My review queue is hanging over me with a disappointed look on its face. I am overdue to write up a proper review of three Silverburl pens, which I've had in hand for a month now (check out my first impressions video here). I've also got three beautiful Tibaldi Bamboo pens on loan from Iguanasell … Continue reading Snippets: Capillaris, Tibaldi, Dialog CC, Eco Raden, and this wonderful community
experiences
Thoughts on handwriting
I have never been proud of my handwriting. It’s better than it was, years ago: I have fountain pens to thank for that, more than conscious effort. Regardless of cause, I certainly see more pleasing flourishes than in years past, more balanced letter shapes, more proportion to my ascenders and descenders. But that doesn’t mean … Continue reading Thoughts on handwriting
State of the Collection: December 2021
Well, the tidal wave of new pens from my suitcase challenge, Fountain Pen Day and Black Friday arrived, and with it has some some change and consolidation in my personal pen collection. I made the hard decision to sell or retire several pens that were duplicates or only in my tray for sentimental reasons. For … Continue reading State of the Collection: December 2021
Guest post: fountain pen truths, part two
Welcome to the second of two guest posts from the inestimable Claire. I follow her sharp-tongued posts religiously on Instagram, and while I don’t always agree with her, I think her voice is well worth sharing… with minimal editing. Speak truth, Claire! Hopefully you will have seen part one of this series that I have been … Continue reading Guest post: fountain pen truths, part two
The suitcase challenge
Picture the scene: your phone pings with a message from a friend who lives abroad. "I'm coming to visit you next month!" Admit it. After the initial "yay!" reaction, your first thought was what can I ask them to bring over for me in their suitcase? Or another scene: you're taking a trip to foreign … Continue reading The suitcase challenge
On a roll
Do you ever have months where your hobbies suddenly seem fresh and exciting again? Well, I'm having one of those months. Was it the pen show? Maybe. I did buy two very different pens from brands that had been absent from my collection for a while, not to mention the haul of products for review … Continue reading On a roll
Why I bought an Otto Hutt designC
Long-term readers may remember my review last year of the Otto Hutt designC, the German brand's centenary celebration pen made of silver in an edition of 500 pieces, for a price well into four figures. At the time I described the experience as a rollercoaster. I found the designC alien, uncompromising, almost deliberately difficult to … Continue reading Why I bought an Otto Hutt designC
Pen shows are back, and better than ever
It's been a long time since my last London Pen Show, back in October 2019. So when I parked up at the venue yesterday, I was a little apprehensive. The world had changed, of course, but so have I — gone are my days of splashing cash on lots of pens. Would I still find … Continue reading Pen shows are back, and better than ever
Travels with pens (and some new arrivals)
Travels with pens... my gosh, it's been a while. And the travel available to us here in the UK is still really only domestic. But the opportunity to pick out a selection of pens to accompany me to a place with a different view is one I still relish, every time, no matter the destination. … Continue reading Travels with pens (and some new arrivals)
Snippets: Schon, John Garnham, Pebble, GLP, Cross
It's been a quiet month here on the blog. I haven't posted anything for ten days, which is a long spell for me. But I do want to shout about a few things, so it's time for a Snippets. Bye to Instagram Thanks to those of you who took the time to email me to … Continue reading Snippets: Schon, John Garnham, Pebble, GLP, Cross
UK fountain pens 