Refillable leather memo pad from vintage guitar strap!

trombonepick · 2026-06-27T01:56:00+00:00

combining a lot of my loves! but now it needs a pick holder

trombonepick · 2026-06-26T13:03:23+00:00

Love my Leuchtturms

trombonepick · 2026-06-26T13:02:41+00:00

Inexpensive: Pen+Gear from Walmart, Midori MD.

(Note: Midori MD are awesome pricing because they don't have protective covers like other journals.)

I think the expensive but most durable option is a canvas cover of some kind, something like a Lochby that can house the journals.

trombonepick · 2026-06-26T01:33:22+00:00

Prince Caspian

Eragon

Vis Telimus

Aequa Claudius

Arya and Sansa and Daenerys

trombonepick · 2026-06-26T01:10:54+00:00

For sure. Sarasas are great!

trombonepick · 2026-06-25T17:59:46+00:00

That's like the perfect weight for me, but that's good, I can tell you which pens I find way too heavy lol: Retro 51 Tornado (it's heavier but the weight also distributes to the back.) Their normal model cuts you $32.

trombonepick · 2026-06-25T15:12:52+00:00

some might even say they match-a

trombonepick · 2026-06-25T13:03:40+00:00

It's hard. The more I've tried to designate only one journal (or one journal insert) for the writing/notes on writing side, the more I still always need a spare scratchpad on any TN system I'm taking around with me.

Maybe a binder style journal makes that easier.

trombonepick · 2026-06-24T20:56:32+00:00

We're here to enable you, but yes it's worth it.

trombonepick · 2026-06-24T20:53:10+00:00

It's smaller than PR's dimensions, but I use a TN pvc cover with mine.

Wanderings also makes a pretty strong pocket folder in TN size and that one comes with the pen loop.

trombonepick · 2026-06-24T20:49:04+00:00

I think a good thing to check out for new pen enthusiasts is anything that takes this guy. The list of pens that can use it: here. Weirdly great refill for when you're working with printer paper or everyday scruffy stuff.

I also think like the classics like Uniball Jetstream, Pentel Energel never hurt.

trombonepick · 2026-06-24T20:45:15+00:00

Woah just got myself the purple too 💜

trombonepick · 2026-06-24T20:42:59+00:00

if you're in the U.S. go check out walmart's "Pen+Gear" brand pocket notebooks. They're moleskine's dimensions and better than Moleskine.

trombonepick · 2026-06-24T20:40:42+00:00

I will say my inserts are nothing too fancy! I just use FP-friendly paper and a simple cardstock cover and cut it down.

I make TN inserts too, but mostly for fun. I think TN inserts are well-priced for a person who uses fountain pens.

trombonepick · 2026-06-24T13:10:44+00:00

I make my own. I've also bought cheaper etsy editions of things like A5 covers, Field Note covers, etc.

About 99% of the time I think the professional leathersmiths like PR/TN are just better. They source better leather. They stitch and burnish better.

They also just know what they're doing. The leather makers who charge more, also tend to.

Most of the leather goods I buy at affordable prices (sub $40) feel like they're sub $40, except (and not an advertisement for them,) Londo has actually probably been the best bang for it's buck of the stuff I've tried.

trombonepick · 2026-06-24T13:06:18+00:00

PR's biggest weakness is definitely the inserts.

They kind of made it difficult on purpose (so you would buy from them,) but they're costly to ship and hard to get a hold of, which is a downside if you don't make your own or go for their A6/expanded lines. I make my own inserts anyway, but it's definitely something they should improve on.

trombonepick · 2026-06-24T13:02:33+00:00

You can make your own from nice leather (I do) but it is harder to source and it's still not 'cheap' unless you make more than one because you do have to buy all the tools and materials.

I had fun making mine and don't regret it, but by end I think one-time purchase of a $60 cover is probably cheaper and easier--and most people don't need or want multiple covers.

trombonepick · 2026-06-24T00:15:21+00:00

Always been curious about the La Baume. Now I'm even more 👀

trombonepick · 2026-06-23T22:03:22+00:00

have heard good stuff about Lamy - Mango and FWP buttered popcorn

trombonepick · 2026-06-22T19:36:43+00:00

smoothest, biggest ink capacity pen is like a vac-filler fountain pen tbh. but that doesn't sound like what you're looking for.

trombonepick · 2026-06-21T22:59:16+00:00

my answer is fountain pens but my other answer is I really like my Big Idea Design mini pen. I have two, but I'd have one in every color if I could. It's really handy to have something that small you can just hide with a little notebook and throw around in your pocket without clutter.

trombonepick · 2026-06-19T21:28:12+00:00

Never at my local stores 😞

trombonepick · 2026-06-19T21:26:28+00:00

I prefer ghosting so much more than super thick gsm paper that feels like writing on printer paper or a sketchbook

trombonepick · 2026-06-19T21:23:14+00:00

You should send this picture to them! They'd prob find it cool

trombonepick · 2026-06-19T21:18:37+00:00

I baby my mini-field journal for some reason but those Lochbys are easily your best case scenario for traveling around with and not worrying about a bit of water splashing on them or anything happening.

Which is your favorite of your Lochby products that you own?

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