Some after-hours folded nib work by Dan Hoisner.

2017 DC Pen Show: Thursday and Friday Quick Recap!

August 5, 2017

It's been a wild Thursday and Friday here at the 2017 D.C. Pen Show, and your correspondent is nearly tapped out already, in terms of both money and energy. The D.C. Pen Show runs for four days, with the first two days being "trader days", and Saturday and Sunday open to the public. Thursday is generally very quiet, with a handful of vendors set up in the ballroom selling to each other before the madness starts. Friday is much busier, but still not as crazy as Saturday. Friday at the D.C. Pen Show might be my favorite day of any pen show that I regularly attend, because admission is limited to the "weekend pass" holders and you can wander this absolutely massive show, scouring the tables for gems that might get lost in the shuffle during the MUCH more crowded public days.

This Friday, However, Had a Hitch...

The seething masses waiting to crash the gates on Friday morning. Torches and pitchforks have been Photoshopped out.

After a quiet Thursday night, which many of us spent at the hotel bar catching up with people we hadn't seen in months (or in some cases, years), we were eager for the show doors to open at 9 a.m. Sadly, due to a LOT of disorganization on the the show promoter's part, some vendors didn't even receive table assignments until nearly noon, and it was after lunch before the show was fully set up and ready to go. Needless to say, there were a lot of unhappy/visibly angry vendors, and understandably so. Even though it's not a public day, a lot of business gets done on Friday (especially on the higher end), and the pen repairmen and nib grinders lose a full half-day of business if they can't get their table assignments and start work as soon as possible in the morning. Hopefully they will make it up on a busy Saturday and Sunday, and that changes are made to ensure that the same thing doesn't happen next year. Otherwise, I'm not sure that the D.C. show will retain its position as the premier pen show on "the circuit," because vendors and attendees can't - and shouldn't - justify the time and expense of attending this show if the promoters can't take basic steps to ensure that the doors open on schedule.

My Friday Takeaways

I kicked off the 2017 D.C. Pen Show by picking up two pocket pens from Ian Schon of Schon Design, who showed up with both his standard line as well as a bunch of prototypes. I've not used Ian's pens before, but have heard great things, so predictably I picked up two: a PVD DLC-coated stainless steel classic version, and a royal blue and gold anodized prototype. Both of these use the Fisher Space Pen refill, which you know I'm a fan of.

Things moved pretty quickly after that. I snapped up three pens, two of which I've wanted to purchase for the past couple of years: an Edison Menlo (with the new draw filler filling system), an Edison Glenmont in Tibaldi Impero Celluloid, and a Kanilea Pen Co Nui Nalu.

From left: Kanilea Pen Co Nui Nalu, Edison Menlo with Draw Filler in blue flecked acrylic, and Edison Glenmont in Tibaldi Impero Celluloid.

Despite the short day, I also managed to have nibs tuned by Mike Masuyama and Dan Smith, and picked up a couple bottles of Robert Oster ink from Vanness Pens (Fire and Ice and Maroon 1789). After the chaos that was Friday morning, everyone pretty much stayed on-site at the hotel for dinner and retired to the bar later for drinks and sharing the day's finds. Hopefully I'll have much more to share tomorrow, after a full day of pens and people! In the meantime, here's a gallery of some pen show shots.

If you're in the Washington, D.C.-Northern Virginia-Maryland area, be sure to visit the D.C. Pen Show this weekend, August 5 and 6! It's being held at the Marriott Fairview Park Hotel in Falls Church, VA, and runs from 9:30 to 5!

Notebook Review: Musubi Premium Journals

July 29, 2017

It's hard to believe that Tomoe River paper is seemingly everywhere these days, given how difficult it was to import/locate just a few years ago. If you're unfamiliar with Tomoe River, it's some of the best paper for fountain pen users out there, and certainly the most unique. Despite its light weight and overall thinness, Tomoe River paper will not bleed or feather except in the most extreme circumstances, and Tomoe River notebooks can contain hundreds of sheets of paper while remaining compact.

Seighaia ("Wave") pattern in Enji fabric. This thin journal actually has 200 sheets of paper.

The most recent Tomoe River notebook that I've had the opportunity to review comes via the team at Musubi, located in SIngapore. Musubi sells hand-sewn journals and diaries that contain 200 sheets of unlined Tomoe River Paper and are wrapped in unique Japanese fabrics. Notably, Musubi employs disabled artisans, and per their website, operates in partnership with an organization dedicated to finding employment opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities.

Each Musubi notebook features a hand-sewn binding.

Musubi was kind enough to send me an A5 clothbound notebook in the Enji ("Autumn Red") color scheme, featuring the Seigaiha ("Wave") pattern. It's a beautiful notebook. The cloth is soft, the binding appears to be high quality, and the notebook lays completely flat, making it easy to use the entire page. The Tomoe River paper, of course, is exceptional, and Musubi has used a heavier ivory laid paper for the endsheets. The soft clothbound cover might not hold up to the rigors of daily carry, but this would be an excellent journal to keep at your desk or bedside.

Tomoe River Paper handles nearly all fountain pen inks very well, even with wet nibs.

Where to Purchase

Musubi A5 journals can be purchased directly from Musubi's online store, and come in a variety of colors in addition to the red featured here, including Midori ("Matcha Green") and Kon ("Navy Blue"). You can also choose from either the Seigaiha ("Wave") pattern, the Tonbo ("Dragonfly") pattern, or a variety of seasonal prints, including rabbits, owls, and sakura ("Cherry Blossoms"). Diaries are handmade to order, and require a lead time of 2-3 weeks. They are also not inexpensive, ranging from $67 US for the basic pattern to $96 for more exotic fabrics, but you're paying a premium for craftsmanship. Many thanks to Musubi for providing me with the opportunity to review this unique item.

Disclaimer: Musubi sent me this journal free of charge for review purposes. I was not otherwise compensated for this review.

Pen Review: Visconti Rembrandt Back to Black Edition

July 26, 2017

Of all the major pen brands, Visconti might be the one with which I have the least amount of experience. I own one Visconti pen - the Homo Sapiens Dark Ages - but very few of their offerings have spoken to me to the point where I would be willing to pay the premium prices that most Visconti pens command. Sure, there are a few special and limited editions that have made my "someday" short list (i.e., something with the Wall Street celluloid), but what's kept me from diving into Visconti in the same way that I have with other brands is Visconti's reputation for having QC issues with their nibs. Given that Visconti's signature 23kt palladium "Dreamtouch" nibs are somewhat high-maintenance, I wanted to see how the company did with something more basic. Appelboom was kind enough to loan me a steel-nibbed Visconti Rembrandt "Back to Black" for review.

Design and Build

The Visconti Rembrandt features a classic streamlined profile with very few adornments or flourishes, other than the finial and the engraved cap band. The most notable feature of the Rembrandt is the magnetic closure, which reminds me a bit of the cap on the Steel & Flint pocket pen in that it makes a slight "pop" when you cap/uncap it (though not as audible). The Rembrandt also features Visconti's signature spring-loaded "bridge" clip, modeled after the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, which appears on most other Visconti pens. People either love this clip or hate it - some think it looks ostentatious, but I find it to be one of the more understated elements of Visconti design, which can be ornate and a bit over the top. The clip doubles as an excellent roll-stopper.

Visconti clearly intended the Rembrandt to serve as a "workhorse" pen. It's nicely balanced and a comfortable writer that I was fine using either posted or unposted. Some might find the metal section slippery, though generally ruthenium plating tends to add some "grippiness." Also, note that there are NO THREADS on this pen due to the magnetic closure, allowing for maximum versatility in how you grip the pen (low, high, etc.). I don't generally have a problem with section threads hurting my fingers unless they're exceptionally sharp, but if this is something that regularly poses an issue for your, the Rembrandt may be worth checking out.

The Rembrandt features Visconti's "My Pen" system, which you can use to swap out the finial on the cap for a personalized initial, zodiac sign (yes, I'm not kidding), or birthstone.

Nib and Writing Experience

As much as I wanted to love this pen, things fell apart with the nib, which was dry and "squeaky," for lack of a better term. The pen wasn't necessarily scratchy, but I could definitely feel and hear a LOT of feedback from the nib. I suspect this is probably due to the coating applied to the steel nib to give it the "blacked out" look. I've experienced variations of the same thing with other coated or plated steel nibs, but not this severe.

If you're considering this pen (or really any Visconti, for that matter), I'd add $40-60 to the cost to cover your nib work. You may luck out and get one that writes perfectly out of the box, but you're just as likely (if not more likely) to get a dry writer, hard starter, or skippy pen. To illustrate how all over the place Visconti's nib QC can be, check out Matthew's review of a different, unplated Rembrandt nib over at Nib & Ink, where he had a completely different (positive) experience.

This broad nib definitely needs to be smoothed and have the ink flow increased. The ink is Kaweco Paradise Blue.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

While I appreciated the look, feel, and balance of the Visconti Rembrandt "Back to Black," the coated steel nib didn't do it for me, though at Appelboom's attractive pricing you may still have room in your budget for a nib tuning. If I were going to purchase this pen, I'd personally consider paying extra to upgrade to the 23kt Palladium "Dreamtouch" nib. While those have their own issues, and typically need some minor adjustments, they are capable of being outstanding writers with a lot of character.

Appelboom is currently offering the Visconti Rembrandt Back to Black edition for $129 US (excluding VAT). The "Dreamtouch" upgrade to the 23kt palladium nib costs an extra $140.

Disclaimer: This pen was loaned to me for review purposes by Appelboom. I was not otherwise compensated for this review, and all views expressed here are my own.

Ink Review: Platinum Classic Ink Cassis Black and My Thoughts on Iron Gall Inks

July 22, 2017

Until recently, Platinum was known for having a well-regarded but extremely limited lineup of inks. The company had a standard black and blue-black, as well as a small line of pigmented inks. Then came the "mix-free" inks, which are high-quality, but a lot of people write them off (ha!) because there's a perception that you need to purchase the entire set in order to enjoy them, as the purpose behind the inks is to be able to mix them to create any color you like. This year, Platinum expanded their ink lineup yet again, releasing six new "Classic" inks in somewhat offbeat colors: "Cassis Black," "Forest Black," "Citrus Black," "Sepia Black," "Lavender Black," and "Khaki Black."

You may wonder, what's with the "black" theme? Well, all of these inks are iron gall inks, meaning that Platinum has added iron to the ink in order to make it permanent and to give it color-changing (i.e., darkening) properties.

You can get a sense of the color change here: compare the cherry-red wet ink on the inside of the cap to the dried writing sample/swab (on Col-o-Ring Paper).

I picked up this bottle of Platinum Cassis Black at the Atlanta Pen Show back in April. While this particular color probably wouldn't have been my first choice, I really wanted to review one of the Platinum Classic Inks, and they were extremely difficult to find after they were first released. So what do I think? Here are my impressions:

As it turns out, this is a great color. I love red inks, and this one is extremely interesting. It starts out as a bright cherry red, but it surprised me by drying to a deep burgundy with black undertones. Reds - and especially burgundies - are some of my favorite colors to write with.
Like most iron gall inks, Platinum Classic ink feels a little dry for my taste. I'm not talking about bad flow - the ink flows well and pens will put a lot of it on the page - Iron gall inks are generally less lubricating and many people notice more feedback from the nib on the page.
No feathering, show through, or bleeding at all on cheaper paper, even work-issue copy paper that can barely handle gel pens.
These inks are a decent value. Though not inexpensive at $25 per bottle, you do get 60ml of ink.

Another writing sample in my Hobonichi Planner.

My Thoughts on Iron Gall Ink in General

Inks with iron content are commonly known as "iron gall ink," because they traditionally were manufactured using oak galls. This is ancient technology that goes back hundreds, if not thousands, of years. If you're looking to replicate that blue-black or sepia-black ink color that you often see on old letters from the 1700s or 1800s, you should pick up a bottle of iron gall ink. But other than aesthetics, why do people still use iron gall ink today?

The inks dry extremely quickly.
The inks change colors as they dry, leaving a very dark line in most cases.
Iron gall inks are excellent on thin or cheap paper, and they don't feather. Many calligraphers love these inks because they allow you to write a very fine line.
Iron gall inks are permanent and waterproof. [Edit: It's been brought to my attention that "water-resistant" is probably a more accurate term. See comments below.]

But won't iron gall inks corrode / eat your pens? You may have read "warnings" in various blogs and online forums that iron gall inks are dangerous and not suitable for fountain pens. In my opinion, categorical statements like these are off-base, because you can absolutely use iron gall inks in most fountain pens as long as you take certain precautions. A few tips:

If you load a pen with iron gall ink, use that pen, especially if it has a steel nib or metal parts, like a piston or vacuum-fill rod. When you hear reports of iron gall inks ruining pens, it typically involves the ink reacting with a steel nib or steel components that come into contact with the ink, and the pen being left to sit for a long period of time unused. You don't need to worry about gold or titanium, but a good rule of thumb that I follow is to use the ink or flush it after a week, regardless of what pen it's in.
Under no circumstances do you mix iron gall inks with non-iron gall inks. If you're emptying a pen that was loaded with an iron gall ink, CLEAN IT WELL. Otherwise, the different inks can react and create clogs.
Vanness Pens has an excellent discussion of iron gall inks and precautions you should take on their KWZ Iron Gall page. (More on the KWZ inks below)

A Montegrappa Fortuna nib that was damaged by old formulation Montblanc Midnight Blue. Note that the black coating on the nib was corroded along the nib slit and at the base. The nib still writes perfectly fine, but this was my fault for leaving the… — A Montegrappa Fortuna nib that was damaged by old formulation Montblanc Midnight Blue. Note that the black coating on the nib was corroded along the nib slit and at the base. The nib still writes perfectly fine, but this was my fault for leaving the ink in the pen for too long. (Approximately two weeks).

Takeaways and Where to Buy

I don't use iron gall inks on a regular basis, but it's not because I have any great fear of damaging my pens. I just generally prefer more lubricated inks. I do, however, keep a couple bottles around in case I need a permanent ink or an ink that works well on super-cheap paper. Standard Platinum blue-black is my personal favorite.

If you're interesting in testing out iron gall inks, Vanness Pens has one of, if not THE, largest selection of modern iron gall inks available. In addition to the Platinum Classic Inks mentioned above (and you can purchase a sample set of all six), Vanness also carries the entire line of iron gall inks by KWZ, which manufactures an extensive range of colors. If you're looking for a traditional blue-black, another option is Diamine's Registrar's ink. Finally, Rohrer & Klingner makes the Salix (blue-black) and Scabiosa (purple-black) iron gall inks that many people love. Montblanc Midnight Blue was reformulated a few years ago to remove and/or significantly reduce the iron gall content because there were reports of it corroding pens (which I experienced personally - check out the picture above).

I'm sure there are other options, and if you are looking for a specific color ink with iron gall properties, reach out to the folks at Vanness Pens. They'll be able to point you in the right direction.

Disclaimer: Vanness Pens provided me with the bottle of ink featured here for review purposes. I was not otherwise compensated for this review.

Two New Notebooks to Watch: Studio Neat Panobook and Baron Fig Raspberry Honey

July 19, 2017

There are so many new notebooks being released right now, that I've had a hard time keeping my head above water! Here are my thoughts on two new offerings that you've probably read a lot about recently: Studio Neat's "panoramic" Panobook, and the latest Baron Fig Confidant, Raspberry Honey.

Studio Neat Panobook

Studio Neat's new "Panobook" is billed as "a new notebook for your desk." Essentially, they've designed a desk pad like the Baron Fig Mastermind in spiral-bound notebook form. The Panobook is designed to sit just above, below, or even to the side of your keyboard, where by using it lengthwise it can serve as an oversized reporter's notebook or miniature legal pad.

Measuring 6.3 inches by 11.34 inches, the Panobook provides ample space for writing, notetaking, brainstorming and sketching out ideas - exactly what most people look for in a large-format desk pad. The dot-grid paper includes subtle "guide markers" to allow you to easily draw rectangles, which may come in handy if you're an app or web designer or someone who uses storyboards. The double-wired spiral binding appears sturdy and tight, and the cover is a soft-touch leatherette material that feels similar to the cover on the Ghost Paper notebook that I reviewed a while back, though the Panobook cover is rigid and not flexible.

The Panobook comes with a slipcover for easy storage after the notebook is finished.

Now, a note on the paper, which is where I ran into, well, not difficulties, but some hiccups that led me to conclude that I probably couldn't use this notebook on a daily basis. The Panobook features Finch Soft White Ultra Smooth 70 lb. text paper, which Studio Neat describes as "super high quality, and perform[ing] well with a variety of writing instruments without smudging and bleeding." This is indeed very nice paper, and I enjoyed the dot grid layout, but I found that the paper was not quite versatile enough to meet my needs. I experienced a fair bit of feathering and pinpoint bleeding with even fine and medium fountain pens. Certain drier inks performed ok (i.e., with minimal bleed) but when it comes to the paper that I use for most of my daily planning and brainstorming - which is what this notebook would be perfect for - I'd prefer to be able to just use my fountain pens and not have to think about how the pen I'm using at the moment is going to perform in the notebook. At this price point, I also want to be able to use both sides of the page.

Overall, the Panobook is a great concept and a well-designed notebook, and with slightly heavier paper might be something that makes its way into my daily arsenal. As the product currently stands, however, there are other desk pads out there that meet my specific - and, admittedly, very exacting - requirements. If you're a fan of gel pens, ballpoints, pencil, or even rollerballs like the Uniball Vision Elite, you'll be fine. Otherwise, I'd back for a single notebook to test out before I stocked up. (The folks at Studio Neat are experienced Kickstarter creators, and their products are typically available on their website fairly soon after the Kickstarter project closes.)

Baron Fig Raspberry Honey

"Raspberry Honey" is the latest in the line of limited edition Confidant notebooks from Baron Fig, which in my opinion, just keep getting better. A collaboration with California-based artist Geoff Gouveia, Raspberry Honey is "one part short story, one part notebook," and each box includes a copy of a short story written and illustrated by Gouveia.

The red with debossed bees might make this my all-time favorite Baron Fig Confidant cover.

The notebook itself features a bright "raspberry" red cover with debossed bees, a pink ribbon, and Baron Fig's excellent dot grid paper. I've reviewed several Baron Fig notebooks in the past, so I won't go into extensive detail on construction, paper quality, etc., but I will say that in the past year or so Baron Fig has improved the paper used in their notebooks. While it may not be the best for especially wet stubs or triple-broad nibs, it's excellent with the medium and fine fountain pens that I use as my daily writers and handles everything I'll throw at it fairly well.

Where You Can Buy These Notebooks

The Studio Neat Panobook is available on Kickstarter, and will close in 9 days. Based on the funding level so far (well over $100,000 pledged on a $20,000 goal), the Panobook will almost certainly fund. If you think this is a product you would use, the best deal is the three-pack for $55, which brings the cost to roughly $18 apiece, in-line with other high-quality bound notebooks. Single books are $20.

The Baron Fig Raspberry Honey is available directly from Baron Fig, priced at $20 with discounts for purchasing more than one. Baron Fig has ended their limited edition subscription program, so you will have to purchase these a la carte.

Disclaimer: I was sent both of these products at no charge for purposes of this review. Thank you to both Studio Neat and Baron Fig for sending these over. This post contains affiliate links.