New Arrivals: Rite in the Rain All-Weather Pens, Mechanical Pencils, and Cases!

I’ve been aware of Rite in the Rain for a long time, mainly due to their “all weather” line of notebooks and notepads (including some really nice hardbound field notebooks) that are a favorite of field researchers, backpackers, boaters, and really anyone who needs a notebook that will perform under non-standard conditions. While the paper doesn’t work with writing instruments that use water-based ink (since the paper is designed to repel water), those looking for an all-weather solution typically use a pencil, ballpoint, or marker, so it tends to be a non-issue in this specific case.

View fullsize

Shown here is the Rite in the Rain Monsoon “Dirtbag” (Yes, that’s the name :) ) which is a waterproof/dirtproof pouch designed to protect your notebooks while offering easy access to pens, pencils, and accessories.

As of this week, we’ve also added Rite in the Rain’s line of 1.3mm mechanical pencils, click pens and bullet pens, and “Monsoon” waterproof pouches and cases. The mechanical pencils have been a frequent request, as many of you are apparently looking for pencils that use sturdier lead in the .9mm to 1.3mm range. The standard Rite in the Rain pencil uses a very dark 1.3mm 2B graphite, which I’ve found quite nice to write with. The ballpoint refills are manufactured for Rite in the Rain by Fisher Space Pen, but per Rite in the Rain feature a slightly modified ink formulation optimized for Rite in the Rain’s paper. Personally, I find the Rite in the Rain refill slightly less viscous, and that it leave a finer line.

We are an authorized reseller of Rite in the Rain products. Come see these and more in-shop! We will be open this week from 1pm-6pm Thursday and Friday, and 10am-6pm on Saturday. Be sure to check the shop page for up-to-date hours.

Ask TGS: What's The Best Paper for Pencils?

The question above is one that I get regularly. Just as fountain pen enthusiasts are extraordinarily particular about paper, pencil enthusiasts also have their preferences, and people regularly approach me for “pencil paper” recommendations. What’s interesting is that fountain pen and pencil preferences can be diametrically opposed: certain smooth, coated papers that work well with fountain pens can feel too glassy and smeary with graphite; whereas more textured, tactile papers that appeal to pencil enthusiasts might catch on a pen nib and/or be too absorbent for water-based inks.

What Are My personal Pencil Preferences?

This is an “Ask TGS” post, so it goes without saying that my answer here is colored by my own personal preferences, which favor a more tactile writing experience when using pencils. I tend to like pencils with graphite on the scratchier side, and seek out paper with texture somewhat akin to a sketchbook. That’s what I think of as “pencil paper”. Yes, there are people who prefer smoother paper with pencils, in part because it won’t wear the point down as quickly and won’t require sharpening the pencil as frequently. If you value point retention, definitely take this into account. Personally, I enjoy pausing periodically to sharpen the pencil, as it forces me to slow down and periodically reflect. YMMV.

View fullsize

Appointed’s heavy-duty spiral “The Notebook” has become a pencil favorite.

Papers That I Love with Pencil, In No particular order

1. Blackwing Paper. Predictably, Blackwing Paper was designed with pencils in mind, and I’ve always found that the Slate notebooks and “Illegal Pads” strike a good balance between texture and functionality. They’re textured enough to feel satisfying with pencil, yet not too rough to use with pens. I’ve had very good luck using Blackwing paper with most fountain pens.

2. Baron Fig Paper. I have a large stock of Baron Fig “Mastermind” Desk Pads that I purchased years ago, so it’s possible the paper has changed as Baron Fig has reconfigured a lot of their product line, but as originally reviewed the Mastermind paper was excellent paper for pencils. Fountain pens can be hit or miss, though I always find the paper adequate for most everyday tasks where I’m using one of these tear-off desk pads. Notsu’s Writing Pads are similar.

3. Appointed Paper. I discovered Appointed last year when I was shopping in New York City and picked up one of their top-bound spiral to-do pads. I fell in love with this paper for pencil, even if it’s too absorbent to use with fountain pens broader than a fine. Appointed Paper has what I’d consider to be a near-perfect texture for pencils and might be my new standard for graphite.

4. Midori MD Cotton. One of my favorite “middle ground” workhorse papers for when I want to use fountain pens, pencils, and other inks interchangeably, Midori MD Cotton has subtle texture and exceptional ink-friendliness for a more absorbent cotton paper. If Midori offered this paper with rulings (like they used to), it would easily be my primary writing paper.

5. Any Sort of Laid or Textured Paper (G. Lalo, Original Crown Mill, Bindewerk). There’s definitely a balance, because overly textured paper can cause lead breakage with longer points and mechanical pencils, but traditional laid or linen-textured paper can be fun to use with pencils. Most of these papers also handle ink well, though some users dislike heavier texture with a fountain pen nib or pen tip, especially finer points or sharper shapes like stubs and architects that can get caught in the ridges.

While I hope you find this helpful, there’s no substitute for your own experimentation. This can be hard to explain to in-store customers or pen show attendees: some people want there to be an undisputed “best paper,” but the most I can offer is starting point. Enjoy the exploration, as that can be the best part of the hobby. The great thing about paper is that it’s expendable. If you keep writing, you’ll eventually use it up and you can try something different!

Come see us in-store this week and try some of this for yourself! We are open from 1pm-6pm Thursday and Friday, and with reduced hours from 9-11am this Saturday (I have a family event to attend.) I will likely have some make-up hours Sunday afternoon.

New Arrivals: Tombow Mono 4B and 6B Pencils, a May Pencil Promotion, and Lochby Tomoe 68gsm!

In case you missed it from this weekend, we’ve declared May “Pencil Month” here at T.G.S., and are offering 10% off all pencil and pencil accessory orders through 5/31, using the coupon code “PENCIL10” at checkout. We have all sorts of new pencils from brands including Appointed, Tombow (including the 4B and 6B Mono pencils pictured here and discussed in our latest “Currently Inked” video), Musgrave, and Viarco, as well as a wide range of sharpeners, extenders, erasers, and more. Sale applies to both wood and mechanical pencils, but please note that Blackwing and TWBSI are excluded due to manufacturers’ restrictions.

View fullsize

Lochby A5 Slim, B5, and Pocket “Planner” (a new layout).

New Formats of Lochby Paper (Tomoe River 68gsm)

I have a soft spot for Lochby because they use 68gsm Tomoe River Paper, one of my favorite fountain pen friendly papers available. Not only have we restocked on all ruling in the standard A5 and “pocket” size formats, but Lochby has recently added two new sizes: a larger format B5 notebook, and a more compact A5 Slim format. These versatile notebooks can be used in Lochby covers as well as a wide range of other compatible notebook systems, as long as the size matches.

Everything shown here is also available in our brick and mortar shop, which will be open regular hours this week (Thursday-Friday 1-6pm, and Saturday 10am-6pm). Come take a tour of our new look shop, which we’ve recently been updating.

New Arrivals: More Viarco Pencils and Accessories (Including Violet Pencils and Pencil Caps!)

Viarco pencils have returned, and it appears as though this brand will be regularly carried by a U.S. distributor, which of course makes me very happy! Viarco pencils represent an excellent combination of quality and value, and are made in one of the last operating European pencil factories. The graphite sharpens very well and holds an excellent point for writing.

View fullsize

These spring-style pencil protectors are inexpensive and sold in packs of 8.

We currently have all of the various vintage-style pencils in stock, as well as the popular pencil caps and pencil gift sets, which contain a dozen of each vintage style for a half-gross in total. All of these pencils are HB-grade graphite, with the exception of the surprisingly popular vintage violet copying pencils.

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

Chasing the Perfect Point: Considerations in Choosing a Desktop Pencil Sharpener

Though fountain pens have received the most attention in the "analog revolution" that's taken place during the past decade, the humble woodcase pencil has also seen a resurgence in popularity. Wooden pencils require their own set of "gear", ranging from pencil cases that can accommodate longer pencils like Blackwings, to portable handheld sharpeners, to what I plan to talk about today: the desktop pencil sharpener.

In addition to the satisfying, tactile sensation of writing with a freshly sharpened pencil, many people love the inherent customizability. Depending on whether you are writing, drawing, or even highlighting, you can change the point on your pencil to suit your purpose and/or preference, and a versatile desktop pencil sharpener can make this process a lot easier. That said, there's a wide range of excellent desktop sharpeners available on the market, priced from as little as $20 all the way up to $500+ for a handmade El Casco sharpener from Spain. Here are a few things to consider when looking at desktop sharpeners.

Note: I’m only considering manual sharpeners in this review. Electric sharpeners, in my experience, do not last as long, and I’ve not found one that I’m happy with.

My El Casco sharpener has four different pre-set point style options. I generally leave it set to “as long as possible.”

How do you use your pencils?

Specifically, do you want a longer point for writing, or do you need some versatility for softer graphite or colored pencils used for art or highlighting? Some sharpeners are primarily intended for basic school or office use, and therefore offer just a single point style (typically a long, sharp point). Others have more options, such as shorter blunt tips that many artists prefer for sketching and coloring.

View fullsize

Even within the “long point” style, there’s a lot of variation. Here, you can see four long-points, from left: El Casco, Caran d’Ache Pencil Sharpening Machine (Mini), Caran d’Ache Pencil Sharpening Machine (Standard), and Uni Mitsubish KH-20. The long El Casco tip allows you to write for a very long time, and the point is very durable, but at the same time it’s blunt and won’t give you an ultra fine line unless you file the point down further. (El Casco incorporates a file into the shavings drawer.)

Do you like curved or needle tips, and do you care whether the sharpener leaves marks on your pencil?

Even if you know that a single-length, long-point sharpener works for you, there's a lot of variation within that category. Certain sharpeners, such as the Caran d'Ache Pencil Sharpening Machine (mini version) and the El Casco, create a curved, almost concave point similar to handheld sharpeners like the M+R Pollux and Blackwing One-Step. Others will sharpen to an equally long "straight" point that ends in a needle tip. Personal preference determines what works best for you, and factors such as handwriting size and style, writing pressure, and aesthetic preferences all come in to play. For example, many people feel that a slightly curved point is stronger, and therefore reduces breakage for those who write with a heavy hand.

View fullsize

Baring their teeth and waiting to chew up your pencils.

And, yes, certain desktop sharpeners leave "teeth marks". While the Carl Angel 5/Classroom friendly sharpener is the most notorious in this regard, the Caran d'Ache sharpeners will also mark the barrel of your pencils. This isn't something I really care about - pencils are a consumable product and the marks will get sharpened away eventually with the rest of the pencil - but it really bothers some people. Sharpeners like the Carl CC-2000, the Uni-Mitsubishi KH-20, and, yes, the El Casco all feature a "toothless" chuck with a rubber grip instead.

View fullsize

The standard Caran d’Ache Pencil Sharpening Machine makes what I would consider a “classic” conical long point.

How much desk space do you have? Are you looking for a design piece or heirloom that you can pass along to your children?

An El Casco or a larger Caran d'Ache Pencil Sharpening Machine is intended to serve as a design centerpiece for your desk as much as a sharpener. These things are very large, heavy, and plainly intended to serve as an office focal point. (Trust me, a bright yellow El Casco is a conversation starter.) On the other hand, the "mini" version of the Caran d'Ache sharpener is lightweight, portable, and can easily be tucked into a desk drawer. The Carl Angel 5 and Uni-Mitsubish UH-20 sit somewhere in between.

View fullsize

From left, the El Casco, the Uni Mitsubishi KH-20, the Classroom Friendly/Angel-5, and the Caran d’Ache Pencil Sharpening Machine (Mini).

The more expensive desktop sharpeners are handcrafted and built to last for many years. The primary example here is the El Casco sharpener, which is handmade in Spain and can command prices of up to $600. As I noted above, they're incredibly versatile, capable of the longest concave points possible, but not everyone needs this level of customization or quality. That said, if you're a pencil enthusiast or a serious artist who wants to invest in a quality tool that your kids can use, you may view it as a worthy investment. Another sharpener reminiscent of the El Casco but at a lower price point is the metal version of the Caran d'Ache pencil sharpening machine. You get a similarly substantial metal construction at a lower price point, but you don't get the point variation options of the El Casco.

View fullsize

No, I’m not selling my yellow El Casco.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

You don't need to spend a lot of money to get a consistently good experience with a desktop sharpener. It all depends on what you need the sharpener to do functionality-wise, and whether you want to pay extra for things like history, handcrafted construction, and iconic design. On the lower end of the price spectrum, I've had excellent experiences with the Carl Angel 5 / Classroom Friendly Sharpener, as well as the Uni Mitsubishi KH-20. These sharpeners fall in the $20-30 range (with some more expensive specialty colors), and are extremely serviceable. The Uni sharpener even offers a basic point adjustment function. Slightly more expensive ($50) is the mini Caran d'Ache Pencil Sharpening Machine. Finally, as noted above, you have the top end of the pricing scale, with the Caran d'Ache Pencil Sharpening Machine at $150-200 and the El Casco as high as $600.

There are many different manual desktop sharpeners available on the market, and I can only write about the 4-5 I have in my possession. (I can't really justify buying more as they take up a fair bit of space.) Once we take possession of our new brick-and-mortar space later this month, I hope to be able to make more sharpeners available for in person testing and purchase!

UPDATE: For those of you who can’t visit in person, check out this demonstration video I did for YouTube, featuring the sharpeners discussed here.

Don’t miss our current 4th of July Weekend Sale, which can net you an extra 10% off pencils and a sharpener of your choice (some exclusions apply) with the coupon code FIREWORKS at checkout. See the full details here.