Category: Reviews

Posted in Pens, Reviews, Stories

Parker “Instant Modern” Style

Posted on by Danny Watts

In 2004, Parker introduced the Vector XL and Vector 3-in-1, predecessors of the IM. Soon afterward these pens are combined into the IM (US model) and the Profile (UK model). In 2009, Parker redesigned the IM, replacing the stylized arrow clip with a modern version of the iconic clip. The following year, production was moved from Newhaven, England to the Waterman factory in Nantes, Frances, and to Shanghai, China. The model conspicuously does not contain a “made in” imprint.

What does IM stand for, welp it could be “Instant Message” (it is a pen) yet in the Parker print catalog (2012) I read “Instant Modern” style when discussing the IM model.

The IM is available in two distinct tiers: the standard version and the ‘premium’ version. The standard IM comes with a plastic section with plastic threads and a metal cap making the threads a weak point in the design. The Premium IM is of a brass body and cap, a plastic section with the same plastic threads.

Both versions are of a clean, conservative design, with subtle colors that work well in any professional environment. The nib on the IM is a significant departure in shape and style from the narrow nib designs used on the Urban or Sonnet pens. The IM nib resembles a traditional fountain pen nib yet is noticeably squat.

My Pen

Parker IM 2019 Special Edition Red Ignite Fountain Pen Medium Nib. “This IM Special Edition is inspired by the passion that propels us to achieve greater heights. The striking red and black patterns expose the intense and uncontrolled explosion of energy and illustrate the vast potential simmering within each of us.” Yeah right.

The cap snaps securely to the barrel with a loud click; however, there is more to it than just a clutch ring. Notice at the end of the section near the nib is a raised rim (I’ll call it the “nib rim”). This nib rim firmly sets inside the inner cap prior to the clutch ring. Below, the picture of the nib and section inserted into the cap (right side) illustrates the point where the nib rim sets inside the cap prior to the cap securely attaching.

The IM is a cartridge pen, requiring the skinny “long QUINK ink cartridge or convertible to ink bottle filling.” The proprietary Parker twist converter (S0050300) and possibly the Parker piston converter supports the IM. As I have neither….

The pen requires a slim cartridge and I only have one so I dipped the nib. This medium short nib writes very smoothly. There is no flex, and it is not a wet nib. I wrote this (copied from the Park website) on that horrible moleskin paper, the letters did not feather. The ink did produce a slight shading.

The IM impressed me. I favor metal barrels, the finish on this pen is matte, not slippery and fit very comfortably in my hand, and the nib is impressive for the price. Speaking of, the price is right, I only paid $24 for this pen.

Vital Statistics

  • Capped Length: 137mm
  • Uncapped Length: 117mm
  • Barrel Diameter: 11.5mm
  • Cap Diameter: 12.5mm
  • Weighs in at 24g
COPYRIGHT © 2021-2023 DANNY WATTS and CHRONICLES OF A FOUTAIN PEN.
Posted in Pens, Reviews, Stories

It’s a new month, what’s in your pen cup?

Posted on by Danny Watts

I start the month rotating in a pen that hasn’t been in rotation since 2007. I pulled out a blue Waterman Philéas. For those not familiar, the pen is named after the Jules Verne character Phileas Fogg (Around the World in 80 Days).

The usual suspects have changed. I rotated out the Kaweco Student, replacing it with the Shaeffer Taranis. Still in rotation include the Pilot Prera, the Wing Sung 601 and the Waterman Philéas.

For March I am rotating in my Sheaffer Taranis. In part because I inked it up for a review last month and it is just a nice pen to write with.

Did you miss any of the past 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 February with a review of January. 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.
  • A Journal of Pens, For Pens, About Pens Do you keep track of your pens? Maybe with Excel, journals, index cards, or the ever favorite – nothing at all?
  • A 1950s Esterbrook Deluxe LK Model Esterbrook manufactured two “Deluxe” models. The SM model was introduced in 1949, followed by the LK model in 1955. The changes between the two models were dramatic.
  • Pen Organization in a Digital World Back story 2. For collections to truly be considered a “collection,” there needs to be some basic level of curation or organization, otherwise, it’s just clutter. I mentioned my adventures using a journal to organize and document my pens. Now I am presenting my digital solution.
  • Flat-bottom pens make the journaling world go round Fountain pens come in just about any and every size and shape imaginable. I have a preference for flat-top pens. I know “flat-top” means the top is flat, who cares about the aft end? ME, that’s who. I prefer both the cap and the aft end horizontally.
  • Jetpack, Addition through subtraction This is off-topic but I needed to vent. WordPress is going through some major changes and Jetpack is taking over. This is my experience with the conversion and welp, it hasn’t been good.
  • Sheaffer Taranis (Celtic: “Thunderer”) The Sheaffer Taranis is named after the Celtic Storm God of Thunder. This pen elicits some strong feelings polarizing the fountain pen community. The lines along the section/grip to the nib remind me of a ‘57 Chevy Belair.

In the News

Australian universities to return to ‘pen and paper’ exams after students caught using AI to write essays Australian universities have been forced to change how they run exams and other assessments amid fears students are using emerging artificial intelligence software to write essays.

The Brooklyn Public Library gives every teenager in the U.S. free access to censured books. School districts across the United States continue to censure. Remove books from school libraries that don’t align with conservative school board’s visions of the world. Books like Art Spiegelman’s Maus, The Illustrated Diary of Anne Frank, Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, and Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird–just to name a few.

‘Fat’ and ‘ugly’ have been cut from Roald Dahl children’s books. Is it inclusive or censorship? Future editions of the beloved children’s books Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Twits, and The Witches will read differently. Following consultation with sensitivity readers, publishers Puffin and the Roald Dahl Story Company (acquired by streaming service Netflix in 2021) have made a series of changes throughout the books to remove language deemed offensive or insensitive to modern audiences. The changes primarily relate to descriptions of physical appearances.

COPYRIGHT © 2021-2023 DANNY WATTS and CHRONICLES OF A FOUTAIN PEN.
Posted in Pens, Reviews

Sheaffer Taranis (Celtic: “Thunderer”)

Posted on by Danny Watts

What’s in a name?

The Sheaffer Taranis is named after the Celtic Storm God of Thunder, also associated with the famed “wheel in the sky.” The wheel was seen as a physical representation of the movement of celestial bodies, such as the sun and moon which fall under his domain. The sun is associated with life while the wheel mimics the motion of the sun as it crosses the sky each day.

First mentioned by the Roman poet Lucan in the 1st century AD. In 2020, Taranis was a tool onboard a French Space Agency (CNES) satellite destined to measure radiation from lighting except the launch failed.

On a different note, God of Thunder is a song written and performed by Kiss, I will spare you the details.

Back story

This is not a vintage pen. Before I started my review, I read the review of others. This pen apparently elicits some strong feelings polarizing the fountain pen community. Some complain that Sheaffer based their design on the Lamy 2000. While others said the design is boring, the pen was too heavy, the section and nib are ugly, or they hated the nontraditional nib design. For all the hostile reviews and complaints I found reviews praising the same. One reviewer compared the lines of the section/grip and nib to the styles of a 50s automobile.

The pen was designed by renowned architect Charles Debbas. The Taranis was marketed from 2012-2016. The stainless steel nib is an interesting departure from the usual Sheaffer nib design – it combines both style and functionality. The ink reservoir is a Sheaffer proprietary ink converter, made specifically for this pen. Removing the barrel to access the reservoir/converter requires 9 full turns.

The barrel and cap are made of metal, it appears to be brass, painted, and protected by a lacquer finish. Some may find it slippery, but it suits me fine. The pen is well-balanced in hand when the cap is posted. I normally don’t post the cap but enjoy the feel both with and without the cap posted. I normally don’t post caps out of fear of scratching the barrel. The ring on the section/grip is a clutch with 3 outward notches, The cap attaches using friction created by the clutch resulting in a loud click and a firmly seated cap.

The cap
The clutch
The Click

Steel nib housed in a unique patent-pending grip design that “integrates resin with the strength of metal.” Hmmm, I don’t normally press so hard that I need a grip strong enough to withstand a grip of steel. I do like the grip both in appearance and function. The way I hold pens, my fingers sit most comfortably on the grip and at the cap ring/clutch.

Reminds me of a ‘57 Chevy Belair

Let’s ink it up and see how she does. I inked up with Herbin ink. I noticed that a large droplet of ink formed at the base of the nib. I emptied the ink reservoir repeating the filling process. This time I tapped the nib on the bottle, eliminating the ink droplet.

I opened the moleskin journal and set the nib to paper. One day I’ll learn only to use the Pilot G2 with the moleskin. The Taranis has a wet nib. Instead, I whipped out a pad of paper where the Taranis performed impressively. No feathering, no blots, the nib gracefully glided across the paper.

But there is some troubling news. After one day of use, the ink fails to flow even with a nearly full converter. I’m not experiencing leakage or inky fingers, I assume the issue is a dirty nib restricting capillary action. I’m going to review the litany of possibilities and get back to you.

Vital Statistics

  • Capped length; 140mm
  • Uncapped length; 120.5mm
  • Barrel diameter; 12.5mm
  • Cap diameter; 12.5mm
  • Weight; 34g

Other Reviews

Posted in Pens, Reviews

A 1950s Esterbrook Deluxe LK Model

Posted on by Danny Watts

I just realized this is my first post about a pen (excluding Fountain Pen Mystery Theatre) since late November. What a loser….anyway.

Company Back Story

In 1858, entrepreneur Richard Esterbrook established the “Esterbrook Pen Company” in Camden, NJ, which would soon become one of the world’s biggest and most beloved pen makers. The company produced dip pens before concentrating on fountain pens. At its height, Esterbrook was the largest pen manufacturer in the United States, employing 600 workers, and producing 216,000,000 pens a year.

Esterbrook manufactured two “Deluxe” models. The SM model was introduced in 1949, followed by the LK model in 1955. All Deluxe pens featured a metal cap. The SMs were available originally with a friction fit cap, with later models adopting a screw cap. The SM model featured double jeweled ends like the Model J.

The later LK’s model introduced a variety of changes. Only screw top caps were available and the double jeweled ends were replaced with stepped ends similar to the end caps seen on a 1941 Parker 51.

Other reviewers have mentioned the plastic used in the LK seems to be a little softer than the plastic used in the SM model. This softness lends to the LK model susceptible to scratches resulting from the posting of the cap and general use. I have not inspected an SM model so I cannot say for sure.

My Pen

My pen is Emerald Green, with minor scratches on the barrel, but none on the cap. There is a mark on the barrel possibly caused by posting the cap. The lever and pen clip are stainless steel. The filler lever is the “spoon” style. Levers on the Deluxe changed along with the J series from the “fishtail” or “spade” shaped lever replaced by the “spoon” shaped lever around 1952.

Other than the obvious (it’s a good-looking pen) it came sporting a medium 2312 Italic nib. As I am a big fan of Relief or oblique-style nibs, how could I turn this down?

The restoration was simple, I replaced the ink sac, and cleaned the pen with a Sunshine Cloth.

The cap is detailed with horizontal rings beginning above a cap ring and continuing to the stepped end cap. The cap threads in the barrel are part of a metal ring – I am glad it was not plastic. Operating the cap on/off requires 1 full turn, which is nice.

Esterbrook Deluxe LK

Honestly, I am not thrilled with the section. I prefer the section found on the SM model. The section on the LK is devoid of character and there isn’t even a flair around the end by the nib.

How does it write you ask, welp I’m glad you asked.

The 2312 nib is very similar to the Pilot CM nib – neither has a traditional writing surface (see below). This nib is not a smooth writer. Like the CM, it is a matter of finding the correct angle for the nib in relationship to the paper. This nib is used and may need some smoothing.

I do like the abundance of line variance this steel nib provides. In all likelihood, I will swap out this nib for a 2314 Relief or a 9312 (but I need to find one first).

Pilot M vs 2312 Italic M

The pen has been in service now for a couple weeks. I’ve come to notice an issue, the pen leaks – not a lot just enough to have a case of inky fingers. Not in the traditional sense, I am finding ink around the section by the nib. I am watching for a pattern. Trying to discern if the leak is from the screw on nib, if the ink sac is not true, or if is it caused when the cap is not tightly secured.

Vital Statistics

  • Capped Length: 130mm
  • Uncapped Length: 115mm
  • Barrel Diameter: 10.5mm
  • Cap Diameter: 12mm
  • Weighs in at, 18g

Reference Material

COPYRIGHT © 2021-2023 DANNY WATTS and CHRONICLES OF A FOUTAIN PEN.
Posted in Pens, Reviews, Stories

It’s a new month, what’s in your pen cup?

Posted on by Danny Watts

I start the month rotating in a 1941 Parker vertically striped Duofold (button-filled model). She may be pretty but the filler is not working correctly preventing the ink sac from filling properly.

I rotated her out and decided to keep the Wing Sung 601 hooded demonstrator (a blatant Parker 51 knockoff) in the rotation.

The usual suspects have changed. I rotated out the Pilot Prera with the CM nib in favor of a Prera with a medium nib. The Wing Sung 601 is getting a workout and the Kaweco Student is still in rotation. All demonstrators this month.

For February I dug up a pen that hasn’t been in rotation since 2007. I pulled out a blue Waterman Philéas. For those not familiar, the pen is named after the Jules Verne character Phileas Fogg (Around the World in 80 Days)

A quick search of eBay for this pen, imagine the shock and horror when I saw the asking prices. Time for the reunion.

Did you miss any of the past 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 January with a review of December. 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 postings, Pen news, attempted murder by ink, and Jolabokaflod.
  • The (Wish) List 2023 A wish list can be for anything, from a birthday to a future home or (of course) a pen collection. As I stumble across pens that catch my eye but are not something I’m looking for, I add them to Evernote for reference in the future. Instead of a New Year’s resolution, I present my pen wish list….
  • Original Ink Cartridge… Created by a Pencil Co. The Waterman C/F was the pen that introduced modern plastic ink cartridges in 1953. But, did you know that ink cartridges were introduced 60 years prior by a pencil company?
  • #ThrowbackThursday From time to time when I’m feeling uninspired (or lazy) I will dig up a blast from yesteryear. In this flashback, I’m highlighting a Keystone pen I purchased.
  • A Christmas Miracle, nah just Dumb Luck Christmas Miracle, maybe it is just dumb luck. I stumbled upon a 70-year-old Conway Stewart pen and Pencil set in superb condition just in time for me to buy, and for my wife to gift to me.
  • Year of the Rabbit (how about the pen) So starts the year of the Rabbit. I thought I’d highlight the Chinese-sourced pens I own.
  • Majorelle Blue (Ink) by Any Other Name Have you ever seen the color of houses in Marrakech? It resonates with me. I searched for a pen ink by the name “Moroccan Blue,” “Marrakech Blue,” or “Majorelle Blue” to no avail. Then I stumbled upon a post on FPN of a blue ink so intense as to glaze upon it “hurt” the eyes of the reader. Wanta know what I found?

In the News

Again, absolutely nothing exciting happened in the world of pens last month. Then I found this heartwarming story… “Little Afghan girl in Kabul selling pens to support her family. “If I bought them all would you be happy?” She smiled and said yes,” When a woman asks how much the pen costs, the little seller says 20 cents. She inquires if she may purchase all of the pens. The vendor agrees, and the woman pays her. “You paid me too much,” the girl complains. The woman then hands her a few more currency notes, then the little girl’s face brightens.

Sherlock Holmes Amongst Books to Enter Public Domain in 2023 “The long-running contested copyright dispute over Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s tales of a whipsmart detective — which has even ensnared Enola Holmes — will finally come to an end as the 1927 copyrights expiring Jan. 1 include Conan Doyle’s last Sherlock Holmes work.” Certain works by Ernest Hemingway, Louis Armstrong, and Laurel and Hardy can also legally be shared, performed, or sampled without permission or cost.

In case you are not familiar, today starts InCoWriMo. What’s that you ask? It is International Correspondence Writing Month. There is also a National version but why keep it to ourselves. So pull out your fancy stationery and fountain pens (don’t forget ink!) and write to someone whether they are near or far.

COPYRIGHT © 2021-2023 DANNY WATTS and CHRONICLES OF A FOUTAIN PEN.
Posted in Ink, Reviews, Stories

Majorelle Blue (Ink) by Any Other Name

Posted on by Danny Watts

In 1924, the French artist Jacques Majorelle constructed his largest artwork, the Majorelle Garden in Marrakech, Morocco. He painted the garden walls, fountains, features, and villa in a very intense shade of blue, for which he trademarked the name Majorelle Blue.

Let me tell you a story about myself. I love food! I used to frequently travel domestically and globally when I was a young man and I always made sure my hotel was an easy walk to a variety of restaurants. Fast forward, I am completely into a show called “Somebody Feed Phil.” Phil Rosenthal was the writer, producer, and creator of a sitcom called “Everyone Loves Raymond.” What makes the Feed Phil show interesting is Phil simply loves food. He probably cannot boil water. The show follows Phil as he travels through a city enjoying the local cuisine. He genuinely loves the people making the food, the other patrons, and it is simply a joy watching him eat! I was watching an episode, Phil was in Marrakech and the color of the houses resonated with me. Thus began an ink quest.

I searched and searched for pen ink by the name “Moroccan Blue,” “Marrakech Blue,” or “Majorelle Blue” to no avail. I stumbled upon a blue ink so intense as to “hurt” the reader’s eyes.

I searched and searched for pen ink by the name “Moroccan Blue,” “Marrakech Blue,” or “Majorelle Blue” to no avail. Then I stumbled upon references on FPN (Fountain Pen Network) of a blue ink so intense as to glaze upon it “hurt” the reader’s eyes, while others exclaimed they needed sunglasses when writing with it, but more on this ink later.

Really, this hurts your eyes, doesn’t it? Majorelle Blue has it’s own hexadecimal code, #6050dc. Or if you want to mix it in RGB, just add 37.6% red, 31.4% green, and 86.3% blue, while in CMYK color scheme would be made of 56.4% cyan, 63.6% magenta, 0% yellow, and 13.7% black.

Many color-oriented websites recommend Ultramarine (a strikingly vibrant hue) as a very acceptable alternative to Majorelle Blue. This color is readily available from Montblanc, Octopus Fluids, Diplomat (Octopus Fluids), and L’Artisan Pastellier. But honestly, only Octopus Fluids seems worthy.

But, thanks to the FPN, I stumbled upon Noodler’s Baystate Blue ink…a ”screaming out loud, [ink that] really does hurt eyes and ears.”

Noodle’s Baystate Blue vs Majorelle Blue

According to Vanness Pens Shop, Baystate Blue is a “vibrant blue permanent ink” with a purplish tendency [my edit]. Vanness offers the following warning: “This ink is a different formulation than most inks, and will stain your pen. We do not suggest using this ink in any valuable pens. Do not mix with any other inks or an undesired reaction will result.” With acolytes like this, how could I refuse?

Noodle’s Baystate Blue

My order arrived and I quickly got to playing with it. This is not the best example as the paper is textured for watercolors, sketching, etc. but, as you can see it is an intense worthy BLUE!

Wow that is a “Full” bottle
Baystate Blue
Gotta be careful, this ink stains!

The bottle came filled to the very tippy top. I immediately set to work with an Esterbrook #9 Drawlet square nib. The ink is not water-proof (contrary to the claim it is permanent), it flows freely (wet), and subject to shading. I did not notice any peculiarities when using the ink – remember the ominous claims made by the pen shop – this is pretty much a normal ink. I will attest it stained my porcelain sink, but with a little effort, I managed to remove the stains. If I ink up a pen, I will not allow the pen to dry out prior to cleaning.

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COPYRIGHT © 2021-2023 DANNY WATTS and CHRONICLES OF A FOUTAIN PEN.
Posted in Pens, Reviews

A Christmas Miracle, nah just Dumb Luck

Posted on by Danny Watts

So I was looking, for a pen and pencil set, barely looking but looking. As I had not found anything for my wife to gift to me, I was resigned to finding nothing under the tree. But then in late November, I stumbled upon a BEAUtiful Conway Stewart set – it must be a Christmas miracle! Ok, maybe it isn’t a Christmas Miracle, nah it is just dumb luck. I stumbled upon a Conway Stewart #15 pen and Nippy #3 Pencil set in superb condition. The box is immaculate, and the instructions are included.

Conway Stewart #15 and Nippy #3

As you may recall from my Not For The Lactose Intolerant – Conway Stewart No. 15 post, production of the Model 15 spanned a decade beginning 1952. As with many vintage Conway Stewarts, this model is a fairly small pen (which is preferable, as I have small hands). Plus my find is casein, both pen, and pencil. Making the find all the more impressive, the age of the set is 60-70 years old.

Use instructions to prevent me from damaging the pen or pencil

As mentioned, I’m confident the pen and pencil are casein. Neither smells of camphor, and each has wavy striations (veins) and an irregular colorful pattern. Plus the instructions clearly state under no circumstances immerse the pen in water. Casein will expand by about 10% and become very soft losing its shape in as little as 2 hours = damaged beyond repair.

Neither the pen or the pencil have been impaired by major scratches, nor is there any brassing of the gold plate. The pen does need a new ink sac. The lever is frozen in place by the old hard sac.

Pencil and Pen logos are crisp and well defined

The only damage could be related to the manufacture of the pen. There appears to be an abnormality in the filler lever slot. The lever appears to show signs of ink stains from leakage of the original sac.

How about the veins in the pen.

The nib is a medium flex, 14k Conway Stewart 1A. Let’s dip the nib into some ink and see how well she writes.

On to the pencil, the mechanism controlling the ingress/egress of the lead is stiff but functional. When the conical tip was removed I was treated to much lint and fuzz. The pen came with one piece of lead, the extras are normally stored around the central “lead carrier” accessible once the tip section is removed.

Vital Statistics Pen

  • Capped Length: 126.5mm
  • Uncapped Length: 114mm
  • Barrel Diameter: 11.5mm
  • Cap Diameter: 13mm
  • Weighs in at, 14g

Vital Statistics Pencil

  • Length: 112mm
  • Barrel Diameter: 10mm
  • Weighs in at, 13g.
COPYRIGHT © 2021-2023 DANNY WATTS and CHRONICLES OF A FOUTAIN PEN.
Posted in Collection, Pens, Reviews, Stories

The (Wish) List 2023

Posted on by Danny Watts

I usually acquire pens based on impulse and circumstance (i.e. dumb luck), which has introduced me to a variety of odd pens. Some contemporary, some vintage, but all speak to me. These are pens that have caught my eye; struck my fancy, and now I have a penchant for owning them.

Last year, my list consisted of five pens; three I acquired; the Parker 51, the Benu Skull, and The Kaweco Student, while two I did not. Of these two, one is no longer of interest (the Scrikss – Heritage Black GT) while the other makes an appearance on the current list.

Without further ado, in no apparent order, let’s start the new year with a new wish list ….

Platinum Curidas

Curidas is a coined term created by combining the Japanese word Kuridasu referring to extending the pen tip and the word Curiosity. This new fountain pen was brought to life to fulfill people’s curiosity.

All the convenience of a click rollerball but with the smooth writing experience of a fountain pen. Instead of a traditional cap, the Curidas uses an internal seal to protect the nib and keep the ink from evaporating when retracted into the pen.

Fascinating pen, I am interested in the mechanics more than the pen. Reviews say it is “fluffy” (a euphemism for fat) but I’m willing to overlook that. Instead of a cap, there is a clicker button at the opposite end which will force the nib out through a rubber door. Yes, it is similar to a Pilot Vanishing Point but at half the price (well depending on the Pilot model).

Photo credit: The Goulet Pen Co.

Irish Pens – Black Carbon Fiber

“At 66 grams, Rhodium and Titanium wrapped in Black Carbon Fiber and with a Peter Bock nib at the business end this is a serious fountain pen, a fountain pen that will feel at home in the most exclusive boardroom, business setting or in your personal writing space, its gravitas will not go unnoticed whenever it is used. When the written words really matter! this is the fountain pen to use.” – Irish Pens.ie

Irish Pens is an Irish indie pen company specializing in pens made in County Cavan, Ireland of Irish native woods. I was originally drawn to their pens made from bog oak, but I saw this one! You have to admit, it takes your breath away. Since it is a new year and I didn’t buy the pen last year, I may revisit the bog wood pen options.

Irish Pens Carbon Black

Pilot Cavalier*

Named for a character in Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, the term “cavalier” is used in ballet to refer to a ballerina’s male dance partner. Like a skilled dancer, this slim and stylish pen will sweep you off your feet with its ability to transform your thoughts into fluid, effortless motion on the page.

What draws me to this pen is its similarities in appearance to the Waterman Hemisphere. As both pens appear to polarize the user base, they love them or hate them. I’m feeling a future love affair. The pen is readily available on eBay and some pen shops.

Photo credit: Yoseka Stationary

*The link I have included is to Yoseka Stationary. They have an impressive selection of Japanese pens and inks normally not readily available in the US.

My Quandary

Yes, I have a problem, there are really no other pens I am Jonesing for. Yes, there are a bunch I like, but I am not speechless about them, except possibly the Prera.

  • Opus 88 Koloro is interesting but at the bottom of my quandary list,
  • TWSBI Diamond it reminds me of the Prera,
  • Lamy Vister is on the list more so for the availability of nib choices,
  • Pilot Kakuno is dirt cheap on Amazon at $10, why is it on a wish list?
  • Pilot E95S appears to sport a Sheaffer Targa-inspired nib,
  • Pilot Heritage 92 is a contemporary take on a classic fountain pen,
  • Pilot Prera in solid ivory. It is so pretty but I have 2, why do I need a third?
COPYRIGHT © 2021-2023 DANNY WATTS and CHRONICLES OF A FOUTAIN PEN.
Posted in Pens, Reviews, Stories

It’s a new month, what’s in your pen cup?

Posted on by Danny Watts

Last month I reviewed the Conway Stewart No. 15 pen. I really enjoyed the pen. I enjoyed the feel, and how it writes – I usually have issues with vintage 14k nibs, but not this one. I used the pen for the entire month. It took a couple days to grow accustomed to the flexibility of the nib. The nib did not let me down. I was so impressed I bought a No. 15 pen and pencil set – used maybe 1 time – more on them in the future.

The usual suspects starting the year are the Pilot Prera and the Kaweco Student. New to the list is the 1951 Parker Stripped Duofold.

For the New Year, I am inking up a 1941 Parker vertically striped Duofold (button-filled model).

She may be pretty but the filler is not working correctly preventing the ink sac from filling properly. Ugh! I’ll probably switch to the 51.

Is this pretty or what

Did you miss any of the past 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 December with a review of November. 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 fare? Also included is a recap of the month’s postings, Pen news and book banners do it again.
  • “Missed by that much” or How I learned I was conceited and needed to appreciate others I was reviewing my “unpurchases,” purchases that didn’t happen. These are unpurchased because I failed to think the unthinkable – that someone wanted these pens more than I did and that I wasn’t entitled to them after all.
  • The Fountain Pen Mystery Theatre Presents Welcome to the Fountain Pen Mystery Theatre, where “it may be said with a degree of assurance that not everything that meets the eye is as it appears.” In this episode, our hero (Maisie Dobbs) unravels the Secret of the Jade Pen.
  • Doodle Journal My current journal is nearing the end and heading to the recycling bin. With it will go a bunch of doodles. Time to share before they become lost to memory.
  • #ThrowbackThursday From time to time when I’m feeling uninspired (or lazy) – it is December so we know I’m lazy. I figured my Doodling post was lame-o, so I decided to supplement it with a blast from yesteryear. This time I am presenting a pen only been manufactured for a year and is hard to find.
  • It’s winter time, who doesn’t enjoy a hooded … Pen Having a hood over the nib seems like a great idea – the pen resists drying out, does well with temperamental inks, and is a must when you make ink that needs a special pen. Some great ideas die hard.

This month I experienced an interesting milestone, the publication of Fountain Pen Mystery Theatre generated more visitors from the UK than the US – a first. Thank you UK viewership.

In the News

Absolutely nothing exciting happened in the world of pens last month. The annual state of the Fountain Pen Market report was released. As I am not paying $3,300 per copy, I will merely mention some of the dedacted highlights. “According to this study, The 2022 boom of the Fountain Pen Market is projected to continue through 2029. Over the next Seven years, the Fountain Pen Market will register an amazing spike in CAGR (compound annual growth rate) in phrases of revenue.” In this summary, I corrected numerous errors – you would think the report would have been edited at this bargain price before advertising it.

I did find this amusing. Ink Attack on Maha Minister. Police dropped the attempt to murder charge against three persons arrested for allegedly throwing ink at a state minister. This occurred in the Pune district of Maharashtra, east of Mumbai. Personally, I felt ink is preferable to other substances they could have thrown.

Banned book author Ashley Hope (that is a subversive name) Perez discusses finding humanity in the darkness. Her book Out of Darkness, banned in several Texas school districts, is based on the true events of 1937, when a natural gas explosion at a school in New London, Texas, killed nearly 300 students and teachers. Goes to show you, don’t mess with Big Oil Texas.

Musings

Some years ago, I read about the Icelander tradition of giving books to each other on Christmas Eve and then spending the evening reading. Iceland “has more writers, more books published and more books read, per capita than anywhere else in the world.” I was intrigued. For years my wife and I spent every Christmas Eve at Barnes and Noble picking out books for the kids and each other. Adopting as our tradition was no big leap.

Throughout each year, I look for books to present to each family member and some chocolate. Time and opportunity permitting, I buy hand-crafted chocolates. This year the chocolate came from Pollinator Chocolate, while the books gifted were: At the Water’s Edge, The Historian, Brida, The Hollow Places, and A Tale of Magic.

Why not start your own tradition? Read more about Jolabokaflod, or “Christmas Book Flood,” and the Icelander Christmas Eve book tradition.

COPYRIGHT © 2021-2023 DANNY WATTS and CHRONICLES OF A FOUTAIN PEN.
Posted in Pens, Reviews, Stories

It’s a new month, what’s in your pen cup?

Posted on by Danny Watts

Last month I reviewed the Benu Skull pen. I really enjoyed the pen. I liked the feel, how it writes, and how it sounds (yes the plastic and the textured surface makes a sound when you run your fingers along it). I used the pen for the entire month and got over my issue about not knowing the cap from the barrel. The nib did not let me down, and who doesn’t like happy skulls?

I’ve mixed up the usual suspects again. The Pilot Prera is still inked but I am rotating in the Kaweco Student and the Conway Stewart No. 15. The Benu Skull pen is also in the rotation subject to the remaining ink.

Gotta like choices

In November I inked the Conway Stewart No. 15 for a review. The review is listed below which includes how I was able to determine the pen was made of casein, not celluloid. Welp can’t let good ink go to waste. The pen is in rotation for December.

Did you miss any of the past 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 November with a review of October. 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 the pens from last month fared and recap the month’s postings.
  • Fountain Pen Day 2022 Fountain Pen Day 11 has arrived. Don’t be shy, pull out your favorite pens, and shout to the world “it’s fountain pen day, these pens are not extinct, they are popular and I used them.” BTW I tried this last year and my wife told me I was a weirdo.
  • A little wine with your ink? One of my absolute favorite things about having fountain pens is the options when it comes to inks. Inks can be pigment or dye-based. Let’s discuss a couple inks made from wine by de Artamentis of Germany.
  • Waterman Laureat I The Waterman Laureat was introduced circa 1985, enjoying a 15-year production as a midline pen, not a top-shelf model. Don’t off-handedly dismiss this pen. If you notice this model at your local flea market or antique store, do not pass it by.
  • Fountain Pen Day 11 Haul Gullible “losers” should not be allowed on the Internet as they may go shopping on Foutain Pen Day
  • Dippity-Do-Da PEN? Dip pens are pens you dip into a bottle of ink. As you write it is necessary to dip the nib every few words or sentences. So why would anyone still use these old things?
  • #ThrowbackThursday From time to time when I’m feeling uninspired (or lazy). Today it is lazy, let’s dig up and share an original post from yesteryear. This time I am presenting a pen made with a woman in mind. I know it sounds sexist but they wrote the sales pitch in the 1950s.
  • Not For The Lactose Intolerant – Conway Stewart No. 15 The production of Conway Stewart No. 15 spanned a decade beginning in 1952. As with many vintage Conway Stewarts, this model is a fairly small pen and often made of Casein (aka cheese).

In the News

Vladimir Putin is known to favor a Montblanc Meisterstück 146, watch him toss his pen to the table (the Montblanc?) during a meeting at the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit in Armenia – when he didn’t get his way. He used the Montblanc when “admitting” Crimea and Sevastopol back into the Russian Federation – after his military invaded those territories.

If you are looking for that special Christmas present for the music fan in your life, think twice about autographed books by Bob Dylan. The 81-year-old singer-songwriter issued a rare public apology after fans found out that the $600 autographed books weren’t hand-signed by Bob (or anyone). Spoiler alert – he blamed Covid and vertigo.

Musings

During this holiday season of unbridled shopping madness, I came across a challenge I feel will help balance the desire for more stuff with the realization that there is only so much room for stuff. I don’t want to sound like I am talking outta both sides of my mouth – I am guilty of buying stuff because I lack control. I’m just saying, give those books pilled up gathering dust a chance. Worse case, you might just enjoy one.

Try a Chapter Challenge (won’t find this on TikTok). Select a handful (4 or 5) of unread books, then read a chapter or two. Afterward, decide if you are going to keep the book or be rid of it. Isn’t this simple plus you can do this from the comfort of your home while between the latest Amazon deals.

COPYRIGHT © 2021-2023 DANNY WATTS and CHRONICLES OF A FOUTAIN PEN.