To me, Pilot is a little bit like the Mafia. You try to escape, but they reel you back in. I have written at length about my love affair with the 912 FA, then reluctantly sold it when I admitted to myself that my grip doesn't suit flex. I bought, sold, bought and sold the … Continue reading Pilot Fermo: the thinking person’s Vanishing Point
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Kaweco Dia2: my pen palate cleanser
I recently sold my trusty Kaweco AL Sport, leaving me with just one Kaweco: the Art Sport Alabaster. But it transpires that my Art was only destined to be lonely for a short while. The itch to experience the Kaweco Dia2, which I'd resisted since reading Rupert's excellent review, finally overtook me. And I'm glad … Continue reading Kaweco Dia2: my pen palate cleanser
The surprising ‘Skribent’ from Germany
It would be a lie to say I knew nothing about Cleo Skribent before unboxing this pen. Several of my United Inkdom colleagues have written about the brand and a few well-known UK retailers now stock it. But, as with a few other brands that have recently garnered some attention — like Diplomat — Cleo … Continue reading The surprising ‘Skribent’ from Germany
Weighing up the Namisu Ixion
The Ixion is a love-hate pen. I don't mean you either love it or hate it; I mean there are plenty of points on both sides of the argument. Let's start with the positive. Design-wise, it's handsome. The size and proportions are spot-on for most people, similar to a Lamy 2000 when capped. The decagonal … Continue reading Weighing up the Namisu Ixion
Smoke and ice: Franklin-Christoph Model 02
Although I couldn't resist snapping up Birmingham Pens' 'Unicorn Barf' beta pen, I'm not a man for loud colours in my pens. Most of my collection is various shades of black and grey. Luckily, Franklin-Christoph caters to colour-minimal buyers like me, and I find their pens irresistible. The model under review here, the Model 02 … Continue reading Smoke and ice: Franklin-Christoph Model 02
Let’s twist again: the Lamy Dialog 3
Apparently I now have a thing for twisty retractable fountain pens. You may remember my review of the Montblanc 1912. I have a Pilot Fermo on the way. And here is the Lamy Dialog 3. I'll say this first: this is a hell of an odd pen. No cap. No section. No finials or any … Continue reading Let’s twist again: the Lamy Dialog 3
The allure of expense and inconvenience (or how I fell for the Montblanc 1912)
As a vinyl lover, I often think about this cartoon from the New Yorker. Funny thing is, it accurately sums up how I feel about the Montblanc Heritage 1912, too. Like vinyl, it's expensive. Retail price in the UK is £755, which is even higher than the considerably more impressive-looking Montblanc 149. For your money … Continue reading The allure of expense and inconvenience (or how I fell for the Montblanc 1912)
Review: Opus 88 Koloro
Kudos to Opus 88 for designing a truly distinctive pen. The Koloro is available in four different colour schemes; this is the red. Each is made not just of the usual translucent plastic, but a generous helping of satin-finished ebonite in an accent shade. I personally really like the design, even though red would not … Continue reading Review: Opus 88 Koloro
I’m confused as hell why I like the Edison Beaumont so much
Here's the backstory. I've wanted an Edison Collier for a long time, but never quite got around to pulling the trigger before the gold nib frenzy stole me away. A guy on Facebook (hi Nick!) posted an Edison Beaumont for sale for £75 (about half retail) a month or so back. I jumped on it, … Continue reading I’m confused as hell why I like the Edison Beaumont so much
The Taccia Spectrum leaves me a little blue
I really wanted to like this pen — for a while I had it fairly near the top of my affordable pen wishlist — but on balance it left me cold, consistent with my first impressions. I just didn't click with it. Here's what's good. The clamshell packaging makes it suitable for a gift. This … Continue reading The Taccia Spectrum leaves me a little blue
