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
uk
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
Review: the quietly brilliant JG5 and JG6 by John Garnham Pens
This may be the most frustrating review you read of a new pen today. The two pens I'm covering here are by a UK-based maker called John Garnham. He doesn't have a website or an Instagram profile. He doesn't have stock or take orders or commissions. The only way to get hold of one of … Continue reading Review: the quietly brilliant JG5 and JG6 by John Garnham Pens
Onoto’s new plunger filler is a blast from the past — for a price
I'll start with my conclusion: the new Onoto plunger filler is not the best or most practical Onoto for most people. But if you love the brand and its history, that may not matter to you at all. Bear with me for a history lesson I've never really done history lessons on this blog — … Continue reading Onoto’s new plunger filler is a blast from the past — for a price
Close, but no cigar? Getting to grips with the Conway Stewart Winston
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
Travels with pens: York, and a visit to Signatures
For once, I'm packing pens for a trip that's not work-related. Yes: I'm on holiday in York! This trip ran almost back-to-back with my trip to Miami. My Conids and Geometry served me well in the US, and I took them home joined by my latest acquisitions, the Karas Re-Entry Starliner XL and Wahl-Eversharp Decoband. … Continue reading Travels with pens: York, and a visit to Signatures