New Arrivals: Kakimori Notebooks and Nibs, Plus TWSBI ECO "Horse Year" Fountain Pens!

A long-awaited shipment of Kakimori products arrived from Japan last week, including gorgeous new fabric-covered notebooks, Kakimori metal dip nibs and nib holders, additional Kakimori Frost pens, and the line of mixable Kakimori Inkstand Colour pigment inks. We had the opportunity to visit the Kakimori flagship store during our trip to Tokyo earlier this year, where we had the opportunity to create our own ink colors using the Inkstand inks, and test them using all the different variations of Kakimori nibs. Kakimori makes some of the most unique stationery products available, and it’s always fun to open these shipments and see all the new designs in person!

Also, TWSBI ECO “Horse Year” Fountain Pens are now shipping! This limited run TWSBI won’t be around long, so if you’re looking to pick up one of these “Year of the Horse” exclusive releases, get one now. We currently have at least some stock of all nib sizes remaining.

We will be open this week normal hours, from 1-6pm Thursday and Friday, and from 10am-5pm on Saturday in our Nashville shop. Please stop by and see us if you are in the area.

Japan Trip Journal: A Visit to Kakimori, Including Custom Notebooks and the InkStand!

I’ve been waiting to post about one highlight of my trip to Tokyo: our visit to the Kakimori store, which included making our own custom notebooks and mixing a custom Kakimori ink at the “Inkstand” ink bar. While most people in the United States know Kakimori for their signature conical metal dip nibs, they actually offer a wide range of products, including an extensive paper and ink selection, high-end office supplies under the “Object Index” line, and a curated selection of products outside of their own brand.

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All of the covers and papers in the sorter - the first step in the custom notebook process.

The Kakimori Custom Notebook Experience

Kakimori offers customers the ability to build their own spiral notebook, choosing from a diverse selection of covers, bindings, papers, and closures. While you can customize your notebook online via the Kakimori website, the experience is best enjoyed in-store, where you can make an appointment and hand-select everything in person.

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You can choose up to four packs of paper per notebook, an add dividers if you wish.

Kakimori notebooks come in two sizes: B5 and B6, with a spiral binding. I built one in each size, mainly because I couldn’t narrow my cover choices and wanted a leather cover and a fabric cover. Paper was a bit easier, because the choices are somewhat more limited (OK Fools, Neue Grey, Bank Paper, and Conqueror Laid) and you can select up to four papers per notebook. Once you’ve selected your cover and paper, you can add things like bindings, elastics, snap closures, and dividers.

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If you’re unsure, you can test each of the papers on offer!

The total cost for the two notebooks came to around $68. While not inexpensive, you’re paying for the experience as well as the physical product, and if you visit the Kakimori store again they will even refill the cover with fresh pages! So if, like me, you opted for the leather cover you can continue to enjoy it as it ages. (Note to self: plan to go back for a notebook refill.)

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I chose two notebooks: a B5 with burgundy leather and black trim, and a lighter canvas B6.

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I love Neue Gray paper (right). For both notebooks I chose a combination of this one, OK Fools, and Conqueror Laid. All of the papers on offer are fountain pen friendly.

The Kakimori Inkstand Experience: Mixing a Custom Kakimori Ink

While I love notebooks, I might have had more fun mixing my own custom Kakimori ink at the Kakimori “Inkstand.” Available by appointment only, the “Inkstand” experience gives you an hour to mix your own Kakimori ink from the 14 available colors in the Inkstand line of pigment inks. You will have a 15-minute orientation, followed by 45 minutes to mix and test inks to achieve your desired color. My goal was a dark green, and I spent most of the time experimenting with various combinations of yellow, black, and cactus green. I ended up very close to what I originally had in my head! Note that Kakimori inks are pigment inks, which require that you clean your fountain pen a bit more frequently to avoid clogging, since they are formulated from particles of pigment suspended in dye. The upside is the permanence and vibrant colors, as well as the ability to mix colors among others in the same line.

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I made a mess very quickly. Not pictured: me spilling a bottle.

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A close up of my various experiments!

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And, the final result!

Takeaways and Where to Find Kakimori in the U.S.

If you’re ever in Tokyo, I highly recommend a visit to Kakimori because it was easily one of the highlights of my trip. Even if you don’t want to mix your own ink or create your own notebook, they have an extensive lineup of standard products. We have worked with Kakimori for years and regularly stock their dip nibs, fountain pens, pigment inks, and the “Object Index” line. It can sometimes take a while to get Kakimori products into the store since they need to be imported - and most are small-batch and made in small quantities - but we intend to continue carrying them for the foreseeable future!

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While I didn’t end up using shimmer, I did mix a bit of Kakimori’s “Pearlescent” additive to see what my color would look like. I dropped a bit too much in. :)

In addition to our physical store, the Gentleman Stationer is supported by online purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. For more Japan store visits, haul posts, and just some general commentary and observations from a place I’ve never visited before, be sure to follow the TGS Instagram and YouTube accounts!

Thursday Drops: Restocking the Shelves with Ink, Accessories, Pens, Paper & More!

Those of you who stopped by in the weeks after Christmas may have noticed that our shelves looked a little bare - that’s not a bad thing. We had an exceptionally good holiday season and appreciate all of your support! As of this morning, we’ve received shipments from Kakimori, Pilot, Toyo, Iroful, and more, so we’re almost back up to full capacity. We’re especially excited about the just-arrived Kakimori pigmented inks, which can be used in either fountain pens or dip pens and are both water and lightfast for those of you who desire permanence. We also have new arrivals from Toyo, with steel boxes in multiple new colors, and a fresh shipment of Braun desk/alarm clocks in new sizes and shapes.

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Come see these and more in person at our Nashville location! We are open Thursday and Friday from 1pm-6pm, and on Saturday from 10am-6pm. Please note that we have introduced a new appointment system for shopping outside of normal shop hours, and you can also use it to reserve nib appointments for our upcoming in-store event with Vanness Pens and Matthew Chen on January 23 and January 24.

1. Kakimori Pigmented Fountain Pen Inks. We receive many requests for permanent (i.e. lightfast/waterproof) ink, and in the fountain pen world, pigmented inks are by far the best option. Kakimori makes 10 colors, ranging from standard blue, black, and blue-black to more subtle variations on teal and blue-grey.

2. Kakimori Frost Fountain and Rollerball Pens. Kakimori’s “Frost” series of fountain pens feature a longer section, and the rollerball features a tip similar to that found on other popular “inkball” pens that accept fountain pen ink using a cartridge or a converter.

3. Kakimori Dip Nibs and New Short Nib Holders. We have stock of the conical Kakimori metal dip nibs, including copper, brass and steel, as well as the new shorter dip nib holders in a range of colors.

4. Toyo Steel Boxes. These popular desktop storage options have been restocked in new colors, including AMEICO Orange and Glacier. These boxes can hold anything from small bottles of ink to paper clips to pens.

5. Anderillium Ichthyoformes Bottled Inks and Sample Sets. We have restocked all of the Anderillium “Fish” series, plus sample sets from the other Anderillium series. The most recent releases include favorites like Whale Shark Blue Grey, Moray Eel Green, and some of the best dark reds recently released. I did a swatch video of the entire line a while back.

6. Tono & Lims Fountain Pen Inks. Tono & Lims inks have received an enthusiastic reception, especially in-store, and we look forward to adding even more colors to our current curated selection from the Standard, Friendship, and Adult Night Collections.

7. Pilot Kakuno and Pilot Kakuno Madoromi (Drowsy) Fountain Pens. The Pilot Kakuno is one of our most-recommended fountain pens for new users, while also a great pen in and of itself. We have a small stock of the new Modoromi series, which feature gold-tone nibs.

8. Iroful Paper. Known for its ink-friendliness and feel similar to the now-discontinued Cosmo Air Light, Iroful paper comes in notebook, looseleaf, and 6-ring formats, making it a versatile paper option for those who value the ability to use pretty much any fountain pen ink.

9. “Inky Dreams” Washi Tape and Stickers. Ana over at the Well-Appointed Desk creates a line of ink-themed washi tape and stickers, and we’re fully restocked as of this week. These don’t usually stay in stock for long.

10. Col-o-Ring Swatch Cards. Looking to better organize your ink collection in 2026? These swatch cards feature thick ink-friendly paper, and the cards themselves hold up to storage on the included ring with two kraft paper covers.

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Oh, and we still have more of our T.G.S. Rickshaw special edition “Clouds” design, in three different colors and three different style.

New Arrivals: Kakimori Mini Nib Holders, Dip Nibs, and Colour Liners!

If you enjoy ink, you’ve probably heard of Kakimori and their conical metal nibs, which many love for drawing, writing, and ink swatching. We recently received a restock of the Kakimori dip nibs, including the new copper finish and the standard “pen nib”. We’ve also added the Kakimori Mini Nib Holders to our lineup, which are a shorter version of Kakimori’s standard dip nib holder (also back in stock).

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Finally, we’ve brought back the Kakimori “Colour Liner” refillable fineliners, in four different tip sizes. You essentially create your own marker by filling the included wick with your ink of choice. While technically disposable, these markers last a long time - I have several going for well over a year. Check out these and other Kakimori and Object Index products in our shop!

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For those who want to use their nib holder strictly for writing, Kakimori also makes a standard pen nib!

Please note that we are not open on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day this week, as we are finishing up shipping and counting inventory at year-end. We will be open normal hours Friday (1-6pm) and Saturday (10am-6pm).

Pen Review: Object Index Cedar Pocket Pen

If today’s pen looks somewhat familiar, it’s because Object Index has released a pocket-sized take on the Mark’style Tous Les Jours Needle-tip ballpoint, and both feature different versions of the same excellent low-viscosity ballpoint refill. I love these pens because (1) they write a very fine .5mm line that dries almost instantly, with zero smearing; and (2) the hexagonal cedar barrels convincingly imitate the feel of a woodcase pencil.

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Though “pocket-sized,” the pen is still long enough to feel balanced - sort of like when woodcase pencils reach that “perfect” length, having been sharpened several times.

Object Index is a Kakimori “sibling brand” that recently arrived in the shop. The Object Index line includes pens, pencils, and various office and desk accessories, all with a shared minimalist design and complementary colors that include grey, yellow, and natural wood tones. Their take on these “woodcase pens” is a bit more understated than the Mark’s version, with minimal branding and a brushed metal nose cone and knock. The knock feels slightly upgraded on the Cedar Pocket Pen, with more resistance and a firmer feel.

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The signature needle tip of the Ohto refill.

While marketed as a “pocket pen,” I probably won’t be carrying this one in my actual pants pocket, as it’s wood and therefore more subject to damage than a heavier duty metal pen. That said, it’s quite slim, and will fit easily into the pen holders integrated into pocket notebook covers, Plotters, and more, which makes it portable. I understand that this particular pen is also designed to fit into a notepad made by Object Index, which I may try to get in the future.

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Each pen ships with two extra refills, in addition to the one in the barrel.

These needle-tip ballpoints use refills made by Ohto, another Japanese company that makes some of the best needle-tip ballpoint and gel refills around. As I mentioned, it uses a low-viscosity ink that behaves similar to a Uniball Jetstream. Each pen comes as part of a set, which includes three refills (one in the pen, two extra in the package) and is priced at $15 and available in three colors: Grey (shown here), as well as Yellow and Natural. We also have additional refills for this pen available once you use up the three included in the pack (though this will likely take you a VERY long time). For everyday writing, these pens can’t be beat, and many thanks to Kakimori for including an extra in my shipment so that I could review it and test it out myself.

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.5mm Needle-tip writing sample on Midori MD Memo Block paper.

The Gentleman Stationer is supported by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.