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
For sale: new pens added
I know, all I seem to be posting nowadays is for sale posts. But you might be surprised at my next SotC! I have a few pens for sale that I haven't listed before. Here goes. All prices include UK shipping and I'll throw in a surprise with each purchase today (14th April). Leave a … Continue reading For sale: new pens added
Love and money: the great fountain pen survey, part 2
For those of you stumbling on this post without context, this is the third post in a series. The first introduced the goals for a large-scale survey of fountain pen enthusiasts. The second introduced the findings. And this post continues the story, looking at the community's preferences and habits for the pens they buy. Let's … Continue reading Love and money: the great fountain pen survey, part 2
More for sale
Several beautiful pens, and some other stuff, that I'm looking to move on to a new home. G-shock Casioak grey (GA-2110ET-8AER), £70 ST Dupont Elysee, M, £300 Diplomat Aero blue, 14k M (nib not Diplomat branded), £175 Hongdian Forest, green and dark blue, both F, £22 the pair Junghans 34mm handwound, aftermarket quick-release strap, £400 … Continue reading More for sale
Snippets: Izumi exclusive ink, Parker 51, Taccia ink, Musubi Cosmo Air Light
This past week I've just been enjoying getting on and using my pens. It's been relaxing to not think about reviewing even the new arrivals, liberating, even. A rose gold shimmer ink? The kind folks at Izumi sent me over a sample of their new exclusive ink made with de Atramentis. It's called "Pink Rose … Continue reading Snippets: Izumi exclusive ink, Parker 51, Taccia ink, Musubi Cosmo Air Light
Snippets: Schon, John Garnham, Pebble, GLP, Cross
It's been a quiet month here on the blog. I haven't posted anything for ten days, which is a long spell for me. But I do want to shout about a few things, so it's time for a Snippets. Bye to Instagram Thanks to those of you who took the time to email me to … Continue reading Snippets: Schon, John Garnham, Pebble, GLP, Cross
What the Sport should have been: the Kaweco Supra Fireblue
It’s almost sacrilege to say it, because the Kaweco Sport is a true icon, but the Supra I have in front of me here is in many respects a better pen, and in my opinion probably the best competitor to the Schon P6 if you’re looking for a metal pocket pen. Where the Supra shines … Continue reading What the Sport should have been: the Kaweco Supra Fireblue
