While they arrived in the U.S. earlier this summer, I had to wait until the new shop was fully set up before I could bring in additional Pilot inventory, including the new Custom 823 fountain pen in Clear acrylic. Previously available only in Japan, U.S. consumers now have a third option in addition to the Amber and Smoke. We’ve also added the Pilot E95s (formerly known as the “Elite”) which is Pilot’s current “pocket” fountain pen offering that features an inlaid 14k nib.
Per a post from earlier this week, we now carry both Kakimori and Object Index products from Japan, including Kakimori’s excellent dip nibs and holders, as well as the range of pens, pencils, and office and desk accessories from sibling brand Object Index. Be sure to check out our initial review of the Cedar Pocket Pen, which features a similar needle-tip ballpoint refill as the store favorite Mark’style Tous les Jours ballpoints.
The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized reseller of brands sold. If you haven’t heard, we now have a physical shop in Nashville, Tennessee! For open hours, be sure to check out this page here, which will be kept up-to-date.
Pilot Custom 823 Now Available in Clear! In recent years Pilot has focused on expanding their North American offerings with exclusives and colors previously only available in Japan. The most recent release has been the Clear 823 demonstrator, which joins the Amber and Smoke in the permanent lineup.
Pilot E95s Fountain Pen. This modern take on the integrated nib pocket pen features vintage style design and portable size. Arguably the closest thing you can find to the Pilot Myu on the market today. Currently available in classic black, with the burgundy/ivory on backorder.
Pilot Custom 74. Along with the 14k nib Lamy Studio, I consider the Pilot Custom 74 one of the better deals for a gold nib pen, coming in at sub-$200. These clear demonstrators come in a wide range of jewel-like colors.
Pilot Iroshizuku Inks. We’re fully restocked on Pilot Iroshizuku Inks in both bottles and cartridges, including favorite colors such as Kon Peki, Tsuki-yo, Sui-Gyoku and more.
Object Index Pens, Pencils, and Desk Accessories. Kakimori sibling brand Object Index offers a curated selection of stationery products from select Japanese manufacturers, all designed to match a single aesthetic. Grey, yellow, and natural wood are some of my favorite colors across the stationery spectrum, so this new line immediately jumped out at me as something I would be interested in.
Kakimori Brass Nibs and Nibholders. A favorite for lettering, calligraphy, drawing, and ink sampling, Kakimori’s metal dip nibs are now available in an antique brass finish, in addition to standard brass and stainless steel versions. Wood and metal nibholders are also back in stock.
Kakimori Hardcover Notebooks. Kakimori’s gorgeous casebound hardcover notebooks are back in stock, with several new patterns and cover styles developed in collaboration with select designers.
Tom’s Studio One-Dip Brass and Stainless Steel Nibs. A slightly different take on the metal dip nib than the Kakimori version, the “one-dip” nib borrows from vintage ruling and lettering pens, allowing you to adjust inkflow and line width using a dial on the side of the nib. Read more about how these work here. Note that these are not compatible with Kakimori nib holders, but rather will fit standard metal “clutch” calligraphy straight pens.
Lamy AL-Star Autumn Pink and Sage Green Pens and Pencils. Lamy’s latest AL-Star releases complement their earlier “Fiery” and “Aquatic” releases, with two new black-trimmed models. Available in fountain pen, rollerball, ballpoint, and .5mm mechanical pencil formats.
Lamy Studio Royal Red Matte and Piano Red Fountain Pens. Lamy’s 2024 Studio release features two deep red finishes: one in the lacquered “Piano Red”, paired with their excellent 14k gold nib, and the other in a matte red finish that I’ve been waiting years for them to re-release. I hope these stick around for a while.