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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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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Thoughtful Valentine’s Gifts List

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Less than ten days to go before the day of love arrives in shades of pink and red, and tiny hearts patched all over it. If you have already got the perfect gift for your significant other, kudos to you. But if you haven’t, chances are that so far you have no gift ideas and may be you never will. This is where we step in. We bring to you an assortment of gift ideas that might be your only saving grace, come 14 February.

1. Letts of London Verona Lilac Pocket Academic Diaries

Isn't it pretty?

The pocket sized academic calendar could be a way of saying “Every step you take, I will be with you”. It is unconventional but what is a Valentine’s gift if it is ordinary. The sturdy faux leather cover is a soft shade of pink with lilac imprints on them and comes with a ribbon bookmark. The white pages inside features holiday information, dates and weeks, notable dates and more handy information. It is a great gift for a girly soul who likes to keep organized. Plus it is easy on the wallet.

2. Napkin Forever Cuban Inkless Pen

Forever and ever

For the one that you wish to be with forever, what better gift than one that would last forever. Napkin Forever Cuban Inkless Pen is a stupendous pen crafted from recycled wood. Ergonomic in design (so that your loved one should never experience hand fatigue and cramps again), the pen features an alloy metal for a tip which scribbles just like the graphite tip of a pencil, but it is inerasable. And the metal alloy doesn’t wear down, making the Cuban Forever an everlasting gift.

3. Parker IM Premium Pink Pearl Ballpoint Pen

Pink Parker

The pen is a beauty. The metal body has cool blocks-like patterns engraved on it and is complemented by chrome trims. It is smooth and elegant, and while it looks delicate and soft, is pretty sturdy in built. It can easily be an everyday pen. You can also find it in fountain pen mode if you would prefer that. It is just gorgeous. Just not as gorgeous as your beloved.

4. Pilot Namiki Vanishing Point Red/Rhodium Fountain Pen

Ravishing Red

It is unique, just like your S.O. Stylish, classy, different and pure joy to be with could be the adjectives that define your beloved and they do the same for the Pilot Namiki VP fountain pen. And what is more Valentine-y than a splash of bright red.

5. Eccolo Murano Glass Precious Red Heart Square Paperweigh

I could just melt

Personally, I totally have dibs on this and so should you. It is a stunning example of imperfectly perfect things. Handmade in Italy, no one piece is the same and there lies its uniqueness. And doesn’t the little red heart totally scream love? It is a masterpiece that would have anyone over the moon upon receiving it.

6. Retro 51 4 EVER Tornado Popper Twist-top Rollerball Pen - Limited Edition

Retro way to ask her out

What better way to ask someone out on Valentine’s Day than to let a pen do all the talking. The “Be Mine, Hold me, Wink Wink” cover on the Retro 51 4 Ever Tornado Popper Rollerball Pen is really sweet and a limited edition. Pair the gift with some flowers and a box of chocolates and sweep your love off her feet.

7. Caran d' Ache Wenger Swiss Red Small BP Gift Set

Everything you need

The gift set is the coolest thing to gift your loved one, who is always up for outdoor activities and going around fixing things.

8. Waterman Carene Glossy Red Ballpoint Pen

Red Hot

So what if you cannot gift them a yacht, the streamlined Waterman Carene Glossy Red Ballpoint Pen will do the magic. It is a beauty in its own right and will lighten your wallet a bit too. But it is worth every penny.

You are welcome!!

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This Christmas the new arrivals and presents go hand in hand.

I was quite proud of my local television broadcasters this year – I only saw one Christmas advertisement before Halloween. It was quite a shock, and even after a week I’ve only seen a dozen of them at best. (Though now that I think about it, it may have been because of the recent influx of political ads. Thank goodness that’s finally over.) Though Christmas seems to be taking a laid-back approach this year, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should. In fact, this is the perfect opportunity to get most, if not all, of your Christmas shopping done before the season gets into full swing.
So to avoid what will eventually become a serious case of “Last Minute Shopping” fever – which will undoubtedly end up with you fighting with a haggard middle-aged woman in the middle of Bed, Bath and Beyond over the last heated back massager – get your shopping done early and efficiently. Better yet, why not take the stress of leaving your house and hustling through crowded marketplaces for hours on end out of the equation entirely? Shopping online is quick, easy, and something you can do at home in your PJs with a cup of hot chocolate. (Which is probably the best way to do anything, now that I think about it.) So sit back, relax, and enjoy perusing the internet, because this season is bringing vast and varied collections that are sure to make the perfect gifts for the entire family.
First and foremost in this impromptu Christmas collection is the Parker Ingenuity Large Red. It is a beautiful limited edition piece that pays tribute to one of the most sacred mythical creatures in Chinese history. In honor of 2012 being the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese calendar Parker has created a piece that is just as breathtaking as it is culturally inspiring. Its sturdy body is coated with vibrant, maroon-colored Chinese lacquer. A striking, gold-plated acid-etched dragon wraps around the barrel in a pleasantly exotic design. The gilded creature is beautifully complimented by the 1.2mm gold plated barrel, cap and gold PVD trims. Completely an already enticing offer is the Ingenuity’s legendary flexible tip. Famed for its intuitive adjustment to the user’s writing style, it provides an exceptionally smooth and fluid writing experience.

Second is a pen that, instead of being held back by its seemingly simplistic style, is curiously liberated by its translucent design. The Visconti Opera Crystal Demo Fountain Pen is made of a special material that displays its clear showcase resin. It possesses a durable, chromium 18 SmarTouch tubular nib that is beautifully engraved with the Visconti logo. It uses a finely cared double reservoir Snorkel Filler that is included in the striking black and cream colored case. (It’s almost like gift-wrapped snow!)

Next is one of the many cleverly constructed pieces in Pilot Namiki’s Vanishing Point collection. While the many others have been bright and fluorescent, the Gunmetal Black Matte has a sleek and stylish look all its own. Its retractable, 18K gold rhodium-plated nib has the ability to completely disappear into the Black Matte’s durable metal body. The smoky, dark-silver coloring gives the barrel a decidedly noir look that compliments cool, crisp Christmas nights.

Finally, there is Porsche’s new TechFlex collection. Now that they’ve proven they can build something more than some of the world’s nicest cars, Porsche is trying its hand at revamping its very first collection. The TechFlex’s chic, basic black coloring provides a sleek and exciting new look for this classical series. The extraordinary barrels are made out of fine stainless steel threads that are finished with a special PVD coating. The front and end areas are reinforced with a scratch-resistant PVD coating. The fountain pen’s elegant look is effortlessly polished off by a beautiful, completely rhodinized 18K gold nib. Please note that right now new techflex are Preorders and they would be just in time for Christmas . Now if ordering techflex as a Christmas gift is an risk go for the ever popular shake pen with the new 2 colors Black and Silver .The Porsche Design Shake Pen is regarded as a high-tech pocket ballpoint pen. A particularly impressive feature is the innovative “shake” technology: A short, quick flick of the wrist causes the cartridge to extend or retract.


Every one of these lovely treasures would make an excellent gift this holiday season. From the Parker Ingenuity Red’s fiery appeal to the Vanishing Point’s exotic allure, these pieces can cater to everyone’s preferred type. Whether they like dazzling fluoresce, radiant simplicity or refined stylishness, none of these pieces will fail to impress. Each and every one is top notch, top of its class and is sure to be at the top of your list this holiday season.

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Pilot Namiki Iroshizuku Fountain Pen Bottle Ink

So much ink and so little time .Not fair.
Seventeen colors from a single manufacturer, that’s a lot of ink . I wish I could use every color with my Namiki Vanishing Point Fountain Pen (Broad Point). Slowly, I will fulfill that wish but right now I tried a few colors that looked very appealing to me.
So I started my quest of filling the so called Pilot Namiki Iroshizuku Ink Bottle to know what the buzz is all about.. First I filled the pen with tsukushi(Field HorseTail) . This is a Reddish Dark Brown colored ink . Namiki Vanishing point Fountain Pen comes with converter . Now the best part about a converter with a nib is that we can have different converter filled with different colored ink and that helps to avoid cleaning the nib when you want to change the color of ink. Hats off to Pilot Namiki to bring in this technology which helps fountain pen lovers to try different color without having to undergo the pain of cleaning the nibs. I started to write in my to-do lists of Filofax Finchley Filled Organizer Pocket Size Black

The drying time of the ink is little high when compared to other inks. But again that depends also on the paper used. On the filofax organizer paper ,it took around 3-4 seconds to dry and on an ordinary white paper,it took lesser time to dry.
These luxurious line of ink from Pilot Namiki were created to reflect the beautiful natural scenary of Japan ,different local flowers and fruit. The bottle is truly gorgeous and will fill your fountain pen with different colors for different season.Try Winter with Old Man Winter (fuyu-syogun) ,summer with Deep Cerulean Blue or Sunset (yu-yake) and Fall with Autumn Shower (kiri-same) or Autumn Leaves (momiji)
1) Tsuki-yo Night Sky (Greenish Deep Blue) would compare it to the Blue-Black Color . It contains more Green to be called a genuine blue-black.It has a moon-ish color . (“tsuki” means moon ).
2) Tsukushi Field Horsetail - This is the ink that matches the color of my Namiki Vanishing Point Fountain Pen.It is nice chocolate based brown and there is bit of reddishness in the color.Its based on a grass named horsetail which is basically green in color .But the color which Pilot thought about when making the ink was dried horsetail.( I don’t know…iam just guessing it wild(weed?))
3) Asa-gao Morning Glory (Vivid Purplish Blue) . The first color that came in my mind when I saw it was the the J. Herbin's Eclat de Saphir. I put 3 drops on a J Herbin Blotting Paper

One observation of the ink is that it is not as viscous as J Herbin ink.
The color is based on the flower Morning Glory found in Japan . This flower was introduced to the Japanese in the 9th century, and they were first to cultivate it as an ornament

4) Tsuyu-kusa Asiatic Dayflower
Based on the flower shown below .It is considered to be in the weed family but is also consumed as leaf vegetable in Japan and other countries in Southeast Asia.

5) Ajisai Hydrangea – this shade of blue is reminiscent of the image of raindrops nestling on its petals.

The color of this ink is based on the flower Hydrangea which blooms during early spring to late autumn .There are many varieties of this flower with different colors.Out of that the following varieties are found in Japan Hydrangea hirta, Hydrangea involucrata, Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea serrata. Hydrangea is a common flower in China than Japan.
6) Kon-peki - Deep Cerulean Blue - expresses the color of a vast and clear summer sky.

7) ku-jaku Peacock – a green color which evokes visions of the stark and vivid feathers of the richly multicolored peacock.

8) Yama Budo Crimson Glory Vine – this red embodies the bright and ripe fruit of the wild, yet subdued crimson glory vine. I wish they made wine with this vine. The fruit resemble red grapes..but it is not red grape.The color is an exact match to red wine.

9) Tsutsuji - Azalea – a red hue like the common red amongst the myriad hues of the Azalea flowers.
Are you a Sagittarian? This ink may bring you luck. The color of the ink is based on the flower Azalea which is the flower for astrology symbol Sagittarius.
Amazing snap of Azalea in mountainous region of Japan.


10) Yu-yake Sunset – an orange hue like sky, painted by the evening sunset on clear day.
There are no more apt words to describe sunset than the poem by Victor Hugo
Synopsis of the poem
I love the evenings, passionless and fair, I love the evens,
Whether old manor-fronts their ray with golden fulgence leavens,
In numerous leafage bosomed close;
Whether the mist in reefs of fire extend its reaches sheer,
Or a hundred sunbeams splinter in an azure atmosphere
On cloudy archipelagos…………..
All vanishes! The Sun, from topmost heaven precipitated,
Like a globe of iron which is tossed back fiery red
Into the furnace stirred to fume,
Shocking the cloudy surges, plashed from its impetuous ire,
Even to the zenith spattereth in a flecking scud of fire
The vaporous and inflamèd spaume.

Caran D Ache “Colors of the Earth” Ink Bottle with Saffron color is very much similar to the color of Yu-yake.If you are a color freak,this one should find a place in the collection .



This is the second color that iam testing on Blotting Paper . If you look closely into the ink of Pilot,it looks like it is more watery than other inks. This may be the reason why Pilot Namiki’s ink is more smoother while writing.
11) yama-guri Wild Chestnut – a brown color similar to the image of a ripe, fallen chestnut shell during the longing season of autumn.

12) fuyu-gaki Winter Persimmon –The color of this ink is based on an orange similar to the shade of a lusciously ripe persimmon.

Now there is an interesting fact about Winter Persimmon. According to folklore (which means it hasn't been scientific proven, or disproved), the severity of approaching winter can be cutting open a persimmon seed and looking at the shape of the kernel inside. Hold the seed carefully with a pair of needled-nose pliers and use a paring knife to slice it open.
If the kernel is spoon-shaped, lots of heavy, wet snow is forecasted.
If the kernel is fork-shaped, powdery light snow and a mild winter is predicted.
If the kernel is knife-shaped, bitter icy cutting winds for next few months will occur.
It is recommended to cut at least ten seeds to determine the outcome of the kernel shape.
Iam glad that Pilot had one color which is based on Edible fruit.

13) syo-ro Dew on Pine – a green shade similar to a dewdrop reflecting pine needles.
14) shin-ryoku Forest Green – embodies the unchanging color of a dense evergreen forest in a long winter.
15) kiri-same Autumn Shower – a grey shade like a landscape expectant of winter.
16) fuyu-syogun -Old Man Winter – a grey conjuring up the image of the cold, clear air of the severe winter season.
17) Shin-ryoku –Deep Green – The inks are based on the flower and the natural beauty of Japan. So this ink
The bottle is cleverly done. It’s pretty tall and narrow .It holds 50ml of ink. The opening of the bottle is also quite wide for bigger pens to be dipped or filled. There is an triangle shaped depression in the bottom of the bottle (as shown in image below) which allows us to enjoy the last drop of ink(afterall we need to get that last drop as the ink is not cheap)

Colors are saturated and lubricated
In short this can be rated as one of the most beautiful ink ever produced (I know lots of MontBlanc ,Aurora or J Herbin ink lovers would be raising their eyebrow on this comment, at least the bottle deserves credit..come on) .The ink costs $35 a piece but we give a 20% discount and sell it for $28. Just for today/tomorrow ie October 15th 2010,for the agony of reaching until here reading my blog,I am giving additional $3 off using coupon code JAPAN3 at checkout.
Well..that’s a lot of writing and in the end , like the ink or not..I think I started liking Japanese..:)

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Pilot Namiki Vanishing Point 2011 Limited Edition Pink Fountain Pen–In Stock

Throughout its extensive history, The Namiki Pen Company has garnered most of its fame from its masterfully-crafted Japanese-themed pieces. Styled by the best artisans Japan has to offer, the artwork sculpted on their classic pen barrels and the intricacies of their mechanics have made Namiki a powerhouse in the world of pens. From Tokyo to New York City and back again, the name Namiki carries an unmatched reputation for high quality and design. This unfailing tradition will be continued this year when Namiki brings out the newest addition to their prestigious Limited Edition Vanishing Point Collection. This colorful and charming family will welcome the Namiki Pink Limited Edition 2011 Vanishing Point to its ranks; a lovely little pen proceeded by an enormous reputation. This latest installment has been eagerly awaited by pen enthusiasts around the world for months on end, and its limited numbers have made these pens even more desirable. With only 2,011 available world-wide and only 850 being released in the U.S.A., this edition would be the crown jewel of any enthusiast’s collection.
 

From the very beginning you are greeted with an artistic leatherette box that is striking in its elegant simplicity. It is kept closed by a magnetic clasp that is stylishly charming in its boldness. Yet the true enchantment does not begin until you unhook the clasp, open the lid and behold a divine treasure precisely placed upon a soft gray cloth. Whereas most pens are nestled inside their own little slots inside their gift boxes, the Namiki Pink Limited Edition Vanishing Point is held down by a soft, smooth grey ribbon that is just tight enough to keep the pen in place. It is a stunning presentation that exudes an air of elegance with a subtle hint of practicality.
Now, let us take a look at the very treasure that called us here in the first place. Deceptively simple, the Pink Vanishing Point is a masterpiece of creative design and ingenuity. Despite all of its internal mechanisms and design aspects, it’s much lighter than you would ever suspect. It is one ounce of evenly distributed weight that will make your writing experience all the more pleasurable. The pen’s body is colored a comforting, warm pink that is bright enough to be bold but not enough to be blinding. Instead, the gentle color wraps around the barrel like a suit of undeniable attractiveness and irresistible charm. The body’s metal is smooth to the touch, but ensures a non-slip grip. (Isn’t it just so irritating when your pen is so smooth it slips through your fingers every three seconds when you’re trying to write?) Two rhodium-plated rings encircle the pen’s center, bringing a cool gray breeze to a limitless sea of pink.
 

The two distinct ends of the Vanishing Point are also rhodium-plated, complimenting the pen’s base color beautifully. On one end is an artfully crafted click-action top that heralds in a new age of convenience for writing utensils. Just about every fountain pen on the market has a cap, leaving you with the dilemma of having to keep it somewhere it will be safe without disrupting the weight balance of your pen. Easily overcoming this dilemma that has been plaguing the pen-collecting community for decades, the Vanishing Point offers a quick, clickable solution. With just one click the 18k gold nib engraved with its own serial number and manufacturer’s name is revealed. With another click the nib – lo and behold – vanishes back inside the barrel. When the pen is not in use a small trap door closes over the nib and keeps it in a seal-tight chamber so the ink doesn’t dry out. On this same end is a slender clip made out of the same material as the other accents. It’s a rather unusual design that may throw off first-time users, but never fear. You are sure to get used to it very quickly and after only a few uses it becomes a very endearing feature.
 

If a click-action pen is still just a little too inconvenient for you, or if you’re simply lazy – hey, there’s no shame in the game – you could always take a look at Lamy’s Dialog series and see if they’re up your alley. Namiki was the first to create a retractable nib for fountain pens, and Lamy has taken this idea and redesigned it in their own image. Instead of clicking, all you have to do is twist the bottom half of the barrel. A silver circular cover slides open and the nib, which is much larger than the Namiki one, slides out smoothly. Its convenience and versatility speaks for itself. Unfortunately, lacks the colorful yet tasteful appeal that Vanishing Points possess.
The Pink Namiki Limited Edition Vanishing Point is a work of art in its own right. It is part of a small, selective branch of limited edition pens that are known world-wide for their boldness, color and charisma that are impossible to replicate. The visual differences between the Limited Edition Vanishing Points and their Classic Vanishing Point counterparts are clear from just a passing glance. For example, the Namiki Vanishing Point Black Matt has a much more traditional air about it. Its charm lies not in its easily recognizable individuality, but in its solemn simplicity. Though it has the same 18k gold nib as the Limited Edition, its body is completely black. There are no silver accents, no breaks in color, no nothing. A sheet the color of a moonless night sky is carefully wrapped around the body of the pen, providing a vision of inexplicable beauty. No matter what your tastes, whether it’s vibrant colors and excitement or muted colors and serious traditionalism, Namiki has catered to them. Whether it’s the rainbow or the midnight sky, the choice is yours.

Pilot (Namiki’s mother company) has always produced practical, capable pens, and Namiki has always produced jaw-dropping, unimaginably beautiful ones. This year they have once again joined forces to create a pen that sets the standard for fashion, style, functionality and sensibility. Pens for The Limited Edition Vanishing Point Collection have always been created with the best of both worlds in mind, and 2011’s edition is no exception.

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Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen

Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen

Price: $19.00

With a simple and durable style, the Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen is an excellent choice for someone looking for an affordable and reliable fountain pen for everyday use.  With a sturdy metal body and steel nib, it is great for everyday use. This particular pen has a fine Japanese steel nib, while a medium nib is also available. The fine nib does the job with a surprising glide. Definitely a fine point, it is slightly scratchy without being abrasive or skipping. The pen posts well, has an average weight, and a good balance. The standard length and slightly rounded body make it comfortable to grip and easy to carry. The Pilot Metropolitan Lizard features a stylish matte gold finish and the subtle lizard print on the front of the barrel. There are an array of animal prints and colors to choose to match your personality! Practical yet with a simple sophistication, the Pilot Metropolitanis an extremely well priced pen that is perfect for beginners and well appreciated by experienced fountain pen writers.

Want to know about various pens and experience the world of ink?  Visit our store at Montgomery Mall , Bethesda or  ask a comment and will reply.


- Babak  ( Montgomery Mall Staff)

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Santa brings Pens as holiday gift this Christmas

With the holidays fast approaching(mine is all over,you can see that I haven't blogged for quite sometime now)  ,iam sure everybody have their shopping plans spread out for the entire month.Make this holiday a special one with gifts that are more sensible.Looks like one in three gift this season is going to be an iPad or iPhone. Technology changes every year and an iPad or iPhone may be a thing of past in a few years.Anyhow,how long does anyone carry a mobile phone. I still have the MontBlanc pen (in pristine condition) I got as Christmas gift 10 years back and the Nokia 3310 which was a fashion statement at the same time is not even carried by kinder garden kids.So this Christmas act smart and get a pen. Pen is a symbol of education and it never gives up on you…..
Pen Boutique has lined up top 5 gifts that you could give this season to your loved ones (or probably to the ones you are going to love ). This makes perfect sense and stays within your budget

Waterman Phileas Rollerball Pen

Starting from down ,the first one would be Waterman Phileas Rollerball Pen . This is an entry level pen that can be a perfect gift for pulling more of your friends and relative into the pen lovers world. This is an guaranteed “fall in love at first sight” pen with its well balanced and attractive look. Not to heavy and not to light,this fits the palm comfortably making writing smooth and elegant.The pen comes in a all familiar and beautiful clamshell box . And why not,for $60 (now going on sale 20% off) ,it fits your budget and makes a gift that is worth remembering you. Let me share a secret with you,this may be the first and the last pen some of them may get in their lifetime ,just for the simple reason that this pen will never give up as it has been used since last many years and there is not much complaining about it till now. And if you think Fountain pen makes sense try the Waterman Phileas Blue Fountain pen with Medium size nib(Unfortunately all the other colors just like the rollerball is discontinued and no longer available)

Parker Insignia Matt Black Chrome Trim Ballpoint Pen

Parker Insignia’s are one of the top selling series from Parker which has been around for more than 2 decades. This particular model of Parker was introduced in year 2005 and introduced with 3 colors(Satin Blue,Burgandy and Spiral Blue ..of course they are discontinued) The Insignia is officially discontinued in the year 2008. So this will be an special item in your collection now going at unbelievable price (keep an eye on our deal of the day where we sell it at lowest prices ever). The pen comes in a nice black colored gift box and is again a good deal for the holiday . The Parker Insignia stainless steel Gold trim is also available if you prefer to gift this.Retail Price of this pen is $50 and now its on 50% off for the holiday season. The stocks are depleting fast on this pen as it has been the bestseller for years.We were able to procure some good number of pens last month keeping in mind that this holiday we need everyone to get gifts!!!.

Lamy Safari Fountain Pen

Available in various colors ,the Safari is the most economical pen of the era. The pen’s body is made out of plastic which makes the pen very light and easy on hand. The flat section on the pen prevents the pen from turning around which aids a lot to write on a paper steadily.

The pen comes with a Cartridge ,packed in a gray cardboard box. You could use a Lamy Safari Converter with the pen or get genuine lamy cartridges of different colors.Please make sure that you use only Lamy converter and cartridge.
This Christmas, if you find a Lamy Pen in your Christmas stockings..I bet you are one lucky person.

Pilot Namiki Falcon Gold Fountain Pen

Available in 3 points (Soft Medium,Soft Fine and Soft Broad) Falcon heightens the writing pleasure the moment you start writing with it. This is one brand from Asia that is the top seller in US. The nibs from Namiki is the highlight of the pen. Made out of Gold, the nib is flexible and a perfect companion if you are one of those who writes by yourself sitting in that couch of yours all alone with your coffee,pen and paper.The pen comes with a 3 years warranty and a converter

MontBlanc Meisterstuck Gold Plated Trim Classique Ballpoint Pen

This has always been the number one seller for any season and this Christmas it stands number one without any surprises. MontBlanc has been a tradition for ages as an perfect thanksgiving and Christmas gift. I personally own one for more than 10 years now and it has been serving me like a charm without any complaints. I thank my sister for giving me this present(infact this was my first branded pen) and it still stays my favorite till date.As I said I have had this pen for ages and I love the feel of it in my hands. Nothing compares to the feel of a MontBlanc pen ,the right size ,the right weight and I recommend this a right gift this season.Apart from Gold Plated ,it is also available as Platinum plated .So ,if you want to gift a pen that stays in the good books of the person who received the gift MontBlanc is the name..


MontBlanc cannot be purchased online from any website. Pen Boutique is among the few authorized MontBlanc dealer in USA . Last thing you want to do this Christmas is to gift a knockoff MontBlanc . Don’t get rigged Call 1800-263-2736 for ordering a pen now.

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