In the Curated Shop: Caran d'Ache Ecridor Racing Collection Pen and Pencil Sets

The Caran d’Ache lineup features several “collections”, ranging from the high-end Léman fountain pens to more entry level offerings such as the iconic 849 and the 888 “Infinite.” At the midpoint, which sometimes gets lost in the shuffle, is Caran d’Ache’s Ecridor collection. Typically, these pens and pencils are offered only in a polished chrome + guilloche finish, but this year Caran d’Ache has released a matte-black version dubbed the Ecridor “Racing” collection. Featuring a black-chrome brass barrel with guilloche engraving to add further grip and texture, the overall look of the pen is accentuated by two bright red lacquer stripes. (I couldn’t pass this one up - you all know red + black is my thing.)

View fullsize

The Caran d’Ache Ecridor Racing collection is currently available in limited quantities from the Curated Shop, priced at $160 for either the ballpoint or .7mm mechanical pencil that includes a black calfskin Caran d’Ache pen sleeve with red accented trim.

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of all Caran d’Ache products.

In the Curated Shop: Essential Office Supplies

While I’ve only ventured back into the “office” office (i.e., not the one at my house) a handful of times over the past year, when I was there I did notice a number of my pencils, ballpoints, and gel pens left unattended during this time had dried up or gone missing. I also realized that the office had by default become the repository for second and third-tier review samples - pens I had picked up for review purposes, in many cases years ago, and don’t actually want to use. It was plainly time for an overhaul and an upgrade.

View fullsize

Since office pens and pencils do tend to walk off my desk or get borrowed by co-workers, I don’t invest a lot in the pens I keep there. At the same time, I need something reliable that’s pleasant to work with. As I expand The Curated Shop, one category I plan to build out is “Essential Office Supplies,” a selection of high quality, yet relatively inexpensive, pens and pencils that you don’t have to overly fret about taking to or leaving at the office. Currently, the selection ranges from disposable Caran d’Ache Eco click pens (one version of which is made from reclaimed wood shavings from the pencil-making process), to woodcase pencils, to relatively inexpensive refillable ballpoints and mechanical pencils such as the Caran d’Ache Infinite 888 series.

You can check out these and many more quality Caran d’Ache products in the T.G.S. Curated Shop. The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized retailer of Caran d’Ache and all other brands sold. Many thanks for your continued support!

Happy Easter Weekend! Take 10% Off All Shop Orders Through Sunday!

Time to celebrate the beginning of Spring! (Even though it somehow still got down to the 20s here in Nashville last night). Through Sunday night at 11:59pm, take 10% off all T.G.S. Curated Shop orders using the coupon code “SPRINGTIME”! This includes all the new Caran d’Ache items that recently hit the store, including the Caran d’Ache 888 “Infinite” collection, 849 mechanical pencils, Edelweiss woodcase pencils, and more!

Many thanks, and enjoy the long weekend!

Ok, while I love the grey, the Swiss Cross set might be my favorite.

Take Five: Favorite Traveler's Notebook Accessories

The Traveler’s Notebook is, in my opinion, one of the most versatile notebook systems on the market. In addition to being able to easily hold three different notebook inserts, you can choose from a wide range of available accessories in order to build out the notebook or planner that works best for you. Today I’ll briefly take you through five of my personal favorites that I use every day. (If you don’t yet have a Traveler’s Notebook, and are interested in using the system, begin here with a Starter Kit.)

Disclaimer: The TGS Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of Traveler’s Company products.

1. Traveler’s Company Sticky Note Insert. The accessory that gets the most use in my rotation (other than perhaps the pouch) is the sticky note insert. The paper on these particular sticky notes works well with most pens, including fountain pens, and are stored inside a plastic cover so the insert can be stored safely alongside your other Traveler’s Notebook refills. Each booklet ships with 8 notepads in five different sizes and formats.

2. Traveler’s Company Notebook Repair Kit. Sure, it’s ostensibly intended to help you replace parts of your Traveler’s Notebook as they wear out, but what this one really does is offer eight different options for swapping out the elastic cord with a different color. Currently my blue Traveler’s notebook is rocking a bright orange band.

3. Traveler’s Notebook Zippered Cases. I use the zippered PVC pouch to carry stamps, paper clips, and a handful of Book Darts so that I always have some on hand to mark pages of my notebook or the book I’m currently reading.

4. Traveler’s Notebook Pen Holder. This matching pen loop - available in four different options to match your leather cover - will hold pens up to 12mm in diameter, including the range of Traveler’s Company Brass Pens and Pencils.

5. Traveler’s Company Brass Clip. I’ll admit, before I started carrying Traveler’s Company products in the shop, I wasn’t familiar with their clips and how they are intended to be used. In addition to securing papers, etc. to the front cover of your notebook, you can use the weight of the clip to hold the notebook open as you write, offering more of a lie-flat writing experience.

View fullsize

I hope you found this short post helpful! If you’re interested in further exploring the endless possibilities of the Traveler’s Notebook, check out my previous posts in which I discuss my personal Traveler’s Notebook setup, as well as a short tutorial on how to attach multiple refills and inserts to a single cover.

In the Curated Shop: Caran d'Ache 849 Premium Collection

Over the past year, as I’ve had the opportunity to handle the various iterations of the Caran d’Ache 849, it’s become one of my favorite everyday writers. I’m focusing on ballpoints more in my everyday writing, and the hexagonal barrel of the 849 lend it a pencil-like feel in the hand that is not only comfortable but tactile and satisfying to use. It doesn’t hurt that the “Goliath” refill lasts forever!

View fullsize

In addition to the standard Caran d’Ache 849 - a well-priced entry point to the Caran d’Ache lineup that comes in a solid range of colors - and the various special and limited editions released throughout the year, Caran d’Ache also makes what I refer to as their “Premium” collection (unofficial term). This includes the matte black “Black Code” edition - which is so blacked-out it even ships with a black refill rather than the signature Caran d’Ache blue; the matte gold “Gold Bar” edition; the matte rose gold “Brut Rosé” edition; and the industrial-chic “Original”. All of these pens ship in a matching clamshell case, perfect for storage or presentation.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Note: the Black Code and Brut Rosé pens tend to sell out quickly. If they are unavailable, I will stock more as soon as I can. As of now they are standard editions and not limited or restricted in quantity.

You can check out these and many more quality Caran d’Ache products in the T.G.S. Curated Shop. The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized retailer of Caran d’Ache and all other brands sold.