I posted back in November that I was taking an indefinite hiatus from the blog. Looking at my published posts count and traffic, that hiatus lasted several months, but I'm back with a vengeance. But things are not quite the same as they were. Here's how I'm trying to make blogging work for me, and … Continue reading What’s different now I’m back?
Month: Aug 2020
Pen packaging should be…?
I tend not to bother talking about pen boxes when I write a review, unless it’s exceptional in one way or another. After all, you’re interested in the pen, not the box it comes in. The box is just to get the pen safely to you, right? Not quite. When you buy a pen, its … Continue reading Pen packaging should be…?
Galen’s Tomoe Leather Notebook wins the limbo contest
Lots of notebooks claim to be 'lay flat'. In most cases, that means 'doesn't shut itself if you take your hand off the page'. In the case of the Galen Leather Notebook (the 'Everyday Book'), 'lay flat' means exactly what it says. Even from new, with no break in, and whatever page you open it … Continue reading Galen’s Tomoe Leather Notebook wins the limbo contest
Spoiled for choice
Pens from £70 to £2,500 or even £5,000. With steel nibs and gold. Made from aluminium, silver, brass and plastic. From truly oversized to handbag-petite. In all the colours of the rainbow — if the rainbow included black and silver. Hailing from Italy, Germany, France, England, Wales and Ireland. From one-man bands and century-old ateliers. … Continue reading Spoiled for choice
Review: Otto Hutt design06
I've reviewed the Otto Hutt design04. I've reviewed the exclusive designC. Now here is the design06. Kindly provided by Otto Hutt for review. Okay, I made a mistake with the choice of colour for this pen. I thought I had been smart and edgy when I picked the matte ‘arctic blue’ finish, but actually I … Continue reading Review: Otto Hutt design06
Two thumbs up for the Maiora Impronte and Oversize
I'll come out and say this first: I was really surprised by just how much I liked these Maiora pens. I am always wary about new brands, especially those promising good specs for a competitive price. Where do they compromise? I expected them to be a bit rough and ready, maybe a little cheap feeling. … Continue reading Two thumbs up for the Maiora Impronte and Oversize
On the rollercoaster with the Otto Hutt designC
Even as I write this review, I'm not quite sure how I feel about the Otto Hutt designC. Over the time I've spent with it, I've had moments where I think it's an absolutely blinding pen, and others where I've found it deeply frustrating. A pricey designer pen. Heard it all before? In case you've … Continue reading On the rollercoaster with the Otto Hutt designC
Another look at the Onoto Magna: Victory and Shakespeare pinstripes
A reader recently told me by email that, of all their pens, the Onoto Magna would be the one to accompany them to the proverbial desert island. I cannot possibly disagree with their choice. If you were to be stuck with just one pen to write page after page, day after day, year after year, … Continue reading Another look at the Onoto Magna: Victory and Shakespeare pinstripes
New to UKFP? Here’s the tour
New to the site? Long-time visitor but only ever browse on mobile, or via RSS? It's quite possible you're missing out on some resources and posts that you might find useful. So come with me while I take you on a quick tour. Looking for a pen? Well, you're in luck. I maintain a page … Continue reading New to UKFP? Here’s the tour
Entry-level luxury: the ST Dupont D Initial
The S T Dupont D Initial is a fascinating pen for me as a blogger and pen user. Not because of what the pen is, but because of the insight it gives you into the pen market and what goes on behind closed doors during product development and marketing in different price categories. The brief … Continue reading Entry-level luxury: the ST Dupont D Initial
UK fountain pens 