I believe that the shape of a pen's section is probably the single biggest determinant in whether the pen is comfortable for you or not. Other major factors include the length of the nib and the weight/balance of the pen, but ultimately the section is where your fingers sit. If it's too small, too wide, … Continue reading 10 alternative section shapes to find the most comfortable pen for you
reviews
An undeniable classic: the Onoto Magna
First impressions count Onoto sure know how to create a sense of occasion. I purchased this Onoto Magna Classic prototype from the London Pen Show, but I wanted it with a gold nib and the optional brass weight added to the barrel — so it went away to the workshop instead of home with me. … Continue reading An undeniable classic: the Onoto Magna
Platinum Izumo: accessible urushi
I confess: I started out biased against the Platinum Izumo, based on pictures on the internet and five minutes handling one in a pen shop. To me, the design seemed just plain oddball. Take a pen that looks lovely capped: almost dolphin-like curves, beautiful urushi lacquer, strong proportions. Take the cap off and what the hell? … Continue reading Platinum Izumo: accessible urushi
Silver fox: the Yard-o-Led Viceroy Grand Victorian
The Yard-o-Led Viceroy Grand Victorian (from now on, the Viceroy) was sent to me for review by a loyal reader. I was jumping up and down with excitement to get my hands on it. It's easy to see why, because Yard-o-Led makes pens like nobody else, and you don't see them around very often. The … Continue reading Silver fox: the Yard-o-Led Viceroy Grand Victorian
Heavy metal: the Montblanc Geometry Solitaire LeGrand
The Montblanc Geometry, reference 118097, is an unapologetic statement piece. It's all metal, platinum plated, and engraved with a marvellous geometric pattern that catches the light, and the eye. The numbers are big: 64g in weight, £1,215 in price, 18k in nib. The cap weighs a fair chunk, but the pen itself is a real … Continue reading Heavy metal: the Montblanc Geometry Solitaire LeGrand
There’s nothing Regular about the Conid Bulkfiller
12 weeks of anticipation It took more than 12 weeks to get my Conid Regular Bulkfiller from the time I hit the ‘buy’ button (on the 3rd December 2018). I was mentally prepared for a wait of 8 weeks, but the last month of delays felt like agony. When you anticipate a purchase for that … Continue reading There’s nothing Regular about the Conid Bulkfiller
In praise of the crazy Pelikan Italic Broad
Fountain pens are tools, but they should also be fun. And there's nothing more fun than laying down a Sharpie-sized wet line with crisp line variation too. I was getting bored and frustrated with the EF nib in my Ocean Swirl. As beautiful as the pen is, I wasn't using it much. I plan to … Continue reading In praise of the crazy Pelikan Italic Broad
Karas Pens Ink: worth the wait?
The Karas Ink is one of those pens I kept adding to my cart, for literally years, without pressing the 'buy' button. I was attracted by its design (particularly the clip) and colours, but I guess I wondered whether I needed another fairly generic metal pen in my life, and I also worried about the … Continue reading Karas Pens Ink: worth the wait?
A grand new methodology: scoring my pen collection
Before I begin, let me say this first: I believe any attempt at objectively scoring reviews of aesthetic objects like fountain pens is doomed to failure. After all, everyone's opinions are different (see my post about pen compatibility for why). But I think there is value, and interest, in comparing a bunch of reviews against … Continue reading A grand new methodology: scoring my pen collection
The Marie Kondo of pens: the Muji round aluminium fountain pen
I adore Muji. The lack of branding. The simple designs. The functional materials. Just walking around its stores is a calming experience, everything just so, everything essential. It's a dose of simplicity that I think we all crave right now — the same appeal that Marie Kondo tapped into when she taught us to let … Continue reading The Marie Kondo of pens: the Muji round aluminium fountain pen
