Looking over my pen tray I am often struck by how many pens I have sold, only to later repurchase. You might well say: if you liked it enough to rebuy it, why did you sell it in the first place?! It’s a fair question, but I have a few answers. Sometimes (as the song … Continue reading Eight second chances to get it right
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Does Brutalism have a place in pen design? Hands on with the Namisu Naos Ti
When I get a pen in for review, I often sit with a blank sheet of paper in front of me and freely jot down the observations or ideas that occur to me about it. With the Namisu Naos, one of the first things I wrote down was ‘Brutalist’. Its severe, angular barrel in matte … Continue reading Does Brutalism have a place in pen design? Hands on with the Namisu Naos Ti
Karas Ink v2: all killer, no filler
I reviewed the previous generation of the Karas Ink a little over a year ago. I really wanted to like it, and I could see the heart of a good pen in it, but it had a few annoyances that I simply couldn't get over. Karas has reengineered the Ink, releasing this edition, the v2, … Continue reading Karas Ink v2: all killer, no filler
Plenty of passion in the Leonardo Furore Grande
It's easy to see why Leonardo is one of the modern darlings of the fountain pen scene. From the first Momento Zero, which I reviewed back in 2018, the Italian company has kept up a breakneck pace of releases, with dozens of pretty resins, ebonite, arco, Grande models, music nibs, and the release of an … Continue reading Plenty of passion in the Leonardo Furore Grande
Review: Kaweco Special Aluminium Blue Limited Edition
Although I’ve used and reviewed many Kawecos over the years, I’d never once even had the Special flutter across my radar. I wonder whether the same is true for you? The Supra, Liliput, even the Perkeo seem to attract more attention. But when this Blue Limited Edition popped up, my attention was piqued at last, … Continue reading Review: Kaweco Special Aluminium Blue Limited Edition
Tibaldi’s Perfecta takes heritage to a modern audience
Remember I said that 'heritage' was a trend to watch? Well, alongside last week's Esterbrook JR, here's another example of that trend in action: the Perfecta, by a reborn Tibaldi. Tibaldi, like many Italian brands, has bounced around ownership and rebooted its portfolio numerous times over the decades. But the important thing is that the … Continue reading Tibaldi’s Perfecta takes heritage to a modern audience
The Esterbrook J reborn — and remixed. Meet the Esterbrook JR Pocket Pen.
Heritage? Handle with care... When the Estie was launched a couple of years ago as 'America's original, reborn', there was really nothing about it that evoked the ‘original’ Esterbrook pens. Although the Esterbrook name was displayed proudly, the emphasis was very much on the 'reborn' part of the slogan. From the first time I handled … Continue reading The Esterbrook J reborn — and remixed. Meet the Esterbrook JR Pocket Pen.
Spoiled for choice
Pens from £70 to £2,500 or even £5,000. With steel nibs and gold. Made from aluminium, silver, brass and plastic. From truly oversized to handbag-petite. In all the colours of the rainbow — if the rainbow included black and silver. Hailing from Italy, Germany, France, England, Wales and Ireland. From one-man bands and century-old ateliers. … Continue reading Spoiled for choice
Two thumbs up for the Maiora Impronte and Oversize
I'll come out and say this first: I was really surprised by just how much I liked these Maiora pens. I am always wary about new brands, especially those promising good specs for a competitive price. Where do they compromise? I expected them to be a bit rough and ready, maybe a little cheap feeling. … Continue reading Two thumbs up for the Maiora Impronte and Oversize
On the rollercoaster with the Otto Hutt designC
Even as I write this review, I'm not quite sure how I feel about the Otto Hutt designC. Over the time I've spent with it, I've had moments where I think it's an absolutely blinding pen, and others where I've found it deeply frustrating. A pricey designer pen. Heard it all before? In case you've … Continue reading On the rollercoaster with the Otto Hutt designC
