Thursday Drops: Old Favorites and Gently Used Updates

Our curated retail operation has expanded fairly quickly, but I want to be sure not to lose sight of the original brands that we continue to stock, though I haven’t exactly done the best job of promoting them recently amidst all the new arrivals. Among other things, we’ve recently restocked on Write Notepads, Book Darts, Clairefontaine, and more. I’ve also marked down some additional items that remain in the “Gently Used” section (including inks)! This last batch of Gently Used items has sold fairly quickly, and I’ll be working up another sale in a couple of months once I finish my ongoing office renovations. Happy Thursday! The weekend is almost here!

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of all brands shown here. The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

1. “Open Box” Ink Sale (via T.G.S. “Gently Used”). About quarterly, I try to clear out my pens and inks that are getting less use than they should, and put them up for sale in the “Gently Used” section. T.G.S. Patreon subscribers always have first crack at any sales before items become available to the public, in addition to many other benefits.

2. Write Notepads Classic Hardcover Notebook. These casebound journals make an excellent choice for a commonplace book, personal journal, or any other situation where you want a long-lasting hardcover notebook that will look great on a shelf, in perpetuity. Now available in both dot grid and lined versions.

3. Write Notepads Weekly Planners (Undated). The undated planner is a severely under-sung piece of gear that I use every week in one form or another. The Write Notepads version is a versatile, full-sized landscape notebook that allows you to plan your week in detail, take notes organized by day, or simply brainstorm in a chronological fashion.

4. Midori MD 1 Day, 1 Page “Codex” Notebook. I’m always amazed at the ways in which people describe their use of the Midori MD Codex. It not only makes for an excellent personal journal or undated planner, but it’s also apparently popular in creative writing classes where people use it for a poem-a-day, morning pages, and the like.

5. Rhodia A5 Webnotebook. One of the best “basic A5 notebooks” on the market, the Rhodia Webbie is in stock in all three colors (black, orange, and silver), in both lined and dot grid varieties.

6. Clairefontane 1951 Clothbound A5 Notebook. What’s turned out to be our most popular Clairefontaine notebook is back in stock in all colors! These retro-style clothbound notebooks feature lined fountain-pen friendly Clairefontaine paper.

7. Clairefontaine French-Ruled Paper (Notebooks + Looseleaf). We remain stocked up on my favorite paper of all time, Clairefontaine’s Seyes-ruled, or “French-ruled”, paper, available in both notebook form and looseleaf. Looseleaf is an import order, so we’re down to just a few variants remaining.

8. Kokuyo Sketch Books, Trip Books, and Accessories. These cult favorite Japanese hardcover pocket notebooks are long-time shop favorites, and many people don’t know that they come in colors beyond green, and there are dot grid “Trip Book” versions available! We also recently added this cool bookmark template that allows you to mark your pages with shorthand symbols to track different things if you use this (or any other notebook) as a mini-journal.

9. Caran D’Ache Editing Pencils. While the red/graphite editing pencil is one of my most-used stationery items, the highlighter/graphite combo is also exceptionally good. We sell these individually and by the dozen, and judging by how many dozens we go through, there are dozens of us out there. Dozens!

10. Book Darts. Finally, we’re fully restocked on Book Darts, in all finishes and quantities, as well as the bookmark sleeves.

Join the Dark Side: Grades of Pencil Graphite from HB to 4B

Over the years you tend to settle into those stationery products that really work for you in your day-to-day life, especially with consumable items like pencils. I go through a fair number of pencils regularly, and as I’ve been cleaning up TGS HQ in preparation for some renovation work, I’ve been taking stock of what I’m using most as measured by what’s on my desk and, with regard to pencils, what’s clearly been sharpened dozens of times. On the pencil front, I definitely have a strong preference for darker graphite.

Understanding the Graphite Scale

Here in the United States, we’re accustomed to seeing pencils designated in grades numbered “1-4”, starting with the No. 1 pencil as the softest option available and the “No. 2” as the standard writing or office pencil. (No. 3 and No. 4 pencils feature much harder cores and lighter lines, and are actually fairly difficult to find in the wild.) Once you break into the world of specialized pencils, however, you realize that the subtle variations are endless.

Outside of the United States (and increasingly inside the U.S.), graphite pencils are graded on a more detailed “HB”oriented scale, which measures the ratio of graphite and clay in the core. For example, an “HB” pencil is balanced between clay and graphite, and typically serves as your No. 2 equivalent. From there, pencils are graded as “B” through “10B” for softer, darker pencils that contain more graphite, and H through 10H for harder, lighter pencils that contain more clay. (Of course, there’s also the outlier “F” pencil, which is the equivalent of the rare “2.5” pencil and sits somewhere between HB and H.) For the uninitiated, this grading system can be quite confusing, especially if all you’re looking for is a writing pencil that’s slightly harder or slightly darker than a standard No. 2/HB.

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While you can definitely see the progression in darkness as you move up the “B” scale, there are slight variations between brands. For example, the Camel 2B is slightly lighter than the dark Mitsubishi Hi-Uni 2B.

Which Pencils Do I Use for Actual Writing? F through 4B

For the best balance of smoothness and legibility, I prefer pencils that fall on the darker side of the “HB” designation, typically a 2B pencil. (You may recall that I stocked up on a bulk order of 2B pencils back in November.) As long as I use paper with a bit of texture, which tends to hold graphite better, I don’t necessarily have issues with smearing, especially if I’m using a higher quality pencil from Tombow, Uni-Mitsubishi, or Caran D’Ache. That said, I’m willing to live with a touch of smeariness in exchange for a darker line, hence why I will even use 3B/4B pencils that many people find too soft for everyday writing. I also find sharpening pencils to be relaxing and a good “focus point” if I need to take a break at work, so the need to sharpen softer pencils more frequently doesn’t bother me.

On the harder side of the scale, I find “H” and up too light and scratchy for everyday writing. In addition to legibility problems, the feel of harder graphite doesn’t appeal to me. I will occasionally use an “F” grade pencil if I know that I want to be writing somewhere without ready access to a sharpener.

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You can tell which pencils see the most use by the length and the “teethmarks” from my Carl Angel 5 sharpener.

Favorite Soft Graphite Pencils

In addition to the Camel 2B, which I wrote about late last year, favorite soft-graphite pencils include the Mitsubishi Hi-Uni 2B, the Staedtler Noris 2B, the Tombow 2558 in B, and the Caran D’Ache Edelweiss in 3B. While I can’t actually peg the grade (since Blackwing doesn’t disclose it), the “Soft” original Blackwing is said to be around a 4B, and I regularly use that pencil for writing. Though it still requires a fair bit of sharpening, it has remarkable point retention and a lack of smeariness for graphite that soft.

Further Reading

For a comprehensive overview of graphite grades and the history behind the “grading system,” as well as years of back content full of pencil knowledge, check out this post from C.W. Pencil Enterprise back in 2018. Their archived site is generally an excellent source of information, even if the store itself is no longer open.

This post does not contain paid third-party affiliate links. Though some of the pencils here are available among the selection of pencils featured in the T.G.S. Curated Shop, others are linked to manufacturers and retailers who have not paid any compensation for being featured here. The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

Shop Update: Paper for Letter Writing

Even though I failed to get my act together in time to participate in NaNoWriMo last month, I’ve tried to do better with my letter writing, especially now that I have access to a ready stream of paper that’s more appropriate for casual letter writing. I’ve never been one for dedicated “stationery sets,” other than correspondence cards that people have sent me over the years, preferring to rely on standard writing pads that offer more writing space. (Hey, when I do write letters, they tend to be longer.) If you’ve ever received a letter from me, you’ll know that I prefer three types of paper: Clairefontaine Triomphe, Midori MD Cotton, and standard 52gsm Tomoe River paper (which is currently hard to source due to manufacturing changes). What do I like about these specific papers? They’re all “standard” enough to be both readily available and reasonably priced, while still maintaining that classic “vintage stock” feel that’s nicer than a standard legal pad, for both the writer and the recipient.

We’re happy to carry most of these papers in the shop, along with a few other quirky options.

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Bright-white Clairefontaine Triomphe paper really shows off the ink!

Clairefontaine Triomphe

Available in both blank and lined formats, I would call Clairefontaine Triomphe my workhorse letter-writing paper of choice, since it’s both readily available, inexpensive, and ink-friendly. I love that it’s sold in bound writing pads, so you can use it for general writing and notetaking as well as correspondence. Available now in both A4 and A5 sizes, starting at only $5 USD.

Midori MD Writing Pads (MD Cotton and MD Standard)

If you favor more absorbent paper than Clairefontaine, or if you sometimes enjoy using pencils to write your letters, Midori MD Writing Pads are an excellent option. The unlined MD Cotton Paper has the best overall feel of any writing paper out there (in my opinion) and my only regret is that they don’t make it with a ruling. At the end of the day, I’ve simply adapted to using unlined paper. As I’ve mentioned before Midori MD pads are excellent for letter writing, and they can pull double-duty as a desk pad since they are bound on two sides and can be turned into a landscape orientation to fit beneath a keyboard. Available in both A4 and A5 sizes, starting at $10 for MD Cotton and $12 for standard Midori MD.

Life Noble Note and Bank Paper

While Japanese Stationery Company “Life” sits outside the stationery mainstream, receiving less attention than peers like Midori, many people find their paper equally as good and it’s developed a cult following. Their “Noble Note” 100-sheet writing pads come in blank, lined, and grid rulings. Personally, I find Life’s standard paper to behave closest to standard Midori MD, though perhaps with a bit more texture? If you favor toothier, more absorbent paper, check out their heavier, vintage-style Bank Paper. Available in A4 size, starting at $26 for a 100-sheet pad of Noble Note, and $28 for a 100-sheet pad of Bank Paper.

WMS & Co. ColorPads

Though color-coated paper is extremely hit or miss with fountain pens, I’ve had a lot of fun lately sending notes on the ColorPads from WMS & Co, mainly using ballpoint pen and pencil. (Colored Pencil looks exceptionally good on the grey paper.) I have one of the “Large Square” ColorPads on my desk at work, which I use for both taking notes and sending professional correspondence (thank-yous, cover notes, etc.). The best part is that all of the WMS & Co desk pads contain a minimum of 185 sheets of paper, so they’ll basically last forever. Available from $25.

WMS & Co makes writing pads in a variety of shapes and sizes. I’ve been using the large square ones (center) for work cover notes and casual correspondence.

Disclaimer: The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of all brands shown here. The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

Sunday Reading for March 20, 2022

1. 2022 Baltimore Pen Show Recap and Report Card (via Pen Addict). Kimberly has her own incredibly thorough Baltimore recap. I still can’t get over the number of nib workers available, and the fact that all of them stayed busy!

2. The Onoto Scholar Was Worth The Wait (via UK Fountain Pens). Onoto moves in to a lower price point, while keeping the major design touches that people love.

3. Sunday Shorts #1: Journaling (A Fleeting Ripple). If you aren’t reading this blog, give it a glance. I love these sorts of “origin story” posts.

4. Deciding What I Want in a New Gel or Ballpoint Pen (via mnmlscholar). I’ve also moved on from the Schmidt 8127, due to bleed-through issues on some paper I use. I’ve really grown to appreciate needle-tip ballpoints or hybrid gel-ballpoint pens like the Jetstream.

5. Ink Review: Monarca Part II (via Well-Appointed Desk). Arena Blanca needs to be inked up as soon as possible. I understand it was a huge seller at the Baltimore Pen Show.

6. Endless Explorer Refillable Leather Journal (via Rants of the Archer). So Endless is getting in to the Traveler’s-Style notebook game as well, sized to fit their “Storyboard” notebooks.

7. Asvine v169 (via Dapprman). For those looking to try out a “Skeleton-style” pen without breaking the bank, if you’re willing to make concessions on quality control.

8. Rhodia Goalbook Ivory and White Paper Comparison and Review (via Fountain Pen Love). The Rhodia “Goalbook” is an interesting take on their classic Webbie, featuring upgraded Rhodia “R” paper, which I’ve never tried. Put this on the experiment list!

In Case You Missed It… This Week on the Blog

My travels didn’t end at the Baltimore Pen Show. I continued on to meet my family in Washington, D.C. for a few days of Spring Break, followed by a three-day work conference in New Orleans. (No, I didn’t get a chance to visit Papier Plume, unfortunately.) I did manage to post my recap of the 2022 Baltimore Pen Show, as well as a short piece on my Travel Carry, in which I discuss my latest bag addition, which I had to pick up in D.C. since my checked luggage was overweight. (Hey, if I’m on the hook for multiple flights’ worth of overweight bag charges, I might as well have a new bag.) Upon my return, I rounded out my Baltimore Show posts with some pictures of my latest Franklin-Christoph additions, including a full shot of my Franklin-Christoph collection and the models I tend to enjoy.

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is Shipping and Back to Normal!

I’m absolutely floored by the level of support you all showed when we were away, despite the delay in receiving your orders. We’re busy shipping all of your orders and I hope to be completely caught up by tomorrow morning with everything in the mail. All orders placed while I was away will include extra stickers, pencils, pins, and possibly more if you were kind enough to place a really big order! In the meantime, we received a large Midori restock that includes favorites such as the Midori MD and Midori MD Cotton Writing Pads in both A4 and A5, along with additional Dot Grid versions of both the A5 Notebook Journal and the A5 Codex!

Midori Pencils

Midori Paper

Caran d'Ache

Fountain Pen Friendly Paper

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, before whatever is left becomes available to the general readership.

State of the Collection: My Franklin-Christoph Fountain Pens after Baltimore

I’ve not written about my Franklin-Christoph fountain pens in a while, even though the brand has been a mainstay of my “daily workhorse” rotation for years now. Previously my collecting has focused on the Model 20 “Marietta” fountain pen, the slip-cap pen that’s one of my all-time favorites, especially for showing off acrylics and other materials. In recent years, however, I’ve expanded my repertoire and added several new pens in different models, including the Model 31 “Omnis”, the Model 02 “Intrinsic”, and the Model 45.

From left: two Model 31 fountain pens, four Model 20s (still my favorite), a Model 02, and a Model 45.

Even if I don’t end up purchasing anything, browsing the prototype trays at the Franklin-Christoph tables is one of my favorite pen show experiences. (It’s rare that you don’t end up walking away from the table with something.) This past weekend, I purchased the Model 02 and Model 45 shown here, both in this dark flecked acrylic with scattered gold, burgundy, blue, and green. (I believe this material is called “Cathedral,” and it’s made appearances at pen shows in the past but I was never able to snag it in a pen model that appealed to me. I’m still looking for a Model 20.)

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The Model 02 features this material on the section and finial, with the slightly blue-tinted “Antique Glass” body.

Another reason I never feel guilty about picking up more Franklin-Christoph pens is because the purchase includes a tuned JoWo nib, with numerous specialty grinds available for a small uncharge. In addition to Franklin-Christoph’s own excellent in-house nib grinds, you can opt for work done by Japanese nib crafter Yukio Nagahara. I chose Nagahara needlepoint nibs for both of the pens shown here. I haven’t inked these pens up yet, but you can expect these pens (and these nibs) will get a full write-up sooner rather than later.

Catch Up on the Rest of My Baltimore Pen Show Adventures

You can read my full recap of the 2022 Baltimore Pen Show here, and you can also view additional show photos on my Instagram, including in the Stories where the pics and running commentary are saved to the highlights. I got home late last night, so I’m still getting settled, but you can expect the blog to resume a normal schedule this week.

Finally, T.G.S. Curated Shop orders are no longer delayed and will ship within the typical 2-3 business days. All orders placed during my absence started shipping out LATE last night and will continue through the weekend. Many thanks for all your support!