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The Gentleman Stationer

Vintage Living in the Modern World.
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Check out the patina on the brass! It’s amazing what five years can do!

Review Revisited: The Penwell Classic Five Years Later

October 27, 2022

It’s been five years since Penwell Co. (since renamed Good Made Better as they’ve expanded their range of goods) introduced the Penwell, a thoughtfully engineered desktop pen stand designed to allow you to enjoy the “desk pen” experience with any fountain pen or other capped writing instrument. I’ve received a few questions over the past two weeks regarding how exactly the Penwell works and how I use it, so I thought it might be fun to do a “review revisited” post.

I have two Classic Penwells: one in the brass finish, and one in our exclusive “Aged Red”.

The beauty of the Penwell is that it’s such a simple product. It consists of three parts: (1) the base, available in a variety of materials and finishes; (2) a foam insert, which secures the pen cap, and (3) a microsuction pad that adheres to your desk or other surface. The Penwell’s base does not use any sort of adhesive, but rather thousands of tiny microscopic suction cups. I have two different Penwells that I’ve used for years, and despite moving them around multiple times, I’ve never had the microsuction pad damage the finish on any surface, nor has it lost any of its stickiness. If you find the Penwell coming loose or sliding around, all you typically need to do is wipe the microsuction surface with a damp cloth and you’re good to go.

The foam insert is flexible enough to accommodate pens of varying sizes. While I’ve been able to use nearly all pens with the standard foam insert (which ships with our Aged Red Model), if you have an especially large pen you can purchase a thinner XL foam sleeve for $5 directly from Good Made Better.

As I noted in my original review, I love that the Penwell gives me the ability to “park” my pen cap-down while I’m working, especially with larger pens that don’t post. One reason that I post my pens is that I get (justifiably) nervous about the cap getting knocked off the desk onto the floor, and my strategically placed Penwells give me peace of mind. The Penwell base holds the cap securely, so you can uncap your pen one-handed and easily recap when you’re finished writing, as you would with a traditional desk pen. Currently, I have one Penwell stationed on my main desk in my home office, and another on each standing desk, at home and in my office downtown.

The Penwell microsuction base on a two year-old Penwell. For a demonstration of how to use the pen holder, check out this Instagram video.

I’ve always loved the idea of a dedicated desk pen, especially some of the more lovely vintage sets, but the bases tend to have a large footprint and the pens themselves aren’t especially versatile, featuring long tapers and low ink capacity. With the Penwell, you can use your pen of choice in “desk pen mode”, and then pull it out to take it with you when you move away from your desk. That said, I sometimes use my larger Opus 88 eyedroppers, such as the classic “Demonstrator” pens, as semi-permanent desk pens when they’re inked. They hold so much ink that if I’m on a busy streak at work and don’t want to worry about refilling, I can park them in the Penwell and keep a fountain pen at the ready, which is convenient for those days when I accidentally leave my pen case at home. Below I’ve included pictures of the Penwell with fountain pens in different sizes, to showcase the versatility.

View fullsize Penwell with Opus 88 Demo
Penwell with Opus 88 Demo
View fullsize Penwell with PenBBS Pneumatic
Penwell with PenBBS Pneumatic
View fullsize Penwell with TWSBI ECO
Penwell with TWSBI ECO
View fullsize Penwell with Opus 88 Minty
Penwell with Opus 88 Minty
View fullsize Penwell with Platinum Plaisir
Penwell with Platinum Plaisir

Takeaways and Where to Buy

Years later, the Penwell is still one of my most-used desk accessories, which is notable because I tend to cycle through things and “redecorate” my workspace often. There are very few constants on my desktop. I expect the appreciation for this product is widespread, given that Good Made Better has expanded over the years and become a fixture at pen shows.

Here, I liked the Penwell so much that it was my first choice for a product collaboration back in 2020 when I launched the T.G.S. Curated Shop. In addition to our own special-edition Penwell in the T.G.S.-exclusive “Aged Red” finish, you can purchase other Penwells directly from the Good Made Better website, along with a range of other desk accessories designed to make your work more enjoyable, including the recently released “Bookfellow” book weight. The Penwell Classic (which remains my preferred model) comes in a variety of different finishes, though you may also want to check out the larger Penwell Craftsman and the portable Penwell Traveller.

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of certain Penwell products. This post does not contain paid third-party affiliate links. T.G.S. is supported entirely by purchases through the T.G.S. Curated Shop and the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

In Accessories, TGS Curated Shop Tags Penwell, Desk Accessories
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No, a Nakaya is NOT included with your purchase.

It's Back! The T.G.S. x Penwell "Aged Red" Exclusive (Available for Preorder)

October 15, 2022

Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with some of my favorite makers on exclusive products, and one of the creations I’m most proud of is the first one: the T.G.S. exclusive Penwell pen holder in a unique “Aged Red” finish that draws its inspiration from the T.G.S. blog colors, burgundy and black. While these Penwells are powder-coated aluminum, as opposed to Urushi, I wanted to pick a finish that complements the look and depth of the dark red finish on my Nakaya Decapod. The subtle black and red grain on the Aged Red came out absolutely gorgeous during the last run, and given the number of requests for more I wanted to do another batch.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Penwell, it’s one of my favorite fountain pen accessories that allows you to turn any pen into a desk pen. I have one (or maybe two) on my desk at all times, and you can read my full write-up here.

Packaging may vary with the new run.

These special edition Penwells are available for preorder in the T.G.S. Curated Shop, priced at $75, which is the same price as the prior run and qualifies for free shipping. T.G.S. Patreon Supporters receive a special pricing + free shipping, so if you are a Patreon member, please check your messages. The Penwells should arrive in a week or so, and I will ship upon receipt. Please feel free to combine your Penwell pre-order with other items to save on shipping charges, though combined orders will ship together with the Penwell. Many thanks for your support, and I can’t wait to get them in your hands!

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of all brands sold. Also, a reminder that today is the last day to use your discount code as I’m returning from vacation. Use “VACAY10” at checkout to receive 10% off all paper orders.

In TGS Curated Shop Tags Penwell, T.G.S. Curated Shop, T.G.S. Exclusive
1 Comment

Fountain Pen not included.

T.G.S. Summer Giveaway, Round Three: Courtesy of Sunderland, Penwell, and Musgrave!

June 6, 2022

It’s still all-aboard the giveaway train around here, and this week I’m clearing out some more prototypes and review samples that deserve to find a home in someone’s daily rotation. I have three exceptionally good giveaway items this week:

  • T.G.S. x. Sunderland mk1 Prototype Rollerball Pen. While the final version of the T.G.S. signature mk1 features a matte black and red finish, this prototype version features a polished finish. While we decided to go in a different direction for the pen that went to market, this one still looks great is a fully functional Sunderland mk1 for you to use as a daily writer. Read more about the Sunderland mk1 here.

  • Penwell Traveler Pen Holder. This portable Penwell features a matte white finish with brass hardware, and comes in a zippered travel pouch.

  • Assortment of Musgrave Pencils. The team at Musgrave, my local Tennessee pencil maker, is kind enough to periodically send me items to give away. Our final giveaway prize will be an assortment of Musgrave pencils, along with a high-quality sharpener so that you can put a fine point on your writing!

As per the usual, enter using the Gleam widget below, which also contains the full terms and conditions. In short, the giveaway will run all week until Sunday, June 12, at 11:59pm U.S. Central Time. Once the giveaway closes I will randomly select three winners. While this giveaway is open to participants worldwide, I may not be able to ship to your location due to legal restrictions or prohibitive cost. If cost is an issue, I will reach out to let you know and give you the option of covering a portion of the shipping costs.

This post does NOT contain paid third-party affiliate links. With respect to the giveaway, I don’t personally use any of your information for marketing, etc., but since Gleam is a third-party I’d encourage you to refer to their privacy policy.

Tags Giveaway, 2022 Giveaway, Sunderland MK1, Penwell, Musgrave
29 Comments

Nakaya not included.

T.G.S. Exclusive Penwell Now Available!

September 15, 2020

I’m proud to announce that my collaboration with Good Made Better is now available for purchase! This T.G.S.-exclusive edition Penwell features a unique “Aged Red” finish that draws its inspiration from the T.G.S. blog colors, burgundy and black. While these Penwells are powder-coated aluminum, as opposed to Urushi, I wanted to pick a finish that complements the look and depth of the dark red finish on my Nakaya Decapod. The subtle black and red grain on the Aged Red came out absolutely gorgeous.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Penwell, it’s one of my favorite fountain pen accessories that allows you to turn any pen into a desk pen. I have one on my desk at all times, and you can read my full write-up here.

These special edition Penwells are available in the T.G.S. Curated Shop, priced at $75. T.G.S. Patreon Supporters will receive special pricing, so if you are a Patreon member, please check your messages. All purchasers of the Penwell will receive a complimentary T.G.S. Bookmark from Good Made Better, and since these orders automatically qualify for free shipping, you can combine your order with other items from the Curated Shop. Since I just received a huge Write Notepads restock, you may want to stock up!

View fullsize T.G.S. Exclusive Penwell
View fullsize T.G.S. Exclusive Penwell Angle 2
In TGS Curated Shop Tags Penwell, TGS Curated Shop
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The Penwell Desktop Pen Holder

November 29, 2017

Penwell Co. was formed this year “with the simple goal of making and selling a useful, attractive, and well-built product.” That product is the eponymous Penwell, a pen stand that “turns any pen into a desk pen” and not only comes in quite handy, but looks great at your workspace.

Based in Wallace, South Dakota and run by pen enthusiast Dan Keller, Penwell Co. is “Singularly Focused, Singularly Named.” The company aims to do one thing very well, and by this standard has not only succeeded but should have a bright future.

The Penwell is ingeniously simple, and has only four parts: (1) the base, currently available in either walnut, aluminum, or brass; (2) an internal clip, which grips the pen; (3) a foam insert, which protects and pads the pen cap; and (4) a microsuction pad that adheres to your desk or other surface. The Penwell does not use any sort of adhesive, but rather thousands of tiny microscopic suction cups. The microsuction system works incredibly well. It stays put, and I’ve moved my Penwells multiple times without damaging the finish on my wood desk.

To turn your pen into a desk pen using the Penwell, simply insert the pen cap-first into the foam insert until it’s fully secured. Larger pens and slip cap pens may require further adjustment, and Penwell Co. offers detailed use and care instructions on its website, including pointers on how to make these pens fit. For the record, I’ve had no issues with any of my pens not fitting in the Penwell, including larger pens like the Montblanc 146 and my Kanilea pens (which look absolutely gorgeous in the Walnut version).

Kanilea Pen Co. Nui Nalu fountain pen in the Walnut Penwell. The Penwell matches the wooden box that comes with all Kanilea pens.

The great thing about this product is that it creates versatility. I love desk pens, but I don’t like the fact that a dedicated fountain pen desk set has to stay parked on your desk all the time. I’ve had issues with the ink drying up from disuse. Penwell solves this problem by making it easy to grab your "desk pen" out of the Penwell and go - to a coffee shop or my downtown office, for example - and then re-park the pen in the Penwell once I get home.

View fullsize Penwell Packaging
View fullsize Brass Penwell in Tin

Another thing I love about the Penwell: it helps me out with those pens that won't post at all or are too long posted to use comfortably. (Parker’s Modern Duofold and Conklin’s Duragraph are two that recently crossed my desk.) I generally prefer to post my pens, in part because I have so much stuff sitting on my desk at any given time that I tend to lose track of caps or drop them on the floor. These longer, "unpostable" pens are perfect for the Penwell, which will hold the cap while I'm writing. Another problem solved!   

Takeaways and Where to Buy

Many thanks to Dan at Penwell Co. for sending me these two Penwells and making this review possible. This is one of those well made, thoughtful products that makes you smile and which I have been using every day. Since the Penwell was released just in time for the holiday season, it made its way directly into my 2017 Holiday Gift Guide, and would make a great present for any pen enthusiast.

You can purchase the Penwell directly from the Penwell website. The walnut version costs $49, the aluminum version $59, and the brass $89. These prices are more than fair, given the quality, originality, and obvious effort that went into finalizing and packaging this product.

Disclaimer: Penwell Co. sent me the products featured in this review free of charge, for review purposes.

In Pen Storage Tags Penwell, Desk Set, Pen Stands
1 Comment
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