Franklin-Christoph Nagahara Needlepoint Cover

Exploring Stock Custom Nibs, Part II: Nagahara Needlepoints from Franklin-Christoph

June 1, 2022

Several weeks ago, I reviewed the Esterbrook Needlepoint nib by Kirk Speer, available for purchase as an add-on with Esterbrook Estie fountain pens. Today I plan to look at a product that’s similar, yet at the same time very different: Pre-ground needlepoint nibs by Japanese nib grinder Yukio Nagahara, available as an add-on purchase with pens from Franklin-Christoph.

Needlepoint Nib Comparison Photos — Comparing the Franklin-Christoph Nagahara No. 6 (bottom) to the Nagahara No. 5 (middle) to the Kirk Speer Esterbrook No. 6 (top).

I’ll start with this: These nibs are true “needlepoint” nibs, leaving a line that measures approximately .25mm. The Nagahara nibs work best for very small handwriting - typically printing - and I use them primarily for document annotation, not journaling or correspondence. If you prefer to write in smaller cursive, or any handwriting style that involves lots of horizontal strokes, you may prefer a standard extra-fine or the Kirk Speer Needlepoint. While these latter nibs won’t write as fine a line as the Nagahara, they’re not so fine as to catch the edges of fibers in textured or less expensive paper. The Nagahara nibs perform best on smoother Japanese papers such as Midori MD or Tomoe River.

Needlepoint Nib Writing Sample Comparisons — I have two Franklin-Christoph Nagahara Needlepoints, in both No. 5 and No. 6 nib sizes. There is actually a fair bit of variation between the two, even though they’re ground by the same nib grinder. In comparison, the No. 6 is “smoother” than the No. 5, in that it has less tooth, but it also writes a slightly thicker line. Both Franklin-Christoph nibs write a finer line than the Esterbrook.

The Nagahara nibs definitely have more tooth, yet at the same time they are truly “needlepoint extra-fine” and as a bonus, offer some Naginata-style line variation as you change the angle of your writing.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

Whether you prefer one nib grinder’s style over another’s is simply a matter of personal preference, and this is a perfect example of how “the same grind” can vary from nib grinder to nib grinder. For everyday writing, the Kirk Speer Needlepoint offers a “smoother” writing experience that many people will prefer, but if you’re truly looking to write very small, consider the Nagahara grinds. Like the Esterbrook Needlepoint, the Franklin-Christoph nibs are standard JoWo stainless steel nibs with the interchangeable housings, so you can swap them into any other JoWo compatible pens in your collection, from Franklin-Christoph or otherwise. It makes for quite a versatile purchase.

Franklin-Christoph Model 45, Model 02, Esterbrook Estie Comparison

You can purchase these Nagahara-ground Needlepoint nibs as a $25 add-on to the purchase of any Franklin-Christoph pen, such as the Model 02 Intrinsic in Antique Glass and Acrylic shown here, and the Model 45 in full “Cathedral” acrylic. (As you can see, I have a thing for vintage-style flecked acrylic pens.) I purchased these pens at this year’s Baltimore Pen Show, where the team at Franklin-Christoph checked and tuned the nibs to my preference, but both of the Franklin-Christoph pens shown here are currently available for purchase on the site.

I purchased the Franklin-Christoph pens featured in this review with my own funds. This post does not contain paid third-party affiliate links. The Gentleman Stationer is supported by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

State of the Collection: My Franklin-Christoph Fountain Pens after Baltimore

March 19, 2022

I’ve not written about my Franklin-Christoph fountain pens in a while, even though the brand has been a mainstay of my “daily workhorse” rotation for years now. Previously my collecting has focused on the Model 20 “Marietta” fountain pen, the slip-cap pen that’s one of my all-time favorites, especially for showing off acrylics and other materials. In recent years, however, I’ve expanded my repertoire and added several new pens in different models, including the Model 31 “Omnis”, the Model 02 “Intrinsic”, and the Model 45.

From left: two Model 31 fountain pens, four Model 20s (still my favorite), a Model 02, and a Model 45.

Even if I don’t end up purchasing anything, browsing the prototype trays at the Franklin-Christoph tables is one of my favorite pen show experiences. (It’s rare that you don’t end up walking away from the table with something.) This past weekend, I purchased the Model 02 and Model 45 shown here, both in this dark flecked acrylic with scattered gold, burgundy, blue, and green. (I believe this material is called “Cathedral,” and it’s made appearances at pen shows in the past but I was never able to snag it in a pen model that appealed to me. I’m still looking for a Model 20.)

The Model 02 features this material on the section and finial, with the slightly blue-tinted “Antique Glass” body.

Another reason I never feel guilty about picking up more Franklin-Christoph pens is because the purchase includes a tuned JoWo nib, with numerous specialty grinds available for a small uncharge. In addition to Franklin-Christoph’s own excellent in-house nib grinds, you can opt for work done by Japanese nib crafter Yukio Nagahara. I chose Nagahara needlepoint nibs for both of the pens shown here. I haven’t inked these pens up yet, but you can expect these pens (and these nibs) will get a full write-up sooner rather than later.

Catch Up on the Rest of My Baltimore Pen Show Adventures

You can read my full recap of the 2022 Baltimore Pen Show here, and you can also view additional show photos on my Instagram, including in the Stories where the pics and running commentary are saved to the highlights. I got home late last night, so I’m still getting settled, but you can expect the blog to resume a normal schedule this week.

Finally, T.G.S. Curated Shop orders are no longer delayed and will ship within the typical 2-3 business days. All orders placed during my absence started shipping out LATE last night and will continue through the weekend. Many thanks for all your support!

Pen Case Review: Franklin-Christoph Penvelope Six

February 13, 2021

It’s long past time that I reviewed the Franklin-Christoph “Penvelope Six,” a pen case that has been around for several years now, to the point where it can probably be considered a classic accessory. I was a bit late to the party on this one, picking up my first Penvelope at the 2019 Atlanta Pen Show.

The “Penvelope” gets its name from the clutch or envelope-like design. The interior of the Penvelope Six features six fabric-lined pen loops that will hold pens as large as an Opus 88 Omar or a Montblanc 149. (Smaller pens still feel secure in the Penvelope, but if you don’t like the idea of them moving around you can clip them to the slot.) The fold-over magnetic closure isn’t especially tight, but I’ve not had any serious issues with it coming open, and it’s not as if you’ll want to transport this pen case - or any case containing fountain pens, for that matter - in a bag where it can easily flip upside down. This is a case more suited to use in a briefcase, purse, or secure backpack slot, and it slips into a briefcase particularly well.

Per the specs, the Penvelope Six holds six pens, but that doesn’t mean you can’t push the penvelope. (See what I did there? Sorry.) Depending on size, you can easily add a few additional pens or mechanical pencils (especially if they’re slender), and I’ve even used the sides to transport traveling inkwells from Visconti and Pineider. Franklin-Christoph leather is high quality, and I’ve had no issues with the finish or build quality on my Penvelope or my Covered Pen Tray that I’ve now had going on five years.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

The Franklin-Christoph Penvelope Six becomes my pen case of choice when I travel and need to bring more than two or three pens with me. If you’re in the habit of carrying more than six pens, you can opt for the larger Penvelope 13. The model shown here is the classic design in black Napa leather. Recently, Franklin-Christoph has updated the Penvelope line and released them in a more squared off design with additional color options. You can view the full line of Franklin-Christoph pen cases directly on their website.

Disclaimer: I purchased the case pictured here at the 2019 Atlanta Pen Show, with my own funds, for my own personal use. This post does not contain affiliate links.

From left, Franklin-Christoph Model 20 in Maya Blue, Vintage Green, and Winter Pine.

Pen Review: Franklin-Christoph Model 20 Marietta

October 5, 2019

Although Franklin-Christoph pens rotate through my pen case regularly, and I’ve been a customer of the company for years, their pens have not appeared on the blog as frequently as I would have liked. That changes now. Today I want to talk about my favorite Franklin-Christoph fountain pen: the Model 20 “Marietta.”

I tend to pick one or two models within a brand and stick with them as my daily users. There’s an easy explanation for this: Once I find a pen that fits my hand and meets my needs as an everyday writer, there’s not much incentive to go looking elsewhere. With Leonardo, of course there’s the Momento Zero. With Lamy, I prefer the Lamy 2000 and Lamy Studio and rarely use much else. With Montblanc, it’s the 146. Parker, the Sonnet, another great “unsung hero.” For Franklin-Christoph, it’s the Model 20.

The top of each cap is engraved with the understated Franklin-Christoph logo.

Inspired by vintage flat-top pens from the fountain pen “golden age” of the 1920s and 1930s, the Model 20 is a mid-sized pen notable for its friction-fit slip cap, and ability to easily convert from a cartridge-converter filling system to an eyedropper. I love the fact that this lightweight pen posts deeply, without adding much weight or length to the barrel. Though some might find the design too understated, or a bit plain, I regard it as an example of classic vintage-inspired penmaking, where the purpose of the pen is not just to create an objet d’art but rather to focus on the pen as a tool for writing.

My Winter Pine Model 20 posted. The cap on the Model 20 posts securely, and I’ve never had issues with it coming loose posted or capped.

One thing I appreciate about Franklin-Christoph is that they share a lot of information about their pen design on the website, which is always helpful for answering questions people may have about the various models. On the Model 20, I frequently get questions about the slip cap - namely “How does it stay on?” and “Won’t the cap develop cracks around the lip, like so many vintage slip cap pens do?” Well, I can’t vouch for how this pen will hold up 100 years from now, but I can say two things:

I’ve never had a Franklin-Christoph pen lose the cap in a pen case. F-C goes so far to say on their website: “When capped or posted properly it is impossible to sling the cap off, so [it] can be securely used in a shirt pocket or pen pouch.” Strong words, and they hold up.
I’ve never had a Model 20 crack, and in the unlikely event it did, (1) it would most likely be my fault because I did something stupid; and (2) Franklin-Christoph would fix it.

Though I don’t use this pen unposted, the Model 20 is still a comfortable length.

Another thing to note is that the design of the Model 20 has been refined and optimized to solve a problem that seems to plague slip-cap pens: ink being drawn into the cap by the vacuum that occurs when the pen is uncapped, particularly when the pen is eyedroppered. (See my recent review of the Karas Kustoms Vertex.) Franklin-Christoph notes that “[t]he interior of the cap has a feature that releases air pressure to eliminate the vacuum,” which I assume is a machining trade secret. Anyway, it works. I’ve not had any issues with Model 20 fountain pens leaking into the cap, even when I (rarely) eyedropper them.

“Maya Blue” might be my favorite color in the standard Franklin-Christoph lineup. Note the smooth section, free of any threads to interfere with your grip comfort. A key benefit of a slip-cap pen.

Franklin-Christoph Nibs

I should probably write a stand-alone article about Franklin-Christoph nibs, and I go back and forth on whether they are better known for their nibs than their pens at this point. All Franklin-Christoph pens accept either No. 5 or No. 6 JoWo nibs, are available in steel or gold, with standard nib widths or specialty grinds, and are tuned in-house prior to shipping. If you visit Franklin-Christoph at a pen show, they will tune the pen for you in person, and you will have the opportunity to sit at the table and provide live feedback as the nib is adjusted to your personal preference. I’ve never received a bad nib on a Franklin-Christoph pen.

A 14kt Franklin-Christoph JoWo No. 6 with a Masuyama Fine Cursive Italic.

Specialty grinds include the S.I.G. (Stub Italic Gradient), a stainless steel nib ground to a cross between a stub and a cursive italic, which offers the line variation of the latter with the smoother writing experience of the former. Audrey Matteson has taken over primary S.I.G. duties from the late Jim Rouse, who developed the grind, and under her stewardship the S.I.G. has become my preferred Franklin-Christoph nib. Other options include a “Fine Flex,” a 1.9mm Music Nib, as well as needlepoint, cursive italic, and stub grinds by Mike Masuyama.

On my Model 20 in “Winter Pine” that I acquired at this year’s D.C. Pen Show, I opted for a medium S.I.G. in the “Shadow” nib. It looks great and Audrey did an exceptional job tuning. This pen has the potential to become a favorite!

Takeaways and Where to Buy

I guess you could say that I have the beginning of a “mini-collection” of Franklin-Christoph Model 20s, with a high likelihood of picking up more in the future. The F-C table is one of my first stops in the morning at most pen shows, because the prototypes go fast!

Franklin-Christoph only sells their standard line direct to customers on their website. Currently, the Model 20 is available in Classic Black, Diamondcast Green, Vintage Green (pictured here), Maya Blue (pictured here), and Tiger Red. An excellent reason to visit a pen show is to have the opportunity to pick up Franklin-Christoph pens in various “prototype” materials, like the “Winter Pine” Model 20 that I purchased at the 2019 D.C. Pen Show. Occasionally, you can find special runs of unique materials in The Stock Room section of the F-C website. All Model 20 pens are priced at $165 for a standard steel-nib pen, with additional charges for specialty or gold nibs.

If you are looking for a smaller pen, consider the “Pocket 20” (currently listed as the “Model 20p”), which is priced at $145 but takes the same No. 6 JoWo nib. Back in 2015, I reviewed the Pocket 66 and Model 65 Stabilis Eyedroppers. While those two pens did not work for me over the long-term, and I’ve gone all-in on the Model 20, they are also great options and you may find the review of interest.

Franklin-Christoph also offers more than just pens, having recently expanded into watches, bags, and other luxury accessories. I’ve previously reviewed their leather Covered Pen Tray, and plan to review their “Penvelope” series of cases in the near future. Let’s just say I’m following their Initial Watch Offering closely….

Disclaimer: I purchased the pens featured in this review with my own funds, for my own personal use.

Franklin-Christoph's Covered Pen Tray in "Boot Black" Leather

Pen Storage Options: Franklin-Christoph Covered Pen Tray

July 6, 2016

Back in February I discussed various pen storage options, and how I store my own personal collection. All of that still holds true, though since then I've added a Franklin-Christoph Covered Pen Tray in "boot black" leather. This is a product I can easily recommend, especially if you're looking for a storage option that looks really nice on a desk or display shelf.

Franklin-Christoph

I've reviewed several Franklin-Christoph products in the past, and I've never had a bad experience. The company, which has a long history, is based in North Carolina, and manufactures pens, inks, and related accessories. I'm generally a fan of their pens, and I especially like the fact that you can purchase a pre-ground nib from Mike Masuyama in various standard customizations such as italic, cursive italic, needlepoint, etc. What doesn't get enough attention, in my opinion, is their line of pen cases, which includes your standard pen sleeves, holsters, and zippered album-style pen cases, as well as more unique products like the "penvelopes" and the Covered Pen Tray.

The Covered Pen Tray

The Franklin-Christoph Covered Pen Tray in "Slotter Box" Mode

The Covered Pen Tray is based on the traditional "slotter box" that many pen dealers use to transport pens to and from pen shows, and was originally conceived as a means to both carry pens to shows and easily display them upon arrival. The tray (or "CPT", as it's referred to on the Franklin-Christoph website), is made from leather, lined with durable textured cloth, and comes configured to hold either 12 pens or 7 pens plus accessories (converters, cartridges, spare nibs, etc.).

The Franklin-Christoph Covered Pen Tray in "Display Stand" Mode

If you want to display your pens, whether at a show or in your home, the double-hinged lid of the Covered Pen Tray folds under to create a display stand that sits at an angle. When you want to put them away, the lid closes securely using a magnetic front flap. The intention is to allow you to use the box to transport pens, though the Covered Pen Tray shouldn't be used as a daily carry or travel case for inked pens because there's still some room in the slots for the pens to slide around. You might end up with a mess on your hands.

The red cloth inserts on the Covered Pen Tray look like they are durable and will stand up to heavy use.

The Covered Pen Tray is available in the same maroon, black, and brown color options as Franklin-Christoph's other leather goods. Recently, Franklin-Christoph changed their leather, so instead of the matte "boot leather" pictured in this review, the new Covered Pen Trays are made from "FxCel oil tanned leather," which the company says offers a "smoother high quality finish". I haven't seen the new leather in person, but will definitely be checking it out next month at the Washington, D.C. Pen Show.

I love the matte look of the "boot black" leather. It's embossed with the Franklin-Christoph logo on two places: the top of the lid and the foldover hinge.

Franklin-Christoph has created a unique product. Other "display boxes" or pen stands aren't portable, like Levenger's Point of View Pen Case or the various model of boxes and stands offered by Lanier Pens. Personally, I'm partial to leather over wood, so I'll gladly pay the extra premium. The leather has a good feel to it (as in, not plasticky like some leather used to make inexpensive pen cases), the stitching is flawless, and the burgundy cloth used to line the interior is both attractive and durable. One note about the interior and the slots themselves: the Covered Pen Tray doesn't use "pre-made" slot inserts that you see in a lot of other pen boxes (and that I used to make my cigar box pen case). I suspect these are handmade, and the result is a much more high-quality piece than other products I've seen on the market around this price point.

A close up look at the textured burgundy cloth used to line the Covered Pen Tray.  It's durable while still being soft enough not to scratch your pens. — A close up look at the textured burgundy cloth used to line the Covered Pen Tray. It's durable while still being soft enough not to scratch your pens.

Where to Buy

The Covered Pen Tray can be purchased directly from Franklin-Christoph for $149.50. This is not an inexpensive storage option, though once you get into pen cases, trays, and boxes that are meant to be displayed and not simply to store pens out of sight in a drawer or a bag, you're going to be paying more money, especially for quality leather goods. This one occupies prime real estate on my desk in my home office.

DISCLAIMER: I purchased the product featured in this review with my own funds, for my own collection. This post also contains affiliate links.