I did quite well (though not perfect) with my 2023 “No New Pens” challenge — that is, until December when the pen-buying floodgates suddenly burst wide open. Not unlike someone who’s come off of a strict diet and suddenly can’t stop eating cookies, I’ve had a strong craving for new pens which I’ve indulged. Recent additions include:
- The Mineral White Kaweco Art Sport (my first acrylic Kaweco)
- An f3 Pens Mystic Sucker Punch Serpent fountain pen (how could I resist a pen with that name?!)
- The Creme and RoseGold TWSBI Eco (pretty!)
- The TWSBI Kai (I have the Aurora and Draco so why not complete the set?)
- A Tiger’s Eye Benu Talisman (only my 2nd Benu and 1st Talisman)
- A few Retro 51s (Seigaiha Pen & Pencil Set, Day & Night)
AND a “Mystery Box” Karas Kustoms Vertex that arrived yesterday. Their Vertexes (Vertices?) usually run around $140 so when I saw the Mystery Box offer on their “Bottom Shelf” for $75, I couldn’t resist. The price was attractive but even more so was the “mystery” part of the purchase. I already own several Vertex pens in both acrylic and aluminum so I wondered if I’d simply end up with a repeat on my hands. What arrived is a pen composed of delightfully mismatched parts and I LOVE it.
The reddish/pinkish body, clashes wonderfully with the light green/dark blue mottled cap. The black grip bridges the color gap nicely. This morning I inked the pen with Noodler’s Cactus Fruit American Eel which kind of matches the body—and who cares if if doesn’t?
This pen has a medium steel Bock nib and it’s a spot-on writer. No tweaking needed.
I’ll shut off the pen-buying faucet soon, but really feel fine about indulging a bit. My rationalizations:
- It’s Christmastime!
- It’s my birthday!
- I did hard things in 2023!
- Pens are fun!
- Life is short!
All true so there is no guilt. Just pure pen joy.