I started the month rotating in an Esterbrook Dollar pen with a 9461 Ridgid Fine nib for “manifold” writing. Manifold nibs are intended to be used with carbon paper. This pen is 85 years old.
The usual suspects this month include a Wing Sung 3013, a Pilot Prera, and a Wing Sung 601.
For May, I am rotating in the Delike New Moon 3. It was inked up for review last month. As I mentioned how much I loved the nib, it seemed only appropriate to keep it in rotation.
Did you miss any of the prior month’s blog posts? Welp, here is your chance to catch up…
- It’s a new month, what’s in your pen cup? Let’s see how I started April with a review of March. It’s a new month and time to shelve your current choice of pens in favor of new pens or those that may be long forgotten and feeling neglected. Also, let’s review how did the pens from last month fared? Also included is a recap of the month’s posts.
- Esterbrook Dollar Pen, The Review I said to myself, “Self! You have never reviewed a pen that you refurbished, now is a good time.” Agreed, thus I present to you my 1938 Esterbrook Dollar pen.
- Inky Fingers and Removal Some people have a phobia when it comes to ink on their fingers. For me, it usually happens when a vintage fountain pen is having issues. It is what it is. You should read some of the home remedies attested to by manic people with inky fingers.
- What? All inks are not created equal I noticed some of my inks had formed condensation inside their bottles while others did not. Why? How? Aren’t all inks simply inks? I have an idea, if geekiness doesn’t scare you, read on.
- Delike New Moon 3 Delike New Moon 3 is a blatant copy of the Sailor Pro Gear Slim. I’m not advocating the theft of intellectual property. I purchased the pen because it included a Fude nib and was inexpensive. What a surprise when the pen arrived.
- Dracula Daily I found this interesting and wanted to share Dracula Daily, the email newsletter that sends you the full text of Dracula in real-time. The emails start 3rd of May.
- Enjoy Your Local Libraries (National Library Week is starting) Consider this a public service announcement, in an effort to add more depth to the blog I wanted to highlight libraries in general. Expose my readers to some of the most breathtaking libraries in the world. Places I would never read a single work because I would be in awe. Enjoy!
- World Stationery Day World Stationery Day is an annual event observed every last Wednesday of April. You could pop into a stationery store, or handwrite a letter, poem, or greeting card. You could. For those who are crafty, super geeks looking for a more personal touch, I have options for you.
In the News
About a third of book bans reported in fall 2022 were a result of new state laws. Pen America reports book banning in public schools rose during the first half of the 2022-23 school year, and nearly a third of them were the direct result of newly enacted state laws. From July to December 2022, the group says, there were 1,477 book bans directed at 874 different titles. The bans were most prevalent in five states – Texas, Florida, Missouri, Utah, and South Carolina.
Pencil Maker Doms Is Said to Eye $300 Million IPO. Indian stationery company Doms Industries Pvt. is planning to file as soon as June for an initial public offering in Mumbai. The majority owner is Milan-based Fabbrica Italiana Lapis ed Affini SpA. Doms traces its roots to 1975 with the founding of pencil manufacturer R.R. Group. The company runs more than 15 production facilities in India and its products, including pencils, erasers, and rulers, are available in over 50 countries.
Blog Update
I survived the home improvement project. I am exhausted but happy with the results. The carpet in 70% of the house was replaced. I offer one room before and after. Next up, new railing for the staircase.
Chronicles of a Fountain Pen 
Your pens bring back so many memories from high school. Love you new room!
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Great. For my birthday (last month) I picked up a wonderful 1948 Parker.
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Great job on the remodel. The wood floor looks beautiful!
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Thank you. The old carpet was 10 yrs old, and smelled bad.
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Room does look really, really smart and professional. Great colour choices too. Such a large spacious area and that flooring! Wonderful choice. Nice to see what you have been describing. About to look at the monthly pens for using to build a journal for the overall garden plans. The two Kaweco’s, the Onoto Junior and the generic metal black and golden small recent buy. Possibly like your own plans it’s simplicity of DIY mixed with fresh air and gardening over the next few months. Cheers a Danny. .
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Speaking of the simplicity of DIY, I also did the washroom and the plumbing turned into an adventure. I’m sure I would have embarrassed a sailor. Lots of very colorful expletives. Thanks.
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When I say simplicity I think of the simplicity of enjoying it all really. Better than going to work everyday. I couldn’t do washrooms and plumbing! Nor electrics. Water and electricity don’t go together. Add myself to that scenario. I could swear out loud as loud…but still fail. Give me a paintbrush anytime. I know you spoke of mechanics and giving stuff a go when you were younger. Enjoyment in such challenges. That was way back, when we exchanged comments between us. Mainly the VeeDub. Admirable that you still give things a decent try. And get it done no matter what. All the best.
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Good luck with the updates!
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This month I’m going back to black gel pens and fineliners. Though I guess my Majohn A1 qualifies as being in my rotation, since I’m actually not washing it, lol. I guess it’s good to see just how durable an inked fountain pen can be. I sometimes break it out after weeks of disuse and it still works perfectly. Beater pens for the win!
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The Wingsung 601 (Parker 51 knock off) is ink stingy. I filled it 5weeks ago, use it every day and it is still half full. One of the few pens that completely fill. Thanks for visiting
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