I’m always searching for the perfect pen. Does it exist? Do I already own it? Let’s sort through the pen cups I have on my desk, in the kitchen, next to my comfy chair in the living room, in the bedroom, and in the craft/spare room, and examine the good, the bad, the losers, and the winners. Let’s face it, I own a lot of pens. I might as well write about them.
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From the Pen Cup 
Love it! The perfect pen like the perfect ink just does not exist. The quest is endless and only moderated by the depth and volume of a shrinking bank account.
Let the quest go on!!!!
Goodness I thought I was the only one on a quest for the pen which would make me contented when I wrote on the page. Ten pots of pens and 7 very expensive ones, all kept in their boxes for fear of dropping them or worse. I’ve book marked this site, great find.
I suspect there are a bunch of us on the same quest! Thanks for reading!
I have the perfect use for a couple of the Retro 51 aluminum packaging tubes. I make super lightweight alcohol backpacking stoves, and they are just perfect for the inner “chimney” or afterburner. Here’s an example: http://blogericious.blogspot.com/2012/05/heirloom-stove.html
I have tried pretty much everything else to make the afterburner, but the Retro 51 tubes are just perfect. Happy to re-imburse you for shipping, and I’m a fellow pen geek.
Ahhh… The perfect pen is the one in hand, and the perfect ink is the one that has not run dry. The question, of course, is what is THIS pen with THIS ink perfect FOR?! 🙂
Just came across your blog; and as a total, first-fountain-pen newbie, am loving what you’re sharing. Thanks!
Glad you found my blog! Welcome!!
Hi! Just found your blog today via the recommended links in my WordPress reader….and I love it! So much to read here, and all about pens…I’ll be enjoying my stay for a long, long time. Keep on posting! =D
Thanks! I love writing this stuff so I’m happy that there are folks who like to stop by!
Hello! Glad I’ve found your blog, it’s a great read. I’m indulging myself with reading about what I want (not work) between Christmas and New Year, so your pages are just the thing. Have a happy new year!
Thanks, Andrew! I’m using the same philosophy for my reading. Work can wait!
I’m really enjoying your blog! I, too, agree that “the stripey bits” are the most appealing thing about those Parker vacumatics. 🙂 Let me know if you need any more penpals! 🙂
I’m sorry to write such a commercial post, but I just started a small company selling inexpensive, handmade fountain pens designed to hold flexible, steel dip nibs, as well as stainless, firm nibs.
Would you be interested in trying out a sample and doing a review of it?
This is the YouTube channel where writing samples/demonstrations are.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0GPM8ncEEZI7KyvBuv14ig/
This is the company website, where inventory, FAQ, and reviews are kept.
http://www.DesiderataPens.com
Please let me know if you’d be interested! Thank you for your time.
Pierre
Hi, I have rediscovered my love of pens. Your reviews are well-written and informative. I am looking for an modern fountain pen with ink cartridge (easy usability and refillable), finer stub nib (around 0.7 if possible, but the standard 1.1 mm is okay too), that is affordable ($75 or less), and simple designs. Your review of the Conklin duragraph with the stub nib really makes me want to get it but I am not big on any of their designs, too busy for me. Do you have any recommendations?
You may want to check out some of Levenger’s True Writers and other FPs. They’re a good value, especially when you hit a sale. The offer a stub as a separate nib unit that can be easily swapped in. TWSBIs are some of my affordable favorites, too, and they offer a 1.1 mm stub. For a 0.7 mm stub, you’ll probably have to have a nibmeister grind a nib, which is not all that expensive. Hope this helps, and let me know if you have any other questions! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Ahh I love pens! Can’t wait to read more of this…
Read you blog for the first time.. really enjoyed it… thank you
Thank you so much! Your kind words mean a lot.
Hi,
Wow, what a terrific site.
I have well over 100 fountain pens. And, until a few days ago everything (more or less) was written using a fountain pen. I regularly write letters of ten-plus pages…. Where was I?
Anyway, bought a Retro 51 Queen of Hearts a couple of years ago, but rarely used it.
A few days ago got an email from Fahrney’s (sp?) announcing the LE Flying Tiger FP. Yep, had to have it.
Then started “looking around.” Yesterday received the Flying Fortress/B17 Retro 51. Just an incredible “piece of art.” I’ve never used the word stunning…but, this is stunning with incredible workmanship. (OK, workladyship.)
OK, looked for websites that would “help me along” in buying even more of the Retros…and, found your site.
Enjoyed reading about your Retros and what terrific photography.
Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your site.
Wish you continued success in all of your endeavors.
Regards,
George
You made me day! Thank you for your kind words, George! Enjoy your Retros! I, too, have the Flying Tiger FP from Fahrney’s. I have the rollerball version so OF COURSE I had to but the FP. Really cool little details on both pens. Again, thanks for reading and commenting. So appreciated!
Mary… Hi, again…
I have the Retro Flying Tiger RB on the way and just ordered, this:
http://www.fahrneyspens.com/Item–i-18503
Best regards,
George
PS. No response necessary just thought you and the other folks here might like the link.
You were the blogger who inspired me to hunt down the last Plumix pens on clearance at target in 2012. Now, I have the Jinhao 993 “Shark” pen. And I like it more than the Plumix because it takes standard refills. You may want to review it. 🙂
I use both the brass and the aluminum Kaweco sport with the medium nib. Love them!
I use both the brass and the aluminum Kaweco sport with the medium nib. Love them! I use a lighter colored ink because black ink tends to show through on my Moleskine pages. I use gray and orange inks. Thanks!
Hello,
I have viewed your Retro 1951Tornado Umbra Orange Rollerball Pen on line today and think it is a most beautiful pen. It really found me as I have spent hours today on line searching for a different style of Retro 1951 Rollerball pen when I unexectedly saw the Umbra Rollerball Pen which looks wonderful. I live in the U.K. I would be very grateful if you would let me know if you have an Umbra Pen in stock for sale and details of the sale price and delivery costs. I have been using a Retro 1951 Tornado for many years. This would make a perfect match. Thank you for considering my enquiry. Kind regards. Mark Bower.
Hi, Mark. I’m not looking to sell my Umbra Orange Retro 51. It’s a favorite of mine!
Hello again, I have received a message just now which has left me very confused!
Is it just an acknowledgement of my earlier message sent today or a final reply?
Kind regards.
Mark.
Hi Mary, How have I not found you before now?? (I found you via Pinterest, btw) Omg, I am going to have so much fun reading your archives. I love this blog so much. Pens and paper and ink and writing…You are going to become a dangerous habit, I fear. Great blog! Don’t stop. I really can’t get enough.
Haha…thank you! I’m intrigued by your site as well! I love how we all find each other!
Hi,
I am glad that I came across your site. I am a big time fountain pen user, and I admire your notes. They are truly amazing. Can you help me finding a specific paper? the link is:
Warm regards
Faisal
Sadly that paper has been discontinued. It was previously sold by Levenger (Vivacious Circa refill): https://fromthepencup.wordpress.com/2014/10/21/confessions-of-a-hoarder-levengers-circa-vivacious-refill/ I really wish they’d bring it back. Thanks for reading and commenting!