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Category: Fountain Pens

Reviewing My 2022 Purchasing HabitsInstagram 1-11-22
January 2, 2023
Rachel
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Reviewing My 2022 Purchasing Habits

Posted in Fountain Pens

As should have been obvious in my Pen Collection post, 2022 did not go as I’d planned. My stated goal was to limit my pen purchases to 24 pens. I failed in that. Miserably.

However, I sold 17 pens last year, and none of them was purchased in 2022. So at least I’m keeping up my streak of zero same-year sales.

While I disposed of more pens in 2022 than 2021 (14), my purchasing skyrocketed from 42 in 2021 to 54 in 2022. That puts last year as the second highest purchasing rate since I started collecting. It also had the second highest net collection increase : 37.

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My 2022 Top TensInstagram 12-30-22. My 2022 Top Tens
December 30, 2022
Rachel
4 Comments

My 2022 Top Tens

Posted in Fountain Pens

Once again, I’m sharing my current top pens. I took a somewhat different approach this year, so that I actually choose a top 10. I’m judging my pens based on appearance and the way they write. So I have two different top ten lists. Because of this, I won’t be comparing to last year’s top pens, which ended up being a top 28.

This was just as hard as I expected it to be. I’m fortunate enough to have an absolutely fabulous pen collection, so narrowing it down to my favorites grows increasingly difficult each year.

But without further preamble, enjoy my top 10 pens of 2022 by appearance and by nibs.

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Year in Review – 2022 PensInstagram 12-29-22
December 29, 2022
Rachel
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Year in Review – 2022 Pens

Posted in Fountain Pens, and Non-Fountain Pens

While it was difficult to do last year, ranking my pen purchases was a useful exercise. So, I decided to do it again. I have to say, I’m embarrassed by the long list of pens I purchased this year. I was hoping to buy less pens this year, not more. But I’ll discuss that in another post.

I realize that this is a long block of text. But, if I added a photo of each pen, it would take absolutely forever to get through. So, for pens that I’ve already discussed in a dedicated post, I’ve linked to that post (and the photos contained therein). For the rest, where possible, I linked to an Instagram photo from the pen maker or store they collaborated with. When that wasn’t possible, I linked to a good photo on Instagram (consider following those fine folks) or one of my own Instagram posts.

Keep ReadingYear in Review – 2022 Pens
Pens for Sale for Athena
December 24, 2022
Rachel
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Pens for Sale for Athena

Posted in Cat, and Fountain Pens

Update 12/27/22: Thank you so much to those who have purchased pens! It’s truly appreciated.

I’ve had some pens for sale at Bertram’s Inkwell for a little while. I appreciate how easy Bert makes his consignment process. Under normal circumstances, I’m in no hurry to sell pens. They sell when they sell. That said, we’ve had something come up.

Athena’s Story

If you follow me on Instagram, then you’ve likely seen posts of our “outdoor” girl, Athena. She was once a feral kitten, and came to us for help when she was about 6 months old. She was outside our garage, meowing at us. And she never really left.

Keep ReadingPens for Sale for Athena
My 2022 Brand “Discoveries”Instagram 12-23-22
December 23, 2022
Rachel
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My 2022 Brand “Discoveries”

Posted in Fountain Pens

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.

Keep ReadingMy 2022 Brand “Discoveries”
Ridiculous PensInstagram 12-16-22
December 16, 2022
Rachel
2 Comments

Ridiculous Pens

Posted in Fountain Pens

Today’s post is somewhat inspired by a YouTube video. “Weird pen collabs” seemed like a fun topic, at least until I realized the only one I could find/think of was the Montegrappa & Harry Potter series. And that’s only weird for what Montegrappa chose to draw inspiration from. The Quidditch pitch, really? But I digress.

So, I modified the idea to ridiculous pens. The pens I chose are either ridiculously bad OR ridiculously good. On the bad side of things you have poor design and pricing. On the good side you have amazing showcase of materials and skill. I’m sure there are many other ridiculous pens I’ve missed, but I tried to go for a variety, and I think I succeeded.

Side note before I begin: I’m not judging the artistry or craftsmanship on the “bad” pens, just the decisions.

Now, let’s start small and work our way up, shall we?

Keep ReadingRidiculous Pens
Pens Unique to a BrandInstagram 11-25-22
November 25, 2022
Rachel
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Pens Unique to a Brand

Posted in Fountain Pens

Part of what I like about indie-made pens is finding models, materials, etc. that are unique to a maker. Obviously, I don’t know every maker. Nor do I even come close to purchasing from every maker I know of. However, I want to dedicate this post to pens I know of that are unique to their respective makers. I’m listing these alphabetically by maker.

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Slowing the ShoppingInstagram 11-23-22
November 23, 2022
Rachel
2 Comments

Slowing the Shopping

Posted in Fountain Pens, and Personal

If you read my ADHD post, you know I have troubles with purchasing things. As it seemed that at least some of you found that post helpful, I’d like to share one of my biggest weapons in managing my shopping impulses, especially with Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday shopping coming up.

For me, the most helpful thing has been what I call anti-shoping mantras. These short phrases and questions let me pause my thinking long enought to reconsider what I’m doing. This extra moment is often enough to allow me to stop myself.

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Pen Porn: Benu Minima Feather in the WindInstagram 11-21-22
November 21, 2022
Rachel
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Pen Porn: Benu Minima Feather in the Wind

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’ve been trying hard to buy less pens, since I over purchased this year. For the most part, I’ve been doing a bit better. But, when I saw the Feather in the Wind, I couldn’t resist. Just look at the gorgeous photos Benu shared.

aesthetically pleasing photo of the Benu Minima Feather in the Wind
aesthetically pleasing photo of the Benu Minima Feather in the Wind
aesthetically pleasing photo of the Benu Minima Feather in the Wind
These gorgeous photos are from the Benu website.
Keep ReadingPen Porn: Benu Minima Feather in the Wind
Indie Packaging InfluenceInstagram 11-18-22
November 18, 2022
Rachel
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Indie Packaging Influence

Posted in Fountain Pens

I received an interesting question a few weeks ago: who does the best packaging for their pens, and do you think that factors into whether you go back to them as a pen seller?

The question was geared toward indie-made pens, so that’s what I’ll be focusing on today. However, I’m going to ignore the first part of the question as “best” is highly subjective.

Keep ReadingIndie Packaging Influence
Pen Porn: Stars on Sapphire LakesInstagram 11-15-22
November 15, 2022
Rachel
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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
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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
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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
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