Inside Stationery (Pt. 03): Robert Oster - RO Signature Ink (via Scrively). This is a great series if you’re interested in learning more about the people behind the brands we all love. This edition features Robert Oster of RO Signature Ink, in Australia.
The Results Are In: The Great Fountain Pen Survey, Part I (via UK Fountain Pens). If you’re curious about where the online pen enthusiast hobby is headed in terms of growth and new participants, you owe it to yourself to check out this survey. It’s an incredibly thoughtful and in-depth piece of research. (Apparently I also need to join r/fountainpens.)
Quick Look: Leonardo Momento Zero Grande Pura Fountain Pen (via Pencilcase Blog). Dries takes an initial look at the new Momento Zero Grande recently announced by Leonardo, with quite a different (transparent) look.
Franklin-Christoph Model 25 Eclipse (via Left Hook Pens). The Model 25, or the “Eclipse”, is one of the more unique Franklin-Christoph designs, in that the clip sits on the body of the pen rather than the cap. It’s rare to see this one reviewed!
What’s in My Bag (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). Bag dump post! I enjoy seeking what everyone else carries around, especially these days. My own carry has become a disorganized mess, probably because I don’t frequently leave the house.
John Twiss Thuya Burl Revisited (via Dapprman). This is a beautiful pen, with beautiful material. Twiss Pens from the UK have been on my list of pens to review for quite some time.
Pocketable Practicality: The 3D Printed Pocket Pen from Practical Pens (via Penquisition). 3D printing technology hasn’t yet broken into the mainstream of penmaking, but this looks really interesting.
What the Sport Should Have Been: The Kaweco Supra Fireblue (via UK Fountain Pens). I’ve long been a fan of the Kaweco Supra. I actually have a stainless steel version in for review that I need to get up on the blog soon.
Review: NovelPad Cloud-Based Writing Tool Part 1 (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). One of my (many) side interests involves accumulating dedicated writing apps that I don’t use nearly enough. This is a new one for me, reviewed by someone who does a lot more writing.
The Use and Abuse of Electric Pencil Sharpeners (via Pencil Revolution). I wholeheartedly agree that the best tool is the one that you use, all the time, and which will just get the pencil sharp.
Venvstas Carbon-T Fountain Pen (via Well-Appointed Desk). Venvstas is still at it! I have to admit I’m intrigued by the design, but the reports of dry nibs is concerning.
In Case You Missed It….
This week on the blog, I introduced an old favorite notebook on both the blog and the shop: the Quo Vadis Habana Journal. I also offered my first impressions of the new Parker 51 “Next Generation” fountain pen, in burgundy with the steel nib, and so far have had a fairly positive experience.
New in the Curated Shop
This week in the Curated Shop, we have a fresh stock of new paper from Rhodia, Quo Vadis, and Clairefontaine, in addition to a new M+R brass pencil sharpener that can accommodate jumbo pencils. I highlighted several of these items, as well as some “last calls,” in this week’s Deals & Drops.
Sponsorship Changes - Consider Joining T.G.S. Patreon for 2021!
You may have noticed that over the past several months, I’ve been allowing paid sponsorships to lapse and relying on direct support from readers and visitors, either in the form of Patreon pledges or Curated Shop Purchases. I plan to continue this trend in 2021, with the goal of T.G.S. being completely self-sustaining by the end of the year. While I will continue to collaborate and work with select partners, I do not wish to rely on paid advertising going forward, with the possible exception of smaller brands and makers who you may see on my sidebar from time to time.
You can read more about T.G.S. Patreon here. I will be rolling out some new content in 2021 that will be exclusive to Patreon subscribers, including monthly online meetups, and the eventual return of the “Digital Divide” newsletter (you can read back content here). I will also continue with periodic “sample sales” of gently used review items, to which Patrons will have first access. The current sale is now live!