Best,

(The Real) Ed Jelley

Well, the good news is that I’m still as busy as ever writing and taking photos, just not here. In case you missed it, I’ve been a Contributing Editor at Worn & Wound for a few years now, and that’s taken over much of my bandwidth for writing. You’ll also be able to catch some of my writing over at Everyday Carry again soon too. But what about pens? Well, I’ve been working with Tactile Turn, doing all of their photography, running the social media accounts, and dipping my toes into product development. You can also catch my work on the social accounts of Crown and Buckle (quality watch straps).

Turns out, it’s pretty hard to keep up with a passion project when you kind of lose that passion. Do I hate pens now? Absolutely not. It’s just a lot of work to keep a site up when there are other (paying) outlets that I can channel my creativity and interests into. Without edjelley.com, I wouldn’t have ever been able to hone my writing and photography skills to the point where they can pay the bills, and I think about that all the time. A site that I started out of boredom in college let me build my skills, meet others, and eventually turn this whole writing and photography thing into a legit job. It’s wild to think about sometimes, and I think now is one of those times — hence the fact that I’m here writing to whoever may still be subscribed/reading.

Will I post a pen review again? Maybe. I’m not sure. If the mood strikes, then absolutely. If it doesn’t, then perhaps not. It got to a point here where keeping up felt like a chore, and once that kicks in, it’s almost impossible to proceed. I’m sure you can all relate. Again, I invite you to follow along with my work over at Tactile Turn, Worn and Wound, Crown and Buckle, and Everydaycarry.com.

Take care,

Ed

We’ll do our usual in-depth review once the final production pen arrives – but the prototype, and its concept, is definitely worth talking about in the meantime.

There is no one refill that works for everyone. It’s a challenge that every small batch pen maker faces. And that’s the idea behind the Modern Fuel Adjustable Bolt Action Pen. Andrew Sanderson, founder and owner of Modern Fuel, has come up with a pen that you can quickly tailor to suit a host or refill options.

If you’ve ever tried mis-matching a refill from one pen to another, you’ve probably noticed that different refill types require particular pen barrel and spring lengths in order to function properly. To get round this, Modern Fuel’s bolt-action pen comes with swappable parts including a couple of setscrews to alter the internal dimensions of the pen, depending on the refill length.

This setup also has another benefit. The included setscrews let you adjust how far the nib of the cartridge will extend from the pen tip, letting you customise your pen to suit your writing angle.

A small wrench lets you loosen and tighten the crown-styled bolt pin, which keeps the knock in place and also forms the actuator for the bolt action. With the knock removed, you can switch out the setscrew to suit your cartridge. The setscrew tightens into the bottom of the knock to make sure everything stays firmly in place.

The Adjustable Bolt Action Pen currently takes Pilot G2, Lamy M63, Fisher PR4, and many more refills in between. One thing worth noting is that Andrew is still working on getting the design to take Parker refills, which would make this a seriously versatile pen. Fingers crossed he manages it in one form or another.

This prototype sample features a single piece barrel which is very cool. However, this does mean the pen needs to be fully disassembled when the refill runs dry. It’s not a huge inconvenience, but I hope the final pens feature a barrel break so that you only need to take everything apart when you’re dialling in your favourite refill. Modern Fuel also have a great track record for hiding barrel breaks…

We’ll cover finishing and aesthetics in more detail later on, but even on this raw prototype, proportions and looks are on-point. Final pens will come in a choice of metals offering a range of different visual and weight options, including my favourite for those longer writing stints, titanium.

Unsurprisingly, this unique bolt-action pen has smashed its Kickstarter funding goal, but if you’d like to get in on the initial batch dropping next month, you can pre-order one here.

Stay tuned for the full review of the final production version.

• Description: A brass mechanical pencil with a bespoke all-metal mechanism.
• Lead size: 0.7mm, with more options depending on the success of the Kickstarter
• Material options: Brass, Stainless Steel or tungsten carbide coated Black Steel
• Size: Length 117.5mm (4.63 inch), Width 10mm (3/8 inch)
• Weight 40g / 1.41 oz. (Brass)
• Packaging: A fitted black cotton sleeve that can be reused to protect the pencil from scratches
• Price: £66 for the Kickstarter pre-order, £95 thereafter.
• Where to buy: Here!

Editor’s Note: This review is written and photographed by Tim Pockett, my UK-based partner in stationery crime (even though no crimes have been committed). You can follow Tim on Instagram at @Rockett86 for some awesome EDC and stationery photos. Big thanks to Tim for putting together this killer review. – Ed Jelley

Up for review is Wingback’s latest foray into writing instruments, the Mechanical Pencil. This is the second machined stationery product from this London-based design studio, following their successful Pen Kickstarter a few years ago.

Featuring a bespoke mechanism with retractable lead sleeve, this compact propelling-pencil is a determined attempt to marry premium aesthetics with functionality.

Before we get into the details, I should mention that this sample actually features a pre-production mechanism. If you spot any scuffs or scratches, it’s because at the time of writing it was one of only two in the world and has gone through a fair amount of trialling.

Fit & Finish

If you’re familiar with Wingback’s Mechanical Pen, you’ve probably already noticed that the Mechanical Pencil shares the same geometry and compact proportions, which are all about function leading form. Ergonomics were one of the pen’s main design parameters, so it’s no surprise to see Wingback sticking to this successful formula for their pencil. But let’s talk about that in a minute.

The Mechanical Pencil’s fit and finish are superb. All outer parts are machined in Birmingham, England, from solid brass. Smooth surfaces are finished with an almost imperceptible brushing to help hide scratches. Knurling encompassing the barrel is clean and consistent.

Just below the knock, you’ll find Wingback’s logo discreetly laser etched into the barrel, with the option for personalisation on the opposite side.

Mechanism

Wingback’s Mechanical Pencil incorporates a custom, full-metal mechanism. Designed in-house, the mechanism is precision made in Japan (Japan being to mechanical pencils what Switzerland is to watches).

Designing their own mechanism meant that Wingback could create their own product, on par with the best propelling pencils. Not just a nicely machined exterior with someone else’s guts, Wingback’s pencil packs a few handy features.

Push down on the knock, and the pencil’s retractable lead sleeve emerges. When extended, the lead sleeve is as sturdy as if it were fixed. Keep the knock pushed down whilst putting pressure on the lead sleeve and it’ll disappear up inside the body.

This means you can drop the Mechanical Pencil in your pocket without fear of it punching a hole in your duds (and / or body parts). Being able to retract the pencil’s lead sleeve translates into portability – in keeping with Wingback’s “For the Journey” ethos. It’s a mechanical pencil I can see myself not only grabbing for sketches but also for marking up DIY jobs around the house.

The bespoke mechanism makes good use of the pencil’s wider than average, 10mm diameter barrel. There’s room for around 40 lead refills in the lead reservoir, which is about 2.4m of lead. According to Wingback, that’s 30 miles of use.

The mechanism in the Mechanical Pencil is currently only available in 0.7mm, which might not be your preferred lead size. Depending on the success of the Kickstarter, Wingback have said they may offer other sizes in the future.

To refill the pencil, the barrel needs to be removed. You’ll then be able to grip the mechanism securely when you unscrew the cap to access the lead reservoir. That’s a few more steps than required to refill your typical pencil – but due to the Mechanical Pencil’s high lead capacity, refilling will probably be an annual occurrence at most.  

Lastly, it’s worth noting that there is no eraser beneath the mechanism’s cap. Personally I didn’t mind, because I never actually use mechanical pencil erasers. I’d like to say it’s because I prefer good quality, stand-alone rubbers. But, if I’m honest, it actually bothers me to have a dirty worn down piece of rubber on my nice clean machined pencil – more than I’d care to admit.

Feel

I mentioned above that Wingback’s Mechanical Pencil has been designed with near enough the same proportions as the Mechanical Pen. And just like the pen, the Mechanical Pencil demonstrates that a good design can mitigate and even harness the weight of a writing instrument to make it even more comfortable to use.

The Mechanical Pencil’s compact length sits comfortably in the hand. After two hours of use, I hadn’t experienced any fatigue in my hand or fingers. At around 40g for the brass version, it feels perfectly balanced. Details such as the knurled section, as well as the pencil’s shorter overall length, make it both easy to grip and depress the knock to advance the lead.

Pros

• The very high standard of machining make this a great looking pencil
• Great ergonomics for marathon users
• Rock-solid, retractable lead sleeve for easy carrying
• Bespoke all-metal mechanism makes this a true mechanical pencil both inside and out

Cons

• Refilling takes a few more steps than your average propelling pencil
• Lack of an eraser might be an issue for you
• Kickstarter version is only available in 0.7mm

Conclusion

Having reviewed a few of their products, I’m probably starting to take Wingback’s quality of machining for granted. But the finishing on the Mechanical Pencil elevates the simple aesthetics, making for a very good-looking writing instrument.

Beyond appearance, the bespoke all-metal mechanism makes it feel like a true mechanical pencil, and demonstrates Wingback’s commitment to making a proper tool – and not just something that looks nice.

Features such as the retractable lead sleeve put it a cut above most of the competition, and complement the pencil’s compact, pocketable form. The best mechanical pencil is of course the one you have with you. And this one is far more likely to be in a pocket than the usual pointy type.

The world of high-end mechanical pencils is a very small one. But thanks to Wingback, it just got a little bigger.

Back the Kickstarter here!

The Disclaimer: Although I had to send this sample back, Wingback offered me a no-strings completed pencil once they start production. I will definitely be taking them up on that offer. No money changed hands. All opinions are my own.

Specs:

• Description: A brushed green metal pen from two brands, both prominent in the 1960s, both of which who are back in action again.
• Nib: Medium Gold Tone Schmidt Nib
• Filling Mechanism: Cartridge/Converter
• Weight: 36.3g capped, 18.7g uncapped
• Measurements: 5.875″ capped, 5.125″ uncapped
• Color Options: Brushed Green Metal

Intro/About:

If you were to jump into a time machine, and head back to the 1960s, there’s a good chance you’d find two things. An Accutron watch on someone’s wrist, and an Esterbrook pen on their desk. After Accutron’s boom in the 60s and 70s, they more or less got crushed by the quartz watch revolution, got sold around to a few different companies, and ended up going dormant for a decade or two. Sound familiar? Esterbrook had that same fate. Thankfully, both brands have landed in the hands of people who care about the heritage and quality of the products, and both of whom have relaunched the brands. In 2019, we saw the re-introduction of Accutron watches (now ran by Citizen) with the Spaceview and DNA, both boasting a brand new type of movement. Somewhere between mechanical and quartz (just like the original tuning fork movement) lies the new and exciting electrostatic movement. Powered by the movement of your wrist, a rotor spins electrostatic generators, which in turn charge a capacitor, which then go on to power the watch. If you’re interested in learning more about the Accutron, you can read my lengthy review of the watch over at Worn and Wound. Today, we’re talking about the Esterbrook fountain pen that’s been decked out to match the Accutron, and boy did they do a good job. Let’s take a closer look at this stunning brushed green fountain pen that honors both of these prominent mid-century brands.

This pen was provided to me at no cost for evaluation. Please form your own opinions based on these facts.

Appearance:

Based on the Esterbrook Camden, the Accutron is similar in size and shape, but stands all on its own. The body and cap are rendered in a rich green metal that’s treated with a brushed pattern throughout. If you’re a watch fan, you’ve probably seen an original Accutron Spaceview model in your travels. This open-faced demonstrator watch showed off the mix of mechanical and electronic tech inside, surrounded by a signature green chapter ring. Complementing the new Accutron watch, this same brushed green finish can be seen on the watch. Again, I keep forgetting that we’re talking about a pen here. Starting at the business end, you’ll notice the gold-toned steel nib from Schmidt. Moving down the pen, there’s a grip section with a nice taper in the middle that promotes a secure grip. A set of threads are unobtrusive, and do an excellent job of holding on the cap, complete with it’s sealing mechanism. The body of the pen is pretty straightforward, with its widest point just behind the threads where the cap meets body. It tapers towards the tail, and it’s all made of a single piece of metal.

All of the branding is on the cap. Instead of an Esterbrook logo on the finial, you’ll see an Accutron tuning fork engraved into a gold-tone plate. Just above the bottom of the cap, there’s the Accutron logo printed in gold. A polished gold-tone metal spring clip secures the pen to your pocket or bag. The pen is a pretty standard shape and size, fitting nicely in my hands. One thing worth noting is that the cap doesn’t post securely. This is due to the spring loaded mechanism inside the cap that doesn’t quite fit over the tail of the pen. The star of the show is the finish. It’s intriguing to look at, feels great in hand, and it’s an excellent tribute to the Accutron design language.

Nib Performance & Filling System:

Esterbrook has tapped Schmidt for the nib, feed, and filling system. The nib itself is gold in color, but steel in construction. I’ve never had a problem with a Schmidt nib, and the one featured in this pen is no exception. Filling it with ink is a straightforward affair, and it writes just as expected. Smooth and silky on the paper with a medium ink flow. The internal cap sealing mechanism does a great job of keeping the nib from drying out, so it’s ready to write as soon as you take off the cap. I’ve loaded mine up with Diamine’s Evergreen, and the green pen with green ink is a pleasure to write with.

Feel:

In hand, the Esterbrook x Accutron is nice and comfortable. A decent amount of the heft is taken up by the cap, which doesn’t post. So when you’re actually writing with the pen, the weight is less than when it’s capped. I like how the grip tapers just a little bit before the nib, keeping you from choking up too much on the grip and getting those dreaded inky fingers. The threads on the grip are low-profile, and do not get in the way of writing. I particularly like how the brushed finish on the pen gives it just the right amount of grip. If this thing was polished, it would be slippery as all get out. I’m glad to report that’s not the case here. Construction is quality, with all threads and parts fitting together with ease.

Pros:
– Unique brushed finish
– Cool collaboration between brands
– Comfortable weight, length, and finish

Cons:
– $100 above the standard Camden
– Limited availability (Accutron boutiques only)
– Cap does not post on the back of the pen

Conclusion:

This is a fun collaboration from two re-born brands. I’ve enjoyed using the pen, especially seeing it alongside the watch while I had it in for review. If you’re looking for something a little bit out of the ordinary, are a fan of watches, or simply just enjoy green, then the Esterbrook x Accutron Camden is the pen for you. At $275 with a steel nib, it doesn’t represent the best value in fountain pens out there, but sometimes it’s not about that. If a pen makes you feel something, or matches something you really happen to enjoy, then sometimes you can overlook the features. The bottom line is that this is a handsome, well-balanced pen that writes really well. If you want to learn more about the partnership between Esterbrook and Accutron, you can check it out right here. Again, a big thanks to Accutron for sending the pen over, Cary at Kenro/Esterbrook for the connection, and of course to you guys for reading this.

Gonna start this one off with a HUGE disclaimer. I work for Tactile Turn. This limited release was the brainchild of myself and Will at Tactile Turn. I run their social media, take their photos, all sorts of fun stuff. The sales of this pen will directly benefit me. But this is my website, with my name on it, and you should be able to talk about stuff you’re proud of on your own site, right? Moving on…

What The Heck is “Safety First”?
After flying through limited edition batches of Nebula pens and bolt actions made from exotic materials, we wanted to do something that was a little more accessible, a bit easier to get a hold of, just as much fun as the limited releases, but with a little less urgency. The result is our first timed edition. This bright orange pen will be available through the end of November. We opted for a bright Hi-Vis orange Cerakote finish on the pen (a new capability at the Tactile Turn factory) with black hardware. The pen is built on Tactile Turn’s Side Click — a titanium-bodied pen with a unique mechanism that’s super fun to play with. We hit the body with bright orange and finished the nock, release button, and clip in black. Looking at the tip of the clip, you’ll notice the ISO standard “W001” general warning sign – an exclamation point bound within a triangle. Each pen features this special engraving on the clip to round out the safety themed pen.

A Note on Cerakote:
These new pens are treated with a Cerakote finish. Cerakote is a spray on coating that’s cured in an oven to achieve a highly durable finish. The ceramic based finish is right at home on applications that require high resistance to heat, abrasion, and the like. You’ll find it on EDC tools, firearms, and now, Tactile Turn pens. If you’re familiar with Tactile Turn’s pens, the most notable feature is the tactile feel they have, thanks to the machined grooves in the body of the pen. The Cerakote on these pens does tend to fill those grooves in a bit, making that signature texture much more subtle. The pen still stays grippy, and through testing I’ve found them by no means slick.

Getting One For Yourself:
These new pens will be available for order from now (Thursday, November 19th) until the end of November. Each pen comes with a special engraved metal card to commemorate the edition. Going forward, we’ll be working on more themes. Once the current ordering window is closed, the pens are gone for good. Thank you so much for checking out the pens, and an extra thanks if you decide to pick one up!

Specs:

• Description: A compact bolt action pen that’s friendly on both the pocket and wallet
• Refill: Schmidt EasyFlow 9000
• Measurements: 4.53″ long x 0.39″ thick
• Color Options: Stainless steel with gun metal or black PVD coating
• Price: $39 from Refyne

Intro/About:

Today, we’re taking a look at the EP1 Bolt Action Pen from Refyne. Refyne is a newer brand in the EDC scene, focusing on creating minimal and modern pocket carry goods with a focus on quality. Their EP1 is a pen that fits that mantra quite well. It’s compact, simple, and features a few modern design twists on an otherwise starkly designed pen. One of the best things about the EP1 is the price tag – it’s only $39. Getting your hands on a solid bolt action pen can cost double that, or more. The EP1s that we’re looking at are the stainless steel bodies with both gun metal and black PVD coatings. Let’s dig in…

Appearance and Construction:

The 4.53″ stainless steel body is nice and compact, perfect for pocket carry. Measuring in at 0.39″ thick, the pen is slim, but not too slim. To change the refill, you simply unscrew the tip of the pen and swap it out. Refyne opted to jazz up the check-shaped bolt channel with a copper internal carrier. I dig the look, as it helps break up the surface of the pen with a pop of orangey metal. In order to write, you’ll have to extend the pen with a small bolt screw that has a #6 Torx hole at the end. At the top of the pen, you’ll notice the deep pocket carry clip rendered in matching stainless steel. The clip is firm and sturdy, confidently holding onto your pocket or notebook.

Securing the clip down is another Torx-laden bolt that has the Refyne brand name engraved into it. Running down the length of the clip, there’s a small line broken up by the Refyne “Y” logo. Overall, the pen looks and feels solid. PVD coating is always nice to see, as it makes the pen appear different while adding a protective layer to the base metal. Construction of the pen is solid, with no visible flaws and tight tolerances throughout.

Use and Feel

In hand, the Refyne EP1 is a great length for quick notes. Operating the bolt is a fast and easy way to deploy the refill. With a flick of the finger, you’re ready to write. I have yet to see a check-shaped bolt channel before, and I’m happy to report that it functions quite well. Both extending and retracting the pen is quick, easy, and smooth. In hand, the heft of the stainless steel results in a nicely balanced pen. It’s hard to take issue with anything about the pen’s construction or use. It’s nicely sized, a good weight, and operates just like it should.

Conclusion:

If you’ve been looking to add a bolt action pen to your collection, but don’t want to take the lay out the chunk of cash that other brands will run you, then the Refyne EP1 is a compelling option. The pen is a no-compromises option that’s ideal for pocket carry. What stood out to me was the solid construction, unique bolt channel, and subtle modern design cues throughout. I hate to place so much emphasis on the value here because I don’t want you to think the EP1 is a cheap pen. At $39, it’s certainly not the cheapest out there, but I believe the cost to quality ratio favors the quality side over the cost side, making it a great value. Head over to Refyne to learn more about the EP1 and snag one for yourself.

Gallery:

• Description: A stainless steel hip flask designed and machined in the UK.
• Material options: Stainless Steel or Black Steel
• Size: 127mm (5.00”) long, 37mm (1.47”) diameter
• Weight 180g (6.35 oz) weight
• Capacity 100ml / 3.4 fl.oz
• Where to buy: Here!

Leaving the writing desk behind, today we’re looking at the 100ml Hip Flask — another offering from Wingback, the same company behind the Mechanical Pen. 

Original design is king in the EDC (everyday carry) gear community. Sure, other things are also important like functionality, quality, and of course aesthetics. But the market is saturated with pens, flashlights, knives and multi-tools endlessly jumping on the bandwagons of each other’s designs. 

So when Wingback offered me a review sample of their take on the hip flask, I was excited. Wingback is a relatively new pen and EDC gear maker, and their approach to machined metal product design is fresh to say the least. They start from pure nothingness, set their own parameters, and do their best to create something that doesn’t follow in someone else’s footsteps. The 100ml Hip Flask is no exception.

And as luck would have it I was off for a well-timed holiday to the Scottish Highlands —presenting a great opportunity to put their flask to the test. But before we dive into Single Malts atop craggy peaks, let’s talk about a few of the flask’s fit and finish details that may not be obvious from the pictures.

The details

The 100ml hip is made from 316 stainless steel, the same steel high end watches are made from. It’s more expensive than Inox 304, your typical food grade steel, and more difficult to machine, but offers increased durability and corrosion resistance. Is it necessary? Probably not. But the Tamnavulin Sherry Cask Edition I kept in their during my trip tasted as if it had been poured straight from the bottle.

The flask is made up of three parts comprising a cap, body and base. All smooth parts have been finished with a fine satin brushing.  Welds and joins are nowhere to be seen, testament that each part is milled from individual pieces of steel. 

Having reviewed two Wingback pens, I had fairly high expectations of their flask which is machined in Birmingham, England. Even so, I was still impressed. It’s one thing to achieve a nigh-on flawless finish on something as small as a pen, another entirely on an object 10 times the size where any imperfections are on full display.

Knurling is particularly impressive, both visually and to the touch. This is a lot of metal to put through the knurling machine (which basically squashes the steel into shape) and whilst I’m not saying it’s perfect, the machining tolerances are extraordinarily tight.

Turn the flask on its end and you’ll find a bottle opener built into the base. Since I generally have a multi-tool with me, this feature is probably not something I’ll use that often, but it definitly adds to the flask’s functional design.

Wingback are masters of subtlety, and branding is consigned to the base of the flask around the bottle opener, out of view unless you go looking. Alongside their logo and laser etched map, their motto “For your journey” comes as standard unless you choose the personalisation option when ordering. 

For those times when you really want to remove every trace of your previous merrymaking, the base of the flask unscrews for deep cleaning. Be aware that this part is fairly tough to unscrew. Like the cap, you’ll find another silicon gasket in here, too.     

User experience

Designing a hip flask without those quintessential flat proportions is a brave move. Isn’t that deflated form the very thing that puts the ‘hip’ in hip flask? Maybe. But shaking up this tried and tired concept allowed Wingback to make something better. Especially where drinking ergonomics are concerned. 

The flask’s cylindrical proportions allow for a wider mouth – which makes for a really different drinking experience. Instead of a blind glug of booze, juggled through a tiny spout with a hefty dose of air, you’re treated to an experience not too dissimilar from sipping from your favourite tumbler.

For one, you can actually see and smell what you’re drinking. Whisky drinkers like myself, or any tippler of fine spirits looking for a joined-up treat for the nose and tongue, will appreciate. Drinking from the 100ml Hip Flask just feels more civilised than any other I’ve tried. 

Put simply, you can sup. Instead of glug. You can sniff the contents like a connoisseur, at the same time you tilt the flask back to take a mouthful of your favourite booze. I really didn’t appreciate any of this until I actually drank from the flask. And what a nice surprise it was. 

The lid of the flask doubles as a handy measurer, holding around 12.5ml (half a standard shot measurement) so you can keep track of how much you’ve had to drink. Moreover, because the cap is big enough to drink from, two people can enjoy a dram simultaneously without having to pass a bottle ignominiously back and forth like two drunks in an alley. 

How you carry your flask will likely be the most polarising consideration when it comes to the 100ml Hip Flask. Wingback have designed their flask for bag carry, and whilst it’s small enough to fit into a trouser or jacket pocket, it will never be quite as comfortable as a conventional hip flask designed for pocket-carry. 

The last time I carried a hip flask on my person was at my high school prom, which is too many years ago to bare thinking about. These days when I pack a hip flask, I’m typically going somewhere worth going (usually involving a peak), which means I’ll always be taking a bag of some sort. And that means my hip flask will be in there, along with my other gear, negating any of the traditional design’s slim carry advantages. Whether in my rucksack or messenger, I found the 100ml Hip Flask was just the right size to slip into a pouch or pocket, with the knurled cap providing adequate grip when reaching for a loch-side swig.

Pros:

• Beautifully machined 
• Delivers a far more pleasant drinking experience than conventional hip flasks
• Doesn’t look like a hip flask

Cons:

• Not as easy to pocket carry as a traditional hip flask
• Brushed steel surfaces are easily scratched
• Slightly heavier than comparable steel flasks

Verdict

Changing a design isn’t remarkable. Anyone can come up with a square wheel. But the 100ml Hip Flask is a mould-breaker, reinventing something we’ve come to tacitly accept. The wide-mouthed, cylindrical hip flask genuinely delivers a completely different, and far more pleasant, user-experience. For this reason, I’m fairly certain we’re going to see more hip flasks taking Wingback’s lead.

Wingback have also taken the flask’s execution extremely seriously. The 100ml Hip Flask’s superb machining makes it a nice object to look at and hold, and it instantly earned a place on my desk in between adventures (it’s empty, if you’re wondering). But this is also because it doesn’t look like a hip flask. It’s an elegant steel capsule that isn’t out of place amongst my machined pen addiction. 

For me, it’s these aesthetics and the flask’s build quality that justify the price tag of £120 GBP. Yes, that’s high. But this isn’t your average hip flask. This is a flask for modern tipplers, indulgent adventurers, and any appreciator of the finer things in life. The Wingback 100ml Hip Flask is a high-end product aimed squarely at the those interested in gear that doesn’t just work, but looks and feels great too.

It’s not surprising that Wingback founder and man behind the flask, Alasdair MacLaine, hails from Dyson. I’m looking forward to seeing what he comes up with next.

Click Here to Pick One Up!

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own. Wingback reached out to us and sent me the flask pictured for review purposes without conditions. No money changed hands. But I did get to keep the sample. All I did was spend hours shooting it and writing about it, as well as enjoying the occasional dram.

The Black Steel Mechanical Pen is not the first Wingback product to grace my desk. A while back, I had the pleasure of reviewing their brass version for their initial Kickstarter campaign. I’ll go into why the black finish is worth talking about in a moment, but in case you missed my earlier review, let’s recap on the pen’s main features and the company behind it.

You don’t have to be a pen enthusiast to appreciate that the Wingback Mechanical Pen is a high-quality writing instrument. Wingback founder Alasdair MacLaine started his London-based company as a reaction to disposable culture  ̶  and this shows in the pen’s construction, which is built to last a lifetime. Each part has been painstakingly designed to fit together to some seriously tight tolerances. Knurling is nigh-on flawless, with each tiny diamond point looking like it’s been precision cut.

A full metal twist-action mechanism extends and retracts the nib, which is operated by twisting the pen’s knurled crown. It offers a fail-safe actuation method that can be used one-handed, and shouldn’t go off in your pocket.

With function and reliability so important to Wingback, it is no surprise they opted for the Fisher PR4 Space Pen refill, which is probably unrivalled as the most rugged and dependable ballpoint on the market. If this ink choice isn’t your bag, the Schon Design adapter will convert the Mechanical Pen to take D1 type refills.

There’s a fair amount more to be said about the Mechanical Pen’s finer details, but the bottom line is it’s a compact, comfortable to hold everyday carry pen with a well-executed design. If you want to read more about that, see my full review here.

Back in Black

Black might just be my new favourite finish for the Mechanical Pen. Neither polished nor matt, the Black Steel has a kind of low-light sheen that’s probably better explained in the pictures.

Every part of the pen, bar the Wingback logo, is black. It’s a ballpoint squarely aimed at anyone with a fetish for the ‘all-black everything’ look. Yes, that includes me. This darker colourway enhances the pen’s no-frills, function-led aesthetic. It is a very serious writing tool.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, given Wingback’s obsession with balancing aesthetics with functionality, the Black Steel pen is more than just a new colourway. The black finish also adds an extremely durable coating on all parts of the pen as well as lowering friction of metal-on-metal contact areas.

This is thanks to a process called “Magnetron Sputtering”, which is just as cool as it sounds. Usually reserved for mil-spec equipment and high-end watches, this metal finishing process coats the pen’s steel body in vaporised tungsten to create a black finish 9.5 times tougher than the stainless steel below. Whilst I haven’t tested it out, I’ll wager the Black Steel Mechanical Pen will stand up to the usual scratchy culprits like bunches of keys and loose change.

Interestingly, the Black Steel Mechanical Pen has a noticeably smoother twist-action mechanism when compared with the brass version. Whilst their brass pen was a little stiff to begin with, the Black Steel’s mechanism glides effortlessly from the get-go and doesn’t need to be broken-in.

The easier action is down to the carbon present in the pen’s tungsten carbide finish, which has the added bonus of reducing friction between mechanical components.  This also explains why all parts of the pen have been coated, including the threads – which are usually left bare on metal pens with alternate finishes such as anodising.

Like the entire manufacturing process for the Wingback Mechanical Pen, the black finishing is done entirely in the UK. “Made in the UK” is laser engraved crisply on the pen’s mechanism, which is a nice little surprise when you unscrew the pen’s crown to the replace the refill.

The Black Steel pen arrives in an updated black fabric slip, which is a nice improvement on the larger drawstring bag Wingback used to supply. If you don’t want to chance the pen’s scratch-resistant finish, you can use the slip to protect the pen from drops and knocks. Don’t expect a big presentation box though, Wingback pride themselves on sustainability and steer clear of throwaway packaging.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of black metal pens out there. But I’m not sure how many can boast the durability of a tungsten carbide finish. Making a black pen that shouldn’t chip or scratch with everyday use definitely isn’t easy, and it’s a leap for Wingback to go from bare metal writing instruments to black. Wingback’s latest pen is true to the company’s no-compromise, function-led philosophy, and it’s nice to see them sticking to their values by offering a new all-black finish with the longevity to stand the test of time.

The full retail price for the Black Steel Mechanical Pen is £140 GBP, but you can grab one for £95 if you pull the trigger before the Kickstarter ends imminently on the 2^nd of September. The pen forms part of Wingback’s larger Black Steel Collection of EDC gear, which you can check out on their Kickstarter page.

And here’s the disclaimer: I get to keep the Wingback Black Steel Mechanical Pen featured in this review. No money changed hands for the review and all I did was spend hours of my own time using, photographing and writing about it. There were no strings attached and all opinions are my own.

Specs:
– Brass body with black paint
– Medium Schmidt German Nib
– Cartridge/Converter Filling System
– Includes carrying case and lanyards
– $199 MSRP, $159 on sale from Pen Chalet

Ystudio is a brand that’s been on my radar for a while now. I’ve owned one of their brassing ballpoint pens for some time, and always enjoy writing with it. Like the fountain pen being reviewed here, the ballpoint is a brass base with a black paint coating that’s meant to wear away as you use it. Sure, you could go to down on the paint with the included sand paper, but to me, it’s more fun to earn your scratches, dings, and dents the hard way. The overall look and feel of the brand is very cohesive and their product design is simply stunning. Based on simple shapes and flat sides, all of their writing instruments are clearly part of a set. Let’s take a closer look at their Portable Fountain Pen. Big thanks to my pals at Kenro (the new US distributor for ystudio) and especially to Cary for leaving it at my doorstep during “these uncertain times”. Anyway, let’s dig in…

Usually I’m not super pumped on packaging, but would you just look at the box that this pen comes in. It’s beautiful. Gold foil printing, subtle text, minimal branding. I would be thrilled to get one of these as a gift. Heck, I’m thrilled to get one to check out for review. Kudos to ystudio on the presentation, it goes a long way here. It’s not all about the box though, the pen inside is no slouch either.

Ystudio’s fountain pen is a hefty brass body with six flat sides. Each side’s edge is bare brass, while the main surface of each is painted black. Eventually, it’ll fade and chip away, showing the wear over time. I’m excited to see how the finish will wear on a larger pen. The fountain pen is considerably larger than the ballpoint, but it’s by no means huge or unwieldy. In hand, it’s comfortable to write with. The cap slips on and seats with a slight click, but due to the shape of the pen, it’s not able to post on the back.

If I had to nitpick one thing about the pen, it would be the grip section. This is personal preference, but I tend to favor a wider grip. The one on the ystudio is quite thin, tapering even further from the body to the nib. It’s not much wider than the housing of the nib itself. Fortunately, the brass body allows the pen to set itself comfortably in your hand, so you don’t have to use your kung-fu grip to keep the pen under control.

The nib itself is a #5 gold-toned steel nib from Schmidt. Right out of the box, it wrote smooth and had a nice medium flow. This nib is tried-and-true, and all of the examples I’ve used of the same model have been without issue. I tend to prefer a custom nib, or at least some custom engraving on the nib for a pen of this price though. Since the brand is on the smaller side, I can understand why, but it would still be cooler to have a more minimally designed nib to match the aesthetic of the rest of the pen. I think I would even prefer a completely plain, undecorated nib with this pen. Something about having another brand’s name on your beautifully-designed product is kind of like when a car dealership adds one of their stupid logos to your car. (Note to self: change the license plate frames on your car). Overall, the writing experience is nice. The cap is quick to come off, the nib is nice and smooth, and the cartridge/converter filling system is reliable and easy to use.

One thing that hasn’t been addressed yet is the “Portable” nature of the ystudio Portable Brassing Fountain Pen. By default, pens tend to be a pretty portable item. Throw em’ in your pocket or bag, and you’re good to go. Ystudio included a carrying case that the top of the pen threads through with a hole for a lanyard. You can put the pen in the case, attach the lanyard, and if you feel so inclined, wear this sucker as a necklace. While I will not be necklace-carrying the pen, it’s cool that it comes with the case, and I like the look of the lanyard and brass bead attached to the cap, even if I’m not securing to the outside of a bag. The carrying case also protects the pen, but this is a pen you want to knock around a little bit and show some wear on. Since the cap does not thread on, it makes sense to have a little more protection between you and an uncapped fountain pen floating around in your bag. The case isn’t entirely necessary, but it is a cool looking little addition that I’m sure some will find use in.

Ystudio’s Brassing Fountain Pen is a solid entry in ystudio’s lineup. It’s elegant, designed really well, and feels great in hand. While I would prefer a more custom (or even more plain) nib option, the pros outweigh the cons. I’m excited to get some wear on the pen and see how it looks after some use and carry. Big thanks to Cary and Ryan over at Kenro for sending the pen over for review.

If you’re interested in picking one up for yourself, hit up this Pen Chalet affiliate link. Use the code “JELLEY” at checkout for 10% off your order too!

Please note, if you decide to purchase this pen through the link, I will receive a small commission based on the sales. I try to keep all of my reviews as neutral as possible, but please use your own judgement and do your own research too.

Big thanks to Modern Fuel for sponsoring edjelley.com! Modern Fuel is a design outfit based out of Austin, Texas that machines high quality pens and pencils in a variety of different metals. The thing that stands out most to me about their products is the excellent fit and finish. You can check out my past reviews of Modern Fuel goods, and hit the link below to check out their shop. Andrew at Modern Fuel is offering a free pen/pencil sleeve with any purchase with the code “FREESLEEVE” at checkout. Thanks again to the brand for sponsoring the site!

Click Here to check out their stuff!

Keegan over at One Star Leather was cool enough to hook it up with a big ol’ box of his handmade leather goods to give away through the site and social channels.

First up, we’ve got a Park Sloper Senior in beautiful deep brown leather. This wallet/pocket notebook folio is on the larger side, but still pocket-friendly. It fits a standard Field Notes book, some cards and notes, and has a sleeve for a full sized pen on the right side. I’ve thrown in a Pilot Explorer to sweeten up the deal. This first giveaway is being hosted over on my Instagram.

Don’t have an Instagram? Well, don’t worry — the next one will be hosted right here on the blog and it will be easy to enter. There’s plenty more to give away.

The Grovemade Titanium Pen and Stand is pretty much exactly what the name implies. It’s a titanium pen with a stainless steel and walnut stand from a company that brings you premium desk, home, and EDC accessories.

Specs:

Refill: .6mm Schmidt P8126 rollerball
Material (pen) : 6Al-4V Titanium
Material (stand): 1018 Stainless Steel, American Black Walnut, Eastern Hardrock Maple, Natural Cork
Dimensions (pen):

• 5.65” long
• 0.41” (10.5 mm) overall diameter
• 0.36” (9.1 mm) grip diameter
• 1.2 oz (34 grams)

Dimensions (stand):

• 1.95” diameter
• 0.82” (21 mm) height
• 7.8 oz (221 grams)

Notes:

Today, we’re taking a look at the first writing instrument available from Grove Made. While I haven’t had any hands-on experience with their stuff before, their line of desk accessories has always been on my radar. Maybe it’s time to bite, considering that I’m staring at a stack of notebooks holding up my iMac that I’d rather be writing in. Anyway, back to the pen. It’s loaded up with a twist mechanism, machined from titanium, and takes a Schmidt capless rollerball refill. It also comes with a nifty little wood and steel base to proudly display the pen on your desk. There’s not a whole lot going on here, but the little details are what makes this pen stand out from the pack.

The pen has three flattened surfaces on it to keep it from rolling all over the place on your desk. Each side also provides a surface for your fingers to rest on, ideal if you hold your pen with a triangular grip, but less than ideal if you don’t. It’s not quite as corrective as say a Lamy Safari grip, but it does tend to guide your grip to the flat surfaces. Two of these surfaces terminate about 1/4 inch from the top of the pen, while one goes all the way to the end. This elongated flat spot allows the pen to sit flat on a desk. The design is also carried over to the twist mechanism on top. As for branding, Grove Made keeps things to a minimal here. Their logo is engraved into the top of the twist mechanism, and on this titanium version, the elemental symbol (Ti) is engraved into the body of the pen. It looks an awful lot like the BigiDesign logo, which I’m sure they didn’t intentionally do.

In hand, I’ve found the pen to be a nice medium weight. There’s some heft there, but not so much that you’ll tire from longer writing sessions. I really liked how tight the tolerance around the tip of the refill is. There’s no wiggle or annoying “click” when you lift and depress the pen between letters or words. This is one of the bonuses about taking a single type of refill – the tip can be fit exactly to it.

Speaking of the refill…Inside the pen, there’s a Schmidt capless rollerball that leaves a nice wet line as it glides across the page. To replace the refill, you simply unscrew the twist mechanism and you’re presented with the refill inside. It’s quick, easy, and straightforward.

One of the cooler things about the pen is the walnut and steel base that comes with the pen. It’s built like a tank and proudly displays the pen on your desk. If you desk happens to be decked out in other Grove Made accessories, it’s bound to give a cohesive and neat look. On my absolute trainwreck of a work desk, it’s probably the cleanest thing on there. Shoutout the 150 loose paperclips, unused stickers, bottles of ink, and random notebooks.

Overall, the Grove Made titanium pen is nice. It’s built well, uses a nice refill, and is presented in a sleek and premium manner. While it’s not going to change the pen world dramatically, it’s a nice addition. If you already have a desk decked out with their other stands, organizers, and mats, then picking this up is a no-brainer. You can snag your own from Grove Made in either Brass, Black Aluminum, or Titanium right here. They start at $60 for the aluminum, $80 for the brass, and finally $100 for the titanium. Thanks for reading!

This pen was provided free of charge to review by Grove Made. All opinions are my own, and I was not monetarily compensated for my review.

Gallery:

• Description: A hand machined metal mechanical pencil with a variety of grip style options
• Lead size options: 0.5mm, 0.7mm and 0.9mm
• Measurements: 144mm long and 8mm wide (flats).
• Grip Styles: Plain in low or high taper, Grooved in low or high taper, Knurled Interrupted and Knurled Continuous.
• Metal Options: Stainless steel, aluminium or brass
• Weight: 25g (Stainless versions)
• Packaging: A robust plastic tube with a printed label denoting the grip style
• Price: £65 to £90GBP for the Kickstarter pre-order

Intro / About

When the Number 9 Mechanical Pencil blipped on to my radar, I was certainly intrigued. As a self-confessed machined pen addict, I knew that high-end clutch pencils from small batch machinists are pretty damn rare. So rare, in fact, that I don’t think I knew of any before I started this review.

Enter the Number 9 — a hand machined mechanical pencil with a hexagonal metal body and ‘Sharp-style’ internal mechanism. This is the creation of Lindsay Wilson, a Scottish engineer and inventor based in Edinburgh.

Having hand made a number of bespoke pens, pencils and custom parts for writing instruments on his lathe, he decided to make his own mechanical pencil (or ‘pencils’, depending how you look at it) and offer them up to anyone else willing to back his Kickstarter.  Launched on October 30^th, the Number 9 Kickstarter has already passed its initial funding goal. Let’s take a look a closer look at the Number 9 and some of the options available.

Form & Finish

The Number 9 reviewed here are made from stainless steel (brass and aluminium are also available) with a Pentel 200 internal mechanism. There’s not much to say on the trusty 200 – only that its good innings are testament to its popularity among drafters, engineers, architects and the like. It’s a rock solid ‘clutch’ mechanism that’s both sturdy and reliable, with a capped eraser that’s also included in the Number 9.

But it’s the metal body, machined from bar stock, which sets the Number 9 apart from your off-the-shelf mechanical pencil. Six hand brushed satin faces make up the hexagonal body, each divided by a crisp edge – there’s no rounding like you usually find on production pencils.

The Number 9 is offered in a host of grip styles, and the three reviewed here are examples of the main styles available; Plain, Grooved and Knurled. Plain continues the hexagonal body right down to the cone of the mechanism whilst Grooved adds a series of 10 channels cut into the body. Both of these grip styles have the option of a high taper, shown on the Grooved version (above), or a low taper like on the Plain pencil (below).

The knurled grip option is offered in two versions: ‘Continuous’ or ‘Interrupted’ (review sample). The interesting thing about the knurling on these is just how perfect it is. It turns out Lindsay doesn’t use a traditional knurling machine that squashes the metal into shape. Instead each ‘knurl’ is cut out of the barrel with a series of crisscrossing channels – check out the video on the Kickstarter to see what I mean.

The Number 9 breaks down by unscrewing the cone at the front end which frees the mechanism to slide out the back of the body. This means that there’s no need to get hung up on your lead choice as you can always switch the mechanism with a stock Pentel 200 later. Refilling is done via the eraser as with most clutch pencils.

Lindsay offers the Number 9 with or without a pocket clip. Clipped versions feature the original Pentel 200 pocket clip which is held in place by a groove on the barrel. In my view, the Pentel clip just looks a bit cheap on these but since I wouldn’t pocket carry a mechanical pencil anyway, this didn’t bother me.

Feel

The Number 9 feels great in the hand. Spin it in your fingers and you can feel each of those six crisp edges and smooth faces. The standard of machining is flawless and each has tactile and quality feel you’d expect from a writing instrument of this price (and higher). The steel versions reviewed are surprisingly light, even lighter than off-the-shelf metal pencils such as the Rotring 600.

When I first saw the range of Number 9 options, I wondered which I’d prefer. But after having the privilege of comparing each side-by-side, I can honestly say all are very comfortable to hold and use for extended sketching / writing stints. Your own mileage may vary but I’ll run through how each style felt in my large(ish) hands.

Knurled Interrupted feels very similar to your typical mechanical pencil, and the knurling is very grippy without feeling harsh. The 7.7mm diameter of the grip left me feeling a fair amount of my own fingers when writing, so this grp style may be better suited to small to medium sized hands.

The Grooved High Taper option was a great fit for my fingers, providing good grip and allowing me to hold the pencil closer to the lead, which I tend to do when drawing little details or margin notes.

Plain low taper was interesting. Once I found the sweet spot, just above the taper, I forgot about grip entirely. However, I did notice the cone would very occasionally unscrew a little during use – probably because of my tendency to grip the pencil closer to the point. 

For me, the deciding factor for comfort was actually the high or low taper rather than the grip style. If you tend to hold your pencil further back, low taper should suit you fine. If you want to be able to grip wherever or like me tend to grip closer to the lead, the high taper is probably your best bet.

Pros:

• Flawless machining on each style makes for a beautiful looking writing instrument
• Feels great in the hand and comfortable to use across each grip style
• Plenty of meaningful options to choose from

Cons:

• On my Plain Low Taper sample, the front cone occasionally loosened during extended use
• The optional stock Pentel pocket clip feels out of sync with rest of the pencil

Conclusion

I’m going to try hard not to gush but… I’m a huge fan of the Number 9 Mechanical pencil. The look and feel are genuinely exceptional. There’s something about the precision machining that just suits the form and function of a mechanical pencil so well.

Couple this with the fact that Lindsay has clearly thought heavily about ergonomics, and the Number 9 is a very high quality pencil range that feels more than reasonably priced.

Whether you sketch technical drawings for a living or just want to add a stunning clutch pencil to your collection, you won’t be disappointed with the Number 9, whichever option you choose. I’m pretty excited to see where Lindsay goes next with his foray into writing instruments.

Pre-order through the Kickstarter here

(funding has been met, and the campaign ends in
4 days on November 29th, 2019.)

And here’s the disclaimer: I get to keep one of the pencils above as a free sample for this review. I’m afraid I can’t tell you which one, because I am having a very hard time deciding which two to part with. No money changed hands for this review and all I did was spend hours of my own time using, photographing and writing about them. There were no strings attached and all opinions are my own.

• Review Ink: Included cartridge
• Review Paper: Field Notes

Specs:

• Description: A pocket-sized fountain pen with a full-sized nib
• Nib: Bock #6 in broad
• Filling Mechanism: International short cartridge
• Weight: .5oz
• Measurements: ½ inch (12.7mm) in diameter and 3.55” (90.2mm) long when capped. When the cap is posted on the back it is a full 5.2” (132mm) long.
• Color Options: Several – take a look!

Intro/About:

Today we’re taking a look at the “Pocket Six” – a pocket sized fountain pen with a big ol’ #6 nib. I wonder where Ian at Schon Design got the name for this thing anyway? The model we’re taking a look at features an aluminum body with some seriously crazy anodizing with a brass grip and steel nib. Each pen is machined in Ian’s Philadelphia-based workshop and is entirely made in the USA (with the exception of the German nib). Let’s dive in and break down the Pocket Six.

Appearance & Packaging:

The Pocket Six fits in well with Ian’s other pen designs — largely cylindrical with a few design flairs throughout. Made to post, the grip and body are quite small, but when the cap is screwed onto the back (by way of a beefy set of threads), the pen transforms into a full-sized writing machine. The cap has a dome shape to it, while the tail on the body features a flat threaded plateau. All sides of the pen are anodized, which both protects the raw aluminum underneath and makes the pen look straight up wild. I mean, do you see this thing?

Ian calls this finish “Amphibian” – it’s a gold yellow base with a green splotchy overlay that just looks incredible. If you scroll through the rest of his offerings, you’ll see just how intricate and unique all of the anodized patterns are. The finish is smooth and even — a seamless experience throughout.

Back to the pen itself. The Pocket Six is a straight cylinder from cap to grip. The transition from body to grip does have some threads, but they don’t really get in the way while writing. A slim grip that’s tapered on both sides (no inky fingers here) results in a break in the otherwise straight lines of the pen while providing a comfortable writing experience. At the end of the pen, you’ll find the namesake #6 nib – something I’ve only seen on this pen and the Kaweco Supra. It’s not often that you see a pocket pen with a full sized nib. Now, about that nib…

Nib Performance & Filling System:

Like the rest of my pens from recent years, I opted for a broad nib. Ian checks each one before he sends them out the door, ensuring that you get the best possible writing experience you can from a Bock #6. I don’t have any beef with the Bock nib. They’re used a lot throughout the industry. I’ve found them to be smooth enough, middle of the road flow, and reliable – excellent for both beginners and the seasoned fountain pen veteran.

To fill the pen, you have to use an international short cartridge. Kind of a pain in the neck if you like bottled ink. You can refill the cartridge with a syringe or just use some pre-loaded cartridges. For me, I’ll probably just continue to use the cartridges. I’ve yet to find a worthy converter that’s the exact size of an international short cartridge. If you happen to know one that works, sound off in the comments below!

Feel:

In the hand, the Pocket Six feels good. Once capped, it’s a nice size, especially for a pocket pen. The grip is comfortable and I enjoy the extra heft provided by the brass option. Ian’s construction and machining are both top-notch. Threads throughout are smooth and easy to turn, the cap is sealed with an o-ring to prevent inky pocket catastrophes, and it feels tight overall. If you try writing without the cap posted, you’re going to have a bad time. Unless you have the world’s smallest hands.

Pros:

• Beautiful anodizing pattern
• Solid construction throughout
• Full sized nib in a pocket sized pen

Cons:

• Only accepts international short cartridges
• Slightly pricy for a pocket pen at $120

Conclusion:

I’ve been enjoying the Pocket Six quite a bit. It’s large enough so that it’s not strictly a pocket pen when posted, so it’s been spending a lot of its life on my desk. The solid construction, US-made origin, slick design, and unique anodizing make it an excellent option for those out there looking for a smaller pen. I get Kaweco vibes (which is a good thing), but the pen totally stands on its own. It fits in great with the rest of Schon Design’s offerings, and I’m excited to see where he takes it in the future. You can snag your own Pocket Six at the link below.

I bought this sucker with my own hard-earned cash. Please compare this review to others where the pen was given to me for consideration – I think you’ll find they’re largely similar. I value integrity, and I hope you do too. Thanks for reading!

Gallery:

• Description: A compact, all-titanium bolt action retractable pen with an original and innovative design
• Refills: Parker style
• Material options: Titanium, Brass or Copper
• Size: Length 121mm / 4.77”   Width 9.5mm / 0.375”  
• Weight: 19g 
• Price: $89 pre-order, $99 after

Intro

Once in a while, a design comes along that shakes things up. Sometimes it’s such a simple change, you’re left wondering why no one did it before. This is what the TiScribe has done for bolt action pens. 

The version reviewed here is the TiScribe Mini, the latest retractable pen from machinist/product designer Kelvin Verret and his pen company, Urban Survival Gear. Chronicled in his Instagram stories, Kelvin has been refining his TiScribe bolt action pen design with every iteration, whether it’s improving ergonomics, shaving a gram off here and there or trying out new high grade titanium. Up until now, the TiScribe has only been available in a full length 140mm (5.58″) G2 refill option (see pictures). The latest “Mini” version offers this innovative design in a new compact format for Parker refills.

Form & Finish

The TiScribe Mini’s aesthetic is all business. Almost every part is machined from titanium and stonewashed —which is great at hiding dings and scrapes. The tumbled finish gives the pen a uniform matt grey appearance that’s punctuated by five polished grooves milled into the barrel for grip.  The simple design and rugged finish means it’ll probably last a few lifetimes.

But despite its function-led design, the TiScribe has an unmistakably sleek and minimalist vibe. Unlike some Every Day Carry (EDC) pens, the Mini will slip tastefully under the radar —just as easily in the office as in the top pocket of an overall. 

Machining and finishing are to a high standard, which makes the TiScribe feel like a well-made, quality pen. Bear in mind that over time, scuffing will occur on the visible areas of the bolt due to the titanium components rubbing against each other. That said, the tumbled finish hides marks pretty well and I actually like the character it adds to these working parts of the pen.

TiScribe pens offers a fair amount of customization potential thanks to their modular design, so you can bling them up if you’re inclined . The tip (which you remove to change refills), cap and clip can all be swapped for different metals and finishes, with some exotic Mokuti and Timiscus options available alongside brass and copper. 

Packaging is very simple and the TiScribe Mini arrives in a two part plastic tube with some basic instructions and a foam insert. Not being a huge fan of packaging, this was a plus for me. I’d always rather see the money go into the product itself, or spare parts if possible. Inside the pen was a Schmidt Easy Flow, which I switched out for my favourite refill (an Itoya Aquaroller).

Feel

Slender proportions give the Mini a finesse seldom found in machined pens. In my view, the name ‘Mini’ might be an overstatement (or is that understatement?) for a pen that ultimately takes Parker refills. But I like the size. It’s just big enough to hold its own as a daily writer and just small enough to be easily pocketable.

The titanium used for the Mini barrel is 3AL-2.5V, which is lighter and stronger than the usual 5AL choice for Ti pens. Coupled with the 9.5mm diameter barrel, it’ll suit plenty of hand sizes. 19 grams feels remarkably light for a titanium pen, and the Mini feels much lighter than even comparable pens like the Maxmadco.

The TiScribe is up there with some of the most comfortable machined pens I’ve ever used, and that is one of the Mini’s major strengths. The grooves on the barrel are chamfered to provide enough grip without digging into your fingers. It’s streamlined form, lightweight build slim width means you can completely forget about it whilst writing. Or when you’re deftly spinning it in your fingers. 

The Mechanism

The bolt action mechanism is the thing that really sets the TiScribe apart from the competition. Your typical bolt action pen works by sliding a little button on the side of the barrel through a ‘J’ or similar shaped slot. Whilst it’s a much more secure mechanism than your average clicky ball-point, the downside to this design is that this bolt button adds a protrusion that can sometimes get in the way when writing. 

The TiScribe dodges this issue by combining the pen’s pocket clip with bolt control. The pocket clip is fixed securely to the internal bolt, and can travel along the J shaped slot in the barrel. To extend the nib, you simply slide the clip down and across, where it will click into place.

From the side, the TiScribe’s clip’s mounting looks like a solid chunk of metal and provides a good surface area for pushing against as you operate the bolt action. It’s extremely easy to use, and makes a satisfying “clack” as the bolt slides into place. 

One thing worth noting is that there is a ‘correct way’ of operating the pen, which is detailed in the instructions. Essentially you need to push down on the top edge of the clip (where the screws are) to avoid pressing the clip’s point into the pen which can scratch the barrel as you extend and retract the nib. The ‘right’ way is fairly intuitive so I wouldn’t class this as a negative, and either way scratches are well hidden by the stonewashed finish.

Final Thoughts

Considered in isolation, the TiScribe Mini ticks all the boxes of a great bolt action EDC pen. It’s well made, comfortable to hold and easy to use. The rugged, understated look will suit a lot of preferences and the personalisation potential opens up a lot of styling options if you’re inclined. At $89 (pre-order) for the base product, the price-point feels pretty competitive for what is a high quality titanium retractable pen. 

But where the TiScribe Mini really shines is its original and innovative design. It may not sound like a lot, but the it could have just as easily been designed with a bolt button. Kelvin decided he’d switch up the tried and tested approach and improve upon it – finding a solution to perhaps one of the only disadvantages of a design that’s still readily embraced by other makers.

In my opinion, the TiScribe isn’t just another bolt action pen. Combining the pocket clip with the bolt control feels like a logical improvement on a design that’s been out for a while and largely gone unchallenged. It’s a bold statement, but I’ll say it: The TiScribe may just be the Mk2 of bolt action writing instruments. And now offered in the small-format, Parker compatible Mini, it’s sure to appeal to a great many gear nerds and stationery addicts alike.

Click here to learn more and pick one up for yourself.

Disclaimer

The TiScribe Mini was provide to me as a sample for review. All views are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone else. The full size TiScribe pictured alongside was purchased at full price with no regrets .

Specs

• Description: A brass retractable pen designed and machined in the UK.
• Refill: Fisher PR4 Space Pen refill
• Material options: Brass or Stainless Steel
• Size: Length 117.5mm, Width 10mm
• Weight 58g / 2.0 oz
• Where to buy: Here!

The Wingback Mechanical Pen is a brass twist-action from the UK-based design company, Wingback. Founded in 2014, they offer various everyday carry (EDC) goods designed in-line with their core principles: to be a pleasure to use, designed to last and to get better with age. Let’s see how their first foray into writing instruments stands up against these values.

Form & Finish

As far as pens go, the Wingback appears to have a very simple design. Other than a knurled grip and twist mechanism, which frame a polished brass barrel, that’s pretty much it. And I like that. Because when a pen is machined this well, it doesn’t need much else.

Every part of the Wingback has been finished to a high standard. The finely brushed surface of the brass barrel has a deep matt sheen, which contrasts with the knurling. And the machining of the knurled parts is also top notch. Turn the pen and you’ll notice just how consistent each diamond point is as the light catches it.

Mine did arrive with a few very small scratches, but when I reached out to Wingback, they explained it was something they’d addressed with their machinists and was only present on their very first batch. To be honest, after I started using it, these were soon eclipsed by patina and the inevitable little use marks.

Towards the back of the pen you’ll find “Wingback” subtly laser-etched on the barrel. Alongside the standard pen reviewed here, Wingback are teaming up with various designers, illustrators and tattooists to launch some limited editions featuring intricate laser-etched designs.  

The only packaging the pen arrives with is a fabric bag and card with a message from the founder and designer, Alasdair MacLaine, outlining their brand values and highlighting that all their packaging can either be reused or recycled. The lack of a box or other packaging definitely took me by surprise. Nevertheless, it is in keeping with Wingback’s conscientious approach towards reducing their carbon footprint.

Feel

The size of the Wingback gives it a great feel in the hand and the knurling provides just the right amount of grip without feeling sharp.

The pen’s shorter length, weighty brass construction and wider than average diameter give it a solid, compact feel. Although I usually prefer lighter pen materials to brass, the Wingback feels comfortable to write with. It’s difficult to explain, but it really doesn’t feel heavy once you’re writing – any weight seems to be centered on the ballpoint nib, which means there’s no need to push hard.

When I first started writing with it I figured the pen for a quick jotter – but after longer periods of use I didn’t notice fatigue or discomfort. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Wingback are also launching a stainless steel version which is 5 grams lighter than the brass pen.

Mechanism

A half-turn, twist-action mechanism extends and retracts the Wingback’s nib. Fresh out the bag, I found the mechanism to be a little stiff but after a week of use it had broken in nicely.

Thanks to the knurling on the Wingback’s body, which is just the right distance from the mechanism, you can securely grip the pen with your little finger (or Digitus Mi’nimus Ma’nus if we’re being technical) whilst you twist the knurled knock with your thumb and index. This allows you to easily operate it with one hand.

The single-piece body means there’s no risk of accidentally unscrewing the pen when you turn the twist-top. It’s something that can be easily overlooked and it’s a pet hate of mine with many metal pens. Kudos to Wingback for making sure their pen doesn’t have this problem.

I didn’t truly appreciate the engineering behind the Wingback until I took a look at the internal construction. Twist the knurled crown anti-clockwise when the nib is retracted, and with a bit of effort the whole mechanism unscrews.

Even on this seldom seen part, build quality is remarkable. The mechanism itself is almost entirely made from brass and consists of a bolt carrier (with the knurled top) which is held in an internal sleeve. The sleeve itself screws deep into the pen on sturdy brass threads and is secured with a rubber O ring – the reason why it takes a good grip to unscrew.

The Wingback’s retraction mechanism is very simple. It’s definitely not going to wear out or jam, there’s no chance of it going off accidentally in your pocket. They could have just anchored the twist mechanism in the body, and had the pen break in the usual place where you grip it, like most designs, but that would cause the issues we’ve talked about. And this way, you get to appreciate its construction every time you refill the pen. 

Refill

The Wingback is entirely designed around the Fisher Space Pen refill, which loads into the back of the pen after you’ve unscrewed the twist mechanism. Unfortunately the pen’s spring isn’t captive, and spares aren’t included, so you’ll need to be careful when you change over the cartridge.

By opting for the Fisher PR4 refill, Wingback have ensured their pen takes on all the traits of this resilient, write-anywhere cartridge. It’s a refill choice consistent with the rugged simplicity of the pen, and it’s easy to imagine the Wingback becoming the companion of designers, architects and anyone else who needs something they can write with anywhere or on anything.

That said, the Wingback’s pre-set refill option is a bold move. It’s rare you find a machined pen that doesn’t take the usual Parker or G2 refill selection, and its sure to alienate a few people out there. As a diehard gel fan myself, I assumed I’d probably find the Wingback a fun pen for occasional use or perhaps some extreme writing space pens are known for. But ultimately I didn’t see it replacing my pens loaded with my favourite refills.

Yet unexpectedly, after carrying the Wingback as my regular pen for the last month, I haven’t found myself missing my gel pens as much as I thought I would. The Fisher refill is definitely a cut above your typical ball-point and thanks to the Wingback’s ergonomics it’s very easy to write with. The consistent flow and resistance to smudging has already made it my preferred choice for quick note taking on the move. If you’re an established gel fiend but have yet to try the Fisher PR4 – definitely don’t rule it out. I was surprised.

Final thoughts

Although I liked the rugged look of the Wingback when I first set eyes on it, I wasn’t instantly grabbed. That all changed as soon as I held it and got a closer look.  And the more I used it the more I began to appreciate that it isn’t just another retractable metal pen jumping on the bandwagon. It’s a fresh design that has had a serious level of thought go into every aspect.

I’ve used and owned many nice retractable pens that look great but require you to make allowances when it comes to functionality – whether it’s a chronic unscrewing barrel, slightly awkward mechanism or something else. The Wingback feels like it was designed with issues like these solved first and aesthetics coming after. The design sacrifices nothing for function: It’s comfortable to write with, consistently easy to use, and has a secure mechanism that rivals the best bolt-action.

Form has been entirely lead by function. And that gives the Wingback Mechanical Pen a very honest feel. “Less but better” is the company’s motto, which is printed on the card in the bag. As someone who works in marketing, I always try to take company slogans and branding with a pinch of salt. But their words really do apply to this pen.

The lack of refill choice is probably my main gripe with the Wingback, however I’m not 100% sure I can really stand by it. Wingback assessed the refill options and decided on arguably the most reliable and certainly one of the most popular out there. If they’d gone with the typical one-size-fits-all approach to take the usual gamut of refill options, their pen wouldn’t look and feel like it does.

There are no compromises here – sliding a fresh refill in the Wingback is like loading a bullet. There’s no rattle, nib wobble or loose parts. Everything feels solid and precise. And the dependable Fisher PR4 feels like a very appropriate match for this uncompromising pen. Gel users (like me) can either jog on, or get onboard.

The Wingback Mechanical Pen is available on Kickstarter at £63, and will retail at £95 once the campaign ends. The full price is slightly north of some machined pen RRPs – but once you get one in your hand, I’m fairly confident you’ll be able to tell exactly where your money’s gone.

Click Here to Pick One Up!

Disclaimer: I received the Wingback Mechanical Pen for review purposes without condition and (other than the sample itself) without compensation of any kind.

• What is it? A bolt action pen manufactured deep in the heart of Texas
• Why does it matter? This is the new (awesome) update to Tactile Turn’s older “Slider” and “Glider” bolt action pens.
• Where can I buy one? Right here!

Tactile Turn’s bolt action offerings have recently undergone a little bit of a facelift. Initially when speaking to Will (oh hey, Will and I are buddies. I photograph all of his pens in exchange for money. Please form your own opinions about this review), I was skeptical about a refresh of his bolt action pens. They were formerly known as the Slider (short one) and Glider (long one) and I thought they were some of the coolest out there. The C-Shaped bolt channel, nice action, premium finishing, and ridged grip pattern from top to bottom. Did they need a facelift? I thought they didn’t, until I got my hands on this new batch. You can go back through the archives and see my reviews of his previous bolt action pens, then maybe come back here so we can run down the differences.

It’s all in the name. The “Slider” and “Glider” sounded cool, but they didn’t tell a whole lot about which was the long one and which was the short one. Luckily, that’s not a problem anymore. The Tactile Turn bolt action pens are now known simply as the “Bolt Action” and “Bolt Action Short”. Now, onto the physical differences. Let’s start with the bolt channel and action. On the older model, the channel was C-shaped. It took a mild amount of effort to click the pen into the writing position. There was a bit of a learning curve involved (it’s not that hard, we’re just extending a pen here) since the shape was outside of the norm. There was also a large exposed open section in the body of the pen when the refill was open. That is no more. On the new Bolt Action, you’ll find a buttery-smooth J-channel that “clicks” more naturally. It’s oriented lower down on the pen, so the bolt itself is now large enough to cover the void that existed on the previous model. Inside, a heavier spring adds some welcomed resistance to the click action as well. The feeling is a bit less rattly, and a lot more premium.

Topping off the Bolt Action, there’s now a polished flat surface that replaces the previous dome. Overall, the pen looks a bit more streamlined. I definitely dig it.

Moving to the tip of the pen, you’ll notice a completely reworked profile. One that I believe works much better. The old tip profile was a much longer taper that terminated in a chunky tip. It was probably my least favorite part about the pen. Personally, I prefer the newer version. The diameter of the pen holds for a bit longer, then starts tapering more sharply towards the tip. There’s less metal around the hole where the refill sticks out, so you have a much better view of where the ink is hitting the page. The difference in tip profiles are much easier to notice when using the pens side by side.

In hand, the pen feels solid. The standard version accepts Pilot G2-style refills, while the “Short” is made for the shorter Parker-style refills. The difference in length between the two is only half an inch with a negligible difference in weight on most models. When considering which pen to get, I would suggest going with whatever refill style you like the most, since both pens handle relatively the same. On the Short version, the bolt itself tends to sit in the soft spot between my thumb and forefinger. Between the clip on one side and the bolt on the other, there’s a relatively small “sweet spot” where neither the clip nor bolt are hitting that part of my hand. Your mileage may vary depending on how you hold the pen and the size of your hands.

At first, I was skeptical about the update to the bolt action pens, but after spending some time with them I’m fully sold. The new design tweaks take a product that I love, and make it even better. Whether it’s writing with the pen or playing with the bolt mechanism, the entire package looks and feels more refined. The pricing structure and material offerings have been refined as well. You can pick up a bolt action in bronze (replaced brass), copper, or titanium for $99 in either the standard or short configuration. Additionally, there’s a zirconium model that will run you $249. At this time, there are no stainless or anodized aluminum offerings. Overall, I’m impressed with the update. Kudos to Will and the rest of the Tactile Turn crew for this excelllent update to an already solid pen. It’s nice to see a brand looking at what they can do better, then acting on it. I’m excited to see what’s next!

This is a review by contributor Tim Pockett. Tim is an EDC and stationery enthusiast from the South West U.K. with a background in copywriting. You can follow his Instagram account here for some awesome pen, paper, watch, and EDC shots. To read more reviews by Tim, click his author page next to the little pencil icon above.

• Description: A machined metal pen with a minimalist design.
• Nib: Steel Bock #6
• Filling Mechanism: Cartridge/Converter
• Weight: 32g overall
• Measurements: 5.51″ (140mm) closed, 5″ (128mm) open,
• Material Options: Raw aluminum, titanium and brass in various finishes.
• Price: $79 – available here

What is it?

The Piuma by Ensso is a sleek, cigar-shaped aluminium fountain pen with all the hallmarks of Ensso’s typically tight design briefs. Appearance is lead by function, and the flourishes and features you might expect have been stripped away to create a minimalist writing instrument. Let’s run through the finer details for a closer look.

Form & Finish

This is one shiny torpedo of a pen. Barrel and cap fit flush for an unbroken silhouette, and with no pocket clip to disrupt the smooth profile, everything stays clean to both the eye and the touch.

The section’s end flares out with a defined ridge, adding a subtle point of interest whilst lowering the likelihood of ink-stained digits.

Lid, barrel and section are machined from a solid block of aluminium and given a brushed finish for a high quality look and feel. Whilst scratches and scuffs are to be expected with any brushed metal pen, they do show up very quickly on the Piuma.

Feel

Put nib to paper, and it’s obvious writing ergonomics were high on Ensso’s considerations. Little details have been considered, such as the squaring off of the screw threads above the section so that they don’t feel sharp to the touch.

Whilst it’s a sizable pen, the Piuma’s smooth form and balanced weight make it very comfortable to write with. The flush cap and body mean it isn’t designed to be posted.

Obviously, the Piuma’s clipless and completely rounded body make it a desk rolling champion, and the sort of pen you’ll want to carry in a case or slip.

Nib & Filling System

Ensso opted for a Bock #6 nib and feed system, so the Piuma writes much like any pen with this setup. As with most Bock nibs, flow is consistent and the writing performance is good.

The nib has the Bock branding, and in my opinion this detracts from the rest of the pen’s thought-through appearance. It’s certainly not a deal-breaker but it would be nice if Ensso had gone the extra mile and added their own design. Fortunately, there is a subtle, all-black nib option currently offered with this model.

The Piuma takes International long and short cartridges. If you want to use bottled ink, you’ll need a standard converter.

Final thoughts

At $79, the aluminum Piuma feels reasonably priced for what is a well-executed, machined pen. Ensso have produced a simple yet eye-catching design, which refreshingly distills the fountain pen concept right back to the essentials. The result? A fine writing instrument with comfortable ergonomics and a quality construction — all which make for a great daily writer.

You can pick up a Piuma for yourself right here. 

This pen was provided free of charge for review by Ensso Design.
All opinions are my own. 

• Review Ink: Diamine Grey
  
• Review Paper: Various

Specs:

• Description: A brand new offering from Karas Pen Company in a stunning shade of acrylic
• Nib: Bock #6 with custom laser engraving
• Filling Mechanism: Eye dropper or converter
• Weight:18.4g filled
• Measurements: 5″ open, 5.25″ capped, 5.80″ posted
• Color Options: Multiple acrylic and Delrin options, as well as 2 special editions

Intro/About:

Karas Pen Co’s Vertex fountain pen has been floating around on the internet for a bit now. Last year saw a limited edition release as part of their Signature Series, but this summer brings a new edition to the forefront of their catalog. At first glance, you’ll notice the pen ditches the angular designs and metal construction seen across nearly every Karas pen for a more organic look and feel. Let’s dig in and take a closer look at this refreshing offering from such an established brand.

Appearance & Packaging:

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Chrysopoeia edition of the Vertex (let’s just call it the Vertex from here on out and ditch “Chrysopoeia” since it’s such a long word) is the box that it ships in. Karas went for a fully custom machined metal box that they make in house. It’s a nice touch and definitely helps justify the price of the pen with a premium box that both looks and feels the part. Protecting the pen inside the box is a custom cut foam insert. Up top, you’ll find a laser engraved sliding cover with the name of the pen on the top side and a set of instructions on the inside. Overall, I’m really digging the presentation.

When you first remove the pen from its protective box, you’ll notice how it feels both lightweight, yet sturdy. Acrylic is by nature a very light material, but the generous wall thickness of the pen makes it feel more solid than other offerings out there. More on that later. As I mentioned in the intro, the pen’s shape feels more “organic” than it does “industrial” – a welcomed departure from Karas’ other pen offerings. The Vertex starts with a flat top and tapers gently towards a rounded tail. On top of the cap, there’s a convex divot that adds some interesting visual appeal. One of the standout features of the Vertex is the way the grip section integrates into the body of the pen. There’s a sort of hybrid ink window/grip that’s all one piece. This allows the pen to be completely void of external threads or rough sections, again lending to a more organic look.

I can’t end the “appearance” section of the review without mentioning the Omas acrylic used to make this pen. It’s a deep greenish-brown with some lighter swirls of shine running through the body and cap. If you look closely in the right light, you’ll appreciate the subtle glittery shimmer that plays with the light as you rotate the pen in your hands. The grip section can be swapped out and comes in a few different shades of translucent acrylic. I liked the coke bottle finish, even though a few other colors would probably be better-suited to match the pen.

Nib Performance & Filling System:

Loaded into the acrylic body, you’ll find a #6 Bock Nib with some custom engraving into it. Usually, I’m not a fan of laser engraving. I’ve said it before time and time again. I think it comes off looking kind of cheap and lazy. However, that’s not the case with the Vertex. Instead of just a small and light logo, they went for the entire nib. There’s sort of an art-deco inspired pattern in the background with “KARAS” in large lettering with a smaller letter above to denote the nib size. I genuinely think it’s a good look on this pen. I’m glad they went the extra mile in order to make something that looks cohesive with the pen and strayed away from the stock Bock nib. As expected, the fine nib I received writes quite well. I’ve had good luck with Bock nibs in the past and can’t really complain. For the uninitiated, a Bock nib provides a middle-of-the-road writing experience. Nib widths are true to size and they tend to lay down a smooth line with medium flow.

The Vertex is unique, in that it’s meant to be used as an eyedropper (the route I went), but it can also be used with a standard cartridge or converter. While the visual effect of ink sloshing around inside of the clear ink window is hugely appealing to me, I can understand why some would like the cartridge/converter option for ease of use. I really appreciate the extra options for filling that Karas and Co. designed into the Vertex. More options never hurt. If you’re one who’s still on the fence about that much ink in your pen barrel, the Vertex’s design may ease some of those concerns. Inside the grip, there’s some custom-sized o-rings that seal off the nib and grip areas without the need for silicone grease. Karas also includes a pipette in the box so you can fill up the body with ink right away.

Feel:

There’s just something about a nice acrylic pen that feels great in hand. Acrylic is often described as a “warm” material. Unlike metal, it warms quickly to your touch and is feather-light in hand. While a thin-walled acrylic pen can feel cheap and breakable, the Vertex is in another class altogether. One of the first things I noticed about the pen was the generous wall thickness on both the cap and the grip. At 18.4 grams when filled with ink, it’s not the heftiest pen out there. There’s just enough weight to make it feel solid in hand. The machining and construction are very impressive. I was unable to find a single fault in the body or threads. All surfaces are polished to a smooth and even shine. With an asking price of $140 for a US-made pen, I’m impressed with how well it looks and feels in hand.

Pros:

• Classic design executed in a beautiful material
• Wonderful feel in hand, especially threadless grip section
• Very reasonable asking price, given the specs

Cons:

• If the pen is not capped/uncapped vertically, it may cause the pen to belch because of the cap seal system backpressure

Conclusion:

Color me impressed. Not that Karas has ever put out a “bad” pen by any means, but the Vertex is above and beyond what I expected. The design and execution feel more refined than their other designs. The functionality is there too. An eyedropper that can be used with cartridge or converter – so cool. I’m going to say it, the Vertex is my favorite Karas pen. While the Ink (above right) and Decograph (above left) were cool, the Vertex takes the cake. An acrylic limited edition with swappable grips in its very own custom machined aluminum box for $140 is a hell of a bargain. I’m excited to see where Karas takes the Vertex from here and will absolutely be using mine in the mean time.

Pick one up for yourself right here!

Big Ol’ Disclaimer: This pen was FREE. I paid nothing for it. I did spend hours of time using it, photographing it, and writing about it. After spending some time with the pen, I can 100% say that I would be thrilled with the results should I have shelled out my own money. All opinions are my own and not paid for in any way by Karas Pen Co. 

Gallery:

The ēnsso ESCALA on Kickstarter.

Yoseka Stationery Notebook Review

What is it?

This premium notebook is an offering from the Queens-based stationery store, Yoseka. It’s a simple notebook with a heavy-duty cardboard cover, exposed binding, and silky smooth KBU2 paper inside. We’re looking at the second iteration of the notebook with improved paper and more secure binding.

Specs:

• 224 blank pages
• 85gsm paper weight
• Grey cardboard cover
• A5 size: 5.8 x 8.3″
• FSC certified paper
• Made in Taiwan

Notes

First off, hello! It’s been a while. Who knew that working, having a toddler, a house, and a few side gigs would take up so much time? I’ve been pretty casual with updating the site because life kind of gets in the way sometimes. There are a few things that are on the review pile, and I’m working my way through them when I can. Today, we’re looking at the notebook from Yoseka Stationery. I’ve never heard of the company before, which is surprising given that they’re located pretty close by. The trip from Long Island to Queens can take far longer than the mileage would suggest, but Yoseka is now on my list of must-visit stores. Anyway, let’s take a look at the notebook they sent along for review! Make sure to hit the gallery at the end of the post for full sized photos!

As you can see, it’s a very plain looking notebook. Guess what? I happen to really like the look. Whether it’s on a cluttered desk or a minimal setup, it’s kind of nice to have something neutral hanging around. The covers are made from a heavy cardboard stock, there’s exposed stitched and sealed binding on the sides, and a debossed logo on the back of the book. That’s really it. When you first open the notebook, you’re greeted by a spread of textured light yellow paper, and then by 224 pages of bright white, unruled “KBU2” paper inside. Flip all the way to the back, and you’ll find some subtlely printed information on the spread of yellow paper in the back. Overall, it’s a pleasantly simple looking notebook that exudes quality. When you pick the book up, you’ll appreciate the precise and neatly cut paper. It seems a little weird to talk about alignment when discussing notebooks, but for lack of a better term, this one is on point.

Moving on to the paper inside. The Yoseka Stationery book is filled with 224 pages of unlined paper inside. I’m not huge on blank ruling. My preference leads towards some structure. I’m not much of a drawing/sketching guy (not at all) and I can’t write in a straight line to save my life. Good news though, even though the paper is pretty heavy at 85gsm, you can throw a slice of lined paper behind it. The resulting effect gives you just enough show-through to use the lined paper as a guide. I’ve been using a piece of Doane Paper with the grid+lines ruling as a guide and it’s been great.

Just look at those beautiful, straight lines of text. Writing in the Yoseka Stationery notebook is a pleasant experience. The pages are smooth to write on, with just a hint of texture. When I was first inspecting the paper, I expected it to be pretty absorbent. Usually with more absorbent papers, shading is limited. I’m happy to report that this is not the case with the KBU2 paper used in this book. If you look closely, there’s none of the bad characteristics of crummy paper. There’s no feathering, limited ghosting on the back of the page, and some nice shading present.

Overall, I’m happy with how the Yoseka Stationery Notebook both looks and performs. The simplicity of the notebook’s appearance is appreciated, especially on a messy desk. Inside, the paper holds up to fountain pens (both fine and broad nibbed), ball point, and pencil. At 5.8 x 8.3″ in size, the A5 notebook hits that sweet spot between pocket- and full-sized notebooks. There’s more than enough room for a good amount of writing or sketching. The heavy duty cardboard covers will hold up to travel well too, so you won’t have to worry too much about tossing it in your bag for transport.

Yoseka’s notebook also folds very flat. It doesn’t get much flatter than that. I think that about sums it up for this premium notebook offering. You can snag your own online at Yoseka Stationery for $20, or if you happen to find yourself in the Sunnyside area of Queens, make sure to pop in. Again, thanks to Daisy and Neil at Yoseka for reaching out and bringin their brand to my attention!

Gallery:

Pens Featured

• Karas Kustoms Bolt v2.0, Black anodized Aluminium. Pilot G2 refill.
• Maxmadco Bolt Action, Brushed Titanium. Itoya Aquaroller gel Parker style refill.
• Tactile Turn Slider, Copper. Schmidt Megaline Parker style refill. 
• Inventery Co. Bolt Action ‘M’, Brushed chrome finished brass. Schmidt Cap-less Parker style refill.

OK, so maybe the title is a little misleading. When I started this article I thought I’d ruthlessly rate each pen and come out with a clear winner. But the more I considered each offering, the more I realized how subjective the whole thing was becoming and that actually it would be far more useful to stay as objective as I could. So a shootout maybe not, but more a comparison. Either way – I couldn’t resist the wordplay. 

During the write-up, I learned that the Maxmadco bolt pen was no longer in production. I did think about taking it out, but in the end, chose not to. It’s a great bolt action pen that many people recognize as a benchmark for these types of writing instrument. That, and it was one of the first to appear, and probably influenced a lot of what we have available today.

That out the way, if you’re in the market for a bolt action pen it’s more than likely you’ll have come across some of the brands covered in this piece. If you’re short of time – I can tell you now that you probably won’t be disappointed with any of them – all are well designed and solidly built. But each has its own characteristics. Read on to find out which will suit you best.

The Bolt Actions

Probably the most important aspect of any bolt action pen is, of course, the mechanism itself. All of these pens have great bolt actions, but each offers a slightly different experience. The Maxmadco, Inventery Co. and Karas Kustoms Bolt all employ a ‘J slot’ mechanism with a J shaped bolt channel, whilst the Tactile Turn uses a ‘C’ shape channel. Let’s take a look at the J slot bolt pens first.

The Maxmadco’s action is well respected for a reason. Everything feels just right. The action is quick and easy, with a bolt carrier made from Delrin (a high strength polymer specifically developed for machine applications), which minimizes weight and friction. In my opinion, the spring tension is just right, providing enough pressure for everything to feel secure but not too much to make deploying or retracting the nib a conscious operation. You can either choose to idly appreciate the mechanism’s engineering or just forget about it.

The ‘J’ bolt action on the Inventery Co. is very similar to that found on the Maxmadco. But the all-metal internals, coupled with a stronger spring, means that it takes a little more effort to operate. This doesn’t feel out of place on this heftier pen though, and the ‘snap’ when you retract the nib is pretty satisfying. Inventery Co. haven’t broken any ground here, but they have executed a superb bolt action mechanism. Unlike the other pens here, the Inventery Co.’s bolt cutaway isn’t chamfered, which is noticeable if the sharper edges come into contact with your thumb during operation.

The Karas Kustoms Bolt puts a twist to the ‘J’ bolt setup – quite literally. Dispensing with a barrel mounted thumb stud, the pen’s bolt carrier extends out the back of the pen to form a plunger-like control. You push down and rotate the plunger to extend the nib and lock it in place. Although the action is easy enough to operate with one hand, the sides of the plunger could probably do with some knurling for better grip.

Departing the well-trodden path, the Tactile Turn Slider features a unique ‘C-slot’ bolt action. Unlike the down and across movement on the J-slot pens, actuation is accomplished in a single fluid movement. As you pull the bolt down through the ‘C’ shaped cutaway you roll your thumb on the button to keep the pressure in the right direction. It’s not quite as easy to get the hang of as the other pens, and you might get occasional misfires – but after a few clicks, it becomes second nature. Retracting the nib is easier than the other pens and is accompanied by a pretty satisfying whoosh sound. This might be the air inside the pen being displaced by the bolt – testament to the Slider’s tight machining tolerances. Unlike the other pens here, when the Slider is retracted its bolt carrier does have some play. Not enough to make it any less secure than the others but it certainly contrasts with the tightly sprung Inventery Co.

Carry-ability

Bolt action pens are less prone to accidental activation than other one-handed retractable pens, and often touted as a great option for everyday carry. The Slider, Inventery Co. and Maxmadco all make excellent pocket pens thanks to their side mounted bolt buttons. The Karas Bolt’s push-top means its mechanism isn’t as secure as those found in the other pens but it still beats a click pen for pocket carry.

Depending on how you like to carry your pen, you may prefer the Tactile Turn or Inventery Co. which are the best of the bunch for deep-carry, showing just the cap when clipped to a pocket. The Karas Bolt’s clip is sturdy enough but obviously the plunger will protrude from your pocket. Similarly, the tapering clip of the Maxmadco coupled with its lower position on the pen body means you end up with a fair amount on show.  

Aesthetics

I could wax poetic about the overall looks of each pen, but hopefully, you can see those for yourself.  Here are a few points that I noticed up close:

Differentiating the Tactile Turn Slider from the rest are finely machined grooves running the length of the barrel. The grooves add grip without breaking the streamlined form and also hide scratches. It feels like a much more durable finish in comparison with the fine brushing of the Maxmadco and Inventery Co. They also do a great job of hiding the Slider’s barrel break, which literally appears from nowhere when you take the pen apart.

One thing typical of bolt pens is a gaping hole in the side of the barrel, where the bolt channel is cut away. The Tactile Turn Slider and Maxmadco both reveal the inside of the pen when the nib is deployed. I actually don’t mind the working parts on show. If you’re not a fan, the Inventery Co. and Karas both provide a solid, engineered aesthetic that definitely has its appeal.

If you’re heavy into the industrial vibe, you’ll probably be satisfied with any of these pens. Each has a tool-like appearance and this is particularly emphasized on the Karas Bolt, Maxmadco and Inventery which feature visible screws for that rugged look. The first two use torx screws for the clip and bolt button, which add some nice visual details.

The Tactile Turn offers a more refined aesthetic. Eschewing torx screws, the clip is held in place by the screw down cap, and the bolt button is made from a specifically machined component.

Similarly, the Inventery Co. also uses a screw down cap to keep the clip in place but unlike the others, it is designed to allow you to remove it without leaving unsightly holes. Sans Le clip, the Inventery Co. has a very modern feel which I actually prefer. The weight of the brass makes it feel like it would make a great desk pen, and the bolt button means that even without the clip, it’s not rolling anywhere.

Construction

Build quality is often something prioritized on machined writing instruments and it’s certainly the case with the bolt pens here. Each feels like a well-engineered machine and certainly won’t disappoint.  But despite even the best machining, metal pens can still have a tendency to unscrew. For a pen nut, pulling a fancy pen out in front of colleagues only to find several expensive pieces falling to the floor is probably on par with having your trousers fall down in public. And bolt pens are especially susceptible to coming apart due to the different rotational forces applied to the pen’s body during operation.

Getting around this ignominious fate, the Karas and Tactile employ a rubber O ring beneath the section threads – keeping everything tight. You lose that nice metal-on-metal feel of a precision instrument when you take either pen apart, but in my view, it’s a worthwhile sacrifice.

Both the Maxmadco and the Inventery Co. require tightening, particularly the latter due to the substantial forces the mechanism is putting on the pen. Long screw threads mean you’ll definitely notice long before the Inventery Co. actually comes apart, but you may find yourself frequently checking everything’s in place.

Feel 

The pen that stands out here is the Karas Kustoms Bolt. The plunger at the back of the pen means there’s no need to line up a bolt button. This also makes the Karas Bolt suitable for left-handed use – a rare feature in bolt action pens that typically are only designed for right-handed use. Karas Kustoms are probably one of the very few offering an ambidextrous bolt action pen, so kudos to them.

The variety of materials used across these pens mean each feels very different – so I’ll talk about the range of weight options the manufacturers offer for each pen. The Maxmadco, Tactile Turn Slider and Karas Bolt ranges all offer lightweight and heavyweight options, with aluminum at the lighter end of the spectrum and brass or copper at the opposite. The Slider can be selected in the widest range of metals, with titanium (not an option with the Karas Bolt) and copper (never an option with the Maxmadco). Although offered in a choice of very different finishes, the Inventery Co. bolt pens are all constructed from brass making them a heavier option whichever you choose.

Size wise, the Karas Kustoms Bolt is easily the longest of the bunch, mainly due to the push-top. But it’s worth noting that this one is also the only pen here that can be altered to take either G2 refills or the shorter Parker type, with the refill specific kit included with the pen depending on which setup you choose.

In contrast, the Maxmadco, Tactile Turn Slider and Inventery Co. M only accept Parker style refills. Choosing a G2 in Tactile Turn (called the Glider) or Inventery Co. (the ‘L’) will mean a longer pen, which puts the Karas Bolt’s length in perspective. In case you’re wondering, there isn’t a G2 version of the Maxmadco.

Machined pens are often a little wider than your average writing instrument, possibly to give them a more presence or heft in the hand. The exception here is the Maxmadco, which feels very much like a normal pen thanks to its slender dimensions. Alongside the other three, it actually looks a little small. The other pens definitely don’t feel too big in my largish hands but bear in mind each is a little chunkier than your average retractable pen.

Conclusion

As I said earlier, there is no clear winner here and proving one wasn’t the goal. I could say which pen is my favourite, but it’s not actually down to its performance over the others – just my own subjective opinion.

All the pens here make for a solid bolt action offering. None should give up through normal use and each will probably last you a lifetime. All of them suffice as great everyday writing tools that won’t let you down. Whilst none is quite as intuitive as the humble click pen, each is relatively easy to operate with one hand. Here are some final thoughts on each writing instrument:

Karas Kustoms Bolt V2.0

Great to handle and perfect for those who don’t dig a bolt button or are left handed. The pen’s plunger design is pretty unique and stands out from the crowd. Not such a great choice for pocket carry (in comparison to the others) but an excellent bolt pen that’s perfect if you like to experiment with refills.

Tactile Turn Slider

A beautifully finished pen with a streamlined appearance, the Slider’s a good choice for those who want the machined look but like things clean. Despite its occasional quirks, the C-bolt action gets a lot of love from me because it’s original and clearly differentiates the Tactile Turn offering from the rest. The disappearing barrel break reminds you of the level of care and precision that’s gone into the making of this writing instrument.

Inventery Co. M

The hefty weight coupled with a nice overall finish gives this bolt pen a high-quality feel. The over-built bolt mechanism clearly has a very nice action, and Inventery Co.’s decision to maintain the solid internal appearance, even whilst the nib is extended, just adds to the pen’s sturdy feel. O rings would definitely keep everything tighter, and chamfering the bolt channel would certainly improve the ergonomics – but neither are deal breakers.

Maxmadco Bolt Action 

The predecessor to all of the above, it’s probably directly and indirectly influenced each of the other pens. This  one was my first bolt action pen, so I’m probably biased, but it feels like a great balance of usability, construction, and aesthetics. The design has definitely stood the test of time and it’s a shame they are no longer manufactured. Luckily there’s plenty of other great options!

Gallery:

What is it? This new ink from Jacques Herbin (the ink maker formerly known as J. Herbin) is a medium shade of blue with a very fine silver shimmer particulate suspended in the ink. 

Notes: 

It’s that time of the year again. The weather gets warmer, the days get longer, and J. Herbin comes out with a new shimmery fountain pen ink. This year, they’ve introduced a brand new shade of turquoise that has silver shimmer throughout and a slight red sheen around the edges. It’s always fun checking out their newest ink, so let’s get into it. As always, photos in the gallery at the bottom of the post are sized so you can really zoom in. Make sure you take a look!

Let’s start off with the name of the ink. Kyanite du Nepal. It translates to Kyanite of Nepal (that was a bad joke, please laugh in the comments). The color of the ink draws inspiration from the kyanite crystal, a medium blue semiprecious mineral. What makes it even more interesting is that the crystal can naturally show signs of chatoyancy, which is a natural shimmer. Nepal is one of the premier sources for kyanite in the world, and it follows the travel theme that the past few inks have adhered to. The name is spot on and the ink does, in fact, represent the naturally occurring gemstone that it’s named after.

When writing (okay, it’s more like playing) around with a folded nib dip pen, the ink exhibits some nice shading and variation in tone. Both dark and light shades of turquoise are visible, with extra sheen in the areas where the ink goes down thicker. There’s just a tiny little hint of red sheen around some edges. I wouldn’t count on seeing that regularly unless there’s a LOT of ink on the page.

I loaded up my trusty Platinum 3776 Black Diamond with broad nib with some of the Kyanite. The ink flows really well, leaving a nice, wet line on the page. To get the maximum amount of sheen on the page, be sure to shake up the ink thoroughly (and carefully) to spread the particulate throughout the whole bottle. You can see some slight shading when writing with the fountain pen. The silver shimmer is definitely there when writing with a fountain pen. A broader nib will have better results. Kyanite du Nepal is a much brighter shade of blue compared to the older J. Herbin 1670 Bleu Ocean. Also worth noting, Bleu Ocean started out with no shimmer and was then given gold shimmer at a later date.

Overall, I’m a fan of the ink. It performs well, especially for an ink with shimmer in it. The color is great and it plays into the theme of the 1798 inks nicely. Thank you to Sunnny over at Exaclair for sending over the ink to review. It should be hitting shelves in June, so keep an eye out!

Gallery:

Specs:

• Description: A metal clicky pen that can be changed from pen to pencil in a snap.
• Refill: Schmidt mechanical pencil, Parker-style ballpoint cartridge
• Weight: 49g (may vary by configuration and material)
• Measurements: Between 5.4″
• Color Options: Brass base metal with nickel-plated & brushed, black, or natural brass finish

Intro/About:

Today, we’re taking a look at the newest batch of pens from Inventery Co. I’ve reviewed a few of their pens in the past, and when they told me about the newest one, I jumped at the chance to check it out. Inventery Co.’s pens feature clean design, and usually some sort of modularity. This new one is no exception – it can easily be turned from a Parker-style ballpoint pen into a mechanical pencil. Let’s take a closer look at this shape-shifter of a pen in the review.

Thanks to Inventery Co. for sending these pens over my way.

Hit up their Indiegogo campaign to snag one for yourself.

Disclaimer: These pens were sent for review free of charge. I wasn’t compensated additionally for this review. 

Appearance & Packaging:

Inventery’s packaging is pretty great. They’ve opted for similar packaging to that they’ve used in the past. The box is cardboard with a cardboard sleeve over the top with some classy gold foil printing. Inside the box is custom cut foam to keep everything neatly and safely in place during shipping. It’s proof that a box can be cool, not overly ornate, protect the product, and not make you feel super guilty for chucking it (should you choose to do so). For me, the packaging is A+. Good job, Inventery.

Once you pull the pen out the packaging, you’ll notice that it’s pretty simple looking. The body is cylindrical with a conical tip at the writing end. On the back of the pen, there’s a pocket clip that’s made from steel with a brushed finish on the brass and nickel, or black finish on the black model.

The clip is flat, with a ball-shaped pearl underneath to help it grip onto fabric or paper. The bottom of the clip is completely rounded. Underneath the clip, there’s some engraving with the word “INVENTERY”, followed by the individualized serial number.

Keeping the clip held on is a screw-down nut that can be swapped out. There’s both a smooth and ridged piece included with the pen/pencil that can be changed according to your preference. Above the clip is the custom knock mechanism with an “I” logo on the top. Looking at the photos, you’ll appreciate the clean lines and attention to small details throughout the design.

The pen is available in one of three finishes: raw brass, nickel-plated & brushed, and black-coated. I like all three of them, but I’ve been reaching out most for the black version. More on that later.

Performance & Refills:

Let’s touch on why the pen is called the “Interchangeable Mechanical Pen and Pencil”. You guys are pretty smart, so you’ve probably figured out by now that the pen can be switched from a pen to a pencil with relative ease. I think it’s a cool feature that will prove to be useful for a lot of people. It doesn’t have the same utility as a good multi-pen, since you can’t easily change on the fly. However, it is nice to be able to switch based on your needs for the days ahead. The pricing structure and package deals in the campaign do favor picking up a set of two, so you can have a matching pen and pencil. Ultimately, I think it’s nice to have options, and the way that the pen switches to a pencil provides you with two of them. It’s easy to switch between the two, and the writing instrument performs well in either configuration.

Let’s look at a pen-to-pencil switch:

In order to make the change, you have to do some disassembly. Start by taking apart the pen at the middle and removing the refill and spring. Then, unscrew the top of the knock and remove the click mechanism through the hole in the body. Once you have the body completely clear of pen parts, you can start with the pencil parts. The Schmidt mechanical pencil mechanism is threaded at the tip and actually screws into the grip section. There’s a small brass piece that has to be fed into the top of the body as well. On top of the internal body piece, there’s a spring that needs to be put in place. Finally, thread the top of the knock onto the internal push piece extension. Boom. You’re done.

The process sounds crazy, but it’s pretty simple. All in all, it should take you under a minute to make the swap. 

Feel:

In hand, I enjoy the heft and balance of the pen. The body is smooth, the clip is unobtrusive, and the diameter of the pen is comfortable. I’ve found the nickel-plated finish to be a little bit more slippery than the rest. Onyx black is the most “grippy” of the bunch. The parts all thread together with ease – nothing feels crunchy, grind-y, or otherwise unpleasant. Taking the pen apart and putting it back together is mechanically easy. The 5.4″ length of the pen is reasonable and comfortable. I’d say my hands are of average size, and the pen is comfortable to hold and write with. Personally, I like a little bit of grip on an all metal pen, hence my preference towards the black-coated option.

Pros:

• Versatile pen + pencil in a single body
• Quality machining and feel
• Attractive price

Cons:

• Some finishes are slippery
• Swapping mechanisms can be a cumbersome on the go
• Some may not like plastic internal pieces

Conclusion:

Overall, I’m a big fan of these new pens from Inventery. They look, work, and feel great. To me, this is probably the best of their offerings so far, and that’s helped along by the starting price of these pens. For the first two days of the Indiegogo campaign, they’re a reasonable $42 each, or $72 for a set of two. Now, you may make the argument for a multi-pen like the Zebra Sharbo, but the smaller refills present in that pen make it more fuss than its worth over time. The larger ink capacity, ability to switch to a pencil, and the well-balanced feel of the Inventery make it an excellent addition to your stationery collection. Again, thanks to Jeffrey at Inventery for sending these over to check out!

Pick one up for yourself right here. 

Gallery:

All you have to do to enter is leave ONE comment on this post letting us know what your favorite paper is. If you’re not feeling so creative, please leave any comment at all.

Official Rules:

1. Leave one comment and one comment only on this post. If your comment does not appear right away, it may be in moderation.
2. This giveaway is open worldwide.

Thanks again to Pebble Stationery Co. for providing the notebooks!
Give them a follow on Instagram for new product announcements and great photos. 

Pebble Stationery Co. Pocket Tomoe River Notebook

What is it?

A pocket-sized notebook with a subtle aesthetics, a sewn spine and more sheets than usual of unusually good quality paper. Read on to find out how this notepad’s design translates into real life writing experience.

Specs:

• 4mm Dot Grid paper 52GSM
• Sewn Stitch Bound
• Grey, Linen finished cover
• 140 x 90mm or 3.5 x 5.5”
• 80 Sheets

Notes

Paper quality is probably the most important aspect of a notebook, so let’s start there. The Pebble Stationery Co. Pocket Tomoe River Notebook is, unsurprisingly, full of Tomoe River paper. This wasn’t a big deal to me until I got to try it.

Originally developed in the 1980’s, Tomoe River paper was designed in Japan for commercial catalogs and brochures. Japanese companies needed thin paper to keep brochure weight down, which didn’t sacrifice print quality and didn’t feel cheap in the hands of their customers. Tomoe River paper is an excellent choice for a pocket notebook for the same reasons: it’s lightweight, holds ink well and feels great – whilst still being impossibly thin.

The 52gsm paper makes for a slim and pocketable notebook with over one and a half times more pages than your standard 50-page pocket pad. Writing with fountain pens, gel and ballpoints was smooth with little feathering and minimal bleed-through. Whilst I probably wouldn’t choose my wettest writer for this notebook, it’s pretty much fine for most writing instruments out there. Since Tomoe River is almost as thin as tracing paper, you may have to pay some extra attention to how hard you push with your pen. Indentations may make the other side unusable regardless of bleed.

The cover is pretty sturdy and doesn’t seem to crease easily. Mine was pretty easy to bend back into shape even after a day riding in my back pocket. I did find that for the life of me I couldn’t get it to stay down after use. This might bother you if you like your notepad to lie flat on the desk when closed. The sewn blue binding is a nice alternative to the staples usually found on this size pad and looks like it’ll hold up to the occasional page being torn out.

Aesthetics are on point, with a plain grey linen cover and muted branding. If anything, I think the appearance is a little downplayed. Inside the front and rear covers there’s a section for contact details along with a company statement, explaining how sales go to supporting children in need.

Overall, the Pebble Notebook is a pretty decent choice. The high point is of course the Tomoe River paper, which is perfect for a pocket pad. At $9 for a pack of two, this 80-page notebook is good value. If I could change one thing, it would be something to give it a more premium feel, like having the blue stitching show through the spine. But then again, its subtlety adds to its charm.

The Pocket Tomoe River Notebook doesn’t look like an expensive notebook, but the writing experience it delivers definitely feels like one. It’s essentially a pocket notebook for secret stationery nerds. You can grab one here if you’d like to see for yourself. 

• Review Ink: Iroshizuku Fuyu-Syogun Grey Ink
  
• Review Paper: Exaclair FAF Pad

Specs:

• Description: An ebonite fountain pen from Indian brand, ASA with a custom nib grind.
• Nib: Steel with black coating & broad architect grind
• Filling Mechanism: Cartridge/Converter/Eyedropper
• Weight:
• Measurements: 6.1″ capped, 5.7″ uncapped, ignorantly long posted
• Color Options: A whole bunch.

Writing Example:

Intro/About:

The ASA Pens “Nauka” is a collaboration between the Indian brand ASA and pen professional J.J. Lax Pen Co. It’s a large, black, ebonite pen that’s loaded up with a #6 steel nib. I opted for the fully blacked-out version with a custom architect grind. I had the pleasure of seeing the pen last year at the Long Island Pen Show, and it was a total impulse buy. It’s pretty well documented that I’m a sucker for all things matte black, so it’s no surprise that I ended up leaving with this pen in my pocket. Let’s dig into this interesting pen from a lesser-known brand.

Appearance & Packaging:

ASA’s Nauka is a long, cigar-shaped pen that terminates in pointy ends. The cap is bullet shaped, with a slightly less dramatic point at the end. On the body, there’s a gentle curve from the grip section to the middle of the body, and another curve from there to the pointed end. The cap threads are located just behind the nib. I thought this was an interesting choice. I’ve found that it doesn’t get in the way of writing at all and actually makes a pretty solid barrier between your fingers and the feed – preventing inky fingers.

Along the body, you’ll notice a hairline style finish that adds some texture to the pen. It looks almost like the brushed finish on the Lamy 2000, but a little bit more rough around the edges. The ebonite body is not without its own little imperfections either. There are a few pits, holes, and the occasional splotch of non-black material. I think it gives the pen character. At around $60, I can’t complain too much. Nothing noted put me off from buying the pen. Packaging was non-existent. I purchased the pen at a show and simply threw it in my pocket and off I went.

Nib Performance & Filling System:

Part of what led me to the pen was wanting something with a custom grind on it. I’m a big fan of architect nibs, and that’s what I wanted for this one. We started with a broad steel Jowo nib, and eventually ended up with a smooth, wet writing monster. The cross strokes are bold, and the downstrokes are thin. This grind adds some flair to your handwriting (I really like it with mine). Since I had the pleasure of sitting down and getting the nib ground and tuned specifically for my hand, it’s hard to say how it would perform for others. The nib work from J.J. Lax is excellent, so I’m sure you’ll have a comparable experience should you go that route. Either way, I’ve never had a problem with stock steel Jowo nibs, which is what the pen comes with stock.There are three ways to fill the ASA Nauka. Cartridge, converter, or eyedropper. The ample threading on the grip-to-body transition makes for a secure eyedropper pen. I’ve been using mine with a Schmidt converter, and it works great. The ink flow of the feed and converter keep up with the broad architect grind with no issue. It’s cool to see a pen that’s designed to be completely filled with ink. I’m sure a little bit of silicone sealant on the threads can be applied for peace of mind.

Feel:

In hand, the ASA pens feels great. The ebonite body is lightweight and the larger size of the body makes it comfortable and balanced to hold. As mentioned above, the threads are located at the front of the grip instead of in the transitionary area from grip to body. In my opinion, this is an excellent way of keeping the cap on the pen. Unless you really choke up on the pen when writing, your hands should never touch a rough thread when writing. Now that I think about it, I’ve never really had a problem with threads interfering with my writing experience. If you have, sound off in the comments about what threads have bothered you. I’m curious to know.

Pros:

• Comfortable lightweight body
• Broad architect grind is excellent
• ALL BLACK EVERYTHING

Cons:

• Finish is a little inconsistent
• Some imperfections in the material
• Cap doesn’t post (does not bother me, but this may be a dealbreaker for some)

Conclusion:

Out of all the pens at the 2018 (yes, it took a full year to get a review of this up) Long Island Pen Show, I walked home with this one. That should say something about the pen for sure. The idea of getting a new custom nib grind is what initially drew me in (J.J. Lax sells these at his table) and when I saw a matte black ebonite pen, I was sold. If you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank, the ASA Nauka should definitely be on your list of pens to consider. On ASA’s website, they’ll run you a hair over $60. Thanks for reading! If you have any experience with ASA pens, let me know in the comments below.

Gallery:

Is This Weekend

Just like the title says, the Long Island Pen Show is this weekend. Here’s some general information:

Saturday & Sunday, 16-17 March 2019
Regular Hours: 10am-5pm Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday
Hofstra University
Student Center Multi-purpose Room, Rm. 101

We are located in the Sandra and David S. Mack Student Center, this is building 31 on the printable map also found on the web site. http://www.hofstra.edu If you travel west on Hempstead turnpike from the Meadowbrook Parkway you come to the first of three pedestrian overpasses. Turn right just before the second overpass which runs from the tall library building on the left to the student center on the right towards the north side of the turnpike. The parking lots are just north of the student center. There are always spots in the lots just west of the student center behind the north entrance. A Photo of the building entrance and more directions can be found using the directions link on the left side of this page

Visit their website for more information.

I will be in attendance on Saturday morning, probably close to open. If you see me, feel free to say hello!

So, you’ve decided it’s time to upgrade from that ballpoint or roller-ball and you’re going to make the jump to your first fountain pen. First off, great move! Fountain pens are both a more enjoyable, and a far more personal way to write. Smooth strokes gliding easily over the page can make even jotting down the weekly grocery list fun. The greater control a nib offers can make each word an opportunity to hone your handwriting too. Get the bug and this could even be the start of a fun hobby.

But with the huge amount of choice out there it can be difficult to know where to start your journey. There are plenty of options, and many ways to drop serious dough even before you’re sure ink pens are right for you. In this short guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best options out there that let you dip your nib into those swirling inky waters of endless possibility (without breaking the bank).

Kaweco Perkeo

The Perkeo is a handsome writing instrument with purposeful design and boasts Kaweco’s typically robust construction. The pen’s octagonal anti-roll cap complements the multi-faceted barrel, and a triangular section ensures a comfortable grip that’s great for beginner writers looking to perfect their penmanship. This resin fountain pen comes in a number of color options including a gorgeous Old Chambray, with a muted blue cap and ivory white barrel.

$18 – BUY

Nemosine Singularity

Sleek and minimalist, the Nemonsine Singularity is a stylish entry-level option. Silver bands and elegant nib flourishes round off the pen’s sophisticated aesthetic. A solid clip means you can trust it to stay in your pocket and the screw cap makes it a safe enough option for carry. Worth noting is the Singularity’s range of nib options including one or two not typically found on pens at this price point. Sizes such as EF and 0.6mm stub nibs make it a great and inexpensive way for even experienced fountain pen users to try new setups. Choose from a variety of colored and demonstrator options to suit.

$21 – BUY

MonteVerde Monza

The transparent resin body of this demonstrator fountain pen from Monteverde shows off the internals (perfect for geeks) as well as allowing your ink choice to add a splash of color to the pen. The tapering cigar shape nods towards far more lofty pen brands and is available in a choice of colors as well as a completely clear version. The box it comes in can even be reused as a more than serviceable pen case, making this budget fountain pen great value for money.

$20 – BUY

Platinum Plasir

The Plasir fountain pen punches firmly above its price point in both looks and writing experience. A polished anodized aluminum body and cap give heft without weight and can be selected in a variety of colors to suit. Platinum’s innovative “Slip & Seal” lid design, a feature found on many of their far pricier models, allows the Plasir to be left inked and capped for a year before the nib will dry out. Perfect for Sunday writers.

$10 – BUY

TWSBI Go Fountain Pen

The only piston filling fountain pen in this lineup, the TWSBI Go lets you fill up from bottled ink, which is generally less expensive than ink cartridges and available in far more colors and shades. Ink remaining is easy to see through the Go’s transparent body. Unlike the twist action usually found on piston fillers, this pen uses a spring-loaded plunger for easy filling and flushing, making it a great option for those looking to try out different inks. Whilst this compact pen doesn’t feature a clip, there is an attachment hole for a lanyard for secure carry.

$21 – BUY

Pilot Kakuno

This entry is certainly one of the more playful designs in this guide. Aimed at younger fountain pen users, the nib’s friendly face indicates which way to hold the pen. But beyond the jovial appearance, the Kakuno is actually a very well designed pen. The triangular grip makes it easy to get your grip just right, and indentations in the hexagonal lid make uncapping the pen a breeze. Take note, there’s no pocket clip but the Kakuno still feels highly portable. The standout feature is the nib, which performs on par with some of Pilot’s highly regarded (and pricier) offerings – ensuring a great writing experience regardless of whether or not this is your first fountain pen.

$12 – BUY

Jinhao X750

At the questionably low price of $5, you’d be forgiven for wondering how much of a quality writing experience the X750 could deliver. However, the pen’s metal construction feels considerably more sturdy than resin pens, and the large nib with its elegant flourish makes this writing instrument look far from cheap. Although the wet writing steel nib is only available in one size (Medium) it can be easily swapped with any other #6 nib to meet your preference. Jinhao’s X750 is offered in a variety finishes, and at this price why not grab a few!

$5 – BUY

There you have it, our favorite beginner fountain pens for 2019 – all clocking in under $25. While $25 for a pen might seem like a lot of money to a newcomer, you’re buying something that could, in theory, last you the rest of your life. You know, until the addiction hits and one turns to 5, then 10, then 20…

Do you have a favorite affordable fountain pen? If so, let us know in the comments below!

Just a heads up, BigiDesign and I are doing a giveaway on Instagram for one of three TiClick EDC pens. This sleek, grade-5 titanium writing tool can accept over 100 different refills without modification. The auto-adjusting collet inside the grip tightly holds onto the refill, ensuring that there’s no wiggle in the refill tip. BigiDesign also added their very own custom machined, solid metal click mechanism and a sturdy pocket clip. The result is the perfect, pocket-friendly pen for all of your everyday writing needs.

For your chance at winning one, head over to this Instagram post and read the rules. 

Keep an eye out for more giveaways and reviews, coming soon!

New Sponsor: Goldspot Pens!

Big thanks to Goldspot Pens for sponsoring edjelley.com! Goldspot is no stranger to the game, as they offer tons of the best brands of fine writing instruments the world has to offer. In addition to a wide selection of fountain pens, rollerballs, and ballpoints, they have an excellent online magazine that informs you about the latest products and how to use them. Shipping on orders over $75 (in the USA) is free.

Click here to shop at Goldspot!

Courtesy of Goldspot Pens

Today, we’re going to be giving away a Pilot Explorer Fountain Pen ($24 value) in metallic gray with a medium nib to one lucky reader! All you have to do to enter is leave ONE comment on this post stating one thing you’d like to see a review of in 2019. If you’re not feeling so creative, please leave any comment at all.

Official Rules:

1. This giveaway only includes shipping to the United States. Should the winner be located outside the US, they’ll be responsible for shipping costs.
2. Leave one comment and one comment only. If your comment does not appear right away, it may be in moderation.

Thanks again to Goldspot for sending over a giveaway sample!

Giveaway has ended and the winner contacted, thanks all for entering and to Goldspot for supplying the prize!

Kunisawa Pocket Find
Notebook Review

This is a review by contributor Tim Pockett. Tim is an EDC and stationery enthusiast from the South West U.K. with a background in copywriting. You can follow his Instagram account here for some awesome pen, paper, watch, and EDC shots. To read more reviews by Tim, click his author page next to the little pencil icon above.

What is it?

The Kunisawa Find Pocket Note is a compact notebook with a premium construction and stylish, but classic aesthetics. Read on to find out what elevates this pocket pad far above the usual office supplies.

Specs:

• 5mm or 2.5mm Grid paper around 80GSM
• Spiral Binding
• Chipboard cover
• 145 x 90mm or 5.7×3.5″
• 50 Sheets

Notes: 

This sturdy little spiral notebook has a chipboard cover that’s stiff enough to let you write whilst standing. The robust wire binding leaves me with no concerns about carrying this pad in a pocket or loose in a bag. Offered in a choice of three colors, the ‘Blue Mist’ I received goes tastefully with the copper logo and copper-colored spiral bindings. Flip the cover and you’re greeted with Kunisawa’s “i do not seek, i find.” motto, which gains added impact by the absence of other text or distractions.

The Find Pocket’s paper is a creamy off-white that is very easy on the eyes and works well with the pad’s aesthetics. Grid rulings in either 5mm or 2.5mm squares are the only options, so fans of lined or plain may be turned off. Kunisawa list the paper as “Foolscap” which actually relates to a particular size (about twice as big as the Find Pocket Note) so there may be some confusion at their end. The paper feels like 80 GSM to me – I couldn’t find the actual paper weight listed anywhere, so if anyone knows please comment below!  On the topic of size, Kunisawa’s Find Pocket Note is part of a collection of different notepads ranging from memo to A5 and each have the same paper which their website states is “created specifically for writing” (as opposed to printing). 

When it came to testing the note pad out, I found the pages to be smooth and absorbent with various inks drying pretty quickly. I didn’t get any feathering when writing with my fine nib Karas Kustoms fountain pen and show-through was almost non-existent. I got a bit of feedback through the nib, which I don’t get from my Rhodia or Field Notes pads – and to me this paper definitely feels a little nicer. Gel pens and ball points worked fine as well, so this pad should be suitable for a wide variety of writing instruments.

So who are Kunisawa?  I hadn’t heard of them before receiving this notepad, and if you haven’t either it may be because they’re a relatively recent entry into the stationery market. Launched in 2017 by Kawachya, a paper company firmly rooted in printing and the creative industries, the Kunisawa logo debossed on the front of the pad is actually a depiction of the mythical Japanese “Yatagarasu” – celebrated in Japanese history as the ‘God of Guidance’ with the three legs symbolizing “heaven, Earth and humanity”. I know this is just branding but I like the depth the story adds, firmly linking this notepad with Japanese culture and history.

Going on my first experience of Kunisawa products, I’m impressed. Having recently picked up a Mnemosyne notebook and Hobinichi Techo, I’ve definitely got the bug for Japanese stationery and its possible I’m a little biased. But whichever way you look at it, the Kunisawa Pocket Find is definitely a premium notebook. Thoughtful aesthetics and minimal branding make it a nice alternative to the sea of other pocket notepads out there, and its subtle styling is perfect for office use.

At $6-7 they feel priced just about right for the quality feel and decent paper, and the robust construction should see the pad right the way through it’s 50 pages. Kunisawa may be the new kid on the block, but the Find Pocket Note definitely holds its own against the competition thanks to its smart looks, uncluttered design and sturdy build. You can pick one up for yourself right here. 

The ēnsso ESCALA on Kickstarter. 

– Handwritten Review –

• Review Ink: Included black Pilot cartridge
  
• Review Paper: Bull & Stash notebook

Specs:

• Description: An affordable entry into the Pilot line of fountain pens, made to celebrate their 100th anniversary.
• Nib: Medium, steel
• Filling Mechanism: Cartridge/Converter (not included)
• Weight: 11 grams
• Measurements: 5.5″ capped, 6.5″ posted
• Color Options: Blue, Red, Green, Light Blue, Grey, and Pink

Handwritten Review Scans:

Intro/About:

The Explorer is one of Pilot’s newest offerings in the world of entry-level fountain pens. It’s a metallic plastic pen. Everything except for the steel nib is plastic. The pen is very much plastic. To be honest, I’m having a hard time with this one, especially when put up against their more affordable Metropolitan. That’s not to say it’s bad, it’s just in competition directly with another pen that Pilot makes and that’s the only thing that makes it hard to recommend. Either way, let’s take a closer look at the Explorer and what sets it apart from the pack.

This pen was sent over for consideration by Goldspot Pens. Guess what? We’re giving one away too! Keep an eye out for a separate post for giveaway rules and instructions on how to enter very shortly. Should you not want to wait, you can snag a Pilot Explorer from Goldspot for a hair under $24.

Appearance & Packaging:

The metallic plastic on the Explorer is quite nice. Out of the available colors, the grey spoke to me the most (huge surprise). There’s some nice depth and shine to the material, and I think it comes through nicely in photos and in person. The main decoration on the pen is in the form of matte black plastic ridges with shiny spots showing through in between. You can see this on the tail of the pen body and top of the cap. There’s also similar ridges on the other end of the cap where it meets the body of the pen. They look pretty cool and add some visual flair to an otherwise straightforward pen. Another interesting design element is the multi-layered cap. There’s a circular window in line with the Pilot logo that adds some depth and visual intrigue to the pen. It doesn’t serve a purpose other than looking cool, and to me that’s totally fine. Supporting the steel nib, you’ll find a clear plastic smoky grey grip section with a slight flare near the nib to prevent inky fingers.

Packaging of the Explorer doesn’t make much sense to me. It feels too nice for the pen. There’s an outer cardboard box that holds a pill-shaped plastic clamshell case with a foam insert. The pen is presented nicely, and I think a little bit too much so for the pen. I know it’s probably super cheap for Pilot to use a case like this when ordering thousands of them, but I would forego fancy packaging and reinvest that money into improving the pen. A more durable metal clip would make a huge difference.

Nib Performance & Filling System:

Pilot nibs (steel included) are usually pretty darn good. The medium nib on my review example is no exception. It lays down a nice line, perhaps a bit on the thinner side for a medium. There’s not much else to say, other than it just plain works. If you’re looking for an entry-level fountain pen that’ll start right up and give you a pleasant writing experience, it’s hard to go wrong with a Pilot.

Inside the box, you’ll find a black ink cartridge. There’s no included converter, but you can use one with the pen. Pilot uses proprietary converters to fit their feeds, so keep that in mind should you want to use your own bottled ink. A CON-40 should do the trick, but it does add another seven bucks onto the price of the pen.

Feel:

Being made entirely of plastic without the added weight of an inked up converter inside, the Explorer is very light. Weighing in at a scant 11 grams, it’s barely noticeable in hand. For reference, a Lamy Safari weighs 17 grams, a Pilot Metropolitan weighs 26 grams, and the Lamy 2000 weighs 25g (a pen I consider to be a great balance of heft, comfort, and feel). If you prefer a lightweight pen, the Explorer is a great option. Personally, I think the lighter weight paired with the plastic construction makes the Explorer feel a bit cheap. Posting the cap while writing adds some significant length to the pen which can be a bit unwieldy. If you shed the cap, then the weight of the body alone is down to a feather-light 6 grams. For me, it’s too light. My preference is for something with a bit more heft and a solid feel. The Explorer is not that pen for me. Those with arthritis or carpal tunnel may appreciate the weight when it’s hard to write with something heavy for long periods of time.

Pros:

• Metallic plastic looks great
• Smooth Pilot nib

Cons:

• Plastic body feels cheap in hand
• Questionable durability, especially the plastic clip
• Fierce competition in the lower end price bracket
• Box feels nicer than the pen

Conclusion:

I just don’t know about the Pilot Explorer. There are sure to be some people out there who will like the pen, but I don’t think I’m one of them. For $10 less, you can get the excellent Pilot Metropolitan with a metal body, same nib, and slightly more classic styling. I’d recommend starting there over the Explorer.  The name and back story also bother me a bit too. There’s nothing particularly adventurous, durable, or inspiring about the Explorer – something that it should be with such a name. This was one of the pens released for Pilot’s 100th anniversary, and I think I expected more from such a solid brand in the fountain pen world. I love my Metro, Vanishing Point, and 823 so it’s a bit of a let down to see something that had some fanfare leading up to it be so mediocre. Again, this is all personal opinion. Some people will like the pen for things that I see as a shortcoming. If the price was $10 instead of $25-$30, I think my review would be much different. Thank you for reading, and thanks again to Goldspot for sending the pen over to check out.

Disclaimer: This pen was sent for review and giveaway purposes, free of charge. Please do your due diligence when ordering something based on someone else’s recommendations. 

Gallery:

This is another review by contributor Dave Hassar. Dave is a product photographer by day, sci-fi, and fountain pen nerd by night. You can follow his Instagram account here for some excellent fountain pen, paper, food, and commercial photography shots. To read more reviews by Dave, click his author page next to the little pencil icon above!

Pen: Franklin Christoph Model 65 – Fine S.I.G. Nib
Ink: Krishna Moonview
Paper: Rhodia, Code & Quill, Tomoe River

Review:

Last incowrimo truly introduced me to world of sheening inks. Until then I had heard about them but never ventured into that world myself. I had no idea one colour of ink could do so many things! When I first heard about Moonview earlier this year and saw some images I thought I would try it myself, and given it runs under $10 for a bottle, it was an easy decision to make.

Moonview is part of Krishna’s RC line of inks which is their high sheen line. The 20mL glass bottle comes in a plain cardboard box, which for me is perfectly fine, especially considering the price. A deeply saturated blue ink Moonview often looks completely pink due to how much it sheens. The blue is so deep, a night sky or twilight blue, it often looks black when it comes out of the nib. Flow is quite wet however the ink does tend to dry in the nib after a surprisingly short time, so you really need to keep capping and un-capping your pen to prevent hard starts. That, or never stop writing! I had the cap of my pen sneak open a few times which then requires a bit of scribbling to get writing again. Not the end of the world, but you probably won’t want to put this in anything that doesn’t have a solid seal or cap. I love showing off this ink to people who are new, or even not into pens and ink, as it makes such an impact on the viewer. One thing to note with this ink and others I’ve seen in this super sheeny world is they tend to smudge, even weeks later, with any amount of moisture. I’ve finished reading letters and wondered how the heck I got blue on my hands, only to realize half of the letter has come along for a ride. Krishna’s Moonview performs only slightly better in this area .

Let’s talk sheen, as this is probably the main reason you are considering this ink. Colour wise, the sheen is pink, and on Tomoe River the pink is the dominant colour that comes across when reading. Feeds become very pretty to look at with a fair bit of pink hanging on there as well. My daily paper at work is fairly absorbent, and even it shows off the pink sheen, which almost no other ink I use can do. Moonview also dries fairly quickly to reveal the sheen, so you don’t have to wait too long to see the final result. I’m still blown away by how much and how readily this ink sheens.
Being such a saturated ink, cleaning can be a little tricky, although nothing too awful. You may need to accelerate your cleaning schedule with this ink, as sitting seems to really let the colour sink in. I had some staining in an eyedropper pen, where the top of the ink level was, as well as a couple of cap threads, but I also had it in the pen for close to two months by that time. It was a pebbled interior so lots of nooks and crannies for the ink to get into. Converters also take a bit more effort to get the colour off of, but they are generally pretty easy to get at.

Pros:

– Deeply saturated ink
– Incredible amounts of sheen, even on surprising papers
– Very affordable price-point

Cons:

– Stubborn to clean
– Will almost always smudge, no matter how long it has dried
– Short bottle, may be tricky to fill some pens

Conclusion:

If you are new to sheening inks, or looking for a beautiful, deeply saturated blue, I think Krishna Moonview is a great place to start your search. The ink is quite wet, and cleans up relatively easily. Do keep in mind that it will almost always smudge with any amount of moisture, so long term or important writing may not be the best use case. For letters or quick notes I love this ink for it’s ability to add something special on almost any paper.

Gallery:

First thing’s first, there are only 3 days left in this campaign as of today (December 5th) – so when you’re done reading this, run, don’t walk, over to the Kickstarter campaign if you want to pick up one of these pens. Modern Fuel is a company that makes premium writing instruments from the ground up. His popular Minimal Pencil and Pencil 2.0 are great writing utensils, and the pen is a great pairing to round out the set. I was sent a prototype to check out, so some of the design/functions are not final.

Updated Purchase link: www.modernfuel.com

Full disclosure: Andrew hired me to do the photos for his Kickstarter campaign. The ones you see here are for my own site’s personal use. I was not monetarily compensated for this review, but was for the photos in his campaign. 

On the outside, the pen looks about as simple as it can get.  A smooth, slim body is given a pleasant heft from the stainless steel that it’s made from. The pen is slimmer than my preference, but I don’t find it to be uncomfortable when writing. Each Modern Fuel pen is made 100% in the USA and from 100% metal – there’s not a single plastic part on the pen. The finishing is excellent too. To replace the refill, you have to unscrew the bottom of the pen. It’s so hard to find the break in the metal (super tight tolerances and excellent threading) that you’ll be surprised when and where the pen comes apart.

Andrew at Modern Fuel designed his own mechanical pencil movement for his pencil, and he went the same route with the pen. The click mechanism is custom-designed specifically for this pen. My prototype still needed a little bit of refining, as the click is hit-or-miss when catching the refill. The result is a bit of a “misfire” (for lack of a better word) – a click with no extension of the refill. The final version shouldn’t see this issue, but it’s worth mentioning. I do wish that the refill’s tip extended just a little bit more past the tip of the pen. Other than that, it’s hard to find something wrong or amiss in the Modern Fuel Pen.

Like his pencils, the Pen is available in four different materials. They are as follows:

• Titanium: Very light weight, well-balanced, and easy to carry.
• Phosphorus Bronze: Unique reddish brass color with an impressive hefty presence.
• Tellurium Copper: Rich orange hue, nice heft.
• Stainless Steel: Hefty, sturdy, and solid feeling.

On the Kickstarter page, you’ll find a list of compatible refills that work with the pen. There are plenty of good options on the list, so you’re sure to find one you like. Modern Fuel’s take on the buy-it-for-life pen starts at $110 for the stainless steel, copper, or bronze models and goes up to $180 for the titanium model. Again, there are only a few days left in the campaign, so head over there should you want to add one to your collection.

Buy the Modern Fuel Minimal Pen

Gallery:

Lamy 2000 Fountain Pen – Medium Nib

I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it again. The Lamy 2000 is my favorite fountain pen. Modern, yet timeless design paired with the large ink reservoir, and durable materials make for an excellent pen. I’ve had this one for 5 1/2 years and it hasn’t let me down yet. Worth noting, I did get the medium nib tuned by Richard Binder. It writes a nice and wet medium line that’s silky smooth with a rather large sweet spot. It remains my favorite pen after reviewing and handling hundreds of others. It’s hard to mess with this classic!

BUY – $164 at Amazon

Hobonichi Techo Planner

This is my second Hobonichi Techo. I’ve never really been much for journaling until I decided to give one of these a try back in 2017. The A6 sized book is printed on smooth, fountain pen-friendly Tomoe River Paper. While it looks thin, the paper holds up to fountain pen, marker, ballpoint, and rollerball ink surprisingly well. There’s a page for each day of the year with a grid layout. On the bottom of each page, you’ll find a quote of the day too – a nice little touch. I’ll spend a few minutes each morning filling out what I did the day before. While this year I had a few months of slacking off, it’s cool to flip back and see what I did on any given day. I like the smaller A6 format enough to snag one every year. If you’re thinking about picking one up, I’d move fast. In previous years, they’ve sold out. Now’s a great time to make the switch…

BUY – $37 at Amazon

One Star Leather Goods A6 Hobonichi Notebook Cover

If you’re going to be using the same notebook every day for an entire year, you better protect that thing. The A6 Hobonichi Cover from One Star Leather goods is now in its second year of protecting my daily journal. Crafted from premium Horween / Herman Oak leather, this journal cover is truly buy-it-for-life. Keegan over at One Star is a master of his craft, making each cover to order. You can pick which leather you want (inside and out) as well as the color of stitching.  There are add-on options for bookmarks, pen loops, card pockets, and much more. As you can see, the leather has taken on some nice character over the past two years, but still has PLENTY of life left in it. At the time of publishing, One Star is running a sale on their entire store. At a hair over $55, this cover is an incredible value.

BUY – $55.25 (SALE) at One Star Leather Goods

Kunisawa Find Ring Notebook 

Prior to this year, I haven’t heard of Kunisawa. This Japanese stationery brand makes some really nice looking notebooks. For the past few months the “FIND” Ring Notebook has been living on my desk at work. The solid twin ring binding, rigid cover, and copper edged pages result in a classy notebook that’s as perfect for quick notes as it is in a meeting. The off-white pages feature a grid ruling and play nice with a variety of pens. If you’re looking for something outside of the now-standard Rhodia or Mnemosine, the Kunisawa line is definitely worth your attention.

BUY – ~$14 at Kunisawa

Robert Oster Fire and Ice Fountain Pen Ink

I have only regularly used two fountain pen inks this year. Nope, I’m not kidding. Diamine’s Gray and the wonderful shade of dark teal that is Robert Oster’s “Fire and Ice”. Robert Oster’s nature-inspired inks are made in small batches in Australia. While it’s not the most budget-friendly ink out there at $17 for 50ml, it’s a stunner. The ink plays nice in all of the pens I’ve used it with, but really shines in the wet medium Lamy 2000 I spoke so highly of in the passage above. If blue is your favorite ink color, then this is a must-have.

BUY – $17 at Goldspot Pens

Tactile Turn Pencil in Green Anodized Aluminum

Yup, a pencil made the list. While I don’t typically reach for these graphite-laden writing utensils, the extremely sturdy Tactile Turn Pencil  has changed my mind a bit. If you’re familiar with Will Hodges’ pens, you’ll recognize the signature grooved pattern that runs the length of the pen and his rock-solid stainless steel clips. This bolt-action pencil features a reliable internal mechanism from Schmidt that’s available in 0.5mm or 0.7mm. After a successful Kickstarter project, these pencils are now available to purchase with immediate shipping. Will is also running a Black Friday deal that will save you 20% with the code “BLACKFRIDAY”. Each pencil is made in the USA by Tactile Turn in their Texas-based workshop.

BUY – from $69 at Tactile Turn (enter code “BLACKFRIDAY” for 20% off your order)

Apple Airpods

I have to admit, I was one of those people that thought these were the stupidest thing ever when they came out. Boy, was I wrong. I’ve been a lifelong fan of the silicone tipped style of earbuds, but the AirPods changed my mind. Why? They just simply work. There’s no fussing. Take them out of the case, pop em in, and they’re ready to go. Even though they look like they’d fall out, I have yet to have it happen to me. Again, I didn’t think they’d be so good for working out, but whether I’m in the boxing gym, or on the treadmill, they simply stay put. While the sound quality isn’t by any means audiophile grade, they can hold their own for a wide range of music. The little features like automatically pausing the music when you take one out, customizable double-tap gestures, and the ability to use on phone calls make them one of my daily essentials.

BUY – $159 at Apple

Apple Watch Series 4 w/ LTE in Space Gray, 44mm

I wrote an article a few years back about switching from a mechanical watch to the Apple Watch. Since then, I’ve switched back to mechanical (taking somewhat of a deep dive into the world of watches) and haven’t looked back. The first generation of Apple Watch just wasn’t reliable and it was slow. Something that’s supposed to make your day easier should be easy to interact with and the first version wasn’t. In my opinion, Apple hit it out of the park with the new Series 4. The case is sleeker, despite the screen being larger. The activity and workout tracking features have been greatly improved, and as a guy with a heart problem, I’m intrigued by the upcoming ECG feature. I opted for the cellular version so I could leave my phone at home while running out. After a decade of carrying a phone it was a weird, yet liberating feeling to leave my phone behind. Today, I’m more in tune with the amount of screen time I’m spending, and the Apple Watch allows me to leave my phone across the room and customize notifications to only deliver what I deem important directly to my wrist. The hardware and software are both excellent. While I’m absolutely in love with my Omega Speedmaster, there’s something so cool and tech-y about looking down at my wrist and seeing the weather, sunset time, and whether or not I’ve moved enough throughout the day. Between the AirPods and the Watch, I’ve been spending less time on my phone, and man it feels good.

BUY – from $529 at Amazon

There you have it! This is my favorite stuff from the past year. Is there anything you’ve been carrying, new or old, that’s stood out to you? Let me know in the comments below!

This post contains some affiliate links. Should you purchase an item through one of the links, a small portion of the sale goes to edjelley.com. This doesn’t make anything more expensive for you, it’s just like a small finder’s fee for me that is put towards new stuff to review and general website maintenance costs. 

Specs:

Description: A lightweight, easy carry pen for the die-hard minimalist
Filling Mechanism: Hi-Tec C Coleto gel ink cartridge
Weight: 10g
Measurements: 13cm (5 1/8″) Width: 5.3mm (7/32″)
Color Options: Raw Polished Aluminium, Space Grey, Red, Blue, Gold, Rose Gold, Black. Available for purchase from Ensso here.

Review Paper: Mnemosyne A5 80gsm notebook

Notes

I’ve mentioned minimalism in pen design in my previous reviews, but the Ensso Uno makes me feel as though I’ve misused the word. At just 10g and 5.3mm thick on the most part  – there’s almost nothing to it.

Every aspect of the Uno pen has been reduced to the essentials. The barrel for example is so narrow it is eclipsed by even the refill of standard sized pens, such as a Pilot G2. There isn’t a milligram of unnecessary bulk. The Uno is quite literally the bare minimum a pen can be.

Resembling a thin metal rod with a wider, tube-like end, it looks more like the missing component from the shiny internals of some precision machine, than a writing instrument.

Twist the wide section several times and suddenly you’ve got something that looks more like a pen. This wider tube is actually a hood that protects the writing tip like a cap would. But rather than unscrewing completely off the pen, the hood rotates backwards down the pen body to reveal the nib, locking up on a second set of threads approximately 1.5 cm later. Here it becomes a section to grip the pen’s extremely narrow barrel.

I’ve never found thin metal pens particularly comfortable in my large hands. Yet despite the Uno’s super slim proportions, it actually writes pretty well. The 3.9cm long grip is the only part of the pen that needs to be thick enough to hold. With no weight behind the pen and the slender body working as just a guide to keep it in place, I thought I would need to push harder, but the gel refill required no extra pressure to write with.

Part of the Uno’s writing experience is of course down to Ensso’s choice of the Hi-Tec C Coleto gel ink cartridge. This refill is common in multi-pens and is sized accordingly – and it’s scaled down dimensions facilitate the Uno’s own extremely slender proportions, which are designed around this refill. I found the Coleto a bit scratchy, but once I’d accustomed to it and started writing a little smaller, I found it fine for quick notes and jotting.

The gel ink cartridge is loaded through the back of the pen, once you’ve unscrewed the rear with a flat head screwdriver. This screw is actually a metal rod that holds the cartridge in place, which if you’re not carrying a driver might be tricky to switch on the fly.

I’m not usually that concerned with packaging, but the robust, rubber capped Perspex tube that contained the Uno was definitely a change from the usual box or wrapper. It doesn’t feel disposable and I’ve actually been using it to transport the pen, which I presume is its intended purpose given the Uno has no pocket clip. Once you get over the irony of how much mass it adds to the Uno’s ultra-slim proportions, this sturdy tube actually makes for a great single pen case.

Overall, I’m a fan of the Uno. The pen feels like a great option for those looking for an unobtrusive pen that’ll still provide a gel-smooth writing experience (if not quite as smooth as a full size gel writer). The cap/grip section is well thought through, killing two birds with one stone by keeping the overall proportions tight whilst negating the need for a separate lid or bulky spring-loaded retraction mechanism. The only improvement I’d like to see on a future version is maybe a few less rotations to retract and extend the hood/grip.

The finish on the raw aluminium Uno feels decent enough and definitely doesn’t look cheap. Ensso also do some stylish anodized versions with a pretty high-end looking Space Grey option. There is also a titanium version for those who appreciate a little more weight, but aluminium is the way forward if you’re looking for the featherweight option.

Pros:

• Very unobtrusive thanks to its slender proportions and featherweight build
• Innovative design that cleverly combines cap and grip
• Good finish that doesn’t feel cheap

Cons:

• You’ll need a screwdriver to access the refill
• No clip limits carry options
• The hood/grip section could have a few less twists to retract and extend

Reviewing the Uno was definitely an eye opener. Ensso’s restraint to keep firmly to the Spartan parameters of the pen’s design prioritizes the fundamental and banishes the superfluous. It feels to me like the Uno is an experiment into what the very minimum a pen can be whilst still being comfortable to use. And if it is an experiment – it’s a successful one.

Thanks to Ensso for sending the Minimalist Pen over for review. If you head over to their site, you can check out their full lineup of writing instruments. There’s usually an email sign up on the site that’s good for 15% off your order, so be on the lookout!

• Review Ink: Robert Oster Fire and Ice, Tekker Inks Burnt Umber
  
• Review Paper: Rhodia ICE Pad, Bull and Stash Leather Notebook shown

Specs:

• Description: The return of a vintage favorite, updated for modern times. It retains the ability to use vintage nibs.
• Nib:Steel medium, vintage steel fine stub
• Filling Mechanism: Cartridge/Converter – included
• Weight: 24g overall
• Measurements: 5.9″ closed, 5″ open, 6.7″ posted
• Color Options: Tortoise, Black, Blue Acrylic with gold or silver trim
• Price: $156 base, $40 for MV Vintage Nib adapter (Available from Pen Chalet, Goldspot Pens)

Intro/About:

Esterbrook got their start back in 1858. They were one of the first and largest American manufacturers of dip pens. After half a century in the dip and fountain pen business, they achieved the feat of producing 216,000,000 pens a year (holy moly). After a decline in demand, a sell off and restructuring in the late 60s / early 70s, and an eventual shut down in 1971, Esterbrook was no more. That is until now. The Esterbrook brand was purchased and revived by Kenro Industries in 2018, and those are the pens we’ll be looking at today. The Esterbrook name is still widely respected (and collected) by fountain pen enthusiasts. They’re known for their affordable pens and wide range of vintage nibs. Since the production numbers were so high, pens and nibs are still easy to find both online and with vintage dealers. 2018’s Esterbrook is a mix of new and old. Classic vintage styling, a few modern features, and the ability to use vintage nibs from Esterbrook’s massive vintage back catalog all result in an excellent fountain pen that bridges the gap between modern and vintage. Let’s take a closer look at the new Esterbrook “Estie” from Kenro Industries!

Appearance & Packaging:

The Estie is a rather long, cigar-shaped pen that’s crafted from acrylic. Upon taking it out of the box, you’ll notice the high polish shine and depth of the material. Out of the three color offerings (each available with gold or silver trim), the one that spoke to me most was the tortoise shell acrylic, followed closely by the cobalt, and then the ebony. Acrylic is an excellent material for pens, as a matter of fact, it’s one of my favorites. There’s a certain shine, smoothness, and depth to the material that’s only obtainable with acrylic. The Estie sports a long cap, which is just under half the length of the pen. I particularly liked the way the clip is attached to the pen. Instead of having a break in the material, Esterbrook anchored the clip internally. It’s a small detail, but it adds to the seamless look of the pen. There’s minimal branding on the pen, just a simple engraving on the cap that says “Esterbrook” in either gold or silver. When you open the pen, you’ll find a thin metal band between the body and the section just above the threads. It’s a rather plain looking pen in terms of size and shape, but the attention to detail and stunning acrylic patterns add a nice level of visual flair. The packing is rather unremarkable. It’s a folding red fabric box that has a padded board inside. There’s an elastic loop on the board that holds the pen in place during transit. I don’t mind that the packaging is lacking frills, because it seems rather wasteful to box up something all pretty, only to stick it in a drawer or on a shelf never to be seen again. I always think of the packing as though I were receiving or giving it as a gift. Is it giftable? Yes. I would be happy to either give or receive a pen of this value in this box.

Nib Performance & Filling System:

One of the most interesting things about the Estie is that it has the ability to use vintage Esterbrook nibs. Esterbrook is known for their massive catalog of steel nibs. You can find everything from firm fines, soft flexible nibs, stubs, broads, italics, and so on. Anderson Pens offers several pages of vintage nibs at reasonable prices should you be looking to trick out your new pen. We’ll talk more about that in a little bit. First, let’s cover the stock nib that comes with the pen.

Included with the Estie is a Jowo #6 nib. Mine is a medium, and it writes as such. There’s nothing super remarkable about the writing experience. I find it to be firmly in the middle of the road in terms of flow, and nice and smooth right out of the box. You won’t find too much decoration on the nib, as it’s made by a third-party manufacturer. Esterbrook has opted to laser-engrave the surface of the nib with their script logo and original founding date. I don’t love laser-engraved nibs, especially at this price point. Some people won’t be bothered by it, but it is worth noting. While it’s not something that directly affects the performance of the nib, to me it tends to make a pen look more generic.

Now, onto the interesting part. Vintage nibs in a modern pen with a seamless experience. The Esterbrook can be purchased with an optional “MV Kit” that includes a new grip section and converter. To use it, simply screw in the vintage nib of your choosing, and get writing. It’s that easy. The flow and performance of the fine stub that I tested out was just as it should be. The new grip section works great with the vintage nibs. It makes this an extremely versatile pen and adds a whole new level of fun and enjoyment for me.

Overall, the stock option writes well for a steel nib. If you really want to have some fun, pick up a few vintage nibs and the optional kit.

Feel:

In hand, the Estie feels nice. It’s a medium-large cigar-shaped pen that’s crafted from acrylic. The material itself warms to your hand, providing a comfortable writing experience. Longer writing sessions shouldn’t prove to be a problem, as the grip is quite comfortable and gently tapers at the end to give your fingers a well-defined place to rest. The mass of the pen is split pretty evenly between the cap and the body, which is a little surprising. This is due to the internal seal off mechanism inside the cap combined with the cap’s rather large size. As a result, I prefer to write with the cap unposted. The balance and size are better that way for my hand. Those with huge hands will appreciate that the cap can post. Overall, the construction of the pen is solid. The acrylic is polished to a glossy shine, the threads on the cap and body are nice and smooth, and the clip is cleanly attached with no play in any direction. No complaints from me here!

Pros:

• Acrylic materials are awesome to look at
• Vintage nibs are easy to use with MV adapter
• Nice length and balance when writing with the cap unposted

Cons:

• Classic American brand pen is no longer made in America
• Engraving on nib is a little disappointing, given the price of the pen
• In a perfect world, the MV adapter would be included, not a $40 add-on

Conclusion:

The thing that excites me most about the Esterbrook Estie is that they’re trying something new. The ability to buy from Esterbrook’s massive catalog of vintage nibs is a fun, playful, interesting, and useful feature of the pen. I don’t really have a personal connection to the brand (like many out there do), so this was my first real experience with Esterbrook. If the pen didn’t make use of the vintage nibs, I don’t think I would have enjoyed the pen as much. There’s nothing super remarkable (don’t get me wrong, it’s a solid pen), but the extra attention to detail and nod to the past is what elevates this pen above the rest.

Huge thanks to Cary and the rest of the Kenro team for sending the pen over for review. Keep your eyes open in the very near future for a GIVEAWAY of this pen!

Gallery:

What is it?

The Penwell Traveler is a unique little desk accessory from Good Made Better – a small US-based shop ran by a gentleman named Dan. This is a different type of pen stand that keeps your pen at the ready in the writing position. It holds tightly onto the cap, allowing you to quickly (and in most cases with one hand) remove the pen and get writing. It essentially converter your regular everyday fountain pen into a desk pen.

Where can I get one?

The Penwell Traveler is now funding on Kickstarter. You can grab one here in a raw aluminum, Snow White, or Cerakote Storm Gray finish. Pledges start at $37 for the basic aluminum model and go up from there. At time of writing, there are a limited number of white models left and the gray is sold out. Good Made Better has smashed their funding goal by over $10,000!

Pick one up at this link!

What’s the deal with it?

Dan’s last product (which can be seen on his website) had a much more vintage vibe to it. This new model definitely brings things into the modern/minimal design territory and does so quite well. The idea of turning your favorite fountain pen into a desk pen is interesting. At first, I wasn’t so sure about it, but one of his older inkwell-inspired models has been sitting in use on my desk for the better part of a year and it has me firmly convinced that this is a necessary desk accessory. The functionality is simple. This little pivoting pen holder tightly squeezes the cap while sticking to the desk with a sticky “micro suction” pad that doesn’t leave behind any residue.The suction pad anchors the Penwell firmly to a surface of your choosing. The flatter and smoother the surface, the better it works. If it picks up some lint (it will), simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and the micro suction tape works as new. This new model pivots to your preferred angle and folds flat for easy transport. Design and construction are both solid – there’s no play in the pieces and the corners and cuts are all neat and tidy. There’s not a ton more to say about this product, other than it just simply works. Pop your favorite pen in, and forget about it- it’s always at the ready on your desk.

Again, you can pick up the Penwell Traveler right here, but hurry up. There are only ten days left in the campaign and a limit on some of the reward options!

Gallery:

This is another review by new contributor Tim Pockett. Tim is an EDC and stationery enthusiast from the South West U.K. with a background in copywriting. You can follow his Instagram account here for some awesome pen, paper, watch, and EDC shots. To read more reviews by Tim, click his author page next to the little pencil icon above.

Review Ink: Kaweco Pearl Black
Review Paper: Rhodia 90 gsm

Specs:

Description: Extraordinarily compact, easy carry pocket fountain pen.
Nib: Stainless Steel #4 Bock nib, Fine
Filling Mechanism: International short cartridge
Weight: 22g (capped)
Measurements: 10.6 cm (4.2”) capped, 12.9 cm (5.1”) posted, 10.1 cm (4.0”) unposted.
Color Options: Black Stonewashed & Blue Stonewashed (Available from Pen Heaven, Pen Chalet)

Intro/About:

The Kaweco AL Sport Stonewashed offers classic good looks, a solid build, and a remarkable design that shrinks it to just 10.6 cm when capped. These traits, coupled with the rugged finish, make it a natural contender for a great pocket fountain pen. Let’s take a closer look to see if this writing instrument lives up to expectation.

Appearance & Packaging:

The unusual look of the Sport Stonewashed is mainly thanks to its function-led design. Proportions are a departure from the typical fountain pen, with the Sport’s cap making up two thirds of the overall length when closed. The substantial lid adds plenty of length to this stubby pen when posted, making it comfortable to hold when writing. But more about that later.

A tasteful finial crowns the eight-sided cap with the Kaweco logo. This shiny detail adds a nice contrast to the pen’s matt, tool-like aesthetic. The pen’s body tucks snugly into the lid, with a stepped barrel which allows the elongated cap to post securely when writing. Capped, the overall look is extremely compact – and I love the pen’s short, fat look which sets it aside from conventional ink pens.

The great aesthetics are a little thrown by the jumble of fonts and capitalisation of “Kaweco AL Sport Germany”, engraved into the lid (with the ‘AL’ denoting the pen’s aluminum build). On a very minimalist and cohesive design, this flurry of styles seems a little out of place – but that’s just my view.

This isn’t a completely different model from the rest of the AL Sport line, but more of a variation on the finish. Essentially, the pen’s black anodising has been worn away on every exposed edge or surface by an industrial tumbling process. It’s a look that may divide opinion, but I love it. Kaweco have done a great job, and the end result looks very natural. The pen’s vintage design really lends itself to the distressed look, with the bare metal emphasising the hard edges of the cap and other prominent details. This finish is a great option for those looking for something with character – but it’s also a practical choice for a pen that’s going to potentially be sharing a pocket with metal stuff like keys and other items.

The Kaweco AL Sport comes packaged in a gold colored tin that bears the brand’s logo and a retro style graphic. This is actually Kaweco’s ‘gift tin’, which can be purchased separately – presumably for the less expensive plastic Sport models. An instruction manual and sticker, as well as two blue ink cartridges are also included. Interestingly, the tin’s plastic insert allows the pen to be stored three different ways, and can also take an additional writing instrument such as the Sport ball-point or mechanical pencil.

One thing worth noting is that the Kaweco Sport models are clip-less. I personally like the extra security of pocket clips, and was disappointed to find that the optional extra Sport clips from Kaweco seemed to really only be for show – sliding off the pen’s cap when any real pressure was applied. This was almost a deal-breaker for me… but after carrying the pen a while I found that it did stay put in my pocket rather well. That said, I would love to see Kaweco release a version with a permanent clip.

Nib Performance & Filling System:

The Kaweco Sport line use a Bock nib unit and feed system, as used by various other brands. The Kaweco logo, pattern and lettering decoration which adorn the nib are a nice touch, and what I would expect at this price-point. The nib itself can be very easily unscrewed, should you wish to replace it.

Nib size is always subjective – but in my view the Kaweco Fine is closer to a Medium.
Straight out the box, it did take a little while to get going, with minor skipping on upward strokes which improved after a few paragraphs. It’s still one of my drier writers, but I like that characteristic in a pocket pen, where notes on the move can have a tendency to get smudged. The Kaweco Sport takes short international cartridges which are available in various colors from a number of brands.

Feel:

Feel is perhaps one of the most interesting considerations when it comes to the Kaweco AL Sport. The aluminum construction feels very solid whilst being surprisingly lightweight; it’s a great choice of metal for a pen that will be carried and used away from the desk where there’s a greater potential for dropping or knocks.
The cap’s screw threads are nice and smooth to tighten, and unscrew in about one and three-quarter turns. I’ve owned more expensive pens with clip-on caps, so I’m glad Kaweco chose a screw-down cap, which is in my view is essential for a pocket pen.

Writing with the Kaweco is certainly a different experience when compared to more conventionally-sized pens. Posted, the pen gains a lot of length and balance from the substantial cap. The balance is centered comfortably between the thumb and index finger. This pen is definitely designed to be used posted. Uncapped, there is very little weight behind the nib and it is almost too short to write with. Normally, I never post my pens, but writing with the Kaweco posted is certainly not an issue for me. However, I did notice that my grip tended to move back on to the screw threads for a better hold. The pen’s section is quite short and narrow due to the tapering middle, and feels a little cramped after longer periods of use. But for the kind of quick writing this compact pen was designed for, it’s fine.

Pros:

• Great looking, compact pocket pen.
• Design ensures it is easy and pleasant to write with, despite pen’s small size.
• Quality is instantly noticeable in the appearance and construction.

Cons:

• Section can be a little cramped for those with big hands – but your mileage may vary.
• No clip – and the optional clip is pretty useless, which may bug those who want one.
• The engraving on the cap doesn’t feel very consistent with the pen’s minimalist aesthetics.

Conclusion:

Fountain pens aren’t the most practical choice for an Every Day Carry writing instrument. The possibility of caps removing during carry, leaking, as well as the danger of delicate finishes getting scratched means many remain on the desk or require a larger pouch or case for transport. The Kaweco Sport seems to address all these concerns, creating a vault-safe, robust little pen that’s small enough to slip into a pocket or handbag alongside a phone, wallet/purse and other essentials. For me, this particular version’s stonewashed finish is just the perfect choice for a pen that’ll inevitably end up sharing a confined space with keys and coins – not to mention boosting the tool-like aesthetics to industrial levels.

The Kaweco AL Sport Stonewashed is definitely one of my favorite ink pens, for both its form and function. At around $75 (£60 U.K.) it’s certainly not cheap – but feels reasonably priced for the fit, finish and well executed design. And, whilst it may not the most comfortable or perhaps even the most elegant of fountain pens, the best pen is of course the one you have on you when you need it. The slight ergonomic challenges of the Sport are hugely outweighed by its effortless portability, which ensures no matter how far from your desk you may be, you never have to sacrifice your penmanship.

If you’re interested in picking one up from yourself, you can do so here:

• Pen Heaven
• Pen Chalet 
• Amazon (Affiliate link)
• Jet Pens

Shop Tales Part 2

Montegrappa makes fine pens by hand out of a shop in the rural hillsides of northern Italy where a great many fine products hail from. To get there, you must drive up a windy mountain road surrounded on every side by endless snow-capped vistas. You must drive that road in a fine Italian sports car. When you reach the top, a shot of espresso awaits you. Ciao.

Or so I imagine, I’ve never been. But they do have this promotional video showing a sculptor carving a block of wax that would eventually serve as the cast for a silver casing for what would eventually become a $30,000 pen.

On the more modest end of the scale, the 1912 line of pens is rather pedestrian. Cast in resin with premium metal accents. Between the two are special edition pens, like the Ferrari editions of their rollerball and fountain pens – sitting at about $3-8,000 a piece. Admittedly, at this price range, the Montegrappa pen is out of reach for those who Montegrappa crafts their stock for. Those who are writing novels, poetry, and music. For those who turn blank pages into works of art – the Montegrappa is too beautiful of a pen. Rather, their product ends up in the hands of lawyers and doctors who sign forms that move around livelihoods and fortunes. Or the pen sits in a display case of a home I will likely never be welcome in.

I worked with Bridgette on days I covered the split shift – when the shop had to stay open through lunch. She was an older lady, the kind who had spent her life doing all the things you were supposed to do but then decided to spend the last half of it divorced from her husband, available to her grown children, and teaching adults to paint watercolors at night school. The watercolors she made and sold and paid her rent with were gorgeous and careful, meticulously crafted. At lunch, she ate vegan meals and drank weak, lukewarm coffee. During the day she was here, at Paradise Pen, spending hours carefully polishing inventory and changing light bulbs and coming up with new ways to style the desk set displays.

“I don’t give a god damn who he is; he’s not getting a discount. Full price. Hell, charge him extra,” in comes a man one day, Bluetooth headset in his ear, strolling the corridor of the mall. Everyone in Denver has some familiarity with Franklin Azar. He is the Strongarm. He is the lawyer from the television ads. He buys up blocks of time between the local newscast and Jeopardy, and even more after late-night programming ends and before the daybreak reports – when he knows hospital waiting rooms have their TVs on, muted, in front of an injured audience.

In the business of luxury goods, you inevitably work with lawyers. The ones on our client list were those who bought Mont Blancs by the case to engrave for new partners. Others just liked to collect. Few had anything nice to say about Azar. He ran a settlement mill; he rarely stepped foot in a courtroom.

“He’s done well for himself” is the only halfway nice thing they can say before they change the subject.

And here he was. Tall, potbellied, and carrying in a waft of cigar smoke after him. His attention was half on the call in his earpiece, half on the display cases around him. Eventually, he either hangs up the call or mutes it – the Bluetooth never leaves his ear – and looks right at Bridgette to say “I hear you have the Ferrari pen, I want it.”

I pull it from the case. The brilliant red colors, the gold nib, all encased in a resin box the size of a clock radio. He grabs it, scratches the nib across a pad of paper. Nothing.

“This is broken,” he says. Matter of factly. Rudely.

“We can give you a well to dip into,” Bridgette says, uncapping the tester bottle of Waterman ink. Azar dips carefully, dribbling ink to the pad, waving the pen around. This is someone who wanted an $8,000 fountain pen after a lifetime of writing with Bics.

We watched patiently, nervously, neither of us wanting to send damaged inventory back to Montegrappa. His pudgy mitt squeezing the hardened resin like a reluctant trophy wife.

“I own three Ferraris, so it seemed obvious I should have this,” he says this directly to Bridgette. Bridgette: the painter and driver of a modest Honda. Bridgette, delicate in every feature and objectively living a humble life – why wouldn’t she be impressed by three Ferraris?

I take the pen, rinse the ink from it, and give it a polish before setting it in the resin box. I polish the box and rest it gently inside a shopping bag. Bridgette takes Azar’s credit card and runs it through the machine.

“I shop here all of the time, and the other lady usually gives me a discount.”

I doubt this is what the craftsmen of Northern Italy expected. I doubt they wanted their works of art to be given at a discount to a man who owned more cars than he could drive at once.

Bridgette smiled and nodded, “Of course.”

“What are you doing for lunch today?” He asks her. She politely lets him down, saying she had plans to eat lunch with her husband. Azar gets notably quiet. He scribbles his signature down on the receipt. He then tears the shop bag down the side, flips open the lid of the box, and puts the pen in his pocket.

I could only imagine the terrors within that pocket. Keys, loose change, a cigar cutter. All rattling around resin that will never again know smoothness or beauty.

He leaves. The smell of old cigars lingers in the shop through the rest of the week.

Very big thank you to Ensso Pens for sponsoring edjelley.com for the next few months. It’s much appreciated and helps keep the site running!

If you haven’t heard of Ensso Pens before, you’re missing out. Ensso got their start on Kickstarter with some minimally designed writing instruments. They have had a few very successful campaigns that brought their products to market, which are now available to purchase on their website without a wait. They sent along a few samples for review, so be sure to keep an eye out for those soon. I’m particularly enjoying my blacked out Piuma – an aluminum bodied, clipless fountain pen that’s super comfortable to write with.

As a token to the readers of edjelley.com, Ensso Pens is offering a limited time discount that’s good for 30% off your order. Click the link below to check out their offerings and pick something up!

Click here to shop Ensso Pens!

Writing Pad Review

This is another review by contributor Dave Hassar. Dave is a product photographer by day, sci-fi, and fountain pen nerd by night. You can follow his Instagram account here for some excellent fountain pen, paper, food, and commercial photography shots. To read more reviews by Dave, click his author page next to the little pencil icon above!

Specs:

• 100gsm Blank (with subtle lined texture) paper
• A5 or A4 in 50 sheet tablets, glued top edge
• Available in a variety of colours as well

Review Supplies:
Franklin Christoph Model 66 – Medium S.I.G
Diamine Marine

What is it?

A tablet of finely lined paper in the traditional laid paper style. Available in a number of sizes and colours. This is a wonderful paper to add some tactility to your letters with a nice gram weight, and a nice subtle texture.

Notes

As I started getting in to letter writing I wanted to find an A5 sized paper that was fountain pen friendly, and different than the usual papers I was using and receiving. Poking around online I came across G. Lalo. They are a French stationery brand founded in 1920, who have a range of stationery products in their current line.

One product in particular caught my attention. Their Verge de France style of paper has horizontal rows of textured lines that provide a tactile experience for both the writer and the reader. The paper is 100gsm and comes in a tablet of 50 sheets in a range of colours from white to cream as well as blue, green, and yellow. Wonder Pens, where I purchased mine only carries the white and ivory options. Personally I elected for the white option, which is not a bright white, and actually I had to check to make sure it wasn’t the ivory or cream before writing this review.

This is a paper that will grab the readers’ attention. I’ve received multiple responses from people who I have sent letters on this paper who were very much intrigued by both the nice weight of the page and of course, the texture.

I was slightly concerned when I got it that my nibs would be catching on the paper, especially since my preferred nib is an extra-fine. I was very happy to find out that even my extra-fine vanishing point performs quite well, and I’ve had very few instances of the nib catching one of the ridges and disrupting my writing. There’s a few points where the ink doesn’t go down completely smooth as the nib rides over the texture but I think it’d adds to the look and feel of your writing.

The other thing that impressed me with this paper is how well it can handle sheening inks. I was not expecting much as the paper feels uncoated and fairly absorbent but Krishna Moonview (which is my crazy sheen ink) does display a nice amount of it’s sheening on the page. Of course it is not as evident as something like Tomoé River or Rhodia, but it does sheen.

Being a 100gsm paper there is not see through and no bleed through. Like I mentioned the paper doesn’t feel coated so I wouldn’t have been surprised with some feathering with some inks as well but it has held up very well so far to everything I’ve thrown at it.

If you’re looking for a paper to add some interest to your letters or notes and are not tied to a glassy writing experience you should definitely consider the G. Lalo Vergé de France for your next stationery purchase. I’ve loved writing letter on it and even thought I may have to buy another tablet for this review so I wasn’t shooting the last few sheets!

Gallery:

Left to Right:

• Pilot 912 with Music Nib – $175 shipped in the US – Excellent condition. The music nib lays down a wet, thick line, but I’m just not a fan. No box.
• SOLD Lamy Studio with Fine 14k Nib – $120 shipped in the US – Excellent condition. Includes a converter.
• ON HOLD  Sailor 1911 Standard with H-M Nib – $95 shipped in the US – Good condition. The metal band on the cap shows some oxidation. Other than that, the pen looks and writes great.
• SOLD  Staedtler Initium Lignum with Fine Nib – $120 shipped in the US – Excellent condition. No box. Only used once. Features a fine steel nib with matte metal and wood body.
• SOLD  Kaweco Brass Sport with Fine Nib – $60 shipped in the US – Good condition, but picked up some patina along the way. I can try to polish it if you’d like, or leave it as-is.
• SOLD – Kaweco Brass Lead Clutch 5.6mm – $25 shipped in the US – Good condition, with some patina. Ships without original box.
• SOLD Fisher Space Pen Clutch – $20 shipped in the US – Great condition. Barely used. May have some light abrasions from being carried briefly in a pocket.
• SOLD – Karas Kustoms Bolt Parker Style Refill – $20 shipped in the US – Shows a lot of wear, but plenty of life left in the pen.

Want to buy something? Get in touch!

Shop Tales

I didn’t apply because I cared about pens or beautiful writing instruments. I applied because it was $11 an hour and they needed a warm body that looked ok enough in a tie to run their register. Here I was, a recent college graduate who spent the better part of the previous four years chewing on pen caps in the back of lecture halls. When it came to the idea of a “nice pen,” there was nowhere to start with me.

Sure, I had a collection of Uni Rollerballs that I liked the feel of when I wrote. For my high school graduation a member of my extended family – I don’t recall whom – sent me the gift set of CROSS pen/pencil that every high school grad in the early nineties (i Graduated in ‘03) received. Perhaps it was a mistake, or maybe it had been far too long since they met me, but they had gifted out a ladies set that was too narrow to hold comfortably. They sat in the gift box, in the bottom of a desk drawer, until I graduated from college, moved from that apartment, and slipped it into the enormous box of goods that I donated/disposed of at the nearby Goodwill. While my full name had been engraved on the pen set, no one has exercised goodwill in trying to get it back to me.

So what was the draw to work in a store that retailed pens and other fine writing instruments? Especially one in a shopping mall that served as something a little spendier than a gift shop, catering to the kind of customers who did not trust their shopping experience to be left to an online environment? I had graduated with an English degree and had set out in the world to become a writer. “Writer” in 2007, in the midst of an economic depression, was not a common term that came up in job searches. A 22-year-old working on a novel wasn’t exactly swimming in advance money from publishing houses. Among it all, the romance. The idea of Hemingway scratching out Moveable Feast on a Pelikan or John Dos Passos writing poems on prescription pads with his Mont Blanc.

Retail was never the goal, but at least I was surrounded by reminders of what I intended to achieve.

Like every first day, mine was orientation. The manager, Jen, was two years older than I, the daughter of the company owner, running this particular store to learn the company and eventually be promoted to something on the corporate level. Here was the register and how to cash someone out. Here is the giant closet filled to the brim with the elegant boxes all of the pens came in. Here is a drawer full of polishing cloths and glass cleaners. Here is a giant stack of catalogs from our vendors outlining every single detail of every pen they have made in the last twenty years. They told me to study it all and learn it all because I’d likely be selling pens to those who knew everything about it.

Jen took a two-hour lunch that day, leaving me to man the helm. Thursday afternoons at a mall are never terribly exciting. I polished a lot of glass countertops and listened to the light jazz being piped in through the PA. A man comes in, dressed business casual, not in anything of a rush.

“This is out of ink,” he tells me, dropping a pen on the glass countertop with a clatter. Pens I had that were out of ink were shaken in frustration, scratched across a blank sheet of paper, and ultimately thrown away. This pen, with its resin and gold accents and cap that felt as heavy as a silver dollar – this wasn’t something thrown away. I also had no idea where the refills were stored.

Making small talk as I started opening drawers. “So, what do you use this pen for?”

The man looks at me like I had just asked him for his shoe size. “Signing checks…notes…pen stuff, I guess?” Then he asks “What do you use them for?”

I had to tell myself not to say “writing novels.” That would have been too predictable.
“Commissions,” I say, maybe too matter of factly.

Ten minutes of failing to find a refill for his pen passed. The manager told me that we could special order whatever wasn’t in the store — not what he wanted to hear.

“Know what? Give me that one, does that one work?” He points through the glass at the CROSS pens. Down at one of the pens made for engraving, for graduation sets. Not unlike the one floating around in Goodwill’s inventory for all eternity.

“Yeah, sure.” I pull it out, scribble on a pad. It works.

“Just give me that one.”

I ring him up. $65. He doesn’t take the fancy box.

Five minutes later Jen returns. I tell her about the refill. She opens a wide drawer behind the counter with about ten thousand different refills in it. “When it doubt, they usually take these,” she says while holding up a small cylinder. A Schmidt rollerball refill. $2.95. Never saw that particular customer again.

My last day would be six months later.

The store would be closed in a year.

Within five, Paradise Pen would be little more than an authorized Amazon retailer.

• Review Ink: Pilot Iroshizuku asa-gao
  
• Review Paper: Misc.

Specs:

• Description: An affordable entry into the world of machined, US-made pens from one of the companies that’s been doing it the longest.
• Nib: Bock #5 nibs, available in steel, black-coated, titanium, and gold
• Filling Mechanism: Cartridge/Converter
• Color Options:Aluminum with red or blue grip, tumbled finish, and all black. Check them all out here.

Intro/About:

The Karas Kustoms “Reaktor” line is a new group of pens offered up by the company. Their goal was to create a made-in-USA, machined, and affordable entry-level pen. I think they’ve succeeded at doing so. Today, we’re going to be taking a closer look at the Starliner/Starliner XL and Galaxie/Galaxie XL — a new fountain pen and rollerball, respectively. Both the Starliner and Galaxie are built from the same materials, but feature subtle design differences that set them apart. Karas is also coming out with a smaller, pocket-friendly version of both pens that will be released shortly. Since they sent everything at once for review and comparison, we’re taking a closer look at the entire collection.

Appearance & Packaging:

Since there are quite a few pens on the table for review (literally, they’re on a table). I’m going to break this down by model. Let’s get packaging out of the way first. Each pen comes in an unremarkable plastic case.  The packaging is there to get the pen from Arizona to your door, and it does just that with ease. It’s not pretty, but it works.

Starliner and Starliner XL (pictured above – first and second pen from bottom)

The Starliner is the fountain pen offering in the Reaktor line. The XL version features a cap, while the shorter regular version does not. Both pens feature a nicely tapered body and a snap on cap. The snap on cap removes the need for threads, allowing the pen body to smoothly transition from body to grip. Visually, I think the cap is a bit large. Especially so when posted. The proportions feel a little bit off, skewing pretty heavily towards the cap. The large cap does allow the pen to be posted, which for me is the ideal writing configuration with these pens. The regular version of the Starliner is quite small without the cap, and posting it adds that extra bit of length and heft. On the cap, you’ll find some machined bands – three at the top, and two at the bottom. There’s a single machined band at the end of the pen’s body as well. The way tippy top (that’s the scientific name, right?) of the cap comes to a gentle conical point that plays with the light nicely. The XL version features a clip, while the regular doesn’t. The clip is the same metal one found on Karas’ other pens.

Galaxie and Galaxie XL Rollerballs (pictured above – first and second from top)

The Galaxie and Galaxie XL are the rollerball offerings in the Reaktor line. The XL version takes a G2 style refill, while the smaller regular version takes a Parker style refill. They’re closely similar to the Starliners in size and shape, but the design features are different. Instead of a nib, the grip section has a conical tip for the rollerball refill. The design differences are largely for decoration. Instead of a conical tip on top of the cap, the Galaxie has a gear-shaped design with ribbing on the inside. As the name suggests, its design is inspired by classic cars of the 1950’s, while the Starliner is distinctively more space age.

Nib Performance & Filling System:

There are a few different ways that the Reaktor line are capable on laying ink on the page. The fountain pen (Starliners) versions come equipped with Bock nibs. They’re available in Steel, Titanium, and Gold. The steel versions that were sent along for review perform as expected for a steel nib from Bock. The flow is right in the middle, the line width is what’s to be expected, and the smoothness sits firmly in the middle of scratchy and glassy. I do like Bock’s nib offerings. They’re a happy medium that provides a solid and reliable writing experience. The larger Starliner XL has enough room for an international standard converter, while the smaller regular version does not. You’ll have to refill cartridges (or find a shorter converter) if you want to use your own ink.

The Galaxie models use pen refills to write. The XL has enough room for a G2 style cartridge, while the regular version accepts Parker-style refills. If you’re like me, and have a preferred refill (Pentel Energel 0.7mm Needlepoint in blue) that works with G2 cartridges, then it should fit inside the pen. Karas’ website warns that not all 110mm refills will fit, and some require trimming. The way the pen writes depends heavily on the refill. If you know you’re favorite, then check out the “Feel” portion of the review for some discussion on how the pen handles.

Feel:

The entirety of the Reaktor line is made from 6061-T aluminum in a few different finishes. There’s clear coat anodized with red or blue grips, a fully tumbled model, and a fully black anodized model. The pens all feature a snap on cap that posts deeply on the back of the pen. For me, the finishing is on point. The grip section threads open and close nicely, the clip is fitted onto the cap securely, and the quality of the machining is top-notch. There’s something about the feel of the pen in hand that just doesn’t quite do it for me though. The cap is pretty large. On the standard models, it’s much more apparent how big the cap is. It kind of throws off the look of the pen a little bit. When posting the clear coated and black aluminum versions, you really have to jam the cap on the back of the pen or else it keeps popping off while writing. I think the standard version of the pens is too short for me to write comfortably without the cap posted. Since the pen is short and the cap is long, your fingers grip the pen while the cap rests on your hand. Again, this causes the cap to slip around putting the clip in an uncomfortable position, or sliding the cap off the end of the body. The tumbled finish has some more “grab” to it, so it’s less of an issue on that model. While the quality, weight, and finishing, are there, there’s just something about the size and proportion that I don’t love.

Pros:

• Most affordable US-made machined pen out there
• Cool design and concept
• Many models to accommodate a wide range of preferences

Cons:

• Cap proportions are a bit wonky to me
• Cap does not post securely
• Snap cap may come off if the pen is clipped to your pocket

Conclusion:

The Karas Kustoms Reaktor line fills an interesting niche. They’re quite affordable (starting at $45) for a made in USA pen. The fit and finish is great, the design points are interesting, and the performance is good. There are a few things that I don’t particularly love (like the cap size and how it posts), but not all will share that view. You can head over to the Karas Kustoms website here and snag one for yourself. The XL models are now available for order, while the smaller regular versions will be available shortly. Thanks again to Karas for sending these over for consideration!

Gallery:

This is the first review by contributor Sandra Moreta. Sandra is a 26-year-old fountain pen aficionado from San Juan, PR. She spends her days training to become an architect, and loves all things design. You can check out her Instagram here for some more awesome photos! To read more by Sandra, click the little pencil icon next to the title above.

Review Ink: Diamine Imperial Purple
Review Paper: Nanami Seven Seas Crossfield Tomoe River Notebook

Specs:

• Description: A translucent purple, demonstrator pen with rose gold-plated nib and accents.
• Nib: Broad, 14k gold nib, ground to an architect point by Dan Smith
• Filling Mechanism: Cartridge/Converter – Proprietary
• Weight: ~20 grams
• Measurements: 140mm closed, 159mm posted, 120mm unposted
• Color Options: Platinum 3776 Century Nice Pur (translucent with rhodium trim), Platinum 3776 Century Nice (translucent with rose gold trim), Platinum 3776 Century Nice Lilas (translucent pink with rose gold trim)

Intro/About:

Anyone familiar with the Platinum brand has probably heard of their #3776 range. Named after the height of Mount Fuji, the #3776 has become their flagship model since its launch in 1978. Since then, the company has persisted in creating the ideal contemporary fountain pen, resulting in their #3776 Century fountain pen designs and their unique “Slip & Seal” cap mechanism.

The “Lavande” is a part of Platinum’s latest #3776 Century Nice series inspired by a world-renowned resort and tourist city located in Cote d’Azur in southern France. With this series, Platinum introduces new colors with an opaque translucent finish in an effort to evoke the contrast between subdued light and shimmering water. Read on to take a closer look at this beautiful pen!

Appearance & Packaging:

When you purchase this pen, you’ll find it tucked inside an oval-shaped, off-white box that proudly sports the Platinum brand name in gilded text. You’ll also find a Platinum converter and a proprietary ink cartridge, a warranty card, a user’s manual and some extra information about the pen and the concept behind the Century Nice series. Not much more to say about the packaging, which is fine by me since most of my pen boxes end up stored away, but if you’re the sort of person who expects a little more at this price point you might be disappointed.

As for the pen, well, I bear no shame when saying this: it’s a beauty! Sure, the form factor isn’t anything we haven’t seen before, but Platinum’s added a nice twist to the classic cigar shape with some sandblasting and faceted grooves that add interest to the matte body when it catches the light at certain angles. But the color is the crowning glory of this pen. A translucent, true lavender color, it’s one of the nicest purple shades I’ve seen on a pen, offset perfectly by the rose gold nib and accents.

Nib Performance & Filling System:

This happened to be the first time I tried a custom grind on a pen, which was almost as nerve-racking as it was exciting. This particular nib was ground from a broad to an Architect grind by Dan Smith. It seems a tad smaller than your typical #6 nib and offers a slight, pencil-like feedback when writing, more so than a regular Platinum nib on account of the grind, but it is by no means unpleasant. The nib itself is pretty stiff, but this was no surprise since Platinum nibs usually are. I love the character this grind adds to my writing. Although it’s probably best suited for those of you who prefer writing in print over cursive, definitely try it if given the chance and see if it suits you.

The Lavande relies on a proprietary cartridge/converter filling system. This brings me to a minor gripe I have with the included converter. Instead of a matching rose gold, the pen came with a silver converter. I switched it out for a gold one and once it’s in, the difference isn’t that noticeable, but considering Platinum has a fair number of pens with rose gold accents at this point, it seems to me like a matching converter is a small ask.

Feel:

The pen looks and feels incredibly well made, and except for where the end joins with the barrel (you can see the glue holding it together through the translucent material) I can find no other visible defects. A word or warning, though. I purchased this pen second-hand and, on its way over to me, some water managed to lodge itself between the nib housing and the outer section material. It immediately proved impossible to remove and I had to send it to the original distributor to get a replacement for the part. While I strongly suspect this was an isolated incident caused by an imperceptible defect, some caution when filling or cleaning it can’t hurt.

The step up from grip section to barrel is gentle. Although you’ll inevitably grip the threads, they’re pretty smooth and shouldn’t be a problem. I prefer posting my pens when writing, and the Lavande’s cap posts deeply enough that it still feels well-balanced, though some of you might prefer not posting altogether.

Pros:

• Slip n’ Seal mechanism is great if you aren’t reaching for your fountain pens every day.
• There’s few fountain pens available in purple, and fewer still that get it right. Platinum nailed it with this lavender shade.
• Design allows for posting without compromising the balance of the pen.

Cons:

• Nib feedback not for everyone.
• Mismatched converter is disappointing.
• Tad too pricey for what it is, especially in comparison to non-limited editions of this model.

Conclusion:

I love demonstrators. Something about seeing the inner workings of my favorite writing tool and the ink within makes me really happy. But I’d never been particularly drawn to translucent pens with tinted bodies. Maybe I was just too picky and none of the colors I’d seen on other pens spoke to me. But once I came across photos of the Platinum #3776 Century Nice Lavande something clicked. When I got the opportunity to buy it second-hand, with a custom architect grind, no less, I jumped at the chance. And I’m so glad I did! My experience with it has been absolutely wonderful and it’s opened up my eyes to the wonder of custom nib grinds and semi-translucent pens. It’s an excellent performer and gorg­eous to boot. As such, it has earned its place as one of the most beautiful and colorful pens in my collection.

Gallery: