My 2022 Brand “Discoveries”

While I didn’t quite buy from 15 new-to-me brands like last year, I did purchase from 9. Now, when I say new-to-me, I don’t mean I’ve never heard of them, just that I’d never before purchased a pen made by that brand.

Nearly all of them are indie brands, which makes me happy as I like supporting indie brands. And my interest continues to be piqued by indie brands more than mainstream brands.

Anyway, let’s start with mainstream brands to get that out of the way, then jump into the indie brands. FYI: The lists are in alphabetical order.

Mainstream Brands

Caran d’Ache

I’ve seen tons of Caran d’Ache pens, but none of them have caught my eye until the Colour Treasure Cold Rainbow. I love that each side is a different color, and it’s organized so that there isn’t a harsh “edge.” It’s a 360° smooth gradient, and I couldn’t resist. I almost bought the Warm Rainbow version, but I didn’t like that it includes purple. In my opinion, that should have been on the Cold version.

Nahvalur

As I mentioned in one of my 2022 DC Pen Show posts, I’ve had my eye on the Nautilus model for a while, all for the porthole ink windows. Learning that they’ll never release one in colorful resin, I picked up the Stylophora Berry because I love rose gold with purple. To be honest, though, their other pen models don’t particularly interest me.

Indie Brands

Analog Notes

I bought my Analog Notes pen because it has petals in it. And then I got an extra surprise when I found out it glows in the dark. I’m currently working on a very special custom commission with them.

Black Robin Pens

I had to buy one of the opal pens William Shakour facilitated. I bought the Ophelia model from Black Robin Pens because the curves are perfect for showing off the material. It’s beautifully made, and perfectly polished.

Jason Neil Penworks

I bought a second-hand Jason Neil Penworks pen at BWIPS this year. I bought it for the material, but I have nothing against the craftsmanship. Jason Neil Penworks seems to be a good brand for simple pens that showcase materials.

London Pen Co

This is another pen I bought for the material. It’s well-made and polished. London Pen Co seems like another brand that makes pens that really showcase the materials. They also have many Bock-nibbed pen, for those who prefer Bock or avoid Jowo.

Mayfair Pens

Mayfair’s interesting pen shapes caught both my and Jim’s interest. I’m happy with my pen; but Jim has particularly enjoyed working with Ben to get pens made to fit the extra-wide or extra-tall nibs he makes.

Ryan Krusac

I’ve avoided wooden pens since all the trouble I had with them a few years ago. But, I couldn’t resist this gorgeous Ryan Krusac pen. I’m so glad I picked it up. I love it, and I haven’t had a single problem with it.

Stanford Pen Studio

Unlike every other brand on this list, I’ve bought multiple pens from Stanford Pen Studio this year. Even more unusual, two of the three Stanford Pen Studio pens I purchased were commissions. They make amazing and unique pens, as I covered in my recent post: Pens Unique to a Brand. I wouldn’t be surprised if I get several more Stanford Pen Studio pens in the future.

Thanks for reading to the end, I hope you enjoyed my post. Have you purchased anything from any of the brands on my list? Do you plan to? Or do you want to? Let me know in the comments! I love hearing from you.

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My 2022 Brand “Discoveries”