New Arrivals: TRAVELER'S Notebooks in Standard and Passport, Plus OnionBrand A5 Leather Covers!

TRAVELER’S Notebooks are more popular than ever, and we have a fresh shipment that arrived yesterday. Currently we have Passport-size Starter Kits in Black and Blue, and Standard-size Starter Kits in Olive, as well as most refills and accessories with more on the way for those items that are currently sold out.

If you prefer full A5-size notebooks, we’ve also received a fresh restock of handmade OnionBrand leather covers. OnionBrand is a local Nashville maker specializing in leather, and I’m fortunate enough to be able to work with them to bring you these A5 covers that can hold up to two slim A5 notebooks or one full-size notebook or planner. (Currently I have my A5 Wonderland222 planner in one of the “Polished Saddle” covers.)

You can come see these and more in-person in our Nashville shop, where we have a range of notebooks and accessories from TRAVELER’S Company, Roterfaden, OnionBrand, and more! We are open this week Thursday and Friday from 1-6pm, and Saturday from 10am-5pm.  

New Arrivals: Lochby Field Sling, "Duo" Two-Pen Cases, and New Colors!

The long-awaited Lochby “Field Sling” is in stock in limited quantities! If you’ve been looking for a streamlined A5 EDC bag that can hold a notebook, a phone, a few pens, and maybe a small tablet and other items, the Field Sling features the same waxed canvas construction as the rest of the Lochby line. We’ve also added the Lochby “Duo” two-pen cases, the new Quattro 2.0 with a longer design, and new colors of the Field Journal and Mini Venture Pouch. Lochby is always popular over the holidays as these sorts of cases and travel accessories make great gifts!

If you’re looking for a compact notebook to carry in your Field Sling, we also received a shipment of Passport TRAVELER’S Notebooks in Brown, Olive, and Blue, as well as a restock of most TRAVELER’S Company refills. The notebooks have been out of stock for a while but we are starting to see restocks trickle in, at least in the Passport size.

This week our Nashville shop will be open mostly normal hours, from 1-6pm Thursday and Friday and from 10am-5pm on Saturday (closing slightly early due to a personal commitment). If you’re looking for gift ideas, be sure to check out the 2025 edition of our Annual Holiday Gift Guide!

TRAVELER's Notebook vs. Yamamoto Ro-Biki: What's the Difference?

Since I’m becoming something of a notebook system specialist (Check out our new resource here!), I sometimes get questions about how the different systems compare to one another. While the Traveler’s Notebook is the most widely known “tall narrow” notebook format, there’s another option out there: The “Ro-Biki Note” series of notebooks from Yamamoto Paper. Online photos can create the perception that these two systems are related and/or interchangeable, and that’s not necessarily the case. Here are a few key differences:

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The Ro-Biki canvas cover is actually more of a wrap. It ships with a velcro strap that not only closes the cover but also allows you to secure pens and other accessories in the outside pocket.

• Different Measurements. While both Traveler’s Notebook and Ro-Biki are the same height (8.25”), the Traveler’s refill notebooks are roughly 4.25” wide, and Ro-Biki notebooks are 3.75” wide. This means that Ro-Biki notebooks will fit in a standard-size Traveler’s Notebook cover but a Traveler’s refill will be too wide for the Ro-Biki canvas cover (unless you trim the Traveler’s refill down).

• Different Paper. Both brands use excellent paper that works well with a wide range of writing instruments - including fountain pens. Traveler’s Company mostly uses Midori MD paper for its standard refills (both companies share the same corporate parent), while also offering a wider range of options including watercolor, sketch, and ultralight Tomoe River paper. For the Ro-Biki notebooks, Yamamoto has chosen a soft cream-colored paper that I’ve seen identified as either “Chiffon Cream” or “Soliste” (which is one of the select papers in Yamamoto’s latest round of A4 packs). Again, both brands use good paper and this will come down to personal preference.

• Different Build/Aesthetics. Traveler’s Company uses a cord-based system to hold the refills inside a basic leather cover that closes with an elastic band. The Ro-Biki is a bit more unique, in that Yamamoto has commissioned a cotton canvas cover that incorporates a zippered case and pockets along the outside. If you enjoy the Ro-Biki paper and notebook dimensions, you might find that the Ro-Biki also offers more built-in functionality out of the box, though this comes at the expense of customization. Those looking to avoid leather might also prefer the Yamamoto option.

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I might take a Ro-Biki to the beach next week, since I can take it to the pool and down to the water without worrying about water getting splashed on leather.

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Sorry, some of my writing had to be blurred here, for personal reasons.

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Ro-Biki notebooks attach to the canvas cover by sliding the back cover of one notebook into a pocket, and then attaching additional notebooks to the “anchor notebook” using two supplied rubber bands, which are very thin and unobtrusive. Oh, and can we also get a shout-out for reticle grid? It’s one of the more underutilized rulings, IMHO.

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Regardless of which stationery pouch I’m carrying, I have post-it notes, stamps, and document flags with me.

Takeaways and My Personal Thoughts

Traveler’s Notebook and Yamamoto Ro-Biki Note are different products that I suspect will appeal to different users. Traveler’s Notebook is more of a truly customizable system/system techo, while I’d characterize Ro-Biki as a notebook with a bit of built-in functionality in the canvas cover (which may be perfectly adequate for many users). Update: I’ve published a YouTube demonstration of me setting up the Ro-Biki, plus a size comparison with the Traveler’s Notebook.

Personally, I love Yamamoto’s Soliste paper, and I’ve enjoyed using one of the Ro-Biki reticle-grid notebooks for testing. This was enough to make me grab one of the covers for myself, as I already have Soliste hole-punched in my Plotters for general writing and the Ro-Biki Note paper has the same soft feel to it. (I’d love to confirm whether these are indeed Soliste notebooks - stay tuned.) Whatever paper it is, it’s handled all my inks quite well, and it makes me want to keep writing with it.

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As of today, we have Yamamoto Paper Robiki covers and Robiki-Note notebooks in stock, and of course we continue to offer the full Traveler’s Notebook lineup and the new similarly sized Lochby Voyager Journals. Come see us in-store this week, starting tomorrow and Friday from 1-6, and Saturday from 10-6. Next week (July 13-20) we will be on vacation so get your shopping in before then!

Thursday Drops: Traveler's Notebook "Tokyo Edition," Stalogy 2024 Special Editions, TWSBI Pre-orders and More!

A while back I mentioned that April can be like the holiday season for stationery lovers, and this week is no exception. Starting today, the 2024 Limited Edition Traveler’s Company “Tokyo” Notebook Sets and accessories are available for purchase, along with the 2024 Stalogy Special Edition 1/2 Year Notebook in white and new Tomoe River Paper options. These refills will fit most A5 notebook system covers from brands such as Lochby and Roterfaden, making them great options for setting up a new system or expanding your existing setup.

TWSBI Pre-orders are also open for the Caffé Bronze ECO fountain pen. The Indigo Blue + Bronze ECO has been one of the best-selling TWSBI pens of the past couple years - so much that it sold out and TWSBI had to make more. If you’re into the muted color palette like I am, you’ll love this latest coffee-themed release. Links to all these and more below!

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

1. Traveler’s Company Tokyo Edition Traveler’s Notebook Starter Set. This year, Traveler’s Company gives us a black leather Traveler’s Notebook with Tokyo-themed artwork. Each set contains a Standard-sized notebook cover with a Tokyo-themed blank MD Paper refill.

2. Traveler’s Company Tokyo Brass Pencil. I love that Traveler’s Company is releasing additional limited edition writing instruments. This year’s release is one of the Brass Pencils, and you better believe I snagged one of these for myself.

3. Traveler’s Company Tokyo Edition Refills. You can also purchase additional Tokyo-themed limited edition refills, including a second blank MD-paper refill as well as a “Postcard” refill that contains detachable postcards made from heavy Watercolor stock.

4. Traveler’s Company Tokyo Brass Charm Set. A set of two brass charms to add to your Tokyo Traveler’s Notebook, or your existing setup! The “Taiyaki” (fish) charm is designed to slide onto the belly band of your notebook, while the Sakura (cherry blossom) charm attaches to the bookmark.

5. Traveler’s Company Tokyo Sticker Set. This year’s limited edition Tokyo-themed sticker set features some great artwork to adorn your Traveler’s accessories (or your laptop).

6. TWSBI ECO Caffé Bronze Edition (Pre-Order). A coffee-themed TWSBI? I’m in. This pen is currently available for pre-order and should start shipping as soon as the pens arrive early next week. Reserve yours now! Additional Indigo Blue + Bronze pens are also available for immediate shipping.

7. Stalogy A5 1/2 Year Notebook, 2024 Special Edition Release in White. This year’s Stalogy limited edition is a bright white A5 1/2-year notebook, featuring Stalogy’s classic grey grid layout with versatile headers that can be used as an undated planner or classic notebook.

8. Tomoe River Paper (Notebooks and Pads). Tomoe River paper is back! While we’ve long had the Lochby A5 refills that feature the 68gsm paper, we now offer 52gsm Tomoe River Paper in the Sanzen formulation, in both cream-colored writing pads and A5 notebooks in dot, graph, and plain rulings.

9. Uni Mitsubishi Jetstream “Bamboo” 4&1 Multi Pens. One of my personal favorite multi pens, the Jetstream “4&1” multi pen contains four excellent Uni Jetstream low viscosity ballpoint refills (black, blue, red, and green), as well as a .5mm “Sharp” mechanical pencil.

10. Tom’s Studio “Studio Pocket” and “Studio” Fountain Pens. While the Architect nibs have sold out (both on my site and elsewhere), we still have the standard fountain pens as well as the “Pro Flex” and “Italic” nibs in limited quantities. We plan to restock on the nibs as soon as possible.

Travel Chronicles: Actually Traveling with a "Traveler's Notebook"

As befits its name, the Traveler’s Notebook makes a fabulous traveling companion, or so I’ve found on more than one occasion over the past month. Since I’m on the road for a brief long-weekend trip before a hectic week that includes Fountain Pen Day and my eventual return to the office, I thought it might be fun to take a look at the specific setup that I’m using in my personal Traveler’s Notebook, namely the accessories.

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Accessories - Folders, Cases, and Card Holders for the Road

For me, the accessories are the most important items for a “travel” rig since they transform the Traveler’s Notebook from a “notebook” to a functional travel portfolio/wallet. I’m currently outside the U.S., so I need to carry more documentation that I typically would on a domestic flight, including a passport, customs documents, cash, etc., as well as multiple credit cards, identification, and paper copies of my itinerary and confirmations. Here are the various accessories currently in my Traveler’s Notebook:

• Zippered PVC Case. While I always use the clear PVC zippered case to hold things like stamps, paper clips, and Book Darts, this weekend I used it to carry my Passport and customs receipts while moving through the airport. It’s a convenient - yet relatively secure - way for me to keep these documents handy. (I wouldn’t recommend storing these documents in your notebook when you’re not actively using them. Keep them in the hotel safe or concealed on your person!)

• Traveler’s Notebook Pocket Stickers. Like the PVC Zippered pouch above and the folder discussed below, you can add pockets to the front and back covers of your Traveler’s notebook to hold printed copies of confirmations and itineraries, cards, and more. They aren’t necessary for the particular cover I’m using on this trip (more on that below), but I have them in both of my Standard leather covers.

• Traveler’s Notebook Sticky Notes. I’m a sticky note addict who is never without a healthy supply of them. I make “side notes” to myself when I’m journaling, annotate books that I’m reading, and most importantly, leave last-minute notes to the dogsitter while I’m running out the door late for my flight. Though I might not use them regularly when I travel, I can’t bring myself to leave them at home.

• 2024 Limited Edition Plastic Folders and Pencil Boards. I didn’t realize how useful pencil boards (and journaling stencils in general) were until I began using one of my Atelier Musubi notebooks as my personal journal. Not only does it allow you to change up the ruling as you work your way through a blank notebook, but here it helps in situations where you don’t have a sturdy, level writing surface, especially for a fountain pen. A pencil board can also “firm up” the softer Traveler’s Notebook cover, creating a better platform for writing while standing.

• Brass Binder Clip. Whenever I’m writing on the go, and especially when I sometimes have to write standing up, on an airline seatback tray table, or other cramped space, I rely on the Traveler’s Company Brass Binder clip to help hold the notebook open, to mark my place in a specific refill, and even to just clip papers together. This clip is actually one of my most-used stationery accessories across the board, as I switch it between different systems and also carry it in my Roterfadens and Plotters.

You can read more on my personal Traveler’s Notebook Setups here, and if you’d like a tutorial on how to install and connect different refills in the Traveler’s Notebook covers, I’ve also done posts on that in the past.

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My favorite notebook cover ever. No I won’t part with it.

For those Who Ask, No, That’s Not an Official Traveler’s Notebook Cover and This One is Unfortunately Unobtainium, Though I Hope That Changes.

It’s actually an older Roterfaden model cut in an A5 slim size, which is no longer made. I love it because it easily fits Traveler’s Company and other similarly sized refills, and I’m hoping that Roterfaden will agree to bring it back. You can, of course, clip Traveler’s Company refills and accessories into the regular A5 Roterfaden covers, and you can take advantage of their stitched-in card pockets for credits cards and IDs.

This is a very short trip, as I’ll be back Monday, so no delays to regular content, etc. Maybe I’ll do one-more travel-related post on my return?

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It’s a toss-up for me whether the PVC Zippered Pouch or the Brass Clip is the more overall useful stationery accessory.

The canvas slots on the inside cover of this particular Roterfaden transform this cover into an excellent oversized travel wallet.

The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. The Gentleman Stationer is also an authorized retailer of both Traveler’s Company and Roterfaden products.