If I were a pen manufacturer, I would dread thinking about inks. After you reach a certain size, it's kinda expected that you offer a range of branded ink, and you know that there's potential for revenue there. But ink has the potential to be a huge ball-ache. Do you try to compete with Diamine … Continue reading Roundup: Otto Hutt inks
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Review: Otto Hutt design06
I've reviewed the Otto Hutt design04. I've reviewed the exclusive designC. Now here is the design06. Kindly provided by Otto Hutt for review. Okay, I made a mistake with the choice of colour for this pen. I thought I had been smart and edgy when I picked the matte ‘arctic blue’ finish, but actually I … Continue reading Review: Otto Hutt design06
Going large(ish) with the Platinum President
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 return of Mabie Todd: Blackbird Inks
Mabie Todd is one of those vintage pen manufacturers that everyone's heard of, but I confess I've never used one, or even held one. A Google suggests that it started as an American company in NYC pre-1900, but became established as a quintessentially British brand that persisted until the 1950s, long after the American operations … Continue reading The return of Mabie Todd: Blackbird Inks
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
Wet and wide: medium stub from FPnibs
I've bought a fair few pens and inks recently. My Pelikan M805. Monteverde Fireopal. Pilot 92. Birmingham inks (two batches). Jinhaos. Titanium nib. And I've backed the new Namisu on Kickstarter. Nonetheless, I recently found myself getting itchy for a new pen. And I'd just reclaimed from my partner her Kaweco Al Sport, fitted with … Continue reading Wet and wide: medium stub from FPnibs
UK fountain pens 