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Category: Fountain Pens

Pen Porn: Benu Talisman Shooting StarInstagram 5-17-22
May 17, 2022
Rachel
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Pen Porn: Benu Talisman Shooting Star

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 best pen porn. 😉

I first discovered the Shooting Star through an Instagram Post from Luxury Brands of America. While I’m supposed to be on a fountain pen low buy, I just had to get one. I’m planning to collect the Talisman series pens that have shaped confetti — like the Wild Rose — since I’m no longer buying TWSBI pens.

I honestly can’t say what I like best about the Shooting Star. To start, it has meteorite dust in the material. While I can’t “show” you that, it’s pretty cool.

Benu Shooting Star
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Would I Buy Them Again Today?Instagram 5-13-22
May 13, 2022
Rachel
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Would I Buy Them Again Today?

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This post is inspired by Angelica Nyqvist‘s video But, Would I Buy Them If They Were Released Today?! In that video, they credit Dolly Mama Beauty with coming up with the idea.

The idea behind this post is pretty straightforward: if the below pens were first announced/released today, would I buy them? So, this is different than the more typical, “if my collection disappeared” or, “if this pen got lost” that usually prefaces the “would I buy it again” question. Suspend disbelief for the duration of this post. Imagine that none of the below pens have ever existed in this world before today. And I’ll tell you if I would buy them.

Keep ReadingWould I Buy Them Again Today?
Goodbye TWSBIInstagram 5-2-22
May 2, 2022
Rachel
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Goodbye TWSBI

Posted in Fountain Pens

I made a post on Instagram last week about the current TWSBI situation. There hasn’t been — that I’ve seen — an update from TWSBI. So, I’m writing this under the impression that, as of yesterday, TWBSI “…will no longer conduct business with any business affiliates/partners who offer these copy products for sale…” Any future updates will be available on the #twsbigate tag page.

This Situation…

I’m not going to go into major detail here. If you want that, you can listen to The Pentertainment Podcast (TPP) episode 114, Tokyo Inklings (TI) episode 53 (starting around 31:00), and The Pen Addict (TPA) episode 505 (starting around 38:00). When referencing information specific to one of the podcasts, I’ll credit it using the initials in parentheses.

I’m also not going to spend much time on how this whole situation affects retailers, as I think all three podcasts have done that far better than I could. Instead, I’d like to share my thoughts as a TWSBI enthusiast.

Keep ReadingGoodbye TWSBI
My Pen Collection Part 4Instagram 4-29-22
April 29, 2022
Rachel
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My Pen Collection Part 4

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“Always Inked” Pens

Alright, we’ve made it to the fourth, and final, part in this series, my “always inked” pens! Hold onto your hats, because the really expensive pens are in this grouping. Just keep in mind that I purchased several at steep discounts and received some in exchange for work.

Once again, please use the form at the end of this post to vote for pens you want to see “pen porn” posts about.

I store this group differently than the rest of my pens. These have a display case away from direct light. That way, I can see them when they aren’t in use, and there’s no worry of damage.

Bottom tray of pens
Top Tray of pens
Keep ReadingMy Pen Collection Part 4
Pen Porn: Mr. Cypress Modern Raden Colorful GeometryInstagram 4-27-22
April 27, 2022
Rachel
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Pen Porn: Mr. Cypress Modern Raden Colorful Geometry

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There isn’t a long backstory to this one, so pretty much this whole post will be pen porn.

I fell in love with this pen when I saw it on Instagram. It looks so… posh. When Jim suggested I get it as an anniversary present, I jumped on it. This pen looks like a wedding/anniversary pen.

full view of the modern raden pen
Keep ReadingPen Porn: Mr. Cypress Modern Raden Colorful Geometry
My Pen Collection Part 3Instagram 4-21-22
April 22, 2022
Rachel
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My Pen Collection Part 3

Posted in Fountain Pens

Indie Pens

I’m back with Part 3! I meant to include my “always inked” pens in this post, but it’s already so long, I don’t want to make it longer. So, I guess there will be a part 4.

As with my other pens, I keep my indie pens in rainbow order. The exceptions being my two urushi pens and my Permies.World pens. Those three live in the pen display box, as I don’t want to run the risk of ruining them with the elastic bands.

all of my indie pens

Once again, please use the form at the end of this post to vote for pens you want to see “pen porn” posts about.

Keep ReadingMy Pen Collection Part 3
Pen Porn: Stanford Wood Studio African Miyuki Magic
April 13, 2022
Rachel
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Pen Porn: Stanford Wood Studio African Miyuki Magic

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If you missed my review of Stanford Wood Studios (SWS) and their commission process, I suggest you go read it, as it provides the backstory to the African Miyuki Magic. But if you’re only here for the pen porn, then I hope this satisfies your voyeuristic desires. Click on an image to view it larger. Enjoy!

African Miyuki Magic
Keep ReadingPen Porn: Stanford Wood Studio African Miyuki Magic
A Stanford Wood Studio CommissionInstagram 4-11-22
April 11, 2022
Rachel
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A Stanford Wood Studio Commission

Posted in Fountain Pens, and Reviews

When I failed to check Stanford Wood Studio (SWS) off my 2021 wish list, I vowed to ensure I ordered from them in 2022. To that end, as I mentioned in my 2022 wish list post, I reserved a commission right at the beginning of January. But, before I dive into that, allow me to say that SWS was fabulous to work with. I believe I mostly, if not only, communicated with Di — she’s lovely. I appreciated the updates on my commission and her suggestions for making it better. And, once my pens arrived, I could — and can — see what fantastic work they — Di and Dave — do.

Keep ReadingA Stanford Wood Studio Commission
Flexible Nib Factory ZT5E ReviewInstagram 4-6-22
April 6, 2022
Rachel
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Flexible Nib Factory ZT5E Review

Posted in Fountain Pens, and Reviews

DISCLAIMER UPDATE (6/24/22): TWSBI and Narwhal have released a joint statement which I cover in my most recent TWSBIgate post. While not completely satisfied with TWSBI’s response to the situation, I no longer feel the need to dissuade people from purchasing their products.

DISCLAIMER (5/1/22): Since writing this post, TWSBI has been involved in some unsavory actions, and I am currently boycotting them. For more information, refer to the #twsbigate tag page.

In late February, I saw a post on Goulet Nation where someone was showing off a new nib. But this wasn’t any old nib, it was the Flexible Nib Factory ZT5E. Or, in English, a custom feed and housing to allow the use of a Zebra G dip nib in a TWSBI 580 series pen. Since Zebra G nibs are what first sparked my love of flex nibs, I immediately purchased a ZT5E.

Before I dive into the actual review, I want to make it clear that as far as manufacturing and production, I think the ZT5E is top-notch. My critique should be read with the awareness that this is a dip nib housed in a fountain pen. Flexible Nib Factory has provided a way to fit a square peg in a round hole, basically.

Keep ReadingFlexible Nib Factory ZT5E Review
Pen Porn: Permies.world English GardenInstagram 4-4-22
April 4, 2022
Rachel
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Pen Porn: Permies.world English Garden

Posted in Fountain Pens

I have to start this post with an apology to you, the reader. I’m sorry you can’t buy one of these pens, but I feel like this amazing masterpiece deserves its own post.

permies.world on Instagram held a one-time drawing in support of Ukrainian relief efforts. 7 lucky people were given the opportunity to add one of her hand-painted masterpieces to their pen collection for the simple price of donating to a verifiable charity helping Ukrainian adults, children, or pets. You can see the full post on her Instagram account.

I also want to say, don’t pester her to sell pens. I doubt any of you would be so rude, but I’d like to make my opinions clear. She has every right to choose to make pens for the fun of it and not sell them.

Keep ReadingPen Porn: Permies.world English Garden
My Pen Collection Part 1instagram 4-1-22
April 1, 2022
Rachel
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My Pen Collection Part 1

Posted in Fountain Pens

DISCLAIMER UPDATE (6/24/22): TWSBI and Narwhal have released a joint statement which I cover in my most recent TWSBIgate post. While not completely satisfied with TWSBI’s response to the situation, I no longer feel the need to dissuade people from purchasing their products.

DISCLAIMER (5/1/22): Since writing this post, TWSBI has been involved in some unsavory actions, and I am currently boycotting them. For more information, refer to the #twsbigate tag page.

“Less Expensive” Pens

We’re back to posts you requested! I’ve been considering dedicating a post or two to showing off my pen collection for a while. When I saw that quite a few of you were interested in that as well, I started thinking about how best to manage it.

I knew I couldn’t share them all in one post. That’s WAY too much at once. Instead, I’ve decided to break this into three roughly equal parts. This one will focus on my less expensive mainstream pens. I’ll link to part two and part three once they’re posted.

Keep ReadingMy Pen Collection Part 1
Nib Mini Reviews – BWIPS ’22 HaulInstagram 3-29-22
March 29, 2022
Rachel
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Nib Mini Reviews – BWIPS ’22 Haul

Posted in Fountain Pens, and Reviews

Before I dive in, I want to readdress my blog schedule. A few posts back, I mentioned that pen posts would be released on Fridays and non-pen posts would be released on Tuesdays. Well, I have so many things to write about now that that plan needs to change. Moving forward, short of some major problem, I’ll post every Friday, most likely about pens or pen-related topics. I may post up to 4 other times a week, with varying subjects.

OK, with that out of the way, I can jump into the nib reviews. I picked up 5 new nibs at BWIPS. I’m really enjoying testing out various nibs and nib grinds right now. It adds extra character to my writing and helps make older pens “new and exciting” again.

Keep ReadingNib Mini Reviews – BWIPS ’22 Haul
Pen Mini Reviews – BWIPS ’22 HaulInstagram 3-25-22
March 25, 2022
Rachel
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Pen Mini Reviews – BWIPS ’22 Haul

Posted in Fountain Pens, and Reviews

Well, I meant for this to go up on Tuesday, but I just didn’t get to it. You all seemed to enjoy my pen mini reviews of my DC Pen Show Haul, so I’m doing them again with my BWIPS 2022 haul. I hope you enjoy this one, too. FYI, I’m listing the pens in purchase order.

As usual, click on any image to view it larger.

all pens from my haul
A full rotation of pens in one haul.
Keep ReadingPen Mini Reviews – BWIPS ’22 Haul
BWIPS 2022 Show Experience – Part 2Instagram 3-16-22
March 18, 2022
Rachel
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BWIPS 2022 Show Experience – Part 2

Posted in Fountain Pens

Alright, I’m back for part 2. If you didn’t read part 1, you won’t have a problem following along with part 2, but you’ll have missed a large part of my pen show haul. Grab a snack, because this is a long one, too.

As I mentioned before, you’ll notice a dearth of photos of the show itself. My focus on enjoying myself resulted in me not taking a single photo while in the show room. But, you can get your fill of BWIPS imagery on Instagram by looking up #bwips2022 or #baltimorepenshow2022, visiting the BWIPS website, or watching Mike Matteson’s — AKA Inkdependence — video on YouTube.

Keep ReadingBWIPS 2022 Show Experience – Part 2
BWIPS 2022 Show Experience – Part 1Instagram 3-16-22
March 16, 2022
Rachel
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BWIPS 2022 Show Experience – Part 1

Posted in Fountain Pens

Buckle up, folks, this is a long one. I did my best to summarize what I did and saw at Baltimore, but there’s a lot to say. You’ll notice a dearth of photos of the show itself. I was so focused on enjoying myself that I didn’t take a single photo while in the show room. Oops. But, you can get your fill of BWIPS imagery on Instagram by looking up #bwips2022 or #baltimorepenshow2022, visiting the BWIPS website, or watching Mike Matteson’s — AKA Inkdependence — video on YouTube.

Keep ReadingBWIPS 2022 Show Experience – Part 1
The Fountain Pen Tag Round 2 – NibsInstagram 3-11-22
March 11, 2022
Rachel
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The Fountain Pen Tag Round 2 – Nibs

Posted in Fountain Pens, and Reviews

DISCLAIMER UPDATE (6/24/22): TWSBI and Narwhal have released a joint statement which I cover in my most recent TWSBIgate post. While not completely satisfied with TWSBI’s response to the situation, I no longer feel the need to dissuade people from purchasing their products.

DISCLAIMER (5/1/22): Since writing this post, TWSBI has been involved in some unsavory actions, and I am currently boycotting them. For more information, refer to the #twsbigate tag page.

After the fun I had with The Fountain Pens Tag post, I decided to jump on the round 2 version that’s been going around. Except this time I’m just focusing on nibs.

This post is inspired by Heather Austin‘s video THE PALETTE TAG ROUND 2 | ALL ABOUT EYESHADOWS! In that video, she credits Samantha March and Allie Glines with coming up with the idea.

Keep ReadingThe Fountain Pen Tag Round 2 – Nibs
How I Choose Inks for My PensInstagram 3-4-22
March 4, 2022
Rachel
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How I Choose Inks for My Pens

Posted in Fountain Pens

Alright, another post you asked for. My method of choosing inks for my pens is part data-driven, part personal preference. Ultimately, the actual “choice” of ink is only mildly influenced by the data-driven aspect. So, if you want to skip the data-driven bit, you won’t be missing out on too much.

Data-Driven

Like with my pens, I try to ensure I use all of my inks. To do so, I have an Airtable view set up for ink usage. Every time I ink a pen (not counting my “always inked” pens), I check off the ink I used. I only let myself use an ink once per notebook.

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Customized Custom 74 ReviewInstagram 3-1-22
March 1, 2022
Rachel
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Customized Custom 74 Review

Posted in Fountain Pens, and Reviews

As I mentioned in my Elabo review, I got two pens from Penwing Stationery. This time, I’m reviewing the second, the Custom 74.

Again, I’m not reviewing the pen itself. I already know I love that. I’m focusing on the aftermarket customization work done on the pen. As with my Elabo review, I’m judging the work based on the price difference. In this case, a Custom 74 sells for $200 MSRP ($160 retail). The Penwing Stationery customized version has a $205.99 list price, but seems to be on perpetual sale for $165. So, I’m judging the work on a $5 difference.

Keep ReadingCustomized Custom 74 Review
My Brand “Grudges”Instagram 2-25-22
February 25, 2022
Rachel
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My Brand “Grudges”

Posted in Fountain Pens

As I mentioned in my survey results post, I was surprised to find that this topic got the most votes. But, ask and you shall receive. This post is inspired by Emily Hanhan‘s video MAKEUP GRUDGES BRANDS, PRODUCTS, & TRENDS I HAVE BEEF WITH! // YES, THIS IS A RANT!

Now, by definition, a grudge is “a persistent feeling of ill will or resentment resulting from a past insult or injury.” However, I don’t necessarily have ill will or resentment towards these brands. Rather, most of them I’ve simply had one or more negative experiences that make me wary or unwilling to purchase more from them. There are only two brands on this list that I would, and have, actively warn people against buying.

Keep ReadingMy Brand “Grudges”