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
review
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
Review: Dingbats ‘Serengeti’ Earth notebook
Way back last year I reviewed quite a few notebooks, including a fetching red number from Dingbats' Wildlife series. (If you're interested: Summary was here. Recap was here.) I was hugely impressed by the spec of the Dingbats notebooks, but I commented that the feathering and bleedthrough bothered me. So, when the founder of Dingbats got in … Continue reading Review: Dingbats ‘Serengeti’ Earth notebook
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
Exclusive: GLP Author Tomoe River notebook review
They call me the Tomoe addict It's no secret that I'm a fan of Tomoe River paper, or that I'm pretty discerning about my notebooks. I go through at least one notebook a month just for work, and I know what I like. At the moment I'm powering through one of these, and wishing the … Continue reading Exclusive: GLP Author Tomoe River notebook review
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
