The Platinum President (PTB-20000P) is one of those pens that nobody knows about. Its value proposition is simple: it's a slightly fancier, larger version of the 3776, with a more western-tuned nib, now in 18k gold. The only downside, on paper, is that it lacks the 3776's wonderful sealing cap, but in all other respects … Continue reading Going large(ish) with the Platinum President
The Conid Kingsize is as good as everyone says
One of my most popular and contentious posts recently was my review of the Conid Minimalistica Monarch. It brought home to me just how fervently, zealously, people love their Conid pens. I liked it and could see sparks of genius in it, but there was enough about it that rubbed me up the wrong way … Continue reading The Conid Kingsize is as good as everyone says
Behind the pen: John from Write Here
Part of my mission in 2019 is to write more about this wonderful community, not just pens. So I'm dusting off my interview series, "behind the pen". And my first victim? John Hall, owner of one of the UK's best-loved stationery shops, Write Here. Let's see what John has to say about the issues of … Continue reading Behind the pen: John from Write Here
Montblanc fountain pen releases for 2019: the limited edition releases
In my last post I teased some of the new Montblanc pens being launched this year. I thought I'd fill in a little detail for you. Disney The great characters release is Walt Disney. All 'tiers' are 146 size, and frankly they're not what I expected. The base tier is rhodium and black, with quite … Continue reading Montblanc fountain pen releases for 2019: the limited edition releases
Snippets: the week in stationery
I try to avoid using this blog as a diary for all the stationery-related goings on in my life. But it's been a pretty big week, and I have some stuff I want to share. Monday: start your engines I spent the day admiring my new BMW 146, and couldn't resist posting about what a … Continue reading Snippets: the week in stationery
Nine tips for travelling with pens
One of the questions I see most often on pen forums is whether it's safe to take fountain pens on a plane, and how to travel with pens so they won't leak — whether from changes in air pressure or jostling.I'm not much of a jet-setter, but in the past twelve months I've taken maybe … Continue reading Nine tips for travelling with pens
Hey Kaweco, I like my coral smooth, not grainy
Consider this a follow-on from my review of the Kaweco Art Sport Alabaster, and the Skyline Sport Fox. To recap, the Alabaster has hung on as one of my favourite pens. It's just so smooth, so perfectly polished. The Fox, on the other hand, was a great clay-orange colour, but felt cheap and sharp. So … Continue reading Hey Kaweco, I like my coral smooth, not grainy
Who’d have thought BMW would be the cheapest place to buy a Montblanc 146?
A few years ago I had a friend who always wrote with a 146 and a Starwalker, and drove a BMW Z4. One year, for his birthday, I found the perfect gift: the newly launched Montblanc BMW Blue ink. Except he only ever wrote with black ink. Oh well, nice idea. Roll on to more … Continue reading Who’d have thought BMW would be the cheapest place to buy a Montblanc 146?
Kaweco’s sharp little Fox runs away
I mentioned the Kaweco Skyline Sport Fox in a previous post. I mailed it to its new owner today, but before I did I took some final photos and I wanted to review it briefly for anyone considering this hot new release (did you know coral is the Pantone colour of the year?!) The Fox … Continue reading Kaweco’s sharp little Fox runs away
Esterbrook’s Phaeton misses the mark
The Esterbrook Estie was one of my surprise hits of 2018. Now, the reborn, Kenro-owned Esterbrook is back with the Phaeton 300R, a $68, slim, metal-capped pen with a hooded nib. Mine arrived (sent to me for free) in a stately navy blue colour, with a brushed steel cap and gold trim. There's a disc … Continue reading Esterbrook’s Phaeton misses the mark
