Sunday Reading for August 2, 2026 (Stationery Store Day Edition)

1. Wanna Go to a Show? Pen Show Calendar Updated! (via Well-Appointed Desk). Ana and here team maintain one of the most comprehensive pen show calendars available. Guess what was added for mid-October?

2. 10 Pens, But Inks (via Dime Novel Raven). I’ve also wondered about the ink counterpart to the 10 pens challenge. What 10 inks would I keep?

3. Maruman Mnemosyne Journal A6 Slim Notebook Review (via Pen Addict). I’ve been using a Maruman Mnemosyne A5 Journal - the larger version of what’s being reviewed - and have been impressed with the quality.

4. New Crena Papers from Soe and Soe (via dwrdnet). I’ve yet to try these Crena papers out of China, but have heard good things in terms of how they respond to ink.

5. Sheaffer Legacy Review: They Did The Brand Justice (via Doodlebud). I’ve been seeing reviews of the new Sheaffer Legacy - an old favorite - and find myself somewhat intrigued about the re-released version.

6. Pen Show Prep, Differently (via Rachel’s Reflections). Are you getting ready for the D.C. Pen Show? It’s upon us, starting Thursday!

7. Conway Stewart Detection Club (via Figboot on Pens). Special editions from Conway Stewart often have a great story behind them, this one is no exception. Don’t overlook this brand.

In Case You Missed It…

This week, we released Episode 13 of On The Paper Trail, in which Lisa Vanness and I discuss fountain pen inks in our first dedicated ink episode. This one focuses on permanent fountain pen inks, which seem to be having a bit of a moment judging from the volume of questions we are getting about this topic. I also published a short piece on choosing a notebook system, as well as friendly reminder of our site resources and our upcoming class/seminar at next week’s D.C. Pen Show.

I’ve been super impressed with the Nahvalur Nautilus: Ti version.

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop - Stationery Store Day Promotion Through The Weekend!

Yesterday was Stationery Store Day, and it was a joy to see so many people come through our doors to celebrate brick-and-mortar stationery businesses! Anyone who purchased a fountain pen in-store received a complimentary ink sample, and we’re extending this promotion to any online fountain pen orders placed on Saturday and Sunday. No coupon code is necessary - a complimentary sample will be automatically added to your order.

This week was a big one for new arrivals, with new Kaweco Sports from both the Kaweco Collection and standard lineups, as well as the return of Nahvalur fountain pens! We also have Lochby Mini Pocket Journals, and new Rhodia “Colors” writing pads. Be sure to check each week’s Thursday Drops e-mail for new arrivals and restocks.

Starting Wednesday (8/5), hours and shipping schedule will be slightly modified due to the D.C. Pen Show. All online orders placed between Weds-Friday (8/5-8/7) will ship in a 3-5 business day time frame. The Nashville Shop will remain open, but hours may be slightly reduced and updates posted this week.

Roterfaden

Kaweco

Nahvalur

Rhodia

How YOu Can Support us further: Visit Us on Patreon

If you enjoy our content (whether here on the main website, Instagram, YouTube Channel or elsewhere), and would like early/extra access to shop releases and special promotions, consider supporting us via Patreon. In addition to exclusive content, Discord access, and online meetups, Patreon supporters have access to one or more initial “practice” episodes of “On the Paper Trail” which have not been publicly released.

Sunday Reading for July 26, 2026

1. Platinum 3776 - Ranking the Nibs (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). I’m not the world’s biggest fan of the Platinum 3776 pen body, but the nibs can be excellent. Kimberly walks through each of them.

2. Opening the Japan-Inspired Curated Box from the Gentleman Stationer (via dwrdnet). Derek opens up our latest Patreon curated box, which featured items I brought back from Japan.

3. Ink Review: Three Sailor Studio Inks (341, 343, 564). Some of these colors are going away as Sailor consolidates their lineup, so if there is a color you really love and you are running low, be sure to check.

4. Sheaffer Legacy (via Figboot on Pens). One of my favorite vintage pens (I guess it is “vintage” now, or at least the ones I have are….). David takes a look at one of the new versions.

5. 3+3+3+1 (via Line Variation). A slightly different take on the “10 Fountain Pens” challenge - not limiting it to fountain pens but rather all writing instruments!

6. Ink Review: Taccia Ukiyo-e Ink Hokusai Sabimidori (via Well-Appointed Desk). I was so excited for this to come back into stock! Sabimidori is one of my favorite greens (or is it really a blue?) on the market.

7. Watch Us Set Up Our New Location in Ft. Smith, Arkansas (via Vanness Pens). Vanness is moving, and you can catch a glimpse at their new space here. Congratulations!

In Case You Missed It…

This week I published my own take on the “10 Fountain Pens” challenge, digging fairly deep into my collection and breaking out some old favorites I would never part with. Since pen show season is rapidly approaching next month, I also revisited the topic of stationery bags, and discuss a few of my favorite stationery bags and cases. Finally, I published a YouTube “How It Works” demonstration video focusing on one of the stationery carry options from yesterday’s post.

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop - Lochby and Appointed Arrive, Plus updated summer clearance!

Yesterday was a huge restock day, featuring a lot of new arrivals that didn’t make it into Thursday’s “Drops” post! First up is a major Lochby restock, including Field Sling A5s, Venture Pouches, Mini Venture Pouches, and the new Mini Pocket Journal, which is a wallet-sized folio that may be replacing the Sidekick? I will say that am enjoying the outer pen sleeve on the Mini! We also have a large shipment of the Lochby A7/card-sized notebooks, which feature the same 68g Tomoe River paper as the other Lochby paper offerings.

We have also added a bunch of new items to clearance. A clearance discount will be automatically applied at checkout to all items in the clearance section.

This week we will be open normal hours in our Nashville Shop: 1-6pm Thursday and Friday, and 10am-5pm on Saturday. Come see us!

Lochby

Appointed

Diplomat

Bindewerk

How YOu Can Support us further: Visit Us on Patreon

If you enjoy our content (whether here on the main website, Instagram, YouTube Channel or elsewhere), and would like early/extra access to shop releases and special promotions, consider supporting us via Patreon. In addition to exclusive content, Discord access, and online meetups, Patreon supporters have access to one or more initial “practice” episodes of “On the Paper Trail” which have not been publicly released.

Sunday Reading for July 19, 2026

1. Ten Pens, but Make it Seven (via A Gathering of Curiosities). I’ve enjoyed reading these posts, and the pens people choose really give you a sense of what forms the core of their collection and interest in pens.

2. Ten Fountain Pens (via Olive Octopus Ink). If Lisa keeps publishing photos of that Manyo “Nuts” pen I will have to get my own or steal hers.

3. How To Use Notebooks in 2026 (The Best System) (via Cal Newport). Do you keep single-purpose notebooks? Or do you have one notebook that contains everything?

4. Moving Our Store to Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Stationery Life! (via Vanness Pens). Our friends at Vanness are moving this weekend! All the details here.

5. 12 Inks to Try Instead of Baystate Blue! (via Inkdependence). Try these instead for a blue that really pops.

6. Wingback Brass Ballpoint (via Scrively). I’m a fan of Wingback products. If you enjoy small-batch machined goods that will hold up and develop their own patina/personality over time, check them out.

7. The Quest for the Perfect Art and Commute Bag (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). Because I’m still searching for the perfect bag for my everyday needs - as opposed for specific use cases - I find these sorts of posts interesting.

8. The Hunt for the Perfect Green Ink Continues…. (via Well-Appointed Desk). I’m coming around to the realization that the solution to any of these “perfect” colors might be to mix my own?

In Case You Missed It….

This week we released Episode 12 of On The Paper Trail, in which Lisa and I discussed our favorite papers (rulings and formats, not brands). You can hear us discuss why both of us enjoy the versatility of dot grid, and answer questions relating to things like lie-flat notebooks and the differences between U.S. and international paper sizing. Yesterday I published a piece on what is and is not necessary for pen maintenance, and why you should carefully vet “advice” you read online. I specifically wanted to address the current trend of completely disassembling fountain pens on a regular basis, which is not necessary as part of routine maintenance and is leading to a lot of unnecessary wear and tear.

On Friday I swatched all the Kakimori Inkstand Colour pigment inks live!

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop

We had a huge response to last week’s release of the Lamy Meteorite and Meteora fountain pens. I believe we still have some in stock (at least in Meteorite) as of the time of writing. We’ve also received a full restock of Diplomat Vipers in both fountain pen and rollerball format, as well as out-of-stock Pilot items such as the Iro-Utsushi Dip Pens. Be sure to check out each week’s Thursday Drops post for a full list of new arrivals and restocks.

This week we will be open normal hours in our Nashville Shop: 1-6pm Thursday and Friday, and 10am-5pm on Saturday. Come see us!

Roterfaden

OnionBrand

Tom's Studio

New Stickers!

How YOu Can Support us further: Visit Us on Patreon

If you enjoy our content (whether here on the main website, Instagram, YouTube Channel or elsewhere), and would like early/extra access to shop releases and special promotions, consider supporting us via Patreon. In addition to exclusive content, Discord access, and online meetups, Patreon supporters have access to one or more initial “practice” episodes of “On the Paper Trail” which have not been publicly released.

Sunday Reading for July 12, 2026

1. Sailor Que Será Erasable Gel Ink Pen Review (via Pen Addict). I find Sailor’s efforts to get into the erasable pen game fascinating, even if I don’t really have any great desire to use this product.

2. Enjoy Collection 2026: Q2 (via Dime Novel Raven). Sometimes I get asked whether owning a pen store diminishes my enjoyment of stationery as a “hobby”, but I honestly think it’s the opposite. It tends to expand the the number of products you are exposed to, which I have also enjoyed immensely because they’re things I’ve never tried before.

3. Finding Joy in Cheap to Moderate-Priced Nice Things (via Urban Adventure League). I wholeheartedly agree that often the moderate price bracket brings the most overall satisfaction - fun without the financial stress.

4. This Common Fountain Pen Habit May Be Doing More Harm Than Good (via Doodlebud). Repeat after me: You do not need to take your pen completely apart to clean it.

5. Meet the Family Living Like It’s the 1990’s (via Cal Newport). Bye. I’ll send y’all my landline number.

6. Fountain Pen Types (via Inky.Rocks). Ok, I now have at least five more pens on my list to add to my collection. :)

7. If I Could Only Keep Ten (via Rachel’s Reflections). Is it time for another fountain pen thought experiment?

8. If I Could Only Keep 10 Fountain Pens (via Well-Appointed Desk). Here’s Laura’s take on the latest challenge.

9. Three Art Supply Stores Worth Visiting in Central Paris (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). It’s been way too long since I’ve been to Paris, but I have fond memories of visits to 2/3.

10. Clairefontaine Pocket Squared Notebook (via Notebook Stories). Clairefontaine is one of the unsung workhorses of the stationery world, and I do my bit to keep it from falling by the wayside in favor of “trendier” paper.

In Case You Missed It…

This week on the blog I reviewed a category of pens that has played a larger role in my rotation recently: The refillable rollerball that takes fountain pen ink (often called the “inkball”). Recent iterations of these pens work much better than the ones that first hit the market several years ago, and I talk about two that I’ve enjoyed using. I also reviewed a relatively new-to-me paper that has made its way into my rotation: Graphilo, a Japanese paper from Kobeha.

IPaintBirbs Holographic Stickers!

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop

We spent most of this week rebuilding our stock of Kakimori notebooks, only to see them fly off the shelves and out the door to their new homes! We still have a handful, along with a fairly healthy stock of the Kakimori metal dip nibs, holders, and other accessories. Many favorite Taccia inks have been restocked, along with OnionBrand Notebook Covers, and best of all, a bunch of new stickers from iLootPaperie and local Nashville maker IPaintBirbs!

This week our Nashville store will be open normal hours, from 1-6pm Thursday and Friday, and from 10am-5pm on Saturday! Online shopping is available 24/7!

OnionBrand

Notsu

Maruman Basics

iPaintBirbs

How YOu Can Support us further: Visit Us on Patreon

If you enjoy our content (whether here on the main website, Instagram, YouTube Channel or elsewhere), and would like early/extra access to shop releases and special promotions, consider supporting us via Patreon. In addition to exclusive content, Discord access, and online meetups, Patreon supporters have access to one or more initial “practice” episodes of “On the Paper Trail” which have not been publicly released.

Sunday Reading for July 5, 2026

1. 2026 St. Louis Pen Show Recap (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). The St. Louis Pen Show continues to be a well-attended regional show. It’s relatively close to me, so I may have to visit in the future.

2. 2026 St. Louis Pen Show (via Olive Octopus Ink). Lisa also attended the St. Louis Show and hosted her own class/seminar/activity table!

3. 2026 Dutch Pen Show Recap (via Pen Addict - Julia). If there was one European show that I would want to visit, it would be the Dutch Pen Show. That’s quite a pen show swag bag!

4. The Largest Craziest Fountain Pen Ink Collection (via Inky.Rocks). Ok, you have to watch the video of this ink collection - not sure I’ve ever seen anything quite like this. Now I need custom shelving.

5. Swallowed by a Whale (via A Gathering of Curiosities). Here’s to original, authentic writing.

6. Traveling Stationery Kit Themes (via Urban Adventure League). Anyone else absolutely LOVE that Lochby honey color?

7. Traveling with Ink, June 2026: Part I, Albania (via Fountain Pen Blog). Just a great travelogue post, and I enjoy hearing what stationery is available in different parts of the world.

8. Ya Gotta Start Somewhere (via From the Pen Cup). Whether it’s writing or drawing, just get started!

9. If I Could Only Keep 10 Fountain Pens (via Well-Appointed Desk). Not sure I could even begin to play this game.

10. Leonardo + Stilo e Stile MZ Radici (via Figboot on Pens). I have too many Momento Zeroes, but I love seeing these materials.

In Case You Missed It…

It was a bit of a quiet week around here due to the holidays and the fact that we all needed a rest! We released Episode 11 of On The Paper Trail, in which Lisa and I discuss nib size variations within fountain pen brands, and sometimes within the same model of fountain pen. Yesterday I also addressed some logistical questions and back-end site announcements.

This Week in the T.G.S. Curated Shop

This week’s new arrivals include a full restock of Taccia Ink (including all the new Kuniyoshi, Hokusai, and yes, more Sabimidori)! We also have new Kakimori notebooks, “Inkstand Colour” Mixable Pigmented Inks, Kakimori dip nibs and holders, and more Frost fountain pens and rollerballs. Finally, we have the TWSBI ECO “Horse Year” fountain pens available for pre-order, and a fresh batch of OnionBrand “Green Dragon” A5 leather covers! Be sure to check out each week’s Thursday Drops post for a full list of new arrivals and restocks.

We will be open normal hours this coming week in our Nashville shop, from 1-6pm Thursday and Friday, and from 10am-5pm on Saturday!

TWSBI

Kakimori

Notsu

Colorverse

How YOu Can Support us further: Visit Us on Patreon

If you enjoy our content (whether here on the main website, Instagram, YouTube Channel or elsewhere), and would like early/extra access to shop releases and special promotions, consider supporting us via Patreon. In addition to exclusive content, Discord access, and online meetups, Patreon supporters have access to one or more initial “practice” episodes of “On the Paper Trail” which have not been publicly released.