Thursday Drops: Traveler's Sticker Release and Accordion Paper is BACK! Also, More Pencils and Sharpeners!

I’m finally through orders placed over the show weekend, with all of those shipped out yesterday! Today I dug into the “new arrivals” pile, which includes the long-awaited Traveler’s Notebook Sticker Release Paper and Accordion Fold papers! Formerly part of the “B-Sides and Rarities” collection, these were recently announced as additions to the regular collection of Traveler’s Notebook Specialty Papers, and are now available in both Standard and Passport sizes. We also have restocks on certain Laconic Tokyo items, as well as Caran d’Ache Pencils and M+R Sharpeners. And I’m not even halfway through the boxes…. Stay tuned!

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I know we’ve had a lot of new arrivals lately: To read more about our latest shop additions, check out this post featuring new notebooks from Nakabayashi and some new scissors, as well as this post announcing the arrival of plenty of new Clairefontaine paper products and restocked favorites!

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized reseller of all brand sold.

1. Traveler’s Notebook Specialty Paper, Including Sticker Release and Accordion Paper. Traveler’s Company announced earlier this year that they were adding the Sticker Release Paper and Accordion Fold Paper to the regular lineup of Specialty Papers in both Standard and Passport sizes. They are now available!

2. Laconic Tokyo Zippered Pouches. I love zippered pouches. I move between briefcases, backpacks, and travel bags fairly frequently, and one way in which I do this is by keeping separate pouches packed with different items (stationery, paper, pens, chargers, cords, etc.) so that I can easily move them between bags.

3. Laconic Style Notebook Refills. While some versions continue to be on backorder, we just received a bunch of the “Spreadsheet” notebooks, as well as more Gantt Charts! These slim softcover A5 notebooks are excellent for covers like Roterfadens and the Lochby Field Journal, which allow you to use multiple refills.

4. Caran d’Ache Swiss Wood Pencils. I love to see that we’re selling more pencils these days, as one of my goals when I set out to expand the shop was to provide a home for many of the high-end pencil brands following the closure of CW Pencils. In addition to the standard Swiss Wood, we also carry the Nespresso Swiss Wood Collaboration and the Crayons de la Maison Caran d’Ache gift sets.

5. Caran d’Ache HB Office/School Pencils with Erasers. Caran d’Ache pencils are typically capped and don’t feature an eraser on the end. These are the exception, and quite popular. Available individually and by the dozen.

6. M+R Pencil Sharpeners. Looking for an excellent German brass pencil sharpener, with replaceable blades? We are restocked on the range of M+R sharpeners, including the long-point Castor and Pollux sharpeners, as well as both classic brass bullet versions.

7. Caran d’Ache 849 “Black Code” Ballpoint Pens and Mechanical Pencils. My first “signature” selection for the shop - while it’s not a special edition or an exclusive, it pretty much matches my stationery aesthetic perfectly. Mechanical pencils are now back in stock in addition to the ballpoint.

8. Caran d’Ache Chromatics Bottled Ink. I love the color range of the Caran d’Ache “Chromatics” line, and you all apparently agree since it’s sold rapidly. We now have all colors back in stock.

9. Pilot Iroshizuku Ku-Jaku Ink. When I brought Iroshizuku into the shop a few months ago, the one that was on perpetual backorder was “Ku-Jaku” (“Peacock”), a favorite of those who love darker teal inks. For a brighter teal, the excellent “Sui-Gyoku” is a new addition.

10. Lochby Cases and Covers. Following my return from the D.C. Pen Show, all Lochby cases and covers are now relisted in the shop and available for purchase. At last check all colors are in stock but I will likely need to reorder prior to San Francisco.

Thursday Drops: Summing Up the New 2023 Fountain Pen Arrivals

We’re reaching the six-month midpoint of 2023, and typically around this time I’m on vacation and using the time off to summarize my favorite releases, reviews, and store arrivals for the year. Due to some family travel, our schedule has been thrown a bit and vacation moved up to last month, so for the first time in years I’m actually spending the month of June at home! I’ll of course be doing some mid-year recaps, but perhaps with a slightly different approach than in the past.

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From Left: Endless Creator, Pilot Vanishing Point, and Platinum Matte Curidas

In the shop, 2023 has seen us build out our selection of fountain pens, after spending the first two years thinking very carefully about what we wanted to carry. To date, the focus has been on “workhorse” pens that you can use for daily writing, spanning a range of price points, filling systems, and designs that now include a couple of recently released retractable nib pens. Today’s post highlights what we’ve added so far this year, and we have more on the way!

1. Lamy 2000 Fountain Pen. Since starting the shop, I’ve been waiting to bring in the Lamy 2000 line in its entirety, and we’re most of the way there. By far my favorite workhorse for everyday writing, the Lamy 2000 is one of my most-recommended fountain pens for those looking for a no-nonsense piston filler.

2. Pilot Custom 74 Fountain Pen. Similar to the Lamy 2000, the Pilot Custom 74 is one of those no-brainer recommendations where it’s hard to go wrong. Now available in 8 different demonstrator finishes with EF through Broad 14k nibs. Check out my recent “Review Revisited” for a closer look at the Custom 74.

3. Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen. Slightly larger than the Custom 74 and featuring a high-capacity vacuum filling system, the Pilot Custom 823 is the first “upgrade” for many fountain pen enthusiasts looking for a more technical fountain pen that’s remains approachable and not overly complex. The Custom 823 got the “Workhorse Pens” review treatment back in April.

4. Kaweco Sport and Skyline Sport Fountain Pens. Of course you need a pocket fountain pen in your rotation, and the standard Kaweco Sport (gold trim) and Skyline Sport (silver trim) is the first stop for most. It’s really hard to compete with the Mocha, Mint, and Fox Skyline colors!

5. Platinum Curidas Matte Fountain Pens. A retractable fountain pen? Of course we need one in our lineup. You can say I’m sort of obsessed with these Matte Curidas pens at the moment, especially the blue. I hope that Platinum continues to make this specific model.

6. Endless Creator Retractable Fountain Pen. I’m happy to see that there is more of a pricing spectrum with retractable nib fountain pens. Endless - makers of the “Recorder” notebook series, has released their “Creator” fountain pen at the $50 price point, and so far I’ve been impressed at what they’ve been able to do here with an original design while still keeping the price relatively accessible.

7. Platinum Preppy Wa “Modern Maki-e” Limited Editions. One reason I absolutely love the Preppy Wa is because it brings the fun of fountain pen limited editions to the lowest price point of all. The Platinum Preppy is an excellent entry level fountain pen, and the “Wa” series (now in it’s third rendition), continues with these Maki-e style designs.

8. Lamy AL-Star, Safari, and Vista. We plan to begin carrying the standard Lamy colors of the AL-Star and Safari in the near future, and currently stock a selection of the special release colors, including the Lilac and Petrol AL-Star fountain pens.

9. TWSBI Special Releases, including the ECO-T Saffron, ECO Persian Green, and Diamond Mini Grape. I may have to do a post specific to TWSBI in the near future, because over the past 12 months they have released some of my all-time favorite editions in some of my favorite colors. (Saffron and Purple? These could turn into classic TWSBI releases.)

10. Nahvalur Original Plus New Colors and Trim. Originally announced late last year, Nahvalur reworked it’s “Original” lineup to include a vacuum filling system in the original transparent acrylic demonstrators, and then two new models with rose gold trim.

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized retailer of all brands sold.

Thursday Drops: Lamy Pens, Traveler's Notebooks, All the Ballpoints, and More!

Just like last year, March and April have both seen a whirlwind of new releases, pen shows, and all sorts of new arrivals and developments here at T.G.S.! This week’s new arrivals include an array of Lamy products, including the Lamy 2000 lineup, the new AL-Star fountain pens, and more! If you missed out on this week’s release of the Olive Traveler’s Notebooks, we have more on the way (hopefully soon), and if you’re looking to jump sooner than that we have all of the other colors available, as well as a fresh stock of refills and accessories.

The Ohto Rays Gel Pens have arrived! These excellent Parker-style click pens feature the Ohto Flash-Dry .5mm needle-tip refill, which is also available individually.

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized retailer of all brands sold.

1. Lamy 2000 Fountain Pens, Ballpoints, Rollers - Well, Everything! Probably my favorite “all-around” pen in all of its various styles and iterations, the Lamy 2000 pairs Bauhaus-inspired minimalist design with excellent quality and functionality.

2. Lamy AL-Star Petrol and Lilac Pens. This year’s AL-Star special releases finally did it for me, after a couple of years that I didn’t necessarily find inspiring. The Petrol is absolutely stunning. Available in fountain pens, rollerballs, and ballpoints.

3. Lamy Special Edition Safaris and Vista Pens. Lamy has released a series of Safaris where they mixed and matched bodies with different color clips, drawing on their extensive library of past designs. We also have the Lamy Vista demonstrators!

4. Pilot Custom 74 Fountain Pens. After the Lamy 2000, the Pilot Custom 74 is almost certainly my go-to recommendation for a gold-nib fountain pen in the $200 range, especially if you’re looking for something both colorful and exceptionally reliable.

5. Lamy Pico Pocket Pens. If there’s one pen that I’d love to do more to promote, it’s Lamy’s excellent Pico pocket ballpoint. We also have the Lamy M22 refill available in black and blue, in fine and medium tips.

6. Traveler’s Company Restock. While our first shipment of the Olive Traveler’s Notebook covers sold out nearly instantaneously, we’re restocked on the standard covers in blue, as well as nearly all standard refills and brass accessories, including the brass clips.

7. Ohto Ray Needle-Tip Gel Pens. The Ohto Ray features the .5mm needle tip “Flash Dry” gel refill, available for purchase separately. It fits all Parker-style pens, including the Caran d’Ache 849 Rollerball!

8. Mark’Style “Tous les Jours” Needle-Tip Ballpoint Restock. These ultra-popular needle-tip ballpoint pens are restocked in nearly all colors. We also sell the refills.

9. Maruman Notepad Holders. We stock a wide range of excellent Maruman Mnemosyne notebooks and notepads, as well as notepad holders in a range of attractive styles. The popular A5 Notepad Holders with five pockets for organizing your notes are back in stock.

10. Lamy Replacement Nibs, Including Cursive Calligraphy. Looking for extra Lamy nibs? We have you covered, and even added the special Lamy “cursive” nibs with an interesting grind somewhat akin to an Architect/Kodachi. For a short tutorial on how to swap Lamy nibs, check out this recent Youtube video.

Thursday Drops: InCoWriMo Supplies, Composition Books, Mini-Stationery & More!

International Correspondence Writing Month (or “InCoWriMo”, as it’s called) is upon us starting next month, so it’s time to load up on your letter-writing supplies including both specialty letter pads as well as fun supplies such as Washi Tape, Enamel Pins (if you like to include small gifts with your letters), and more! The first of the 2023 additions to the Curated Shop already have started to roll in, including composition books from Mr. Boddington’s Studio, and the Midori XS Stationery Kits. Finally, don’t miss our ongoing “gently used” sale, with several fountain pens, ballpoints/rollerballs, and inks still available.

Happy Shopping!

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of all brands sold (secondhand “gently used” page excluded, though we always stand by everything we sell).

1. Mr. Boddington’s Studio Composition Books. I’m a huge fan of the composition book format for a no-frills writing experience, and I wasn’t going to leave these whimsical designs on the table when I saw them. I’m going to sell these both individually and in a set of all six designs.

2. Midori MD Letter Pads and Envelopes. We’ve been asked to stock the Midori MD Letter Pads, and your requests have been answered in time for InCoWriMo! We have them in both the standard MD Paper as well as MD Cotton Paper, with matching envelopes.

3. Midori XS Stationery Kits. Ever wish you could take your desk with you in your bag? These compact stationery kits from Midori feature mini-versions of favorite everyday desk items, including scissors, a stapler, a craft knife, and more.

4. Crayons de la Maison Caran d’Ache Edition No. 10 Pencil Set. The latest edition of Caran d’Ache’s premium luxury pencil set features a woodsy patchouli-based scent developed in connection with Swiss parfumier Mizensir. I love that this year’s set features a blue, green, and two natural toned pencils.

5. TWSBI ECO-T Jade and Rose Gold Pen and Ink Set. The latest addition to TWSBI’s rose gold ECO lineup features the “softly triangular” ECO-T model, along with a bottle of what might be my favorite color of TWSBI ink, Midnight Blue.

6. TWSBI Precision Ballpoint Pens and Mechanical Pencils. Our initial batch of TWSBI Precision technical-style writing instruments sold out quickly, but we’ve received another shipment. I love the softer knurling, which I don’t find as sharp as other brands.

7. Giuliano Mazzuoli Nobile ITALIA Ballpoint Pen/Mechanical Pencil. I’ve been reaching for a lot of mechanical pencils these days, and the one that’s always in my bag is this ergonomic gem from Mazzuoli that not only serves as a .7mm mechanical pencil but also as a ballpoint. The pen ships with interchangeable Schmidt mechanical pencil and ballpoint pen mechanisms.

8. Platinum Preppy Wa Limited Edition Fountain Pens (Second Series). A favorite trend from the past year is the emergence of lower-priced options in the limited and special edition categories, with Platinum leading the way. The Preppy Wa has sold briskly two years in a row.

9. Platinum Plaisir Aura 2022 Special Edition Fountain Pen. Similarly, Platinum has taken to releasing a special version of their “next level” entry pen, the Plaisir, in different finishes. This year was the “Aura,” which added a tinge of color gradient to a pearlescent white barrel, in addition to three different sections.

10. Opus 88 Minty Fountain Pens. The “Minty” doesn’t get as much love as many other Opus models, which is of course why we brought it into the shop. I don’t really understand why, as it’s garnered rave reviews from bloggers and others who have tried it.

Thursday Drops: Caran d'Ache Colour Treasure Restock, More Desk Calendars, Mnemosyne and More!

Just in time for the holiday rush, one more Caran d’Ache shipment of the “Colour Treasure” collection, including the Jumbo-size Maxi Pencil Sets. Caran d’Ache jumbo pencils are among my favorite products in their lineup, and though they’re no longer regularly available, you typically can find them as part of at least one annual limited edition series. This year’s version is sold as a set of five colors in a special tin/case.

In addition to the Colour Treasure releases, we’ve restocked shop favorites such as the WMS & Co. Undated Calendars in both keyboard and full sizes, as well as Maruman Mnemosyne notebooks in some of the more popular formats, including A4. Happy shopping!

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of all brands shown here. If you’re looking for gift ideas, don’t forget to check out our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide. We also periodically have pens available for sale on our “Gently Used” page, especially if you’re looking for good deals on more expensive pens.

1. Caran d’Ache Colour Treasure Maxi Pencil Sets. As I noted above, at long last we’ve received a shipment of the Caran d’Ache Jumbo Pencils, a product which I’d love to have as a permanent addition to the store, but I’ll take whatever limited editions I can get! This year’s release is sold as a set of five jumbo “Maxi” pencils.

2. Caran d’Ache Colour Treasure 849 Ballpoints. This year’s limited edition 849 ballpoint holiday release is designed to evoke the look of Caran d’Ache’s iconic colored pencils, and comes in two different variations: a warm tone (yellows, oranges) and a cool tone (blues and greens). Why not get both? :)

3. Caran d’Ache Colour Treasure Coloring Postcard Sets. These postcards make for perfect stocking stuffers, especially if paired with a gift of colored pencils, or if you’re buying for someone who already has a bunch!

4. Caran d’Ache 849 Rollerball Restock. I’ve received a lot of interest lately about the availability of a pen with the 849’s look and shape but slightly larger. Even if you’re not a rollerball fan, the Caran d’Ache 849 Rollerball accepts Parker-style cartridges, so you can use your favorite compatible ballpoint refill. (I use a Jetstream.)

5. Caran d’Ache 849 Fountain Pens. The 849 Fountain Pen is a relatively inexpensive favorite, and many people love the slightly springy stainless steel nib. Create your own matching set of 849 pens!

6. WMS & Co. Desk and Keyboard Calendars (Undated). We now have more of the full-size and keyboard-size calendars in stock with different color borders, including yellow, gold, and blush.

7. Maruman Mnemosyne Spiral Notebooks. We have restocked our supply of fountain-pen friendly Mnemosyne notebooks in most sizes, including larger A4s, and now have dot-grid versions as well as the landscape grid and blank notebooks.

8. Maruman Mnemosyne A5 Steno Pads. These top wirebound Steno Pads were huge sellers, and we now have them back in stock in both Gregg (traditional lined steno ruling) and grid layouts.

9. Kokuyo Dual-Tone Mark+ Highlighters. You may have seen my post on Instagram from earlier in the week, but these dual-tip liquid ink highlighters might be one of the most interesting stationery products I’ve discovered lately.

10. TWSBI Precision Ballpoints and Mechanical Pencils. TWSBI’s lineup of technical pens and pencils are often overlooked in light of their more traditional fountain pens, but are equally excellent.