2022 Baltimore Pen Show Recap and Report Card (via Pen Addict). Kimberly has her own incredibly thorough Baltimore recap. I still can’t get over the number of nib workers available, and the fact that all of them stayed busy!
The Onoto Scholar Was Worth The Wait (via UK Fountain Pens). Onoto moves in to a lower price point, while keeping the major design touches that people love.
Sunday Shorts #1: Journaling (A Fleeting Ripple). If you aren’t reading this blog, give it a glance. I love these sorts of “origin story” posts.
Deciding What I Want in a New Gel or Ballpoint Pen (via mnmlscholar). I’ve also moved on from the Schmidt 8127, due to bleed-through issues on some paper I use. I’ve really grown to appreciate needle-tip ballpoints or hybrid gel-ballpoint pens like the Jetstream.
Ink Review: Monarca Part II (via Well-Appointed Desk). Arena Blanca needs to be inked up as soon as possible. I understand it was a huge seller at the Baltimore Pen Show.
Endless Explorer Refillable Leather Journal (via Rants of the Archer). So Endless is getting in to the Traveler’s-Style notebook game as well, sized to fit their “Storyboard” notebooks.
Asvine v169 (via Dapprman). For those looking to try out a “Skeleton-style” pen without breaking the bank, if you’re willing to make concessions on quality control.
Rhodia Goalbook Ivory and White Paper Comparison and Review (via Fountain Pen Love). The Rhodia “Goalbook” is an interesting take on their classic Webbie, featuring upgraded Rhodia “R” paper, which I’ve never tried. Put this on the experiment list!
In Case You Missed It… This Week on the Blog
My travels didn’t end at the Baltimore Pen Show. I continued on to meet my family in Washington, D.C. for a few days of Spring Break, followed by a three-day work conference in New Orleans. (No, I didn’t get a chance to visit Papier Plume, unfortunately.) I did manage to post my recap of the 2022 Baltimore Pen Show, as well as a short piece on my Travel Carry, in which I discuss my latest bag addition, which I had to pick up in D.C. since my checked luggage was overweight. (Hey, if I’m on the hook for multiple flights’ worth of overweight bag charges, I might as well have a new bag.) Upon my return, I rounded out my Baltimore Show posts with some pictures of my latest Franklin-Christoph additions, including a full shot of my Franklin-Christoph collection and the models I tend to enjoy.
The T.G.S. Curated Shop is Shipping and Back to Normal!
I’m absolutely floored by the level of support you all showed when we were away, despite the delay in receiving your orders. We’re busy shipping all of your orders and I hope to be completely caught up by tomorrow morning with everything in the mail. All orders placed while I was away will include extra stickers, pencils, pins, and possibly more if you were kind enough to place a really big order! In the meantime, we received a large Midori restock that includes favorites such as the Midori MD and Midori MD Cotton Writing Pads in both A4 and A5, along with additional Dot Grid versions of both the A5 Notebook Journal and the A5 Codex!
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, before whatever is left becomes available to the general readership.