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Category: Fountain Pens

Ink Battle: Laban and DeAtramentisInk Battle
September 12, 2023
Rachel
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Ink Battle: Laban and DeAtramentis

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No matter how much I try to sample or test an ink before buying it, sometimes that isn’t possible. Because of this, I have some inks that are incredibly similar in color. That’s where “ink battles” come in.

The point of the battle is to choose a favorite color. I use a pair of similar inks in pens with the same nib, then test them out to see which I like better.

Side Note: This Ink Battle is slightly different than usual. Jim and I picked these up at the DC Show separately, and I need to know if it’s worth keeping both. I love Laban inks, but the DeAtramentis Document series is new to me.

Or, I may find out that, when used with the same nib, they’re sufficiently different to keep them both. Depending on how these “battles” turn out, I may tag some of the posts as ink dupes as well. You can find all of the ink battles posts on the tag page.

Keep ReadingInk Battle: Laban and DeAtramentis
Fountain Pen Tag 5000Fountain Pen Tag 5000
September 8, 2023
Rachel
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Fountain Pen Tag 5000

Posted in Fountain Pens

This post is inspired by Angelica Nyqvist‘s video Too Big, Too Repetitive, Ugly Packaging? | Eyeshadow Palette TAG 5000. In that video, they credit Chic Geek with coming up with the idea.

1. Pen that has special memories associated with it

For so long, my main choice for this type of question was my Prisma 88. But now, I have my Analog Notes Precious Petals that remind me of the first bouquet Jim gave me when we were dating.

Analog Notes Precious Petals
Keep ReadingFountain Pen Tag 5000
Pen Porn: Dotted Sea UrchinPen Porn: Dotted Sea Urchin
August 29, 2023
Rachel
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Pen Porn: Dotted Sea Urchin

Posted in Fountain Pens

Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for pen envy or impulse purchases resulting from viewing this post.

Per usual, you can click on the images to view them larger. I do my best to provide you with the high-quality pen porn. 😉

Before I get started, I need to say that this isn’t my pen. I’m borrowing it from Jim because it deserves a pen porn post.

He’d wanted one of these “sea urchin” pens since Stanford Pen Studio first posted one. These dotted pens are painted by Di herself. Jim just happened to be lucky enough to scoop this one up when it posted.

Now, onto the photos!

Stanford Pen Studio Sea Urchin
Keep ReadingPen Porn: Dotted Sea Urchin
My “Lucky Catches”My "Lucky Catches"
August 25, 2023
Rachel
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My “Lucky Catches”

Posted in Fountain Pens

How many times have you missed out on a limited edition? Or discovered a product you want only to learn that it was introduced — and discontinued — years ago? I’m guessing you can think of at least a few instances of each.

Now, how often has a product you considered a lost cause made it into your collection? I’d bet this time you have less instances. You likely consider those occasions when you managed to snag something you didn’t think you would to be rather lucky. I certainly do, and I want to share a few lucky catches that are part of my collection.

Keep ReadingMy “Lucky Catches”
Fountain Pen Tag, Ink EditionFountain Pen Tag, Ink Edition
August 23, 2023
Rachel
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Fountain Pen Tag, Ink Edition

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I came across a fun old post from nikkipans on the makeup side of Instagram, with a tag credited to user jesspanner who either quit Instagram or changed their name. It wasn’t hard to adjust it to work for the fountain pen world.

Because I’ve done “fountain pen tags” for both pens and nibs, it only made sense to make this one about ink! Even more fun, Jim agreed to join the fun and provide his answers as well!

I’ve included swatches for inks we still have; unfortunately, that’s only about 60% of them. I’ve done my best to photoshop the individual ink swatches to look true-to-life, but that’s easier said than done, especially with any color that has red in it.

Keep ReadingFountain Pen Tag, Ink Edition
Pen Porn: Harmony of the HummingbirdPen Porn: Harmony of the Hummingbird
August 21, 2023
Rachel
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Pen Porn: Harmony of the Hummingbird

Posted in Fountain Pens

Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for pen envy or impulse purchases resulting from viewing this post.

Per usual, you can click on the images to view them larger. I do my best to provide you with the high-quality pen porn. 😉

If you saw my first DC Pen Show post, then you know I purchased the Luxury Brands of America x Benu collaboration Harmony of the Hummingbird. I had to wait for it to get shipped from the LBA warehouse so I could get the number I wanted. Now it’s hear, and I had to put my other posts on hold to share this gorgeous pen with you.

Benu Euphoria Harmony of the Hummingbird
Keep ReadingPen Porn: Harmony of the Hummingbird
Ink Battle: Birmingham and J. HerbinInk Battle
August 18, 2023
Rachel
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Ink Battle: Birmingham and J. Herbin

Posted in Fountain Pens

No matter how much I try to sample or test an ink before buying it, sometimes that isn’t possible. Because of this, I have some inks that are incredibly similar in color. That’s where “ink battles” come in.

You can assume I have no problems with any ink that appears in an ink battle. I may decide, when using the inks side-by-side, that one performs better, but the point of the battle is to choose a favorite color. I use a pair of similar inks in pens with the same nib, then test them out to see which I like better.

Or, I may find out that, when used with the same nib, they’re sufficiently different to keep them both. Depending on how these “battles” turn out, I may tag some of the posts as ink dupes as well. You can find all of the ink battles posts on the tag page.

Keep ReadingInk Battle: Birmingham and J. Herbin
2023 DC Pen Show, Part 32023 DC Pen Show. The Joy of Community
August 14, 2023
Rachel
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2023 DC Pen Show, Part 3

Posted in Fountain Pens

The Joy of Community

I’ve said in previous posts that the fountain pen community is amazing. The DC Pen Show was an excellent reminder of this. For both Jim and I, the focus — and highlight — of the show was socializing with pen friends.

It’s been easy, for the past few years, to forget what a great community the pen world is. In general, members are welcoming and helpful. The experienced members tend to be generous in sharing their knowledge, and sometimes inks or even pens for testing.

Keep Reading2023 DC Pen Show, Part 3
2023 DC Pen Show, Part 22023 DC Pen Show. How to make it even better.
August 11, 2023
Rachel
2 Comments

2023 DC Pen Show, Part 2

Posted in Fountain Pens

How to Make it Even Better

I want to start this post by ensuring any reader knows that I’m not writing this to denigrate the DC Pen Show, the show organizers, or the venue. This post is going to seem negative since I’m writing about issues I had with the show and venue. But, nothing is perfect, and you can’t improve without input. So, that’s what I’m trying to do: provide input and suggestions for improvement.

I also want to acknowledge that Barbara and her team have improved the DC Pen Show by leaps and bounds. Their work to better the show for vendors and attendees deserves recognition. I want to help the show organizers continue to make the DC Pen Show even better.

Now, with my purpose explained, let’s dive into the few issues I had with and at the DC Pen Show and some possible ideas for mitigation.

Keep Reading2023 DC Pen Show, Part 2
2023 DC Pen Show, Part 12023 DC Pen Show, general show experience
August 8, 2023
Rachel
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2023 DC Pen Show, Part 1

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General Show Experience

While absolutely exhausting, I have to say that this year’s DC Pen Show has been my favorite by far of all the ones I have attended. I got to chat with so many pen friends, meet new people, strengthen relationships, and reconnect with older friends.

For those who didn’t attend the DC Pen Show last year, and/or who didn’t read my blog posts, the show hotel underwent a major renovation — it was in progress during last year’s show — so multiple areas were seriously altered in comparison to previous years.

I have a lot to say for my show review this year, so check out my post about it later this week.

Keep Reading2023 DC Pen Show, Part 1
A Fulfilling Micro CollectionA Fulfilling Micro Collectino
August 4, 2023
Rachel
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A Fulfilling Micro Collection

Posted in Fountain Pens

The Goulet Pen Company posted a Q&A Slice video on YouTube Can These 5 Pens Cover ALL of Your Needs?, with the answer to a question from user Adams1030.

If you had to curate a standard 5-pen collection that in theory would cover almost all of a person’s fountain pen needs, what would that collection be?

The question is interesting, and Drew’s answer was fun. While I wouldn’t be happy with just the five pens I list below — I enjoy variety — I think they would satisfy most of the general pen desires. So, allow me to share my version of the 5-pen collection. My goal was to provide a wide range of writing experiences without breaking the bank on any one pen.

Keep ReadingA Fulfilling Micro Collection
July 28, 2023
Rachel
4 Comments

21 Pen Questions

Posted in Fountain Pens

I know, I know, I’m jumping on this bandwagon super late. But, Tom Oddo included his responses in issue 392 of Ink Journal, and this most recent entry for this trend finally made decide to follow suit. If you haven’t seen this tag yet, it originates with Ana from The Well Appointed Desk.

1: What is the pen they’ll have to pry out of your cold dead hands?

There are many, but I think the most precious is my Bumbledore pen from Stanford Pen Studio.

The Right Royal Pen
Keep Reading21 Pen Questions
Pen Porn: Sailor Pro Gear Sakura NagarePen Porn: Sailor Pro Gear Sakura Nagare
July 25, 2023
Rachel
3 Comments

Pen Porn: Sailor Pro Gear Sakura Nagare

Posted in Fountain Pens

Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for pen envy or impulse purchases resulting from viewing this post.

Per usual, you can click on the images to view them larger. I do my best to provide you with the high-quality pen porn. 😉

The History

The Sailor Professional Gear Sakura Nagare is a rather special pen. I came across the design while looking up photos for my out of reach pens post. The one I saw then was the new, 19111 King of Pen model. It was so pretty, I did a quick Google search to learn more.

Sailor Pro Gear Sakura Nagare
Keep ReadingPen Porn: Sailor Pro Gear Sakura Nagare
Dethroned FavoritesDethroned Favorites
July 21, 2023
Rachel
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Dethroned Favorites

Posted in Fountain Pens

This post is inspired by Glitter Fallout‘s video FAVORITES THAT HAVE BEEN DETHRONED 💔 Make way for the new! | GlitterFallout. In that video, they credit Samantha March with coming up with the idea.

In working on this post, I surprised myself with how few favorites I’ve abandoned. I expected to have plenty to choose from, but I struggled to get enough for a full post. Whether I’m highly loyal to my favorites, or I’m super picky about what makes it to “favorite” status, I’m not sure, but they equal out to the same thing: a short list.

Keep ReadingDethroned Favorites
Ink Battle: Colorverse and DiamineInk Battle
July 14, 2023
Rachel
5 Comments

Ink Battle: Colorverse and Diamine

Posted in Fountain Pens

No matter how much I try to sample or test an ink before buying it, sometimes that isn’t possible. Because of this, I have some inks that are incredibly similar in color. That’s where “ink battles” come in.

You can assume I have no problems with any ink that appears in an ink battle. I may decide, when using the inks side-by-side, that one performs better, but the point of the battle is to choose a favorite color. I use a pair of similar inks in pens with the same nib, then test them out to see which I like better.

Or, I may find out that, when used with the same nib, they’re sufficiently different to keep them both. Depending on how these “battles” turn out, I may tag some of the posts as ink dupes as well. You can find all of the ink battles posts on the tag page.

Keep ReadingInk Battle: Colorverse and Diamine
Pen Porn: Stanford Pen Studio HummingbirdsPen Porn: Stanford Pen Studio Hummingbirds
July 11, 2023
Rachel
2 Comments

Pen Porn: Stanford Pen Studio Hummingbirds

Posted in Fountain Pens

Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for pen envy or impulse purchases resulting from viewing this post.

Per usual, you can click on the images to view them larger. I do my best to provide you with the high-quality pen porn. 😉

Back in November last year, Stanford Pen Studio posted a giraffe pen in a stunning color palette. I’ve never been a giraffe fanatic, so I held off buying it. When I finally decided to get it anyway, I found out I was too late, it had already sold. But, that left me with an opportunity. I asked Di if it would be possible to get the same color palette, but with a hummingbird as the subject. She took my request to Marian Binder, the artist who painted the giraffe pen, who agreed to the commission.

Fast forward a few months, and this beauty, and its accompanying bright packaging, made it to my door. Of course, with something this awesome, I have to share it with you.

Stanford Pen Studio Hummingbirds
Hummingbird pen with packaging
Keep ReadingPen Porn: Stanford Pen Studio Hummingbirds
Don’t Pay the Pen TaxDon't pay the pen tax
July 7, 2023
Rachel
6 Comments

Don’t Pay the Pen Tax

Posted in Fountain Pens

There are several pen maintenance supplies that have been repurposed from other walks of life. As sometimes happens, these items are subject to a markup when sold as pen items — let’s call it a pen tax.

So, I want to walk you through some items that you should purchase in their original form/under their original uses.

Note: I’m including Amazon links for the “original” form because it’s easy and available to everyone. I’m sure there are many other locations you can buy these.

Keep ReadingDon’t Pay the Pen Tax
2023 Mid-Year Check-InMid-Year Check-In
July 5, 2023
Rachel
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2023 Mid-Year Check-In

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When I wrote about my previous month’s purchases in January and February, I intended it to be a monthly post, but life derailed that idea. Now that we’ve made it halfway through the year, it seems like a good time for a check-in on my 36 pens maximum for the year.

I’m only counting the fountain pens I purchased. Gifts don’t count, and neither do rollerball or ballpoint pens.

Keep Reading2023 Mid-Year Check-In