JetPens is a drug and I've never used Life notebooks (never used them tbh, I'm an Apica loyalist), but if you like How It's Made-esque videos then peace and love on planet stationery

Can you guys help me identify it?

The fountain pen is sort of weighty. The pen cap snaps on tightly and when posted, it sits on the pen snug. When you twist it open, there's a piston filler (I think that's what you call it?). There are slight scratches on the top of the pen cap and on the bookmark, suggesting use. It looks clean, though, so someone must have taken good care of it for a while.

The box has Chinese writing on it, but there's also English as well, stating Dedicate to the Honorable. There are no other significant markings on the lid, box, or beneath the cushioning where the pen and bookmark rest.

As for the tip... I have not owned a fountain pen before, but I'm pretty sure it's not a broad nib? The only thing it states is that it's an iridium point. So it's all up in the air if it's extra, fine, medium, etc. I will say, on thr back of the nib (the black back piece), there is an 8 inscribed, but I'm not sure if that means anything.

The body of the pen is beautiful, with a lot of Chinese lettering. There is also a number, 168, but I have no idea the meaning.

Finally, the pen cap has a dragon with red gemstones on the eyes. Very eye catching.

As for the bookmark, there's a long teal tassel, small spheres that either are or mimic Jade, and a sphere that looks like koi fish mimicking the yin and yang symbol.

I hope that's enough information to help identify the pen (and perhaps the pen nib too). I'd like to know what kind and if it's worth buying some ink for it. (Though, I wouldn't mind too much if you guys penable me).

Thank you so much for reading this post!

Pics included

Definitely relate, @thefoxthief. I used to be incredibly inconsistent when it came to using a journal/planner. When I picked up Bujo, I expected the same outcome. However, I'm going on my fourth year of keeping a daily log!

A lot of that is due to how I get to completely control the elements, and because of the rule I laid down when I first started: Do NOT try to make it perfect.

ANYWAY (;￣▽￣)ノ To your question:

Yes, I absolutely recommend dot graph sketchbooks! Here are some wins they provide:

Great for easy measuring/proportion control. Especially when drawing linear subjects like mechanical objects or buildings.

Can easily make a ton of consistent thumbnails using the dots as guidelines for framing.

Note-taking looks nicer when following the dot guides (I've used it to jot down ideas for later or write a snippet of a fan fic next to an inspirational doodle).

Depending on the brand you get, the dots can be very light, so as not to detract from your drawing.

Usually smaller in size, so filling up a page takes less time.

Key take-away: VERSATILITY.

A couple downsides to dot notebooks:

Editing out the dots for merchandise—I haven't found an efficient method of removing them yet.

Most are NOT receptive to materials that are watery: The paper will buckle. Page bleed-through can also happen, depending on the tools being used and the quality of the paper.

The brand I use for my journals is Leuchtturm1917.*

I've used Moleskine and Blackwing in the past for sketching, although I don't recommend either of them. Moleskine's paper quality tends to be flimsy and prone to bleeding. Blackwing's dots are too bold for my preference, but their paper quality is better than Moleskine's. I've also used the cheap ones you can find at Michael's, and they're good enough for on-the-go doodlin'.

*I highly, HIGHLY recommend JetPens for supplies. They do a great job demonstrating materials & have a lot of really cool stationery/artsy items to choose from. Their team is responsive and dedicated to detail. Never been dissatisfied with their service nor the products they sell!

Hope that was some nomilicious food for thought!