It’s mid-December already, which means that it’s time to start recapping 2024. Each year, I revisit my previous content and pull out some favorites, including favorite new product discoveries, favorite reviews, favorite trips, and more. To kick things off I’ll walk through my top five “new discoveries” of 2024. Not all of these are actual new products, mind you, as many of these are things I’ve personally overlooked and which were brought to my attention by friends (the AL-Star mechanical pencil and S20 ballpoint). Others are entirely new product categories, like the refillable fineliners. Even if you’ve been a stationery fanatic for multiple decades, there are always new things to discover, which is what I love about this hobby!
Lamy AL-Star .5mm Mechanical Pencil. A controversial discovery, to be sure, since the Safari/Al-Star grip section draws strong opinions from mechanical pencil fans, but I absolutely LOVE this pencil. It’s been on my desk ever since I reviewed it earlier this year. The wider-diameter barrel is comfortable to use for longer writing sessions, and the triangular grip works for how I hold a pencil. (I’ve even found that I can rotate it as necessary.)
Refillable Fineliners. I have yet to find a variation on this stationery category that I haven’t enjoyed. Whether it’s the Tom’s Studio Lumos, the Tom’s Studio Wren, or the semi-disposable Kuretake and Kakimori versions, I’m currently using them all and have an entire pen case devoted to them.
Pilot S20 Ballpoint. My ballpoint find of the year, which I discovered when a friend from our local pen club gifted one to me. Featuring the Dr. Grip “Cocoon” ballpoint refill with “Acro-Ink” technology, as well as an uncommon hourglass shaped-barrel that literally molds itself to your hand, I’m starting to prefer this pen even over my beloved Lamy 2k ballpoint…
Good Made Better “Jester” Pocket Pen. Dan from Good Made Better launched his initial pair of fountain pen designs at the 2024 Chicago Pen Show, and knowing just how good GMB products tend to be, I insta-bought one in a beige and black mottled ebonite with a matte finish. The Kickstarter appears to have been a success, and I can’t wait to see these pens hit the general market. (Also, if you’re looking for reading and/or writing-themed gifts this year, Good Made Better is an excellent place to shop!)
Zebra Sarasa Grand Vintage Gel Pen. While I’m not a big fan of the standard Zebra Sarasa (as in, the kind you find a big box office supply stores), the Sarasa Grand Vintage is a Japanese import that writes differently from this pen, and comes in a wide range of cool vintage-inspired colors. Best of all, the barrels and the inks match, and feature black-infused tones that make your writing more interesting while remaining subtle enough to use for work.
The Gentleman Stationer is supported by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. If you’re interested in talking inks and seeing our swatches and growing selection, come see us in-person! We’re open this week Thursday-Sunday, and otherwise by appointment.