New Arrivals: Tom's Studio Lumos Brass Special Editions

I had a fun surprise waiting for me when I returned from this past weekend’s D.C. Pen Show. The Tom’s Studio Lumos refillable fineliners have been one of my favorite discoveries of 2024, and they recently released brass versions of the Lumos Pro, the Lumos Pro Duo, and the Lumos Mini! These pens function the same way as the standard Lumos pens, using the refillable fibre tip and wick system that allows you to use fountain pen inks in a fineliner format. You can read more about how these pens work here.

View fullsize

In addition to the new Lumos Brass editions, we received additional stock of the standard Lumos pen models in most colors, Studio Pocket Fountain Pens (which you can of course pair with any of the Tom’s Studio Specialty Nibs sold separately), and all colors of the Tom’s Studio ink line. Tom’s Studio inks are water-based and appropriate for fountain pens as well as the Lumos line.

The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

View fullsize

The Lumos Pro Duo (left) and Lumos Mini in brass.

Testing an Entire Ink Line: The Tom's Studio Bottled Fountain Pen Inks

How do you actually test an entire line of ink? Honestly, you really can’t, at least not in a reasonable amount of time. The only way you can truly “get to know” a specific ink, with all its various advantages and disadvantages, is to write with it for an extended period. While it’s certainly fun to try, it’s hard for any reviewer or retailer to do that with every ink from a specific brand, no matter how much writing they actually do. For that reason, I try to avoid making categorical pronouncements about ink brands as a whole, and do my best to write with as many different inks as I can, for as long as I can, and given an informed judgment. When you’ve used hundreds of fountain pen inks over the years, you can get a pretty good sense of how an ink will ultimately behave from your swatch book!

View fullsize

From the Top: Pigmented Black (060); Deep Black (01); Raspberry Sorbet (02); Neptune (03); New Forest (04); Cassis (05); Strawberry Jam (06); Mallard (07); Loch Ness (08); Constellation (09); Dove Grey (10); Iris (11) and Juniper (12). The Pigmented Black ink is water resistant.

I’ve spent the past week or so swatching and testing a new line of nineteen different Tom’s Studio fountain pen inks, and I absolutely love some of these colors. For those unfamiliar with the brand, Tom’s Studio is a UK-based manufacturer of fountain pens, dip pens, inks, mechanical pencils, and other assorted fine writing and calligraphy supplies. I was initially hesitant to order these, since many inks sold by calligraphy-focused companies tend to be thinner and somewhat watery, in order to emphasize shading in flexible nibs. There’s nothing wrong with this, and many people enjoy such inks, but for my use case I tend to favor more saturated inks that emphasize legibility. As it turns out - no such concerns here.

View fullsize

From Top: Mulberry (13); Marianas (14); Rambling Rose (15); Sunny Teal (16); Damson (17); and Marmalade (18). Some of these inks show a touch of sheen around the edges, but none of them are “sheen monsters” and none of them smear once dry.

I’ve been thrilled to discover that most of the inks in this line are well-saturated, but not so much that they smear or suffer from long dry times. My swatch book is a Midori MD Cotton F3 notebook, which handles fountain pen ink well while being semi-absorbent, so it’s a reasonable approximation of most paper that I use on a daily basis. The colors actually tend to be on the muted side, which suits my style, and I’ve found at least a half-dozen in this line that I could see turning into everyday writers. As a bit of a fun experiment, and to showcase my favorites, I thought it might be interesting to pair several of these new inks with my latest Chicago Pen Show acquisitions! Here’s what I chose:

Edison Jameson in Bexley Scheherazade Acrylic: No. 12 “Juniper”

View fullsize

This gorgeous Edison Jameson in new old stock Bexley Scheherazade Acrylic was the 2024 Chicago Pen Show Exclusive!

View fullsize

Tom’s Studio “Juniper” is so dark that I’d call it a purple-black. This pen needs a dark ink, but I like a hint of color!

Skogsy Low Volume Eyedropper in Beige Ebonite and Clear Acrylic: No. 13 “Mulberry”

View fullsize

There was a touch of an inksplosion when I opened the bottle of “Mulberry” (No. 13), but it’s a great match for this Skogsy Low-Volume Eyedropper in clear acrylic and beige ebonite!

View fullsize

These No. 8 nibs are becoming more prevalent in my collection….

Edison Collier in Dragon’s Night Acrylic: No. 8 Loch Ness

View fullsize

I’ve wanted an Edison Collier for years! I finally went for this dark, translucent “Dragon’s Night” Acrylic. I chose “Loch Ness” (No. 8) for this pen.

View fullsize

Loch Ness is a dark teal-black. It might match this pen a bit better if it were just a touch brighter, but I do love the ink!

Newton Prospector in D Squared “Arkansas Abalone” Resin: No. 7 Mallard

View fullsize

Ok, so this Newton Pens Prospector is gorgeous but pretty much impossible to pair perfectly with any ink. I went with “Mallard” (No. 7), which draws on both the green and purple/blue in the acrylic. I believe this particular pen is sold out but keep checking over at Newton Pens for details.

View fullsize

The variation and depth in this material is stunning!

Takeaways and Where to Buy

Overall, I think I’m really going to enjoy using some of these colors. Personally, the ones that speak to me the most out of this line are the dark blue-greens (“Mallard” and “Loch Ness”), as well as the deeper reds (“Cassis” and “Mulberry”). I suspect the really dark purples (“Constellation”, “Damson,” “Juniper,” and “Iris”) will also prove popular. The Tom’s Studio Inks retail in our shop at $16 for a 50ml bottle. We currently have 19 different colors available. To be clear, these inks are all appropriate for both fountain pens and the Lumos series refillable fineliners.

View fullsize

My Lumos Mini in “Ivy” with No. 14 “Marianas” and a .3mm tip. It’s become my Plotter Mini 5 Pocket Pen of choice.

Further Reading (And a Giveaway Opportunity FOr Those Who Read Through to the end!)

I’ve slowly been working my way through the entire Tom’s Studio line of products, and have previously provided overviews of their “Lumos” line of refillable fineliners, the Studio Pocket Fountain Pen (with their stock Architect Nib that’s now back in stock), and more. You can view the full line of Tom’s Studio pens, pen tips and nibs, and other accessories here.

View fullsize

For those of you loyal enough to read all the way to the end, we’re going to give away two bottles of Tom’s Studio Ink, and they’re both red: Cassis and Strawberry Jam! Typical TGS Giveaway Rules apply: either leave a comment on this blog post or like the Instagram Post. I will number the entries and pick two winners with a random number generator. Giveaway closes this Sunday at 11:59pm CT! It’s open to everyone but international participants may need to chip in on shipping, depending on cost. Enjoy!

The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. We greatly appreciate all your support!

New Arrivals: TWSBI ECO Caffé Bronze and Lumos Mini Fineliners!

The latest TWSBI ECO release is now available! The bronze trim pens released over the past year have been among my favorite, including both this latest coffee-colored fountain pen, dubbed the Caffé Bronze, and the restocked Indigo Blue + Bronze model. I find the bronze to be slightly darker and deeper in tone than TWSBI’s popular rose gold plating. The pens arrived yesterday so they are available to ship immediately.

View fullsize

So what else is new? In addition the full-size Tom’s Studio Lumos Pro and Lumos Pro Duo pens, we now offer the pocketable Lumos Mini! If you’re a fan of fineliners, the Lumos pens are an excellent way to use your fountain pen and pigmented inks in a refillable fineliner format. The pens themselves are slim enough to fit into most planner loops, making them an excellent choice for Plotter. Read more about the Lumos series and how it works here.

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized retailer of both Tom’s Studio and TWSBI products. T.G.S. is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

Pen Review: Tom's Studio "The Studio Pocket" Fountain Pen (and Architect Nib!)

So why did I choose to review this relatively new, niche product during the T.G.S. 10th Anniversary month? Because it provides a great example of just how much the community has changed in the past decade-plus, both from an enthusiast and retail perspective.

In the early 2010s, when I first rediscovered fountain pens and stationery as a serious interest, the range of available products was still limited to your traditional "legacy" brands (Parker, Sheaffer, Waterman, Montblanc, Aurora, Omas, etc.). Sure, there were a lot of great pens available - including many I wish I had purchased at original retail and currently covet a great deal - but the market lacked many of the offbeat, original designs from smaller makers at a lower price point. There certainly weren't many "pocket" fountain pens available, as that product category didn't take off until Kaweco expanded the Sport lineup and began introducing other popular designs such as the Liliput.

View fullsize

Today, smaller brands from independent makers and/or designers proliferate, such as Tom's Studio, which started out as a very small calligraphy-focused maker but which has gradually expanded into fountain pens, refillable fineliners, fountain pen inks, and even a recently released mechanical pencil. I reviewed the "Lumos" fineliner pens a week or so back, and in the meantime have been looking at two different fountain pens: the "Studio" and "Studio Pocket".

View fullsize

The most interesting design aspect of the Studio Pocket fountain pen is that there are no threads on the cap or barrel. The cap closes using two o-rings embedded into grooves in the barrel section, and this is also how the pen posts. (While o-rings are made of rubber and won't last forever, this type of generic black o-ring is easily replaceable.) Thus far, I've had no issues with the cap staying on the pen or the pen posting securely. I love that there are no threads to interfere with the grip.

View fullsize

Second, when you post the Studio Pocket, it extends to a much larger writing instrument that you typically see with pocket fountain pens. Made from machined aluminum, the faceted cap adds length without adding much weight at all. The pen rests comfortably in my hand and feels well-balanced. Sometimes manufacturers go for designs that are visually interesting but don't really end up working in the "real world" - i.e., when you actually want to write with the pen. This isn't such a situation. Per their own website, Tom's Studio pays careful attention to things like balance and ergonomics. It's not just lip service.

View fullsize

So far my experience writing with the Tom's Studio "Studio Pocket" has been largely positive. In addition to the o-ring posting mechanism, a hallmark of the pen is the long textured section, which is intended to make the Studio Pocket usable regardless of how you hold your pen. The texture comes from machined micro-grooves, which are increasingly common in the machined pen world as a way to minimize the slippage that will inevitably occur with an untextured metal grip.

View fullsize

But What About That Architect Nib:)

Yes, the Architect nib. In recent months, Tom's Studio has received much attention for their interchangeable nib units, which now includes a "Pro Flex" (Zebra G Calligraphy setup), a "Semi-Flex" (your typical stainless steel nib with a longer slit down the midde), a "Cursive Italic" (which I've found to be more of a traditional italic, but that's a matter of preference), and the Architect. So far, the Pro-flex and Architect Nibs are the best of the bunch. This is an amazingly smooth, broad architect-style nib, which at $19 offers incredible value, especially to those who have never tried an architect nib and have been hesitant to send a prized pen off to a nibgrinder simply to experiment. For those new to fountain pens, an architect nib is ground to a wedge-like shape, with narrower downstrokes and broader cross strokes. (You often hear it described as a "reverse stub.") Please note that Tom’s Studio nibs are only compatible with Tom’s Studio pens. These are specially made to fit the Studio and Studio Pocket, and while you may be able to swap them into different housings, I have not experimented with this and it’s not an advertised feature.

View fullsize

I've found broader architect nibs to be more forgiving of writing angles, making this a better option for a stock nib than a finer grind as it should work for more people.

View fullsize

You can read more about why I enjoy architect-style nibs (as well as other nib grinds) in this post. Over the years, the architect has become a favorite custom grind of mine, and it seems crazy that you can now get a stock architect that’s this good at this price point. The narrow downstrokes are compatible with my smaller handwriting, and I love the angular look it lends to my notes. The writing sample shown here is with the stock Tom’s Studio black ink cartridge on Clairefontaine paper.

View fullsize

The Studio Pocket is a pocket fountain pen, and marketed as cartridge-only. Each pen ships with a converter/syringe device that you can use to refill your spent cartridges with the ink of your choice.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

I've been thoroughly enjoying the Studio Pocket, which I opted for in the dark purple "Iris" color. I immediately swapped out the stock fine nib and have been using the Architect's nib nearly exclusively, and I'm fairly confident it will remain installed in this pen indefinitely. The more I use this pen, the more I appreciate the faceted design. It's both a roll-stop and a satisfying fidget toy to roll around in your hand!

The Studio Pocket comes in seven different colors. From left: Black, Sage, Ivy, Wisteria, Iris, Mulberry, and Blush.

We've recently launched Tom's Studio as a brand in the T.G.S. Curated Shop, and it's been a popular addition. The Lumos fineliners sold out nearly immediately, and we plan to restock them as soon as possible. On the fountain pen side, we have both the original "Studio" fountain pen and the "Studio Pocket" shown here. We currently offer the Studio Pocket in either a fine or medium nib, priced at $108. Specialty nibs are sold separately, though with our next order we may consider stocking the fountain pens with the specialty nibs installed. (That's a bit of an investment, so it totally depends on the overall level of interest.) I do think that $108 +$19 for a pocket fountain pen with two nibs, one of which is a pre-ground architect, represents a decent deal, especially if you're experimenting for the first time with an architect nib and don't want to lay out $50+ for a custom grind.

The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

Thursday Drops: Christmas in April from Kaweco, Lamy, Tom's Studio, and More!

I joked last week in my Patreon newsletter that April can feel like the holiday season for stationery nerds, with a seemingly endless stream of limited and special edition releases hitting the market every week. As of today, we have the new Kaweco Sport Piston Filler in stock, as well as the new Lamy AL-Star pens, a restock of the new Lamy Safari pens, and the Kaweco Collection Apricot Sport. We are also fully reloaded on the Lamy 2000, and now offer the “Blackwood” and “Taxus” ballpoints in two beautiful woodgrain finishes.

View fullsize

Tom’s Studio “Studio Pocket” fountain pens!

The second wave of big news isn’t necessarily a limited or special release, but rather a new brand that we have been exploring over the past couple of weeks. UK-based Tom’s Studio makes a wide range of fountain pens, calligraphy supplies, and refillable fineliners that have captivated our attention. We currently have a small selection of their fountain pens, fineliners, and specialty nibs in stock, and will consider expanding in the future.

1. Kaweco Sport Piston Filler Fountain Pen. The wait is over. After YEARS of demand from Kaweco fans, Kaweco has released the Sport pocket fountain pen with a piston. The initial release comes in black aluminum, and given the demand, we only received a handful of these. Sold in a set with a bottle of Kaweco Royal Blue ink and a commemorative tin.

2. Lamy AL-Star 2024 “Fiery” and “Aquatic” Special Edition Fountain Pens. The latest Lamy AL-Star releases hit the shop Tuesday, including not just the fountain pen but a rollerball, ballpoint, and an Aquatic mechanical pencil. We also have past AL-Star special edition pens in stock, while supplies last, as well as a restock of the popular Lamy Cursive nibs.

3. Kaweco Collection “Apricot Pearl” Sport Fountain Pen. In addition to the Piston Sport fountain pens, we still have stock of the recently released “Apricot Pearl” Sport fountain pens, which is a beautiful translucent orange.

4. Tom’s Studio “Lumos” Refillable Fineliner Pens. A discussed in yesterday’s review, we recently brought in the “Lumos” series of refillable fineliner pens from UK-based Tom’s Studio, which feature as many as 11 different fineliner and other fibre-tipped fineliner-style points to choose from.

5. Tom’s Studio “The Studio” Fountain Pen. Tom’s Studio also makes a well-regarded series of fountain pens in bright anodized colors. The “Studio” is Tom’s Studio’s traditional full-size fountain pen, designed to be used for either calligraphy or everyday writing.

6. Tom’s Studio “The Studio Pocket” Fountain Pen. Not simply a pocket-sized version of the Studio, the “Studio Pocket” features an octagonal cap design and a pen body that posts to full-size. The anodized aluminum finish features textured ridges that provide a nice feel to the barrel, and prevents slippage.

7. Tom’s Studio Specialty Fountain Pen Nibs. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the Tom’s Studio line is the availability of their specialty fountain pen nibs, including two different flex options, a cursive italic, and one of the best stock architects I have used. Nib units are purchased separately and compatible with Tom’s Studio fountain pens.

8. Lamy 2000 Ballpoints in “Blackwood” and “Taxus” Woodgrain Finishes. Chalk up another one for the “underrated and overlooked” category! Those who wish the Lamy 2000 would come in a regular finish other than Makrolon or Stainless Steel need to look at these woodgrain versions, as they are gorgeous. While they’ve been around for a while, I’ve actually never seen one in person before! (All other Lamy 2000 models are also restocked as of this morning.)

9. TWSBI Indigo Blue and Bronze ECO Fountain Pens. After being out of stock, this hit release from last season is back in stock. The dark blue and bronze combination has been a runaway favorite.

10. TWSBI Creme and Rose Gold ECO Fountain Pens. Another popular addition to the TWSBI lineup is the Creme and Rose gold, also back in stock after a hiatus!

The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. We thank you for your support!

The Lamy 2000 also comes in two different woodgrain finishes: the gorgeous Taxus (left) and Blackwood (right).