Things come in waves in this business: New releases, sales, pen shows, shipments from distributors, and sometimes the waves all hit at once! I returned from the Arkansas and Baltimore Shows to a-more-than-a-handful of boxes waiting for me, which included a fresh shipment of Mark’Style “Days” Ballpoints featuring the Anterique “Mach Ball” refill, as well as the Mark’Style Days Metal Gel Pen featuring the Ohto Needle-tip refill. In addition, we now have the third edition of the Platinum Preppy Wa - the “Modern Maki-e” series, which features a modern interpretation of traditional Japanese Maki-e techniques applied to Platinum’s classic Preppy fountain pen. These are easily my favorite Preppy Wa release so far (and I’ve already picked a couple that I’d like to keep for myself).

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized retailer of all brands sold.

The six finishes of the new “Preppy Wa Modern Maki-e” series.

Platinum Preppy Wa “Modern Maki-e” Edition. The latest of the Preppy Wa releases features six new designs applied to the classic Preppy in a traditional maki-e style. The “Modern Maki-e” process uses silk screen and glistening powder instead of lacquer, and is quite pretty. My two current favorites are the “Kachimushi” (dragonflies on blue-black acrylic) and “Kuyou” (dark red rosettes on a black barrel). We still have a few of the Second Series remaining as well, though after pen show season those are running low.
Mark’Style Days Metal Ballpoints. I never regret bringing in additional pens from Mark’s Tokyo, especially their “Days” series. If you’re unfamiliar with Mark’s, it’s a curated brand that collaborates with different manufacturers on pens in their own particular style. This hexagonal metal (aluminum) ballpoint features their weekday motif and comes with the excellent Ohto needle-tip gel refill, Parker-style.
Mark’s x Anterique Mach Ball Click Pens. We’ve added several colors to the Mark’s x Anterique collaboration, including two “demonstrator” versions. We’ve also restocked on the refills.
Midori 70th Anniversary MD Light Grid Set. These limited edition versions of the Midori MD Light A5 Notebooks feature seven different colors of threaded bindings with matching grids. The standard A5 size makes them compatible with covers such as the Lochby Field Journal.
Midori Soft Color A5 Notebooks. Similarly, Midori has released these slim A5 colored journals in grey, blue, green, and purple dot grid paper, all of which is still quite fountain pen friendly. I’ve enjoyed adding a pop of color to my Lochby and Roterfaden notebook systems.
Midori MD Kurashiki Canvas Pen Cases. We only have a couple of these canvas pen cases left (perhaps one in each style), since they were quite popular at Baltimore. Both flat and gusseted (standing) sizes are available.
Midori XS Stationery Kits. I’m doing my best to get the quirkiest of the Midori products in front of a U.S. audience, including these compact MD stationery kits that feature miniature, portable versions of desktop classics such as staplers, scissors, a mini measuring tape, and adhesives.
Portable Rulers from Midori and Traveler’s Company. Who doesn’t need a ruler or a straight-edge from time to time? Whether I’m drawing charts in your planner or notebook, or actually needing to measure something, a ruler is one of my most-used desktop tools.
Hightide Folding Metal Bookstands. I just wish I had more space on my table in Arkansas, because I would’ve brought the entire, colorful range of these versatile desk/reading accessories. These folding metal bookstands hold anything from actual books to notepads for transcribing notes to tablets.
Hightide Sandglasses. Showcasing these in person at the Arkansas Pen Show must’ve worked, because we’ve sold plenty of them in the past week. Analog timers such as sandglasses have plenty of uses, ranging from Pomodoro-style work timers to cooking applications to gaming. If you’re curious about how I use them (and how others have as well), check out this blog post.