One thing I probably don't say often enough is this: I am bloody chuffed with my pen collection. Sure, it's always waxing and waning. There's a gradual shift in emphasis from manufacturer to manufacturer, big to small, fine to broad, bright to monochromatic, and back again. Life would be boring if we weren't always pursuing … Continue reading The state of the collection (or why it’s good to stop and appreciate what you have)
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The Pilot Prera kinda makes me wish I had smaller hands
I knew from the moment I opened the box that the Pilot Prera was way too small for me. This is not a big pen. It's not heavy either. It's all plastic, and with the included Pilot Black cartridge inserted, there's not even the extra couple of grams of a converter to help add a … Continue reading The Pilot Prera kinda makes me wish I had smaller hands
I hate the Rotring Newton
I love the German Bauhaus, utilitarian aesthetic. Braun, Junghans, those kinds of brands have built timeless, minimalist products that I covet. I would put r0tring in that list, too. I have a 600 mechanical pencil and ballpoint and I love them, with their matte hexagonal barrels, grippy knurling, precise manufacturing and no-nonsense attitude. And, although it … Continue reading I hate the Rotring Newton
Pilot Fermo: the thinking person’s Vanishing Point
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
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)
