Pens
Pen choice is influenced by what kind of paper you are writing on. For writing on scraps of regular sticky notes or printer paper, it matters a bit less. Tomoe River Paper is a bit unique, and the Jetstream pen that comes with Hobonichi Techo is perfect for this purpose. I really wanted to use my Kaweco Sport (a fountain pen) -- which I love, undoubtedly -- but the ink takes too long to dry and easily smears, especially since I am left handed. Some people do manage to use fountain pens on Tomoe River Paper, but have to use ink blotters or products that dilute the ink. I haven't found an ink blotter I love yet, so I haven't gotten one, though I'd love to. The Kaweco Sport is small and I feel comfortable bringing it with me on travels. I just wish I'd known there was a sample pack of the different ink colors before I committed to buying a whole pack of blue cartridges. I have two dip pens for writing -- one glass, one more traditional -- and I would like to use those soon. I have some inks I'd love to try.
Pencils
Ironically, I find these mechanical pencils the best for both drawing and writing:
The eraser isn't the best, so it's still good to have a Mono eraser on hand if you're drawing.
I also like the Metacil metal pencil. For pencil hardnesses I prefer 2B to 2H ranges.
Notebooks and planners
I am a huge fan of the Hobonichi Techo. The Jibun Techo seems nice, but it's actually so detailed that I think it'd put my OCD into overdrive. I personally like that Hobonichis come in Japanese or English, and have little daily quotes. I don't write in it consistently due to depression (yay), but in a way that does show how I'm doing. When I feel a bit better, I go through my texts and photos and fill in previous days.
While I mainly use Hobonichi, I also have a Traveler's Notebook. I like the idea of something holding both my sketchbook and planner, but I haven't really dedicated myself to it yet. I find the design of Plotters to be deeply attractive, but the leather binders are prohibitively expensive for me. I have read the Bullet Journal book and am theoretically interested in it, but haven't really done much about it. I'd like to learn how people are doing it in their Hobonichis though. I also have a Commonplace Book.
- Notebook Systems by Gentleman Stationer
Stickers
I have too many stickers at the current time, but I like Midori. Washi stickers in general are nice, since you can write/draw on top of them. I have an accordion style file folder to keep some in, while others are in a binder with clear sleeves.
Stamps
I have many stamps as well. The most practical ones have Frixion eraser technology and so can be erased, and are put on my monthly view. I also have some artist-designed stamps from a stationery event I attended in Ginza.
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