Thursday Drops: Breaking Down The Desk Pad, By Category

In yesterday’s post, I looked at what might be the current pinnacle of the “Desk Pad” product category: the Cortex Brand Sidekick Notepad. While the Sidekick makes for an exceptional work tool, as I mentioned yesterday, it’s a specialized piece of stationery designed to serve a specific role in your workflow, and therefore may not work for everyone, especially if you use paper in large quantities. The T.G.S. Curated Shop stocks an array of landscape desk pads and landscape-style notebooks intended to meet a more diverse range of needs.

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WMS & Co. Calendar Pads, in Full and Keyboard size.

Category 1: Landscape-Style Planners and Calendar Pads

From spiral bound notebooks that can be used as a traditional planner to tear-off desk pads that sit beneath a keyboard, undated calendar products are flexible tools you can use to organize your workweek appointments, or collect your notes and to-dos day-by-day. For a portable solution akin to the Sidekick (i.e., a durable product you can carry between meetings and locations), consider the Write Notepads Weekly Planner, which features a week-on-two pages layout in a landscape format. Other flexible options include the WMS & Co. Planner Desk Pads, which are tear-off writing pads that come in two different sizes (Full and Keyboard), both featuring a weekly calendar layout.

The Write Notepads Landscape Ruled Notebook in Pistachio

Category 2: Landscape-Style Spiral Notebooks

Some people prefer a sturdy spiral notebook that keeps their notes in one place and allows for archival retention, whether as a matter of personal preference or a work requirement. The Write Notepads Landscape Notebook has long been one of our top selling products, and features a unique lined ruling that runs horizontally. (Pro tip: If you want a Landscape Notebook with dot grid ruling, all you have to do is turn the standard Write Notepads Dot Grid spiral notebook sideways - there’s no header, just a blank page, so they work in either landscape or standard “mode”.) Similarly, Maruman’s Mnemosyne line of spiral notebooks features a landscape layout for certain rulings, including their grid and blank notebooks.

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Soft Midori MD Cotton Paper is not only fountain pen friendly, but excellent for pencils.

Category 3: Blank Writing Pads

We carry a wide array of blank desk and writing pads, all of which work well with a range of writing instruments, including fountain pens. Favorites include the Midori MD and Midori MD Cotton pads, which are glue-bound on two sides for added durability and are designed to be used as either landscape-style pads beneath a keyboard or as a standard notepad with a vertical orientation. In addition to their Planner Desk Pads discussed above, WMS & Co. makes a selection of blank desk pads for standard notetaking, including versions in different shapes and colors.

Do you have a favorite brand of desk pad that you think we should carry? We’re always looking to bring in new lines and products, so please let us know!

Just a reminder that through Monday, May 29 at 11:59pm CT, we are running a Memorial Day Weekend Sale! Take 10% off all shop orders using the code “SUMMER23” at checkout. Some exclusions (i.e., TWSBI) apply.

New Arrivals: Kit Your Traveler's Notebook Out for Your Summer Travels!

I nearly spouted coffee across the table this morning when my daughter told me that the last day of school is this coming Thursday! Where did the year go? At the same time, I’m ready for summer, and all it entails. Work quiets down, and I usually change out my Traveler’s Notebooks to feature more journaling-style inserts as opposed to the productivity and planner-focused build-outs that I’ll use during the Fall through Spring months.

Introducing the New Traveler’s Notebook Repair Kit in Spare Colors

One of my favorite aspects of the Traveler’s Notebook system is its customizability, including the ability to change the elastic to add a pop of color to the outside of your notebook. Traveler’s has begun releasing their Repair Kits in new color combinations, including this Version 010 (Spare Colors). While certain of the colors in this package were previously available in the standard pack, this (relatively) new release is notable for the addition of a grey-blue elastic cord, which I think would look awesome on the black, blue, or even the olive notebook covers.

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Traveler’s has decided to release the repair kits in different color combinations. The “Spare Colors” comes with the five replacement cords shown here, plus two replacement bookmark strings and a spare fastener.

We are currently fairly well-stocked with most Traveler’s Notebook Starter Kits in both Standard and Passport sizes, as well as most refills. For those of you looking for the B-Sides and Rarities collection, our inventory is low because I understand that these are in the process of being added to the regular lineup and will reappear at some point in the future. If you want these refills, get them now as we are very low and I don’t have a firm ETA on the new versions. Many thanks for your support!

This week is a great time to get started with Traveler’s Notebook or one of our other notebook systems, as we are running a Memorial Day Sales Promotion through 11:59pm CT on Monday, May 29. Take 10% off your total order using the coupon code “SUMMER23” at checkout. Some exclusions (such as TWSBI) apply.

Thursday Drops: TWSBI ECO-T Mint, Nakabayashi Paper, Lamy Restock and More!

Between the TWSBI ECO and the TWSBI ECO-T, I might fall firmly in the ECO-T camp. I love the triangular cap, and sculpted grips on both the ECO-T as well as Lamy’s Safari/AL-Star don’t bother me. This week we added the ECO-T in Mint (more of a “minty blue” than a “minty green”) to the shop, which complements the recently released ECO-T Saffron and Jade/Rose Gold. You can read more about the ECO-T and other triangular grip pens in this recent post. As noted below, we also have more of the Nakabayashi Logical Prime notebooks, and more Lamy pens and replacement nibs. Happy Shopping!

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized retailer of all brands sold.

1. TWSBI ECO-T in Mint. Sure, this one’s been around for a while, but I keep forgetting how good it looks. As noted above, we now stock two models of the TWSBI ECO-T, in the Mint and the Saffron.

2. TWSBI Diamond Mini AL Grape. TWSBI’s latest release, is well, VERY purple. If you’re a fan of purple pens, you certainly don’t want to miss this one. Likewise, if you’re a fan of the TWSBI Diamond Mini, you don’t want to miss this one, as TWSBI doesn’t often release special editions of this model.

3. Nakabayashi Logical Prime Paper Notebooks. Since their introduction last week, these slim wirebound and threadbound notebooks have sold quite well. The lined paper in particular is available in both 6mm and 7mm rulings, with a French-ruled style layout. Read more here.

4. Laconic Tokyo “Style” Notebook System. I’m drawn to modular notebook and planner systems, particularly refill systems that work in more than one different cover. With Laconic, you can choose from multiple planner and notebook layouts Read more on how the various components of the Laconic Style system fit together here.

5. Penco Prime Timber 2.0 and Passer’s Mate Mechanical Pencils. Pens and pencils from Japanese manufacturer Penco have been a quiet success here in the store, and these recent arrivals are super cool. The Prime Timber is a mechanical pencil-style leadholder that clicks to advance and ships with a sharpener, and the Passer’s Mate is, well, retro.

6. Lochby Venture Pouch. You all cleaned us out of Lochby Venture Pouches at recent pen shows. We’re now restocked in all three colors. The hallmark of the Venture Pouch is that it’s reversible, with a traditional pen pouch on one side and a zippered pen case on the other. Read more here!

7. Lochby Field Journal. If you’re looking for a durable, secure way to house A5 refills such as the the Laconic inserts discussed above, or Midori MD Light paper, Lochby has you covered. Lochby’s own refills are also excellent, and feature 68 gsm Tomoe River Paper.

8. Lamy 2000 4-Color Ballpoint (Multi pen). Our top seller from the Lamy 2000 line, believe it or not. This classic multi pen accepts the versatile D1 refill format, so you can use Lamy’s own ballpoint refill or the gel/ballpoint/low-viscosity refill of your choice.

9. Lamy Cursive Nib. Given how popular these hybrid architect/Kodachi/blade/Naginata nibs are, we bought a bunch. We’ll even install them on a compatible Lamy Safari/AL-Star/Vista with purchase if you send us a request.

10. Lamy Vista Pens and Pencils. Lamy makes a much underloved demonstrator version of the Safari, which I personally enjoy because it’s just different. I say “underloved” because it just doesn’t get as much attention as other items in their lineup, but it should!

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I love the layout on the Nakabayashi Logical Prime Paper, from the rulings to the header.

New Arrivals: The TWSBI Diamond Mini AL Grape. This Thing is PURPLE!

I’ve been more excited than most about the arrival of the TWSBI Diamond Mini AL Grape, for two reasons: (1) the TWSBI Diamond Mini is one of the more underrated pens in TWSBI’s lineup, as a piston filler that posts to a full-size pen despite being a “mini”, and (2) the anodized aluminum plating on this particular model is an almost-psychedelic purple. If you’re a fan of purple pens, this is one you don’t want to pass up. Priced at $60 ($65 for the stub).

I’m serious. It’s so purple it almost glows.

TWSBI is due a shout-out for its release calendar so far in 2023. In addition to the Diamond Mini AL Grape, they’ve released new ECO and ECO-T fountain pens, including the ECO-T Saffron and the ECO Persian Green. We currently stock a wide range of TWSBI pens, including all of the recent limited releases and the standard Diamond Mini if purple isn’t your thing!

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The cap on the TWSBI Diamond Mini is threaded, so it posts securely.

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized retailer of all products sold, including TWSBI.

Thursday Drops: TWSBI Diamond AL Mini Grape, Laconic Style Stationery, and More Penco!

For those of your clamoring for a special release of the TWSBI Diamond Mini, well, we have great news for you: the Diamond Mini AL Grape has arrived! This vibrant purple miniature piston filler is in-stock and available for purchase as of this morning. Over the past week, we’ve also added new arrivals from Laconic Tokyo, which you can read about in last week’s blog post, as well as two new lines of mechanical pencils from Penco.

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I’ve mentioned on Instagram and the blog that because I’m traveling this week, we are running a promotion where all orders placed between Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 14 will receive an extra pen, pencil, pocket notebook, or other special item. No coupon code is necessary! Orders placed starting today will ship within our normal 2-3 business day time frame, as I get “back to work” this weekend. Finally, for those of you looking for a sort-of-last-minure Mother’s Day gift, we do offer digital gift certificates (which will arrive in the form of an electronic code). See details here. Many thanks for your continued support!

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized retailer of all products sold.

1. TWSBI Diamond Mini AL Grape. The latest release from TWSBI has arrived, and it’s a stunning purple version of the Diamond AL Mini, TWSBI’s pocket-sized piston filler! TWSBI fans have been clamoring for a special Mini release, and TWSBI has answered. For those who would prefer the standard pen, we also have the clear version available.

2. Laconic Style A5 Notebook System. This past week we introduced the “Laconic Style” Notebook System, featuring 10 different refills to help you customize your notebook or planner to your specific needs. I’m especially excited about the Laconic Bookmarkers, which work together with or separately from the Laconic Style notebook system.

3. Laconic Tokyo Mesh Pen Cases. These lightweight mesh pen cases come in two colors and three different sizes, with the largest capable of fitting a Laconic (or similarly sized) A5 Notebook, refills, and at least a few accessories.

4. Paul Smith x Caran d’Ache 849 Ballpoint Pen. The latest collaboration between designer Paul Smith and Caran d’Ache features six beautiful two-toned barrels in signature Paul Smith colors.

5. Penco Prime Timber 2.0 Leadholders. We recently received a shipment of these Penco wooden leadholders that click-to-advance like a mechanical pencil, and also ship with a sharpener. Available in four finishes. Read more here.

6. Penco “Passer’s Mate” Mechanical Pencils. Looking for a retro throwback to middle school? (Elementary school, maybe?) These colorful mechanical pencils from Penco feature a retractable tip and an eraser that removes to allow you to refill the pencil.

7. Lamy AL-Star Petrol and Lilac Special Editions. We have more of Lamy’s latest AL-Star releases, in fountain pen, rollerball, and ballpoint form. The Petrol finish especially stands out!

8. Lamy Cursive Fountain Pen Nib. This specialty fountain pen nib is sold separately, but we are happy to install it for you with the purchase of a compatible Lamy pen such as the Safari, AL-Star, Studio, and Vista. Just send us a message via the “Contact” link above after placing your order.

9. Lochby Venture Pouches. We are restocked on the Lochby Venture Pouch, the hybrid stationery pouch/pen case combo that sold extremely week at the Spring pen shows we attended. Available in three colors: brown, navy, and charcoal.

10. Lochby Field Journal A5 Refills. We are also restocked on Lochby Field Journal refills, featuring 68gsm Tomoe River Paper that is fountain pen friendly and compatible with any number of A5 notebook covers, including the Lochby Field Journal.