Do you have any tips for someone new to semi flex nibs? Of course, and we’re happy you asked. You’ve probably read up on flexible nibs and if it’s the first in your hands, it takes some getting used to. First, we suggest using washable inks in your pen until you get the hang of it. Why? If you feel discouraged as you get used to the nib, a highly saturated ink might dry out …
Fountain pens make me want to write all sorts of magnificent, wonderful things. Often, it ends up as messy smudges or poor attempts at calligraphy. How about you? Do you create magnificent, wonderful things?
This 1955 Parker 61 Heirloom First Edition capillary-filler in Burgundy is a very rare model. The pen has a two-tone GF “Rainbow” cap with “First Edition” plaque mounted below the clip. It has the barrel engraving: “To Ray Spaulding 61 First Edition” followed by Kenneth Parker’s signature. These were given by Kenneth Parker to special people to celebrate the launch of the pen. Ray Spaulding was Parker’s Director of Product Development and the pen comes with his business card and an original …
What is the white dot on my Sheaffer? That white dot is, according to Sheaffer, the globally recognized symbol of writing excellence and quality and prestige. It is an unmistakable mark of a Sheaffer pen!
A friend of mine left this comment on one of my pictures awhile back, and I thought it was perfect. Indeed, fountain pens look as good in a pocket as a proper bow tie! To me, anyway.
If a pen is stained, does that mean it’s completely ruined? Not at all! Although visually, it may be damaged, the pen is not entirely ruined. It’s possible it can be restored and the stain(s) can be removed, and it also depends on the condition of the rest of the pen – the filling system, the trim, the material of the pen, and especially the nib. If it still works, and the stain cannot be …
Cacography – we have all been there. Sometimes, I’m still there. Show us your cacography on our Facebook page!
This 1910 Parker Model 47 Parker was nicknamed the “Pregnant Parker” because of the bulbous design of the alternating pearl slabs. These pearl slabs are soaked until soft so they can be so shaped – no doubt a delicate and time consuming process. There is a wonderful yellow, green, and red iridescence of the pearl. Gold-filled high relief repousse floral cap and barrel bands. This pen is an eyedropper-filler, and is one of the most …
I recently bought a pen case with really tight elastics – is this safe for my pens? Many people store their pens in cases with elastics (sometimes single bands, sometimes double), and it’s usually safe. However, if you have a delicate pen, whether it’s a fragile material, or in delicate condition, or something else, you may find struggling with a particularly snug elastic is not worth it. You should be careful when placing these pens …
A little author inspiration doesn’t hurt the soul. Or the pen. Or the nib! After seeing the Montblanc Hemingway pen in person, I confirmed to myself I really liked it. What does that have to do with this quote? Not much, really, but it made me go on a bit of a Hemingway binge.
