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[notonlypens]

Hi, long time no see. Did you miss me? 😉

If you did, here I am and unfortunatelly February is with me too. February – another winter month. Years are passing by but I still hate snow and cold like in previous millenium. I can tell you – men don’t change at all. Generally, I like everything but winter!

The question for today is “how could I improve my (not so happy) winter mood”? Spending a week in Dubai? Sure 🙂 but a week, is only a week. What about the rest of the season? Do I have to survive till the end of winter with memories only? Are there any other options? Perhaps I should lock myself in a room with TV set and tasty food to watch summer movies only? Noooo, before summer begun, I would start to look like a sumo wrestler.

Maybe I should consider the simpliest option ever? A warm and sunny fountain pen and … it must differ from all other pens I already have in my pen cases.

Sounds ok, let’s try this.

So:

Warm – means for sure not a metal pen.

Sunny – rather light colours, not black one.

Different – in other case I could take out just any pen from my pouch.

And let’s add fourth option – money wise.

And … here it is.

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Pen is called Bamboo Fountain Pen.

I have asked a question, which you can find in photo below, on Instagram before writing this text and I was really surprised with answers I received. The answers you will see if you successfully reach the end of this review 😉

Could it be a perfect winter writer and improve my mood as well? I have to check it.

What you see first is nice packaging with an outside cartoon box and cool presentation case with engraved logo and ‘Dryden Designs’ name inside. Really impressive, premium packaging. Looks far more expensive than it really is.

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Of course, except for the boxes, there are also: fountain pen, certificate of authenticity (with instruction and coupon “back-again” for 10% off) plus converter.

You only need bottle of ink (or a cartridge) to start writing.

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Today’s pen is a little bit different than I am usually using. First of all it is made from bamboo. Sounds exciting? It is a matter of individual taste, for me yes. Due to material it is quite light 26,2 grams with fully loaded converter.

Weight and narrow feed diameter makes this pen perfect for smaller hands and long writing. With one remark, there is a big gap between barrel and section where diameter is dropping from 12,5 mm to 8,7 mm, the feeling depends on how you hold the pen. When holding it  higher on the section, the gap is more noticeable. But if you hold in lower or middle part of the section, after some time you can get used to it and the gap becomes unnoticeable.

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Other dimensions:

Length closed  –  146 mm

Length open –  124 mm

And this is how these measurements look in practice.

Size comparison

Because it is made from natural material, each pen is different from another one and you can find natural imperfections in the form of light roughness on both finials or minimal flaws on the cap and barrel. It does not interfere with everyday use and may even add some charm to it, so that it could be treated more as patina than defect.

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Another quality issue is the not very accurate fitting of elements noticeable with mounting of the rings, you can feel them under your fingers.

It is really nice in touch, warm and delicate. This is what I really would want not only for a winter pen.

The pen has gold-plated accents in the forms of wide center band, trim ring, clip, ring at the end of grip and closing ring on the barrel. It’s again a matter of individual taste if they suit natural bamboo.

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Don’t be misled by a single D engraved on a center band which looks like D from S.T. Dupont logo but it stands for Dryden – name of the founder of ‘Dryden Designs’ Michael Dryden, calligraphist and fountain pen geek. Maybe I should write a little more about the company, because it is not so well known in fountain pen community yet, although it has been present on the market for 3 years. They have offices based out in Albany, New York and a small design team in London. They are also a reseller of Jinhao pens and a few products connected with calligraphy and writing. They have 3 strict criteria for their products: aesthetics, functionality and affordability. We will come back to this issue a little bit later.

Some of pens, from their offer, are designed in London and assembled by hand by their team from different parts sourced from Germany or Hong Kong in London or in China. This could be a little tricky to fully understand it, but is it important in everyday usage?

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Now it’s time to go and check in real life. How it is writing?

Steel nib is marked as Genius Iridium Germany and writes wet and very smoothly with a little whisper. It gives a juicy medium line which I really like!

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Bamboo Fountain Pen

The only thing that worries me, is why they put into practice famous Henry Ford’s comment “any nib size so long as it is M”.

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Yorkies are checking writing sample

Yorkie judges accepted nib performance as well.

Pen is light, well balanced, so even long writing is not a problem.

Bamboo Fountain Pen

You can write with cap unposted or posted depends on your individual preferations but posting requires some strenght to do it, due to cap construction the cap does not sit very firmly on at that end. On the other end the cap slides into barrel with loud click and keeps your nib tightly and secure like in a bunker.

For sure this pen is worth each cent spend on it, far more reliable and functional than metal one, from photo below and a lot more cheaper, than the black and gold one from the same photo.

Size comparison

What I can say – it is a very good writer, not only for the winter time. I am using it for ca. a month almost every day, during that time I did not notice any skipping, hard starts or any other potential problems as well.

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Clip is fully functional and there is nothing to worry that the pen will fall out of the pocket.

I think that Bamboo fountain pen fulfills all 3 company’s criteria. Functionality (desribed above), affordabillity (you can buy this pen for ca. 30 USD) and aesthetics (individual issue).

Finally, it could be my winter mood improver, which is not afraid of any external conditions.

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Maybe I’m a grouch, but I’m still missing something. For me this pen could be a “Eco statement” (eco – material, eco – price) for the owner but that is my personal opinion,  slightly “damaged image” by gold plated elements. So now I hope that Dryden Designs will issue a Special Eco Edition Bamboo Fountain Pen without those quasi  luxurious elements. No clip, no center band, no rings. Wow! Just imagine a pure form of a bamboo. Eventually from practical point of view, there could be a small stopper, but it might interferre with a simple eco design. Anything else? Presentation case is rather big, so it eventually could take two instruments … 😉

If you found this pen interesting, you can check their shop and blog here.

Finally it is time to show you how my question was answered on IG.

Now how do you think, could this review affect the results presented above?

When I need to improve my winter mood… Hi, long time no see. Did you miss me? 😉 If you did, here I am and unfortunatelly February is with me too.

[notonlypens]

Hi, dear Readers,

Freezing season has arrived in Europe. So, I have started to count days until there will be sun and warmth outside again. How to do it? For sure, there is an app for that on your phone, but maybe, it is a good time to use analogue methods for that. Fountain pen and notebook, instead of stylus and iPad, what do you think?

There are so many fountain pens and notebooks to choose from. Which one would be suitable for that purpose, I mean for everyday notes?

I hope that you have already chosen your favourite fountain pen and today I would check for a nice notebook to “pair it” with the writing instrument. I have only two criteria. Look and quality. What would be a beautiful notebook without quality paper? Nothing more than another gadget in your drawer.

Today I want to check if a nice design goes hand in hand with a fountain pen friendliness.

And I also count on an extra sunshine from warm Australia for cold Europe.

Have you heard about Milligram brand? Not yet? What about NoteMaker? Sounds familiar? Sure! Australia! On 10th birthday NoteMaker has changed its name to Milligram. It is not the only change, another is the first store in Melbourne and … a new, own line of diaries and notebooks.

Milligram Everyday notebooks with Edison Mina fountain pen

Bye, bye NoteMaker, hi Milligram!

Let’s play with their notebooks. There are 3 ranges: Linen, Utility and Everyday. Today I will present you the review of the last one – Everyday. A5 size (148 X 210 mm) with ruled pages.

Notebooks are rather thin (80 pages – 40 sheets) with textured (slightly hard) card cover which is very pleasant in touch. They are sold as sets of two.

Milligram Everyday Notebooks pack

Milligram Everyday Notebooks

Milligram Everyday Notebooks

In the set you have one with green and one with black cover. Delicate, silver lines add a touch of exclusiveness and made these notebooks a small pieces of art, an everyday art for everyone.

First impression is very positive. I love that designers thought of every detail. Notebooks don’t look like suits made by English Master of needle and scissors, but, at least, they  look like designed and made by top Haute Couture brand. The toned colours (green, black with a little drop of silver lines) add them class and elegance. Nice, fashionable and trendy.

Milligram Everyday notebooks with Pelikan M200 Smoky Quartz

Milligram Everyday notebooks

Just look at the sewing.

Milligram Everyday notebooks sewing

Perfect!

But how about fountain pen friendliness?

Milligram Everyday notebook with Cross fountain pen

Milligram Everyday notebooks with Platinum fountain pen

Milligram Everyday notebooks with Faber Castell, Montblanc and Kaweco fountain pens

Milligram did not go the easy way and did not choose Japanese paper. They went for, not so popular, Italian brand. Good or risky move?

Paper is 85gsm Italian milled Fabriano Boutique Bioprima Book Paper. What a long name 🙂 But it is not everything. It is environmentally friendly, it is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified and 100% TCF (Total Chlorine Free), OBA (Optical Brightening Agent) free, Acid free and completely biodegradable and recyclable. And doesn’t smell at all.

If you are on the green side, you shouldn’t be afraid of using it.

Below you can find writing samples with different pens, nib sizes and inks. I chose nibs from EF up to OBB mixed with inks from classic ones to ones with charactere. I hope, this selection can give you a good view into how paper behaves in everyday use.

Let’s start light weight.

Milligram Everyday notebook – writing samples

Milligram Everyday notebook – writing samples

Milligram Everyday notebook – writing samples

Milligram Everyday notebook – writing samples

Very smooth writing. No skipping. No strange artefacts.

It’s a real pleasure to write on this paper.

Let’s go further and check with more hardcore writing. Perhaps not everyday writing style, but why not check. From 2,3 up to 6,0 mm, oh, and a brush pen too.

Milligram Everyday notebook – writing samples

Milligram Everyday notebook – writing samples

And this time everything is OK, also.

Now it’s time to look what happened to the other sides?

Everyday pens.

Milligram Everyday notebook – writing samples

Milligram Everyday notebook – writing samples

Not bad at all. Let’s write here with Double Broad Kaweco nib with beautiful J. Herbin Bleu Pervenche and check both sides.

Milligram Everyday notebook – writing samples

Milligram Everyday notebook – writing samples

Both sides are readible, no bleeding through.

Any questions?

I have to admit, that this paper is very good. My only advice is, if you want a perfect writing, carefully check your inks. It is interesting that, as you can see on the photos, it looks like paper is more fussy about inks than nib sizes. “Standard inks” like for example Montblanc Blue Royal or Midnight Blue; Pelikan Royal Blue are less visible on the other side, than some fancy ones like Mallow Red.

The same is with Pilot ink with Parallel pen. Check 3,8 size with original Pilot ink and 6,0 with Pelikan Royal Blue.

Milligram Everyday notebook – writing samples

Milligram Everyday notebook – writing samples

How do I find the size, is it practical? Is this notebook worthy of its name? Everyday?Yes, it is. I’m not selfish, so I took this notebook to a pen meeting and … but this probably, will be in the next post on my blog, so if you are interested in, check it later.

I found that this size perfectly to matches my pen case. Really, an ideal solution to carry it there, as an EDC if you are using more than 10 writing instruments daily.

Milligram Everyday notebook with pen case

Milligram Everyday notebook with pen case

Milligram Everyday notebook in pen case

Milligram Everyday notebook with pen case

Australian design, Italian paper, Taiwan made – very nice, trully international trio. And the name is adequate for the nature of the notebook. If you want something new with good quality and fountain pen friendly – you can check this line and I hope you will not be dissapointed.

Milligram Everyday notebook is a piece of quality design, so it looks really nice in a good company.

Milligram, pens and coffee

Milligram notebook with Laban fountain pen

Milligram notebook with Wiland Aleksandra

Milligram notebook, Montblanc, Cross, Pelikan

Oh, I have almost forgotten about sunshine. Unfortunatelly, you can’t count, that any notebook can bring you a real sun (unless you have some hidden powers) but you can draw your plan, how to spend your winter vacation on Australian beaches with a tasty drink in one hand, Everyday notebook in other and fountain pen in … oops.

But where are koalas?

Double M – Milligram and Montblanc

Thank you for your attention, but I have to go now, see you next time. Of course I take my Milligram Everyday notebook with me.

Milligram, Ecco and Montblanc on the go

Could “Everyday” be your EDC Hi, dear Readers, Freezing season has arrived in Europe. So, I have started to count days until there will be sun and warmth outside again.

[notonlypens]

Hello my Dear Friends,

Do you remember my post “MarteModena Citizen pen family – part 1” if not you can find it here.

MarteModena Citizen fountain pens

Marte Modena has a brilliant idea, Marlen has brought this idea into real life and fountain pen users can grab their favourite colors and write and write and write …

MarteModena Citizen Vatican fountain pen

MarteModena Citizen Vatican fountain pen

MarteModena Citizen Vatican fountain pen

MarteModena Citizen fountain pen parts

MarteModena Citizen fountain pen parts

Today is 18th of January 2017 and what is so important with this date? Generally nothing, but … I am so happy, that I can announce premiere which will be held on 19th of January of the new MarteModena Citizen fountain pens line. Another seven cities will join the club tomorrow.

MarteModena Citizen Vatican fountain pen

MarteModena Citizen Sao Paulo fountain pen

MarteModena Citizen Jerusalem fountain pen

So far we had a chance to see (in the first series) cities as follows: New York, Tokyo, Bejing, Mumbai, Moscow, Modena, Madrid and London. Then there was a Special Citizen for Africa set which consist of 7 African cities: Bujumbura, Il Cairo, N’Djamena, Nairobi, Ouagadougou, Pretoria and Yamoussoukro.

Now is time to present new ones, here we go:

Vatican

MarteModena Citizen Vatican

Sao Paulo

MarteModena Citizen Sao Paulo

Paris

MarteModena Citizen Paris

Mexico City

MarteModena Citizen Mexico City

Jerusalem

MarteModena Citizen Jerusalem

Havana

MarteModena Citizen Havana

and Abu Dhabi

MarteModena Citizen Abu Dhabi

Aren’t they beautiful?

This can be a nice line for not only fountain pen users but also for enthusiasts who want to build their collections with good quality and reasonably priced fountain pens (you can find my review of marteModena Citizen London here.) 22 cities so far is a quite impressive set, especially with such beauties as London, Il Cairo, Modena or Havana.

MarteModena Citizen fountain pen

MarteModena Citizen fountain pen

MarteModena Citizen fountain pen

MarteModena Citizen fountain pen

MarteModena Citizen fountain pens

MarteModena Citizen fountain pens

What I was missing earlier with Citizens, it was the only one nib size – M.

But now there is also another good news, with the launch of new series there will be available broader set of nibs (available also for previous series). Now you can choose from EF, F, M and B.

MarteModena Citizen fountain pen

MarteModena Citizen fountain pen

MarteModena Citizen fountain pen

MarteModena Citizen fountain pens

MarteModena Citizen fountain pen

Technical specification hasn’t changed and is as follows:

very comfortable section for writing with different hand sizes

pens are made of a special resin hand turned from solid bars

inspection window

ink converter

hand-carved metal parts

Peter Bock AG nib with Marte Modena logo engraved on

MarteModena Citizen fountain pens

MarteModena Citizen fountain pens

MarteModena Citizen fountain pens

I hope this is not the end, there are so many interesting cities through the whole world, so many color combinations. I am looking forward to following 7 cities and another and …

All photos made by Marte Modena with my framing in some cases :).

    MarteModena Citizen pen family – part 2 Hello my Dear Friends, Do you remember my post "MarteModena Citizen pen family - part 1" if not you can find it…

[notonlypens]

Dear Readers,

First days of each new year are good for a fast trip down a memory lane. So maybe very shortly, in only few words, I would like to share with you few thoughts about one of my favourite places.

Probably, most of us have our own top, favourite areas. Within these places, for sure, there are few towns from all over the world. I have also such a list and on that list one of my favourite spots is … London. This is a city which I have visited most often in my life so far and which still amazes me. With its own specific climate, this is the only one, unigue place where you are being constantly attacked by this exotic mixture of past and present, tradition and new trends, specific humor and seriousness, dogs and more dogs… and of course many Jaguars E-type ;)

Jaguar E Type spotted in London

But what is most important, the people. Londoners. I had tremendous luck to met a whole variety of characters living there. I had a pleasure to talk not only with Londoners which were living there from generation to generation but also with immigrants who fled there from different regions. I spent a lot of unforgettable time with serious “men” and fun loving “children”, Masons and punks, aristocrats and immigrants, businesmen and free spirit artists, fashion addict and “no shoes ideologists”, ambassadors, doctors, pilots which have been fighting during Battle of Britain and many more with this specific touch of “positive craziness” or addiction to their hobbies, pets or ideas. I would like to thank all people, whom I met during my stays there, living and ones who passed away, you are still in my memory, for the histories which have been told, for ideas which have been disscussed and for fun and adrenaline which has been experienced. Of course, as for a such enourmously big population, not everything was fantastic, but who cares about some stupid persons or dangerous situations. Shit happens, sometmes and everywhere.

  But why I am boring you today with London? Did you read my former article about MarteModena Citizen fountain pen line? If not, you can still find it here.

Below you can find a few photos of Citizen London made by Marte Modena.

MarteModena Citizen London photo by Marte Modena

MarteModena Citizen London photo by Marte Modena

MarteModena Citizen London photo by Marte Modena

MarteModena Citizen London photo by Marte Modena

From this point I would like to thank Marte Modena for developing this line and especially for designing Citizen London. Marte Modena THANK YOU for such a beautiful pen which, as a bonus,  brings back memories.

OK, at this stage I am not being neutral in this review. I can’t be. It is Londoner.

MarteModena Citizen London fountain pen and Time Manager 

I will improve, I promise. The rest of the review will be objective, critical and constructive … I hope.

Let’s start with real life practice, whether Italian vision and craftmanship has payed the tribute to the great city. Was it a Ferrari LaFerrari or rather monster-pen version of Fiat Multipla instead. The creators should show some rescpect to the history, after all, it was the Romans who founded Londinium (todays London) almost two thousands years ago.

Just to remind you, the pen was designed by Marte Modena and handmade by Marlen with a little help from Bock (nib) and Schmidt (converter). Italy and Germany are hidden under Union Jack colors of Citizen London pen, interesting.

But before starting let’s build the mood.

Marianne Faithfull “Give My Love To London” and MarteModena Citizen London

MarteModena Citizen London and notebook

The parcel was big!

Package from Marte Modena

The packaging is nice but without extravagance or fireworks. Cardboard sleeve with a print of an old map, Citizen name and Marte Modena logo on it. At the back you can find webpage and facebook addresses, practical.

MarteModena Citizen box

Simple, leatherette black box stiched with white thread and filled in with a nice in touch material. There is also a short written info about Citizen line and warranty.

MarteModena Citizen London

MarteModena Citizen London

MarteModena Citizen London

And there was also something special, a surprise, a letter from Marte Modena.

MarteModena Citizen London

Let’s look closer at the pen. It is made of a special resin, hand turned from solid bars. London is made from three different resin colors which respond to colors of the national flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. White barrel and section, blue cap nad red blind cap and threads. White and blue resin shines beautifully in the light. Magnificent effect, I can stare at this for hours.

MarteModena Citizen London

MarteModena Citizen London

MarteModena Citizen London and Leuchtturm1917

At the bottom of the cap you can find engraved decoration, I think Roman orgin symbols and at the top of the cap there is a Marte Modena logo.

MarteModena Citizen London and Traveler’s Notebook

MarteModena Citizen London

Nice inspection window. This window and very, very, very slightly translucent barrel makes me think about turning this pen into eyedropper. It would look amazing! I have to think about it, I love the idea. It would be like a cherry on the top. It would add a flow of a river Thames to my pen!!! On the other hand, who am I to change factory solutions? They know better the materials, eventual possibilities of sealing etc. What do you think? Should I follow this way?

MarteModena Citizen London

MarteModena Citizen London and notebooks

MarteModena Citizen London and notebooks

Oh, I have almost forgotten, between top and bottom of the cap, you will find sword shapped, gold platted clip with Marte Modena name carved on it.

MarteModena Citizen London and Leuchtturm1917

I am a simple guy, I do not know much about marketing issues but  I have to explain some misunderstandings about this line which has been spread around. These pens are definately not a piston fillers. You shouldn’t be fooled by a blind cap or ink view window. These pens have cartridge/converter filling system. You can fill the pen by unscrewing the blind cap or unscrewing the barrel and then use the standard converter. In piston fillers, ink is stored directly in the barrel, the barrel is the ink reservoir, without any elements between and screw driven piston is moving directly in the barrel. This solution allows much more space for ink, even double the amount. Typical examples of piston fillers are: Montblanc 146 Meisterstuck, Pelikan M400 or TWSBI 580. I hope this explanation has clarified raised questions.

MarteModena Citizen London

MarteModena Citizen London

MarteModena Citizen London

Steel nib, made by Peter Bock AG with a Marte Modena logo engraved on. M size.

MarteModena Citizen London nib

MarteModena Citizen London nib

I was thinking about which ink I should put in and I have found a 30ml unused bottle of Diamine Ruby ink. That is it. English ink. Ruby. Nice :)

MarteModena Citizen London and Diamine Ruby ink

And than … it cannot be filled by simply putting the pen into bottle because the hole in the bottle is to narrow for the pen section :-D. You have to take out the converter, fill it up in the bottle and mount it back in the pen.

MarteModena Citizen London fountain pen, coffee mug and notebook

The pen is not small but of light weight.

  MarteModena Citizen London fountain pen and Leuchtturm1917

Nicely shaped section sweetens the process of writing.

MarteModena Citizen london and Starbucks coffee mug

Very comfortable writer, prepared for long sessions.It would be noticed when it is used as EDC writer or as a signature pen.

Here you can compare M nib sizes from different producers or even difference between Rembrandt and Opera nibs.

MarteModena Citizen London, Visconti Rembrandt, Visconti Opera and Montegrappa Parola

The pen can be used capped or uncapped.

Lovely, juicy line. No skipping, no hard starting.

Let’s switch music genre.

MarteModena Citizen London and The Clash

MarteModena Citizen London and The Clash

MarteModena Citizen London and The Clash

  Dimensions:

Length closed  – 139 mm

Length open – 129 mm

Weight partly inked – 23,8  g

The only issue for present moment is a nib range. You can buy pen with only M size nib for now. Good news is that in very near future there will be more options to choose from.

Price for this pen is below 100 EUR, as for a beautiful, handmade pen is it rather low price. If you like juicy lines you should search through Marte Modena webpage to find your color combination. You will not be dissapointed. Also you can feel even better due  to donation to some charity actions in which Marte Modena is taking part.

MarteModena Citizen London fountain pen

I have promised in my previous article about Citizen line that I will find out whether “MarteModena CITIZEN: luxury is finally suitable for everyone.” – is true or false?

Essentials – coffee, fountain pen and notebook

You will not find in this pen any fancy materials or gold nib but you can find handmade craftmanship and this is what you are buying as a luxury in comparison to automated, machinery products in this price range from other players on the market. So quality/price ratio can be judged as not overpriced.

MarteModena Citizen London and notebook ready for a trip

Marianne Faithfull “Give My Love to London” album and MarteModena Citizen London fountain pen

If you like this pen, or any other from the line, there is still a special gift waiting from Marte Modena for you. You can buy now your own Citizen pen using a special discount code from Marte Modena: TZ6YT3LX 

I am packed and ready for another trip to London of course with Citizen London.

Do I need more for a trip to London?

The link to Marte Modena shop you can find here.

Pen which brings memoires – London Dear Readers, First days of each new year are good for a fast trip down a memory lane.

[notonlypens]

Dear Readers,

As probably most of us, I have also many black pens with gold trims, for example pens from my beloved Montblanc Meisterstuck series but also from Sheaffer, Waterman, Tropen to mention only a few.

From left: Waterman, Montblanc, Sheaffer, Tropen, Montblanc, Sheaffer, Waterman

Black and gold pens look serious, classy and such combination creates rather popular color scheme for fountain pens. When we add to this color scheme a  cigar shape, we receive such a standard fountain pen as a Sevres metre.

Do I really need another black pen in my pocket? According to archeologists even one of the oldest and greatest gods of Egypt Thot (he was also associated with the art of writing), said, “one, can never have enough fountain pens”, nevertheless he was absolutely right!

Toth and Platinum 3776 Black

But it does no harm to check it in 21st century practice.

Thanks to Iguana Sell, the international seller of luxury writing instruments, watches and accessories of many exclusive brands such as: Montblanc, S.T. Dupont, Montegrappa, Nakaya, Maurice Lacroix, Eberhard and many more, I had a pleasure to test a Platinum 3776 Century black with gold trim equipped with UEF (ultra extra fine) nib, the narrowest in the range.

Platinum 3776 UEF 14k nib

I use such pen in Chartres Blue color for a few years now. My 3776 is from first, commemorating series of 2000 pieces and has its own number card with 1352/2000. So, I have some experience with 3776 Century line, but in my pen there is a EF nib. Now I have a chance to check in practice how it is to write with needle nib.

Platinum 3776 Chartres Blue and Platinum 3776 Black

Let’s start from the beginning :)

Nice packaging.

Platinum 3776 box

Platinum 3776 pen and box

Cardboard sleeve, box, warranty card, instruction manual, user’s manual, cartridge and of course, the main dish, fountain pen which in factory’s terminology is called PNB-10000-1.

Platinum 3776

Platinum 3776

Platinum 3776

Platinum 3776

Just for the record, in this series were available: fountain pen, ballpoint, mechanical pencil and multifunctional pen.

This line is in stock for almost 40 years, quite a long history as for a fountain pen. Debut has taken place in 1978 and from then on it is still very popular model.

As an interesting fact, in the team which has designed the 3776 line one of the members was a guy with a nick Mr. Fountain Pen who was the famous expert Mr. Haruo Umeda.

Cigar shape, screwed cap, very flat 14k gold nib, cartridge/converter and Japanese craftmanship, these ingredients made it a writing workhorse.

Perhaps you are curious what does it mean 3776? This is a height of the highest and probably the most beautiful mountain in Japan, Mt. Fuji. I have never been there so I can only rely on the photos.

Mount Fuji photo public domain

First impression.

Shape is so classical that you can’t be wrong with it. If you have some experience  with fountain pens, perhaps in this design, shape, rings etc. you will notice some similarities to … but let’s talk about Platinum.

Platinum 3776 Black and Midori Traveler’s Notebook

High quality. Nice, glossy, black resin, gold platted trims and rather not very common, flatty shape of the nib with a heart shaped breather hole.

Platinum 3776 nibs 

But what’s most interesting in this pen? Slip and seal mechanism, something like “cap in the cap” or “double cap” which prevents ink from drying out. And it is working, maybe not as well as in marketing materials but from my experience you can leave the pen for many weeks and it will write without hesitation. I had some issues (not problems) with a dry line after a longer period, but pen was still able to write. If you have many pens in use this feature is very handy.

Filling system is a cartridge/converter one. You have to remember that this is a Platinum cartridge (I love this little metal ball inside) which is different from most common ones. But if you are a cartridge afficionado having thousands of them, there is also  good information, you can buy cartridge adapter which allows you to exchange inks from different brands. :)

Platinum 3776 disassembled on Leuchtturm1917 notebook

Dimensions:

Length closed  – 141 mm

Length open – 121 mm

Weight with Platinum cartridge – 22,5  g

Platinum 3776 and Hobonichi

The pen is light, well balanced. You can use it capped or uncapped according to your preferences. Very comfortable in everyday usage.

And due to a small amounts of ink applied it dries super fast!

But there is still no direct answer whether I need this pen or not. Maybe some experience with both nibs will guide me to find it?

So what’s define UEF in comparison with EF nib.

Platinum 3776 nibs

UEF nib

it is really, really narrow and thin, I think it is ca. 0,1 mm WOW

sharp

noisy

you can feel the paper, plenty of feedback

writes without any preassure!

ideal for very fast writing, fast dryer and small usage of ink

it could be used with poor quality paper

a must have if you are making a lot of notes in books, you can pack a lot of information on a small piece of blank place

plus 5 points to respect within your pen community

 I will not recommed it as a first pen, rather as a pen for a connoisseur or a devoted fan of narrow nibs

EF nib (I think it is ca. 0.2 mm) is much more user friendly in terms of noisiness, feedback and is a little bit smoother than UEF. But you can see the difference in line weight. For non orthodox users it could be not significant but is still visible.

With both nibs you can produce some line variation.

Platinum 3776 Black

Platinum 3776 Black

Platinum 3776 Black

Here you can see writing test on Moleskine, not fountain pen friendly paper.

Visconti Rembrandt Khaki Green and Platinum 3776 Black

Visconti Rembrandt Khaki Green and Platinum 3776 Black

Now time for the answer.

Yes, I need this pen with that nib!

Two Platinum 3776 in Moleskine Journey Hard Pouch

From left: Montblanc, Platinum and Waterman n Moleskine Journey Hard Pouch

What I also find interesting, is fantastic nib range which you can find in 3776 line and consists of: UEF, EF, SF, F, M, B, BB, Music nib and when you add to it also colors, materials and finishes variations you can really find a pen which will suit the best of your taste and needs.

Platinum 3776 and Hobonichi

Platinum 3776 and Hobonichi

So, if you like this pen you can find yours here at Iguana Sell

Do I really need another black pen – story about Platinum 3776 Dear Readers, As probably most of us, I have also many black pens with gold trims, for example pens from my beloved Montblanc Meisterstuck series but also from Sheaffer, Waterman, Tropen to mention only a few.

[notonlypens]

Hello my Dear Friends,

Today’s post will be a little different than usual ones.

Who knows all our (I mean fountain pens geeks and aficionados) needs and dreams best? Who understands our passion, our commitments? Who can inspire us? Who can introduce to us new directions, new shapes, new designs which suit best our tastes?

Pen Friends of course, but this is only partialy true due to limited number of such people. Limited by places and areas, limited by our nature, our social life. Our choices in past and present.

Someone said that “It’s nice to have a balance.” In some situations it would be right, but not when we are talking about passion. Pens for me are not only limited to everyday writing instruments. They are passion, enthusiasm, desire, emotion. Some of them are pieces of art! It has nothing in common with balance. Balance is crucial for an accountant. But accountacy is a special state of mind, maybe Altered States ;)

That means also limited  by love and hate!

OK, so who has more knowledge, experience and potentials to make something of it?

Producers? Sure, but they are limited by their strategies, portfolios, owners, history, policies, customers, marketing strategies …

Hmm, who else?

Shops, retailers? Yes! If their sale is big enough, if they have enough staff they could play with our needs and ” must haves” due to a vast and diverse base. They could process information gathered from all over the world. From different people, races, genders, age, places…

Enough. Let’s go towards the real facts!

Marte Modena, a big shop which is located in Modena, Italy. They are dealing with pens, watches, jewelry for many, many years and through that time they became one of the most recognisable sellers of luxury products through the internet all over the world.

They are selling products from top brands from different parts of earth. Writing instruments from Montblanc, Caran d’Ache, S.T. Dupont, Omas  to mention only a few.

They have a close cooperation with the important Italian manufacturers: Marlen, Visconti, Delta.

Marte Modena’s knowledge and taste together with production facilities of Marlen both created a new MarteModena line – Citizen. Pens which are dedicated to cities of the world. In the first Citizen set these cities are: New York,

MarteModena Citizen New York photo by Marte Modena

Tokyo,

MarteModena Citizen Tokyo photo by Marte Modena

Bejing,

MarteModena Citizen Bejing photo by Marte Modena

Mumbai,

MarteModena Citizen Mumbai photo by Marte Modena

Moscow,

MarteModena Citizen Moscow photo by Marte Modena

Modena,

MarteModena Citizen Modena photo by Marte Modena

Madrid

MarteModena Citizen Madrid photo by Marte Modena

and my favourite … London.

MarteModena Citizen London photo by Marte Modena

Each Citizen pen has an adequate colours adopted from their own or official state flags.

  The basic concept, according to Marte Modena, was the human being as a citizen of the World who’s always connected, updated and trendy.

Globe

Marketing guys are ubelievable :) but I have to pay my respect for choosing the “Citizen”, it is a really great name for unique pens at more than affordable price – if I only had the chance I would shake your hands personally!

And I LOVE the whole idea behind – human being as a citizen of the World! Beautiful and different!

Let’s go to the assumptions and technical details:

lenght and width designed for comfortable writing with different hand sizes

pens are made of a special resin hand turned from solid bars

inspection window

ink converter

hand-carved metal parts

Peter Bock AG nib with Marte Modena logo engraved on

MarteModena Citizen photo by Andrea Lerose

MarteModena Citizen photo by Andrea Lerose

MarteModena Citizen photo by Andrea Lerose

MarteModena Citizen photo by Andrea Lerose

MarteModena Citizen photo by Andrea Lerose

MarteModena Citizen photo by Andrea Lerose

  “MarteModena CITIZEN: luxury is finally suitable for everyone.” – is it true or false? If you are interested in my opinion on that, please wait for my review of MarteModena Citizen London which is now under heavy testing.

MarteModena Citizen London fountain pen

MarteModena Citizen London fountain pen

I also hope you will find the answer for quality/price  ratio.

And here is a special gift for you, you can buy now your own Citizen pen using a special discount code: TZ6YT3LX

MarteModena Citiyen fountain pen box

  Meanwhile Marte Modena has issued a Special Citizen for Africa set of 7 well known African cities: Bujumbura,

MarteModena Citizen Bujumbura photo by Marte Modena

Il Cairo,

MarteModena Citizen Il Cairo photo by Marte Modena

N’Djamena,

MarteModena Citizen N’Djamena photo by Marte Modena

Nairobi,

MarteModena Citizen Nairobi photo by Marte Modena

Ouagadougou,

MarteModena Citizen Ouagadougou photo by Marte Modena

Pretoria

MarteModena Citizen Pretoria photo by Marte Modena

and Yamoussoukro.

MarteModena Citizen Yamoussoukro photo by Marte Modena

December 2016 is for Marte Modena Special Charity month and 50% of proceeds (from auctions or direct sales) will be donated to AMREF.

      MarteModena Citizen pen family – part 1 Hello my Dear Friends, Today's post will be a little different than usual ones. Who knows all our (I mean fountain pens geeks and aficionados) needs and dreams best?

[notonlypens]

Dear Readers,

I am very sorry for such a long break on my blog, I will try to compensate this with my articles about some extraordinary items. I hope that within next few months everyone will find something interesting for him or herself, so stay tuned and …

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START

Warm and sunny days are gone. Maybe not forever but for, at least, five long and dull months. So here I am back again, this time with something which in my opinion would brighten this dark season.

Few months ago I was recommending the book  by Giuseppe Fichera about history of one of the most recognisable european producers and the oldest Italian pen manufacturer Montegrappa.

Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

Maybe it was very warm climate (as for Europe), maybe the impact of olive trees, nevertheless in 1912 the Montegrappa pen history has started in Bassano del Grappa in Italy. Over a hundread years have passed and factory is still located in this beautiful and human friendly location.

If you are interested in, please let me know and I can write more about very inspiring history of Montegrappa in another post. But today I will try to find out if the magic of that place and people has been partially transferred to their products and if it could help us to survive winter time.

Dear Friends, here it is:

Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black Fountain Pen

Few words about Parola line. Parola means word in Italian (Italian speakers please correct me if I am wrong) and for me it is a perfect name for a writing instrument. Well done, the marketing guys (or whoever found this name) if I ever  have a chance I will compliment you in person.

In Parola collection you can find fountain pens, rollers, ballpoints, mechanical pencils in different colors red, white, yellow, navy blue, mauve, black. Such a  variety we can count for as a plus. You can find what suits you best.

But coming back to Stealth Black version.

First impression.

Package is BIG. Looks serious.

Montegrappa Parola box

Do you remember the box which was delivered with Parola at its launch? Producer has changed resently the packaging and from now you will get your Parola in much bigger one.

First carton sleeve. Then card box.

Montegrappa Parola box

Montegrappa Parola box

And finally the box. Beautiful box with lovely pattern and metal plate with Montegrappa Italia engraved on it.

Montegrappa Parola box

Montegrappa metal plate

Inside you can find a pleasant in touch material, booklet in Italian and English about history, maintenance, quarantee and two cartridges.

Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

Did I mention pen? No, oops. there is the pen with attached converter.

It is a big pen. Closed is bigger than Visconti Opera Black Guilloche, Pelikan Souveran M800 or Waterman Exception.

Visconti Opera, Waterman Exception, Pelikan M800, Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

Visconti Opera, Waterman Exception, Pelikan M800, Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

Visconti Opera, Waterman Exception, Pelikan M800, Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

Visconti Opera, Waterman Exception, Pelikan M800, Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

Generally I love Italian design and this pen is no exception.

Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

The body is narrowing towards both ends and the cap is kept also that style. Nice black glossy finish over the whole fountain pen with ruthenium trims.

Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

Four rings. One ring on the captop  with engraved Montegrappa name. One at the bottom of the cap and another at the bottom of the barrel and the last one at the end of the section.

Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

Also at the bottom of the barrel you can find a nice Montegrappa logo.

Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

Clip is like a ‘cherry on the top’, very attractive  with a rotating wheel. Nice touch and useful item when you are securing your pen with clip.

Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

Unscrewing the cap, you unlock further details. Big metal threads and the black slender nib.

Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

The steel nib is black as the whole pen. You can choose between F, M and B size. With Montegrappa name and nib size engraved on the surface. What is also unique there is no breather hole.

You can write easily unposted, this is what I prefer, but if you wish you can set the cap on the back of the pen and the cap will stay there very firmly.

It writes smoothly with a little music and some feedback. Starts at once, even after couple of days of rest.

Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black pen and Graf von Faber Castell ink

What I also like is a screw in converter.

Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

Dimensions:

Length closed  – 145 mm

Length open – 130 mm

Weight with inked converter – 32,2  g

I have to admit, I like whole pen in black, I don’t know why, but I simply do.

Montegrappa and Kaweco fountain pens

Elegant  and comfortable pen. For sure it is not a “Stealth” rather a “head turner”.

Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black

Everyday writer? Certainly.

Montegrappa and Hobonichi

At this price range (retail price is 205 USD) you can choose between many pens but none of them will guide you through “the gateway to fantastic world of Montegrappa fountain pens” as Parola Stealth Black. And then you can start your journey through the literature, music, fantasy. You can jump into the ART or into your own memories.

Summer at its best.

See you soon, now I’m going daydreaming.

And now a little surprise for you.

You can find yours at Iguana Sell and I have a very good news for you, you can ask them for a very special price just for you, my dear readers. Shipping is free on all orders on Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black for customers from USA, Canada and the European Union. For other countries there is a flat rate charge of 18 USD.

Montegrappa Parola Stealth Black [en and Graf von Faber Castell ink

Give this pen a try and I am sure that you won’t be dissapointed! Entry to fantastic world of Montegrappa Dear Readers, I am very sorry for such a long break on my blog, I will try to compensate this with my articles about some extraordinary items.

[notonlypens]

What’s actually in use – week 21

What’s actually in use – week 21

“… On a crowded beach washed by the sun He puts his headphones on His modern world revolves around The synthesizer’s song

Full of future thoughts and thrills His senses slip away He’s a European legacy A culture for today …”

Hi my dear analog lovers,

Sun. spring, songs and founatin pens.

I am sorry for not updating the subject for a few weeks, but finally here we are. You can see below pens from…

View On WordPress

[notonlypens]

Hi Readers,

Because most of us, who are reading this post, do not remember middle of XXth century, I have a proposal, let’s play a game. Go back to the past. Can you imagine world without impact of Vietnam and Afghanistan wars? Can you imagine terms of “global warming” and “greenhouse effect” not present in newspapers, magazines or TV? Terrorism? Hacking? AIDS? Implants in breasts, bottoms and who knows what else. Oil crisis? No cameras on the streets, less surveillance. Fewer bans and prohibitions. Big Brother still a baby brother. WW II fading in memories.

Yes, I know. It is difficult, but such time did really exist. From today’s perspective such ancient world was lacking colors, only black and white and sometimes soundless, not to mention no Facebook or even simple email – unbelieveble.

So it is time for next step. I propose you a seven day trip. For a guide you will get one of my favoured directors Mr Federico Fellini and Marcello Rubini (played by Marcello Mastroiani) a cynical tabloid journalist. A trip to sixties in Rome.

February the 5th 1960 (the date film was launched).

Imagine, for the last time today, dark, small cinema far, far away in the suburbs. Smoke from cigaretts (yes, at that times they have not been banned, really) spin around.  Lights slowly dying out …

Stop. Be practical, you do not need to use imagination, but only to push a “Play” button on your pilot in order to see Anita Ekberg and Marcello Mastroiani playing around in one of Rome’s symbols, the Trevi fountain. This is probably the most recognisable scene in the whole movie. By the way, Marcello when playing that scene was drunk, it was cold winter evening.

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

Film is ready to go …

La Dolce Vita

Adventure in searching for happiness and love is ready to start.

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

Through series of episodes you will be guided through, to mention only a few,  flying helicopters, exclusive nightclubs, prostitute bedroom, hospital, airport, press conference, baths of Caracalla, churchs, gathering for a fake miracle, Via Vanetto, castle, party and finally leading to the beach scene.

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

  Decadence. Life. Comedy. Drama. All in one beautiful movie masterpiece.

“You are the first woman on the first day of creation. You are mother, sister, lover, friend, angel, devil, earth, home.”

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

This movie was portraying miserable society in it’s environment.

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

Whole movie is packed with details which you can discover detail by detail every time you see it.

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita

Unfortunatelly the film was condemned by the Vatican and was a subject to censorship, last bans ended in the beginning of the eighties (over twenty years after premiere).

This film had a big influence on today’s world. For example term “paparazzi’ was created after one of chcaracters played by Walter Santesso (Enio Flaiano has different oppinion on this, but who cares ;)). You can find reminiscences in todays movies, songs and literature.

After lights are on again.

Sweet life? Maybe yes, maybe not? What do you think?

By the way, changes in. Any comments?

Anita Ekberg Sweden – 60’s

Monica Bellucci Italy – end of the old century and beginning of the new

Courtney Stodden USA – nowadays

Courtney Stodden Credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

  But where is the pen? Why this intro was so long? Because, Dear Readers, there is one and only obvious connotation with this movie – let me introduce Dolcevita proudly made by Delta :)

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta is rather young manufacturer of writing instruments. It was established in 1982.

Dolcevita is a vast collection. Pens, desk pens, rollers, ballpoints, pencils.  Many sizes,  additional styles: oro, soiree, different filling mechanisms and different kinds of nibs (14K, 18K and fusion one) not to mention sizes. And more! Thanks to so many variances it is a paradise for collectors.

I like Delta pens for their design. You can love it or leave it, it depends on your personal taste of style. But you cannot be emotionless. Especially with Dolcevita.

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

So, let’s look at this beauty. Classic shape with classy details. You can call it distinctive design with a bit of decadence as a cherry on the top. Wow!

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

What impressed me most, is a color. Combination of amazing orange pearl and classic black stated that you keep something special in your hands. Orange barrel and black cap are handmade from resin solid bars.

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

The design is superb. Tou can feel this Mediterannean puff which is blowing just straight into your face. Puff is not a right word, it is rather atomic bomb explosion. This could not be designed anywhere else than in Italy. Design is light years ahead of, for example, boring green stripes on Pelikan.

I love orange and Traveler’s Notebook.

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Look at this textures. Each barrel with different pattern.

Wide ring on the bottom of the cap is made from sterling silver with an motif of olive leaf copied from old paintings from Pompei.

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Beautiful details. Look at the clip. Do you see a small wheel for better sliding? Of course you do, small and practical.

First nib – 18K gold nib M size, second is a fusion nib, steel nib with a gold plate 18K attached over F size.

Is fusion nib better than gold one? I can not really tell. It depends. For me the biggest difference (except for the look) is flex. In this issue the fusion nib is significantly behind he gold one.

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

Delta Dolcevita

At the captop of fatter one you can see Delta logo made in silver. Also each pen is engraved with unique number at the back of the cap

Easy to use, nicely balanced. Both can be used posted or uncapped, it depends only on your individual preferences, weight of the cap does not matter.

Both pens have a cartridge/converter filling mechanism.

Delta Dolcevita and Iroshizuku yama-budo

Which one do I prefer? The one with gold nib. For it’s writing features, better handling  and the last the most important ;) THE LOOK! Georgeous!

Delta Dolcevita and Traveler’s Notebook

  You can not have only one model, after your first purchase there  will be next and next and … . Possibilities are almost unlimited.

Dimensions:

Delta with a gold nib

Length closed  – 136,9 mm

Length open – 123,4 mm

Weight with inked converter -29,3  g

Delta with a fusion nib

Length closed  – 142,7 mm

Length open – 124,4 mm

Weight with inked converter -23,8  g

When La Dolce Vita met Dolcevita Hi Readers, Because most of us, who are reading this post, do not remember middle of XXth century, I have a proposal, let's play a game.

[notonlypens]

Hi Yorkie Lovers,

Winter sucks, this is a holy truth. Everybody is frighten to death by “Winter is coming”, but after the winter, spring has to arrive. And the spring has come, at last!

There was nothing recently on the blog about yorkies, so the spring is also a good reason for updating the subject.

The yorkies, after spending most of winter time in warm and cosy conditions in beds, watching their favourites movies and playing with toys, also want to be more friendly and to be in close contact with all that greens and animals which went out from their winter’s hideouts.

Winter coiffure is a little bit too hot for this season, which they show with their tongues. And they are also fond of bicycle rides.

Yorkshire terrier

Yorkshire terrier love bike

Yorkshire terrier

  Where are my sunglasses, dude? Huh!

Do you like Chinese Crested? I do, so maybe look for some inspiration?

What does the new spring haircut reveal? It appers that under that fur there is a chihuahua, not a terrier. Less than a half of a dog remains after the treatment.But firstly due to not so high temperatures dogs need some additional clothes.

Yorkshire terrier

Yorkshire terrier

Yorkshire terrier

But when temperatures went higher … dogs went speedy.

And naked

Yorkshire terrier

Yorkshire terrier

  Some additional photos taken after busy afternoon spent on the bosom of nature. Waiting for Some Great Reward. Well deserved. Kindly asked. Fast eaten. Welcome to the York’s World!

Yorkshire teriers

Yorkshire teriers

Yorkshire terier

But according to one of conspiracy theories, all those dogs hairdressers’ issues were caused by cats’ alliance or Frank Underwood.

Because Information is everything, so keep checking the blog for another spring themes connected mainly with writing instruments, but not limited to (as it was so far). To give you a little appetizer, look at this photo.

Faber Castell in metal

And one question for a weekend, what have these two items from picture below in common?

Canon and glass

Spring yorkies haircut Hi Yorkie Lovers, Winter sucks, this is a holy truth. Everybody is frighten to death by "Winter is coming", but after the winter, spring has to arrive.

[notonlypens]

Dear Readers,

I can’t wait, I have to share my first impressions about bicycle which combines best of 26 and 29 inches. Today I had a chance to test ride a brand new still with factory smell 27,5 inch Storck Rebel Seven.

Storck Rebel Seven

Storck Rebel Seven

Ok, I have started mountain bike adventure with 26 inch one (as it was the only option at  that time) but when 29-ers hit the market I have moved to Gary Fisher and it was the best solution (for me) for mixed routes – forests, gravel, tarmac and now I have tried this 27-er.

SLS? Really? It is not a Merceds. Not an Audi. It is a Sattel Selle Italia Monolink SLS.

Storck Rebel Seven

Storck Rebel Seven

What I can say, is that, this is a piece of art among the bicycles. Absolutely first prize in design.

I was not sure if such beauty could fulfill my riding demands. But, thanks to Holy Geman God of Design and Engeeniring I could say – it is a (let’s leave it for a moment).

I was riding a bicycle with settings made in Idstein (Germany) by Storck specialists, surprisingly it  fitted my figure almost perfectly, maybe except for the angle of the saddle.

Workmaship – excellent, every little detail is made with watchmaker precision.

Storck Rebel Seven

Storck Rebel Seven

Storck Rebel Seven

Storck Rebel Seven

What I like is stiffness connected with it’s accelaration, manouverability and comfort. Even these original grips, which could not satisfy everyone but are very original and after short time of usage they could be really user friendly.

About XT equipment – good working horse with a nice design as a bonus.

Storck Rebel Seven

Storck Rebel Seven

Storck Rebel Seven

Storck Rebel Seven

What I love with damper is possibility of steering from the handlebar-mounted remote, which is not a weighted gadget but a very useful option when you are using your bike in different conditions.

Storck Rebel Seven

Storck Rebel Seven

Great bike,  I could call it The Meisterstück if it would be equipped with XTR (but unfortunatelly it is a 1000 EUR more on price) and maybe 29 inch wheels (Storck Rebel Nine).

In this configuration (wheels, gears) I was strongly tempted to ride throughout forests :)

Beautiful and fast bicycle with a lot of fun, but expensive.

Storck, yes!

Many thanks to the owner for possibility of testing. Bicycle survived and was returned undamaged. Please check this blog regularly if you want to know more about this bike, because more infos and photos are to come. See you.

Brand new German 27,5 vs heavily used American 29

Storck Rebel Seven – Meisterstück Dear Readers, I can't wait, I have to share my first impressions about bicycle which combines best of 26 and 29 inches.

[notonlypens]

Hi All,

Do you remember Pininfarina post and the photo riddle?

Napkin Pininfarina and …

If not, you can check Pininfarina Pencil :).

So, today it is time to solve it.

Napkin Pininfarina and …

Does it help? Still mystery, maybe this one could.

Napkin Pininfarina and …

Spring is knocking at the door at last. Mechanical plants  to fight zombies hordes at your garden?

Need more photos?

Napkin Pininfarina and …

And finally without Pininfarina. Are these cyberplants in flowerpots grabbed from cyberpunk futuristic city?

What is it?

How many of you remeber classic way of killing a vampire? Everyone :) I hope. Ok, it was a wodden stake with a sharp edge to go deep into creature’s flesh and pierce the heart – so far almost the best assured tool to anihilate the one. Also keep in mind the silver which could be also a big help in killing process.

Modern times need modern materials and modern designs. So what we have here, Ethergraf tip (same material as in Pininfarina pencil) and anodized aluminium. Not to mention hand made.

Here are only 3 colors from the top alluminio – alluminium, nero – black and rosso – red.  Did I mention that I am a big fan of italian design? And hear the sound of such words as rosso or nero, what do you need more? Other color options? You can choose also from two tones of blue, grey and yellow.

I forgot to give a name. Napkin Prima! Designed by Sergio Mori.

Napkin Prima

There is  also a specially engraved line called Prima Pretiosa available also in seven colors. As a Top of the Pops there is a  Prima Gold Edition (of course gold plated not solid gold) limited to 300 pieces.

Napkin Prima (marketing materials)

Napkin Prima (marketing materials)

Napkin Prima (marketing materials)

Napkin Prima (marketing materials)

Napkin Prima (marketing materials)

Really, I love these pieces of writing instruments! And pieces of art, too!

Napkin Prima 

Prima line is slightly longer and lighter than Pininfarina.

Napkin: Pinifarina and 3 X Prima

  Napkin Prima

Napkin Prima

Dimensions of rosso Prima:

lenght 180 mm

weight 19,2 g

case length 190 mm x diameter 45,3 mm

case weight 48,5 g

Napkin 4.EVER Prima Hi All, Do you remember Pininfarina post and the photo riddle? If not, you can check…

[notonlypens]

Dear Readers,

Sometimes fountain pen is not enough, there are situations when you need to use pencil or ballpoint (especially for marking text in books when, drawing or filling documents in copies – of course there are special nibs for copies, but they are not available in your favourite stationary just round the corner). This three make a complex approach to writing/drawing instruments in your pocket.

Sheaffer Gift 300 on Traveler’s Notebook

Hmmm, did I mention watch? Nope? Don’t forget the watch is included in such a set.

Sheaffer Gift 300 plus watch

Let’s start with simple, modern elegance and one additional requirement – not expensive.  Voila – Sheaffer Gift 300. Glossy black with chrom trims, does it suits you? Black is nice, elegant and popular throughout the ages, so why not use it today.

Sheaffer Gift 300

The offer in Gift 300 collection has been changing with passing years, so with a little luck you can find color option according to your visual preferences. Few models you can see at the attached photograph taken from Sheaffer’s marketing materials.

Sheaffers marketing materials plus Sheaffer Gift 300

Sheaffer Gift 300 pencils in different colors

Each item (fountain pen, ballpoint and pencil – in the range there is also a roller) is made of metal (except plastic section in fountain pen), so you can feel the difference in comparison to pens made of plastic. The difference is in touch, in weight, even in temperature. Amazing :)

What I like the most in this design is – the clip. Really nice design. of course white dot on top of the clip, nice split in the middle (you can find such split in the Prelude clip also, here you can read about Prelude) and cutout throug the captop for moving the clip, just beautiful and what is important it operates nicely.

Cap has two rings (in this model) in chrom, one slim near the top and one broad at the bottom with the Sheaffer name on it. The cap is closing with a nice click. The same “caps” are in ballpoint and pencil.

Sheaffer Gift 300

Sheaffer Gift 300

Barrel of the fountain pen has also two chrom rings on both sides. One at the end is specially designed to keep the cap posted (with a delicate click).

Simple, steel nib (similar you can find in prelude series) with Sheaffers name and some small ornaments. Performance of the nib is nice, it writes smoothly, without scratching or skipping. Nothing to complain (maybe except that for me is a little to small for such a body, but it does not make any harm to overall performance). It can be used as a everyday workhorse.

Sheaffer Gift 300 plus Sheaffer Skrip

Sheaffer Gift 300 plus Sheaffer Skrip

Sheaffer Gift 300 fountain pen and Sheaffer Skrip on Leuchtturm 1917

The pen is well balanced but not posted! You can write posted (barrel is designed for this) but I cannot recommend this due to heavy cap and distribution of weight.

What about ballpoint and pencil? They perform the same as fountain pen, all mechanisms are working smoothly and surely. From this set the ballpoint was used most frequently, really it was daily used with Moleskine notebooks and calendars for a very long period.

Sheaffer Gift 300 ballpoint

Finally watch, in this case nothing fancy. This one was issued for celebrating 100 years anniversary, you can see the sign on the watch and was sold in sets with pens and pencils. The watch has a quartz movement (I have not opened the case, so I do not known the producer). Roman digits; simple metal hands without luma; Sheaffer name and logo and that’s it.

Sheaffer quartz watch

It is simple watch for Sheaffer’s afficionados and for them it is a must have :). What I recommend is change of strap, existing one is a “dictionary” example of cost cutting actions connected with marketing gadgets, besides this could be an everyday watch.

And another good news is that all of this you can find for below 200 USD.

Dimensions of fountain pen:

Length closed  –  141,5 mm

Length open –  121,1 mm

Length capped –  155,0 mm

Weight without cap –  21,4 g

Weight of the cap – 23,7 g

Weight with the cap –  45,1 g

Dimensions of ballpoint:

Length ready to write – 141 mm

Weight – 49,4 g

Dimensions of pencil:

Length ready to draw – 142 mm

Weight – 49,4 g

Watch:

Weight: 29,7 g

Case width without crown – 36,4 mm

Band width – 18 mm

Oh, what is next to Sheaffers set? You can find this in next episode of pens and watches in my blog :)

Sheaffers and Montblancs

Set in black – Sheaffer Gift 300 Dear Readers, Sometimes fountain pen is not enough, there are situations when you need to use pencil or ballpoint (especially for marking text in books when, drawing or filling documents in copies - of course there are special nibs for copies, but they are not available in your favourite stationary just round the corner).

[notonlypens]

Wroooooom Wroooommm Dear Readers,

  Today I was wondering, if anyone remembers such beauty as Ferrari 250 GT SWB or Ferrari Dino. If not, what about Jaguar XJ-S? Still nothing? I am surprised. Maybe Ferrari Testarossa? Come on. Let’s move to late nineties and Ford Focus or Peugeot 406 Coupe. Yes, I knew it :) If you are a sports car fan for sure you can recognise Honda NSX (and unforgetable Ayrton Senna). But definitivelly you should know, from recent years, Ferrari Enzo or Ferrari 458 Italia. Beauty, beauty, beauty. All these cars have one common issue and it is the legendary desing house – Pininfarina. Applause!

Pininfarina cars in different books

But what Pininfarina has in common with writing instruments?

For example, Visconti has made a very interesting fountain pen designed by … Pininfarina.

But today I will show you something different.

Ladies and Gentelmen please give a warm welcome to …

Napkin Pininfarina box

Napkin Pininfarina box

Napkin Pininfarina box

Napkin Pininfarina box

What it is? Is it  the … inkless pen that won’t ever need inking? Or maybe eons lasting the pencil? Where is the lead? There is no lead and it still writes!

It works due to so called the Ethergraf tip which is patented metallic alloy that makes, due to oxidation process,  a permanent marks on paper. To explain “oxidation” in the  easiest way, it is a loss of electrons. It could be very positive (as in this product) or could be destructive as for example a bloody red rust on the car.

This beautiful piece of art was desined by Pininfarina team which was led by design manager Paolo Trevisan. Inspiration was a concept car called Cambiano.

Cambiano Pininfarina marketing materials

Cambiano Pininfarina marketing materials

Napkin leaflet

Look at the details. Aren’t they elegant with a delicate mixture of classic and contemporary trends? This walnut case can be used as a presentation base.

Napkin Pininfarina

Napkin Pininfarina

Elegant and beautifull, isn’t it? And that feel of used materials, natural wood (walnut) and pure technical aluminium in this case galvanic treatment Lucid Black.

Napkin Pininfarina

Napkin Pininfarina

Napkin Pininfarina

Dimensions:

lenght 160 mm

weight 38 g

case length 194 mm x width 50 mm x height 28 mm

case weight 159 g

I can look at it on and on, forever, even though that I have this one almost as it hit the market, it never bores me.

Nice sculpture on the desk?

Napkin Pininfarina

And quess what stands behind Pininfarina on following photo.

Napkin Pininfarina

The truth will be revealed soon ;)

PP – Pininfarina Pencil Wroooooom Wroooommm Dear Readers, Today I was wondering, if anyone remembers such beauty as Ferrari 250 GT SWB or Ferrari Dino.

[notonlypens]

Handy papers and pens

Handy papers and pens

Dear Readers,

Fountain pen without paper is either ugly and useless or standalone piece of art. Ok, there are also inks, inkwells, blotting papers etc. So, what you need to make a perfect combination in easy steps? Match pen with paper. It doesn,t look complicated in theory, but it is a little bit tricky in practice.

What do I recommend? Only checked solutions . What will happen if we combine…

View On WordPress

[notonlypens]

Dear Readers,

  Today I want to present two pens made by one of Italian first pen manufacturer. The company has been established in May 1918 by two brothers, Eugenio and Alfredo Verga. They have started with black ebonite Safety Pen N. 1. Through the years they have introduced new overlays, new materials (celluloid), new designs (some were inspired by Eversharp skyline, Waterman 42 or famous Parker 51), new filling systems (lever filler, the reverse syringe). Pens were reasonably priced with good quality so trademark was well recognised not only on home market but also internationally. The company has survived difficult years (including the bombing of the production site in Milan) and has reborn under new owners in the beginning of the ninties.

In 1929 Columbus introduced new Extra line, name which has evolved into designation of premium, high end models.

Today I wil present two desk pens Columbus Extra 14. They are enormously long 192 mm (green pearl and black) and 196 mm (gray pearl and black) this means that there is a lot of the pen. Due to material which is celluloid they are light 16,2 g (green pearl and black) and 15,9 g (gray pearl and black).

Columbus Extra 14 boxes

  Columbus Extra 14

Beautifull, big, flexible “F” 14K (585) gold nibs, produced by Columbus, with engraved name Columbus Extra 152 (I do not know what does 152 stands for) and 585.

Columbus Extra 14

Columbus Extra 14

Some interesting rumours are about the second pen, especially about celluloid, which is supposed to be produced exclusivelly for Montblanc by Bayer, is it true? How does it happen that Columbus got it also? If anyone has more information, sources, photos, marketing materials about this model I will be very gratefull for possibility of getting familiar with it.

Filling system – lever filler with brand new rubber ink sac

Stand used in photos unfortunatelly is not produced by Columbus, it was used only as a photo prop.

Please take look at the celluloid, in reality it looks much better.

Columbus Extra 14

Columbus Extra 14

Columbus Extra 14

Columbus Extra 14

Columbus Extra 14

This is how Columbus looks in comparison with modern design.

Columbus and Wiland

Columbus and Wiland

Columbus pens compose nicely with stationery, of course Italian one.

Columbus Extra 14

Columbus Extra 14

Columbus Extra 14

Both Columbus pens are beautifull and in an ideal condition. This is what you can call a vintage charm.

Vintage charm – Columbus Extra Dear Readers, Today I want to present two pens made by one of Italian first pen manufacturer.

[notonlypens]

Dear Pen Users,

with special Greetings for Montblanc fans,

It is about time, that I should put a review of Montblanc writing instrument. But what Montblanc, should I take as the first one, they produced so many of them?

I will start with one of my favourite, Ladies and Gentelmen here is the Montblanc Heritage 1912. So, the Montblanc Zone on my blog is being officially opened.

Why this model? Why not start with one from flagship series Meisterstuck? Or the one from fifties or sixties?

The explanation is simple, because this pen is one from the so called series “10 seconds pens“. And what is this? It is the maximal time which I have needed for undertaking the decision of buying that particular pen. In near future I will present you some other items were decision to buy was taken up in less than 10 seconds.

Let’s start with the Heritage.

This model, issued in August 2013, is a “second edition” for only a few percent of “first edition” original price. First was titanium limited edition released in 2012, 333 pcs with 18K gold nib. Pictures of titanium edition taken from Montblanc marketing materials you can find below.

image from Montblanc promotional materials

image from Montblanc promotional materials

image from Montblanc promotional materials

image from Montblanc promotional materials

image from Montblanc promotional materials

image from Montblanc promotional materials

If you are a Montblanc fan, you can easily discover what was the inspiration for this model. It was a safety pen called Rouge et Noir created in early 20th century. The brand Rouge et Noir was offered from 1908 to ca. 1923.

Montblanc Heritage 1912

Montblanc Heritage 1912

Montblanc Heritage 1912

Montblanc Heritage 1912

Montblanc Heritage 1912

What is so special in this handy, almost “pocket size” pen? No, not the size is the most important. So, what defines this pen? Following items:

A – design

B – The Mechanism

C- nib

D – unbelievable celebration and comfort of usage

DESIGN

First impression – elegant with a drop of a classic vintage feeling. And also simple, short, black (as usual resin), beautifully crafted clip with engraved star on band and extremely big white star on transparent cap top. I do not know whether this star is made of mother of pearl or – what is most probable – simply painted with lacquer, but who cares when you look at it. It is an eye catcher and it is amazingly gorgeous!

Montblanc Heritage 1912 cap top star

Montblanc Heritage 1912 on Traveller’s Notebook

Montblanc Heritage 1912

Montblanc Heritage 1912

THE MECHANISM

It is a unusual piston filler with a marvelous 2 step screw mechanism. How does it work? Very simple. You turn the knob right so the nib is going out, turn left the nib and it is disappearing into the barrel. But this is not the only action. If you extend the nib and pull the knob, by turning into this position you can fill the pen with ink. It works perfectly each time I use and I have used it for over two years.

Montblanc Heritage 1912

Montblanc Heritage 1912

NIB

First – it is … almost piece of minimal art. Small, plain, really flat nib (not common these days) and finally, the icing on the cake, triangular breather hole. Fantastic.

Second – it has a little reminiscence of past years, delicate line variation.

Third – 14K, white gold.

So, what is more to add? Of course usual 4810, star symbol, Montblanc name and karat engravings.

You can choose size from fine to broad.

Montblanc Heritage 1912 and Montblanc permanent grey

USAGE

Using this pen is always a great fun.

Turning the cap off, turning the nib out it is like celebrating the writing all over again and again.

Writing is excellent! Soft with adequate ink flow and distinguished flex.

With its rather big weight in such a small size it is still very nicely balanced, so you can easily write without posting.

Although the nib is a little bit “noisy”.

Of course ink is Montblanc. This time Meisterstuck 90 years permanent grey. Please, notice how does the Tomoe River paper look in Hobonichi Planner 2016 from the other side. This paper is amazing! Papers will be the subject for another post.

Montblanc Heritage 1912 and Montblanc Meisterstuck 90 years permanent grey

Montblanc Heritage 1912

OMontblanc Heritage 1912

Montblanc Heritage 1912

Dimensions:

Length closed  –  120,7 mm

Length open with nib inside barrel–  108,5 mm

Length open with nib outside barrel–  126,7 mm

Weight with ink –  49,5 g

To avoid destroying the nib (when it is extended and you would try to close the cap on the barrel) there is a small “needle” in the cap which hits special hole in the feder to prevent demolishing the nib. Simple, but working.

I do not recommend posting the cap, if you insist – you can, but it is not practical, it falls off almost immediatelly.

  Is there anything that I dislike about this pen? Yes, and even more, I hate scratches made by the cap on the barrel. It is scratched just seconds after unboxing or maybe it is already scratched even in boutique or in the factory! And by the way, it is observed by nearly every user. Pen from this price level and from such manufacturer should not perform such failure. Although producer says that it is a “normal wear” of a product, in my opinion, it is a construction mistake which was not recognised properly by constructors or quality department. It is a shame.

But, nevertheless this pen looks and writes like a dream – except for this fatal scratches mentioned above, but f..k them. Pen is rather expensive, but it is worth each euro, dollar, pound … you name it …  spent on it!

Montblanc Heritage 1912

Montblanc Heritage 1912

Montblanc Heritage 1912

In my opinion the closest to Heritage within Montblanc pens (except Heritage 1914 which is extremely big, but one in orange is awesome) is Boheme, but this could be also a future subject for a review or even comparison between both of them.

Montblanc Heritage 1912 and Boheme Arabesque

The extraordinary piece of art for everyday use, take a sip of your favourite cognac and start thinking about Heritage :)

If I can advice, try Hennessy Fine de Cognac. It is very pleasant start of your adventure with cognacs. Assemblage of plenty of floral and fruity aromas. With its pale, transparent amber color it looks incredible and with its excellent smoothnes it will make your winter day, I hope.

Montblanc plus Hennessy and Hobonichi Planner 2016

Winter snow star – Montblanc Heritage 1912 Dear Pen Users, with special Greetings for Montblanc fans, It is about time, that I should put a review of Montblanc writing instrument.