Schon DSGN inserted itself into the “workhorse pen” conversation last year, with the release of their “engineered plastics” collection featuring two different types of Ultem, a “semi-transparent high-strength plastic” that has rapidly become a favorite medium for pen makers. Another such material, “PEEK” (polyetherkeretone), is similarly indestructible, with manufacturers traditionally using the material in aerospace, oil and gas, medical, and other applications that value durability and resistance to extreme temperatures and other environmental stressors. So of course it was only a matter of time before Ian introduced a third pen to the lineup!
Can you spot the ghost icon?
Schon DSGN released its “PEEK-A-Boo” edition fountain pen around Halloween, hence the name and subtly cheeky ghost engraving around the cap (which I love). Other than the PEEK material and this tiny flourish, the design of this pen is identical to the Ultem fountain pens, which feature a streamlined, lightweight design that’s extremely comfortable to use; five integrated o-rings that allow you to easily eyedropper the pen if cartridge-converter filling systems aren’t your thing; and the versatility of JoWo No. 6 nibs. You can read more about the design and usability of this particular pen design in my writeup of the Ultem fountain pens, and if you want to learn how to maximize the versatility of JoWo compatibility, check out this post about combining nib housings from Flexible Nib Factory with your favorite gold nibs from other brands like Platinum, Pilot, and even Sailor.
The full Schon DSGN “Engineered Plastics” collection, from left: PEEK, Amber Ultem, and Black Ultem fountain pens
What I find most interesting about the success of the PEEK-A-Boo fountain pen is how it’s held its own against the “brightly colored sticks of plastic” that seemingly dominate the pen hobby these days. The success of pens made from materials like PEEK and Ultem show that enthusiasts value craftsmanship and design choices beyond bright-and-shiny visuals, and hopefully more penmakers will take notice. In my opinion, there’s been such a focus on cranking out pens in increasingly crazy color variations, that those of us who appreciate a more understated, functional aesthetic have felt left by the wayside. Schon DSGN’s engineered plastic collection provides a suitable counterweight to the rest of their lineup, and for this reason I find that they have one of the more balanced selections of pens on offer.
Takeaways and Where to Buy
Sure, PEEK may not be as traditionally eye-catching as Ian’s latest color-anodized creations, but like Ultem, it has it’s own functional, industrial aesthetic that to me evokes nostalgia for the era of similarly hued 1980s and early 1990s personal computers. (A matte version of this pen would be awesome.) If you’re a fan of excellent craftsmanship and modern industrial design, and like your everyday carry both versatile and indestructible, you won’t want to pass this one up. The two Schon Ultem pens and the PEEK-a-boo make an awesome three-pen set for your collection.
I have my PEEK-A-Boo fountain pen set up with a Franklin-Christoph Stainless Steel Flex nib, one of the benefits of the JoWo-compatible nib system.
You can purchase the PEEK (Peek-A-Boo Edition) fountain pen directly from Schon DSGN. The pens are priced at $275, which represents a slight upcharge from the Ultem pens. As with the Schon Ultem, these are small-batch pens made from unique materials that impact the price, which to me is more than fair, but this pen probably won’t - and isn’t intended to - appeal to everyone.
Schon DSGN provided the PEEK fountain pen pictured here for review purposes, free of charge. Many thanks to Schon DSNG for making this review possible. I was not otherwise compensated for this review, and this post does not contain any paid third-party affiliate links. The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by reader contributions and purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and the T.G.S. Patreon Program, which offers access to online meetups, exclusive discounts and pre-orders, and more!