Spurred on by my discovery of Onoto and my joyful first experiences with a friend's Conway Stewart Churchill, I set off on a mission to get my own Conway Stewart. I didn't want one of the current versions from Bespoke British Pens, with their conventional 'flag' nibs... no, I wanted one from a few years … Continue reading Close, but no cigar? Getting to grips with the Conway Stewart Winston
reviews
Wooden wonder: Faber-Castell e-Motion
I received this pen at no cost from Executive Pens Direct. If this worries you at all, see my ethics page here. I'll cut to the chase: I wish I'd bought an e-Motion a couple of years ago. After a few weeks of use I can say with confidence that it's a great pen, and … Continue reading Wooden wonder: Faber-Castell e-Motion
At last: reviewing the Desiderata Soubriquet
This review is long overdue. I bought my first Soubriquet (cocobolo barrel and ebonite cap prototype) from Desiderata Pens in September 2018, although it feels like I've owned it forever. I bought a second Soubriquet in amber acrylic in March 2019, and ordered a third, with a one-piece cocobolo barrel and cocobolo cap, in April … Continue reading At last: reviewing the Desiderata Soubriquet
Nock Tallulah: two’s company
Yep, two days, two pen-case reviews (in case you missed it, yesterday I posted about my first experiences with New Zealand-based Hurlestone). Up today is the Tallulah two-pen case from my perennial favourites, Nock. The Tallulah is, like most Nock cases, crafted from colourful nylon. Mine's a rather lovely terracotta orange on the outside, and … Continue reading Nock Tallulah: two’s company
Quick review: Hurlestone pen cases
I came across Hurlestone on Instagram. It had everything I need to be immediately suckered in: small, new maker based out of somewhere unusual (in this case, New Zealand); pen cases in a variety of sizes; and unusual textile materials in a range of colours. I placed an order for two pen cases: a two-pen … Continue reading Quick review: Hurlestone pen cases
10 alternative section shapes to find the most comfortable pen for you
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
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
