Right gang, you know the drill. A long list of stuff below. Here's the important stuff: I HAVE A LOT OF ITEMS TO ADD and will be adding to this post throughout the week, starting with watches. Please check back. I will try to strikethrough or delete items as they sell — apologies if you … Continue reading The big January sale: pens, watches, cameras, EDC
Author: Anthony
Laban Skeleton: perfect if bling is your thing
First things first: this pen is not to my taste. I’m not a big fan of swathes of gold, I’m not a huge fan of demonstrators, and I’m not a huge fan of skeleton overlays. But you might like those things, and this is where my job as a reviewer is to set aside my … Continue reading Laban Skeleton: perfect if bling is your thing
Thoughts on handwriting
I have never been proud of my handwriting. It’s better than it was, years ago: I have fountain pens to thank for that, more than conscious effort. Regardless of cause, I certainly see more pleasing flourishes than in years past, more balanced letter shapes, more proportion to my ascenders and descenders. But that doesn’t mean … Continue reading Thoughts on handwriting
Elbwood Pocketmaster: an uncompromising pocket fountain pen
I should start this review with a disclosure. I’ve had my eye on Elbwood for a long, long time — in fact, I included it in a popular post in early 2018. I really liked the ideas coming out of Frank Pressentin’s Hamburg atelier: a unique aesthetic blending metal, wood and ebonite through minimal engineered … Continue reading Elbwood Pocketmaster: an uncompromising pocket fountain pen
“Why are you selling this pen when you said it was perfect?” Five reasons I part with greatness
I’ve been thinking about writing this kind of blog post for a while, but a comment on Instagram prompted me to get it down on paper. Before I answer that question, a little context. In case you missed it, I’ve just completed perhaps my biggest sale yet. 19 pens are on their way to new … Continue reading “Why are you selling this pen when you said it was perfect?” Five reasons I part with greatness
For sale: ASC, Montblanc and more
Edit 9pm 31 Dec: most of the pens in the original photo below have gone. I’m now also selling my Namiki Urushi 20, M nib for £1,000 and Schon brass half-faceted for £140. Still available: Rotring Lava, Lamy Scala, 2x Hahnemuhle pens. It’s the end of the year and probably not a great time to … Continue reading For sale: ASC, Montblanc and more
My 2022 pen new year resolutions (and laminated list)
2021 was a good year for pens for me, and for this blog. I discovered so many amazing creations, from Elbwood's fabulous Pocketmaster up to Santini's bonkers Giant. But it was very, very expensive. (And don't forget, you can support the blog with a quick donation through PayPal!) So for 2022, my main resolution is: … Continue reading My 2022 pen new year resolutions (and laminated list)
True motivations
A friend of mine just put his Pelikan Ocean Swirl up for sale (incidentally, he originally bought it from me). I raised my eyebrows: this was truly a grail for him. I remember his joy, his gratitude, his pride when he acquired it. And now to sell it — a bold move. I started to … Continue reading True motivations
Nine reasons to love the TWSBI Eco Jade
I’ve honestly lost count of how many TWSBI Ecos I’ve owned. From the Golden Horse LE to the turquoise, hot pink, sunshine yellow, the funny-shaped Eco-Ts, all the way back to the full demo I bought first way back when… my house is with Ecos like NYC is with rats. No matter how many you … Continue reading Nine reasons to love the TWSBI Eco Jade
Lamy Scala: a forgotten gem?
Of all Lamy's fountain pens, the Scala seems to get the least love and attention from the community. It's been knocking around since 2012, earned an honourable mention in the 2013 red dot design awards, and despite its minimal design Lamy has been treating the Scala to an increasingly daring range of special editions, including … Continue reading Lamy Scala: a forgotten gem?
UK fountain pens 