I didn't do a SotC post in September. It felt like things were changing too much in my collection. And they're still changing, but this is long overdue. So much has changed, in fact, that I'm not going to do my usual what's in/what's out: I'm going to start from scratch. My collection has outgrown … Continue reading State of the collection: October 2019. Fit to burst
Month: Sep 2019
A new buyer’s guide, part 2: pens £50-100
It's taken me a while, but here's the second chapter in my attempt at a revised buyer's guide. The £50 to £100 category is incredibly competitive, and also one segment of the market where promotions can make a huge difference. Shipping and customs can hit too. For instance, Tactile Turn's basic Gist is $99. But … Continue reading A new buyer’s guide, part 2: pens £50-100
UKFP Uncapped: 28th September 2019
Hold on to your hats. Busy week this week. CommunityKaweco Dia nib swap. You forget how much you know, don't you? I figured this out ages ago, swapping the #76 nib from a Visconti Van Gogh with the nib from a Kaweco Sport. I may even have mentioned it on this blog. Completely compatible, much … Continue reading UKFP Uncapped: 28th September 2019
Quick take: Baron Fig Strategist Note Cards
I've been through a few phases in my life where I've used Index cards. Exam revision at school. A brief foray into the Hipster PDA. But I mostly gravitated towards using a Field Notes-sized notebook as a pocket carry, and an A5 notebook for work. I've been experimenting a little with different kinds of paper … Continue reading Quick take: Baron Fig Strategist Note Cards
Annoyingly good: the Lamy Studio Aquamarine
It's been a long time since I used a Lamy Studio. It was back in early 2016 that I bought my last one, the brushed steel with the rubberised grip. I remember being intensely irritated by the sharp little step at the end of the section, and finding the section's convex taper made my fingers … Continue reading Annoyingly good: the Lamy Studio Aquamarine
Italy’s diamond in the rough: Santini
Only two Italian pen makers actually make their own nibs, in house, from start to finish. One of them is Aurora, as you might have guessed. The other is Santini. You'd be forgiven for not having heard of Santini. It has one tenth the followers on Instagram as Aurora, and you'd have to work very … Continue reading Italy’s diamond in the rough: Santini
15 types of pen addict
(edit: this post is getting a hell of a lot of traffic from Facebook. Would someone mine telling me where it's been discussed, or tag me there? Thank you!) (Double edit: it looks like someone has translated my list into Swedish!) After careful research, I present a true and accurate dissection of our community. The … Continue reading 15 types of pen addict
Light and white: Tactile Turn Gist V2 in Delrin
I knew in my mind exactly what I'd be getting from the Gist V2 in Delrin — I own an earlier Gist in brass, and I've had experience with Delrin in the past. But the combination of the material and the design still surprised me when I had it in my hand. Described in broad … Continue reading Light and white: Tactile Turn Gist V2 in Delrin
Onoto’s new plunger filler is a blast from the past — for a price
I'll start with my conclusion: the new Onoto plunger filler is not the best or most practical Onoto for most people. But if you love the brand and its history, that may not matter to you at all. Bear with me for a history lesson I've never really done history lessons on this blog — … Continue reading Onoto’s new plunger filler is a blast from the past — for a price
UKFP Uncapped: 22nd September 2019
I've been active enough on the blog this week, so I'll keep today's post brief. Community This is not a pencil blog. But I do love factory videos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPb-slJH9Vs I told you I was going deep into the world of typewriters. This was doubly joyful for me because I love Firewatch. It was the Pelikan … Continue reading UKFP Uncapped: 22nd September 2019
UK fountain pens 