I thought the Graf von Faber-Castell Classic was very overpriced. Comparing it against my other (and only) Graf, the Intuition Platino Ebony, it's tiny, skinny, more conventional — a separate section, a standard converter, a tiny nib. The family resemblance is unmistakable, of course. The metal flared cap, the curving clip, the fluted wood barrel, … Continue reading The Graf Classic exudes quality
review
A day with a Duofold
I've wondered on and off for some time about getting a Duofold — ideally a Centennial (the larger size) in Big Red colour. Considering my first fountain pens were Parkers, my collection is alarmingly Parker-free. A few things have put me off from getting a Duofold, though. First is the price. These are flagship-priced pens, … Continue reading A day with a Duofold
The London Fog has taught me that it’s OK to meet your heroes
They say never to meet your heroes — they never live up to your expectations. Well, the Visconti London Fog limited edition has been one of my pen heroes since it was released a couple of years ago. The swirly grey and blue just did it for me in a way that the red Chiantishire, … Continue reading The London Fog has taught me that it’s OK to meet your heroes
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
Review: Made by Foyles terracotta red notebook
I'd wager that most stationery addicts are also rather into books. For me, the joy of travelling to a city and discovering a new pen shop is squarely matched by that of finding a good bookstore. I used to be a bookseller, back in the day, so I feel somewhat of a connoisseur of good … Continue reading Review: Made by Foyles terracotta red notebook
The Galen Writing Box is a warped wonder
Update 13th July 2018: Galen got in touch with me after I posted this review. They've painstakingly redesigned the box, again, and are going to send me a third one. I'm impressed both with their transparency and their commitment to standing by their product: Just read your review again. You are very right with all … Continue reading The Galen Writing Box is a warped wonder
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
A very special blue-black: “Randall” by Nick Stewart
I'm a sucker for blue-black inks. So when Nick Stewart offered me the chance to try a sample of his new ink, Randall (named after one of Nick's aquatic adventurer friends), I jumped at it. I don't claim to the mastery of ink and lettering that Nick has, but even I can see that Randall … Continue reading A very special blue-black: “Randall” by Nick Stewart
The Karas Pens Starliner is ruining my reputation
Blast off I pride myself on my rational thought, my insight, my critical eye and my consistency. The new Reaktor Starliner pens from Karas Pens have made a mockery of that. But let's rewind. The Starliner and Starliner XL are two of the new 'Reaktor' budget pens from Karas Pens, whose Decograph I recently reviewed. … Continue reading The Karas Pens Starliner is ruining my reputation
