Four Years: A Reflection (via Inky Kat Writes). It’s amazing how quickly things escalate once you enter this hobby seriously! Congratulations on four years!
Esterbrook Estie Rocky Top Oversize (via Rants of the Archer). I bought a standard “Rocky Top” pen in late 2020, and it’s been in my rotation since. At some point I’ll need to add an Estie Oversize.
TWSBI ECO (via Dapprman). I’m not sure even TWSBI appreciated how much the ECO would take off when it launched several years ago, especially to the point where people now debate whether the ECO is in fact TWSBI’s flagship pen, displacing the 580.
Fun with Chromatography (via Left Hook Pens). Since I’m not THAT much of an ink enthusiast, I’ve never tried my hand at chromatography, but this is a great post showing how you can probably experiment using supplies you already have around your house.
Notebook Discontents and Regrets (via Notebook Stories). I have many notebook “regrets,” mainly stocking up on more notebooks than I could ever use out of an unfounded fear that a notebook I liked would be discontinued and I wouldn’t be able to find something comparable.
NovelPad Cloud-Based Writing Part 2 (via Comfortable Shoes Studio). Good writing software is another weakness of mine, and Les continues her review of NovelPad. If you missed Part 1, check it out here.
Sailor 50 States (via Mountain of Ink). I’m not sure I grasp what Sailor is trying to do here with the “50 States” ink collection, but they have several of them out right now, which Kelli has reviewed.
Taccia Polar Lights Fountain Pen (via Pencilcase Blog). Taccia has been around for a long time, but has picked up momentum in recent years with their urushi, Raden, and Maki-e work.
The Proof Is in the Water (via Pen Addict). Congrats to Tony fo r publishing his first Pen Addict review, examining 17 different waterproof black inks and comparing how they fared on different papers.
Lamy Oblique Medium Gold Nib (via FPQuest). Lamy gold nibs are among my favorite, as I find that they have a lot of character (i.e., the EF’s can have an architect-like quality), and they also come in oblique grinds.
Hightide Metal Book Rest (via Well-Appointed Desk). Many thanks to Ana for reviewing one of the Curated Shop’s signature items, available in multiple colors.
Reviewing the Parker “51” Fountain Pen (via Pencil Revolution). I’m proud to say that I have been there for Johnny’s fountain pen journey “from the beginning,” including both is pen show appearances. And look, now he’s reviewing pens!
In Case You Missed It…
This week on the blog was more introspective, looking at the issue of organizing and inventorying a collection/accumulation of stationery to make sure everything gets used, and, for those items that don’t, to know what you have so you can pass it along. You can view my initial post here, and yesterday’s follow-up discussed various recommendations I received via e-mail, DMs, and comments.
Curated Shop Updates
While you can view the full weekly updates here, this week saw the release of two new models from Penco, the Penco “Perfection Light” Bullet Pen, as well as a new range of pocket-sized drafting pens and pencils. I also expanded the range of items I carry from desk and reading accessories maker WMS & Co, including customizable rubber stamps. Finally, Rhodia Composition Books are back in stock!
Sponsorship Changes - Consider Joining T.G.S. Patreon!
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!