Category: Reviews

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.
Posted in Pens, Reviews

Not For The Lactose Intolerant – Conway Stewart No. 15

Posted on by Danny Watts

Conway Stewart was a major manufacturer of fountain pens in England for a hundred years, from 1905-2005. During the pre-WWII years, they sold far more pens than any other brand in England; possibly more than all the other companies’ combined.

Model 15

The production of Model 15 spanned a decade beginning in 1952. As with many vintage Conway Stewarts, this model is a fairly small pen (which is preferable, as I have small hands) and often made of Casein. Model 15 featured two versions, distinguished by the existence of a single band, or no cap band. The trim is available in chrome or gold plate and a choice of two clips (long vs short).

In his book “Fountain Pens for the Million: The History of Conway Stewart: 1905-2005,” Stephen Hull writes “during the 1950s the material [casein] was generally used in cheaper models (such as the 15/16/17 and 759) and was typically available in black and three mottled, or marbled, patterns”.

Casein aka Galalith (from Latin caseus, “cheese”) is a milk-derived plastic, susceptible to moisture. A synthetic plastic derived from 80% of the phosphoproteins in cow’s milk, and formaldehyde. More information is available in my post: Casein; “the most beautiful of plastics.”

Identifying casein can be done by appearance and smell. The pen is black, thus identification by appearance is out, let’s rely on smell: rather than camphor, casein smells like antler, ivory, or vaguely like scorched hair. As I am not familiar with the smell of camphor, I don’t feel it would end well if I tried to sniff a deer or elk antler, I don’t have ivory and I am not going to catch my hair on fire, instead, I opted to compare the smell of my Parker Vacumatic (celluloid) with the model 15. SUCCESS! Now I can identify celluloid, casein, camphor, burnt hair, and antlers by smell without bodily injury.

My Pen

I picked up this model 15 from an estate sale. At the time I was interested in it because it was a black pen. When I realized the pen was cherry, and the price was right – a done deal. Only recently did I realize it is manufactured from casein.

The chrome clip is attached to the cap with a chrome ring and a blind jewel. The lever looks more like nickel than chrome. The pen has matching conical ends.

For a pen that is upwards of 70 years old, this pen is in amazing shape, plus it was considered by Conway Stewart to be a cheap pen. The name imprint is crisp, there is no brassing, no scratches or teeth marks, and the nib is smooth.

The space between the tines is a bit too wide. This will make the nib wet resulting in a less than satisfying result on cheaper paper.

The nib is a a medium flex, 14k Conway Stewart 1A. Some model 15s, the imprinted logo on the barrel as well as the inscription on the nib simply said Conway.

The pen came with a new ink sac, whomever installed the sac failed to coat it with talc. Now let’s ink it up and see how she performs.

The ink began flowing immediately, I initially was journaling in a moleskin field journal but the paper is horrible and the ink feathered into blobs. This is a pattern I have been plagued by when using 14k nibs on moleskin. I pulled out a 100 gsm bullet journal experience a completely different result.

The nib could use a little smoothing but otherwise glided across the page with little resistance.

Vital Statistics

  • Capped Length: 126mm
  • Uncapped Length: 113mm
  • Barrel Diameter: 11mm
  • Cap Diameter: 13mm
  • Weighs in at, 14g

Reference Material

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

Waterman Laureat I

Posted on by Danny Watts

In February I asked if you have heard the fountain pen myth “don’t lend out your fountain pen to others because the way a person writes can cause changes to the nib.” At the time I was referring to my Waterman Laureat. The pen wrote well with one exception – the sweet spot. Unless I held the pen at a 45-degree angle to the writing surface followed by a half-turned to the left, the pen tended to skip. Must be some truth to the myth.

The Waterman Laureat was introduced circa 1985, enjoying a 15-year production as a midline pen, not a top-shelf model but not a pen to off-handedly dismiss. The pen is reasonably close in looks to their Le Man series – a top-shelf model from the same era.

My Pen

Is a sleek thin, brass body pen in black lacquer with gold-plated trim. There are 4 equal-sized gold bands on the pen, one at the top. The typical era-specific Waterman clip is attached to the cap just below this ring. Another at the bottom of the cap, one at the end of the section with the phrase “Waterman Made in France,” etched into it, and another at the bottom of the barrel. Returning to the cap, it has a plain gold plate flat top. The clip and the jewel at the post end of the barrel are embossed with the signature “W” logo.

The section is black plastic with a unique design of tapered concentric rings creating a grip that fits well in hand. I was skeptical when I saw the section. After writing with the pen, I was surprised that my fingers did not feel like they were slipping.

The nib is a gold-plated steel nib, writing MEDIUM. An interesting feature is the lack of a breather hole, welp there is a faux breather hole imprinted as a circle on the nib. A breather hole has two purposes, 1) to improve airflow and 2) to relieve pressure at the base of the slit. Be sure to review my post detailing nib mechanics for more information.

Breather holes are sometimes dispensed with firm nibs stiff enough to resist the bending forces imposed during use. Resulting in finer written lines lacking some variation (sounds like a future topic). Anyway, this nib is stiff, just add fins and use it in a game of darts.

Let’s ink it up and give it a go. I spent some time with the nib and a micromesh cloth, trying to smooth the writing surface. I can happily say I was successful.

Final Thoughts

The Waterman Lauteat is a fantastic pen, an equal to the Hemisphere. I know fountain pen users either love or hate the Hemisphere – I love it. It fits very well in my hand and is a lovely writer. If you notice this model at your local flea market or antique store, don’t pass it by.

Vital Statistics

  • Capped Length, 130 mm
  • Uncapped Length, 124 mm
  • Barrel Diameter, 10.5 mm
  • Cap Diameter, 10.5 mm
  • Weighs in at 26g

Reference Material

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

Welcome to a Fountain Pen’s Story

Posted on by Danny Watts

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, some are waterproof, some shimmer with glitter, and some are fragrant. There are so many options, so many colors, and shades, the nuances are incredible and some are made from wine. Today, I am highlighting a couple inks made from wine by de Artamentis of Germany. I don’t usually review or comment on inks, don’t be critical.

So Why Wine

Wine has been used in the manufacturing of ink since the Middle Ages. Wine, and sometimes vinegar beer, were used in place of water to mitigate the impurities introduced by water-borne contaminants. Sure, they wouldn’t bathe but they worried about their inks. Wine ink is not particularly popular in these times. A couple of the retailers I’ve spoken once sold wine inks but no more. Be warned, many ink names lead one to believe the ink is from wine when in fact the manufacturer is referring to the color and no wine was included in the recipe.

The Company Line

Wine has been added to ink. In accordance with traditional manufacturing processes. These inks consist of concentrated wine and some other ingredients which, for example, bind residual alcohol and the wine acid, and which improve the writing characteristics. Writing with pure, concentrated wine, no additional water is added to the ink. Furthermore, wine ink has unique writing behavior. It flows in an unmistakable, wonderful Red out of the nib. This Red is dependent on each wine. On paper, a chemical reaction occurs and oxidization occurs. Something very remarkable about these inks is the scent of wine, which caresses the nose. These inks fulfill the greatest demands regarding ink techniques and are suitable for all fountain pens. Writing with wine inks is an extraordinary experience and a symbol of the fine writing culture.

The Inks

  • Chianti –A deep crimson ink when written that blends easily with water fading out with a hint of blue-grey along the edges. 
  • Riesling –An ochre-colored ink when written that blends easily with water fading out with a hint of yellow along the edges.
  • Brandy –A yellow-brown colored ink when written that blends easily with water fading out with a hint of yellow and green along the edges.

In addition to eliminating water contamination, wine introduces alcohol which has two important properties; dries quickly and prevents fungus from growing in the ink.

Ink Blots

Chianti
Riesling
Brandy

All three inks were fragrant, the most aromatic is the Riesling. I didn’t notice the aroma so much while using the ink as I did when I opened the bottle. The color of the written words look nearly the same to me, thus I introduced a little water, illustrating the color differentiation. As the ink dried the color stabilized to the shade you see.

I was a little biased towards the Chianti before the sampling. All three inks flowed well. Each feathered substantially on cheap paper so I switched to a 120 gsm paper used with watercolor.

If wine ink tickles your interest, in the US, sample size bottles are available from Vanness Pen Shop; in Europe, order directly from de Atramentis. I am not compensated for these recommendations.

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

Last month I reviewed the Kaweco Student Demonstrator. I really enjoyed the pen. I liked the feel, how it writes, and the pen aesthetics but the cap clip worries me. The cap is a screw-on and I’m probably a little overzealous when tightening the cap but each time I remove it the pen clip bends to the left or the right. How easy the cap clip blends worries me.

I’ve mixed up the usual suspects this month. The Pilot Prera and Parker Duofold are still inked. I have rotated out the Monteverde Black Tie. Replacing it with the Benu Skull pen.

For November, I have inked the Benu Skull pen. Look the skulls are smiling. I just published my review, and I’m enjoying it. BTW, this pen made my Wish List for 2022,

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 September with a review of August. 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.
  • Kaweco Student – School Days, Dear Old Golden Rule Days The Kaweco Student made my 2022 wish list. I stumbled across a Student demo model at a really good price. It did not disappoint.
  • Celluloid – Real, Fake & FIRE! In this last discussion of my favorite vintage pen materials, I am presenting celluloid. Celluloid comes in a variety of formulas, and all are flammable so why would I like it as a pen?
  • Stylograph Black Sometimes things look better in the picture than in person. SURPRISE! And what a surprise it was. Did I mention it also smelled?
  • Happy All Hallows Eve Not all pens are created equally. Some are inspired by our childhood dreams of piracy and adventure. Sound exciting matie?
  • #ThrowbackThursday From time to time when I’m feeling inspired (or lazy). Today it was lazy, so I will dig up and share an original post from yesteryear. This time I am going back 97 yesteryears and presenting a Waterman 52.

In the News

Conid Pens of Belgium is back and selling their bulkfiller fountain pens with the aid of new business partner Penworld who will be operating the retail front and worldwide sales.

Cosmo Air Light paper being discontinued Nippon Paper, manufacturer of Cosmo Air Light, has announced production termination of a number of papers, by March 2023. Demand for these papers has become so small that it is difficult to meet the minimum lot sizes required for production.

Book Banning

Florida’s Official New Book-Banning Council Was Quietly Packed With MAGA Moms. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “curriculum transparency” agenda, the Florida State Board of Education hastily assembled a council to create new restrictions for public school libraries and librarian training. Nominees with years of teaching experience were snubbed for self-nominated candidates including Michelle Beavers, the local chapter of the MAGA group Moms for Liberty.”

GOP candidate slammed at debate for obsession with book-banning. Michigan Governor candidates were asked how they would balance student access to inclusive literature with parental and teacher concerns. GOP candidate responded, “I stand with those parents that want to make sure we go back to the basics of reading, writing, and math in our schools.”

George M. Johnson’s young-adult memoir All Boys Aren’t Blue has become one of the most banned books in the U.S. The book is about growing up Black and queer. At least 29 school districts have banned the book because of its LGBTQ and sexual content. “Any time you write a book where you write about your truth, there are going to be people who want to silence that truth,”

Musings

During this holiday season, I was sneaky. For those of you who don’t understand, my daughter and I enjoy playing Halloween pranks on each other. She got me with spiders last month so I retaliated by decorating a doll to scare her. Dolls and clowns are some of the scariest things.

This year I used a porcelain doll. I placed it in her car, on the passenger floor. She puts her stuff on the passenger seat. I’m adding a before picture of the doll just to appreciate the transformation.

So I ask, would you be startled or scream if you found this doll in your car?

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