We're approaching that time of year when we give each other (and ourselves?) presents. So what do you get for the fountain pen addict in your life — or if someone asks you what you want, what do you tell them? Here are some ideas across seven categories. Every item on this list I have … Continue reading The UKFP Holiday Gift Guide 2019
The Montblanc M as product design thought experiment
You ever had a situation where you knew you were making a really stupid decision, but you did it anyway out of fatalism, or curiosity? Well, that's me with buying the Montblanc M. This is not some never-before-seen pen, bought as a brave experiment to satisfy your curiosity, dear reader. The M has been out … Continue reading The Montblanc M as product design thought experiment
Diving in to the world of Ferris Wheel Press
I'm a closet (graphic) design lover. I will stop in the street to admire a carefully chosen colour palette, and I mentally applaud when I see evidence of good typography practices in an advert or on packaging. So Canadian brand Ferris Wheel Press is kinda like catnip to me. As they'll proudly tell you, they … Continue reading Diving in to the world of Ferris Wheel Press
UKFP Uncapped: 1st November 2019
On my mind This week was Fountain Pen Day, which is from one perspective our community's Black Friday, filled with deal-hunting and shopping. But I've been thinking this week about the opposite: generosity. Just today, my daughter received a pack of pens, ink and notebooks from a kindly benefactor (thanks Ian!). He went out of … Continue reading UKFP Uncapped: 1st November 2019
State of the collection: November 2019
Happy Fountain Pen Day, dear reader! I hope today your ink flows smoothly, your nibs run straight and true, and your postman is weighed down with parcels! For me, the last month has been heavy on the sales. I still have quite a few pens in my for-sale case, but I said a proper goodbye … Continue reading State of the collection: November 2019
So much for my global shopping?
Warning: rant ahead. I love this worldwide community of stationery that we live in. WordPress tells me that this blog is read in more than 150 countries (shout out to Vatican City), and I'm just as excited to discover an inspiring new maker, whether they live here in the UK or in some farflung part … Continue reading So much for my global shopping?
Introducing Eureka fountain pens from South Korea
Eureka Pens is a one-man-band run by a guy called Dovidu from South Korea. He posted up a thread on FPN a couple of months back introducing two entirely new fountain pen designs, fabricated entirely in-house except for the ink converters. The specs were interesting and Dovidu made bold claims about the quality and design … Continue reading Introducing Eureka fountain pens from South Korea
UKFP Uncapped: 25th October 2019 (a big week…)
The blog was quiet this week, for three reasons. First is personal: I'm going through a major change of role in my day job, which has taken my full attention. Second is a spot of burnout. I've made 15 posts in October already, and I've hit a bit of a wall. Third, I'm still working … Continue reading UKFP Uncapped: 25th October 2019 (a big week…)
Sometimes what’s good for you feels bad
In case you missed it, I'm selling some pens again. A garage full of supercars — which Ferrari would you sell? I've long since passed the point of selling the pens I've bought but don't get on with (although there are always a few of those); I'm mostly selling pens I really enjoy, that write … Continue reading Sometimes what’s good for you feels bad
Six more for sale
Conklin Mark Twain. Chased coral body. Crescent filler mechanism. Steel nib has bounce and writes a fine/medium line. £30. Clavijo 1920. Handmade for me in black Japanese ebonite. Piston filler, seamless body, silver rollstop. 18k Clavijo-branded nib, ebonite feed, fine cursive italic. Only a few days old -- too light for me. £350. Sailor Shumibun … Continue reading Six more for sale
