I believe that the shape of a pen's section is probably the single biggest determinant in whether the pen is comfortable for you or not. Other major factors include the length of the nib and the weight/balance of the pen, but ultimately the section is where your fingers sit. If it's too small, too wide, … Continue reading 10 alternative section shapes to find the most comfortable pen for you
12 inks for 2019: progress report and substitutions
If you remember way back to the start of the year, I set myself a challenge of using only 12 inks for my daily use in 2019. My only exceptions were to be for reviews and other 'one off' uses. So, three months in, how am I getting on? In short: much better than I … Continue reading 12 inks for 2019: progress report and substitutions
Friday snippets: Conid, Conway Stewart, Leonardo, Edelstein Star Ruby and more…
It's been a quiet week on the blog, but a busy week in my mailbox. Here're the headlines. The return of the Conid In my review of the Conid Regular you may remember me complaining about the slippery Delrin section. A friend on Instagram recommended that I order a separate titanium section, which would solve … Continue reading Friday snippets: Conid, Conway Stewart, Leonardo, Edelstein Star Ruby and more…
What’s on my wishlist?
I can't help it. No matter how many pens I sell, or how recently I've bought wondrous pens like the Visconti Medici and Onoto Magna... there's always something else. Here's what I've got my eye on today. Aurora 888 Nettuno Aurora releases a million special editions, particularly in this, its centenary year. I normally don't … Continue reading What’s on my wishlist?
UPDATED: more pens for sale!
I try to maintain a one-in, one-out policy for pens. I'm not very good at it, but I try. Here is a new batch of pens for sale, updated 17th March 2019! All prices include UK shipping and are based on payment by bank transfer or PayPal friends and family. Oldwin Art Deco 'Rouge Sang … Continue reading UPDATED: more pens for sale!
An undeniable classic: the Onoto Magna
First impressions count Onoto sure know how to create a sense of occasion. I purchased this Onoto Magna Classic prototype from the London Pen Show, but I wanted it with a gold nib and the optional brass weight added to the barrel — so it went away to the workshop instead of home with me. … Continue reading An undeniable classic: the Onoto Magna
Bored of the mainstream? Four ways to reboot your love of pens
It's easy to get fatigued by all the new pen models that hit the market every month. Most new releases by Lamy, Sailor, Aurora, Conklin and co, let's face it, are just the same pens in different colours, and they often run to the same basic designs, the same foundational principles, the same stock nibs. … Continue reading Bored of the mainstream? Four ways to reboot your love of pens
Platinum Izumo: accessible urushi
I confess: I started out biased against the Platinum Izumo, based on pictures on the internet and five minutes handling one in a pen shop. To me, the design seemed just plain oddball. Take a pen that looks lovely capped: almost dolphin-like curves, beautiful urushi lacquer, strong proportions. Take the cap off and what the hell? … Continue reading Platinum Izumo: accessible urushi
Silver fox: the Yard-o-Led Viceroy Grand Victorian
The Yard-o-Led Viceroy Grand Victorian (from now on, the Viceroy) was sent to me for review by a loyal reader. I was jumping up and down with excitement to get my hands on it. It's easy to see why, because Yard-o-Led makes pens like nobody else, and you don't see them around very often. The … Continue reading Silver fox: the Yard-o-Led Viceroy Grand Victorian
The London Pen Show makes a fresh start for Spring
I call today's first-ever London Spring Pen Show, hosted by the London Writing Equipment Society (LWES), a great success. Or at least, I had a great time. Partly it's because I think I'm getting the hang of this pen-show lark. I followed my own advice: Go for the early bird entry at 9.30. The place … Continue reading The London Pen Show makes a fresh start for Spring
