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
experiences
They’re back!
A few weeks back I posted about my Montblanc nib replacement. I promised to follow up. Two days ahead of the promised four-week turnaround, I received an email from the Montblanc boutique informing me that my pens were ready for collection. I went in today to collect them. I have to say, I was very … Continue reading They’re back!
Travels with pens: Washington
I've been spending this week in snowy Pullman, Washington, hanging out with my brother. It's always nice to see him -- we live on separate continents, so it doesn't happen often enough. But really, I came to visit him to pick up my post. I regularly order stuff from US retailers directly to his house … Continue reading Travels with pens: Washington
Destined to fail
In life generally, and as stationery lovers in particular, we each have interests and behaviours that drive us. Compulsions, even. For me, a lot of my behaviour in this hobby is driven by the idea of 'finding perfect' — whether that means finally having the most comfortable daily writer, securing the rarest of grail pens, … Continue reading Destined to fail
Getting the white glove treatment with my first Montblanc nib exchange
One of the benefits of buying a new Montblanc is that you have six weeks to take advantage of Montblanc's nib exchange service. This facility is not just there in case you change your mind about the nib you ordered in the first place; it also enables you to choose from the full range of … Continue reading Getting the white glove treatment with my first Montblanc nib exchange
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
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
Behind the scenes: storage, travel and writing desks
When you're a pen freak like me, you spend as much time organising your stationery (and other hobbies' detritus) as you spend using it. My setup is not fancy. I don't have a huge house, I don't have a dream home office or desk setup. I have a beaten-up Ikea desk and office chair that … Continue reading Behind the scenes: storage, travel and writing desks
