Kakimori Pigmented Ink in Bottles — Kakimori’s famed “teardrop” bottles offer stability for filling, and each bottle ships with a stopper inside the cap to prevent any leakage.

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

January 15, 2026

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.

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.

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

TGS x Rickshaw Fillmore — The Fillmore pen case unzips all around and opens like a book.

New Arrivals: Introducing the First T.G.S. Rickshaw Collaboration: "Clouds" by Nick Dominguez

January 6, 2026

We’re excited to finally reveal a project that’s been in the works for some time: our first collaboration with San Francisco-based Rickshaw Bagworks and a local member of our Nashville pen club, artist and designer Nick Dominguez! Featuring Nick’s signature “Clouds” pattern, we currently have nine cases from which to choose, including a Fillmore, Sinclair, and 2-Pen Coozy in three different color options. The Fillmore has six pen slots with room for more and opens like a book, while the Sinclair “Model R” has three pen slots with a more open design. The Coozy is your typical two pen sleeve. All Rickshaw cases feature their signature plush liner that protects pens from scratches and (most) drops.

Rickshaw Plus Liner — The Classic Sinclair “Model R” builds on the original Nock Co. design. This is one of my favorite pen cases of all time!

Nick created the “Clouds” design using multishading fountain pen inks. According to Nick,

“Multi-shading fountain pen inks and clouds have always captivated me for the same reason: their fluid, ever-shifting forms never look the same twice. This artwork aims to bring that parallel to life. Each cloud pattern flows and changes through color and variation, which is what makes working with and writing with these inks also so mesmerizing.”

The T.G.S. x Rickshaw cases are currently available in the “Cases and Accessories” Section of the T.G.S. Curated Shop, and will also be available in-store this week. Please note that we are unable to “hold” items for in-store purchase, though you are welcome to purchase online and select “in-store pickup” to reserve a case and collect your order during normal business hours.

Our Nashville store hours are 1-6pm Thursday and Friday, and 10am-6pm Saturdays. While we do accept shopping by appointment, we require at least 24 hours notice and appointments are discretionary based on our schedule outside normal shop hours, especially during early January as we take inventory. Thanks for your understanding!

Rickshaw-TGS 2-Pen Coozy — And of course there’s the 2-pen Coozy option, which holds two pens (or mechanical pencils) and will fit inside the Rickshaw zippered cases.

Bag Dump: What's in My Rickshaw Banzai Bag?

March 8, 2023

So the people have asked, and I have answered. I teased a photo of my Rickshaw “Banzai” Bag - designed specifically for pen people - and which makes a great carry-all for pen shows and meetups. Despite it’s relatively small size, the Banzai Bag holds an astounding number of pens, in addition to notebooks and tablets up to A5 size. Enjoy the unpacking!

The thing that I love about this bag is its versatility. This was a “Pen Club Saturday” loadout, with three separate pen cases, my Plotter A5, plus some highlighters and my Kindle Scribe for some Saturday afternoon reading.

Rickshaw Banzai Bag Interior Pockets — The Banzai Bag is slightly larger than A5 length-wise, and is capable of holding several notebooks and similarly sized tablets in the center, plus accessories in the three interior pockets: two pockets on one side, a single pocket on the other.

Four pen cases that I regularly carry, clockwise from top: Rickshaw six pen roll/wrap, three-pen coozy in tweed, Lochby Quattro in Brown, and a Rickshaw x Nock Co. Sinclair Model R. You can check out the full selection of Rickshaw cases and sleeves here, and see below for some options on how I arrange the different pen cases.

A5 Notebooks for Banzai Bag — In addition to the pen cases show, I’m able to fit two A5 notebooks (my William Hannah A5 and Plotter A5), as well as a Kindle Scribe.

Banzai Notebooks + Pen Cases — Everything fits! I put one of the notebooks (the Plotter A5) in the single side slot and the rest in the center.

All packed up and ready to go to the Baltimore Pen Show!

Come See This Bag in Person at the Baltimore Pen Show!

As I mentioned yesterday, we will be at the 2023 Baltimore Pen Show in-person! I’ll have this bag (not for sale) and many other items (for sale) at the T.G.S. Table! Since we will be traveling, shipment of shop orders may be slightly delayed until early next week, though as always any orders placed will receive some extra T.G.S. Swag as an apology for any inconvenience. Many thanks for your support, and I hope to meet many of you soon!

The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. This post does not include paid advertisements or third-party affiliate links.

First Impressions: Nock Co. x Rickshaw Bagworks Sinclair "Model R" Pen Case

September 7, 2022

Compared to most pen addicts, I don’t have all that many bags and pen cases. (Sure, I have more than the average “civilian”, but let’s check our comparisons, shall we?) I’ve often asked myself why I’ve never been able to bring myself to sample cases and bags the same way I do writing instruments and paper, and it comes down to two things: attachment, and to a lesser degree, the storage space these things take up.

Nock Co. x Rickshaw Bagworks Sinclair Model R in Saffron

Most people - myself included - can only truly carry one bag and maybe a couple of cases at a time while really using them. Since that’s the case for me (pun intended), I get accustomed to two, maybe three pen cases as part of my own personal carry, and become attached to them. Among those in regular rotation is a single original Nock Co. Sinclair in black waxed canvas with burgundy interior, which I acquired at a past Atlanta Pen Show as a pen-show exclusive design. While none of the other original Nock Co. cases stuck with me, the Sinclair did, and for this reason I called it “The Most Practical Pen Case.” Because it is. Given that this Sinclair has been a near-constant daily companion for going on seven years, I was overjoyed to hear that Nock Co. is collaborating with San Francisco-based Rickshaw Bagworks to create the Sinclair Model R - a slightly modified, or perhaps more accurately, “evolved” - version of the Sinclair.

The original Sinclair holds three pens in separate interior slots, opposite a single larger pocket intended to hold notecards or a pocket notebook. (I use the word “intended” loosely - many people who don’t care about their pens touching have crammed upwards of 20+ pens and other accessories into this case, or stuffed it with multiple pocket notebooks, post-its, and other paper products. Hence “the most versatile pen case.”) The Model R keeps this same configuration.

Just how much can the Sinclair Model R hold? See below to find out!

The key differences between the original Sinclair and the Sinclair Model R are as follows:

Size. The Sinclair Model R is larger, and while it might not appear bulkier, it’s a significantly bigger case. For starters, the case is taller, meaning that there should be more clearance between the top of your pens and the zipper than in the original Sinclair. This was never an issue for me, but for those who carry oversized pens it could be. The Model R is also thicker. How much? You can actually fit the original Sinclair, loaded with three pens, inside the Model R, even if the Model R has pens in the slots. See photos below.
Plush Lining. The Model R includes Rickshaw’s signature soft interior to protect your pens and other accessories from scratches. Again, I never had this issue - or never paid attention to it - with the original Nock Co. cases, but cordura/nylon does have a propensity for “micro scratching” the shiny finishes on some polished pens. Rickshaw cases are known for providing an added layer of protection.
Exterior Pocket. Arguably my favorite addition, the Model R includes an exterior pocket that fits my standard-sized iPhone 12 Pro. Anything that adds to the versatility of a pen case is a plus for me, especially since this particular feature transforms the Model R into a case that I can use for “stand-alone carry” as a mini-bag, not just a pen case or “bag-within-a-bag.”
Paracord Pulls and Optional Pen Loop. You may have noticed that the case I am giving away (check out Monday’s post) features a small loop that you can use to attach the Sinclair Model R to a lanyard, carabiner, pelican clip, etc. The loop currently is not a standard feature, but I understand that it can be added via customization at some point in the future. Personally, I love this detail because the exterior pocket on my twill Filson briefcase has a built-in clip that I would absolutely use to add further security to my pen case. My Rickshaw Model R also has paracord loops on the zippers, a nice touch that may not be necessary but is an added convenience.

With the exception of my eyeglasses, everything in the previous photo fits into the Sinclair Model R: the Plotter Mini-5, three pens, and my iPhone 12 Pro.

Sinclair Inside Sinclair Model R — I’m not sure if I’ll ever actually use the cases in this manner, but maybe for consolidated pen show travel?

I’ve already checked - the Sinclair Model R zips shut in this “configuration” with plenty of zipper clearance.

The paracord loop that can be added to the back of the Sinclair Model R.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

The Sinclair Model R is a worthy successor - and in many ways arguably an improvement upon - prior iterations of the Nock Co. Sinclair pen case. I’m especially glad to see that Rickshaw plans to make the case available in their full array of colors and patterns, and they certainly had some stunners on display at the San Francisco Pen Show.

You can really see the size difference when the cases are side-by-side. Original Sinclair (right) shown with the Model R (left).

You can currently purchase the Sinclair Model R in certain select colors on the Rickshaw Bags website, for the San Francisco Pen Show promotional price of $40. (Standard pricing will be $59 - still a relative bargain in today’s market.) At some point, you will be able to custom configure the colors and design of the case like most other Rickshaw products (including adding the loop discussed above), and I understand the plan is to also allow retailers to stock this design in their own custom patterns and configurations.

I purchased the Saffron Sinclair Model R and the original Sinclair featured in this post with my own funds, for my own use. The black Sinclair Model R show in the first picture was donated by Nock Co. and Rickshaw for giveaway purposes, and you can enter the giveaway here! This post does not contain affiliate links or paid sponsorships.

Labor Day Giveaway, Courtesy of Rickshaw Bagworks and Nock Co.!

September 5, 2022

Brad was kind enough to send me home from the San Francisco Pen Show with an extra Nock Co. Sinclair “Model R”, in classic black cordura with bright yellow interior. While the case customizer isn’t quite ready over at Rickshaw Bagworks, you can still choose from some of Brad’s favorite color combinations, and comment below on the blog to get this one for free!

Nock Co. Rickshaw Sinclair Model R Black Yellow

I’m keeping the rules for this giveaway simple, with no widgets, third-party apps, etc. You can leave a comment on this blog post, and/or visit the T.G.S. Instagram and like the post there. I’ll number comments and likes and then pick a winner using a random number generator. The giveaway will remain open until 11:59pm Central U.S. time on Sunday, September 11, 2022. While the giveaway is open to everyone (provided it’s possible for me to ship to you), I may request that you chip in for international shipping if it ends up being prohibitively expensive. Also, if you comment anonymously or don’t allow Instagram DMs, I may not be able to contact you to tell you that you won.

Finally, remember that all orders placed in the T.G.S. Curated Shop through today will receive a freebie, such as some washi tape, an ink sample, a pen or pencil, etc. All orders over $75 ship free!

This giveaway is not a paid promotion. Nock Co. and Rickshaw donated this case for promotional purposes, and T.G.S. is not being compensated in any way by either company for running it.