Pen Review: TWSBI Vac700R

Count me a fan of vacuum-filling fountain pens, from the luxurious Pilot Custom 823 to the inexpensive PenBBS 456, and now, the TWSBI Vac700R. The TWSBI Vac and I have had a somewhat tortured relationship over the years. While I’ve always loved the large ink capacity and convenience of the vacuum-filling system, the original Vac700 suffered from a design flaw involving the o-rings on the valve system, which had a tendency to inhibit ink flow and cause the pen to write extremely dry. I owned an original Vac700 fountain pen back in 2012/2013, when they were first released, but ultimately parted with the pen because I simply could not get it writing in a manner that I enjoyed. Fast-forward to a few years ago, when TWSBI announced the Vac700R, which incorporated a redesigned (hence the “R”) filling system that resolved the previous issues. Let me explain a bit further.

The Vac700R features a brushed trim, a faceted cap, and smooth barrel. (The “Iris” finish shown here is not standard.)

Vacuum-Filling Systems: Travel-Friendly Ink Tanks

A key attribute of vacuum-filling fountain pens is their ability to hold a large amount of ink while also incorporating a “shut off valve” similar to those found in Japanese-style eyedroppers like Opus 88 pens. This means that as long as you tighten the end cap, the filling system will seal off the ink supply from the nib, allowing you to carry this pen in your bag, on an airplane, or however you wish without any real risk of the ink burping or leaking into the nib.

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You can see the shut-off valve at the top of the barrel right below the section. Unscrew the end cap (pictured below) to release more ink; tighten it back up when you’re done writing or need to travel.

Practically speaking, this means that when you write with a vacuum-filling fountain pen, you will eventually have to unscrew the valve at the back of the pen to allow additional ink to flow to the nib, as you do with the Pilot Custom 823 and Opus 88s. Following the redesign, I have experienced zero ink-flow issues with either the Vac700R or its smaller sibling, the TWSBI Vac Mini. My Vac700R sports a medium nib that’s a touch on the narrow side but is a fairly wet writer - just about perfect for me.

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The end cap open in writing position. This also gives you a good idea of how much ink the pen holds (a lot).

What about filling the pen? Well, I would describe it as “easy with the possibility of getting a bit messy if you’re not careful.” To fill the pen, you first extend the plunger and retract the valve/seal all the way to the back of the barrel. Submerge the nib and section into your ink bottle of choice, and depress the plunger. The key to filling a pen like this mess-free is (1) waiting a few seconds for the pen to fill completely - very cool to watch; and (2) making sure your ink bottle isn’t overly full, as the pen will expel some air on the downstroke.

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Note: If you want to fill your Vac700 or Vac700R with as much ink as possible, consider using a specially designed TWSBI Vac20A Ink Bottle. DO NOT USE A VISCONTI TRAVELING INKWELL, as the Vac700R doesn’t seal completely on this device and you will end up with a mess like the idiot shown here.

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Design Functionality and Aesthetics of the Vac700R

Those who appreciate TWSBI’s overall aesthetic should enjoy the Vac700R. At one point, I steered away from the Vac700R towards the Vac Mini due to the latter’s ability to post, but since I’ve found myself expanding my repertoire to enjoy larger, “unpostable” fountain pens in recent years, I’ve also grown to appreciate the Vac700R’s design. The pen has a long, rounded section that’s comfortable to hold, as well as a good length and balance unposted. While you can technically post the Vac700R, in the sense that the cap will fit over the end cap (even when it’s open in “writing position”), posting makes the pen very long and, in my opinion, unwieldy.

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This particular pen might have one of the nicest TWSBI medium nibs in my current collection.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

The TWSBI Vac700R is a great example of why the pen community loves TWSBI - they iterate on their designs in response to user feedback, constantly seeking to improve their pens in order to offer a better writing experience. Their ability to do this while keeping the price point below $100 continues to amaze me.

Nearly all TWSBI retailers stock the Vac700R, making it one of the easier vacuum-filler pens to find at retail. The pen sells for $65-$85, depending on finish and nib choice. The version shown here is the recently released Vac700R “Iris” finish, which incorporates this holograph-like anodized finish on the nib and metal trim. I have a small number of Vac700R Iris pens available for purchase in the T.G.S. Curated Shop, and as always would appreciate your support. (We also sell the TWSBI Vac Mini, which due to the same shut-off valve technology used in the Vac700R, makes a nice “pocket ink tank”.)

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of TWSBI and other brands we stock. By shopping with us directly, you are supporting original content, pen reviews, pen show events, etc. from The Gentleman Stationer. If you would like to support us even further, please consider checking out the T.G.S. Patreon Program, which offers access to online meetups, exclusive discounts and pre-orders, and more!

Fountain Pen Friendly Paper (Updated Resource)

As part of my recent site reorganization/maintenance, I’ve updated the “Hierarchies of Fountain Pen Friendly Paper” post to reflect not only reader suggestions from the comments, but my own discoveries in the year since I initially wrote the article. The comments section on this post is extensive, and contains many recommendations beyond what I’ve been able to verify and incorporate into the list, especially on the lower-end of the price spectrum. Be sure to give the comments a read, and feel free to leave your own feedback and recommendations!

You can check out other informational resources under the “Resources” and “Archives” tabs, including the comprehensive fountain pen review archive I’ve assembled over the years. Keep an eye on the site for more educational/informational content as the year goes on, as expanding this type of content will be one of my main goals for 2022!

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Paris, France-based Soumkine is now available in the shop! Not only do we have the gorgeous Mustard notebook with the vintage styling, but the notebook also comes in a plain charcoal or rose-colored cover.

I’ve managed to add many of these brands to the shop, so you can purchase good paper directly, but where necessary I’ve linked to other trusted retailers and/or manufacturers who sell directly. None of these third-party links are paid affiliate links. If you would like to support T.G.S. even further, please consider checking out the T.G.S. Patreon Program, which offers access to online meetups, exclusive discounts and pre-orders, and more!

Pen Roll vs. Pen Case: Why Consider One Over The Other?

I’m in the process of cleaning up/cleaning out my office here at “T.G.S. HQ,” in advance of some work we’re having done on the house, and part of the process has been taking an inventory of everything I have in my personal collection as well as items for the review queue that have never made their way onto the blog. One surprising find includes a large number of pen wraps and pen rolls, something I don’t believe I’ve ever written about at length. Pen rolls have grown in popularity to the point where most major brands have at least one in their lineup, and like pen cases, pen rolls come in a variety of designs and materials across a wide range of price points. I thought it might be helpful to offer my thoughts on pen rolls and why you might want to choose (or not choose) this type of carry over a traditional case.

The main advantage of a pen roll, for me, is the combination of capacity and compact size in your bag. Both the Lochby Tool Roll (top) and the Superior Labor Leather Pen Roll (bottom) can hold a LOT of writing instruments, especially if you double (or quintuple) up. The Lochby also has pockets behind the elastic loops, so you can really cram it full if you need to.

Advantages of a Pen Roll Over a Pen Case

Compact Size without Sacrificing Capacity. For me, the main advantage of a pen roll over a traditional zippered, sleeve-style, or hard case is the ability to carry a larger number of pens without having the case completely take over your bag. For example, I love my 12-pen Galen Leather Hard Case, but if I need to carry a large volume of pens in my briefcase or another bag where space is at a premium, I’m probably going to opt for something like the Superior Labor Leather Pen Roll or the Lochby Tool Roll (or both - see below). If you’re well-organized, you can fit two dozen pens into two pen rolls and still take up less space in your bag than a single larger 12-pen case (a huge advantage for traveling to pen shows).

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Pen rolls lie flat when open on your desk, yet roll up to a compact size for storage.

Versatility. While most pen cases are sized for pens, pen rolls can be repurposed to carry other things, whether it’s other writing instruments such as mechanical pencils, ruling pens, or Pilot Parallels (shown above on the right), or even things like pen repair equipment, crafting knives, wrenches, and/or bike tools. Many pen rolls also fit a wide range of pen sizes (in terms of both length and diameter), and if you’re not squeamish about your pens touching, you can often double the stated capacity of the pen roll by sticking multiple pens in a single slot, especially with more slender writing instruments like ballpoints and gel pens.

Disadvantages of a Pen Roll (or Why You Might Prefer a Pen Case)

Security. While some pen rolls come with straps and secure closures, others need to be tied or rely on elastics, which are arguably less secure in the sense that it’s easier for them to fall open inadvertently. Some designs that don’t have a flap across the top leave your pens at risk of falling out. If you carry expensive pens, be sure to evaluate the security of a pen roll before you invest. (As an aside, items like the now-discontinued Nock Co. “Brasstown” drew on elements of both the pen roll and the pen case, allowing you to tuck a six-pen roll into a compact outer zippered case.) Likewise, if you’re going to be transporting pens inside checked luggage or another situation where they might be crushed, a pen roll might not be the best choice over a case with more structure.

If you value protection over all else, then a pen case is the way to go. Both the Galen Leather “Magnum Opus” 12 Pen Hard Case (bottom) and the Franklin-Christoph Covered Pen Tray (top) are excellent.

Scratch Protection. If you’re one of “those people” who freak out at the slightest prospect of your pens rubbing together or touching, pen rolls are probably not for you. While many designs incorporate flaps to minimize contact, it’s hard to avoid entirely and somewhat inherent in how pen rolls are designed. For this reason, I’d recommend pen rolls for those who use their pens regularly on the go, aren’t overly concerned with wear and tear, and who are mainly looking for a compact way to tote around a larger volume of “daily writers”, as opposed to rare collectibles. (I will say that in all the years I’ve been using pen cases and pen wraps, I’ve not experienced any damage to my pens from daily carry beyond micro-scratches. I’ll also say that if you’re NOT squeamish about pens touching, a pen wrap will generally offer more protection than overstuffing a traditional pen case or pen pouch.)

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The two pen rolls contain the same number of pens (24) as the two hard pen cases. I mainly use my pen rolls for transportation, while I use the larger pen cases for long-term storage and organization at home.

Takeaways

There’s no categorical recommendation here - I regularly carry both traditional pen cases and pen rolls, depending on where I’m going and what I’m doing. That said, for situations where I want to carry a larger number of pens with me in a smaller bag, such as a pen show or a local pen club meetup, I’m going with a pen roll (or “rolls,” plural) more often than not. Two current favorites, shown here in photos, are the Superior Labor Leather Pen Roll and the Lochby Tool Roll, which I just added to the T.G.S. Curated Shop. Other great options, which I’ve reviewed in the past, are the Nock Co. Brasstown if you can find one on the secondary market, as well as options from Rickshaw Bagworks. Also, many smaller makers craft their own pen wraps and rolls, and these make excellent pen show souvenirs, especially if you can snag one in a one-off material or fabric!

This post does not contain paid third-party affiliate links, though the T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of Lochby and other brands we stock. By shopping with us directly, you are supporting original content, pen reviews, pen show events, etc. from The Gentleman Stationer. If you would like to support us even further, please consider checking out the T.G.S. Patreon Program, which offers access to online meetups, exclusive discounts and pre-orders, and more!

Curated Shop Update: A Shop Redesign and Lochby Cases + Notebooks!

Over the past weekend I took care of something that was a long time coming, and redesigned the shop in a way that not only makes it more navigable but provides some much needed room to grow in a way that’s not cluttered and confusing. Going forward, the T.G.S. Curated Shop will have four main product pages: Pens and Pencils (+ Refills), Curated Paper + Notebook Systems, Curated Desk + Reading Accessories, and Washi Tape + Enamel Pins. You can check out the new shop landing page here, which breaks everything out by both section and brand.

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Introducing Lochby Cases + Notebooks

Also, please join me in welcoming Lochby to the Curated Shop, with their full range of notebook covers and pen cases made from durable, vegan-friendly waxed canvas! The current lineup includes the Lochby Field Journal, an open-sided notebook case/organizer capable of holding up to six slim A5 refills using a combination of front and back cover slots and four elastic cords. The Lochby Pocket Journal is a zippered case that holds up to two 3.5” x 5.5” pocket notebooks, along with cards, etc. (It will also fit a passport.) Both the Field Journal and the Pocket Notebook ship with one 72-page Lochby refill, which contains fountain-pen-friendly 68gsm Tomoe River Paper, with additional refills available for purchase separately. The Field Journal refills are available in Dot Grid, Lined, Plain, and Planner (6 months) rulings, while the Pocket Journal refills are available in Dot Grid, Lined, and Plain versions.

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Lochby also makes two dedicated pen cases: the Quattro four-pen case (which actually holds four-plus pens if you use the outer slots), and the Lochby Tool Roll, which can be used to hold anything from pens to bike tools to art supplies to whatever you might want to carry around with you. My favorite aspects of the Quattro are the offset pen slots that prevent unnecessary contact between pens when the case is closed, and a soft liner, both of which help protect against scratching.

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The entire Lochby lineup is attractively priced, especially given the quality, ranging from $39-$59 for the various cases, $8.99 for the A5 Tomoe River notebook, and $5.99 for the Tomoe River pocket notebook. You can check them out here, along with the rest of our carefully curated selection of products.

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of Lochby and other brands we stock. By shopping with us directly, you are supporting original content, pen reviews, pen show events, etc. from The Gentleman Stationer. If you would like to support us even further, please consider checking out the T.G.S. Patreon Program, which offers access to online meetups, exclusive discounts and pre-orders, and more!

Sunday Reading for February 13, 2022

1. Pen Addict 500 (via Pen Addict). A huge congrats to Brad and Myke on 500 episodes! It’s crazy to think it’s been that long.

2. Pen Review: Platinum Curidas (via Macchiato Man). The Platinum Curidas, remember that? I need to break mine back out, and see if the cracked feeds are stable or have gotten worse and need replacement.

3. Journaling I (via InkSharks). What’s your preferred notebook for journaling? If you enjoy Tomoe River Paper, the Nanami Paper Seven Seas is an excellent choice

4. A Perfect Pen (via A Fleeting Ripple). The Lamy 2000 might be, for me, the perfect pen. I love reading stories about how like-minded people first discovered it.

5. Pen Collecting and the Curious Art of Curation (via mnmlscholar). There are many different ways to curate a pen collection, depending on what you want each addition to bring to the table.

6. Rocking Out with the Tibaldi Bamboo Trio (via UK Fountain Pens). Tibaldi, a Montegrappa “sub-brand”, has been making a name for itself by showcasing interesting materials in unique shapes.

7. State of the Art: Material Snobbery (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). Material snobbery is one of those things that subconsciously takes hold, and it creeps into other areas beyond art supplies, like stationery (i.e., notebooks). Do I really need a better notebook, or is the one I was going to use perfectly fine?

8. Taccia Spotlight Forest Eye Review (via Pen Addict). Kimberly reviews one of the steel-nibbed Taccia pens, and it’s a great reminder that the nibs are made by Sailor and excellent writers.

9. My New Whatever Journal (via Well-Appointed Desk). I’ve also started keeping a “whatever” notebook on me most of the time, where I don’t worry about what goes into it or whether it has any sort of consistent “theme” or dedicated use.

10. How I Select My Next Ink to Use (via Too Many Inks). I love reading about other people’s systems that they use to ensure all the inks in their collection get cycled through. Read Part II here.

In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog I reviewed a new A5 Leather Notebook Cover/Portfolio from Harber London, a brand I’ve never used before. I also posted my thoughts on the Drillog dip pen, a Kickstarter project that took off last year and garnered a lot of hype, but final results seem mixed at best. (Note: Drillog reached out and has offered to replace my nib. They looked at my writing sample and confirmed there is likely something wrong with the pen.)

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This week we’re happy to introduce Lochby to the Curated Shop!

This Week in the Curated Shop

In order to set up the shop for future growth, you’ll notice that things have been reorganized a bit, and you may see similar changes going forward. Our selection of pens and pencils, paper (including notebooks and notebook systems), curated desk and reading accessories, and washi tape and enamel pins are now organized on their own discrete pages to make things easier to navigate and give us room to expand. Check out this new format here. On the restock side, we are fully loaded up on most models of Caran d’Ache pens and pencils, including the latest Nespresso Swiss Wood Collaboration, and we just launched Lochby with their full range of notebook covers and Tomoe River refills!

Lochby

Caran d'Ache

Desk and Reading

Washi and Pins

Consider Joining TGS Patreon for Access to Monthly Meetups and First Dibs on Gently Used Stationery, Exclusive Products and More!

For some additional fun, and to help support the blog consider joining the Patreon program. Patreon supporters receive special pricing and early access to product releases and collaborations such as the T.G.S. x Sunderland pen, in addition to other benefits. You can read more about T.G.S. Patreon here. This year I’ve introduced monthly online meetups, which take place on Friday or Saturday and have been super enjoyable. The Patreon membership also has “first dibs” on my regular gently used stationery sales.