Waterman Hemisphere 16 Luxury Cuivre CT Fountain Pen Review

Waterman Hemisphere 16 Luxury Cuivre CT Fountain Pen

The first Waterman writing instrument that I got my hands on was the beautiful Waterman Perspective Blue Fountain Pen. The pen featured a contemporary design and had a gleaming appearance. However, the pen didn't compromise on quality and was the first writing tool that got me into the world of fountain pens. Since then, Waterman fountain pens have been a prominent choice for me. The latest Waterman Pen that I added into my collection is the new Waterman Hemisphere 16 Luxury Cuivre CT Fountain Pen. Though the series is available in three different models - Bronze, Saphir and Cuivre, it was the Cuivre that won my heart. 

Frankly Speaking, the pen is a total disguise. The modern technology used to design the pen completely lurks beneath the contemporary appearance of the pen. The mesmerizing appearance of this fine writer was the first factor that allured me towards the pen and compelled me to take this pen along with me. 

The pen comes in a beautiful box; inside you'll find the pen along with a cleaning cloth and a user manual. At first glance the pen looks perfect, symmetrical slim body, gleaming stainless steel cap etched with "Geographical flow of Art Deco creation" and Waterman Paris engraved trims. The pen looks astonishing and is easy to hold as well. The slim profile of the pen fits snugly between your finger tips and offers a balanced feel. The elegant design of this fine German writer is complemented by a sturdy steel nib. Though made of steel, the nib performs precisely like gold alloy nibs and is built with sturdiness that Waterman is famous for. Overall, the clever construction of the pen is remarkably admirable and strikingly gorgeous.

The Waterman Hemisphere 16 Luxury Cuivre is a cartridge/ converter pen, it takes all standard international cartridges but performs best with Waterman Ink Cartridges. If you are not into fountain pens, the series is also available in rollerball and ballpoint versions.

Perfectly balanced, elegantly designed, sturdy, the description about Waterman Hemisphere 16 Luxury Cuivre Fountain Pen can go on and on. The timeless elegance and thin price tag makes this writing instrument a premium choice for fountain pen enthusiasts and students alike. Like other pens from Waterman, this unique masterpiece also carries the determination of Lewis Edson Waterman and offers an exquisite writing experience. The premium design of the pen evokes Waterman's traditional approach and is labeled with a thin price tag. Overall, I would say that the pen is worth every penny and makes for a great everyday writing instrument. And, it's not the kind of deal that you get every day in the world of writing instruments. 

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An Introduction to Fountain Pens

An Introduction to Fountain Pens

If we analyze the current scenario, most pen aficionados prefer ballpoint/rollerball pens over fountain pens. With the increasing popularity of ballpoint and rollerball pens, fountain pens have been labeled as a retro nostalgia that's unable to serve the real purpose. It’s true, ballpoint pens have paved an easy path for writers. With ballpoint pens, you don’t have to worry much about stains, refills and maintenance. Just tuck the writing instrument into your pocket as long as it runs, and dispose it after it stops. Quite easy isn’t it!!!!

But, when it comes to fountain pens things are different. Writing with a fountain pen is an art which constantly evolves with every stroke. To operate this writing tool one needs skill, attention and dedication. Fountain pens are exclusively designed to offer vivid line variations based on the direction and speed of your stroke - delivering a human touch to whatever you write. And it’s one of the best things you can expect in this age of computers. 

So, if you really want to plunge into the world of fountain pens this article will provide you a brief insight to get started. 

History of Fountain Pens

History of Fountain Pens

The history of fountain pen goes way back to 10th century, but the fountain pen we know today were not introduced till 18th century. 

In 1884, Lewis Waterman introduced the first fountain pen with an ink reservoir which filled from an external source. There were various other models before Waterman’s version but all of them had issues related to airflow and ink spills.  As we all know, fountain pens operate via gravitational mechanism. To efficiently use a fountain pen you have to hold the pen vertically so the ink from the reservoir streams towards the nib. Upon writing, the used ink from the reservoir has to be replaced with air to stop the unnecessary spilling. And, this was one of the mammoth issues that most fountain pen manufacturers failed to deal with before Waterman pens were introduced. 

Waterman did solve the issue, and introduced the first fountain pen which offered consistency and smooth penmanship experience. He created a layered feed which wrapped the spilling issue of fountain pens. The innovative idea of Waterman provided a distinct platform to fountain pens, and soon these fine writing instruments took their place as a favorite writing tool in every pen enthusiast’s pocket. Hence, the modern fountain pens were born. 

Waterman’s innovative feed did sort out problems related to spilling and staining, but filling the pen still remained a grueling affair. To refill a fountain pen, one had to use an eyedropper and fill the reservoir drop by drop. But at the dawn of 19th century, many pen manufacturing company introduced fountain pens which enabled users to dip the nib into the ink bottle and fill the pen through a piston fill mechanism. 

Fountain Pen Parts

A normal fountain pen usually comprises of three different sections.

• The Nib 

• The Feed 

• Reservoir or Filling Systems

The Nib

Nib

Nib is the part of the fountain pen that imprints your thoughts on a piece of paper. At the initial days, most of the nibs were crafted from gold due to the element’s flexible nature. But today, most of the modern nibs are composed of either stainless steel or gold alloys. 

Stainless steel nibs are sturdy and durable. But when it comes to performance, stainless steel might be the last option for pen enthusiasts who love smooth and delicate writing. The tip of a steel nib is scratchy by nature and doesn’t offer fine line variations.  

Another one on the list is gold alloy nibs. These nibs are preferred by most pen aficionados because they share similar flexibility as gold nibs. But due to the elements flexible nature, a sturdy tip (platinum or iridium) is featured on these nibs.  

Every nib comprises of a central slit which helps the ink to reach all the way to the tip. And, at the end of the slit there is a breather hole to bring back air into the reservoir to replace the used ink. The breather hole also acts as a pivot which prevents the nib from damages caused by continuous flexing. 

Based on the design, nibs are entitled with three different labels.

• Italic Nibs

• Stub Nibs 

• Calligraphy Nibs

In the world of fountain pens Italic nibs are regarded widely put into action, while the stub and calligraphy nibs are commonly used for calligraphy.

Feed

Feed

This may sound quite awkward but the feed is considered as the most important part of a fountain pen. The feed is located at the back of the nib, and it acts as a transit through which the ink from reservoir travels to the nib. 

A good feed with a higher ink flow will lubricate the nib very well resulting to a smooth and skip less writing.  On the other hand side, a feed with a drier ink flow may result to scratchiness and can portray signs of skipping and skidding. However, with a drier feed you will have to rely totally on the quality of the nib. 

Reservoir or Filling Systems

Reservoir or Filling Systems

Different pens come with different filling mechanism. Converter, cartridge, piston, lever, the list can go on and on. Each year pen manufacturing companies bring out innovative ideas regarding the filling mechanism, and it’s a good thing. With every new idea they avail us with a new option, and every filling mechanism offers a different flow. 

Most of us believe the performance of a fountain pen is defined by its nib and feed. But, there are other factors that need to be overlooked before concluding the final results. 

Gripping Style: Gripping Style is a key factor which influences your writing. Fountain pens are meant to be used in a special way. The tip should come in contact to the paper at an angle of 40 – 60 degrees, and shouldn’t be twisted left and right. 

Here are three different gripping styles preferred by most fountain pen enthusiast. 

Tripod Grip: This is a precise gripping style to use fountain pen. It offers a delicate balance and ensures the placement of nib at an angle of 45 – 60 degrees. 

Forefinger-Up Grip: Like the Tripod grip, this style of gripping also ensures the placement of the nib at an angle of 45 – 60 degrees. Plus, the forefinger on the top of the pen allows a distinct control of pressure while writing. 

Thumb Wrap Grip: Unlike the Tripod and Forefinger-Up grip, this style of gripping is not recommended for fountain pen users. In this method, the pen is vertically aligned with the surface which may distort the control and balance resulting to a nasty penmanship experience. 

Paper Quality: Horrible paper is a major element which results to horrible writing experience. If the paper is thin and rough, even the finest pens will perform ineptly. Bleed through is also a common problem with cheap and thin papers. These kinds of papers soak maximum amount of ink and bloat your writing. If you are using a fountain pen, it’s best to use genuine papers from companies like Rhodia and Letts of London. 

Ink: Low graded watery inks are another factor that results a nasty writing experience. So, to enhance your joy of writing it’s best to use lubricated inks from genuine companies like Diamine Ink and Noodler’s Ink. Lubricated inks will reduce nib friction, and offer you a better feel while jotting down your words on a piece of paper. 

Fountain Pens for Starters: 

I know there are lots of fancy pen on the market, but I would not recommend them for starters. For pen enthusiasts who are ready to plunge into the world of fountain, here are few options to start with. 

Lamy Safari: After stalking through different pen forums and grabbing suggestion from pen enthusiasts, I came to know Lamy Safari resides on the top of the chart when it comes to fountain pens for beginners. The cost of the pen is below $30 and is definitely the best price for its value. 

Pilot Namiki Retro Collection: Stylish, classy and trendy the Pilot Namiki Retro Collection offers a versatile array of fountain pens designed for beginners. The pen features classic cigar shaped profile accompanied by a sturdy steel nib that glides perfectly without any sign of skips. Easily available in the market below $20.

Noodler’s Konrad: From my personal perspective, Noodler’s Kornrad is a unique array of fountain pens for beginners. The pen costs less than $40 and offers a premium penmanship experience. Each Konrad pen includes a sturdy steel nib and a balanced profile which slips perfectly between your fingers. 

How to Take Care of Your Fountain Pen

• Always cap your pen after you finish your writing. If left open, the nib might dry up and may cause scratchiness.

• I would probably recommend you guys to flush your fountain pens at least once a month. By doing so, you can get rid of the ink clots building up inside the cavities of nib and feed. 

• Personalize the pen. The writing mechanism of a fountain pen is different than that of a ballpoint pen. With continuous writing, the nib will adapt your writing style. If you let someone borrow your fountain pen for a long period of time, they might wreck the nib and it may not perform as well as it used to.

Summing Up

There you have it!!! I have conveyed the basics required to dig into the world of fountain pens. A fountain pen is always an ideal companion to have; it serves as a long term friend and adjusts to your own style of writing. Besides, fountain pens are cost effective. Unlike ballpoint pens, they are not meant to be thrown away after the ink runs out. And, there is something amusing about fountain pens that compels us to take good care of it. So, if you have an immense desire to embark your fountain pen journey, then now would be the right time to start. 

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Writer Corner

There are many ways we find to express ourselves. In this fast paced technology world there is an abundance of ways to do so. Many well-known authors from the past and present prefer the feel of a fine writing instrument in their hand while composing.

Starting with his 1994 novel “Stardust” fantasy author Neil Gaiiman first used a Waterman pen with a large notepad. He enjoyed creating with a fountain pen. He now utilizes over 60 different pens which include, Visconti, Pilot Custom 823 Amber and Delta. Dylan Thomas preferred the popular Parker 51 fountain pen with its fast-drying ink. A comparable Parker pen today is the Parker 100 series. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the mastermind behind sleuth Sherlock Holmes, composed many of his works with a Parker Duofold pen. According to husband Ted Hughes, Sylvia Plath constructed her writings using a Sheaffer pen.

http://www.penboutique.com/sheaffer-300-glossy-black-fountain-pen.html
http://www.penboutique.com/parker-duofold-lapis-lazuli-blue-gt-international-fountain-pen-fine.html
http://www.penboutique.com/waterman-hemisphere-essential-black-ct-fountain-pen.html

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Mother’s Day Moment Winner

***************************WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT *************************

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Heather Laishley.

Sharing her Mother’s Day Moment on our Facebook timeline, Heather Laishley wrote, “One of my many favorite Mother's Day moments with my mom is when I bought her a ring that she really wanted. Also bought her the matching charm for my little brother to give to her. The smiles on our faces and the tears that filled her eyes I will never forget.” The gesture she made to her mother on Mother’s Day didn’t only win her our hearts but also earned her the most likes in the contest. And so as per the rules of the contest, Ms. Laishley has won “Waterman Elegance Ivory GT Fountain Pen” worth $555.00.

Pen Boutique hopes she enjoys using the Waterman fountain pen, as much as she has enjoyed winning it. Congratulations once again!!

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Ink Trivia

You have more choices than you think. Blue writing ink is the most popular color used for pens. To simply say you want to use blue ink does not narrow it down as to your choice. As with many colors, blue ink is available in many shades such as Sapphire, Regency, Blue Velvet, Royal, Midnight, Imperial, Cobalt, Cerulean, Electric, Blue Suede and Mediterranean. Pen Boutique also carries many brands that offer blue including Waterman, Parker, Noodler’s Ink, Pilot-Namiki, Cross, Lamy, Diamine, Faber-Castell, Sheaffer, Montblanc and Sailor.

Question: What color helps you to remember?



























Answer: You are more likely to remember something if you write it down in blue ink.

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Share your favorite Mother's day moment

                         Share your favorite Mother's day moment - Mother's Day Contest Details

Share your moment and Win the Pen Boutique Contest !

We are giving our Facebook fans a chance to win "Waterman Elegance Ivory GT Fountain Pen" Worth $555.00

a. Like our Page to become a fan!
b. Submit your  favorite moment with your Mother that you remember below in our timeline to Participate
c. Bring maximum votes on your wish with "Likes"
d.Share the Current Post and Get 2 extra votes.
e. Win the contest

Ends: 9th May 2015

We are hosting this "Share Your Moment" for our Pen Boutique fans. The winner of this contest will be announced on our Timeline and Pen Boutique blog ( blog.penboutique.com) on Mother's Day (10th May 2015).

The Prize

Waterman Elegance Ivory GT Fountain Pen 

Total GiveAway

1 winner

Shipping

Free shipping to Winners within USA.International participant shipping will be additional and you can also add it free to your any pending orders.

Eligibility

All the citizens from USA with valid Facebook ID are encouraged to participate.International customers are welcome to participate but shipping will be additional and you can also add it free to your any pending orders.

Winner Selection

There will be random selection of 1 winners from the total participation.We choose random person as a draw ( we write it down the name of the persons and do a draw on Mothers day.)

 More Legal Stuff

1.) This giveaway/contest is void where prohibited by law. The contestants assume the total responsibility of knowing their local laws in regard to "Share Your Moment" Contest ! and are subject to any local, state, national or international laws. Friendship Circle accepts no responsibility for making these individual legal determinations.

2.) Winner are solely responsible for any taxes on their respective prizes.

3.) No substitution of prize is offered.

4.) Prizes are non-transferable.

5.) Prizes should be claimed within 30 days of the announcement of winner. Any claims made after 30 days will be considered void. Pen Boutique, Limited, USA, is not responsible for any such claims after that time.

6.) If a prize, or any portion thereof, cannot be awarded for any reason, Pen Boutique, Limited, USA, reserves the right to substitute a prize with another prize of equal or greater value. That determination will be made by Pen Boutique, Limited, USA.

7.) Winners must verify their email and shipping address when contacted via email address on file.

8.) Winners name may be used on future Pen Boutique, Limited, USA, marketing media, including, but not limited to Facebook, website & blog

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Top 5 Gifts this Christmas season

With the traumatic event known as Black Friday over, it is finally Christmas’s turn to have the spotlight. (Cause if we’re going to be totally honest, it is a bit annoying seeing Christmas commercials three days after Halloween. Wait your turn!) Now, the cool autumn evenings have given way to colder nights. Salvation Army advocates and volunteer Santa’s dot every street corner, filing the air with the crisp, ringing of bells. And for those who still believe, there’s a gentler, lighter sound that only those who believe can hear. (Please tell me you saw The Polar Express.) Houses and stores alike are filled with the calming smell of gingerbread men, fruitcake and nutmeg, all collaborating into an atmosphere that can only be described as ‘home for the holidays’. Undeniably, this is a lovely time of year.
Yes, yes, yes, Christmas is all nice and rosy – in retrospect. In the middle of the day, however, when you’re rushing around once again dealing with the annual stress of the year, the whole thing seems ridiculous. You have to think about what gifts to give – since when did I know so many people? – how much you should spend, and how creative you should be; all with the ever-present thought that you will most likely face the new year with red all over your bank accounts. (“Happy New Years! You’re bankrupt!” “Yeah! Paarrtaaayy—wait. What?”)
I ask you, why? Why bother showering your friends and relatives with expensive yet pointless gifts? It’s just one more thing for them to toss in the bottom drawer of their desk, never to be used again. (Or, they end up using it for ten years and when someone asks, “Where did you get that?” They gaze at it momentarily before giving a dismissive, “I don’t remember.”) I won’t be unreasonable: expensive gifts are nice, but I believe that most people respond more positively to a gift from the heart than any Pandora bracelet you just happened to pick up at the mall. So think more traditionally this year and play around with the idea of just giving someone a special keepsake this year. Pens are, undeniably, the most underappreciated gift ideas ever, and this season the Pen Boutique wants to rectify this presumption. Pens are the tools by which civilizations have risen and met their downfall. The instruments that have, since their genesis, drawn the design of our world and they continue to map out what the future has in store. Not only that, but pens are just a pleasure to possess. A beautifully constructed pen, picked out of thousands for its individual style and finesse is a lifelong companion that simply cannot be beat.
In fact, we have made it even easier for you this holiday season and picked out our top five favorite pens, each one more breath-taking than the last:
5. The Parker Ingenuity. The new Ingenuity series encompasses all of the beneficial designs of a ballpoint, rollerball and fountain pen all in one cleverly designed model. Each member of the collection is made with Parker’s unique 5^thgeneration technology that gives a stunning performance every time. Each member of the collection offers an effortless flow of ink that glides smoothly over any surface. Thanks to this technology, each pen’s tip is designed to adjust itself to your individual writing style after only a few uses. The flexible tip is covered by a finely engraved, metallic hood which work together to imitate the feel of a fountain pen nib. Though there are dozens of color combinations, each Ingenuity pen has a classic and elegant finish. They are lacquered in deep gloss and adorned with Parker’s emblematic ciselé pattern on both the grip section and the metallic ring on the cap. In this display of design dominance, Parker has brought to life the best of not only two, but three worlds. This new generation is a force to be reckoned with, and their era of trendsetting has only just begun.
4. The Lamy Dialog (Black & Silver). Arriving straight from Germany, Lamy’s Dialog3 Black Matt Fountain Pen and Silver Fountain Pen are the first generation in a brand new field of pen mechanics. Devoid of a cap, these pens use a fascinating twist-action mechanism built into its barrel. Once turned, a rounded cover slides back and the retractable 14k gold-plated nib glides out smoothly. When closed, the covering creates an air-tight seal that prevents the nib from drying out or getting dirty. Unobtrusive, innovative and so smooth it belongs in a James Bond movie, the Lamy Dialog3 is the perfect present for anyone who values elegance and style.
3. The Visconti Rembrandt Collection Fountain Pens. Every single Visconti Rembrandt pen is handcrafted. Each and every one is individually made so each gets the proper care and attention it deserves as a future masterpiece. This collection has its own sense of beautiful ingenuity and silky elegance that is extraordinarily hard to find. Their bodies are made out of a smooth, slick variegated resin that is shined to such a high gloss that it’s almost reflective. The nibs are made of strong steel and engraved with the Visconti symbol and name. The body colors are available in ivory white, blue, purple and red. Accenting these beautiful colors are the silver-colored accents making up the pens’ rings and clips. Classic, affordable, and with Visconti’s unparalleled dedication to art, this collection comes the closest I’ve ever seen to perfection.

 
2. The Waterman Expert and Hémisphère Collections. Subtle sophistication with a clean, contemporary design and well-crafted quality, Waterman presents two lines that have earned their places among the best of the best. Like all great classics, the Expert and Hémisphère families know the ins and outs of power, style, and finesse. Despite their long heritages, each new member brings its own flair of modernity without losing its traditional dependability. The Expert Deluxe Fountain Pen and the Waterman Expert Black Lacquer are the forerunners in the Expert’s new generation of design. Each has bold, sleek black barrels artfully complimented by smooth chrome accessories. Even bolder than these are Hémisphère’s Shimmery Blue and Starlight Chrome, just to name a few. Each and every member of this line sports colors of such vibrancy that they almost appear fluorescent. For a more time-honored route, however, choices like the Waterman Expert Urban and Waterman Expert Smart are the way to go. Comet Red and Mars Black, despite their monochrome coloring, manage to encompass boldness and beauty into a design that is just as stylish as it is dramatic. Suave, sophisticated, but no less dashing, these gems are the quintessential embodiment of a Waterman classic. Young or old, traditional or contemporary, these series are designed to fill everyone’s needs.
1. The Montblanc Meisterstück: Classique Collection. The Meisterstück line from Montblanc has never disappointed, and the Classique collection is not exception to this rule. This series is part of a family that has consistently been at the top of its game from the very moment it was first released. Each and every Classique, from the Platinum Ballpoint Pen to the Gold Rollerball have their own unique personalities, but they all do have uniting characteristics. Their bodies are made from the precious, smooth black resin that Montblanc is known for. They all have at least three plated rings that are skillfully embossed with the Montblanc brand name. Clips are plated and engraved with individual serial numbers, giving each its own unique individuality. The Classique is a masterpiece that is sure to warm your heart and your home this holiday season.

Bonus!
(Don’t look surprised, you know how we like to spoil you.)
The Noodler’s Ink Ahab. Much like Noodler’s other flex pens, the Ahab is made from a sturdy celluloid derivative that, technically, makes it biodegradable. This creation comes in a number of beautiful vibrant colors like Burmese ruby, carniolan honey and maximilian emerald, each reminiscent of the holiday season. Its unique design manages to be ingeniously simple. Its entire body can be easily disassembled and put back together, making cleaning a breeze. The nib is made of a durable flex nib that can switch from medium to broad depending on how much pressure you apply. Stylish and affordable, the Ahab is the perfect stocking stuffer for this holiday season.
So all in all, take a chance this holiday season! Don’t let the holiday stress or traditional expectations prevent you from giving something truly meaningful this year. Be brave, be bold! because I assure you, not a single one of these gifts will disappoint.

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When time passes by...

Pen Boutique been online for 5 years and all these years we grew by learning from others. We looked upon others to learn how they do things. The dealers in writing instruments have experience of decades and we were a child in this whole scenario. We started when the recession was over and just with a hope that our passion can help us to channel our energy where our heart lies - Fine pens.

We were only thinking that we will have something very nice and small and help the niche customers.

"There were no big ambitions, just try to do something.. something with our lives to make it more meaningful..."

We were ready to put our hearts in customer service and make it the priority. What we did not expect was that there would be so much love from customers that we kept on growing at rapid pace. We never know how time files.. We were chugging through the recession and today we are one of the largest dealers of fine pens in US. We are one of the top dealers of Montblanc Pens , waterman pens, Faber castell pens , Pelikan pens. In between we opened up another store, also expanded our online operations.

The success can attributed only because of the love of the customers. We are blessed with one of the finest customer base. We recently sent out a survey to our customers hoping that there will be some reply and we can work on it to improvise. What we did not expect was an overwhelming response as to what we can do to make things even better. We have noted every one of your comments and we will try to implement them.

We always wanted to write a blog, express ourselves but in between our work and sleep we never had time :-) Hopefully, we will have a continuation this time and hoping that we will be able to communicate even better with our customers.

Thank you all for the wonderful support. Writing makes one remember things. When I used to be in college, the professor used to say that while reading if you want to remember the points to write, first read the book, understand it and then write it. If you are able to write all the points without seeing the book, you have understood it. Otherwise, you need to go back and start reading until you can write without seeing the text in the book.

It is been a wonderful journey so far and we are hoping that we can serve our customers even better.

Thank you,

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