John Garnham's pens (previously reviewed here) are difficult to get hold of. You can still only buy them through the Fountain Pens UK Facebook group, and he makes them only in limited quantities. He's not interested in building a business around pens, so he doesn't even have a website. But that doesn't mean he avoids … Continue reading The big bargain: John Garnham JG8
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Re-reviewing Loft Pens: how does v2 stack up?
After my original review of the Loft Pens bespoke pen a few weeks ago, Sam reached out and offered for me to test out the improvements he'd made to the design and manufacturing process. I am always happy to re-review products that have changed significantly since I tested them: it doesn't help buyers like you, … Continue reading Re-reviewing Loft Pens: how does v2 stack up?
The mighty Sequoyah from Onoto
This pen grabbed me from the first photo I saw of it, and I'm happy to say it's even better in person. After a series of Scottish-themed releases, and after many releases celebrating British luminaries like Nightingale and Churchill, Shakespeare and Dickens, Onoto's release of the American-themed Sequoyah came as a bit of a surprise … Continue reading The mighty Sequoyah from Onoto
Review: Namisu Horizon
Remember the Brutalist Namisu Naos I reviewed a couple of weeks back? Well the pen I'm reviewing here, the Horizon, could not be more different in its design approach. While the Naos was all ruler-straight lines and flat ends, the Horizon, when capped, is all curve. Run your finger from end to end, past the … Continue reading Review: Namisu Horizon
Beginner fountain pen buyers deserve better than the Parker Jotter
Let me be bold and say this: the Parker Jotter is a pretty bad fountain pen. But before I explain why, let me clarify a couple of starting principles: I have deep, fond memories of Parker fountain pens from when I was growing up. As many Brits do, no doubt. Nowadays they may just be … Continue reading Beginner fountain pen buyers deserve better than the Parker Jotter
Shining a light on Loft Pens
One of my greatest pleasures writing this blog is to introduce you to independent makers that might not be on your radar. Leonard Slattery, Rockster, Applied Pens, John Garnham, Eureka, Kasama... I'm building up quite a list. Every one of these makers does things their own way, showing their personality and their vision for what … Continue reading Shining a light on Loft Pens
Does Brutalism have a place in pen design? Hands on with the Namisu Naos Ti
When I get a pen in for review, I often sit with a blank sheet of paper in front of me and freely jot down the observations or ideas that occur to me about it. With the Namisu Naos, one of the first things I wrote down was ‘Brutalist’. Its severe, angular barrel in matte … Continue reading Does Brutalism have a place in pen design? Hands on with the Namisu Naos Ti
Another look at the Onoto Magna: Victory and Shakespeare pinstripes
A reader recently told me by email that, of all their pens, the Onoto Magna would be the one to accompany them to the proverbial desert island. I cannot possibly disagree with their choice. If you were to be stuck with just one pen to write page after page, day after day, year after year, … Continue reading Another look at the Onoto Magna: Victory and Shakespeare pinstripes
Discovering Rockster Pens with the Troubleshooter 1313 Erinoid Aspen
When you're buying a kitless pen from a small maker, it's the little touches and refinements that make the difference between an OK pen that's basically a vehicle for some pretty resin, and a genuinely good product that can stand tall as a writing instrument in its own right. I'm very pleased to say that … Continue reading Discovering Rockster Pens with the Troubleshooter 1313 Erinoid Aspen
Art and alchemy: The Onoto Great Court Vitreous Enamel
Rather than words comes the thought of high windows: The sun-comprehending glass,And beyond it, the deep blue air, that showsNothing, and is nowhere, and is endless.Philip Larkin, High Windows Few pens make me want to quote poetry (especially by my favourite poet). The Onoto Great Court Vitreous Enamel Sterling Silver is one. But let's get something … Continue reading Art and alchemy: The Onoto Great Court Vitreous Enamel
