Original Sailor Jentle colors

When the original Sailor Jentle colors were discontinued several years back, I could literally hear the shattering noise of all ink lovers’ hearts. Perhaps now it is time to mend that wound. I just read an announcement from Goldspot Pens that the original Sailor ink line will return. As to whether this release is limited or

Hobonichi Techo Archive Campaign

In case you are interested in getting a Hobonichi cover or a backup cover, here is your chance. Hobonichi is running an “Archive Campaign” that features some popular cover choices for 30% off. I am still enamored by my choice last year so I will sit this one out. Who knows whether I will have a

No Stationery, No Life

Does that phrase aptly describe you?  If so, head over to Everyday Stationery, a Japanese web-based magazine that features articles on Japanese stationery goods. Even though there are only a handful of articles in English, I am sure the collection will grow given time. For brave souls or those who are well-versed in Japanese, browse

Super5 Fountain Pen

Super5 Fountain pen first came to my attention by way of its waterproof ink. It was adored especially by artists since the ink is also extremely lightfast (fade resistance to light) and very close to PH neutral. To complement this seemingly amazing line of ink, the pen should not be too shabby, right? Last Christmas I

Sailor Jentle Kin-Mokusei

Following its previous ink releasing pattern, in 2016 Sailor “resurrected” limited edition from years before. When I caught a glimpse of orange in the rotation, I immediately thought Sailor has brought back the coveted and beloved Apricot. Since Sailor ink priced a bit lower overseas (a little over 10 USD versus 18 USD in the

A Word or Two on Ink Testing Paper

Looking back to all sorts of ink reviews/test I have done on this blog, one element I have noticed is the change in paper.  In the earlier days, most ink testing is done on Rhodia classic N°16/N° 18, either grid or dot ruled.  As time goes on, I shifted to Japanese paper, mostly Maruman, with

Schneider 670 Fountain Pen

While I may hanker after specialty nibs and gorgeous fountain pens, I enjoy simple, economic beginner fountain pens just as much. They are great to carry around and my heart will not skip a beat if they are cosmetically marred. In my past experience, they are more reliable than luxury fountain pens at times because

Ink Swatches

A problem constantly faced by stationery lovers is owning an abundance of something stationery related. Though these objects of endearment inspire creativity and joy, they can also be sources of worry– am I hoarding?  At the beginning of this year, I finally read Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. While parts of the book

Happy New Year!

Happy belated New Year and Handwriting Day! Even though this blog has been quiet, the pens in my rotation are ever increasing.  Toward the end of the year, I took advantage of various promotions and purchased some fountain pen ink I have longed for.  As you may have guessed, too many pens are inked!  I

Stationery shopping in Taipei

Besides family and food, stationery store visits are one of the “must-do” while I am in Taipei.  The revival of writing and paper culture worldwide has also reflected in the rise of specialty stationery stores in the City.