There's a new nib wizard in town — and he's in the UK. You've seen the Cross Concord and other pricey Sailors. You've seen the monsters from Regalia Writing Labs, continents away. Now meet Jose Munuera, who is building his skills with stacked nibs right here in the UK. Let me share my experiences with … Continue reading Stacked nibs come to the UK
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Is a Sailor Special Nib worth it? Hands on with the Naginata Cross Concord
Sailor's so-called Special Nibs -- ranging from the subtle Naginata-Togi to the absurd King Eagle -- have a storied history. They were unavailable for a few years, and relaunched just a couple of years ago with much higher prices and a new pen body format. Only recently has it been possible to buy one online; … Continue reading Is a Sailor Special Nib worth it? Hands on with the Naginata Cross Concord
A personal journey with the Montblanc Agatha Christie Writer’s Edition
I had high expectations coming to the Montblanc Agatha Christie. Over the past 25 years it has gained an almost legendary status (and associated price tag) even among Montblanc Writer's Editions, surpassed perhaps by the Hemingway only. But for me the expectations came from something rather more personal. My daughter is named Agatha, and specifically … Continue reading A personal journey with the Montblanc Agatha Christie Writer’s Edition
11 phenomenal stubs and italics for any budget
Stubs and italics are taking over my pen collection. Why? Well, I like line variation and, being a lefty, flex is not easy for me. But I have a light touch and a fairly consistent writing angle, so it's easy for me to skate even the sharpest italic across the page. You can make pretty … Continue reading 11 phenomenal stubs and italics for any budget
A public service announcement about Aurora italic and stub nibs
I recently bought an Aurora 88 with italic nib. It was not what I expected. This is because Aurora does not make it easy. Over the years it's offered different kinds of italic nibs, including different widths of italics. Try to find pictures on the internet and you often turn up ten-year-old threads on FPN. … Continue reading A public service announcement about Aurora italic and stub nibs
Heavy metal: the Montblanc Geometry Solitaire LeGrand
The Montblanc Geometry, reference 118097, is an unapologetic statement piece. It's all metal, platinum plated, and engraved with a marvellous geometric pattern that catches the light, and the eye. The numbers are big: 64g in weight, £1,215 in price, 18k in nib. The cap weighs a fair chunk, but the pen itself is a real … Continue reading Heavy metal: the Montblanc Geometry Solitaire LeGrand
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!
In praise of the crazy Pelikan Italic Broad
Fountain pens are tools, but they should also be fun. And there's nothing more fun than laying down a Sharpie-sized wet line with crisp line variation too. I was getting bored and frustrated with the EF nib in my Ocean Swirl. As beautiful as the pen is, I wasn't using it much. I plan to … Continue reading In praise of the crazy Pelikan Italic Broad
Six nibs to make you go “phwoar”
Nibs are what fountain pens are all about. As far as I'm concerned, you can have the flashiest celluloid in the world, but I want my eye to go straight to the nib: it's the jewel in the crown. The best nibs are not only wonderful performers, but gracefully designed and simply beautiful, too. So … Continue reading Six nibs to make you go “phwoar”
