Each year, I find myself saying that the San Francisco Pen Show was my favorite pen show of the year, and 2026 is no exception. It’s well-run, features a collection of well-curated vendors from around the world, and always has items that you won’t find at any other U.S. pen show. This year T.G.S. did not attend as an exhibitor - I (Joe) taught two free seminars on Notebook Systems, helped out at the Vanness Pens table, and on Thursday night, co-hosted an On The Paper Trail Live Panel titled “The Art of Curation”. Our discussion featured three independent makers: Ian Schon of SchonDSGN, Iris Au of Glassophy, and Daryl Lim of Atelier Musubi. They spent an hour discussing aspects of their creative process and taking questions from the audience.
The 2026 Haul: Something quite different from previous years!
My SF Pen Show Haul: Glass Pens, a Drillog Kodachi, and Ink
After barely having any time to shop at the D.C. Pen Show (and certainly not for pens), I took advantage of some down time in San Francisco to pick up several unique items I had been looking to add to my collection. First up were two glass pens: one from Iris at Glassophy (how could I not after the panel?!?) and the other was a double-ended glass dip pen by Synchronicity Glass, made as a special edition for Bungubox. I also picked up one of the new Kodachi Drillog metal dip nibs, which is easily the best Drillog I have used and which I’ve already put to work on ink swatches for the site.
My two new glass pens from Glassophy (right) and Synchronicity Glass/Bungubox (left).
I’ve become enamored with the detail in glass pens. This particular pen from Glassophy is UV-reactive, like their ink (see below).
I enjoy glass pens because they work better for actual writing than metal dip pens. Broader glass nibs also work well with shimmer ink, like this UV-reactive pink/purple that I picked up from Glassophy. The dark brown ink with the greenish sheen is the 2026 San Francisco Show Ink by Colorverse. This year’s ink is inspired by Pier 39.
Glassophy’s “Re:Born” ink, which is also UV-reactive!
The Glassophy ink under the UV light.
The 2026 San Francisco show ink, inspired by Pier 39!
I enjoyed getting to meet many of you at the Vanness Pens table, during our Thursday night panel, and after-hours. The community aspect of the San Francisco Pen Show makes it a unique experience, and I look forward to it every year. Now on to Dallas!
The Gentleman Stationer is supported by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. You can also come visit us at our physical stationery store in Nashville, Tennessee.
