Monteverde Rodeo Drive Collection

Monteverde Rodeo Drive Collection

Monteverde has been a symbol of unique style and taste from the day of its inception. Over the years, the brand has introduced an array of sophisticated writing instruments to create an everlasting impression, and they have succeeded to a point. It would be legit to say, Monteverde has paved its way to excellence with every product.

A new assortment of writing instruments from Monteverde is the Rodeo Drive series. This fine series is inspired by the glamour of Beverly Hills. Each pen exudes an astounding beauty and reflects the luxurious lifestyle in Beverly Hills. Though fancy, Rodeo Drive pens are made of solid brass and are durable. To add a unique sensation, each pen is coated with a layer of lacquer and is made available in four subtle stardust finishes (black, blue, green and orange). The astounding profile is accompanied by lustrous chrome plated appointments. What impressed me was the outer appearance; the gleaming profile of the pen is stunning. But, as attractive as the pen looks on the outside, the performance it gives on the paper is absolutely spectacular too. 

The Rodeo Drive collection is available in two different writing modes: ballpoint and fountain pens. The ballpoint pen features a smooth twist mechanism to ease the writing process. Chunky in appearance, the perfectly symmetrical profile of the pen is comfortable to hold and easy to write with. The smooth refill adds the missing ingredient and offers a pleasing writing experience.

On the counter side, the Monteverde Rodeo Drive fountain pens share an identical design with the ballpoint version, while the working mechanisms are totally poles apart. Rodeo Drive fountain pens feature a stainless steel nib, the performance of the nib is synonymous to gold-alloy nibs and almost glides throughout the entire writing process. The nib starts with a soft touch and keeps you away from the hassles of writing with cheap and nasty fountain pens. Rodeo Drive fountain pens fill via cartridge/converter. These fine writers accept standard international cartridges, but its best to go with converters as they allow you to use bottled inks.

Both Rodeo Drive ballpoint and fountain pens are amazing writing implements, in terms of both look and functionality. They have it all, nice design, luxurious finish, and a performance that will outstand even the most expensive writing tools. Writing with Monteverde Rodeo writing implements is fluent, and it might create an overwhelming notion in the mind of the writer.  And, with a large variety of colors to choose from, you won't have to feel trapped with the Rodeo drive collection.

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Time to Put Your Boat Shoes On!

     One of the things that Monteverde does right is stand out from the crowd.  No matter what, you are going to notice a Monteverde pen, whether it’s on a display shelf or in someone’s hand.  Taking a cue from the colorful flags flown at boat races, the Regatta Sport line mixes carbon fiber sections with either bright red or yellow, or a full carbon fiber design.  Not content with just these color choices, the Rose Gold Limited Edition was released.  Limited to just 999 pieces in Fountain, Rollerball or Ballpoint, these are some eye-catching pens.  Their limited edition number is laser engraved into the lacquer finish over the top most carbon fiber section.

     The Fountain and Rollerball versions both come with magnetic caps – no worry of cross threading, broken thread sections or stripped threads.  Even better, the magnet works  while either capped or posted.  The Ballpoint has a smooth mechanism and is compatible with Parker style refills, coming equipped with Monteverde’s own SoftRoll technology from the factory.  Each pen comes with a matching numbered box, while the Fountain Pen also includes a converter and cartridges.  These pens are ready to use and show off right out of the box.

     Due to their limited supply, there are not many of these pieces left.  Do note – if you are looking to use these pens, they are relatively thick-bodied.  The Fountain and Rollerball pens have slimmer sections under the cap, but the ballpoint is the same thickness throughout the whole body.  They all exhibit a good weight, as Monteverde pens usually do, and they all provide a good grip – these pens will not be slipping out of your fingers any time soon.

     The Monteverde Limited Edition Regatta Rose Gold is a collectible pen in any version.  The scarce supply and sharp looks add that much more to the desirability of this homage to racing.

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Ballpoint for Wannabe Engineers: Monteverede Tool 60

Pen review: Monteverede Tool 60

Something about this copper colored pen jumped out at me when I heard we would be receiving it. I've never been in the market for a tool pen, but in the store I'm always playing with the level of the regular tool pens. They're weighty pens, as many Monteverde's are, and have an interesting 3-sided shape with rounded edges. The copper coloring was what sold me-- I'm a serious sucker for anything even remotely related to copper material or color (have you seen the new Montegrappa Mule pen?!). 

This pen is good for:

- Budding engineers, architects, designers, or wannabes

- People who often say to themselves "I wish I had a ruler on me"

- People into weighty, well balanced, metal pens

- People who love copper colors

- People who use stylus' on phone or tablets

- Fans of the Monteverde Original Tool pen. 

Writing fantasy: Morning blue hour with my garage door open to the street. I'm measuring and cutting wood for a low bench I'm making for my friend's garden. Where did my ruler go? I take out my copper Tool 60 and double check that I measured the 4" correctly. 

Looks and color: I would describe the Tool 60 as fun, metallic pen with architectural influences. 

This is a triangular pen with slightly rounded off edges. It currently comes in 3 finishes-- Black, Copper and Grey. The Copper finish is on the lighter side, almost bordering on rose gold. The pens have a lovely brushed look and feel. It's a very unique looking pen-- I have never seen another pen like it. 

Most notably, this pen has 2 sides of the triangle marked with rulers-- one in inches and the other in centimeters. In the couple of weeks I've had this pen the ruler has come in handy the most, especially working at a pen store where I'm always measuring mystery refills that customers bring in. 

The stylus is made with a tightly-woven material-- a bit tan in color and looks far more sturdy than conventional plastic stylus'. There is a nice rounded clip that secures snugly to shirt or pant pockets. 

Feel and writing experience: The Tool 60 pen currently only comes in ballpoint and uses a mini ballpoint refill. It's sibling, the Classic Tool Pen, comes in fountain, pencil, ink-ball, and ballpoint. Writing with the Tool 60 is like a standard ballpoint writing experience, except the pen is nice and heavy allowing me to bear down on the paper with greater ease. 

The weight of the pen is a weighty, but not overly-heavy, feel. It is great for writing down quick notes, but I would never be able to write long letters with this pen because the pen's weight becomes too much for my small hands to handle after about 30 seconds of use. I personally do not enjoy the fat-line of the ballpoint refill, but I do not mind it for administrative work or quick notes to coworkers. 

The triangular shape with the rounded edges works very well for this pen. It serves as an awesome guide-point for a pen that is heavy enough that it may turn in the hand without some sort of anchor. 

The tip of the ballpoint is revealed and retracts by turning the grip section of the pen. It requires two hands, which doesn't bother me, but it may not be practical for people who are actually looking to use this pen while performing design or manual activities. 

It's a tool pen so this pen has a few additional notable features:

-THERE'S A SCREWDRIVER! The stylus screws off to reveal a Philips head and Flathead screwdriver. 

-Micro-weave stylus

-Level on one facet of the pen. 

-2 sets of rulers -- Metric and Imperial

Final thoughts: This pen is excellent for people who will be taking quick measurements and notes. If you're looking for a pen that is a functional, reliable ballpoint, and not looking for a tool to provide precise measurements then the Tool 60 is a good option. It's funky yet subtle and makes you feel super "mathematical" when using it. 

Shoot us an email at support@penboutique.com if you have any questions or if you just want to talk pens. 

Inked and ready,

Rachel 

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The New Monteverde Limonada

For that fun and stylish summer pen, Monteverde Limonada is a great choice that offers style, practically, and durability. The Limonada is one of the latest creations from by Monteverde and has an affordable price for one starting with fountain pens or looking for an everyday writer to carry on the go.
        
A flair of fun style, the pen comes in the following colors: Milano Black, Tivoli Yellow, Roma Gold, Torino Red, and Capri Blue. The Capri Blue has a good luster with shiny steel ascents that contrast well. The body and style are reminiscent of that fun Italian sports car one would love to ride. The contoured body offers a comfortable grip, which is thinner than the rest of the body. The body itself has a light weight and almost medium weight when posted. Don't let that fool you- the all brass body is durable and gives substance to the light pen.The cut-out stylish steel clip is firm and snug.
           

         

Writing with the pen is a pleasant surprise. The medium iridium steel nib is standard, yet is sufficient.When writing it is especially smooth on down strokes. Though a slightly firm steel nib, there is not as much feedback as one would expect. An added convenience is that a converter is also included and that the pen takes Standard International cartridges.

         

While it's still summer be sure to grab the refreshing Monteverde Limonada. A great pen for an affordable gift or a treat for oneself. With a variety of colors and an enduring body, the Limonada is this summer's special from Monteverde.

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Lokta Paper and Pen Matchups

 
Summertime is the time for Graduations, Father’s Day and Weddings. If you are looking for that perfect gift, consider the Monk Papers Stationery which can be paired up with numerous pens that we have in stock. Consider the following suggestions to get you started:

1. The Monk Paper Veg Dyed Fern Leaf Fuschia Travel Journal which pairs nicely with the Monteverde One-Touch Stylus Ballpoint Pink, One-Touch Skin Ballpoint Wild Pink or the One-Touch Pink Ballpoint.

 

2. The Lokta Hemp Fiber Stationery Box Set goes great with the Metropolitan Museum of Art Ball Point Pen, fashioned from the Magnolias and Irises leaded-glass window by Louis Comfort Tiffany. This would make a perfect gift for a graduate who is going off to college or for a bride to write personalized thank you notes.

3. A great gift for anyone who keeps a journal is the Monk Paper Tangerine Quotation Journal which pairs up nicely with the Limited Edition Copper Orange Fountain Pen, Rollerball or Ballpoint pens.

4. Feel free to pair the Monk Paper Veg Dyed Fern Leaf Teal Boxed Lokta Notelet Set with either the Metropolitan Museum of Art Van Gogh Irises Ballpoint or the Louis Comfort Tiffany Peacock Feather Favrile glass vase. These notelets can be used with silver, white or gold ink or as a cover for your own personal paper.

5. The Monk Paper Marigold Petal Stationery Set goes well with Metropolitan Museum of Art Lotus Sutra Ballpoint. A dainty set for a dainty lady celebrating a birthday, anniversary or graduation!

6. The bright and colorful Monk paper Batik Multicolor Patchwork Stationery Box Set is shown here with an array of Kaweco Sport ballpoints and pencils. These combinations should truly make writing fun for the young graduates!

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Monteverde Limonada Review

     

Monteverde Limonada

     


          For that fun and stylish summer pen, Monteverde Limonada is a great choice that offers style, practically, and durability. The Limonada is one of the latest creations from by Monteverde and has an affordable price for one starting with fountain pens or looking for an everyday writer to carry on the go.

          A flair of fun style, the pen comes in the following colors: Milano Black, Tivoli Yellow, Roma Gold, Torino Red, and Capri Blue. The Capri Blue has a good luster with shiny steel ascents that contrast well. The body and style are reminiscent of that fun Italian sports car one would love to ride. The contoured body offers a comfortable grip, which is thinner than the rest of the body. The body itself has a light weight and almost medium weight when posted. Don't let that fool you- the all brass body is durable and gives substance to the light pen.The cut-out stylish steel clip is firm and snug.

Monteverde Limonada

         
Writing with the pen is a pleasant surprise. The medium iridium steel nib is standard, yet is sufficient. When writing it is especially smooth on down strokes. Though a slightly firm steel nib, there is not as much feedback as one would expect. An added convenience is that a converter is also included and that the pen takes Standard International cartridges.

          

  While it's still summer be sure to grab the refreshing Monteverde Limonada.  A great pen for an affordable gift or a treat for oneself. With a variety of colors and an enduring body, the Limonada is this summer's special from Monteverde.

By: Montgomery Mall Store employee: Babak

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Caran d"Ache 849 Ballpoint Pen

I have had a Caran d"Ache 849 Ballpoint pen for over a year and it has never let me down. The hexagonal shape, the unique click forwarding device, the finely engineered push button mechanism and its compact, but not too small, pen size makes this one of my favorite pens that is always ready to go. In fact, I liked it so much that when my nephew started college I gave him one as a gift. I enjoy color options with my ink refills. Monterverde Parker Style gel refills fit snuggly in this pen. This allows me some of my favorite options with Turquoise, Blue/Black and Purple readily available.

The Caran d'Ache 849 Ballpoint pen now comes in a Goldbar design. It is coated in a gold-toned satin finish barrel and its fittings are plated with sparkling gold that easily pick-up the light. The outer box is almost as impressive, being made of the very same materials and resembling a gold bar. The box also sports a handy magnetic closing, so you can be assured that your writing instrument is secure. This beauty also has a gold plated clip which adds to its overall effect. No I do not NEED a new Caran d'Ache pen, but the ownership of this one is so inviting. I already know of the brand's reliability, so there is no trepidation in purchasing another. The time maybe now to treat myself to a gift!

 - Vicki (Pen Boutique, Ltd, 5560 Sterrett Place, Suite 101, Columbia, Maryland 21044)

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Monterverde Inspired by Regatta

A regatta is a series of boat races. The term typically describes racing events of rowed or sailed water craft, although some powerboat race series are also called regattas. A regatta often includes social and promotional activities which surround the racing event, and except in the case of boat type (or "class") championships, is usually named for the town or venue where the event takes place.

Although regattas are typically amateur competitions, they are usually formally structured events, with comprehensive rules describing the schedule and procedures of the event. Regattas may be organized as championships for a particular area or type of boat, but are often held just for the joy of competition, camaraderie, and general promotion of the sport.

North America’s oldest regatta is the Royal St. John’s Regatta in St. John’s, Newfoundland every year since 1826.

The Monteverde Regatta Sport Fountain Pen - Supreme Writing Performance! Regatta Sport Design completely echoes hi tech spirit through the pen featuring stealthy matte black trim and genuine carbon fiber bands between segments of boldly handcrafted resin rings.

Magnetic enclosure makes it faster and efficient. Fountain Pens are available in four different sizes: fine, medium, broad and stub.

http://www.penboutique.com/monteverde-regatta-sport-fountain-pen.html
http://www.penboutique.com/monteverde-regatta-sport-red-fountain-pen.html
http://www.penboutique.com/monteverde-regatta-rose-gold-limited-edition-fountain-pen.html


The Monteverde Regatta Limited Edition Fountain Pen - Rose Gold. Celebrating 10 years of the popular Regatta Sport collection, the new Regatta Limited Edition features rich rose gold in an outstanding combination with the familiar Regatta Sport design of polished carbon fiber.

http://www.penboutique.com/monteverde-regatta-rose-gold-limited-edition-fountain-pen.html

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My Top 10 Favorites

At Pen Boutique I have seen it all when it comes to pen. I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly, and while it is easy to pick out the rotten of the lot, it is never easy to pick out a favorite. Well, the list of good pens does run longer than the list of bad. But even if it were otherwise, the task of picking out the top 10 favorite pens would have been tough. At least it is for me, because I have always felt that my decision would hurt “the feelings” (of course, I know things don’t have emotions and NO, I am not crazy) of those which I don’t pick. So, whether it is a movie, a book, a shoe from my wardrobe or food, I can never decide my favorite. Yet, despite the agonies, just for you dear readers I have churned out a list of my top 10 favorite pens ever. So hold your breath and live this moment; I don’t do this very often.

In no particular order (for the fear of getting a stroke), here is my list of 10 favorite pens.

1. Namiki VP Carbon Fiber (M)

A fountain pen that is retractable – need I say more. And it is beautiful. Namiki Vanishing Point pen in carbon fiber finishing is a stunning example of art meeting architecture. I love the smart designing that has been put into the pen and it is a unique model that is worth investing in. And if design and structure wasn’t enough to get it scoring, the 18k gold nib fitted in the Vanishing Point is butter smooth. I have a medium nib in use and it is faultless. No wonder, it is in my list of favorite pens.

2. Visconti Demo Fountain Pen(F)

I have always had a great liking for transparent things, like the clear raincoat and umbrella. There is just something reassuring and comforting about being able to see what is going on behind the scenes. I have similar emotions for the Visconti Demonstrator. And while there are other transparent pens, what makes Visconti Demo stand out is that the clear barrel works double as an ink reservoir. A piston knob is at the end of the barrel for ink filling purpose. The pen is of a nice weight and the SmarTouch nib from Visconti gives a smooth performance on paper. It looks fantastic and writes well; what else does it take for a pen to be counted worthy for a “favorite list”.

3. Montegrappa Nero Uno Linea Rollerball Pen

Montegrappa Nero Uno Linea Rollerball pen stole my heart with its unpretentious style. While the traditional octagonal shape of the brand has been retained, it has been given a contemporary twist of conical alignment and grid patterns on the barrel and the cap. Made of deep, black resin, the pen feels great on hand, which encourages me to pick it up every time I write.

4. Waterman Carene Amber Shimmer Fountain Pen (M)

I share a fair amount of affinity for Waterman Carene Amber Shimmer fountain pen, because while it boasts a rather professional look, the lacquer work on it exudes of mischief and fun. There is something about it that is secretive and playful which is very appealing to me. I love the gold trims and the 18k gold nib which doesn’t fail when demanded of. And it has a comfortable weight when writing which is a bonus point to its already super fantastic performance.

5. Monteverde Artista Crystal Transparent Medium Demo

This just goes to show my aforementioned emotions towards transparent demo pens. And it comes in fun color options. Made of high quality acrylic resin, Monteverde Artista Crystal Transparent Medium Demo pen is light weight and writes decent with the iridium stainless steel nib. It easily fits the slot of an everyday pen and is super cool at being that.

6. Monteverde Impressa Fountain Pen (M)

I am fond of good pens, but I am fonder of good pens that come at surprisingly reasonable price. Speak of a pen that looks like $100 but costs $50 and you don’t have to look further than the Monteverde Impressa Fountain pen. With no engraving or embellishment of any kind on the entire body, the pen is the definition of “beauty in simplicity”. Coated in lacquer and highly polished, the fountain pen is presentable and writes very well too.

7. Monteverde Catalina Fountain Pen (M)

The resin body comes in three color choices and each one is reminiscent of the island the pen is named after. Just looking at the pen is enough to have you dreaming of warm, wet sand and cool, salty breeze of the sea. But what helps it make it to my favorite list is its deceptive size. The pen boasts a rich thickness but when held to write, it doesn’t have the heft you would expect. Pair this with a nice ink and you would add this to your everyday pen list.

8. Lamy AL-Star Fountain Pen (F,M,B,1.1)

Inspired by the Safari series of Lamy, the Al-Star fountain pen has inherited a lot of likeness to Safari, but has a sturdier aluminum body. It is the reason why the Al-Star is my preferred Lamy. Plus, while it is stocked with comfort, durability and rich color choices, it is not expensive. Add to that the interchangeable nib feature of Lamy and it scores another brownie point.

9. Fisher Space Pen Purple Passion Bullet Ballpoint Pen

First of all, I love the bright, succulent purple hue on the pen. It is just very attractive. Now, getting to why the Fisher Space Pen Purple Passion Bullet Ballpoint Pen is my top 10 favorite pen – it is a great pocket pen and it never fails to perform. It would top the list of an everyday pen for sure.

10. Fisher Space Infinium Titanium Nitride Ballpoint Pen

There was no way it was not going to be in this list for the simple reason that it will never run out of ink as long as I live. It seems to go on forever. And it has killer, tough looks and feels very comfortable when writing.

Let me know what would be on your “Top 10 Favorite Pens” list. Any thoughts on what should and should not have been on my list? Let me know.

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Let the season begin….

If there is one thing Americans are relatively modest about, it’s our sports teams. The Olympics, for example, are always a popular, but never fanatical, success. We go, we cheer passionately, we make sure we come home with the most medals (or at the very least more than China), we produce a few athletic starlets, and then we come home, safe and secure in our international athletic dominance. This of course isn’t to say that we aren’t fiercely proud of our athletes and the years of hard work and dedication they put toward their sports. The Fab Five are certified angels, our women’s soccer have won hearts on and off the field, our basketball boys have continued resoundingly demolishing the international competition and at the end of the day none of us are complaining. It’s just that, on a whole, compared to our northern neighbor’s borderline terrifying pride in their hockey teams, our transatlantic friends’ unfathomable loyalty to their soccer teams, and our southern neighbors’ who have actually started wars over the aforementioned sport, Americans enjoy a successful, but comparatively subdued feeling towards our teams.
Football is the exception.
The Canadian riots that take place at the conclusion of every Stanley Cup and the Brit’s unfailing loyalty to their soccer teams that, well, aren’t that good, all utterly pale in comparison to violent and undying allegiance Americans have toward their football teams. The dedicators typically fall into one of three categories: the casual but loyal fan, the fan who has made football a certified study and knows the statistics and trade history of every NFL player of importance, and the ‘die-hard heaven forbid you ever utter a single derogatory statement about their favorite team lest you risk having your lights punched out’ fan. (No exaggeration, I’ve actually seen grown adults get into physical altercations inside their place of business over football teams.) It doesn’t even matter how good or bad the team is – they can be the absolute worst team in the entire league – but if you get on the wrong side of a die-hard fan, you should never expect anything less than getting the stuffing beaten out of you in the dead of night and your car getting totaled via sledgehammer. (You think I’m joking? I assure you, my metaphors are quite tame compared to what actually happen to some poor unfortunate souls.) Believe you me, the shenanigans that goes on during Eastern European soccer matches is child’s play to veteran football fans, and from what I’ve seen in the news recently, that’s saying something.
September 5^th officially started this year’s football season, and the whole shebang won’t be over until February 3, 2013 with Super Bowl XLVII (47). Since we’re in the very beginning of the regular season, that coveted cup is up for grabs and it’s literally anyone’s game at this point (depending on who you ask). With all these new hopefuls arriving on the field this season, it’s only reasonable that you add a whole new lineup to your writing repertoire. The first player on the green is the Lamy 2000 Brushed Stainless Steel Fountain Pen. A staggering amount of manufacturing skills and precision levels were required to create this timeless design using only one material: stainless steel. After extensive processing and designing, the Lamy 2000’s finished product possesses a high-end, velvet, matt brushed body. Its seamless, partially hand-finished surface is shaped to provide the optimum in form and function. For those of you who want a little more color, Sheaffer and Scuderia Ferrari are proud to present the Sheaffer Ferrari 100 Rollerball Pen. Its sleek, bold design features either a fire red or midnight black body with silver-colored rings and accents. At the highest level of quality, each pen proudly displays the Ferrari emblem upon the cap and the renowned “White Dot” of excellence on the clip. Each instrument reflects the same profound passion, extraordinary talent and incredible expertise that drives the Ferrari company. (I will refrain from making an awful pun.) The last, but most certainly not least, player up for grabs is the Monteverde Poquito Stylus XL Ballpoint Pen. This pen has been redesigned with a consideration for convenience, practicability and stylish new colors. The soft rubber stylus is as responsive as fingers on a touch screen, but offers better accuracy and leaves no fingerprints. The piece is compatible with smart phones, tables, GPS, E-readers as well as public ATMS and airport kiosks. With colors ranging from Graphie Grey to violet to turquoise, this is a universal gift that any techie would love to have.
Whether it’s the aforementioned gems or one of the many others who have just arrived from the factory, you need to make sure you’re looking sharp this season. Your favorite teams certainly are, and how would it look if you didn’t represent them accordingly? So get your pens, get your jersey, get your giant foam finger, and get yourself to a TV, ‘cause this thing only comes once a year and it’s something you certainly don’t want to miss.

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