I’ve never found pen rolls to be very practical. Beyond the allure of traditional materials and a certain ‘laying out the tools’ ritualism, they just seem to have too many compromises. Most annoying for me is the simple thong that keeps a pen roll shut. All that wrapping and tucking takes precious seconds, and I’m … Continue reading At last, a pen roll that works for me: the Rickshaw Hand Roll
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Karas Ink v2: all killer, no filler
I reviewed the previous generation of the Karas Ink a little over a year ago. I really wanted to like it, and I could see the heart of a good pen in it, but it had a few annoyances that I simply couldn't get over. Karas has reengineered the Ink, releasing this edition, the v2, … Continue reading Karas Ink v2: all killer, no filler
Karas Ink V2 Pony Express: the weight of progress
I had a short phase of liking brass and copper pens. Then I decided that the metallic smell was too annoying and stopped using them. So why is there a bronze pen here on my desk? You could call it impatience, or curiosity. Let me explain. Over a year ago I got myself a Karas … Continue reading Karas Ink V2 Pony Express: the weight of progress
Quick review: Franklin-Christoph Model 20 in vintage green with Masuyama Needlepoint
This is not my first Franklin-Christoph and I doubt it will be my last. My favourite model for sheer comfort is the 02, but I thought I'd give the Model 20 a try and I'm glad I did. The 20 is a simple acrylic pen that takes a #6 JoWo nib. Its standout feature is … Continue reading Quick review: Franklin-Christoph Model 20 in vintage green with Masuyama Needlepoint
My new companion: the Nock Burton
Nock cases are, to me, a high water mark of design in pen carry. While I dally with other brands (from Franklin-Christoph, Esterbrook, Hurlestone and others), I return to Nock for my daily users. I have accumulated quite a few... I like the robust, colourful materials. I like the fact they're lightweight and flexible, with … Continue reading My new companion: the Nock Burton
The TARDIS-like Schon DSGN fountain pen
I've always liked the idea of a pocket fountain pen, but I've never managed to find one that I actually carry on a daily basis. The Kaweco Liliput and Milim Pocket Pen are marvels of miniaturisation, but they're just too narrow to use for more than a few sentences. The Kaweco Sport is famously the … Continue reading The TARDIS-like Schon DSGN fountain pen
Franklin-Christoph makes me happy on a Friday
On Wednesday evening Franklin-Christoph sent me an email announcing the beta test of its new Shopify-based website. I quickly take a look on my phone and see a short run of the Pocket 66 model in solid ice. Since I'd been mulling ordering another F-C pen anyway, and the Pocket 66 is no longer a … Continue reading Franklin-Christoph makes me happy on a Friday
The prettiest Estie yet?
You may remember I reviewed the Esterbrook Estie way back in October last year. It was a strong entry to the pen market from the reborn Esterbrook brand, and I was impressed not only by its clean and comfortable design, but practical features like the sealed cap and vintage nib adaptor. The pen I reviewed … Continue reading The prettiest Estie yet?
Anderillium Inks: the Cephalopod series
I already posted a quick introduction to Anderillium Inks, but here's a bit more detail about each of the colours, and most importantly, a few comparisons so you can judge what you're getting against some more familiar inks. Each of the inks is pH neutral, water-based and water-soluble, and hand-made in-house in Florida. The colours … Continue reading Anderillium Inks: the Cephalopod series
The Karas Vertex is a breath of fresh air
You know how sometimes you get a new pen and it's just so fresh and clever that you immediately love it and just want to rave about it to everyone? Well, that's me with the Karas Pens Vertex. I'm so blown away by this pen that they should have called it "vortex". (And I promise that's the last dad-joke … Continue reading The Karas Vertex is a breath of fresh air
