Does Kaweco’s Premium Nib Write Like Gold? (via UK Fountain Pens). Kaweco seems to have gone full Delta Fusion on the claims surrounding their new “premium” steel nibs (“Writes like gold!”) To be honest, I’m more than a little put off by being asked to pay a premium for what seems like basic nib Q.C. If Kaweco can’t do adequate quality control on their standard steel nibs at their current price point, they should raise their prices to a point that allows them to sell a product not marked by nib inconsistency. I would gladly pay more since I love their pens but think the inconsistency in nib quality holds them back at times. Just my $0.02.
Interview with Anthony Newman of UK Fountain Pens (via Cult Pens). I love how Cult Pens reached out to someone in the community to interview them! More community + retailer collaborations like this, please!
Emergency 3: New Tomoe River (via Tokyo Inklings). If you’re not listening to Tokyo Inklings and following them on social media, you should be, especially if you’re interested in all things Japanese stationery. Listen to the latest “emergency” episode about the future of Tomoe River paper! (Spoiler: The rights apparently have been sold to a new manufacturer.)
Sample Vials - A Mini FAQ (via Pen Addict). Kimberly has been writing some insanely useful, detailed content for the Pen Addict recently. If you’ve ever considered purchasing your own sample vials, read this first on which ones to buy.
YSTUDIO Classic Revolve Fountain Pen (via Rants of the Archer). I’ve not tried anything from YSTUDIO in quite some time, but this red lacquer over brass looks sharp.
Fountain Pen Quest Trail Log (via FPQuest). Ray’s weekly round-up is always a must-read for me. In addition to sharing his thoughts on whether to flush pens you’re bored with or write them dry (something I spend too much time thinking about myself), this week he discusses ideas for NaNoWriMo for nonfiction writers.
Ink Review #633: Harry Potter Gryffindor Red (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). In addition to their current line of Harry Potter-themed fountain pens, Montegrappa has introduced a line of Harry Potter inks, starting with house colors! Also check out the reviews of Slytherin Green and Hufflepuff Yellow.
Wearingeul Ink (via Mountain of Ink). Kelli looks at another Korean ink brand, Wearingeul, with some nicely muted colors that I think I might enjoy. The “Forest of Literature” series looks especially interesting.
America Standards (via Bleistift). These look like Musgrave-made pencils to me, based on the sharpness of the hex.
Fountain Pen Ink Reviews: A Collection of Yellows (via Well-Appointed Desk). I love the color yellow (almost as much as I love red) but I haven’t been able to find a decently legible yellow ink. There are some intriguing suggestions here.
This week I took an in-depth look at the Schon DSGN Ultem Fountain Pens. (I also have a Peek version on the way!)
In Case You Missed It
I published several different posts this week on the blog. First, a review of a new edc favorite: the Schon DSGN Ultem Fountain Pen, which I have in both Black Ultem and natural/amber Ultem. I also published two posts on so-called “lie-flat notebooks” and “waterproof inks”, two topics I frequently get questions on and have been meaning to write about for a while. .
Updates from the T.G.S. Curated Shop
This week’s Deals & Drops theme was NaNoWriMo, given that November (tomorrow!?!) starts tomorrow. If you’re looking for a nice notebook and/or pens and pencils to stock your NaNoWriMo stash in advance of a full month of novel (or nonfiction) writing, or whatever you may choose to do, please consider purchasing from us. We have a wide range of fountain pen friendly paper, pens, pencils, and other reading and writing accessories to help get you across the NaNoWriMo finish line! (We can’t do the actual writing though, that’s up to you.)
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, and I’m currently working on a fresh batch of pens, inks, and notebooks that should hit the Patreon shop in the next couple of weeks.