Thursday Drops: New Japanese Gel Pens and Highlighters, Kuru Toga Wood Pencils, and a Graphilo Restock!

Over the past year, we’ve been working to expand our selection of Japanese gel pens, low-viscosity ballpoints, and highlighters, including many not typically found outside Japan. This past week we received a shipment that included the Pilot Juice Plus, the Pilot Kire-Na double-ended highlighter, and a restock of various Uni Jetstream Lite Touch and Zento gel pens. We even have more of the SXR-600 Parker-style Jetstream refills, which I consider one of the best widely compatible ballpoint refills available. We’ve also received a restock of Uni Kuru Toga mechanical pencils, including new versions like the Kuru Toga “Wood” series.

The new Uni Kuru Toga Wood mechanical pencils, available in two colors!

On the paper side, Graphilo is restocked in most formats, including A4 and A5 looseleaf, and we also have loads of new Midori, including Soft Color notebooks in both staple-bound and spiral/wirebound formats. (You’ll see these featured in this week’s episode of On The Paper Trail!)

Come see these and more in-person at our Nashville location! We are open Thursday-Friday 1pm-6pm, and on Saturday from 10am-6pm.

1. Pilot Juice Plus Gel Pens. The Pilot Juice features Pilot’s new “Synergy” tip, which is a hybrid between a needle-tip and a conical tip and designed to deliver precision while maintaining flow and durability. The Juice Plus (or “Juice+”) is an excellent fine-tip writer, currently available in .4mm.

2. Pilot Kire-Na Double-Ended Highlighters. Pilot’s answer to the popular Mildliners, the Kire-Na features an innovative clear “guide” on the broad end which helps you keep your highlights all neat and clean. The fine tip is even finer than a Mildliner, allowing you to highlight smaller text with precision or even annotate. Available in 10 different colors.

3. Uni Kuru Toga Wood Mechanical Pencils. We’ve been trying to source these mechanical pencils for nearly a year, and finally managed to procure a small shipment. The Kuru Toga Wood features a contoured dark wood grip paired with a softly knurled upper metal barrel. Available in two colors, green and grey.

4. Uni Kuru Toga Alpha Gel Switch Mechanical Pencils. Looking for an all-day, every-day comfortable writer? We’re huge fans of the Kuru Toga Alpha Gel Switch, which comes in a wide array of colors, two different lead sizes, and with the ability to turn the Kuru Toga rotating mechanism on and off.

5. Pentel Tradio and PulaMan Fineliner/Fountain Pens. We recently received stock of the standard Pentel Tradio refillable fineliners, as well as the single-use/disposable PulaMan pens which feature a similar tip. Note that these are the standard versions and not the dark green Craft Design Technology versions, which are in the process of being restocked as well.

6. iiro 6-ring Refills. Kobeha, maker of Graphilo paper, also released these fun Bible-size refills which feature colorful dot-grid paper. Note that these relatively inexpensive refills are NOT made with Graphilo, but rather a more absorbent paper that’s designed to dry quickly and is better suited to ballpoints, gel, and rollerballs than especially wet fountain pens.

7. Graphilo Paper. We’ve restocked on most variants of Graphilo paper, including looseleaf, standard A5 and A5 Square notebooks, and the memo blocks. Graphilo paper is some of the most fountain pen-friendly paper available, and has rapidly become a shop favorite.

8. Belle & Union Correspondence Sets. By popular request, we’ve increased our selection of correspondence sets, including notecards and letter-size paper. We’ve even added their popular desk box, which includes both sizes.

9. Kaweco Metal Sport Fountain Pens. We have additional stock of the popular Stainless Steel Kaweco Sport fountain pens, as well as continued stock of the new Lunar Light Green and Shadow Green releases!

10. Kaweco Liliput Fountain Pens. We’ve also received additional green and brass Kaweco Liliputs, which are two of the more popular finishes of Kaweco’s most popular pocket pen.

On the Paper Trail Episode 7: Underappreciated Stationery Gems

In this week’s episode of On the Paper Trail, we discuss a topic that’s close to both of us: Underappreciated Stationery. For a variety of reasons, a wide range of exceptionally good stationery items don’t get the attention that we think they deserve. In some instances, entire brands can be underrated. We each picked items from three categories (pens, paper, and ink), and also talk a bit about why certain stationery can fly under the radar.

Additionally, we discuss our upcoming On the Paper Trail: Live in Nashville weekend event, currently slated for October 16-18! We talk a bit about our vision for this event and how we both wanted to create the type of event we personally want to attend, with a more balanced approach to shopping, seminars/classes, and opportunities to socialize!

On The Paper Trail: Where You Can Download the Podcast

As noted above, if you want to follow along and watch the video, On The Paper Trail has its own YouTube Channel. We have also uploaded the podcast to most popular podcast networks and apps, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Overcast.

Episode 7 Show Notes and Links

Note: We discuss a LOT of individual products this week, therefore this longer list has been moved to the bottom of the post.

1. Pilot e95s (Lisa’s Weekly Pen).

2. Blackwing Matte (Lisa’s Weekly Pencil).

3. Midori Soft Color Spiral (Lisa’s Weekly Paper).

4. Lamy 2000 Fountain Pen (Joe’s Weekly Pen).

5. Uni Style Fit Meister 5 Multi Pen (Joe’s Weekly Pen).

6. Life Noble Note A5 6-Ring Paper (Joe’s Weekly Paper).

7. Kaweco Perkeo (Underappreciated Pen Pick).

8. Lamy Pico Ballpoint (Underappreciated Pen Pick).

9. Conway Stewart (Underappreciated Pen Pick.

10. Ohto Ceramic Rollerball Pens (Underappreciated Pen Pick).

11. Lamy Swift Capless Rollerball (Underappreciated Pen Pick).

12. Jetstream Prime Ballpoint (Underappreciated Pen Pick).

13. Levenger Paper (Underappreciated Paper Pick).

14. Yamamoto Ro-Biki (Underappreciated Paper Pick).

15. Original Crown Mill (Underappreciated Paper Pick).

16. Wearingeul Paper (Underappreciated Paper Pick).

17. Callifolio Ink (Underappreciated ink Pick).

18. KWZ Old Gold (Underappreciated Ink Pick).

19. Laban Ink (Underappreciated Ink Pick).

20. Papier Plume Ink (Underappreciated Ink Pick).

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.

New Arrivals: Stationery Sets from Belle & Union, Plus Washi Tapes from Papier Platz and Oeda Letterpress!

We’ve continued to build out the written correspondence section of the shop, adding additional notecard/envelope sets as well as traditional half and full-sheet letter sets. San Antonio-based Belle & Union uses 100% cotton paper printed with snail mail and analog-themed motifs, and they’ve even assembled a desk box that contains both notecards and letter paper so you have a complete correspondence set ready to go for whatever type of writing you need to do. Be sure to check out the full line of Belle & Union products both online and in-store!

We’ve also expanded our washi tape offerings to include new designs from Papier Platz and Oeda Letterpress, two Japanese brands specializing in stationery and calligraphy-themed tapes and other accessories. Papier Platz has collaborated with Japanese artist Eric Small Things on a line of washi tapes that includes fountain pen ink, bookshelves, and desk art - these are among my favorite of the new washi tapes, particularly the “My Desk” and “Writing Utensils” designs.

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We will be open normal hours this week in our Nashville shop, from 1-6pm Thursday and Friday, and from 10am-6pm Saturday. Stop by to see these and more in-person!

Sunday Reading for April 12, 2026

1. 2026 San Francisco Stationery Fest Recap (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). An epic recap of an event that featured some of the best after-hours events that I’ve experienced at any sort of pen or stationery event. Karaoke, anyone?

2. USPS Shipping Updates (via Vanness1938). An important update for everyone to hear as it doesn’t just apply to Vanness - it applies to everyone. Shipping delays are endemic right now with slow delivery times, missed pick-ups, and missing packages. These aren’t just affecting customer orders but our own attempts to restock and get additional inventory.

3. 2026 Atlanta Pen Show (via Olive Octopus). I missed Atlanta this year due to a conflict with another event, but hopefully will be able to catch up with everyone next year. Many thanks to Lisa for running the shop (almost certainly better than I can) in my absence.

4. Interview with Richard Polt Author of the Typewriter Revolution (via dwrdnet). I’ve played witness to Derek’s emerging interest in typewriters over the last year or so, and this is a great opportunity to hear from one of the luminaries in the typewriter community.

5. “Planner Reset” (via Philofaxy). Personally, while I make tweaks to my planner/notebook “system” (loosely defined) throughout the year, I try to limit complete resets to year-end unless something is absolutely not working.

6. Visit to Bungu no Mori in Osaka, Japan (via Inkredible Colours). Since I’ll be visiting Osaka in late May, early June, I’ve added this one to the list!

7. Pelikan Edelstein Pyrite Ink Review (via Pen Addict). A step too far into the shimmer, perhaps?

8. Moving from a Franken-Bujo to a Wonderland222 Planner (via Well-Appointed Desk). I’ve really enjoyed my Wonderland222 Planner this year and find it to be one of the more versatile layouts in either the undated or dated formats.

9. What Would You Put in Your PPK (via Well-Appointed Desk). What would you bring along if you were only allowed a box the size of a relatively slim A5 notebook?

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In Case You Missed It….

While I always enjoy traveling to pen shows (and stationery fests!), I’m usually glad to get back to my writing routine! This week I compared two popular multi-pen systems: the Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto and the Uni Style-Fit, which is somewhat timely given that I took both with me to San Francisco and their appearance at the table prompted a lot of questions that needed answering. I also wrote a post offering my hands-on impressions of the Uni Zento Signature, a coveted “it” pen that’s received much attention on the stationery intranets over the past year or two and unfortunately remains largely unavailable. It’s a nice pen, and a great EDC option, but I may actually prefer the mid-tier Zento Flow for longer writing sessions due to how the pens balance in my hand.

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I think I forgot to mention this week we have all sorts of new washi tapes from Papier Platz (including the Eric Small Things collaboration tapes), plus new tapes from Oeda Letterpress.

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

We’ve fully restocked on select models of the Uni Zento, the Uni Jetstream Prime and Prime 3 Multi Pens, and Kuru Toga and Mono Shaker mechanical pencils! We also finished listing our recent restock of Midori paper, including Soft Color staple and spiral notebooks, and new MD Product (formerly Midori MD) notebooks in dot grid rulings beyond A5! Check out each week’s Thursday Drops posts for a full list of new arrivals and restocks.

Our Nashville Shop will be open this week for normal hours, from 1-6pm on Thursday and Friday and from 10am-6pm on Saturday. Please come by and see these products and more in-person!

Midori Paper

Herbin

Tombow

Uni

How YOu Can Support us further: AND SAVE THE DATE FOR OCTOBER 16-18, 2026 for On The paper Trail Live in Nashville!

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. Also, as we noted in yesterday’s post, we are planning an On The Paper Trail Weekend Event in Nashville the weekend of October 16-18, 2026! Stay tuned as we plan to release additional details in the coming weeks.

First Impressions: Hands-on with the Uni Zento Signature!

Ok, so I finally got my hands on a Uni Zento Signature - Uni’s latest “it” gel pen that flies off shelves so fast in Japan that it hardly ever makes it’s way into the U.S. market, and when it does, it often appears at grossly inflated secondary market prices. (I’ve seen these pens priced as high as $200+, but fortunately as they become more available this degree of silliness is less common.) I’ve been trying to get my hands on a Zento Signature for about a year, and when Vanness Pens obtained a (very) small shipment for the California Pen Show in February, I managed to snag one of the black ones in the .5mm tip size. After a few weeks of use, here are my initial impressions.

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What I Like About the Uni Zento Signature

• Magnetic Cap. The Zento Signature features a magnetic cap which closes and posts securely. This feature alone makes the Signature an excellent pen for everyday carry. Standard “click” gel pens can accidentally deploy in your bag or pocket, causing a mess. You don’t have that issue with the Signature.

• Sturdy Clip. The Signature features an upgraded metal clip that’s a bit heavier duty than the wire clip on the standard and Flow pens. I haven’t had the pen long enough to know whether it will make a real long-term difference in terms of durability, but it feels secure and does lend the pen a higher-end look.

• Matte Grip. The grip section on the Zento Signature has a matte texture that reduces slippage in the hand. The metal barrel on the Zento Flow might be a touch slick for some people. If you’re writing outdoors, in a variable travel environment, or if you tend to have sweaty hands, the Signature is a good choice.

• All-Metal Construction. The Zento Signature feels durable due to the nearly all-metal construction, including interior metal threads. There’s even an o-ring to prevent leakage if a refill goes bust.

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The Zento Signature posted in-hand. The grip section is comfortable, though I find the overall shape of the pen a touch short for my hand.

The Uni Zento Flow, which is a traditional click pen format with a lower aluminum barrel.

Do I Prefer the Zento Signature Over the Zento Flow? A Few Considerations that have me leaning towards the Zento flow

• Price Point. Even at the standard pricing ($30), the Zento Signature is nearly 3x more expensive than the Zento Flow, and 10x more expensive than the standard Zento. All three pens use the same refill, so in order to justify the price difference, you need to really like the format. I would NOT suggest that anyone pay $100-200 on the secondary market for a Zento Signature under any circumstances - it was never intended to be sold at this price point and the value proposition is not there.

• Balance. I don’t consider the Zento Signature unbalanced, but for longer writing sessions the Zento Flow fits my hand better. Posted, the Signature is only slightly shorter, but the difference in weight and balance feels more pronounced. I think I prefer the more front-weighted Flow overall.

• Hype. The stationery industry goes crazy over certain products from time to time, and I’m usually able to ignore the hype but with the Zento Signature it can be impossible. This pen has drawn so much attention that I dislike using it in public and carrying it with me at shows and meetups due to the number of people constantly asking whether I’m willing to sell it. (I’m not.) In my opinion, this pen is nice but does not justify the level of social media FOMO-driven hype that it receives.

Most of the price point of the Zento Signature goes into the metal barrel. As you can see, the barrel threads are metal as opposed to plastic, which suggests that the pen will be more durable over time as one would expect for the price point. That said, both pens use the same refill, so your writing experience is nearly identical.

Further Reading on the Uni Zento Lineup

I’ve previously reviewed the standard Uni Zento and the “mid-tier” Zento Flow, which uses the same refill and features an upgraded metal barrel in five different finishes. I think the Zento refill is excellent, and consider these pens exceptionally good everyday writers for those who value a smooth writing experience. The Zento is designed to be “low friction”, and performs as advertised. At the end of the day, is the coveted Zento Signature 2-3x as good as the Flow? If you’re just looking to write with a Zento, probably not, but if you are looking for a pocket-carry EDC pen with a magnetic cap, at $30 the Zento Signature is a reasonable choice as long as you can find one at standard pricing.

We currently have a fairly large selection of Standard Zentos and Zento Flow pens in stock in our shop, including the cool “Birch” Flow that pairs a white upper barrel with etched aluminum. We recently added some .7mm options for those who prefer a wider tip size. Unfortunately, we do not have any Zento Signatures available for sale as they remain largely unavailable in the U.S. Our friends at Vanness Pens are also currently sold out. Please note that I am not interested in selling my personal pen and generally do not respond to emails and comments regarding purchases from my personal collection. Thank you for understanding!

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.