Apparently I now have a thing for twisty retractable fountain pens. You may remember my review of the Montblanc 1912. I have a Pilot Fermo on the way. And here is the Lamy Dialog 3. I'll say this first: this is a hell of an odd pen. No cap. No section. No finials or any … Continue reading Let’s twist again: the Lamy Dialog 3
Suited and booted: Franklin-Christoph Penvelope 6
Most "fancy" pen cases are leather. I get that. Leather is durable, attractive, and has a premium reputation. But for whatever reason, some of us want an alternative: something made of non-leather material that still protects our precious pens and that looks great, too. There are plenty of fabric cases out there, but few of … Continue reading Suited and booted: Franklin-Christoph Penvelope 6
Pure Pens inks: Celtic colours
In the UK we're blessed with a number of wonderful stationery shops. Pure Pens, based in Wales, is one of them. They're a fixture at pen shows and a stockist of unusual Noodler's inks (I bought my bottle of Tianenmen from them back at the LWES). And, like me, they're Pelikan addicts. Pure Pens has … Continue reading Pure Pens inks: Celtic colours
The allure of expense and inconvenience (or how I fell for the Montblanc 1912)
As a vinyl lover, I often think about this cartoon from the New Yorker. Funny thing is, it accurately sums up how I feel about the Montblanc Heritage 1912, too. Like vinyl, it's expensive. Retail price in the UK is £755, which is even higher than the considerably more impressive-looking Montblanc 149. For your money … Continue reading The allure of expense and inconvenience (or how I fell for the Montblanc 1912)
Review: Opus 88 Koloro
Kudos to Opus 88 for designing a truly distinctive pen. The Koloro is available in four different colour schemes; this is the red. Each is made not just of the usual translucent plastic, but a generous helping of satin-finished ebonite in an accent shade. I personally really like the design, even though red would not … Continue reading Review: Opus 88 Koloro
I’m confused as hell why I like the Edison Beaumont so much
Here's the backstory. I've wanted an Edison Collier for a long time, but never quite got around to pulling the trigger before the gold nib frenzy stole me away. A guy on Facebook (hi Nick!) posted an Edison Beaumont for sale for £75 (about half retail) a month or so back. I jumped on it, … Continue reading I’m confused as hell why I like the Edison Beaumont so much
Blackstone Sydney Harbour Blue
I'm a terrible ink reviewer. There, I've said it. Because ink reviewing is all about two things: consistent methodology and fabulous photography. I can't be bothered with the first, and I lack the skill for the second. What I have plenty of is opinions (not so good) and experience (more useful). I've used about 100 … Continue reading Blackstone Sydney Harbour Blue
The Taccia Spectrum leaves me a little blue
I really wanted to like this pen — for a while I had it fairly near the top of my affordable pen wishlist — but on balance it left me cold, consistent with my first impressions. I just didn't click with it. Here's what's good. The clamshell packaging makes it suitable for a gift. This … Continue reading The Taccia Spectrum leaves me a little blue
New pen day! Taccia Spectrum, Opus Koloro 88, Wing Sung 601
Oh most blessed of days — the New Pen Day — thrice visited me today! Rejoice! Today I took delivery of three pens, all of which I immediately inked and had a good play with. Look out for reviews to come, but here are my first thoughts... Opus 88 Koloro I was intrigued by this … Continue reading New pen day! Taccia Spectrum, Opus Koloro 88, Wing Sung 601
Luminous and limited: the Kaweco Art Sport
I've owned a Kaweco Sport. I own an AL Sport. And thanks to fortuitous availability at a pen shop in Spain, I can now say that I own an Art Sport too, in the purest alabaster finish. Despite said pen being discontinued for at least three years and out of stock everywhere else I've looked. … Continue reading Luminous and limited: the Kaweco Art Sport
