodes as we break things down into manageable chunks.

On The Paper Trail: Where You Can Download the Podcast

Get caught up on previous episodes, and find more information about our first On The Paper Trail Live Event, which will be held in Nashville from October 16-18, 2026! Tickets are now on sale! ⁠⁠Check out the main podcast informational page for additional details. ⁠

Show Notes and Links

The Gentleman Stationer is supported by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. You can also come visit us at our physical stationery store in Nashville, Tennessee.

Testing Waterproof fountain pen inks — We even did some water tests!

On The Paper Trail Episode 12: Our Favorite Papers!

July 15, 2026

With a podcast called "On The Paper Trail," it was only a matter of time before we talked about our favorite papers and how we use them! In Episode 12, we discuss paper rulings, spacing, texture, bindings, and other factors that affect how we select which paper we use every day. This week's customer questions address understandably confusing paper-related topics such as the meaning of a "lie flat" notebook and the differences between international paper sizes and the less exact sizing standards used by U.S. manufacturers over the years.

On The Paper Trail: Where You Can Download the Podcast

Episode 12 Show Notes and Links

On The Paper Trail, Episode 11: Why Is My Fine Nib Not Actually a Fine?

July 1, 2026

Have you ever written with two fountain pens of the same model and same nib size, only to notice subtle (or maybe not-so-subtle) differences in line width? As retailers, we get questions about this topic all the time, and have experienced this ourselves in our own personal use, so we wanted to talk about why this happens and what you can do to help ensure you get the nib closest to your desired line width. (Spoiler alert: if you're looking for consistent line-width specificity down to the millimeter, you're almost certainly looking at getting a pen tuned or custom ground for your specific writing style, and paying close attention to your ink and paper choice.)

We also talk a bit about upcoming pen shows and events, including the DC, San Francisco, and Dallas Pen Shows, as well as our own On The Paper Trail Live Event in Nashville!

On The Paper Trail: Where You Can Download the Podcast

Episode 11 Show Notes and Links

On the Paper Trail, Episode 10: We're Back From Japan!

June 17, 2026

We’re back from our recent stationery trip to Japan, and ready to discuss all of the various things we discovered! Join us as we recap two weeks in Tokyo, Hamamatsu, Osaka, and more, including visits to stores like Itoya, Kakimori, TRAVELER'S Factory, Nagasawa, Loft, Hands, Kingdom Note, Toyooka Craft, and other favorites. Are we going back? You bet.

On The Paper Trail: Where You Can Download the Podcast

Show Notes and Links

On The Paper Trail Episode 9: Fountain Pen Nib Sizes, Explained

May 13, 2026

We're less than 10 days out from an epic trip to Japan, so in this week's episode, we decided to talk Japanese fountain pen nibs and the differences in nib size designations across different regions, as well as the availability of specialty grinds. We also discuss why Fine Medium is the ONLY appropriate nib size - only half-kidding - and answer listener questions about choosing the correct combination of nib, ink, and paper for your specific writing experience.

Don't miss your chance to come hang out with us in person October 16-18, at On the Paper Trail: Live in Nashville! Event details have been made public, and Weekend Pass and Day Pass event tickets are now available to purchase.

On The Paper Trail: Where You Can Download the Podcast

As noted above, if you want to follow along and watch the video, On The Paper Trail has its own YouTube Channel. We have also uploaded the podcast to most popular podcast networks and apps, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Overcast.