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?
editorial
A grand new methodology: scoring my pen collection
Before I begin, let me say this first: I believe any attempt at objectively scoring reviews of aesthetic objects like fountain pens is doomed to failure. After all, everyone's opinions are different (see my post about pen compatibility for why). But I think there is value, and interest, in comparing a bunch of reviews against … Continue reading A grand new methodology: scoring my pen collection
Are we pen-compatible?
When you're reading a review about a pen you're considering buying, it helps to know whether the reviewer shares your perspectives and values, and whether they use pens the same way you do. (This is one of the reasons why I like Hand Over That Pen — you get three very different takes in one).That's … Continue reading Are we pen-compatible?
Oldwin? Beautiful pens, frustrating experience
I mentioned Oldwin nearly a year ago in my roundup of small European pen makers. This small French manufacturer, the in-house brand of Paris-based store Mora Stylos, has been on my radar for a while, but in recent months it's been all over my Instagram feed. I gave up on getting one of its torpedo-shaped … Continue reading Oldwin? Beautiful pens, frustrating experience
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
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?
12 inks for 2019
What does an empty ink bottle look like? I watched in amazement in 2018 as people on my Instagram feed actually finished bottles of ink. The #emptyinkbottlechallenge seemed to me as crazy, admirable and impossible as running an ultramarathon. As of today, I have 166 full-size bottles of ink (excluding sample vials and duplicates), and … Continue reading 12 inks for 2019
Words and time: a tour of my watch collection
Words and time, pens and watches — to me they have the same attraction. I wonder if you readers feel the same? Just as a pen captures and makes real otherwise ephemeral thoughts and ideas, watches pin down the imprecision of time. They're acts of craftsmanship, engineering and heritage, and a visible expression of personal … Continue reading Words and time: a tour of my watch collection
Inside the maelstrom
Back in the early days of this blog I did a lot more 'editorial' style posts, about topics and themes rather than just reviews of products. So if you scan down this post and don't see any pictures, don't be alarmed: this is meant to be just words! The oxymoronic attainable grail pen? I read … Continue reading Inside the maelstrom
The great uninking
I'll admit it. Things had got a little out of control. I had eighteen inked pens this morning. It's not the first time I've had more pens inked than I know what to do with (when new inks and new pens turn up, they get added to the pile), but I don't think I've ever had quite … Continue reading The great uninking
