This post has been a long time coming. I’ve let it stew for a while, trying to think of options. But the truth is this was always coming…

My nature has always been to jump in, head first, and see where it goes. (Except when it comes to big ticket purchases. My wife will tell you I need 2 years of research before making a commitment to buy a TV!). I’m a generalist, a multidisciplinary person with many interests. One hobby at a time? Pfft! That’s for other people 😊

When I re-discovered fountain pens just over 2 years ago, I was hooked. As a long time notebook user for my 9 to 5, it didn’t take much to convince me that I needed an elegant pen. Or pens.

And what do you do when you have a new interest, a new hobby? Tell the world, of course!

It’s fair to say that I maybe didn’t think this though properly at the time. A weekly newsletter? Sure. Why not? A new pen each month to write about? Doable. Interview fountain pen users? Easy.

Yes, well…

After 12 or so weekly issues, I started to think that I may have taken on more than I could handle. Make no mistake, a weekly cadence for a newsletter is not an easy thing. Kudos to those that have been doing this for years.

Oh, wait. I may have left out another key aspect to my overwhelm.

I mentioned that I’m a generalist. Many interests, much knowledge across these interests. Well, if I’m starting a newsletter on fountain pens I should also talk about being a generalist, too. And, so newsletter #2 was born.

No, it wasn’t enough to start only 1 newsletter 🤨

Fast forward to today, and it is clear that my vision for both newsletters, but especially for the fountain pens, has not eventuated. And I think it’s because I wasn’t being realistic with my expectations.

While fountain pens will forever play an ongoing role in my life, and I love coming across new pens and paper, I don’t know that I have enough new things to say on the topic to fill a newsletter on a regular basis.

For this reason, I will be sunsetting the newsletter. There is no point stretching this out any further.

Starting out is just as important as realising when the time has come to let go.

Moving forward, I will concentrate my writing efforts on Generally Speaking. This will cover all things that a generalist like me finds interesting and feels the need to write about. Even fountain pens, I’m sure!

Does this mean that I am committing to a regular schedule? Of course not! It’s still me 😊

For the 200+ people that have invited me into their inboxes with The Fountain, I thank you. I know there is a demand for this topic and everything that comes with it (and stationery in general) but I’m not the one to fill that demand.

I don’t know if you are interested in my thoughts and writing beyond fountain pens, but I will add you all to the GS newsletter and let you decide. If it’s not for you, feel free to unsubscribe.

Fountain pens forever!

Until next time.

I asked Andy if he would share some of his journey and his experiences with fountain pens, why he uses them, etc. and he was happy to oblige. When reading through Andy’s words and looking at the pictures that he’s shared with me, you will immediately sense a deep rooted love of fountain pens that carried through to adulthood and into his creative passions. And some of the detail that he goes into shows his commitment to producing work of the highest quality.

Over to Andy…

It was back in 1980, top of the primary school in the UK. I was 9 or 10 years old. Mr Perkins, the head teacher, who also taught us for half of each school day, was insistent that we learned to write well. And his personal ethos was that we wrote well if we used a fountain pen - pens provided by the school. Mine was purple.

I don’t know if that was a thing with all the schools in those days. My wife remembers the same thing, and she was in London whereas I was in the Northwest of the UK. She didn’t get on with it either - she’s a left-hander. So, when she wrote her hand would drag across the ink. She had to do these really weird contortions with her hand to get a pen to work properly, which it didn’t of course. Fountain pens force you to write in a certain way.

I’m right-handed and didn’t have any of those kinds of problems at all. I loved it.

The best part was that I discovered just how awesome fountain pens were for drawing. And even in secondary school, I discovered teachers didn’t complain too much if I drew on the covers of my books, so long as the inside was neat. And I fell for these blotty wet nibs.

To give you an idea of just how sold I am on fountain pens, let me give you a few examples:

• I spent quite a bit of money on different fountain pens, even as a kid. Sometimes squeeze ink reservoir types, before the days of the twist reservoir.

  Top tip: don’t chew cartridges - the ink tastes like vinegar, and it makes your lips go blue. Personal experience. (Editor’s note: I audibly LOL’d at this! ha!)

• I bought both my sons fountain pens. And when they lost them, I bought them new ones. Lamy Safari, of course, because they are the easiest these days.

• I got a very nice thin pen once, and each time I dropped the pen the barrel shattered. It had to be replaced. I gave up.

• My dad bought my wife and I gold fountain pens when we graduated. Expensive jobs. They clogged all the time. I gave up on mine. Mrs. Gray never even started. See above for that reason!

• I was in a stationery store maybe 8 years back and there was a mum with her daughter. They were obviously there buying up the shop for the start of the next term, and I heard the daughter, probably 12 or 13, begging her mum for a fountain pen. Not even an expensive one. Her mum refused, quite nastily as well.

  What she said made my blood run cold …

“Not until you can write properly and neatly,” she scolded, going into an absolute rant. “Only people with neat handwriting deserve nice pens. And yours is terrible.”

I was furious. She had no idea.

Unless you’re a left hander (My sympathies … but maybe if you are a fountain pen using lefty, you can leave a comment about how you do it) then a fountain pen will help you to write neatly. Even without Mr. Perkins’ weekly writing lessons with school provided equipment. My sons had terrible handwriting, which is why I bought the Lamy pens for both of them. They discovered that it sorted them out pretty quickly.

So, with all this, and the fact that I discovered the way you could lay in solid blocks of colour, turn the pen upside down and you can get a very fine line. The ink just flows. As a primary and secondary school kid, fountain pens became the main thing I drew with. My skills with the pen grew as fast as the illustration work skills. For the live illustration/graphic recording work, my love for fountain pens led me to doing more dip pen work, and then I spent a year of my art classes at secondary school just doing calligraphy. I really learned how to make all sorts of fountain pens work.

When do I use fountain pens? Daily. There are so many great things about them. Seriously. Let’s get a caveat out of the way - it still depends on the job as to whether I am going to use a fountain pen exclusively for my children’s book/RPG fantasy work, or if I go with a straight quill pen. If I have a thick line that is misbehaving, then it has to be the dip pen. But for most jobs I need more control, so it’s a fountain pen job. Let’s take a look at when I use them and what I use.

In my thin pencil case, I carry 2x Lamy Safari, 1 Sailor Fude, Carbon platinum, along with a 2h, 2b clutch pencils and a putty rubber. And that’s it. This, along with the Talens pad is my working document. Then it just depends on the job as to which paper we run with.

All the pens run on Carbon platinum ink. The Carbon platinum pen itself is cartridge, the others are reservoir pens. You have to buy the reservoirs separately for each of them, but it’s worth it. More environmentally friendly and an awful lot cheaper. A bottle of ink will last me a couple of years even with daily use. Quite fun too, as the ink bottle has a little ‘cup’ in it which is filled with ink when you turn and right the bottle up. Really clever way of ‘dosing’ the amount, and you don’t have to go immersing the pen in ink, so less messy.

The Lamy pens are a medium nib and a fine nib. Though if you turn the medium Lamy upside down, you can use it like a fine liner. All Lamy pens come with a medium nib - you need to buy the fine nib, which isn’t that expensive. I wouldn’t say they were hot swappable, but you just pinch the nib between your fingers and pull it off, then put the new nib on. Do it with an empty pen though or prepare for messy fingers.

These are the two pens I use for RPG and texture black and white illustrations. The carbon pen is very firm and very, very fine. Absolutely brilliant but can get a bit scratchy and stuck in paper. Love it on Bristol board.

The Fude is an interesting one. I think that it is developed to help Japanese school children to make characters before they can properly handle the finesse of a brush. It has a rounded, but upturned nib at the end. It’s excellent for the wobbly line work that I will often do for children’s book illustration, though most people seem to use it for urban sketching. It is like having a controllable quill pen that misbehaves. You just need to twist it and change the angle. Or if you want a fine line, then flip it upside down.

One more cool Fude trick. On the flattest/widest angle you can lay down a very flat mass of black very quickly. Just keep a wet edge and spotting blacks becomes easy.

Truly the most versatile of all pens, it took me 3 decades to discover, and its dirt cheap!

Why carbon ink? Clogs and waterproof are the two things I watch for with ink pens.

I will use watercolour or ink washes a great deal in my work, and most of the ink apart from acrylic based or Indian ink isn’t waterproof. Nightmare.

But acrylic and Indian ink will destroy your fountain pen. Plus, when it comes to scanning or photographing the art I will always run into the problem of shine, which necessitates hours of photoshop to bring it back into line. So, the ink needs to come out as both dense and matte.

The next big thing to work out is the paper. And that very much depends on what I am doing.

Pure line work, and hash lines then it must be Bristol board. I don’t want texture showing through, and I just want the line work to be excellent. Pencil work first, then once the ink is dry - leave it at least 30 minutes to be sure - a putty rubber does a great job.

If I am working on a kids book, with a watercolour wash, then I will generally want to either be soaking the paper with colour (I use ecoline inks if you are interested, or acrylic paint) then I’ll go for some kind of rough watercolour heavy weight. Totally useless for the carbon fountain pen, of course, because it’s so spiky it just digs in and wrenches up the paper fibres. But For watercolour work I get some awesome textures at the end of the stroke, great dry brushing options, and I can soak the paper as much as I like. The ink goes on great. What I really like about using this kind of paper is for the Fude, because it kind of dances along the surface of the paper and becomes a very textured line. But at the same time is ultimately controllable. It looks like I’ve used a messy dip pen, but I can control it as tightly as if I am drawing digitally in photoshop.

Using a fountain pen in my illustration work means I can work all day, and only occasionally have to stop to refill. Plus, there is far less likelihood of dripping ink on a completed illustration. I just stick my planned out rough on the back of the paper and use a light box. Top tip btw, stick the rough to the paper. I discovered years ago that doing that meant you could tilt the paper around to the right angle no matter what you are doing, and so few people seem to do that, and they just use registration marks, or they stick the rough down on the lightbox.

So that has an impact on the paper I use as well. I need to see the underlying pencil work sometimes, or digital draft that I’ve printed off, on the cheap paper I use, and through the paper I am illustrating on using my light box.

I guess the remaining question is do I use a fountain pen for writing? Leuchtturm is the best option. It’s like moleskin with what effectively is the writing and illustration world of Apple tax, if you know what I mean. Use your Lamy, for me it’s the medium nib out of preference for writing, and you can’t go far wrong. Just glides away.

But I do get a bit distracted from writing and start doodling…

If your style is neat, then use a Lamy with a medium nib, just use upside down for fine work. Or get a fine nib and try that. Get the reservoir to fit.

If your style is messier, then you must get a Sailor Fude, and a reservoir.

And then just give it a go.

Maybe you’ll be like me and find those fine liner pens don’t end up getting used half as much.

Thanks for that great ride down memory lane and all of the cool photos. Your enthusiasm for your craft shines through.

You know the feeling you get when you first use something, how it feels in your hand, how it just clicks for you, like this is how it’s meant to be? That was my experience when I first picked up a Pilot Metropolitan.

I was at a local stationary store and asked the person there to show me some introductory pens. Pens for those that had never had a fountain pen before.

She proceeded to show me the Lamy Safari and then the Pilot Metro. Both pens were similarly priced. She gave me details on each, talked about ink cartridges and cartridge converters, and allowed me to sample writing with both. The Pilot had a Fine nib and the Lamy a Medium.

After testing the Lamy, the Pilot felt different. It felt right. A combination of the finer nib and how I write just clicked.

I bought it and I’ve never looked back!

Since then I’ve bought a Lamy Safari AL-Star, a Platinum 3776 Century, a couple of Waterman’s (one which my son brought me back from Japan). I’ve also bought a smaller EDC fountain from Big Idea Design. I intend on adding a Visconti Homo Sapien at some point, as I love the look of these pens. But at their price point ($1k+), and with the QA issues I keep reading about, I’ll be looking to sample writing with it before buying.

Yet still, with some of my other pens always inked and ready to go, I don’t think I’ll ever not use the Pilot Metro daily. It’s such an easy pen to use. I currently journal with it daily. And I use the Lamy for my daily work note taking.

Like many of you, I have watched countless hours of YouTube and new pen reviews. From the affordable to the outrageous. I would love to spend some time with the higher end pens, to write with them, to experience them. I’m sure they would be a joy to use.

But if I had to nominate a go to pen for the new user, it’d be the Pilot. It is basic, no fuss, and reliable. I guess the time I’ve spent with it plays a big part in this, but what is more telling is that even after buying and using other pens, I still go back to the Metro for day to day. It is my workhorse.

Do you have a forever pen?

Until next time.

When I discovered fountain pens almost 2 years ago now, it was the style and look of a pen that first grabbed my attention. I’m sure I’m not alone. When something grabs your eye, your curiosity then follows. It’s human nature. That is why design and aesthetics plays such a big role in the consumer market.

But, I digress. This isn’t a commentary on the psyops employed by manufacturers against the frail human mind.

Rightly or not, aside from the brand and its reputation in the market, the first thing that grabs me about a new fountain pen today is still the look and design. So, looking beyond the traditional pen design, the retractable fountain pen has always intrigued me.

From the beginning, the Pilot Vanishing Point (or Capless) has stood out.

A retractable fountain pen. No cap. 🤯

Commonplace in the regular pen world, the retractable fountain pen is somewhat unique. The first concern that comes to mind, however, is ink leakage. How do you prevent any drop of ink from staining whatever is housing the pen?

Valid question, I thought. Well, there is an answer that I wasn’t aware of. At least, there is a solution for the more well known retractable (or capless) fountain pens. Some quick research showed that these types of pens, like the Pilot Vanishing Point, have a shutter mechanism when the nib is retracted. Clever. But logical, if you think about it.

There are a number of available retractable fountain pens on the market from well known pen names, like Pilot and Lamy. So I had some options to choose from.

It was over a year ago now that I stumbled across a Kickstarter for a retractable fountain pen. The project was from a company called Endless, out of India. I looked up the manufacturer and saw that they were a stationary company with a number of other products - pen pouches, notebooks and inks. Seeing that they were already well over funded on this project - The Phantom retractable fountain pen - (ended up $230k+ on a $10k goal!) I figured the risk was worth it, so I backed it.

I chose the option with 2 x retractable fountain pens, a 5 pen pouch and some inks. I can’t buy myself one without thinking about my wife 🙂 All up, approx $150. Let the fun begin!

As best as I can recall, I backed this project in September 2024, with an estimated shipping date on February/March 2025. Reasonable.

March came and went. July. August. September. Finally, after many enquiries and feedback about shipping issues, etc, my package arrived approximately 12 months after I backed it.

“So, what is the pen like?” I hear you ask. Interesting is the word I’d use.

For starters, the clip forms part of the pen that you hold when you write - contrary to other pens where the clip is on the posted lid. But, it works. It allows you have a comfortable hold of the pen when writing.

The first thing that struck me about this pen, however, is the size of the nib. Or, I should say, the lack of size of the nib, for its small. Very small.

See below pic with my Lamy Safari and Pilot Metropolitan for comparison.

I don’t own a pen with such a small nib. You think it’ll give way under the pressure of writing. It doesn’t, but it’s a different feeling when writing.

The nib I purchased was a Medium. It doesn’t look, feel or write like a Medium. Much more like a Fine. Or even an Extra Fine. Which is disappointing.

One aspect I noticed straight away is the feel of it when writing. I commonly use a Midori MD notebook for journaling, and it’s very scratchy on that paper. I’d say it would be the same on any paper with texture.

The small nib on textured paper like the Midori MD is a no go.

I then tried on the much smoother Clairefontaine notebook I have, and it’s not much different. With such a small nib it tends to “grab” the paper often rather than glide.

I know some will say to use a wetter ink, etc. I don’t think any amount of ink wetness is going to help here.

Overall, I’m disappointed. I knew it was a risk, but for $150 I was prepared to give it a go. The most disappointing aspect for me is that with a little more money I could have purchased an established retractable fountain pen, with a track record of usage and improvements.

I wanted to back innovation and to give it a go. And I did.

But I won’t be backing fountain pens from untried manufacturers again.

Until next time.

After what seemed like a lifetime, I finally received my kickstarter-backed fountain pen project. More on that later. But first, a brief look into (my) human psyche 😊

When there are extended delays, it’s difficult not to be nervous.

“Is this legit?”

“Will they actually ship anything, or have I made a donation?”

Humans. We’re a funny lot. On the whole, we are also trusting. We want to believe that others are the same. Until they give us reason to doubt.

As I patiently waited for the project to arrive, there were some nerves. If I remember correctly, I backed it in Sept/Oct 2024. The timeframe for delivery was “shipping in February 2025”.

I’m in Australia. Other side of the world, but still reachable.

As the months went by, my belief, my conviction, wavered. There were updates on the progress. Some manufacturing quality issues. Some other delays. All reasonable. And pushing the delivery date back.

But as the months passed, I wondered whether I’d ever hold this fountain pen in my hand.

I was finally notified that my package was shipping! Thus began the dance of tracking the package every few days only to find there was no update. Rinse. Repeat.

And suddenly it was at the source airport, ready to ship. And there it stayed for many weeks.

At this stage, I emailed the project to ask for an update. They informed me that the chosen shipper could not fulfil delivery and they had given it to a new shipper, complete with a new tracking link.

Likely story. But what could I do?

The dance resumed. This time, however, there were a few timely updates on the site, and suddenly it was with customs at the destination. In Australia!

More than 2 weeks of no updates on the tracking link and, out of the blue I received an email that “the package is on the way”.

A week or so later and it was in my hands…12 months after I’d backed it.

My faith in mankind has been somewhat restored.

Until next time…where I actually review this kickstarter fountain pen.

Hello? Anyone home?

It’s fair to say that it’s been a while since my last newsletter.

When I started this newsletter in January 2024 I had many ideas about content and what it would like in a month, in 3 months, in 6, etc.

Writing this newsletter was fun in the beginning but quickly became a weekly task that challenged me. I didn’t want to write the same content you could get from the many pen-related YouTubers. And it is good content. But I wanted to be different.

Thinking about how to be different was (is) the challenge. There are only so many ways you can slice and dice fountain pens, inks, notebooks, and associated paraphernalia. I didn’t want to be a review or comparison site/newsletter. I wanted to offer my experiences as a relative noob to the world.

I have hit a wall with trying to be different and clever about it.

So rather than provide a weekly contribution of meh content, I took a break. You may have noticed that I’m still on that break. With this and my other newsletter, although I “think” I have a clearer way forward with that one.

For now, I will post when I have something that I think you’d like to read. I think that’s the best way forward.

And in that spirit, I attended my first pen show a couple of months back - the Melbourne Pen Show.

As I wrote about in one of the earlier issues of this newsletter, I discovered fountain pens at the start of the year. And I dove in head first, as is my nature 🙂

My brain doesn’t allow me to “take it slow, evaluate things, see what appeals, buy something and get used to it before buying more, etc”.

That’s not me.

It may take me 18 months of research to buy a new TV (just ask my wife…she won’t let me forget this!), but when it comes to things that interest me, I go in hard from the start. I don’t know why that is.

At the same time that I discovered fountain pens, I was also looking for fountain pen-friendly notebooks. And what does a good notebook need? Yes, a nice leather notebook cover.

I could find plenty of leather covers online. They looked fantastic, to be honest. But I was looking for a local supplier, a store I could go into and touch and feel the leather. So, what do you do when you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for locally? You guessed it, you make your own. And that’s how my leather crafting hobby came to be.

For this hobby, I hit up Facebook marketplace and found someone who was selling a basic leather crafting kit. He also gave me some pieces of leather to start with, and some other extras. When I asked him why he was selling, he said he could not dedicate the time he wanted to it, and there was no point holding on to this stuff. At the time, I couldn’t understand what he meant.

While the basic kit had all the tools, my initial use told me that some key tools needed to be of better quality. So, I upgraded some of them. If I was going to do this, I needed to give it a chance to succeed. Low quality tools would result in low quality output, and I didn’t want that to be a reason I gave this up. It made sense in my head.

Like I said, all in from the start.

So my first visit to a pen show also gave me the opportunity to look at what is on offer in the leather bound notebook covers area.

The show was held at a local town hall. It was nothing fancy. A bunch of trestle tables lined along each wall and more in the middle, forming a figure 8 shape. It allowed people to flow along the outside first, then the inside. One of the biggest challenges for such events is being set up so the crowd can flow and not double back on itself, causing people to move in opposite directions. This kinda worked today.

There were approximately 40 exhibitors, including a coffee cart. You need coffee at these events. There was also a food truck, but it was outside and behind the building. Even though there were open doors leading to the food, I’m not sure they would’ve seen much action today. People were there for the pens.

I didn’t know what to expect at the show. I wasn’t going in with a specific goal in mind. It was my first show. I’d seen some YouTube videos of other shows, international shows, with thousands of people. I didn’t think that would be the case today, but I know the local pen scene, and more specifically the fountain pen scene, is a strong one here in Melbourne.

The show started at 9 am, with 9-10 am being premium access - for those interested in getting a “first look” at any of the deals on offer. Or to secure that special pen they were after without battling the crowd. I don’t know how many people paid the extra to gain access early, but I’m sure there were many. There always is.

I arrived at 10:30 am and there was a healthy crowd already - a couple of hundred people, I’d say. Enough to make walking around a little challenging. I decided to do a general walk around first to see what was there. Throughout the time I was there, the crowd swelled - easy to gauge as walking around became harder, with more and more people apologising for bumping into each other.

I saw many familiar names of shops, and many others I’d never heard of, but made note of to visit. I was happy to see that there were plenty of vendors there that I didn’t know. It means I have a lot more to discover.

I did get to see and chat with some of the stores that I’ve purchased from previously - pens, notebooks, and inks. And I got to see and touch some pens that I wouldn’t normally. Pens out of my price range. People were happy to chat about the pens and, from some of the conversations I overhead while at the tables, happy to do deals as well. The old adage of “You won’t know unless you ask” still holds true.

One item I did look out for was a notebook. I’m always looking to try new fountain pen-friendly notebooks and I bought a couple of different ones - a Maruman Mnemosyne, which I’ve heard good things about, and a brand I’ve never heard of, myPaperclip, which turns out to be a new notebook brand from India.

One of the main reasons I got into fountain pens was that most pens now also take ink cartridges, making it simple to “refill” a pen. Consequently, my journey to date has included limited inks. After a few months, and after buying my third pen, I bought my first inks - Pilot Iroshizuku inks. Today I bought some Diamine inks to try. Along with Robert Oster inks (which I also need to try at some point), these seem to be quite popular. I’m looking forward to inking my pens.

As my first visit to the Melbourne Pen show, I am thankful at the size of this event. Had it been a show with hundreds of vendors and thousands of people, I feel I would have been overwhelmed and potentially left without a purchase. Too much to choose from.

For me, this was the Goldilocks experience - just right.

Until next time.

This week we have a guest on the newsletter, Chris Moellering.

Chris has his own newsletter on Substack, Trek to the Light, on theology, books and the Church.

The below is Chris’s pen story that I’ve converted to a mock-interview.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Chris for graciously allowing me to print this.

Let’s get on with the “interview”.

Andrew Zav: Hey Chris. Welcome. Thanks for giving me some of your time. Let’s start with my usual opening question - What’s your fountain pen origin story?

Chris Moellering: I don’t have a very interesting fountain pen story. I started with a Pilot Varsity in College, and then a Zebra V-301. I’ve had several Pilot Metropolitans over the last 15 years. (I have lost two). A couple of Lamy Safaris. My fancy pen now is a TWISBI Eco. I have a Platinum Preppy. I’m almost mad at how well that one writes. It’s so inexpensive, but it’s a such a great writer.   

AZ: It’s funny you mention an inexpensive, great writer. I am exactly the same way with my Pilot Metropolitan. It was my first pen, but I just love how it writes for what I’m using it for - journalling.

You’ve clearly gone through a few different pens over the years. Have you also tried different inks?        

CM: I’m not into colorful inks. I prefer black. As black as black can be. The darker, the better. Noodler’s Heart of Darkness is what I used previously, now using Noodlers Borealis Black. I also have a bottle of Berneke Red that I use on occasion for editing.

AZ: That’s fair. Colours aren’t for everyone. I never thought I’d use colours…until I started. Now I’m looking for shades and shimmer. Who knew that was me!? :-)

Most of my pens have a Fine nib, as I like smaller, precise writing, especially when using an A6 notebook. However, I’ve realised that a Medium nib, for some pens and ink combos, works much better. Have you tried out different nibs?

CM: I’ve played with calligraphy nibs, but they really aren’t my thing. I link fine, dark lines. Like I’m taking a razor and cutting the paper to reveal the dark void underneath. That’s my ideal pen.  

AZ: I can definately relate. I guess the nibs/inks combos is what has broadened my horizons around nibs.

How many pens do you have inked at any one time?

CM: I have four pens inked currently. I use my TWISBI the most. It holds the most ink, and it’s the widest grip. I don’t need the other three, really. I was happiest as a fountain pen user when all I had was one Pilot Metropolitan. I guess that makes me a utility writer.

AZ: Sometimes, too much choice is not a benefit. I try to allocate different pens for different purposes. I use my LAMY for day to day work notes, the Pilot for journalling, and the EDC pen for carrying around with me.

I’m always on the lookout for new pens. There are pens I can afford to buy, pens I can afford to buy but shouldn’t be looking at, and pens I like to look at because I can appreciate the beauty in them. I always wonder if others are like me.

CM: I appreciate looking at the fancy pens on Jet Pens, but I don’t have any desire to buy them. I’m not a collector. For me, the pen isn’t an end in itself, it is a tool to put words on paper. The words are what matter. A good tool makes it easier and more enjoyable. I prefer a pen with some heft and some girth, a solid instrument in my hand.        

AZ: Again, I can totally understand that. A tool needs to do a job.

Any final words for the readers?    

CM: My wife will tell you I am a pen snob. I guess I am, in a way. Don’t hand me a blue ink Bic Crystal to fill out our form. I will hand it back and use my own pen, thank you very much.

Like most people, I write by hand a lot less than I used to. When I have that chance, I want it to be as enjoyable as possible. Therefore, I will pull out a fountain pen and let the ink glide onto the paper.

I think we can all agree with Chris’s final comments there. If you’re gonna do something, at least make it enjoyable. For writers, that’s using a quality writing instrument.

I’d like to thank Chris for his time and his words.

Again, the above is a mock-interview. Chris gave me some words on his pen journey and I turned it into an exchange.

Maybe real interviews might be the way to go moving forward. We shall see..

Until next time.

P.S.

I am looking for guest posters for the newsletter. I am interested in your story with fountain pens.

It may be a review of a pen or ink, a recent shopping experience, or how you started with your first pen.

If you are interested in contributing, please let me know.

As I sit here cleaning my pens to get them ready for new ink, I can’t help but think that if I’m not careful, this can get out of hand.

Up until a month ago, I had only ever used ink cartridges with my fountain pens. It is just so easy. Pick a colour and insert the cartridge. No mess, no fuss.

This is one of the main reasons I decided to give fountain pens a try in the first place. And I’m so glad I did.

Not all of my pens came with a cartridge converter - the thing that lets you use whichever ink you want in your pen. But for those that didn’t, I bought one to ensure I at least have the option.

When I set out on this journey, my thinking was to use ink cartridges as much as possible. I may decide to experiment with inks, I thought, but it wouldn’t be a major part of my fountain pen journey. 

How wrong I was.

You see, the moment you start looking into inks, you quickly realise that there’s no going back. It’s a whole new world of colour, shimmer and sheen. If you think you know how many colours are available, double it . And you’d still be wrong. 🙂

And, if you think that shimmer and sheen isn’t for you, think again my friend.

The first ink I bought was a 3 pack of Iroshizuku inks. I wanted to test some inks with my Platinum 3776 to get better performance from the stiff nib. The idea was to use a “wetter” ink, allowing the nib to glide more on the page. 

Unfortunately, I’ve yet to find the right ink for this pen. The stiffness of the Fine nib is giving a lot of feedback. Too much feedback. It’s detracting from the experience with the pen. I need to find a wetter ink, a smoother paper or, preferably, both.

Thankfully, I have many avenues to explore after doing a lot of reading and asking for advice.

As someone relatively new on this pen journey, I need to exercise care and caution when looking for new pens and inks. Research is key.

There are some great general resources online. One of the best (and worst) is r/fountainpens on Reddit. You’ll find the answer to any query…with a bunch of other information as well. Information you never asked for.

With Reddit, you have to be prepared to take the good with the bad…and then move on.

Another great resource are Facebook groups. Fountain Pen Enthusiasts, The Fountain Pen Network (FPN) and Fountain Pens are full of helpful and knowledgable people. And the occasional know-it-all. Like real life.

But if you are patient and prepared to spend some time reading past posts, you will always find information of value.

Do your homework and put in the effort. You’ll be better for it.

Until next time.

Resources

r/fountainpens Reddit group

Fountain Pen Enthusiasts facebook group

The Fountain Pen Network (FPN) facebook group

Fountain Pens facebook group

P.S.

I am looking for guest posters for the newsletter. I am interested in your story with fountain pens.

It may be a review of a pen or ink, a recent shopping experience, or how you started with your first pen.

If you are interested in contributing, please let me know.

Note: If you click on any of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support.

How many fountain pens can one person own?

This is not a rhetorical question. There is empiric evidence as to the optimal number of pens one person should own at any time.

That answer? YES! 🙂

You didn’t think I was going to give you an actual number, did you? 🤣

Collecting fountain pens is not the same as collecting regular ballpoints or rollerballs. For starters, the price point of even entry level fountain pens is generally greater than regular pens.

As I look to my collection of pens, as small as it may be (6 and growing), it is safe to say that I would never look at regular pens in the same way.

Ever.

I would never say that I have a collection of ballpoints. Not consciously anyway. They’ve simply accumulated as I’ve needed them. There’s a bunch in a draw somewhere. I wouldn’t think to lay them out together to take a photo of them.

As I’ve written about previously, fountain pens promote intentionality. When you’re shopping for them, when selecting which to use with which ink, when you write with them. You’re not “just writing” something down. You’re capturing information, with thought behind it.

As fountain pen pricing can rise considerably and very quickly, selecting a pen to buy becomes a choice of competing priorities. I know from my experiences that you quickly move past the readily affordable starter pens in the $15-$30 range, and quickly escalate to $200+ before you even realise it.

No, more expensive doesn’t mean better. But it does mean higher quality usually.

What are your priorities when choosing a new fountain pen?

- Is your grail pen an option? If not, what price point are you looking at?

- Nib size? Flex? No flex?

- Colour?

- Style?

…and the list can go on. But it comes down to which of the above is more important to you - status or function? That will usually guide you.

Now stop for a moment. Can you ever imagine putting this much thought into buying a regular, non-fountain pen? Personally, I’ve only ever considered them for colour and the point size. That’s it.

There are people that are content to have a few fountain pens that they are happy with and stop there. They are not looking to build a collection. But they are the exception.

Lurking in the reddit groups and the like, there are daily NPD posts (New Pen Day) about a new pen that someone just added to their collection…even though they have so many pens and weren’t looking to buy another. A collector doesn’t need many reasons to add to their haul.

I’m a fountain pen user. I use a couple everyday, and cycle them to try out new inks with the different nibs. But I’m also looking to the next pen.

I didn’t start out thinking I’d be a collector. I suppose not many do. But it’s where many end up once they enter this fascinating world.

I could think of worse things to spend my money on.

Until next time.

Resources

Visconti HomoSapiens Magma - my “affordable” grail pen

MontBlanc Meisterstuck 149 - another “affordable” grail pen

Pilot Namiki Maki-e Emporer Dragon - my not-so-affordable grail pen…but one must have stretch goals

P.S.

I am looking for guest posters for the newsletter. I am interested in your story with fountain pens.

It may be a review of a pen or ink, a recent shopping experience, or how you started with your first pen.

If you are interested in contributing, please let me know.

Note: If you click on any of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support.

Everyday carry (EDC) is a cultural movement. The types of things that people choose to carry can be diverse. Some seem obvious. Some silly. Others, ridiculous. But each to their own.

Knives, screwdrivers, torches. If you can name it, somebody wants to carry it. Every day. Just in case.

Some carry an EDC pouch. Some choose a backpack. Others choose a purpose made leather EDC case. The “carry” in EDC seems to come down to how much you are prepared to carry. Either on your person or with you in the car. The definition of EDC can become blurry. But does it really matter?

Is it about what you can carry or what you need to carry? Either way, the definition is broad.

A big component of any EDC is the pen. And, of course, here at The Fountain we only concern ourselves with the best of pens - the fountain kind 🙂

This week I took delivery of my new fountain EDC pen. I chose the Big Idea Designs Fountain EDC in Titanium. And I chose a Damascus steel clip…because I could 🙂

The pen is the perfect size for EDC. While small in the hand, it’s the size of a regular pen when capped. You do not have to sacrifice when going EDC.

The pen comes standard with a BOK Fine nib - perfect for writing in a pocket notebook. And the finish is exquisite.

While it was a luxury choice, the Damascus steel clip breaks up the solid colour of the pen and provides a nice contrast.

The pen comes with a Kaweco cartridge converter and can also handle Kaweco ink cartridges. I took the opportunity to try some of the new inks I had. I went with Iroshizuku Asa-Gao ink - a lovely blue/purple finish. It’s a beautiful ink.

(I’ll have some writing examples in the next issue of the newsletter).

Writing with this pen is similar to my Platinum #3776 Century - stiff, with no nib flex. But where I would prefer the Platinum to have a little give, the EDC pen is intended for writing on the go, and in a smaller pocketbook, so the stiffness lends itself to easier writing if you don’t have the benefit of a table top or desk to lean on.

You may see me asking this question often. But don’t despair - I’m not forgetting. I simply believe we should be writing with pen and paper much more than we do to promote our thinking.

So…

Do you carry a notebook and fountain pen as part of your EDC?

Until next time.

Resources

Big Idea Designs

BID’s Fountain EDC pens

Pilot Iroshizuku Inks range

P.S.

I am looking for guest posters for the newsletter. I am interested in your story with fountain pens.

It may be a review of a pen or ink, a recent shopping experience, or how you started with your first pen.

If you are interested in contributing, please let me know.

Note: If you click on any of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support.

What makes a fountain pen iconic?

Iconic can mean “symbolic, representative…widely considered to epitomise an era, culture, community, place, etc.”, “very famous or popular”.

There are a number of fountain pens throughout history that have reached iconic status, by all the measures. For some pens, it’s due to the prestige of the manufacturer. For others, it’s the fame associated with the user. And some have simply demanded the label due to the uniqueness of the pen itself.

But whichever measure you choose, for some pens, their status cannot be questioned.

Top of the list for me is the MontBlanc Meisterstuck 149. This pen was released in 1924 and immediately found popularity with fountain pen users of the day. It was a simple design. Nothing fancy. The simplicity contributed to it’s appeal. And it’s popularity has not diminished since.

And, while the technology has evolved greatly since 1924, today’s MB 149’s look like the MB 149’s of yesteryear. Purchasing a new one today will set you back USD$1,000, give or take. Purchasing the 75th anniversary limited edition will set you back a little more…to the tune of USD$30,000+. Clearly, these pens are still in great demand.

Another iconic pen that stands on it’s own is the Parker Duofold Classic Big Red. It debuted in 1921 and “…remains the most distinguished pen in our discerning lineage” according to the Parker website. And you can’t argue with that!

While the Duofold is available in other colours today, the Red has been maintained through the years, making this pen immediately identifiable today.

A pen not as old as the 2 mentioned above but equally as recognisable is the Pilot Vanishing Point. While just over 60 years old, this one is sure to be spoken of in the same manner as the ones above due to its revolutionary design - the world’s first retractable fountain pen.

Debuting in 1963, and entering the world dominated by ballpoints, Pilot introduced the Vanishing Point (also known as the Capless in Japan) to show that anything a ballpoint can do, a fountain pen can do better!

Today, this pen has grown and evolved, yet remains an enthusiast’s favourite. And is on my “to buy” list.

Rounding out this list of iconic pens is the LAMY 2000. This fountain pen has been in continuous production (and almost unaltered design) since 1966. It was a bold design at the time. I’d argue that in amongst today’s new designs, it continues to be a bold design choice, making it stand out from the crowd.

Which fountain pen stands out as iconic to you?

Until next time.

Resources

MontBlanc Meisterstuck 149 fountain pen

Parker Duofold Classic Big Red fountain pen

Pilot Vanishing Point fountain pen

LAMY 2000 fountain pen

P.S.

I am looking for guest posters for the newsletter. I am interested in your story with fountain pens.

It may be a review of a pen or ink, a recent shopping experience, or how you started with your first pen.

If you are interested in contributing, please let me know.

Note: If you click on any of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support.

How do you use your fountain pen?

This question is not as silly as it may first appear. I have found that many choose to use a fountain pen only for specific purposes. Writing an initial draft by hand. Editing. Journalling morning thoughts.

Fountain pens have replaced all my pens and are my writing instrument of choice. For everything.

Whether it’s my morning journaling, work notes during the day, notes while on the go, I use a fountain pen. And a different pen, and ink, for each.

I cannot imagine ever using anything else again.

And I’m not alone…

In an interview with Tim Ferriss, author Neil Gaiman spoke extensively about his love of fountain pens:

YouTube artist Peter Draws, creates art using pen and ink, which he shares with 1mil+ subscribers on his YouTube channel. He even has fountain pen collaborations with Nahvalur, with his artwork appearing on the pens themselves.

Stephen King reportedly wrote Dreamcatcher with a Waterman fountain pen, which he referred to as “…the world's finest word processor to him”.

King is quoted as saying that he found writing with a fountain pen to be therapeutic, rhythmic and calming. That using a pen slowed down his thought process and helped him to consider each word.

While some write with them, others prefer to edit their printed drafts with a fountain pen. The contrast is stark - of a handwritten edit in a bright ink against the bland printed word, highlighting what needs correcting. Re-phrasing. 

The tactile nature of writing with a fountain pen is different. More purposeful. Intentional. 

Dare I say, therapeutic? 🙂

Do you have a specific purpose for your fountain pen? Or have you embraced it whole and adopted it for all your creative works?

Until next time.

** Neil Gaiman is active on BlueSky and will often engage on the topic of fountain pens.

Resources

Neil Gaiman interview on the Tim Ferriss podcast

Peter Draws YouTube channel

Nahvalur x Peter Draws fountain pen collaboration

P.S.

I am looking for guest posters for the newsletter. I am interested in your story with fountain pens.

It may be a review of a pen or ink, a recent shopping experience, or how you started with your first pen.

If you are interested in contributing, please let me know.

Note: If you click on any of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support.

Choosing a fountain pen is no simple matter. And you shouldn’t treat it as such.

When you are looking to buy a new regular pen (ie. ballpoint) you need to decide the colour of the ink and the size of the ballpoint. There may be dozens to choose from, but they are all variations of the same thing.

For a fountain pen purchase, you must first know how you will be using the pen. This will then dictate the subset of pens that are available for your needs.

If you favour thin lines and small, precise writing, you will want an extra fine or fine nib, allowing the letters to be distinct and not flow into each other. This is my choice of nib for my journalling, as I use an A6 notebook so my writing is smaller and more condensed. This works for me.

Do you write larger text, where the letters almost jump off the page? Then a medium or even a broad nib is where you would start.

Are you a cursive writer, whose writing flows beautifully from letter to letter? Cursive Italic nibs may be for you.

What should be clear by now is that with fountain pens there is no “one size fits all”.

The instrument you choose must fit the job it is required to do. This is why you can never own just one fountain pen. It’s like owning one screwdriver and using it for any type of screw. Can you use it? Sure. Does it work the same for all screws? Of course not.

As I covered in a previous issue, a nibmeister is a fountain pen “doctor”. Their specific skills allow them to adjust, tune and smooth your nib, to your specifications. He (or she) can refine and resurrect a fountain pen that is not writing to your satisfaction. But they don’t perform magic. If you start with a fine nib, there’s only so many options to modify it. With a broad nib as a starting point, your options are more.

Think about how you want to use your fountain pen and select the correct nib for that purpose. Only then can you refine that nib, to get it just right for your needs.

Until next time.

Resources

All in the Nib - Nib grinding services from Damien Alomar, nibmeister

It’s All in the Nib - The Pen Addict Podcast #615

The Different Types of Fountain Pen Nibs - Goulet Pens YouTube channel

LAMY Nib Guide

P.S.

I am looking for guest posters for the newsletter. I am interested in your story with fountain pens.

It may be a review of a pen or ink, a recent shopping experience, or how you started with your first pen.

If you are interested in contributing, please let me know.

Note: If you click on any of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support.

Do you clean your fountain pens often?

To date, I’ve only ever cleaned my pens when changing to a different ink. But when I started doing some research, I realised that I may be mistreating my valuable instruments.

Reading many sites on this topic, there seems to be a general consensus that cleaning your pens once a month is the normal thing to do.

At first, this surprised me, as my pens are always in use. But further reading explained that it is precisely because of continuous use that you should adhere to this regular cleaning schedule.

Think of a guitar. Left unused, it will require tuning when you next pick it up. This makes sense.

However, equally if not more importantly, regular use stretches the strings necessitating frequent tuning for it to continue to produce the best sound.

I only have 2 pens inked at any one time, and I use them both. So, they don’t sit idle for weeks or months.

Pens that do stay inked and unused for longer periods can result in the ink drying up and clogging the pen's nib and feed. This is to be avoided, if you can. And, with proper attention and care, you can.

Without regular cleaning and care you risk damaging the ongoing performance of your writing instrument. And if, like many, you’ve invested time and money into your instruments of choice, you don’t want to risk them due to your neglect.

So, how do you care for them?

Rather than parrot what many sites do a good job of explaining, I will simply link to them below. But there is no single right way. And it does also depend on your pen.

As you would imagine, the list of sites with advice is vast, so do your own research as well.

Until next time…with well cleaned pens 🙂

Resources

How to Clean a Fountain Pen on Fountain Pen Love

How I Clean Fountain Pens on Gentleman Stationer

How to Clean a Fountain Pen the Right Way on One Pen Show

How to Clean a Fountain Pen: Fountain Pen 101 on Goulet Pens YouTube channel

P.S.

I am looking for guest posters for the newsletter. I am interested in your story with fountain pens.

It may be a review of a pen or ink, a recent shopping experience, or how you started with your first pen.

If you are interested in contributing, please let me know.

Note: If you click on any of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support.

Do you take your fountain pens with you when you travel?

I do.

When I travel for work, I make sure I have my regular work notes fountain pen and Clairefontaine notebook. I also take my MD Midori journal and another fountain pen.

Could one pen serve both purposes? Of course it could. But where’s the fun in that! 🙂

I usually put my pens in my laptop bag. But lately I’ve been looking into pen cases. Leather pen cases, or course.

And if you’ve been following my journey for a while now, you’ll know where this leads. Making my own, of course.

There are dozens of designs out there and a few that I really want to try. But I first needed to do a test build.

Here’s the result:

Now, I’m happy with this, but I think I’d like one that has a flap that closes. I’m not fussed about clips and such. A simple flap that I can tuck in is fine. Something similar to this:

Clean and simple.

This is what I want to make next. But a 3 pen and 5 pen version. Odd numbers are the go 🤷‍♂️😃

Do you have a pen case you use? Show me what you have in the comments below.

There are many varieties of pen cases available. I’d like to match a pen case to my notebook cover. Note to self 🙂

I’ve also been thinking about adding a pen loop to my notebook covers. It’s simple enough to do. Maybe that could be optional.

It’s always good to have options.

Until next time.

Resources

Leather Pen Cases from Galen Leather

Pen Cases and Holders from Goulet Pens

Pen Cases: A Cautionary Tale

P.S.

Please reach out with any comments or suggestions for future editions.

Once a month, I will have a guest poster. It may be a review of a pen or ink, a recent shopping experience, or how they started with their first pen.

If you are interested in contributing, please let me know.

Note: If you click on any of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support.

Writing with a fountain pen is more than just recording words on paper. 

Choosing to use a fountain pen sets the scene. This is more than writing for writing’s sake. You are entering a state of mind and looking for an experience.

There is a calmness, a meditative state that we enter when writing with a fountain pen. The care we take with the strokes, the way the ink flows as we put nib to paper. This makes the experience.

What you write is far less important than why you write. And writing with a fountain pen helps reinforce the why, and get you into the right state of mindfulness. To be present for your writing, for what you’re creating, but to also enjoy the journey. 

Using a fountain pen serves to inspire and motivate, as much as it provides the ink for your words on the page.

Late last year I made the decision to use a fountain pen for all my writing. For daily work notes as well as my journaling. Notes for work are pretty dry, without much thought required. They just need to record facts.

My journaling though, that’s a different story. When I pickup my fountain pen to journal for the day, it is with intention. I may not know exactly what I’m going to write, but I am setting myself up mentally by picking up a fine writing instrument, holding it just right, readying myself for what lies ahead for the next 10 or 15 minutes.

I always look forward to the experience.

During this time I am not “just” writing. I’m of a different mindset. Being purposeful. Creating.

I sometimes imagine myself like the scholars of old with quill and ink, recording their thoughts and ideas for future generations to discover.

How does writing with a fountain pen make you feel?

Until next time.

Resources

How Fountain Pens Can Teach Us The Art of Mindfulness

The Renaissance of Fountain Pens - Why they're making a comeback in the Digital Age?

Writing In Style: Rediscover The Pleasure of Fountain Pens

Quote

“Many individuals find the use of fountain pens to be a soothing and meditative experience. The smooth flow of fountain pen ink and the gentle glide of the nib across paper provides a sense of calm and focus, making the act of writing a stress-relieving activity.”

~ Why use a fountain pen?

P.S.

Please reach out with any comments or suggestions for future editions.

Once a month, I will have a guest poster. It may be a review of a pen or ink, a recent shopping experience, or how they started with their first pen.

If you are interested in contributing, please let me know.

Note: If you click on any of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support.

Pairing your fountain pen with a notebook is like pairing a fine wine with your meal. It will either enhance or detract from the experience.

Using any old notebook with your fountain pen can have a negative effect. Not all paper is equal and not all notebooks can take the ink.

But this means that there’s an industry around fountain pen friendly notebooks. Which is fantastic for us! 🙂

Ink friendly notebooks come in all shapes and sizes. Importantly, it’s not only the thickness of the paper that is key here. The finish and coating on the paper is critical to its performance.

To highlight this, one of the most well known and popular brands is Tomoe River - a Japanese paper. This paper commonly comes in 52 or 68 gsm (grams per square metre). With regular copier paper being 80 gsm, Tomoe River paper seems rather thin by comparison. And it is. However, it’s the quality of the paper that makes it work with fountain pens.

They are generally resistant to bleed-through (penetrating the surface of the sheet to the other pages below) and feathering (when the inks soaks into the paper fibres making the writing look “fuzzy”).

While the 52gsm paper may have some ghosting (the writing on the front side of the paper being visible on the back side), there is less of that with the 68gsm.

Try writing on copier paper with your fountain pen. You’ll see what I mean.

Generally speaking, finding the right ink to use (some inks are “wetter” than others) will alleviate this issue.

There are a number of popular notebooks and papers for use with a fountain pen:

• Clairefontaine

• Midori (MD and Cotton)

• Rhodia

• Apica

• Maruman Mnemosyne

This is a limited list. There are many others. And everyone has their favourite.

Of note, popular brands such as Leuchtturm 1917 and Moleskine notebooks do not perform as well with fountain pens. Much trial and error is required to pair these notebooks with a suitable ink and, as such, are not often recommended.

My personal favourite is the MD Midori A6.

Until next time.

Resources

Why Tomoe River Paper is the #1 Fountain Pen Paper

Hierarchies of Fountain Pen Friendly Paper

Clairefontaine

Midori (MD and Cotton)

Rhodia

Tip

When I bought my first pen and notebook, I was concerned that the notebook costs would be too much.

Buying a fountain pen friendly notebook isn’t the same as buying one from the $2 Shop.

They are made for purpose. Specially designed.

And while they are more expensive, you need to consider what you’re writing on them with.

There are often sales where you can buy in bulk and get a better price. And Amazon is your friend…usually.

But, do not skimp. You will regret it.

P.S.

Please reach out with any comments or suggestions for future editions.

Once a month, I will have a guest poster. It may be a review of a pen or ink, a recent shopping experience, or how they started with their first pen.

If you are interested in contributing, please let me know.

Note: If you click on any of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support.

Pens shows. Yes, they are a thing. 🙂

My friend and a previous guest poster to this newsletter, Jeff Olsen, recently started a Skool community about Pens.

The world needs more pen communities.

In one of the discussions in the community, the topic of the Melbourne Pen show came up. Something that I missed last year and have already penciled into my calendar for November.

I’ve also been listening to a popular pen-related podcast, The Pen Addict, where the hosts frequently talk about the latest pen show, what they saw, and their show haul. This podcast has been going since 2012! They cover all things pen and stationery and are a good listen. Highly recommend.

Listening to this podcast has whet my appetite for a pen show.

There are over 40 pen shows around the world. All of differing sizes. In North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region, including Australia. And fountain pens are front and center!

Some of the biggest pens shows are in the US - not really surprising. The Washington DC Fountain Pen Supershow is one of the biggest in the world, with well over 200 exhibitor tables.

The pen shows provide an opportunity to see a variety of pens together in the one place, both vintage and modern, a chance to talk to experienced people and get a good sense of what’s out there. And there’s plenty inks and stationery too.

Back to the conversation on the Melbourne Pen show, it was suggested to me that I should consider having a table with my leather goods there. An idea that I’m not against. 🙂

There’s a bit of water to go under this bridge before this becomes a reality, however. Namely, I need to get cracking and settle on some notebook cover and pen case designs. Then make stock.

So while the show may still be 6 months away, I need to decide over the next month whether I will commit to it. And then see it through.

To this end, I just placed a big order for some Tiger waxed thread in various colours. And, I’m about to do the same for some different Pueblo leather colours.

Shit’s gettin’ real, ya’ll! But I’m excited!

Until next time…with pics of some new designs, hopefully 🙂

Resources

2024 Pen Show schedule

The Melbourne Pen show

The Pen Addict site and podcast

Tip

When I attend a show, or a market, I usually have a shopping list in mind.

As I’ve mentioned, I do markets with my wife and her woollies.

I see people try on some beanies, comment how they look and feel great and that they need a new beanie, and then say “Oh, I just got here. I’ll have a look around and I’ll come back.”

I don’t understand this way of thinking. (nothing to do with being my wife’s goods)

With my shopping list in mind, I also have a budget I would like to stick to.

If I find what I want, I am happy with it, and it’s within my budget, I buy it.

I tick that off my list and get on with the rest. I don’t actively look for that item again.

One less item to worry about.

P.S.

Please reach out with any comments or suggestions for future editions.

Once a month, I will have a guest poster. It may be a review of a pen or ink, a recent shopping experience, or how they started with their first pen.

If you are interested in contributing, please let me know.

Note: If you click on any of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support.

When you leave the house, along with your keys, phone and wallet, do you also carry a pocket notebook and pen?

Do you carry anything else?

Every day carry (known and referred to as EDC) has gained significant attention and popularity over the last few years. 

There are EDC YouTube videos with people showing off their EDC. From phones, to watches, to pocket knives, to torches. Nothing surprises me with what people choose to carry with them every day.

EDC can be things you carry directly on your person, in a sling bag, a backpack, whatever. There are even specially made EDC wallets.

If you have it with you when you leave the house, it classifies as EDC.

I’m now on the lookout for an EDC fountain pen. A quick google search gives me plenty of options. 

And if I have a pen, I need a notebook. A pocketbook. And, again, there are plenty of options.

When looking for a fountain pen and notebook EDC, you need to decide whether these items will be in your bag or pack, or in your pocket. This decision will drive your choice of size.

If you carry a bag or a pack, a full size pen is fine and your options are limitless - in as much as how expensive a pen you want to have rolling around in your bag.

And notebook options can be anything from A4 all the way done to A6. Again, plenty of choice.

If, however, you prefer to have these items handy and in your pockets (pants or jacket) then you need to think smarter. And smaller.

You will need a small form factor fountain pen and either an A6 or A7 pocketbook. Choices are more limited, but you still have much to choose from.

Guiding your choice should be what you will be using these for.

If you simply want to jot down notes and tasks, a smaller pocketbook will suffice. However, if you like to sketch, it can be tricky with a small pocketbook - A5 may be the smallest you can go. This will, in turn, drive how you carry your EDC.

Your EDC should work for you. If it’s too big, downsize. If it’s never used, dump it.

Carry with you what you know you’ll use and what you think you’ll need. This can be different every day to suit your needs.

Until next time.

Resources

Kaweco Classic Sport EDC fountain pen

Scriveiner EDC fountain pen

Big Idea Design EDC fountain pen and YouTube review

A list of “the best” EDC fountain pens available

MD Midori notebooks in all sizes

Field Notes pocket notebooks

Tip

You may be thinking, “If I buy a small factor fountain pen, won’t it be too small to hold and write with comfortably?”

That’s a valid concern. But the pen makers have solved this.

Whereas with a normal size fountain pen, posting the lid is optional, with a small pen it increases it’s size when writing, to feel like a normal size pen.

Some post by clipping on, others by screwing on.

You lose none of the fountain pen feel and use with a smaller pen.

P.S.

Please reach out with any comments or suggestions for future editions.

Once a month, I will have a guest poster. It may be a review of a pen or ink, a recent shopping experience, or how they started with their first pen.

If you are interested in contributing, please let me know.

Note: If you click on any of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support.

Are fountain pens worth it? 

If you’ve spent any time in the fountain pen world you will have quickly realised that fountain pen prices are not like regular pen prices.

While entry level pens are cheap, they quickly scale to some high numbers. Very high numbers at the top end. For a pen.

I bought my first 2 pens for approximately AUD$50 each. No, this isn’t cheap for a pen. But it is for a fountain pen.

I have purchased countless regular pens over the years. Pens that have written nicely and that I’ve loved using. I’ve even told myself that when this pen finally runs out of ink, I will buy refills. That’s how much I enjoyed writing with it.

But you know what? I never did buy a refill. I always ended up buying another pen.

With fountain pens, the thought process has been the same, however, the actions seem natural. And different.

When my fountain pen runs out of ink my immediate thought is do I have any refills? Or, which colour do I want to ink it with?

It is never about buying a new pen because my ink ran out.

And this is the key difference when buying and using a fountain pen. I buy it knowing I have a long term pen. I don’t think of rollerballs and ballpoints in the same way. And I don’t think it’s because of the price I paid for it, although that probably comes into it.

When I’m looking to buy a fountain pen, I’m looking for more than an instrument to “do a job” with. I’m looking for an instrument that feels comfortable in my hand and that is aesthetically pleasing. Something to inspire me as I use it.

It’s an investment in my writing future. And many pieces are works of art.

What price do you put on art?

I know this might sound silly to some. But you purchase a fountain pen with intention. With purpose. And for longevity. I can’t say the same about a regular pen.

I know I’m not alone here.

Until next time.

Maker

Esterbrook fountain pens

Esterbrook history

Resources

Esterbrook.net - online resource for Esterbrook pens

Fun Fact

In 1964, the Civil Rights Act was signed by Lyndon B Johnson using 72 clear Lucite Esterbrook Fountain Pens, these were then gifted to attending dignitaries and supporters of the bill including; Robert F Kennedy (Attorney General at the time), Everett McKinley Dirksen, Hubert Humphrey, Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr.

(from The Esterbrook Pen Company: From Cornwall to the Moon and Back...)

Tip

One question I see from those new to fountain pens is “how do I hold a fountain pen?”

This may seem a reasonable question due to the uniqueness of the pens. But there is too much thinking going on.

Do you ask “how do I drink this cup of coffee?”

As long as ink is flowing to the paper, you’re holding the pen exactly as you should be.

Don’t think. Do.

P.S.

Please reach out with any comments or suggestions for future editions.

Once a month, I will have a guest poster. It may be a review of a pen or ink, a recent shopping experience, or how they started with their first pen.

If you are interested in contributing, please let me know.

Note: If you click on any of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support.