Here in the UK it's a heatwave and frankly I've spent less time thinking about pens than I normally would. My pen-buying has trickled to a halt (although these gorgeous designs are tempting me), my pen selling nearly so, and I'm satisfied with how my Toyooka tray is looking. I've been using and reinking my … Continue reading Summer and I’m not dead yet
Updating my top three pens for 2021
It's been a while since I wrote this post about my top three pens, inspired by a long-running series of videos hosted by Joost from Appelboom. Rereading it, I stand by every word: my selections of the Namiki Urushi 20, Lamy 2000 Bauhaus Blue, and Visconti London Fog all seem fair, and they're all pens … Continue reading Updating my top three pens for 2021
Travels with pens (and some new arrivals)
Travels with pens... my gosh, it's been a while. And the travel available to us here in the UK is still really only domestic. But the opportunity to pick out a selection of pens to accompany me to a place with a different view is one I still relish, every time, no matter the destination. … Continue reading Travels with pens (and some new arrivals)
Benu’s Talisman Foxglove is charming (pun intended)
My last review was of the thousand-euro Otto Hutt design08, a complex, challenging all-metal beast of a pen that's all about the engineering. It was a tough review to write for many reasons. The subject of this review, the Benu Talisman Foxglove, could not be more different from the Otto Hutt. With the exception of … Continue reading Benu’s Talisman Foxglove is charming (pun intended)
Getting to grips with the Otto Hutt design08
I waited a long time for the Otto Hutt design08. The fiesty German manufacturer's wares have crossed my desk multiple times: I've reviewed the 03, 04, 06 and the flagship 07 too. Each pen model I tried was interesting, admirable, even exceptional, but not quite right for me personally. Then along came the designC. It's … Continue reading Getting to grips with the Otto Hutt design08
Snippets: Teal Breaker, Otto Hutt, Gravitas, Benu and more…
It's shaping up to be a very exciting month for my doormat. Teal Breaker: get in while you can Do you like the sound of a limited edition John Garnham pen, produced in a custom hand-poured teal-and-red resin to match a bespoke sheening ink from Diamine called "Teal Breaker"? How about throwing in a nib … Continue reading Snippets: Teal Breaker, Otto Hutt, Gravitas, Benu and more…
Progress over perfection: the Venvstas Magna CC
Let's get the politics out of the way This review has a little backstory. Some time ago I reviewed the Venvstas Magna, an unusual carbon fiber fountain pen from Italy. I felt my review was thorough and balanced, and I quite liked the pen, but I had some problems with the nib and flow and … Continue reading Progress over perfection: the Venvstas Magna CC
State of the Collection: May 2021
It's been a while since I've done one of these. And since my last post showed off my new Galen pen trays, now seems like a good time to take a scoot through what's actually in them...! How much change has there been since my last post? Well, here's how the tray looked in January: … Continue reading State of the Collection: May 2021
Galen Stack & Store pen trays: great if you come with the right expectations
When Galen Leather announced its Stack & Store system, my corner of the internet got very excited -- the whole range sold out fast. You can see why. A modular and expandable stacking storage system for pens from 11 to eleventybillion, plus inks if you want, with glass or solid lids, handmade from wood with … Continue reading Galen Stack & Store pen trays: great if you come with the right expectations
Ultem and Urushi
Fountain pens, let's be honest, are a headfuck. Even after all these years, I can order a pen I think will be incredible and find it mildly disappointing, or take a chance on a pen I don't think I'll much like, and fall unexpectedly in love. And, just as curiously, I can receive two utterly … Continue reading Ultem and Urushi
