Skip to content

Category: Fountain Pens

Pen Porn: Stars on Sapphire LakesInstagram 11-15-22
November 15, 2022
Rachel
Leave a Comment

Pen Porn: Stars on Sapphire Lakes

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 high-quality pen porn. 😉

If you’ve been here a while, you know I’m not a fan of the Franklin-Christoph models that have threads at the nib end of the section — like this Model 46. But, look at how pretty the Stars on Sapphire Lakes is! It’s well worth it, in my opinion, to try to get used to a different grip to be able to use this pen comfortably. Plus, it’s great supporting my pen friend, Azizah, of Gourmet Pens.

Stars on Sapphire Lakes

Side note, they’re sold out right now, but more will be coming in the future. Keep an eye on Gourmet Pens Shop.

Keep ReadingPen Porn: Stars on Sapphire Lakes
Fountain Pen MythsInstagram 11-11-22
November 11, 2022
Rachel
One Comment

Fountain Pen Myths

Posted in Fountain Pens

I came across a post a while back where someone was concerned that their nib didn’t have a breather hole. I didn’t bother to comment that a breather hole isn’t necessary for your pen to function because multiple people already had. But, it got me thinking, what other fountain pen myths are there? These are the ones I could think of, with some help from Azizah of Gourmet Pens.

Keep ReadingFountain Pen Myths
Pen Porn: The Right Royal PenInstagram 11-8-22
November 8, 2022
Rachel
2 Comments

Pen Porn: The Right Royal Pen

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 high-quality pen porn. 😉

I hardly know where to start with this treasure. I suppose it makes sense to begin at the beginning.

360 degree view of The Right Royal Pen
I pieced together a 360 degree view of my fantastic new pen.
Keep ReadingPen Porn: The Right Royal Pen
Cypress Dandelion ConstructionInstagram 10-12-22
October 12, 2022
Rachel
Leave a Comment

Cypress Dandelion Construction

Posted in Fountain Pens

No, this isn’t a duplicate post. I find the construction of the Dandelion pen so unique and interesting that I want to give it its own post.

Previous pens I’ve purchased from Cypress (formerly Mr. Cypress) have had a standard cartridge-converter construction (cap, section, and barrel). This Dandelion pen, however, is very different.

Cypress Eggshell Series Dandelion
Keep ReadingCypress Dandelion Construction
Pen Porn: Cypress Eggshell Series DandelionInstagram 10-11-22
October 11, 2022
Rachel
Leave a Comment

Pen Porn: Cypress Eggshell Series Dandelion

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 high-quality pen porn. 😉

As I mentioned in my unboxing reel on Instagram, I’ve wanted this pen since I saw the concept art on April 24. I did my best to wait patiently, but I checked in with Cypress — formerly Mr. Cypress — a couple of times to get status updates.

It only took me a couple of minutes to place my order when I saw the post announcing it on Monday (10/2). And it showed up early on Thursday!

Now, enough story, I know you’re here for the photos.

Cypress Eggshell Series Dandelion
Keep ReadingPen Porn: Cypress Eggshell Series Dandelion
Pen Porn: Platinum Izumo Kurikara-KenInstagram 10-4-22
October 4, 2022
Rachel
2 Comments

Pen Porn: Platinum Izumo Kurikara-Ken

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 high-quality pen porn. 😉

I haven’t created a pen porn post on a non-new pen in quite a while. So, today I present to you my glorious Platinum Izumo Kurikara-ken. It depicts a scene of the epic battle between Fudo Myo-o — whose name means the immovable or unshakable one — one of the Five Great Wisdom Kings of Japanese Buddhism, and a threatening dark demon. As the struggle progresses, Fudo Myo-o transforms himself into Kurikara, his own sword, in order to do battle with the demon. When the demon also transforms into a sword, Fudo Myo-o then transforms into a dragon to swallow and destroy him. It is this conclusion that the pen shows.

The platinum izumo kurikara ken
Keep ReadingPen Porn: Platinum Izumo Kurikara-Ken
The True Value of Indie PensInstagram 9-23-22
September 23, 2022
Rachel
5 Comments

The True Value of Indie Pens

Posted in Fountain Pens

Jim and I have given a seminar we call “The True Value of Indie Pens” at our last two pen shows — Baltimore and DC. Both sessions were well received, and we’ve been asked if the information was available anywhere for reference. At the DC show, I promised I’d create a blog post, so that’s what I’m doing — perhaps a bit late. If you’re interested int eh actual presentation, I’ve made it available on Google Drive. Be aware, I removed the examples, as I didn’t ask permission to make that information available in such a way.

Background

So, where did the class originate? Jim and I heard one to many conversations along the lines of, “For that price I can get [insert mainstream brand name here],” or “I don’t think it’s worth it,” with regards to indie pens. We want to help spread awareness of how special indie-made pens are, just how much you’re actually getting for the price.

Keep ReadingThe True Value of Indie Pens
Pen Porn: Sailor Profit Maki-e MaikoInstagram 9-8-22
September 9, 2022
Rachel
Leave a Comment

Pen Porn: Sailor Profit Maki-e Maiko

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 high-quality pen porn. 😉

On September 1st, Goulet Pen Co. sent out an email announcing their Sailor “Don’t Miss the Boat” sale. I’m assuming it has something to do with Sailor’s upcoming price increase, but I digress. I wasn’t looking for any Sailor pens, but I decided to take a look and see what was on offer.

To my surprise, I found a pen I wanted. I’ve really been enjoying urushi art pens, and the Maiko caught my eye, especially considering it was approximately half price. The sale price put it at just a bit higher than a standard Pro Gear pen, so I bought another pen that I shouldn’t have. I’m not doing well at all in my quest to buy less pens this year.

Sailor 1911S Maki-e Maiko
Keep ReadingPen Porn: Sailor Profit Maki-e Maiko
Pen Porn: Benu Talisman Four Leaf CloverInstagram 8-22-22
August 23, 2022
Rachel
2 Comments

Pen Porn: Benu Talisman Four Leaf Clover

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 high-quality pen porn. 😉

A couple of weeks ago, when Ink Journal announced that Benu would be implementing a price increase, I knew it was time to pick up the Four Leaf Clover. As I’ve said before, I intend to collect the Talisman series pens that have shaped confetti — like the Wild Rose and Shooting Star.

As with other Talisman model pens, the Four Leaf Clover has its namesake infused into the resin. It’s a bit unclear from the pamphlet, however, if Benu actually managed to get a hold of a ton of four leaf clovers to powder, or if they simply used the powder from the clover plant.

Benu Four Leaf Clover
Keep ReadingPen Porn: Benu Talisman Four Leaf Clover
Pen Porn: Benu Forest PondInstagram 7-26-22
July 26, 2022
Rachel
Leave a Comment

Pen Porn: Benu Forest Pond

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 high-quality pen porn. 😉

When I got the email from Benu about the Forest Pond — and Midsummer Night — I immediately purchased it. I’d skipped the Petit Prince, and I really wanted one of Benu’s hand-painted pens.

Benu Forest Pond front
Benu Forest Pond back
The bottom image is the reverse, not the side, I just had to unscrew the cap a bit so it would balance for the photo.
Keep ReadingPen Porn: Benu Forest Pond
Pen Porn: Enameled SakuraInstagram 7-4-22
July 4, 2022
Rachel
Leave a Comment

Pen Porn: Enameled Sakura

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 high-quality pen porn. 😉

Per usual with these posts, click on an image to view it larger.

Three weeks ago, Brian Weaver of Iron Feather Creative posted two videos on Instagram. They featured an absolutely glorious carved pen with a sakura theme. Brian had added carving and cold enamel to a pen he’d posted a few weeks earlier.

I think I messaged him within 15 minutes of posting. This beauty is my fourth Iron Feather Creative pen, and I highly doubt it will be my last.

full sakura pen
Keep ReadingPen Porn: Enameled Sakura
Purchasing Habits UpdateInstagram 6-30-22
July 1, 2022
Rachel
Leave a Comment

Purchasing Habits Update

Posted in Fountain Pens

So… remember earlier this year when I said, “I want to keep my pen purchases this year to 24 or less?” Well, that didn’t go so well. Here we are, only half way through the year, and I’ve already exceeded that limit by two.

I even tried to finagle the numbers in my favor. Rather than all pens, I first narrowed it down to purchased pens. Because, really, gifts don’t count. They aren’t purchases. And then I narrowed it down further to fountain pens. That cut out 7 pens, including the new Retro 51 Smithsonian Panda that just arrived today.

Keep ReadingPurchasing Habits Update
Pen Porn: Crystallized RainbowInstagram 6-28-22
June 28, 2022
Rachel
Leave a Comment

Pen Porn: Crystallized Rainbow

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 high-quality pen porn. 😉

This will be a unique pen porn post. This material is nearly impossible to capture, but I’ve done my best. However, because capturing its full beauty proved illusive, I don’t have too many photos.

Opal pen
Keep ReadingPen Porn: Crystallized Rainbow
Additional Indie MakersInstagram 4-9-21
June 24, 2022
Rachel
2 Comments

Additional Indie Makers

Posted in Fountain Pens

NOTE: These are new indie makers I’ve learned about since posting my Indie Pen Makers Update. All of these makers will be added to that main post, but I want to feature them, since the previous makers got their “turn.”

For the purposes of these posts, I’m putting the following limitations on the term “Indie Maker”:

  • Only or regularly works with customers to make unique/custom pens
  • Fully handmade, uses CNC lathes with hand finishing, or 3D prints custom pen designs
  • Creates kitless pens
  • Not sold in stores (or only sold in local brick & mortar store)
  • Makes one-off or short runs

Even with the addition of these new makers, that list will not be comprehensive, that’s virtually impossible. However, if you know of a maker who meets the qualifications above and is not included, please let me know. Also, if you know the location of a maker that doesn’t have one listed, let me know that, too.

Keep in mind, I have not purchased a pen from these makers, so consider this an informational list, not an endorsement.

Keep ReadingAdditional Indie Makers
TWSBI, I’m Still DisappointedInstagram 6-24-22 am post
June 24, 2022
Rachel
3 Comments

TWSBI, I’m Still Disappointed

Posted in Fountain Pens

NOTE: This is an unexpected post based on current events. Rather than postpone my scheduled post to next week, it will be up at noon today. Enjoy a double-post day!

Well, after nearly two months, there is an update to TWSBIgate.

A DC Pen Crew member shared a link to Narwhal’s most recent newsletter, sent out on 6/23/2022, which contained a joint statement from TWSBI and Narwhal. I’m not sharing the link, as I don’t know if it’s actually meant for public dissemination. However, I’m including the images and a transcription below.

Update 6/24/2022 at 7:30am: It appears TWSBI did, indeed, send out an email, specifically to retailers. I say appears as the “evidence” is an image from Reddit, which I’m including below as well, rather than a link to the email sent out, as was provided for Narwhal.

Keep ReadingTWSBI, I’m Still Disappointed
Vintage Sheaffer ResearchInstagram 6-17-22
June 17, 2022
Rachel
7 Comments

Vintage Sheaffer Research

Posted in Fountain Pens

I’ve been meaning to write this post for a while, as it was one of the posts you all voted on. But, better late than never, right?

It’s a little difficult to re-research a pen after I’ve identified it, mainly because I want to just type in what it is. But, I managed it. Today I’ll be walking you through the way I research pens, in this case, my vintage Sheaffer.

Sheaffer
Keep ReadingVintage Sheaffer Research
Comparing Common Nib GrindsInstagram 6-3-22
June 3, 2022
Rachel
Leave a Comment

Comparing Common Nib Grinds

Posted in Fountain Pens

I’ve been on a major custom-ground nib kick for the past year or so. At the DC Pen Show, I picked up two cursive italic nibs from All in the Nib. Since then, I’ve picked up four more custom-ground nibs. In that intervening time, I’ve also had multiple discussions with people about nib grinds and the differences between them.

Those conversations taught me that many people aren’t aware of the differences in the way each grind writes. So, I decided to compare the different “common” nib grinds I have.

Keep ReadingComparing Common Nib Grinds
Big Dropper Skull ReviewInstagram 5-31-22
May 31, 2022
Rachel
Leave a Comment

Big Dropper Skull Review

Posted in Fountain Pens

When Ben introduced his polycarbonate, laser-engraved pens, I knew I had to have one. While I adore the appearance of my metal Gravitas pen, there is just enough of the metal-on-metal scraping sound that, over time, I’ve decided to let it go. Now that I have the polycarbonate pen, I don’t feel as bad about that decision.

For the time being, the polycarbonate pens are only available in the “Member’s Area” — available to those who have already purchased from Gravitas Pens. Hopefully they will be available to everyone at some point in the future.

Keep ReadingBig Dropper Skull Review
Pens I’ve Gotten Rid OfInstagram 5-20-22
May 20, 2022
Rachel
3 Comments

Pens I’ve Gotten Rid Of

Posted in Fountain Pens

I don’t remember where the idea for this post originally came from. I may have read something somewhere, it may have just popped into my head one day. I don’t know.

Regardless, in the way I discussed 10 pens in my Would I Buy Them Again Today? post, I chose 10 pens I’ve gotten rid of to discuss why they are no longer in my collection. I’m sure some of my answers will be expected, while others will likely be surprising to some. I hope you enjoy, and that my reasoning may help those who are trying to sell some of their own pens.

Keep ReadingPens I’ve Gotten Rid Of