On The Paper Trail...

Have you ever been to a pen show? Joe and Lisa visit the 2026 California Pen Show, one of the larger pen and stationery events in the U.S., and recap everything they saw. This two-part episode includes a pre-show discussion on how vendors prep for a show and decide what to bring, while the post-show recap talks about impressions of the event and the different brands and vendors in attendance. The YouTube episode includes footage of the event itself and a short vendor tour that follows the podcast portion, including visits to Stationery Stack, Laurette's Japan, Bungubox, and more! YouTube Episode 4Show Notes and LinksCalifornia Pen Show WebsiteList of Pen Show Classes and SeminarsNagasawa 6-Ring Binder RefillsBrelio 6-Ring BindersRoterfaden TGS25 Pre-OrderMusgrave PencilsStationery StackNagasawa StationeryNagasawa Kip LeatherNotsu Index CardsBunguboxLaurette's JapanGalen Leather

Joe and Lisa take a trip to visit Pilot USA headquarters and come back with a lot to report! In the third episode of On the Paper Trail, we not only discuss our Pilot Tour, but take on three questions from the "12 Pen Person" questions challenge, answer reader questions about appraising and selling pens, and talk about the upcoming California Pen Show and a live recording at the San Francisco Stationery Fest! Show Notes and Links: Pilot Grance (Lisa's Pen)Midori Stand Notebook (Lisa's Notebook)Uni Kuru-Toga Pencils (Joe's Pencil)NOLTY PAGEM Freelog (Joe's Notebook)New TWSBI Black Marble and BronzeVinta Nandito AkoYamamoto Canopus PaperT.G.S. Cloud Rickshaw ExclusivePost with Picture of Our Giant Pilot MarkersJoe's Trip to NYNow and Shoppe Object (via Gentlemanstationer)12 Pen Person Questions (via Olive Octopus)Recap of Lisa's SF Pen Show PanelReddit r/WritingPromptsCalifornia Pen ShowSan Francisco Stationery FestTo watch the podcast live on video, check out the On The Paper Trail YouTube Channel. The video of Episode 3 includes some bonus footage of the trip to Pilot Pens USA!Catch up with Joe over at The Gentleman Stationer, and Lisa over at Vanness Pens! There you can find links to all their respective social media accounts.

Welcome back to another episode of On the Paper Trail! We originally had intended to record Episode 2 live from The Gentleman Stationer shop in Nashville, where we were planning to co-host an in-person weekend with Matthew Chen of Matthew’s Nibworks (@pactagon on Instagram). Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate, and we ended up snowed/iced in with Matthew, who was kind enough to sit with us for a brief interview in which we discuss the ins and outs of nib customization. Topics include the difference between nib tuning and nib grinding, the most popular nib grinds and why you might want to get one, and Matthew's favorite creations. Show NotesPilot Custom 912 with Waverly Nib (Joe's Pen)TWSBI ECO Rose Gold (Lisa's Pen)Matthew Chen (Matthew's Nibworks)Matthew's Grinds, including Specialty GrindsArkansas Pen Show, Part II: Watch Matthew Grind a NibWe also did a separate YouTube Live with Matthew in which he directly answered listener/viewer questions. When they're not traveling, you can find Joe over at The Gentleman Stationer, and you can find Lisa over at Vanness Pens!

Welcome to On The Paper Trail! In our initial episode, we introduce ourselves and then dive into a thorough discussion of our 2026 notebooks and planners, and how we plan to use each one. We also answer a common customer question on Lamy pens, and talk about where you can see us in person at upcoming pen shows and other stationery-related events. Show Notes and LinksOn The Paper Trail Episode 1 Video (Watch the Video on YouTube)Wonderland222 B6 Core Horizontal Wonderland222 A5 Core Stacked (Vertical) Brelio A5 6-Ring BinderRoterfaden Recycled Leather A5Roterfaden TGS_25 A5-SlimWriting on in 2026 (Pen Addict - Kimberly)Matthew's Nib WorksCalifornia Pen ShowArkansas Pen ShowSan Francisco Stationery FestWhen they're not podcasting or traveling, you can find Joe over at The Gentleman Stationer, and Lisa over at Vanness Pens.