I've always liked the idea of a pocket fountain pen, but I've never managed to find one that I actually carry on a daily basis. The Kaweco Liliput and Milim Pocket Pen are marvels of miniaturisation, but they're just too narrow to use for more than a few sentences. The Kaweco Sport is famously the … Continue reading The TARDIS-like Schon DSGN fountain pen
review
Legami notebooks: ready for fountain pens?
Notebooks must get nervous when they see me coming. I'm such a Tomoe River snob that I immediately start looking for faults in any other paper. I know, I know, it's unfair of me — there are plenty of other important qualities to look for in a notebook. And so I came with fresh eyes … Continue reading Legami notebooks: ready for fountain pens?
The small and sparkly Pelikan M205 Star Ruby
One of my earlier 'proper' pen purchases was a Pelikan M205 in the Aquamarine colour, a tie-in to the Edelstein ink of the year for 2016. It was a sweet little writer, packing a proper piston filler into a tiny package. This M205 Star Ruby is much the same recipe, following on from the Smoky … Continue reading The small and sparkly Pelikan M205 Star Ruby
Quick take: Baron Fig Strategist Note Cards
I've been through a few phases in my life where I've used Index cards. Exam revision at school. A brief foray into the Hipster PDA. But I mostly gravitated towards using a Field Notes-sized notebook as a pocket carry, and an A5 notebook for work. I've been experimenting a little with different kinds of paper … Continue reading Quick take: Baron Fig Strategist Note Cards
Annoyingly good: the Lamy Studio Aquamarine
It's been a long time since I used a Lamy Studio. It was back in early 2016 that I bought my last one, the brushed steel with the rubberised grip. I remember being intensely irritated by the sharp little step at the end of the section, and finding the section's convex taper made my fingers … Continue reading Annoyingly good: the Lamy Studio Aquamarine
Italy’s diamond in the rough: Santini
Only two Italian pen makers actually make their own nibs, in house, from start to finish. One of them is Aurora, as you might have guessed. The other is Santini. You'd be forgiven for not having heard of Santini. It has one tenth the followers on Instagram as Aurora, and you'd have to work very … Continue reading Italy’s diamond in the rough: Santini
Light and white: Tactile Turn Gist V2 in Delrin
I knew in my mind exactly what I'd be getting from the Gist V2 in Delrin — I own an earlier Gist in brass, and I've had experience with Delrin in the past. But the combination of the material and the design still surprised me when I had it in my hand. Described in broad … Continue reading Light and white: Tactile Turn Gist V2 in Delrin
Should I have stopped buying pens in November 2016? Thoughts on the Lamy 2000 Bauhaus
In November 2016 I bought a Lamy 2000, with medium nib, on sale at WH Smith. I think it cost me £90, which seemed like a lot at the time. That pen is still with me today. It has seen heavy use, although less now that I have 30 other pens -- some ten times … Continue reading Should I have stopped buying pens in November 2016? Thoughts on the Lamy 2000 Bauhaus
Going against the grain: Leonard Slattery Pens “A Haon”
Until a few weeks ago I'd not heard of Leonard Slattery Pens, but I'm glad I stumbled across his work. Leonard's a craftsman based in Ireland creating wooden pens in unusual designs. Wooden pens are not that common anyway (Graf, Ryan Krusac, Desiderata...?), but here the sections are wooden too. Wood is a uniquely tactile … Continue reading Going against the grain: Leonard Slattery Pens “A Haon”
Second time lucky with Oldwin? My Burlwood Classic
There's a lot to like about Oldwin's Classic. The fact that these pens are handmade from interesting materials in Paris. The seamless, streamlined shape, with the cap threads right on the end of the barrel. The huge gold nib and ebonite feed. Maybe that explains why I bought another, after the troubles I had with … Continue reading Second time lucky with Oldwin? My Burlwood Classic
