Don't be alarmed: this is not the usual Christmas gift guide that is basically a wishlist in disguise. We've all been in the position of having to buy a gift for a friend or relative that is really into a particular hobby. You want to buy them something that they'll enjoy and get value from, … Continue reading Five life-saving gifts for fountain pen geeks
Month: Nov 2017
To boldly go: Colorverse Inks
I like discovering new brands, particularly ones that approach well-trodden ground from a whole new angle. Colorverse is a Korean ink manufacturer that I encountered on Instagram a couple of weeks ago. I immediately got in touch to ask for some review samples. What caught my eye? Space theme — done thoroughly All of Colorverse's … Continue reading To boldly go: Colorverse Inks
The 10-ink challenge: set one
For a pen geek like me, few things are as agonising as choosing between inks. Picking one means consigning a dozen others to the shelf for weeks. I can prevaricate for a ludicrous amount of time choosing inks. So I thought it would be a good test of my decisiveness to pick 10 inks from … Continue reading The 10-ink challenge: set one
Eight different notebooks put through the wringer
I write a lot about pens and ink, but I've not blogged much about paper recently. Of course, I've been writing as much as ever: journalling in my Hobonichi, keeping lists and notes in my pocket notebooks, and ploughing through nine work notebooks in the past nine months. There are brands here from Japan (Life, … Continue reading Eight different notebooks put through the wringer
Currently inked: November 2017
I've got 11 inked pens. Right now, that's feeling like an achievement. With new pens and new inks to try, I'm fighting to keep to a manageable number. But I'm pretty happy with this loadout. Not quite my usual loadout. Where's the turquoise?! 1: Visconti Homo Sapiens — Aurora Black I admit, I'm struggling to … Continue reading Currently inked: November 2017
Montblanc: not pretentious.
I take back all my prejudices about Montblanc. I just spent a very pleasant half hour chatting to the staff in the DFW airport boutique. I got to handle a 149 (want one), M (like a super-upgraded Safari with magnets), and ogle a 1912 and Rouge et Noir. Contrary to my prejudices, they were happy … Continue reading Montblanc: not pretentious.