Thursday Drops: Lamy Dialog CC, Roterfaden TGS_25, Galen Leather Cases and More!

We’ve been scrambling to get all the recently arrived inventory listed, in light of two upcoming pen shows (the upcoming Arkansas Pen Show and San Francisco Stationery Fest)! We recently received a large Kaweco restock along with additional Roterfaden TGS_25 A5-Slim covers. I am planning to set aside a portion of these for pen shows later this month, so if you are looking to purchase one online please get your orders in sooner rather than later as a subsquent restock may be delayed.

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Craft Design Technology makes these gorgeous leather pen/pencil pouches in either black or brown.

We also have some new pens to announce, including the capless Lamy Dialog CC in two different finishes and more of the Kepler pens from Craighill, a range of pen cases and portfolios from Galen Leather in different finishes, pen and pencil pouches from Craft Design Technology, and fresh washi tapes from iLootPaperie, including restocks of old favorite as well as some fun new designs!

We have normal Nashville shop hours this week, open from 1-6pm Thursday and Friday, and from 10am-6pm on Saturday. Come by and see these and more in-person!

1. Lamy Dialog CC Fountain Pen. Lamy’s take on the capless fountain pen, the Dialog Series, includes two pens: the Dialog 3 and the Dialog CC. The clipless, more compact Dialog CC is in my opinion the most usable for the most people, as it’s shorter and a much more well-balanced pen.

2. Roterfaden TGS_25 A5-Slim Notebook Covers. We have fresh stock of our exclusive Roterfaden model in A5 Slim. Based on the volume of requests, we chose to restock the dark green cover with dark grey suede interior. For those who made requests for a cover, I have e-mailed most of you regarding availability, but please note that if I don’t hear from you by tomorrow or see an order I will release held-back stock for online and pen-show purchase.

3. Kaweco Collection Sport Fountain Pens. We have additional stock of most Kaweco Collection fountain pens, including the Honey (yellow) and Apricot Pearl releases.

4. Kaweco Metal Sport Fountain Pens. We have also received additional stock of the Kaweco Metal Sport pens, including brass, stainless steel, bronze, and titanium.

5. Kaweco Liliput Fountain Pens. Stainless Steel, brass, copper, and “Kolibri” Liliput fountain pens are available, in addition to the standard aluminum in all the popular finishes.

6. Kaweco Sketch Up Clutch Pencil. The Kaweco Sketch Up is a versatile tool that can be used as a clutch pencil, a drylighter (highlighter pencil), and even a dip nib holder!

7. Galen Leather Pen Cases. We are happy to announce that we are now authorized resellers of Galen Leather, including zippered cases, Magnum Opus cases, certain A5 notebook covers, and bankers bags.

8. Craighill Kepler Pen. The subtly sculpted Kepler pen uses universal D1 refills, so it can serve as a classic ballpoint, low-viscosity ballpoint, or gel pen, depending on your needs.

9. Craighill Summit Card Case. These hefty metal card cases caught my eye at the NYNow trade show, and I picked up a couple in two different finishes. These can be used as both business card holders and even as a metal cardholder/wallet.

10. Craighill Chroma Scissors. These large, sharp desk scissors not only work extremely well, but they make a statement on your desktop!

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I personally think the Honey Sport from the Kaweco Collection series is one of the better looking Kaweco Sport fountain pens that Kaweco has released in recent years.

Thursday Drops: Fun California Pen Show Finds from Galen Leather, the Blackwing Pen, a Massive Kaweco Restock and More!

Returning from the California Pen Show, we arrived to find a massive stack of packages waiting for us, including a large restock from Kaweco that contained Kaweco Collection Sports (including Honey and Apricot Pearl!), Brass, Steel, Bronze, and Titanium metal pens, and more piston fillers! The entire line was essentially restocked, so be sure to check out all of our Kaweco offerings, including the Sketch-up Clutch Pencils! (If you recall, we did this eternally popular YouTube video a while back showing how you can use this as both a clutch pencil and a Kakimori nib holder.) We also received a large shipment from Portuguese pencil manufacturer Viarco, including the popular spring pencil caps!

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The new Blackwing Pen has landed, and is available both in-store and online.

Other new arrivals traveled home with us from Los Angeles, including Galen Leather products (the wood pen holders), more Laurette’s knurled ebonite ballpoints, and new Musette tote bags from Rickshaw Bagworks to complement the rest of our “Clouds” series of exclusive editions.

We are back to normal Nashville shop hours this week, open from 1-6pm Thursday and Friday, and from 10am-6pm on Saturday. I look forward to being back behind my own counter after a week of pen show time!

1. Galen Leather Mahogany Pen Stands. You all asked for them, and now they’re here! This mahogany 3-pen rest has been featured in TGS reviews for the better part of 10 years, and I’m thrilled to be an authorized Galen retailer with the ability to stock them.

2. Blackwing Pen. The latest release from Blackwing is…a pen? Featuring a unique half-moon rollstop design, a smooth knock, and a Schmidt refill, there’s always room in my kit for a good capless rollerball.

3. Laurett’s Waka Ebonite Ballpoint Pens. These pens are machined from ebonite by Laurette’s, a Japanese company known for their ultra-fine knurling technique that they have used on parts they manufacture for automotive companies.

4. Rickshaw Bagworks Musette Tote Bag. When I asked Rickshaw for a recommendation for a new addition to the “Clouds” series for pen show season, they recommended the Musette, a classic tote with a strap long enough to be worn cross-body, making it useful for pen shows and other crowded events.

5. Kaweco Collection Sport Fountain Pens (Yes, Including Honey Yellow!). Honey was by far the most popular Kaweco color of the past two years, and we’re thrilled to have a restock. We also have more Mellow Blue, Apricot Pearl, Cyan and Teal.

6. Rickshaw Bagworks T.G.S. Exclusive “Clouds” Fillmore Cases. We’ve restocked our supply of Fillmore cases with the 3+3 layout that allows you to store pens on both sides and open the case flat to use as a tray on your desk.

7. Roterfaden TGS_25 Taschenbegleiter (Pre-Order). I’ve been inundated with messages regarding Roterfaden restocks - specifically the TGS25, and I can report that we should have a new shipment in the next week or so. If you would like to reserve one there is a pre-order opportunity for green Taschenbegleiters with green or grey cords.

8. Blackwing Pencil Clip. The latest addition to Blackwing’s line of pencil accessories is designed to fit a Blackwing and most other woodcase pencils, this clip will attach to notebooks, standard books, pads, or anywhere else you need to rest your pencil while working.

9. Viarco Pencil Caps. These sold out super fast last time but we ended up with a huge restock prior to the California Pen Show! We have the boxes of eight caps as well as larger quantities available for purchase.

10. Viarco Vintage Pencil Series. We have a fresh shipment of Viarco Pencils from Portugal, including the popular Lapis copying pencils.

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Introducing the Musette Tote, the latest addition to our Rickshaw Bagworks “Clouds” Collection.

Case Review: Galen Leather Magnum Opus 12-Pen Case in Two Different Options

Lately, one of my favorite high-capacity pen cases has been Galen Leather’s “Magnum Opus,” specifically the 12-pen version. After this year’s D.C. Pen Show, I’m lucky enough to have two of them: the original hardshell version with the fold-over magnetic flap, and a new zippered version introduced this year, which includes some useful new features that I’ll highlight today.

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The zippered Magnum Opus in “pen stand” mode. The “stand-up mode” generally works well, unless you’re on a particularly slick surface.

The main benefit of the “Magnum Opus” is the combination of capacity and protection. This hardshell case will not only allow you to carry a large number of pens, but it will protect them well, something that’s especially important to me when I’m attending events like weekly pen club or pen shows. (My “Magnum Opus” in natural undyed leather - shown at top - is what I had with me at the table in D.C., and used as a display for the “tester” pens I had available.)

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Yunus from Galen Leather wanted me to point out that those concerned about the zipper coming into contact with larger pens can reverse the tray for extra protection.

This year’s release, the zippered version of the Magnum Opus, adds two new features: a magnetic front flap that folds down and a back flap that lets you stand the case upright. The zippered case still contains a removable tray - some people prefer removing this tray while they’re working, or when they’re displaying pens at a show/swap meet/sale.

Both 12-pen Magnum Opus cases are the same size and hold the same number of pens. You’re not making any sacrifices in capacity choosing one or the other.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

After teasing the original hard-case design during the 2021 pen show season, Galen decided to make it part of their standard lineup, and I’m happy it stuck around. While I love the original case, the zippered version is likely to serve as my go-to carry when I want to bring 12+ pens along in a backpack, especially on an airplane. The zipper offers just a bit more security, and if I want to work with multiple pens, I love the opportunity for “stand mode”.

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I’m still working on accumulating a nice collection of ink stains on my natural undyed leather case. You people are much too careful at pen shows. :)

Currently, you can order the Magnum Opus pen cases directly from Galen Leather, or from select retailers including our friends at Vanness Pens. The zippered model is shown here in “Crazy Horse Smoky” leather, and the standard 12-slot hard case is shown in undyed natural leather. Each of these cases will develop its own unique patina as it ages, with the natural leather taking on the most scuffs, stains, and discoloration. (Be aware of this before you purchase - undyed leather is SUPPOSED to get dirty/stained/worn/whatever, and you can read about this further here.) At $159 for either case, it’s not an inexpensive purchase but all of my Galen Leather products have been well made and hold up over time.

Disclaimer: Galen Leather provided me with the grey case featured in this review, and Vanness Pens provided me with the undyed leather case, free of charge for review purposes. Otherwise, this post does not contain paid affiliate links. The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

Pen Roll vs. Pen Case: Why Consider One Over The Other?

I’m in the process of cleaning up/cleaning out my office here at “T.G.S. HQ,” in advance of some work we’re having done on the house, and part of the process has been taking an inventory of everything I have in my personal collection as well as items for the review queue that have never made their way onto the blog. One surprising find includes a large number of pen wraps and pen rolls, something I don’t believe I’ve ever written about at length. Pen rolls have grown in popularity to the point where most major brands have at least one in their lineup, and like pen cases, pen rolls come in a variety of designs and materials across a wide range of price points. I thought it might be helpful to offer my thoughts on pen rolls and why you might want to choose (or not choose) this type of carry over a traditional case.

The main advantage of a pen roll, for me, is the combination of capacity and compact size in your bag. Both the Lochby Tool Roll (top) and the Superior Labor Leather Pen Roll (bottom) can hold a LOT of writing instruments, especially if you double (or quintuple) up. The Lochby also has pockets behind the elastic loops, so you can really cram it full if you need to.

Advantages of a Pen Roll Over a Pen Case

Compact Size without Sacrificing Capacity. For me, the main advantage of a pen roll over a traditional zippered, sleeve-style, or hard case is the ability to carry a larger number of pens without having the case completely take over your bag. For example, I love my 12-pen Galen Leather Hard Case, but if I need to carry a large volume of pens in my briefcase or another bag where space is at a premium, I’m probably going to opt for something like the Superior Labor Leather Pen Roll or the Lochby Tool Roll (or both - see below). If you’re well-organized, you can fit two dozen pens into two pen rolls and still take up less space in your bag than a single larger 12-pen case (a huge advantage for traveling to pen shows).

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Pen rolls lie flat when open on your desk, yet roll up to a compact size for storage.

Versatility. While most pen cases are sized for pens, pen rolls can be repurposed to carry other things, whether it’s other writing instruments such as mechanical pencils, ruling pens, or Pilot Parallels (shown above on the right), or even things like pen repair equipment, crafting knives, wrenches, and/or bike tools. Many pen rolls also fit a wide range of pen sizes (in terms of both length and diameter), and if you’re not squeamish about your pens touching, you can often double the stated capacity of the pen roll by sticking multiple pens in a single slot, especially with more slender writing instruments like ballpoints and gel pens.

Disadvantages of a Pen Roll (or Why You Might Prefer a Pen Case)

Security. While some pen rolls come with straps and secure closures, others need to be tied or rely on elastics, which are arguably less secure in the sense that it’s easier for them to fall open inadvertently. Some designs that don’t have a flap across the top leave your pens at risk of falling out. If you carry expensive pens, be sure to evaluate the security of a pen roll before you invest. (As an aside, items like the now-discontinued Nock Co. “Brasstown” drew on elements of both the pen roll and the pen case, allowing you to tuck a six-pen roll into a compact outer zippered case.) Likewise, if you’re going to be transporting pens inside checked luggage or another situation where they might be crushed, a pen roll might not be the best choice over a case with more structure.

If you value protection over all else, then a pen case is the way to go. Both the Galen Leather “Magnum Opus” 12 Pen Hard Case (bottom) and the Franklin-Christoph Covered Pen Tray (top) are excellent.

Scratch Protection. If you’re one of “those people” who freak out at the slightest prospect of your pens rubbing together or touching, pen rolls are probably not for you. While many designs incorporate flaps to minimize contact, it’s hard to avoid entirely and somewhat inherent in how pen rolls are designed. For this reason, I’d recommend pen rolls for those who use their pens regularly on the go, aren’t overly concerned with wear and tear, and who are mainly looking for a compact way to tote around a larger volume of “daily writers”, as opposed to rare collectibles. (I will say that in all the years I’ve been using pen cases and pen wraps, I’ve not experienced any damage to my pens from daily carry beyond micro-scratches. I’ll also say that if you’re NOT squeamish about pens touching, a pen wrap will generally offer more protection than overstuffing a traditional pen case or pen pouch.)

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The two pen rolls contain the same number of pens (24) as the two hard pen cases. I mainly use my pen rolls for transportation, while I use the larger pen cases for long-term storage and organization at home.

Takeaways

There’s no categorical recommendation here - I regularly carry both traditional pen cases and pen rolls, depending on where I’m going and what I’m doing. That said, for situations where I want to carry a larger number of pens with me in a smaller bag, such as a pen show or a local pen club meetup, I’m going with a pen roll (or “rolls,” plural) more often than not. Two current favorites, shown here in photos, are the Superior Labor Leather Pen Roll and the Lochby Tool Roll, which I just added to the T.G.S. Curated Shop. Other great options, which I’ve reviewed in the past, are the Nock Co. Brasstown if you can find one on the secondary market, as well as options from Rickshaw Bagworks. Also, many smaller makers craft their own pen wraps and rolls, and these make excellent pen show souvenirs, especially if you can snag one in a one-off material or fabric!

This post does not contain paid third-party affiliate links, though the T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of Lochby and other brands we stock. By shopping with us directly, you are supporting original content, pen reviews, pen show events, etc. from The Gentleman Stationer. If you would like to support us even further, please consider checking out the T.G.S. Patreon Program, which offers access to online meetups, exclusive discounts and pre-orders, and more!

Pen Review: Kaweco x Galen Leather Classic Sport

Ok, so I’ve been teasing pictures of this pen for a couple of weeks now, and it’s only fair that I go ahead and write up this new fountain pen from Galen Leather. As Galen expands their retail offerings outside of traditional leather goods into desk accessories, paper, and now fountain pens, what better way to launch a new product category than a collaboration with Kaweco!

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The Galen Leather + Kaweco release is a special edition from the Classic Sport “Transparent” line, meaning that it’s a demonstrator version of Kaweco’s Classic Sport workhorse. Galen has chosen a “cognac” acrylic, which Kaweco has paired with their gold-plated trim. I’ve never owned one of the transparent Sports, so this is a first for me and I’m enjoying the look.

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In addition to the standard Kaweco logo, Galen Leather has included their own branding.

I’ve previously reviewed the Kaweco Sport fountain pen in multiple iterations on this blog (additional links below), so I’ll only briefly recap the specs. The Sport is intended as a pocket pen, and it lives up to Kaweco’s slogan, “small in the pocket; large in the hand.” Once you unscrew the cap and post the Sport, it becomes a full-size writing instrument that’s as comfortable as any standard fountain pen, even for long periods of time. Kaweco Sports use a small No. 4 Bock nib, which over the years has had its share of quality control issues, but recently Kaweco and Bock seem to have figured things out and the last few Kaweco nibs I’ve used, ranging from EF to B, have been solid. The medium nib on this particular pen is an excellent writer, and I will go ahead and mention that the best Kaweco nibs I’ve used have all been mediums. It’s become my default for this brand.

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As you might expect, the “special” attribute on this edition is the cognac acrylic. Kaweco absolutely killed it, and the pen is stunning to look at. For whatever reason, I like to pair translucent brown pens with dark red or burgundy ink, and I inked this one up with a Diamine Oxblood cartridge. It’s a perfect pairing, and Oxblood might be the ink for this pen (at least until my cartridges run out).

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For a cognac or whiskey-colored pen, gold trim is really the only option.

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Takeaways and Where to Buy

You can’t go wrong with a Kaweco Sport, and if you’re looking to rejuvenate your office space with some elegant wood and leather accessories from Galen Leather, I would encourage you to consider adding one of these pens to your order before they sell out. Currently, you can purchase the Galen Leather + Kaweco special edition fountain pen directly from Galen Leather in their online store, as part of their growing selection of fountain pens. Since this is a special edition, pricing is slightly higher ($30) than you would otherwise find on a standard Sport, but still reasonable.

Many thanks to Galen Leather for providing this item for review!

Further Reading

I’ve previously reviewed several iterations of the Kaweco Sport, including not only the Classic but also the Art Sport, the AL Sport (aluminum), the AC Sport (Carbon Fiber), and the all-metal Brass Sport. I even reviewed a vintage Kaweco Sport with a piston filler a couple of months ago. Check out these reviews to learn more about Kaweco’s Sport series.

Disclaimer: I received the pen featured in this review from Galen Leather for review purposes, free of charge. I was not otherwise compensated for this review.