Guides

Everything you need to start using your Hobonichi Techo with confidence — the layout explained, what to write, how to make it yours from day one.

Not all black inks are equal. Archival, fast-drying, for artists, for students — the best black fountain pen inks for every purpose, clearly compared.

Azure, royal, navy, teal — the best blue fountain pen inks in every shade, from reliable everyday blues to the most dramatic sheening blues available.

Sheen, shading, and shimmer explained clearly — what they are, how to get the most from them, and which inks and papers show them at their best.

Need ink that survives water? Pigment inks, iron gall, and waterproof dye inks compared honestly — what works, what doesn't, and what to use for what.

Hobonichi, Midori MD, Life Noble, Stalogy — the best Japanese notebooks for writing, journaling, and fountain pens, explained by The Journal Shop.

Pilot Iroshizuku, Sailor Shikiori, and the world of Japanese fountain pen inks — their colours, characters, and how to choose. A TJS guide.

Pilot, Sailor, and Platinum — the three great Japanese pen makers explained. Which brand suits you, and which pen to buy first from each.

Bottles vs cartridges, dye vs pigment, wet vs dry — everything you need to choose your first fountain pen ink. UK guide from The Journal Shop.

Confused by fountain pen jargon? This plain-English glossary covers every term — from breather hole to wet noodle — so you can buy and use pens with…

Ballpoint, gel, and rollerball pens explained clearly — how each works, what each does best, and which to choose for writing, studying, or everyday use.

Lead sizes, grades, mechanisms explained — everything you need to choose and use your first mechanical pencil. From drafting to everyday writing.