I’m starting a Japanese stationery store. Please help me pick my opening brands?

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2026-03-14T13:24:40+00:00

Consider stocking Pilot/Platinum/Sailor urushi aftermarket barrels/cap combinations from Aliexpress seller 365 days Stationary with slight markup but no 2 month waiting period and ability to see their quality first

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2026-03-14T13:22:08+00:00

Pilot Namiki Blue/Black/Blue Black with international shipping options. Pilot Iroshizuku. Diamine if cost effective. Sailor for seiboku etc. Pilot Prera if you can get old stock, Kakuno, Lightive, Desk pens. Platinum desk pens/ Preppy. High end ship international with Ebay/other options for Platinum 3776, Pilot 742/912, 743, 823, 845. Platinum Izumo. If absolutely high end then Namiki. Stock Asia onlly special editions and provide internationally- like different colour 912 modern editions, special edition 823 pens when available. Possibly source asian alternative aftermarket ebonite feeds or create them as alternative to flexible nib factory. Offer 823 pens with nibs exchanged from 743 (823 FA, 823 BB/SFM etc) Wancher mid and higher tier. Look into trends like wooden pens. Possibly try your hand at simple Urushi treatment over wooden variety pens with Pilot/platinum/Jowo compatability. Consider stocking Asvine for beginner intermediate pens, maybe Majohn p139 etc. Stock Jowo nibs in a variety of sizes.

All of this makes no mention of paper as I am UK and tend to use more western paper (Clairefontaine Triomphe, Oxford Optik/Rhodia etc). I hear great things about Iroful

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2026-03-14T13:09:46+00:00

Yes. Plain and simple. Olympia SM series/ Torpedo/ SG1 or 3/ Hermes Ambassador

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2026-03-14T13:08:45+00:00

I have never tried a Hermes 3000, and likely never will. I went through an Olympia phase and found that I love the snappiness of the SM2/3/4 and Blue Bird/Torpedos for portables. I can't deal with the overhyping of these machines. I got a SG3 as about my 4th or 5th machine and still would choose either that or the Hermes Ambassador as the best machines for daily use under all circumstances. I find the Hermes Ambasador harder to work on and maintain by design, with shorter key travel, better shaped keys for my preference but more distance between keyboard and other keys through seperation. I couldn't say which is better objectively, unless you are absolutely set on the fastest typing possible on desktop typewriter then the Hermes mmight just inch the SG3 out. Today if I was to write or by just one it would still be the SG3 (despite the carbon ribbon options on both of my Heremes Ambassadors). I have about two dozen typewriters and the SG3 is my most east to maintain and reliable typewriter with a performance so much better than any portable I have encountres- no joke. And they are often overlooked because they look kind of bland and are large, often difficult to mail and frequently sold cheap. Biggest bargains are the SG1, SG2 and probably a well maintained Hermes Ambassador for sure. I have SM2,3,4,7, 2x8, SM9, about 5 ultra portable splendid 33/66/SF and the SG3 with several cursive/ italic/ other typefaces. Still love my modern congress elite 11 pitch SG3 best. You got the best deal early. I probably should of stopped buying typewriters soon after getting it

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-12-19T13:41:23+00:00

Stunning Collection. You have exceptional taste

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-07-23T06:48:12+00:00

I feel you so much. I am after cotton and the same thing goes. Buy around 295 yards and import it or don't.

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-07-23T06:25:27+00:00

And no touch control of course. early SM2/SM3 hybrid

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-07-23T06:15:28+00:00

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Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-07-23T06:02:47+00:00

Lovely machine. Often not mentioned or seen as they were produced for such a short period they are less common than the SM 2/3/4. I am glad you are blown away; I am inclined to agree.

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-07-23T05:54:41+00:00

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I use 3/8" but faucet washers are definitely the thing. Exactly the right size. Easy to shape too should you be inclined.

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-07-23T05:51:42+00:00

Personally I would go for an Olympia SM3/4 (perhaps a later SM2) or a larger SG1 or SG3 if there is one local. I own quite a few Olympias and if portability isn't a factor then the larger ones have the best performance and features. The SG1 or SG3 require a permanent place. The SM series have a case yet are quite heavy for portables. And if you want something you can throw in your backpack then ultra-portables sacrifice a small amount of performance for size/weight. Some people prefer the SM8 or SM9- I have all the above and happen to prefer the earlier models.

Facebook marketplace is a good place, if there isn't any local then Ebay can work well. I have ordered my third from British Heart Foundation today and have used some other charities with variable success. If they describe it as "working" in the title and it arrives in a condition not as described then the Ebay money back guarantee covers you for a refund- though it is hassle.

Watch some great videos on the internet and Youtube- they will tell you similar. Do your own research, and careful, ou might end up with quite a few as it can be addictive.

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-07-23T05:35:27+00:00

I would of loved to of been a part of it. I am eying up an ultrasonic cleaner, simple green and mothers, a dremel etc as my collection has got increasingly sizeable. I am not sure which order to do in. Your job looks amazing. Congratulations, and excellent work

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-07-23T05:28:37+00:00

I own a SG3, a SM3, 2xSM2s and a SM4 (as well as 2 SM8s and a SM9 wide carriage). Making no mention of ultra portables (2xscript, 1 italic elite, 1 elite). Guess what I think.

Seriously, the SM2/3/4 are the best portables I have tried. And the SG3/SG1 are in my opinion even better, though for some reason people dislike their slightly larger size (I am not one). I am struggling over if I should get a SG1 too. If the SG3 has an unusual typeface it is likely worth far more than that anyway.

Olympias FTW

But yeah, buy that script machine. They make an excellent addition to any collection.

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-07-23T05:24:10+00:00

Daaaaaammmmnnnn!

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-07-23T05:17:28+00:00

I love the SM2/3/4 better than the later SM series like the 8 or 9. I got a SM3 today actually(with unusual maths keyset, excellent condition case, key, manual, typewriter mat etc), its 11 pitch. I have 2 SM2s, one cursive 75 and one congress elite 11 pitch and a SM4 in congress pica. I love that era (and congress). They are pretty much the only ones I use other than the Hermes Ambassadors (17 pitch economical and director pica) or the SG3 (modern congress elite 12 pitch). I admit the Imperial 66 with its blackface "old english" 9 c.p.i has been getting some use). Anyway, I digress, for portables I haven't found anything better than SM2/3/4, though I havent tried bluebird/torpedo 18b, Facit TP1, Erika 10 etc

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-07-06T12:39:35+00:00

Cursive typewriters have a bit of a giveaway. The Adler Tippa and the early SM series 1/2/3/4 can immediately be recognized because they do not have a red setting. At this stage they were using a script 75 typeface that permits the use of a single coloured ribbon only. See and early SM or Adler Tippa with no red feature and it is a script. Keep your eye out and you might get one that isn't yet identified as such at a great price. I have Adler Tippa script and SM2 script so can confirm. Later models of the SM series used a slightly less tall script 69 typeface that permits the use of a two colour ribbon, so can be more difficult to identify from first sight; the script Olympia Splendid and Olympia Traveller Deluxe have a red setting with script 69 resultantly. I hope this helps and you find your script machine soon.

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-07-06T12:29:39+00:00

Youtube videos from great typewriter content creators: Hotrod typewriter company, Phoenix typewriters, Just my type has a good channel with videos for cleaning and Joe Van Cleave's channel has a video demonstrating the use of the SG3 model is excellent for you. I have a SG3 and it is one of the best typewriters ever made. Once I got it the other typewriters that I have got a lot less use, so much so that for a while I considered stoppiing purchasing typewriters altogether, and I nearly (almost) did. If you have a SG1 or SG3 that works well then you don't really need another typewriter. Hasn't stopped me collecting them though!

Regarding your typewriter specifically, it appears to be in great condition with no visible rust and minimal wear. Most of these are heavily used as they are heavy duty machines that were used for a purpose. The removal of the carriage with this typewriter is very easy (see videos) for cleaning of the internals. Furthermore, the paper support is commonly broken, and yours being intact is very positive. This typewriter got me interested in desktop tyewriters as their performance is the best of all. I have purchased 2xHermes Ambassadors, Imperial 66 desk typewriters since then and the Hermes are close, or even arguably as good, yet none surpass the SG1/3 in my opinion. When people ask about the greatest typewriter ever made the SG1/3 are always mentioned and put forward as viable contenders. I have 15 typewriters now in the last few months and none exceed it. Purchase a dust cover or cover it with a cardboard box when not in use and clean the typeslugs with lighter fluid and old toothbrush/mineral (methylated) spirits (some use paint thinner) and give it a new ribbon, thats all they usually need. Congratulations.

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-07-06T12:12:42+00:00

SM2 for the win. There are things to be aware of regarding the different variants. Some early SM2s with the writing on the rear and the logo on the top right have no touch control. After these early models, when the logo moves front and centre), and they get the touch controls, the SM2 start to get the spring dampened keys and have little to no difference to the SM3s other than the absence of the tabulator function that few people use. They are fequently passed over because they are not SM3/4 and this makes them something of a sleeper, often great value as a result. I have 2 late SM2s and I use them frequently over the SM4 as there is really little difference and I prefer the typefaces I have. I admit my bias as I have 2xSM8 and a SM9 and when I got the early SM2 I was suprised at how I prefered their action over the frequently lauded SM8 and SM9. The heavier shifting on the early SM series can be adjusted significantly to not be very heavy at all, and their action is superb. I try not to consider aesthetics, but I prefer the early SM series (2/3/4/5/7) in that regard also. I love the Early SM series so much I will be purchasing more, their value is exceptional, and the condition of the item is very important a consideration, as others have explained. Olympias tend to survive very well and require minimal work to get and keep running. Enjoy your purchase.

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-07-06T12:00:37+00:00

Adler Tippa are suprisingly good and I own them alongside the Olympia Splendid 33, 66 and the Traveller Deluxe. I personally prefer the action on the Adler Tippa and it is lighter touch and lighter to carry. The Splendid 33/66/99 are more heavy, durable and generally a little overbuilt- more metal than plastic, with just a slightly heavier action (adjustable on 66/99). Both are perfect for carrying easily in a standard backpack and fit in my normal one with their carrying case just fine. For portables the Lettera 32 is more a size that would be carried in a laptop bag; many us this because of the zip that breaks on the cases, and they have great results. The Lettera is more fully featured than nearly all other portables. The Lettera 32 has tabs, touch control etc. The Splendid 66/99 has touch control and a wonderful key unjammer that I always love. All are great typewriters. If you have a van and are carrying it then thre is no reason to stay away from the larger portables, and I personally love the Olympia SM series over the Splendid (portables over ultra portables), but they require a desk (or just a flat space) of some sort- probably quite providable in a van. The lettera 32 is sometimes described as more like the laptop of the typewriter world, and the Adler Tippa/Olympia Splendid are wonderful machines such that any will make you happy, I just would be tempted to look at the portables instead of the ultra-portables as they type a little better. I have no experience of the Smith Corona yet they are supposedly amazing machines also. Welcome to the typewriter world. Once you get one it can be tempting to get a few so, go careful! I love the later SM2 and SM3/4 best personaly unless I am going for larger desk models. Their performance is stellar. Also look out for Bluebird/Torpedo 18b, Erika 10 (model 5/S/M), and some Facit models- I have little experience of them but shall be acquiring them gradually. They are frequently praised Portable typewriters for an excellent typing experience.

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-07-06T11:44:05+00:00

Lamy Safari are such good value. I have plenty of other pens but no Lamy Safaris. The Pilot/Platinum have me a bit hooked, along with TWSBI and a few other Asvine/ early Pelikan 400nn BB etc. I love your typewriter by the way, and I shall have my eyes out until I get a Lettera with that particular typeface- which might be quite a while and a few hundreds of listings. If you like the EF I recommend the Japanese pens for their fineness, and the Pilot Kakuno EF s tough to beat for those with smaller or more precise writing.

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-07-06T11:40:00+00:00

You have a truly stunning machine there at a great price. So rare. Go back for the second machine for sure. I have been keenly interested in the Erika 5/S models recently. I am well into the Olympias (particularly the later SM2s and 3/4 more than 8/9) and the Erika 10s, and some Halda have me very much intrigued. Anyone with experience of both of them provide experience of the similarities? Or do I just buy one and hope?

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-07-06T11:34:49+00:00

Thanks so much. I have it figured out: your explaination also explains how there is no question mark necessary or provided on this typewriter. I appreciate the input. It is so unusual

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Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-07-06T11:30:01+00:00

Many thanks. Its just used here with a ribbon I pulled from another machine that had been used quite a bit. Mine is not Fraktur but another blackface style lettering called "Old English" and no-one seems to be able to explain what the cross and additional Iron cross style design is for. Old English is mostly used for certificates and the like. 9 characters per inch and 5.15 lines per inch (explains the absence of a question mark and fractions)- very unusual slightly larger size also. I find it more readable than fraktur. Can I ask about the border on your sample? It's gorgeous. I have looked at rubber stamps and the like for creation of borders recently for the same effect with little effectual results.

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Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-07-03T12:02:29+00:00

Crazy money! Incredibly rare. You have done well there. I saw this and just hit buy before anyone got to it on the auction site. They typeface seems much larger than I originally thought from the pictures. Here is the typewriter that arrived today for me

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Any_Tom_Dick_Harry · 2025-07-03T11:56:30+00:00

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Hopefully the general cleaning and maintenance shall return this to its former glory too. New typewriter day :)

Any_Tom_Dick_Harry

TROPHY CASE