September 16, 2026
New here? The Stationery Pulse is a short weekly letter for people who still think on paper. Every Monday I round up what's worth reading in the analog world: pens, notebooks, planners, and the people using them well, then close with whatever's new from Planning Engineered. Everything I have tested lives on the Shelf, linked at the bottom. One letter, once a week. That's it.
There’s a benefit to choosing a high-quality cover you’re going to enjoy using, and taking a little more care of it. It’s just your level of comfort with your stationery, how much you want to use it, and how comfortable you are with it getting a little water or dirt on it. This week’s links circle that same question: which paper tools earn a place in your daily carry?
What's new in analog
On The Paper Trail Episode 16: Journaling for Mental Health, Part I (Gentleman Stationer): Episode 16 covers the hosts’ personal journaling practices for mental health and self-care, with a clear warning that journaling cannot replace professional treatment. Open it for firsthand techniques, discussion of the San Francisco Pen Show, and news about shop arrivals and upcoming events.
The Field Notes Editions I Would 100% Buy Again... (Gare the Bear): Gare picks the five Field Notes editions he has used and would buy again. Watch it for a firm shortlist based on actual use. Shop (affiliate): Field Notes.
TRAVELER’S notebook 2027 DIARY and Original Leather Tag (Traveler's Company): The 2027 TRAVELER’S notebook Diary takes “Every TRAVELER’S notebook is unique and that’s wonderful” as its theme and will be available in the USA and Canada on October 19, 2026. Read it for a thoughtful case that personalizing a notebook can celebrate differences and help travelers connect across cultures.
Buy It for Life: Durable Stationery That Lasts (JetPens): Quality, durability, and dependability define the Buy It for Life approach to stationery presented here. Open it if you would rather choose products built to last.
Notebook Cover Review: Happy Hollow Farm Leather A6 Loxx Notebook Cover in Plum (Well-Appointed Desk): This review tests a free Happy Hollow Farm A6 Loxx leather notebook cover in Plum, a slim $93 case with a pull-open front snap, two notebook pockets, and card slots. Read it for a practical account of the closure, capacity, included accessories, and everyday feel.
New Arrivals: Tono & Lims Restock, Including More Bechorium Inks! (Gentleman Stationer): A fresh Tono & Lims restock brings back the Bechorium series and other experimental inks built around color, sheen, shimmer, and inside jokes. Check it now if you have been waiting for a favorite shade, since some colors are already in low supply.
Paper Republic Grand Voyager Pocket Review (AlexanderWrites): Alex Richter describes himself as a Pacific Northwest writer who enjoys hiking, coffee, Guinness, theology books, fountain pens, and the Scottish Highlands. Open the video description for details on his forthcoming novel The Postcard Clock and his murder mystery The Highland Tour. Shop (affiliate): Paper Republic Grand Voyageur (Pocket).
Skylab Letterpress Open House: Sunday, Sept. 20 2pm-5pm (Well-Appointed Desk): Skylab Letterpress is marking its 20th anniversary with a Sept. 20 open house from 2pm to 5pm, featuring refreshments, shopping, freebies, a shop tour, and a possible chance to print. Go if you want to see the presses run and visit the place where Col-o-ring products are made.
Filling my new Monteverde USA Mondrian MP1 Fountain Pen (Mark Your Pages): The Monteverde USA MP1 Piet Mondrian fountain pen pairs modern-art styling with a locking mechanism designed to keep the piston knob from turning during the day. Watch to see it filled with Private Reserve Sherwood Green and to judge whether that practical safeguard belongs in your hand. Shop (affiliate): Monteverde USA Innova Ti (Titanium) Numbered Edition.
Links marked (affiliate) support Planning Engineered at no extra cost to you.
From this week's video
From the channel
New on the blog: - Best Field Notes Alternatives for Fountain Pen Users - A Weekly Review on Paper: The 7-Move System That Works - Monteverde Innova Ti Review: Titanium Pen for Daily Carry
That's it for this week. See you back here next Monday.
The Shelf holds everything I have actually tested: pens, notebooks, covers and inks, each one with what I concluded about it.
Looking for more? Every tool and template I use and recommend lives on the Planning Engineered resources page.
Luis