Stationery Pulse: What I Cut From My Planner Lineup at Mid-Year
What's new in analog this week, from Planning Engineered.
July 27, 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 folks using them well, then close with whatever's new from Planning Engineered. One letter, once a week. That's it.
Mid-year is when I actually admit which planners aren't earning their spot on the desk, and this week's video walks through the two I cut. Pen show season is picking up too: JetPens has next year's Hobonichi on preview, and there's no shortage of bag debates for anyone who's still deciding how to carry their kit. Here's what else caught my eye in analog stationery this week.
What's new in analog
Lochby Field Sling Plus Review (AlexanderWrites): AlexanderWrites reviews the Lochby Field Sling Plus, covering how the bag handles daily carry, and includes his discount codes for Lochby and Endless Pens. If you're shopping for a new sling bag, it gives you a real opinion to weigh before you spend the money.
Sunday Reading for July 26, 2026 (Gentleman Stationer): Gentleman Stationer's Sunday roundup points to Pen Addict Kimberly's nib-by-nib ranking of the Platinum 3776, a pen whose body they've never warmed to but whose nibs they rate highly. If you own a 3776 or are considering one, this tells you which nib grade is actually worth seeking out.
Finally, an Organization System for Creatives & Artists (Rachelle in Theory): Rachelle in Theory lays out a five-part system for capturing ideas before they slip away, built for creatives and artists who need somewhere to hold inspiration when it strikes. It's a practical framework to borrow if your current notebook setup keeps letting good ideas fall through.
This Notebook System Brings My Ideas to LIFE! (Gare the Bear): Gare the Bear walks through the notebook system he relies on for DIY and woodworking projects, tracking a build from idea through to the finished piece. It's a solid model to copy if you've ever lost measurements or steps mid-project because nothing got written down.
All About My Commonplace Journal (The Coffee Monsterzco): The Coffee Monsterzco offers a flip-through of her commonplace journal, one she says won't get a full review again for years. If you've been curious what a long-term commonplace journal looks like once it's actually full, this is a rare look inside one.
What's the Best Everyday Stationery Bag? My Own Considerations and 5 Options for Pen Show Season (Gentleman Stationer): Gentleman Stationer weighs five everyday stationery bag options as pen show and trade show season ramps up, thinking through what actually holds up for hauling gear to a show. If you've got a show on your calendar this season, it saves you the trial and error of packing the wrong bag.
The Planner Bridge I Didn't Know I Needed (Mark Your Pages): Mark Your Pages introduces a bridge tool for the moment an idea or reminder hits and the planner isn't within reach. It's worth a look if you've ever lost a good idea because your planner was sitting in another room.
Hobonichi Techo 2027 Preview Exhibit at the 2026 San Francisco Pen Show (JetPens): JetPens is hosting a Hobonichi Techo 2027 preview exhibit at the 2026 San Francisco Pen Show, letting attendees browse the full new lineup and handle the planner books and covers in person. If you're headed to the show, it's a chance to see next year's Hobonichi releases before anyone else does. Shop (affiliate): Hobonichi Techo.
Introducing UNION, Our collaboration collection with The Superior Labor (Yoseka Stationery): Yoseka Stationery has launched UNION, a collaboration collection with The Superior Labor built around honest craftsmanship, marking the start of an ongoing partnership between the two brands. Follow it if you like either brand, since this is only the first release in what's meant to be a continuing collaboration.
Notebook Review: NYBG x Moomin Collection (Well-Appointed Desk): Well-Appointed Desk reviews the NYBG x Moomin notebook collection, tied to the Summer of Moomin event at the New York Botanical Garden. If you're a Moomin fan or collect event-tied stationery, this shows you exactly what's in the set.
Cursive Italic Esterbrook Estie Grind (AlexanderWrites): AlexanderWrites shows off a cursive italic grind on the Esterbrook Estie, paired with Oblation's Multnomah Mocha ink and a DiLoro pen case. If you're weighing a custom grind for your own Estie, this gives you a clear look at how an italic cut changes the writing experience.
Which E-Reader is worth it in 2026? (Steven Foster): Steven Foster runs through which e-readers are actually worth buying in 2026, weighing the current options against each other. If you've been holding off on an e-reader purchase, this gives you a clearer read on where to put your money.
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From the channel
New on the blog: - Techo Kaigi 2026: What I Cut From My Planner Lineup
That's it for this week. See you back here next Monday.
Looking for more? Every tool and template I use and recommend lives on the Planning Engineered resources page.
Luis