Before I begin, let me say this first: I believe any attempt at objectively scoring reviews of aesthetic objects like fountain pens is doomed to failure. After all, everyone's opinions are different (see my post about pen compatibility for why). But I think there is value, and interest, in comparing a bunch of reviews against … Continue reading A grand new methodology: scoring my pen collection
Month: Feb 2019
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Travels with pens: Washington
I've been spending this week in snowy Pullman, Washington, hanging out with my brother. It's always nice to see him -- we live on separate continents, so it doesn't happen often enough. But really, I came to visit him to pick up my post. I regularly order stuff from US retailers directly to his house … Continue reading Travels with pens: Washington
Snippets: the week in stationery
I've had an up and down week or two, both in the world of stationery and life generally. Work has turned manic, lots of adulting to do, and the next few months look like they'll be tiring. Expect less activity on the blog for the foreseeable. New posts: Muji and failure In case you missed … Continue reading Snippets: the week in stationery
The Marie Kondo of pens: the Muji round aluminium fountain pen
I adore Muji. The lack of branding. The simple designs. The functional materials. Just walking around its stores is a calming experience, everything just so, everything essential. It's a dose of simplicity that I think we all crave right now — the same appeal that Marie Kondo tapped into when she taught us to let … Continue reading The Marie Kondo of pens: the Muji round aluminium fountain pen
Destined to fail
In life generally, and as stationery lovers in particular, we each have interests and behaviours that drive us. Compulsions, even. For me, a lot of my behaviour in this hobby is driven by the idea of 'finding perfect' — whether that means finally having the most comfortable daily writer, securing the rarest of grail pens, … Continue reading Destined to fail
Getting the white glove treatment with my first Montblanc nib exchange
One of the benefits of buying a new Montblanc is that you have six weeks to take advantage of Montblanc's nib exchange service. This facility is not just there in case you change your mind about the nib you ordered in the first place; it also enables you to choose from the full range of … Continue reading Getting the white glove treatment with my first Montblanc nib exchange
A little star: the Montblanc Le Petit Prince LeGrand
I missed out on the Little Prince when I was a kid. It's only as an adult that this charming story got its hooks into me. I've lost count of how many times I've read it to my daughter, and I think we now have four editions around the house. So it's a wonder that … Continue reading A little star: the Montblanc Le Petit Prince LeGrand
Are we pen-compatible?
When you're reading a review about a pen you're considering buying, it helps to know whether the reviewer shares your perspectives and values, and whether they use pens the same way you do. (This is one of the reasons why I like Hand Over That Pen — you get three very different takes in one).That's … Continue reading Are we pen-compatible?
Travels with pens: Stuttgart and Barcelona
My January ended with a couple of almost back-to-back trips: a few short days in sub-zero Stuttgart, followed by a hectic week in relatively baking Barcelona. In honour of my first proper trip to Germany, I took a load of Montblancs, and they served me well. In between meetings and team meals, I managed to … Continue reading Travels with pens: Stuttgart and Barcelona
UK fountain pens 