I see plenty of tie-in pens, whether they're sparkly Sailors in the colours of cocktails, or Montegrappas and Duponts shaped like spaceships or buildings. You can buy pens about Elvis, Queen, and of course David Bowie. But as far as I can recall this trio of Tibaldis is the first time I've seen a series … Continue reading Rocking out with the Tibaldi Bamboo Trio
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First impressions: Santini Italia Giant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVRjKcbve0E I talked a bit about this pen on Instagram and in some previous posts, so it won't surprise you folks that the Santini Italia Giant has got me all excited the past few months. As you'll gather from the video, this is a very special pen. If you're in a box-ticking mood, try this: … Continue reading First impressions: Santini Italia Giant
First impressions: Radius Superior Corniglia Black fountain pen
As I mentioned in my Black Friday post, I took a chance on a Radius pen from Appelboom during the sale. It arrived today, and I took a few minutes to record a video with some of my early thoughts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1coSI4kYcr8 I also shared a few photos on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CW_T974Dg4Y/ First impressions? I like this … Continue reading First impressions: Radius Superior Corniglia Black fountain pen
A truly premium, truly pocket pen: the Montegrappa Gnomo Moods Monterosa
I don't know about you, but I have a strong mental block against spending £500 on a pocket pen. The first reason is practical: there's a disconnect between a pen that is meant to get bashed around in your pocket with your keys, and one that delivers a "luxury" experience. The second is perhaps more … Continue reading A truly premium, truly pocket pen: the Montegrappa Gnomo Moods Monterosa
Quietly confident: the Tibaldi N.60 in Rich Black
TL;DR: watch the video review (but scroll to the end anyway, trust me!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AtirBeA6hQ The full story I have a soft spot for the modern incarnation of Tibaldi. As the "affordable" arm of Montegrappa's parent company, it's up against stiff competition (think Leonardo, Maiora, Venvstas, Visconti, Gioia...), and is putting up a plucky fight. Behind … Continue reading Quietly confident: the Tibaldi N.60 in Rich Black
The (nearly) heavenly Visconti Divina Bordeaux
TL;DR: watch the video https://youtu.be/Blugujo5E8A Prefer to read? Here's the written review If there's been any doubt in your mind that Visconti can make beautiful pens, the Divina Bordeaux should lay it firmly to rest. The Divina is gorgeous in photos, but in person it is utterly stunning. The wine-red resin is interesting and swirly, … Continue reading The (nearly) heavenly Visconti Divina Bordeaux
Scribo Piuma Impressione with EEF nib — three reviews in one
This is a review in three parts. It's my first review of the Scribo Piuma pen, Scribo's newer design with cartridge/converter filler. It's also one of the first reviews out there of the 'Impressione' finish, paired with the 'Levante' (bright orange) to honour Monet's painting Soleil Levant. And the third element is Scribo's EEF nib, … Continue reading Scribo Piuma Impressione with EEF nib — three reviews in one
Progress over perfection: the Venvstas Magna CC
Let's get the politics out of the way This review has a little backstory. Some time ago I reviewed the Venvstas Magna, an unusual carbon fiber fountain pen from Italy. I felt my review was thorough and balanced, and I quite liked the pen, but I had some problems with the nib and flow and … Continue reading Progress over perfection: the Venvstas Magna CC
The Gioia Alleria: a new Italian piston-filler with panache
I am here today to tell you about the Gioia Pens Alleria, but first I want to say this: wow, aren’t there a lot of exciting pens coming out of Italy recently? Leonardo, Maiora and Nettuno, Tibaldi, Tesori, ASC’s Studio, plus the stream of new releases from Visconti, Aurora, Santini and Scribo, and the recent … Continue reading The Gioia Alleria: a new Italian piston-filler with panache
An affordable ASC?! Introducing the ASC Studio Collection
An ASC for under $200 When I saw The Pen Family announcing the ASC Studio Collection on social media, I was a little shocked. ASC sells high-end pens, mainly from celluloids like Arco, with gold nibs and price tags hovering around £1k. I have one, the Gladiatore Medio Arco. By contrast, the Studio Collection has … Continue reading An affordable ASC?! Introducing the ASC Studio Collection
UK fountain pens 