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
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The Marie Kondo of pens: the Muji round aluminium fountain pen
I adore Muji. The lack of branding. The simple designs. The functional materials. Just walking around its stores is a calming experience, everything just so, everything essential. It's a dose of simplicity that I think we all crave right now — the same appeal that Marie Kondo tapped into when she taught us to let … Continue reading The Marie Kondo of pens: the Muji round aluminium fountain pen
A little star: the Montblanc Le Petit Prince LeGrand
I missed out on the Little Prince when I was a kid. It's only as an adult that this charming story got its hooks into me. I've lost count of how many times I've read it to my daughter, and I think we now have four editions around the house. So it's a wonder that … Continue reading A little star: the Montblanc Le Petit Prince LeGrand
Going large(ish) with the Platinum President
The Platinum President (PTB-20000P) is one of those pens that nobody knows about. Its value proposition is simple: it's a slightly fancier, larger version of the 3776, with a more western-tuned nib, now in 18k gold. The only downside, on paper, is that it lacks the 3776's wonderful sealing cap, but in all other respects … Continue reading Going large(ish) with the Platinum President
The Conid Kingsize is as good as everyone says
One of my most popular and contentious posts recently was my review of the Conid Minimalistica Monarch. It brought home to me just how fervently, zealously, people love their Conid pens. I liked it and could see sparks of genius in it, but there was enough about it that rubbed me up the wrong way … Continue reading The Conid Kingsize is as good as everyone says
Hey Kaweco, I like my coral smooth, not grainy
Consider this a follow-on from my review of the Kaweco Art Sport Alabaster, and the Skyline Sport Fox. To recap, the Alabaster has hung on as one of my favourite pens. It's just so smooth, so perfectly polished. The Fox, on the other hand, was a great clay-orange colour, but felt cheap and sharp. So … Continue reading Hey Kaweco, I like my coral smooth, not grainy
Who’d have thought BMW would be the cheapest place to buy a Montblanc 146?
A few years ago I had a friend who always wrote with a 146 and a Starwalker, and drove a BMW Z4. One year, for his birthday, I found the perfect gift: the newly launched Montblanc BMW Blue ink. Except he only ever wrote with black ink. Oh well, nice idea. Roll on to more … Continue reading Who’d have thought BMW would be the cheapest place to buy a Montblanc 146?
Kaweco’s sharp little Fox runs away
I mentioned the Kaweco Skyline Sport Fox in a previous post. I mailed it to its new owner today, but before I did I took some final photos and I wanted to review it briefly for anyone considering this hot new release (did you know coral is the Pantone colour of the year?!) The Fox … Continue reading Kaweco’s sharp little Fox runs away
Esterbrook’s Phaeton misses the mark
The Esterbrook Estie was one of my surprise hits of 2018. Now, the reborn, Kenro-owned Esterbrook is back with the Phaeton 300R, a $68, slim, metal-capped pen with a hooded nib. Mine arrived (sent to me for free) in a stately navy blue colour, with a brushed steel cap and gold trim. There's a disc … Continue reading Esterbrook’s Phaeton misses the mark
Snake charmer: the Montblanc Rouge et Noir
I like Montblancs. And not just through brand snobbery. I enjoy the classic designs like the 149, as well as many of the various special and limited editions (though they're often well beyond my budget). Of my core collection of 20 pens, I now count three Montblancs: the retractable Heritage 1912, the Diplomat 149 in … Continue reading Snake charmer: the Montblanc Rouge et Noir
