Schon DSGN Monoc EVO fountain pens — Schon DSGN of course brought creations this small business owner can’t afford anymore. :)

DC Pen Show 2026 Recap: The First of the Big Shows Was ... Big!

August 12, 2026

The 2026 DC Pen Show is in the books! Unlike 2025 - when I had to miss Friday due to a weather delay and flight cancellation - I had the full four-day experience Thursday through Sunday, including a half day of walking around the show on Sunday. While nearly everything "rare" was sold out, I managed to snag some fun items for my personal collection, as well as some new additions to the shop. Some of these you will see here, and others are still to come later in the summer or early fall.

Dan from Good Made Better brought these gorgeous limited edition Bird Series fountain pens, each crafted from hand-finished ebonite.

My Thoughts on the Current State of the DC Pen Show

As one of the largest pen and stationery-focused events in the world, the D.C. Pen Show offers an unparalleled opportunity to interact with major manufacturers, independent makers, customers, and enthusiasts. The show remains a fountain pen-focused event, with a large contingent of vintage and second-hand dealers, though paper and general stationery accessories are not as well-represented. Given the proximity of this event to Yoseka's Stationery Fest in NYC the prior week, many "pure stationery" (i.e. washi and sticker) retailers did not attend. While that was probably a good thing given the size of the show, it did result in a somewhat less diverse array of exhibitors and goods than you will find at other shows such as the upcoming San Francisco Pen Show.

A plate of Inkii Cannoli wipes — One of my favorite finds was Inkii (see link below), which makes a fun selection of leather goods including these pen wipes in the shape of a Cannoli!

Every year we talk about the size of the D.C. Pen Show, and once again I find myself of the opinion that this show continues to grow to the point where it’s too big. At four ballrooms, as well as multiple hallways and alcoves tucked all over the hotel, I heard multiple attendees express frustration that the show was difficult to navigate. While the show didn't feel as crowded as previous years, the layout can make it hard to locate certain vendors and see the entire show, and narrow aisles stay congested on the busier days. The organizers have indicated they have no intention of shrinking the show and are actively looking to add even more vendors, so this will probably remain an issue going forward.

DC Pen Show Main Ballroom — The main ballroom on Sunday morning. The wide aisles kept traffic moving moderately well through this space, though there were areas where the aisles were much narrower, and even spaces where vendors were tucked into stairwells and narrow hallways that created chokepoints.

Kaleidocraft Table at the DC Pen Show — Kaleidocraft brought their 3D-printed goods to DC, including their customizable Washi Wallet.

Kanilea Pen Co 10th Anniversary enamel finial — For their 10th Anniversary, Kanilea Pen Co. added an enamel finish to the finial.

My Modest DC Pen Show Haul (Personal)

As mentioned above, I got to escape the table for a couple hours on Sunday morning due to the kindness of Lisa over at Olive Octopus, who helped me out not only while I was wandering but when I was teaching classes. Here’s what I came back with, first for my personal collection and also for the shop:

Nagasawa Decimo Kobe Gradation - Sengari Water Blue and Rhodium. Each year Nagasawa releases a special Decimo in these gradient finishes. This year’s is not available online in the U.S., but Vanness had a small number for sale at the D.C. Pen Show!
Nagasawa x Vanness Hummingbird Green Ink. Arrives soon at Vanness! Our friends at Vanness collaborated with Nagasawa on an exclusive ink, which is a gorgeous green with blue undertones.
Inkii Canoli Wipes. I bought one for pens, one for glasses. It’s creativity like this that keeps me coming back to pen shows, even if truly original items are increasingly few and far between.
Inkii B6 Notebook. The red and black color combination got me, and I’ve been wanting to try a B6 notebook.
Kaweco Glow-in-the-Dark DIY Sport. I took the opportunity to build my own! We’ll be hosting the Kaweco DIY machine in the shop in October, as well as at the On the Paper Trail Live Event later that weekend (October 16-18).

My 2026 DC Pen Show Purchases arrayed on a table. — My personal DC Pen Show Haul

My DC Pen Show Haul (For the Shop) and a Note of appreciation to everyone who stopped by!

I love going to DC because it presents a great opportunity to visit with makers in person and to see new products up close. This time I was able to snag a handful of the Galen x Nock Co. Leather Sinclair cases, and generally restock some of our Galen Leather pen cases. I also picked up a restock of the Laurett's Ebonite Ballpoints and Mechanical Pencils, and placed orders for many more finds that will show up later in the summer or early fall.

Galen Leather Cases from the 2026 DC Pen Show — I love the Cognac leather Sinclairs. Get them while they last!

Finally - a note of appreciation to everyone who stopped by the table to shop and offer kind words on the site and our growing podcast! It was heartening to see that this project resonates with so many people and we are looking forward to hosting our own event in October in Nashville!

The Gentleman Stationer is supported by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. You can also come visit us at our physical stationery store in Nashville, Tennessee.

OnionBrand A5 Notebooks Distressed Finishes — We introduced two new finishes of the OnionBrand Leather A5 Notebook Covers: Distressed Chestnut Reserve and Distressed Polished Saddle, for those who prefer a more matte finish and leather with character!

Roterfaden Taschenbegleiters A5-A4 — Pen and Stationery Shows are a great way to compare sizes and materials in person, and to learn how different systems work.

5 Considerations When Choosing a Notebook System (2026 Edition)

August 1, 2026

Next week is the D.C. Pen Show, and while I’ll be sharing table space with our friends at Vanness Pens, as we do every year, I’ll also be downstairs in the pen lounge hanging out and teaching, including my usual class on notebook systems. By “notebook system”, I’m referring to an organizational system that uses a cover to hold multiple notebooks, refills, and/or other accessories designed to work in combination. Brands that most people are familiar with include TRAVELER’S Company, Plotter, Roterfaden, Lochby, and others.

Typically when I teach this class I walk through the major types of systems and how each one works, along with some personal examples about how I’ve used different options over the years. Discussions can range from cover materials to bindings to refill sizes. I bring samples to pass around the room, and if you’ve been considering a specific brand, it’s a good way to get some hands-on experience before you make what can be an expensive purchase.

A Selection of Roterfaden, TRAVELER'S Company, Hobonichi, and Plotters on Joe's Desk — A few different brands that I may have on hand in D.C.

For those who can’t attend the class/seminar in person, please do check out the informational resources on Notebook Systems that we maintain on the site. As my own understanding of these systems evolves, and my own use changes, I also like to periodically offer my own thoughts and recommendations on how to get started. For 2026, here’s what I typically advise when people come to see me at a show or in the shop:

Practicality over aesthetics. Choose a system based on your actual needs, not what you think your needs should be (or what social media tells you your needs should be). For me, there are lots of systems out there that I think look really cool, but which don’t align with how I work and organize information. The best notebook system is the one you will use, and that you won’t struggle with incorporating into your everyday life.
Start slowly. Pick the one system you think will work best for you, and use it for a while to see if there are any holes in your workflow or organization. Add accessories as you need them, which helps to control costs. Try to avoid buying multiple new systems at once and testing them at the same time, as this prevents you from diving deep enough to understand how each system works.
That said, don’t be afraid to eventually use more than one system. I personally use a combination of different notebook systems, because I’ve found that each fits better in a different area of my life. The key is to be intentional about how you add things.
Universal sizing is almost always better than proprietary. Beware of companies that try to sell you an expensive cover where the only refill that fits is the notebook that company sells. If that company goes out of business, or you discover you don’t like the paper, you end up having to make your own refills or start over. Check measurements carefully and if at all possible choose standard A5 or B6 sizes or the slim equivalents of the same. Height is more important than width, especially with bound refills, because a notebook can usually be trimmed down to a narrower width, but cutting a notebook across the binding to make it shorter can cause it to fall apart.
It doesn’t have to “look pretty.” My notebooks are not Instagram or Tiktok-ready, which is why you don’t see me post pictures of them all that often. If you enjoy doodling or decorating the margins and headers, by all means do that, but don’t feel intimidated into not trying a specific system because “I could never make look like so-and-so.” (Take it from someone who has followed the stationery influencer world behind the scenes for a very long time - many of those notebooks you see displayed on social media accounts never actually get used beyond layouts for social media posts.)

Joe's Notebook and Planner Setup — You aren’t going to find any stamps and stickers in my notebooks, which don’t make great content. :)

Joe's Stationery Bags laid out on table — Wonder how I manage this chaos at shows and meetups? Mostly I don’t, but here’s how I try!

What's the Best Everyday Stationery Bag? My Own Considerations and 5 Options for Pen Show Season

July 25, 2026

We’re gearing up for pen show and trade show season, and I’ve been fielding regular questions about bag and case options in advance of Stationery Fest in NYC, the D.C. Pen Show the following week, and the San Francisco Pen Show later that month. In between, I may also be attending NY Now and Shoppe Object, two large to-the-trade stationery shows in New York City. So let’s just say that “stationery carry” is on my mind. Here I’m going to walk through a handful of considerations when choosing a show bag (or just a stationery bag in general), and then I’ll discuss a few of my go-to options. This list is not intended to be exclusive, but rather to offer some ideas based around models I use regularly.

Joe's Overstuffed Rickshaw Banzai Bag Holding Everything — I rarely overstuff a bag like this anymore, but with a well-designed option like the Rickshaw Banzai Bag, you certainly can!

Key Considerations for a Stationery Bag

Smaller Backpacks, Please. When you’re at a show, don’t be that person who carries the giant 40L backpack that slams into people, knocks over items on tables, and blocks peoples view. Just don’t. Some shows are actually imposing bag size limits. If you need a backpack, choose a smaller “day pack” size option that fits flat against your back. Even for everyday carry, you probably need a smaller bag than you think. When I have a bag that’s too big, stuff tends to shift and collect at the bottom and things get dinged up.
Choose a Bag Tailored to What You Actually Carry or Plan to Buy at a Show. If you’re going to a show mainly to buy a few pens or have pens ground, you can fit a LOT of pens into a very small bag, and you can even get away with carrying a small portfolio-style pen case or clutch. Tote bags are great if you’re shopping for lightweight items like washi tapes and other accessories. I’ve done pen shows with nothing but a Rickshaw Sinclair and it was super liberating to ditch the backpack or messenger bag. Buying paper or larger items requires more planning and extra capacity.
Comfort is Key. If you’re planning to carry heavy stuff (i.e., lots of paper), or if you’ll be out all day and need to carry snacks and a water bottle, choose a bag with a supportive strap. I cannot emphasize enough how heavy paper can get - try lugging it all over Tokyo in warm weather - and an ergonomic backpack was key to keeping the trip enjoyable.
Organization and Protection. I personally prefer bags with multiple compartments and pockets, to keep my notebooks separate from my water bottle, pen cases, and everything else. It also helps me stay organized since I carry so many different types of things with me at any given time. For shows, I would emphasize protection - if you’re buying pads of paper or soft notebooks, a bag with a laptop slot or a padded interior will keep them from getting dinged up in transit if you aren’t staying at the show venue and can’t run them up to your room or out to your car.

Joe's Rickshaw Fillmore and Leather Notebook Carry — I’ve really reduced my carry over the years, and have largely moved on from an “I must take everything” approach.

My 5 Favorite Stationery Bags and Cases for Pen and Stationery Shows

Rickshaw Banzai Bag. Designed for pen people, this compact messenger/sling bag is unobtrusive and holds a surprising amount given its compact size. I like to carry this as part of a modular system with multiple Rickshaw cases including the Sinclair and Fillmore pen cases (discussed further below). For an even slimmer system that operates off this same concept, the Lochby Field Sling is designed to carry a notebook, a pen case, and maybe some extras.
Tom Bihn Synapse. I have the Synapse 25L but you can also opt for the smaller Synapse 19. I took the larger version to Japan, since it doubled as both a day bag and my primary carry-on. I love this bag because (1) it has at least 5 externally accessible zippered pockets and compartments, and (2) it doesn’t have a clamshell zipper, meaning that there’s no risk of the bag coming completely unzipped and all your stuff falling out. This bag can be cinched down to a compact size, but it can also hold a ton of stuff if you need it to.
Rickshaw Sinclair Model-R and/or Fillmore. These pen cases will hold 3-6 pens and a small notebook, and will fit inside the Banzai bag or any other bag or backpack. They are great for modular packing, but as mentioned above can also be carried on a stand-alone basis as a clutch. When I’m working from a coffee shop or going to pen club, more often than not I’m taking just a notebook or planner and my Fillmore. (The cloud design shown here is our own shop exclusive, which is hand-drawn by Nick Dominguez and available in multiple Rickshaw formats!)
Lochby Venture Pouch and/or Venture Pouch Mini. Similar to the Rickshaw cases, yet also completely different, the Lochby Venture Pouch is a double-sided pen pouch/bag that functions as a slotted pen case on one side and a standard stationery pouch on the reverse. (For a full demonstration of how this works, check out this YouTube video I did years ago.) The Lochby Field Sling also features a removable strap and can be carried clutch-style if you need slightly more capacity, or alternatively you can use a strap like that on the Field Sling and turn your Venture Pouch into a compact sling bag.
Any Tote Bag. As long as you don’t let them get too heavy, I LOVE tote bags for shows. I’ll typically stash a roll-up tote somewhere - either under the table or in my main bag - and break it out if I get carried away with my purchases. Tote bags are also great at stationery fests, where the emphasis is more on smaller, more lightweight items like stickers, washi tape, and less-precious pens and pencils. I will do a plug for the Rickshaw Musette, which features a longer strap and was designed for these events in that you can easily convert to a cross body bag for added security in crowded ballrooms.

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

A top-down look at the Rickshaw Musette Tote, which is long enough to hold a full pad of paper. This can be worn over the shoulder, cross-body, or carried as a tote bag.

My 2026 San Francisco Stationery Fest Notebook and Stamp/Sticker Haul

Unpacking the Inaugural San Francisco Stationery Fest (Literally and Figuratively), Plus Save the Date for On The Paper Trail Live in Nashville!

April 4, 2026

To be honest, I didn’t get to shop much at the 2026 San Francisco Stationery Fest that we attended last week. The show was MUCH busier than I anticipated, with crowds that approached the San Francisco Pen Show. I did get to roam a bit on Sunday and managed to collect some stamps, and I had a steady stream of attendees bringing me stickers throughout the weekend once they realized we were unable to break away. (Thank you all!) In this week’s episode of On the Paper Trail, we had an in-depth discussion of our reactions to the show and how we felt that it differed from a traditional pen show. I won’t go into all those topics again here, but the two main takeaways that stuck with me were:

Stationery and analog tools are growing in popularity and showing no sign of slowing down. Best of all, people aren’t just collecting - they are using their stationery to plan, journal, and simply to make everyday life more enjoyable.
The growing interest in stationery extends well beyond pens. While pens were certainly popular this weekend, the focus fell on things like washi tape, paper, rubber stamps (including free stamps that attendees could collect at tables), and stickers. It was refreshing to meet other customers and vendors who haven’t previously attended traditional pen shows.

2026 San Francisco TGS/Vanness Stationery Fest Booth — A couple shots of the T.G.S. and Vanness tables during setup on Friday

2026 San Francisco Stationery Fest Friday Setup

SF Stationery Fest Stamp Station Sheet at End of Day — We brought TGS, Vanness, and On The Paper Trail rubber stamps and well, people tested them.

While T.G.S. started as a website focused on pens and pen reviews, over the years the scope of the site (and later, the shop) expanded to cover both the traditional fountain pen community as well as other segments of the stationery world. Especially as we’ve built out core shop categories such as Roterfaden and other Notebook Systems, I’ve personally become more interested in the goings-on in the planner and general stationery community, so this particular show resonated with me in a way recent pen shows haven’t, especially the focus on using products over pure collecting and the large number of seminars, workshops, and meetups available to attendees. The organizers did a great job curating vendors and classes.

Godzilla Stamp San Francisco Stationery Fest Day 3 — Vendor Tokyo Seihan offered three different giant Godzilla stamps throughout the weekend, free to anyone who came by the table. Unfortunately I was only able to get one on Sunday!

Tokyo Seihan Booth with Godzilla Stamps — You could also buy a set of your own Godzilla stamps at their booth.

The Sleeper Hit of the Show: Multi Pens!

People always ask me: What sold well at the show? This time around, the answer was multi pens. The stationery crowd loves color, and multi pens offer the ability to quickly switch between inks and line size in a way that can be difficult with fountain pens. I brought several different multi pen “systems” with me, and based on the conversations I had with attendees and questions they asked, it might be helpful to offer a few points of clarification for those who bought a pen in San Francisco or who might otherwise be interested in further exploring this category of writing instruments:

Most multi pen systems use proprietary refills. The two most popular gel multi pens are the Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto system (famous for it’s needle-tip), and the Uni Style-Fit. While both offer a wide array of colors and tip sizes, you cannot use the refills interchangeably.
Ballpoint and hybrid ballpoints (i.e. Jetstream/Acroball) have limited color options. These are almost always black, blue, green, and red. The one exception is the Pilot 4+1 multi pen, which uses a Pilot multi pen refill that happens to be the same diameter as the Uni Style-Fit refill, so this excellent multi pen can use both ballpoint and gel ink! (Once I was able to demonstrate this we sold a lot of these Pilot 4+1 pens last weekend.)
D1 multi pens allow you to mix and match refills from different brands, though you will be limited in terms of color options. Some multi pens (namely the Lamy 2000, Pilot Legno, most Tombows, and Penco pens) use a universal D1 size, which will let you mix ballpoint and gel inks, as well as use refills from different brands. That said, D1 refills don’t usually come in the wide range of colors and tip sizes that the Uni and Pilot gel ranges offer.

Uni Style Fit and Pilot 4+1 Multi Pens on Pen Stand — The two stars of my San Francisco Stationery Show Table, at least pen-wise.

Last But NOT LEAST: SAVE THE DATE For On The Paper Trail Live in Nashville October 16-18!

Today’s post seems as good a time as any for a fun announcement: Lisa Vanness and I will be hosting our own event in Nashville the weekend of October 16-18! While we are still finalizing details with the venue (including the final number of attendees we can accommodate and details on hotels, etc.), it’s time to go ahead and announce On the Paper Trail: Live in Nashville! We’re planning a smaller event that will focus on a select number of vendors - while still representing most major categories of stationery - along with a heavy focus on classes, seminars, and opportunities for attendees to socialize during the event and after-hours. We’ve spent a lot of time visualizing what we’d consider to be our “ideal” stationery event, and think that we’ve come up with something unique that will be enjoyable for all. We can’t wait to share the details with you - stay tuned for a follow-up announcement. In the meantime, get caught up on all SIX episodes of On the Paper Trail, our joint podcast, and we’ll probably have more to share next week when we record Episode 7!

On the Paper Trail Live in Nashville Save the Date October 16-18, 2026

San Francisco Stationery Fest, Here We Come!

March 25, 2026

After an all-too-brief three-day turnaround from last weekend’s excellent Arkansas Pen Show, we’re off to San Francisco tomorrow for the inaugural San Francisco Stationery Fest. We’ll be teamed up with Vanness Pens and On the Paper Trail for a three day weekend focused on stationery beyond pens! We’re currently busy packing up Roterfadens, Lochby, Rickshaw cases, Graphilo paper, and much more!

What Is a Stationery Fest, and How Is It Different From a Pen Show?

The biggest difference is the brands and makers you will find at a stationery fest as opposed to at a pen show. While the diversity of exhibitors has expanded in recent years, pen shows still focus on - well, pens - whereas stationery fests/shows/festivals tend to target an audience interested in a wider variety of paper goods. This includes not just notebooks but stickers, washi tape, planners, and more. If the idea of attending an analog-focused event appeals to you, but pen shows seem too high-dollar or collector-focused, consider attending a stationery show. Those interested in reading more on the experience can check out the vendor list and exhibitor map for this weekend’s event! The organizers did an excellent job of curating a diverse group of vendors who offer a little something for everyone, whatever your core area of interest.

TGS Demo Pens Inked Up For A Pen Show — I do plan to bring a bunch of fountain pens (including specialty nib grinds) to share after-hours.

One thing I personally enjoy about stationery fests and other paper-oriented shows is more of a community focus. While out-of-town vendors certainly do attend, stationery events are usually organized by local pen stores, clubs, and other groups of enthusiasts with ties to the local community. The events themselves also tend to be slightly smaller and navigable than pen shows - and certainly smaller than the largest multi-ballroom pen shows - though stationery fests can seem larger than their physical footprint as they draw large and enthusiastic crowds. Most shows focus heavily on in-person meetups, classes, after-hours gatherings, and other non-shopping events to round out the attendee experience.

On the Paper Trail Event Stickers — Come by our table this weekend and pick up an On The Paper Trail Sticker! We also have a few of these left in the Nashville shop. First come, first served!

An On the Paper Trail Live Audience Recording!

Friday night, Lisa Vanness and I will be hosting a live recording of our podcast and video series, On the Paper Trail! We have some special topics picked out for this week that we think stationery fest attendees will enjoy, and we are also in the process of uploading a series of short vendor video profiles from last week’s Arkansas Pen Show. There are still a few seats open for the Friday night event, and if you’d like to get caught up on podcast episodes beforehand, be sure to check out our new landing page which has links to stream the audio content. We hope to see you there!

The T.G.S. Nashville store will remain open this weekend, with only slightly modified hours on Saturday. Be sure to check the shop page or Google profile before coming by.