Sunday Reading for March 12, 2023 (Pen Show Season Edition)

March 12, 2023

London Spring Pen Show, 2023: My Haul (via Fountain Pen Blog). It’s pen show season, and I’m going to enjoy reading about everyone’s pen show hauls! It’s still a goal of mine to get over for the London Pen Show at some point.
2023 London Spring Pen Show (via Dapprman). Another great London Pen Show recap, with pictures.
Gravitas Pens Universe (via Rachel’s Reflections). The latest of Ben Walsh’s finishes will raise the bar a notch for those who love space-themed releases.
February in Three Parts: California Pen Show and Other Adventures (via The Poor Penman). I heard good reports about the recent California Pen Show’s first event, and I’m looking forward to seeing this “New L.A. Show” grow into a more user-friendly experience than the original.
Montblanc Writer’s Edition Brothers Grimm Fountain Pen Review (via SBRE Brown). This is one of my favorite Montblanc Writers Edition releases from the past few years, the other being the Conan Doyle.
Ink of the Week: Sailor Ink Studio 123 (via Fountain Pen Love). One of my favorite multi-shaders from the Sailor Ink Studio lineup.
Omoi Zakka Shop Visit - Philadelphia, PA (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). A great recap of Kimberly’s field trip during the Philadelphia Pen Show in January.
Small But Mighty Pick-Me-Ups (via From the Pen Cup). Another great piece from Mary on letter writing and its benefits.
Schon DSGN x Inkdependence “Cheerio Waterpen” (via Well-Appointed Desk). I missed out on the pen, but love the color concept (and my bottle of Cheerio Waterbus ink).
Aurora DuoCart (via Blake’s Broadcast). I wasn’t aware the DuoCart was still popular or available, though I love vintage Aurora styling.

More Table Shots TGS Baltimore 2023 — I really enjoyed setting up my table (and I’ll bring more Washi tape next time!)

In Case You Missed It….

Since it was a pen show week, most of it was spent getting ready to travel. I emptied out my Rickshaw Bagworks “Banzai Bag” to get ready to hit the Baltimore Pen Show, and on Saturday posted a recap of Friday at a Baltimore Pen Show that might not have been especially busy (compared to past years), but it certainly was fun.

This Week in the Curated Shop

Though some items are marked as “out of stock” online because they went with me to the Baltimore table, most goods are still available, and right before I left we received a restock of Midori MD Paper and Travelers Company notebooks. For those of you here in Baltimore, you have one day left (10-4 today!) to visit us in person and pick yourself up a Lochby Field Journal, Case, or build your Traveler’s Notebook! Also, through Wednesday (when I return) take 10% off your order using the coupon code PENSHOW10 at checkout.

Washi Tape

Midori MD

Laban Inks

Lochby

Consider Supporting Us Via T.G.S. Patreon!

I shared some exciting news about projects I’m working on for an expanded T.G.S. on last night’s Patreon meetup. T.G.S. Patreon is the only non-shop means of support for the site, and features not only access to meetups and early gently used sales, but more exclusive content, including the potential return of Digital Divide, which I’ve been working on and hope to relaunch in the coming months. Patreon support starts as low as $3 per month, and if you pay annually there is a further discount. In addition to purchases from The Curated Shop, Patreon allows us to continue to grow the site without relying on advertisements and affiliate marketing. If you’re interested in meetups and exclusive content, or simply supporting the site, we greatly appreciate your support!

Many thanks to the team at Yoseka Stationery for making my visit so enjoyable (and warm, since it was so darn cold out)!

Sunday Reading for February 5, 2023 (NYC Travel Edition)

February 5, 2023

Year One: First Anniversary! (via A Fleeting Ripple). Congrats! Often the first year of blogging is the hardest, just in terms of maintaining a steady stream of posts and a reliable presence. A huge accomplishment, especially when the content is so high-quality.
InCoWriMo, AKA International Correspondence Writing Month (via Pen Addict). It’s February, so you know that it’s InCoWriMo time! Brad provides a nice overview of what InCoWriMo is all about. More on InCoWriMo below, and how we’re set up to help you with all your letter-writing needs.
Sailor Yurameku Inks, Round 2 (via Well-Appointed Desk). During my visit to Yoseka Stationery, I almost picked up a few of these, but then realized that I already had probably exceeded what I was capable of carrying home, and I’m already looking at having to purchase a second suitcase.
Platinum Curidas Fountain Pen Review (via Blake’s Broadcast). While it certainly doesn’t get as much attention as Pilot’s Vanishing Point/Capless series, the Curidas is still a legitimate option for those looking for a retractable fountain pen at a lower price point.
Further Thoughts on the Jinhao X159 Fountain Pen (via Fountain Pen Blog). I dove in and purchased one of these as well, and I can confirm that the nib I received was very, very good. Now swapping parts between different colors? That’s something I didn’t think of. More details soon.
PhoenixPenStands 12 Pen Holder (via KraftyKats). This does seem to be the year of the 3D-printed pen stand, and since this one’s in red and black, I automatically like it!
Ink Review #752: TWSBI Blue-Black (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). I’m probably biased, but I love TWSBI Blue-Black as a standard blue-black ink. It’s got a nice vintage-style tone, some shading, as well as some water-resistance.
Jacques Herbin Gris de Houle (via Fountain Pen Love). I’ve been wondering lately what’s the difference between the “Jacques Herbin”-branded inks and the “J. Herbin”. This is a nice grey, though possibly a bit light for my own use.
My Seven-Notebook Writing System (via Pen Addict - Sarah). As I’ve said before, I always love looking at how others organize their writing projects. If you work in multiple notebooks, you may find something like the Lochby Field Journal helpful!
A No-Buy Year. Really. (via From the Pen Cup). Congrats to Mary on her progress so far. (Finishing a bottle of ink! In our world, that’s like running a marathon!)

In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog, I reviewed a pen that’s been in my collection for some time without a write-up: the Graf von Faber-Castell Classic Macassar fountain pen. I also posted the various pens and carry items I took with me to NYC as I travel to the National Stationery Show for a few days. Keep an eye on Instagram for more on my travels!

Airplane carry: I don’t just write about this stuff or sell it for kicks: I DO use it myself!

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop - Expansion and Exciting announcements coming!

It’s no secret that I’ve been rapidly expanding the T.G.S. Curated Shop and working on a couple of semi-secret projects, which necessitated me traveling to NYC this week to meet with vendors, etc. New items are rapidly arriving, which I’ll be posting as they land. You can check out this week’s shop announcements here, which includes not only the arrival of Nahvalur’s Limited Edition “Year of the Rabbit” pens, but also full restock’s of Clairefontaine, Rhodia, and Write Notepads, as well as fun new desk accessories from WMS & Co., like these customizable stamps.

Also, if you’re participating in InCoWriMo, please check out our special letter-writing section, set up especially for this month! (If it’s popular, we may make it a permanent fixture.) Also, if you’re into stickers, stamps, and washi tape to use with your written correspondence or otherwise, we maintain a large and growing selection!

Nahvalur

Composition Books

"Philosophical" Stamps

G. Lalo Paper

Consider Supporting Us Via T.G.S. Patreon!

This year, I’m trying to be more visible and intentional with T.G.S. Patreon and how the support/membership program will expand in 2023 to include not only access to meetups and early gently used sales, but more exclusive content, including the potential return of Digital Divide. Patreon support starts as low as $3 per month, and if you pay annually there is a further discount. In addition to purchases from The Curated Shop, Patreon allows us to continue to grow the site without relying on advertisements and affiliate marketing. If you’re interested in meetups and exclusive content, or simply supporting the site, we greatly appreciate your support!

Sunday Reading for January 15, 2023

January 15, 2023

Waterman Expert III Fountain Pen (via Blake’s Broadcast). The Waterman Expert III is an undersung workhorse of a fountain pen, as Blake points out. You can check out my own thoughts on this particular pen here.
Early Thoughts on the Otto Hutt Design 06 Fountain Pen (via Fountain Pen Blog). Another excellent workhorse pen that flies under the radar. I agree that Otto Hutt needs more consideration.
Ghosts of Planners Past: Chronodex (via Writing at Large). The Chronodex planner is simple yet intricate, but it’s also one of those systems that I’ve tried and failed to use as well.
A Dance with the Waldmann Tango Imagination (via Penquisition). Like Otto Hutt, I enjoy the design of Waldmann pens. I worry about the future viability of this brand in the U.S. after the steep recent price increases.
PenBBS 469 Double Ended Fountain Pen (via Pen Addict - Jeff). I love my PenBBS 469 and this review is a great reminder to break it out!
Journaling: Leuctturm 1917 (via A Fleeting Ripple). Leuchtturm paper seems to have fallen out of favor - or maybe it’s more accurate to say, fallen out of “focus” - in the fountain pen community in recent years. It remains a quality, budget friendly product for those who need functional paper in a workhorse format.
Ode to My Art of Analytic Journaling (via mnmlscholar). While my own journaling efforts have been lackluster in recent years, I’ve remained fascinated by the efforts of others and their specific journaling techniques.
Medioevalis Writing Pad Review (via Blake’s Broadcast). I’ve never heard of these pads before, but I really like the look of the brand.
The Noodler’s L’Ahab Frankenpen (via Left Hook Pens). I’m amazed that this is possible.
Ink of the Week - Sailor Rikyu-Cha (via Fountain Pen Love). Rikyu-Cha might make my list of inks of the decade. It’s an excellent, unique color!

In Case You Missed It….

This week on the blog I closed out my 2022 Year-End Review and 2023 Look Forward with a post on my community wishes/intentions for 2023. I also published the latest installment in the “Workhorse Pens” series, a piece on considerations when choosing a high-capacity pocket fountain pen (i.e., a “pocket ink tank”).

This Week in the Curated Shop

We introduced several new and unique products to the Curated Shop, building out our collection of curated products that are both fun and functional. This week’s additions include the Midori XS Stationery Kits in both black and white, as well as a new line of composition books from Mr. Boddington’s Studio! We’re also restocked on all things TWSBI, including the Rose Gold Pens and the TWSBI Precision Collection.

Mr. Boddington

Gently Used

TWSBI Rose Gold

TWSBI Precision

A T.G.S. Patreon Ask

Sunday Reading for January 8, 2023: A Long One

January 8, 2023

2022 Penwrapped (via Leigh Reyes). If Leigh has a post up, of course it’s going to headline. You should sign up for next year’s pen show courses right now.
My 2023 Theme: Release (via From the Pen Cup). Love the theme, Mary!
2022 Pen Show Recap & What’s Next for 2023 (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). Not a lot to disagree with here! I hope Kimberly keeps up with her show rating system this year.
Pen Resolutions Tag 2023 (via Rachel’s Reflections). Resolution for 2023: Read Rachel’s blog more regularly, because I always discover new makers in her articles.
Putting Pen to Paper (via Fountain Pen Love). Welcome back John! It’s always fun to see how people have been using their pens over the past year.
Pen Review: Schon Full Sized Peek-A-Boo Pen (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). Peek attracts strong opinions - people either love the taupe/beige appearance or find it boring. I own two Peek pens, so you know where I fall.
Wancher Sekai Tsugaru Urushi Midori-Age (via Rants of the Archer). I have one of these pens as well, and have been holding it back for review because I was told they weren’t yet available. I guess that’s changed!
Hack Idea: A Traveling Dip Pen (via Well-Appointed Desk). A portable dip pen has become a must-have addition to my pen show travel kit.
Pilot 78G Fountain Pen (via Blake’s Broadcast). I owned a Pilot 78G years ago, and found it to be a very nice budget fountain pen, especially with the available broad stub.
Ink of the Week (via Fountain Pen Love). People attempt all sorts of systems and techniques to make sure all of their various pens and inks get used. I love reading these posts and coming up with my own “system experiments.”
The New Year Diary, 2023 (via Fountain Pen Blog). Could Moleskine be moving to more fountain pen friendly paper in certain of their releases?
Diamine Writer’s Blood on Kokuyo Perpanep Zara Zara (via Inkredible Colours). I was more excited by the name of this ink rather than the ultimate appearance. The color, while nice, doesn’t necessarily have that “blood red” tone I’d be looking for but Diamine does have many other options in the same color family.

In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog I continued to talk about some of my 2023 goals and aspirations, including developing a more consistent journaling/writing habit over the coming year. Related to this last post, I published a short shop list of items that I enjoy and/or recommend for journaling. And last but not least, the first review of 2023 is live: Ranga ebonite fountain pens, where I look at both the Abhimanyu and Bamboo models.

Guess what arrived along with our Midori/Traveler’s Restock?

This Week in the Curated Shop

In addition to the Kokuyo Field Notebooks pictured above, we are fully restocked on most Midori and Traveler’s Notebook products, including the Midori MD Codex, Midori Multi-Year Journals, and nearly all of the Traveler’s Notebook Specialty Paper refills and other accessories (with the exception of the B-Sides and Rarities, which continue to be in short supply and on backorder). Before the end of the year, we also received a restock of the TWSBI Precision line of technical ballpoints and mechanical pencils, which have impressed me with their solid build and design. Look for a review of these in the future, and stay tuned for new 2023 arrivals! Finally, several new items hit the T.G.S. “Gently Used” sale page. These can be combined with Curated Shop orders to reach the free shipping threshold of $75.

TWSBI

Midori

Pencils

Gently Used

A T.G.S. Patreon Ask

In a special post from earlier in the week, I talked about T.G.S. Patreon and how the support/membership program will expand in 2023 to include not only access to meetups and early gently used sales, but more exclusive content, including the potential return of Digital Divide. Patreon support starts as low as $3 per month, and if you pay annually there is a further discount. In addition to purchases from The Curated Shop, Patreon allows us to continue to grow the site without relying on advertisements and affiliate marketing.

My personal pen collection (or part of it - who am I kidding) ready to go for 2023.

Sunday Reading for January 1, 2022: Happy New Year Edition!

January 1, 2023

No-Buy December: Year in Review (via A Fleeting Ripple). Today’s post will be year-end recap-heavy, I’m going for a modified no-buy 2023, limiting purchases to certain circumstances.
Thoughts Heading into 2023 (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). I agree with Kimberly that this year definitely felt like a whirlwind. We share many overlapping goals for 2023.
New Year’s Resolutions 2023 (via Well-Appointed Desk). “Use more of what I have” and “record more of my daily life” resonate with me.
My Favorite Five Pen and Ink Combinations from 2022 (via mnmlscholar). Here’s a shout-out to mid-toned grey inks!
Year in Review - 2022 Pens and 2022 Top Tens (via Rachel’s Reflections). There are some gorgeous pens featured here in the top ten, including several from companies with which I was not familiar.
Greatest of All Time (GOAT) 2022 Fountain Pens (via SBRE Brown). I’m sure many of you have been waiting for this one!
2022: Some of My Fountain Pen Highlights (via Fountain Pen Blog). I love seeing what others picked up, and the directions they are taking with their collections as they evolve.
My Fountain Pen Drawings in 2022 (via Inkredible Colours). Speaking of what people do with their pens, this is incredible!
My Journey on the Path of Writing Instrument Enlightenment (via KraftyCats). Congratulations to Chloé on the profile in the PCA Pennant magazine!
Parker Vacumatic Shadow Wave and How I Look at Vintage Pens (via Writing at Large). This article captures the charming side of vintage pens. Sure, there are frustrations, and they can be high-maintenance, but the character of certain models is irreplaceable.

In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog, I finished my 2022 Year-End Review process and started looking forward to 2023, with a post on my personal reflections and goals for the coming year, as well as a post discussing my personal notebook and planner setup to enter the new year.

This Week in the Curated Shop

Today is the last day for our Year-End/New Year’s Clearance Sale! Take 10% off most items in the shop using the coupon code “LOYAL10.” See this post here for full details on the promotion, and if you’re in the market for a planner/journal (dated or undated) we have you covered! Yesterday we received a massive restock of Lochby products, including the full range of A5 refills for the Field Journal, which features 68gsm Tomoe River paper (at least while it lasts)! We are also fully restocked on the Lochby Field Journals and Lochby Tool Rolls in all colors!

TWSBI

Caran d'Ache

Maruman Mnemosyne

Field Notes

Consider Joining T.G.S. Patreon for 2023!

Yesterday I posted what I consider the first post of the New Year for T.G.S. Patreon: a personal reflection on the current state of my pen collection and how I hope to further refine it in a way that ensures everything gets used - something that’s extremely important to me. This is just a start. One of my personal business-related goals for 2023 is to build out the Patreon program, which currently consists of a core group of my most dedicated supporters, into something that provides more benefits in the way of additional content that differs slightly from what you’ll find on the public blog. To start, I plan to bring back periodic “Digital Divide” content, which I enjoyed writing but for which I previously struggled to find an appropriate platform. Honestly, upon perusing the Digital Divide archive, several of the articles are dated and need to be refreshed, which gives me an excellent starting point. Patreon support levels begin at $3 and $5 per month, priced to allow as many people as possible to enjoy the community while providing me with adequate financial support for the site. A 10% discount applies to annual pledges. In addition to the exclusive content, Patrons receive early access to periodic gently used sales and access to monthly meetups.

Finally, please note that I appreciate all of my readers, customers, and supporters, regardless of whether you decide to become Patreon members. There will be no change to the frequency or nature of the main T.G.S. content. Patreon’s just intended to be an extra. Best wishes for 2023!