The Well-Appointed Desk

Today’s post will be light on the words, heavy on photos. Some inks just speak for themselves and this one absolutely shouts.

Among the plethora of new inks from Robert Oster are many beautiful colors including the new Dragon’s Night ink. I received a sample from Pen Chalet where you can purchase a sample ($2.75 for 4mL) or a full bottle ($17 for 50mL)

Dragon’s Night is a deep bluish-purple with a subtle pinkish-coppery sheen and the flow is a bit on the wet side.

The pink in the sheen surprised me.

I love this shade of bluish-purple.

Dragon’s Night is very similar in hue to Lamy Crystal Azurite, but the color of the sheen is very different.

For those readers who can never have enough purple ink, this will be a must to add to your collection!

Papers: Birmingham Pen Company A5 Slim Notebook ($8.99)
Swatch cards: Col-O-Ring ink testing cards ($10)
Ink: Robert Oster Dragon’s Night (50ml for $17)

Disclaimer: All items in this review were purchased by me. For more information, visit our About page.

In Link Love

Link Love: Archives, Lost & Found

AnaJune 12, 2019June 11, 20194 Comments

Both Austin Kleon and Kottke (in reference to Thom Yorke of Radiohead) discuss audio archives this week. These recordings, both lost and found, represent different creative efforts. Adam Hacklander is interviewed on My Modern Met discussing his creative archives in the form of visual travel diaries and Thomas Thorspecken’s lost journal was returned in a post mentioned on Notebook Stories this week. Paper planners are mentioned in the Wall Street Journal as a trend. And planners represent yet another physical artifact of our lives. But we know all this already, don’t we? Go forth, create your own archives this week.

Fountain Pen Review – Kaweco Frosted Sport

Laura CameronJune 11, 2019May 30, 20193 Comments

Review by Laura Cameron

I will admit that over the years I sort of overlooked the Kaweco Sport Fountain Pen because of aesthetics. I love my Liliput, but somehow I never got into the Kaweco Sport. However, with the release of the new Frosted Collection, I decided to give them a try. I went ahead and ordered a Kaweco Frosted Sport Blush Pithaya Fountain Pen (€19.63, approx. $22.04 before shipping) to play with.

The Frosted Sport collection is the latest crop of colors to come to the same great Sport line. In addition to Blush Pithaya, the collection includes Sweet Banana, Fine Lime, Natural Coconut and Soft Mandarin. It was so hard to choose a color because I kind of love them all!

The Sport is a lightweight, plastic/resin-bodied fountain pen that is a perfect pocket pen. The pen is lightweight (approximately 10g when loaded with a cartridge). Capped, the pen is a short 4 1/8″/10.5cm long and uncapped that length doesn’t change much. The cap is postable, and it is more comfortable for many people to write at that length, 5 1/4″/13cm.

I went ahead and photographed the Sport with my other pocket pens – the aforementioned Liliput and the Franklin Christoph Pocket 45 model.

One thing I especially like about the Sport is that the octagonal faceted cap design means that the pen doesn’t roll away from me! There’s also an option to add a clip which makes it easy to attach to a shirt pocket or a notebook.

One thing I enjoyed when playing with this Sport in particular is that I got a broad nib. I’m usually a fine girl, and occasionally I stray to a medium, but this is my first broad. It lays down a bit more ink than I usually like, but the nib itself writes beautifully and it was fun to try something different. (As a note: Kaweco has it’s own branded nibs that are manufactured by both Bock and Jowo.)

Overall, I would say that the Kaweco Sport is a fun little pen that’s perfect for pocket or purse use, and that makes a great starter pen for someone new to the hobby. Even a few years in, I’m still finding things I’ve overlooked!

Papers: Ghost Paper Notebook ($25)
Pen: Kaweco Frosted Sport Blush Pithaya Fountain Pen (€19.63, approx. $22.04 before shipping)
Inks: Kaweco Ink Cartridges in Palm Green (6-pack for $3.00)

DISCLAIMER: Some of the items included in this review were provided to us free of charge for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.

In feature

The Desk Set: Searching for the Perfect Tote

AnaJune 10, 2019June 10, 201927 Comments

I don’t know if I’m the only pen person who is also a bagaholic or not but I am always on the hunt for “the perfect bag?” The perfect bag, like the perfect notebook or the perfect ink or pen seems ever-elusive and different for every person and every occasion.

When not not behind The Desk, I have an office job and I need to carry work-related items like papers, occasionally my laptop, notebooks, pens, maybe lunch, etc. back and forth. We have a casual office and I have a creative job so my requirements aren’t super stringent and I would like something well-made and durable. I’ve been schlepping things in a reusable grocery bag is not the most aesthetically appealing option, nor is it particularly durable.

Many folks wax poetic about the best bag for their purposes and land on a backpack, often large volume. Being a girl of petite frame, a large backpack often too large and, how do I put this without sounding shallow, not stylish enough for my overall goals. Is the “stylish” part specific to me or do other people struggle with finding bags that do “all the things” and don’t look heinous?

Previously, I’ve went through the requisite messenger bag phase but I think a tote is probably the best option for me now. I don’t commute by train or bus so I don’t need to secure valuables beyond the walk between the parking area and the office and any places I might stop along the way. However, I do want to be able to zip or close it to avoid potential inclement weather.

So, I’ve been on the hunt for a tote or tote-of-sorts to carry stuff back and forth to work. Did I mention the part about aesthetically appealing? So, I thought I’d share some of me research here. Maybe someone else has been looking for a hold-all too.

Luxury Bags:

First, the posh bag options. These are the higher priced bags that are classic looking but good quality.

Longchamp Le Pliage Nylon

Longchamp Le Pliage Travel Bag L ($135)

The Longchamp Le Pliage is available in eight different colors and can be folded up and tucked into another bag as a back-up in other situations. The large size is probably best for major hauls but the medium ($115) would hold a small laptop and miscellaneous work detritus. The small size ($95) would look more like a day handbag. I worry the nylon might not be durable long-term and that it will be a bit floppy. However, if it’s good enough for Kate Middleton, it’s probably good enough from me.

Coach Charlie Carryall 40

Coach Charlie Carryall 40 ($225-$425)

I have been a fan of Coach for a long time. I have carried a large handbag for over eight years and love it with an unhealthy affection. While they are not considered a “luxury brand” like Chanel, Hérmes or Louis Vuitton, I have found that many of their flagship products have been durable and well-constructed. I stay away from the outlet store products knowing they are often produced specifically for the outlets and therefore use lower quality materials and techniques. If I do purchase outlet merchandise, I do it warily. That said, the Charlie Carryall looks solid and durable. There is a zip center pocket but doesn’t zip closed completely.

Kate Spade On Purpose North South Tote

Kate Spade On Purpose North South Leather Tote ($298)

This Kate Spade tote has all the details I like in a bag: clean lines, classic styling, and a little bling. Thankfully, the lining is a light blush pink or this bag would be a black hole. Delightfully, if I make a decision soon, the Kate Spade bag is on sale right now.

Minimalist Options:

These bags have a more deconstructed, modern sensibility.

PEg & Awl Waxed Canvas Tote

Peg & Awl Waxed Canvas Tote ($250)

There is a lot to love about the Peg & Awl Waxed Canvas Tote. It’s got a classic-yet-modern look. It’s made out of durable materials and it is HUGE. These are also some of the downsides for me. The bag is a bit too big for day-to-day use and while I love the aesthetic of the leather closure strap, I tend to have trouble actually latching it so it ends up flapping around most of the time. (If you can’t tell, I already own this one, in black.) I have ended up using it more often for travel as a carry-on bag or a weekender tote. It will last forever but it’s not my office bag.

Fjallraven Totepack No. 1

Fjällraven Totepack No. 1 ($110)

I have an earlier iteration of the Totepack No. 1 by Fjallraven and its a great tote that also doubles as a backpack in a pinch. It even has grab handles which helps shorter folks like myself be able to hand carry the bag rather than throw it over the shoulder on every occasion. It is particularly slim line and deep. Because of the depth, I have a tendency to lose things in the bottom. So while I love the bag overall and I love its convertible-ness, it’s slimness can work against it in becoming the black hole of totes. It’s canvas so to make it truly water resistant, it would need to be waxed but otherwise its fairly secure for everyday travel and commuting. This bag is 90% what I want. The blackhole issue and dialing up weather resistance and looks would make it THE BAG. Maybe switching to the Totepack No. 4 Wide would solve my problems?

Madewell Abroad Tote

Madewell Abroad Tote ($198)

Many people lust after the Madewell Transport Tote but the new Abroad Tote with it’s zip top holds more appeal to me. The finished edges, interior pocket and wider design seem more suited to a work tote.

Budget Options:

Since not everyone wants to spend hundreds on a bag, I also researched options that are easier on the budget.

Sole/Society Tote

SOLE/SOCIETY Lilyn Tote ($52.99)

The Sole/Society Lilyn Tote definitely takes its cues from the simple looks of Madewell but in a budget-friendly polyurethane material. (Once on Amazon, there are literally hundreds of other simple, budget-friendly totes. It’s a rabbit hole. You’ve been warned.)

Kipling Skyler

Kipling Skyler Tote ($49.99)

I always like Kipling bags. They are durable, fairly weather resistant and a great vegan option for those who request that.. If they are shiny metallic, so much the better. I found this particular tote on the TJMaxx site but there are often great options available directly at Kipling. The Art line of bags has some poissbilities… with its zippable corners so it could double as a day bag or tote?

Nine West Caden Tote

Nine West Caden Tote ($79.99)

The Caden Tote from Nine West features a zip top closure and the classic looks of the Coach bag mentioned earlier. The little charm adds just enough bling. The bag is made of polyurethane which keeps the price down. While it won’t be as long-lasting as leather, no animal was harmed to make it which is a plus. The color is bright and fresh which is fun. Unfortunately, if you prefer a more subtle color, this design isn’t offered in any other palette. Nine West does have other tote options.

Many of the higher end brands listed earlier have sold totes for years. As a result, there is a thriving resale market online and in local consignment shops. Ebay, Poshmark and other secondhand marketplaces are a great option for getting some of these bags secondhand. This is actually why some of the pricier bags are a better investment. They wear better and last longer. But be warned, many of these popular brands are often counterfeited so careful. If prices on new goods seem too good to be true, they probably are.

Given all these options, which bag would you choose?

DISCLAIMER: Some items in this post include affiliate links. The Well-Appointed Desk is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Please see the About page for more details.

In Tools

Case Review: Kurochiku Accordion Card Case

AnaJune 7, 2019February 3, 20202 Comments

Review by Tina Koyama

Conventional wallets don’t seem to meet my needs anymore. Like many people, I carry a lot more plastic than paper these days. Most wallet designs still offer plenty of space for cash while being relatively stingy with card slots. I was attracted to the design of the Kurochiku Accordion Card Case for having the opposite: an emphasis on the cards.

Available in eight adorable Japanese patterns, the Kurochiku is made of aluminum alloy on the outside and plastic inside. I took quite a while to make up my mind, but I finally chose the tenjiku botan (dahlia) pattern (it was hard to let the rabbits go, though). Smooth and very lightweight, it evokes a tiny, hard-shell suitcase that seems durable. About 3-by-4 inches, it fits comfortably in the palm of my hand.

Kurochiku Accordion Card Case front view

At less than an inch thick, it would fit easily in any bag pocket without much bulk. The latch at first seemed awkward and difficult to open because I was trying to push against the shallow ridge with a thumbnail. But all it requires is an easy rocking motion with the ball of the thumb. Now it feels like it could open too easily, but so far, it has remained secure.

Kurochiku Accordion Case Side latch

Inside, the “accordion” is thin and flexible. To function well, it needs to be thin, but I’m not sure how durable it is. I like how easy it is to remove and replace cards compared to digging into leather or other slots that are often too tight (but alternatively, if you are accustomed to cards staying secure while you dig, beware that the whole pile could fall out easily if you overturned the case).

Kurochiku case open, empty

Seven (not six, as it says in JetPens’ product description) slots offer generous space for credit and ATM cards, gift cards, coffee punch cards, coupons and other wallet detritus. Maybe even some of the folding kind of money. I don’t show them all in my photo, but since the product information says that the capacity is about 13 cards, I kept stuffing more cards in to see for myself. Twelve plastic cards fit comfortably; the 13^th would fit, but when I closed it, the latch felt like it could release inadvertently. Ideal is about 10 cards, with remaining space for folded cash.

Kurochiku Accordion Card Case, open with cards

I’m not sure how long the accordion will last, but otherwise, it’s a cute and practical case that takes care of my plastic (and some paper) money needs well.

DISCLAIMER: The items included in this review were provided free of charge by JetPens for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.

In Paper Review

Notebook Review: Filofax Impressions Notebook

AnaJune 6, 2019June 6, 20196 Comments

The Filofax Impressions Pocket Notebook ($17.95) is a modular notebook system designed to allow users to customize it with their choice of paper, dividers and inserts. The cover is a textural PU material with vertical elastic closure strap.

Inside is five, double rings to hold the modular paper with the mushroom tabs, like discbound notebooks use. The notebook comes with four, plastic divider tabs and a removable plastic ruler/bookmark. The notebook ships with 56 lined sheets, four blank sheets and four sheets of graph paper.

Testing the paper with a variety of fountain pens came back with very good results. The stock Filofax writing paper withstood most fine and extra fine fountain pens with no problem. Since the line width on the paper is just 5mm, much wider nibs are not really practical anyway.

From the backside, there is no bleed and very little showthrough. It would be no problem to use both sides of the paper.

I continued to test a few other fountain pens as well as some rollerball, gel and felt tip pens. And some pencils too. I had no feathering or bleed issues.

From the reverse, not even the felt tip had much in the way of show through. This makes the paper excellent for a pocket notebook to toss in your bag or purse and use with whatever pen or pencil you have handy without worrying about bleed.

The discbound paper is easy to remove, reorder or add more sheets so the notebook is great for lists, to-do’s, projects, etc. The slim size and format also means it doesn’t take up much space.

The first plastic divider is a pocket. It’s large enough to hold tickets, receipts or business cards.

The blank and graph paper is the same weight and feel as the lined paper. The graph is 5mm as well.

I have the Filofax Notebook in A5 ($18.95) (review to come) but I like the Pocket size for its carryability (yes, I made that word up). The A5 is great for work for meetings and project planning, though.

I already have a hole punch from Levenger. It’s mushroom-shaped where the Filofax is tulip-shaped but any of the discbound hole punches (Staples ARC, Filofax, Levenger Circa, etc) should work with the Filofax Impressions Notebook, if you have invested in a discbound system in the past. A punch will allow you to add in pages (meeting notes, ephemera, etc) or punch paper of your own choosing (Tomoe River, maybe?). Of course, you can always buy refills of the Filofax paper too. It is really nice. And it’s available in colors!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the items included in this review were provided to us free of charge for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.

In Link Love

Link Love: Lonely in Your InBox

AnaJune 5, 2019June 5, 20197 Comments

This week, like every week, I am reminded that this blog would not be possible without the great team that has developed around me to help grow The Desk. It has just been Tina and I in the office this week as Laura is off in Ireland for two weeks and Jesi was off to Raleigh for the pen show and family trip. Both Laura and Jesi wrote their reviews before they left but the virtual office is quiet without them. The warm weather has Tina out and about drawing all sorts of machinery and other urban landscapes. So, if you’re trapped in the office today, drop me a line and say hello. I’m lonely.