I thought the Graf von Faber-Castell Classic was very overpriced. Comparing it against my other (and only) Graf, the Intuition Platino Ebony, it's tiny, skinny, more conventional — a separate section, a standard converter, a tiny nib. The family resemblance is unmistakable, of course. The metal flared cap, the curving clip, the fluted wood barrel, … Continue reading The Graf Classic exudes quality
Pocket essentials: Milim fountain pen first impressions
Think of a pocket fountain pen and you'll probably think of the Kaweco Al Sport, or maybe the Liliput. Well, with the Milim pocket fountain pen you've now got another option. Milim is a one-man-band based in Poland and selling on Etsy. Bartosz's store showcases not only the pocket fountain pens in brass, black, aluminium … Continue reading Pocket essentials: Milim fountain pen first impressions
2018 London Writing Equipment Show: success!
I nearly didn't make it to the London Pen Show this year. After being in my calendar for months, a family situation threatened to derail plans. But I made it — and it was a great show. What was different this year? Well, for me, it was having my six-year-old daughter along. Crazy idea? Well, … Continue reading 2018 London Writing Equipment Show: success!
The great uninking
I'll admit it. Things had got a little out of control. I had eighteen inked pens this morning. It's not the first time I've had more pens inked than I know what to do with (when new inks and new pens turn up, they get added to the pile), but I don't think I've ever had quite … Continue reading The great uninking
A day with a Duofold
I've wondered on and off for some time about getting a Duofold — ideally a Centennial (the larger size) in Big Red colour. Considering my first fountain pens were Parkers, my collection is alarmingly Parker-free. A few things have put me off from getting a Duofold, though. First is the price. These are flagship-priced pens, … Continue reading A day with a Duofold
The redesigned Galen Writing Box looks promising
A quick post, all. Galen Leather came through on their promise to send me a third writing box. It arrived about a week ago. I had to pay about 45 quid for import charges, but that didn't bother me one bit. These guys have gone out of their way over a period of months to … Continue reading The redesigned Galen Writing Box looks promising
Travels with pens: Krakow and a new 149
Back to the airport... I always knew that I'd get another Montblanc 149 to replace the one I sold. There's something about the proportions that's just perfect, and it's a timeless design. And a work trip to Krakow this week presented me with an opportunity to scratch the itch. The Montblanc boutique in Terminal 5 … Continue reading Travels with pens: Krakow and a new 149
Looking ahead to the London Writing Equipment Show
I didn't make it to the Bristol Pen Show this year, or Newcastle. Due to an unexpected business trip I won't make the London Pelikan Hub next week, alas. So the LWES in October will be my only pen show of the year (gasp!) and there's a lot riding on it. To say I'm looking … Continue reading Looking ahead to the London Writing Equipment Show
Travels with pens: Austria
I spent the past week in Austria, surrounded by mountains, forests and lakes. It was a proper family holiday, but that didn't mean I left my pens behind. As usual before a trip, I spent more time planning which pens to take than anything else. These five made the cut. Left to right: Pelikan M400 … Continue reading Travels with pens: Austria
The London Fog has taught me that it’s OK to meet your heroes
They say never to meet your heroes — they never live up to your expectations. Well, the Visconti London Fog limited edition has been one of my pen heroes since it was released a couple of years ago. The swirly grey and blue just did it for me in a way that the red Chiantishire, … Continue reading The London Fog has taught me that it’s OK to meet your heroes
