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Statistics |
| Unique Visitors: 71 |
| Total Unique Visitors: 182615 |
| Visitors Out: 383 |
| Total Visitors Out: 383 |
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| Unique Fountain Pens |
| 2008-04-04 06:54:00 |
Unique fountain pens aren't that easy to find – or to afford. Come to think of it, there are two options to get an absolutely like-no-other pen: either seek for some Mont Blanc Limited Edition with diamonds, produced in quantity of 3 items ever and never to be found in places other than high-rolling auctions like Sotheby's, or.. order the one for yourself. Surprisingly, the choice is nearly endless, and, unlike Mont Blanc works of art (I can't really refer to their diamond-encrusted models as to simply 'pens') costing hundreds thousands dollars, you can order a completely customized and unique fountain pen for under $200. And for that price you're going to have a whole lot of aspects to control and choose to your liking...
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| Beauty of Wood Fountain Pens |
| 2008-04-01 19:18:00 |
Dedicated pen collectors, passionate amateur lovers and all other "in-the-know" can easily draw a solid distinguishing line between professionally manufactured, mass-produces, mechanically engraved and encrusted writing instruments, and hand-crafted wood fountain pens. The latter items are pure gems in the eyes of connoisseurs treasuring the delicate uniqueness of each of the crafted pens. When you buy a pen from a world-renowned manufacturer like Sheaffer or Waterman, you can't really expect to get a unique piece of art. With wood fountain pens crafted by passionate amateurs it is a whole lot different story. You can communicate directly with the craftsman who produces wood fountain pens ...
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| History Behind Sheaffer Pens |
| 2008-03-14 07:38:00 |
Sheaffer pens were one of the "Big Four" American pen manufacturers of the classic era, and is probably the only one that today survives close to its original configuration. Although Sheaffer's ownership changed (it is currently owned by French based Bic Pen Company), they continue to design and manufacture the majority of their pens. It should be noted though that why Sheaffer is the original spelling, many people write it as 'Shaeffer' or even 'Schaeffer'. The Sheaffer story begins in 1907, when Sheaffer began work on his own unique fountain pen design. The invention of the lever filling fountain pen in Fort Madison (Iowa) gave a kick-start to a newly born penmaker. The fountain pens of the day were cumbersome and messy to change refill inks, requiring a...
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| Since First Fountain Pen Was Invented |
| 2008-02-14 03:36:00 |
There’s something very sensual about writing with a pen that uses liquid ink. Indeed, when writing with a fountain pen, the nib seems to positively glide across the page with such effortless grace as to make the physical act of writing a joy. Nowadays, if you like, you can buy plastic cartridges for a fountain pen. These little fellows practically eliminate any chance of a mess.So how did fountain pen start its history and made it into our high-tech era with wi-fi and keyboards?Hassan El Basha Mamoud an Egyptian scholar translated a manuscript from Fatimid dynasty dating to 969 AD, which talks about using a pen without an inkpot.This earliest historical record of a reservoir pen goes back to the 10th century. In 953, the Caliph of Egypt ordered a pen t...
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| Are you after uniqueness? Wood fountain pens will inspire you |
| 2008-02-11 17:46:00 |
Why wood fountain pens?Wood fountain pens have become very popular because of 3 main factors:1) Unlike mass-production pens, wood FP's are hand-made and each item is absolutely unique by the nature of its manufacturing;2) wood is the healthiest material out there, far more eco-friendly than those made of plastic or acrylic substance;3) Wooden fountain pens can be customized exactly the way customer wants. Engraving, colouring, type of wood, filling mechanism, nib - everything is up to customer's wishes.Wooden fountain pens are hand-turned using a lathe, and the essential tools necessary to create beautiful wooden products. The wood pens are made from exotic wood from countries such as Africa...
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| Omas 360 Collection of fountain pens |
| 2008-02-10 16:33:00 |
The Omas 360 Collection is the most revolutionary collection of writing instruments of our time. The Omas 360's triangular body is based on ergonomic principles, and combines a perfect grip and nib angle to permit fluid, uniform calligraphy with uninterrupted ink flow. The Omas 360 is streamlined and aerodynamic and equipped with a sprung and rigid nib. This Omas fountain pen is unique and guaranteed to attract interest and curiosity.First conceived over 12 years ago, the OMAS 360 with its triangular shape has remained a revolutionary design offering technical perfection, refined aesthetics and pure writing pleasure. OMAS now upgrades the oversized 360 with a few modifications: a flattened and tapered crown and pen e...
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| Omas 360 Snake Wood Fountain Pen |
| 2008-02-10 16:20:00 |
The Omas 360 Snake Wood Fountain pen combines the triangular form and full size of this pen with a snake wood overlay. Omas has solved a problem that plagued their wood pens in the past. Because wood is a natural material that shrinks and expands with the time because of changes in humidity, it was vulnerable to cracking, especially at the cap lip and at the edge of the barrel. This new wood fountain pen is banded at the cap lip and secured at the barrel edge, greatly minimizing this possibility. Even though snake wood is hard and dense, and the wood is sealed with varnish, please note that all wood pens need special care to avoid staining the wood with ink.Notice how different the color of...
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| El Grande Wooden fountain Pen |
| 2008-02-09 16:02:00 |
El Grande Fountain PensEl Grande Fountain Pen is known because of it's bold large barrel which has real therapeutic value for those who suffer from arthritis in the fingers. The larger barrel not only accommodates a more comfortable grasp with ease, but it also shows off brilliant colors and patterns more than other pens of smaller diameter.As with all of wooden pens, craftsmen hand-craft (cut, drill, turn, sand and polish to a smooth finish) this fountain pen from pieces of Camphor Wood, Black Ebony Wood and Green Malachite trustone and assemble to make a pen a complete unit.Wood fountain pens are individually handcrafted free-style, and not produced en mass.Materials used include, but not limited to Camphor Wood, Afric...
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| Fountain Pens have lived till modern days |
| 2008-02-09 15:35:00 |
Fountain pens have started regaining the popularity they once enjoyed.In this era of mass production, a $100 writing instrument needing refill might well seem an extravagance. Yet a good fountain pen will last a lifetime. It lends character to the signature of its user, and makes writing a much more thoughtful experience.A fountain pen contains a reservoir of water based liquid ink. The ink is provided to the nib through a feed via a combination of gravity and capillary action. Older fountain pens had an internal rubber sac that was squeezed and released to create the suction needed. The more modern fountain pens can utilize a converter, or screw or piston mechanism, or a disposable ink cartridge.Despite the perceived heig...
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| Never touch My fountain pen |
| 2008-02-07 17:08:00 |
Do not use MY fountain pen! I am not unlike many others... I have a certain fountain pen I use that I consider Mine and only Mine. It isn't an expensive Namiki, or a Cross pen... it's a simple straight forward Parker Duofold fountain pen. But it is MY pen, and that's the whole story. For years I've carried a stainless steel Parker Duofold pen. I will not lend it to you, or even to My mother, unless I am standing there watching, and make sure I get it back. I know... it's an object and can be replaced, but I am anal-retentive when it comes to My pen. I don't know or remember when I became so anal about My pen. I did for years keep with Me a brown and silver fountain pen, but went through a "pen identity" crisis. I was searching for the perfect pe...
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| Refills |
| 2008-02-05 17:09:00 |
It was only a matter of time before we added refill and ink products by Parker to the on-line pens and writing instruments shop. So, now available are Parker ballpen refills in black, blue and red, Parker rollerball refills and Parker Gel pen refills. We have also added Parker / Quink writing ink to the site.It was of interest for us to note that the Parker ballpoint pen refills and the Parker Gel pen refills are both of an identical size and shape, which apparently fits over 90% of all ball point pens and are therefore interchangeable - you can convert your ballpen to a gel pen - or the other way around!Moreover, we noted that, being the standard international size means that they can replace many seemingly identical - but much more expensive - pen refills supplied by other manufacturers ...
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| Entry Level Fountain Pens |
| 2008-02-04 18:45:00 |
Waterman has some entry level fountain pens, available at our local Staples for $50-70, so probably yours too, or other office supply store. I have a nice Platinum pen (brand name, not what it’s made of…) I got from Levenger for $60. This is my “everyday” pen. Sheaffer makes some cartridge-only fountain pens for under $30, if you just want to try one out and see how it goes for you.Generally speaking, the more expensive pens have very artistic outsides, flexible and precisely-crafted nibs, and better-quality materials for the inner workings. As in all things, 1) you get what you pay for, and 2) each person has his/her preferences.Fountain pens aside, just thinking about all the Bics in landfills everywhere makes me...
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| Never Share your Fountain Pens |
| 2007-11-17 14:27:00 |
Why Not Share Fountain Pens with AnybodyFountain pens must not be shared.It is true that each one has his peculiar way of holding the pen and that the nib gets used to the angle at which it is held.So it is a good practice not to share one's fountain pen with others.But refusing to lend your fountain pen would have made you unpopular.But I would never lend my Mont Blanc or Parker to any one. I never had to. These expensive pens are usually not carried in one's pocket. They are usually for private and limited use and kept safely in one's drawers in the desk. It was too risky to carry it around. Chances were you would lose it. I have lost several "Heroes" in my lifetime.I have met people with extraordinarily neat handwriting...
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| Find Misspelled Fountain Pens Bargains with eBay |
| 2007-11-17 14:13:00 |
Misspelled Fountain Pen RichesMost luxurious fountain pen seekers take a quick search through eBay looking for great bargains. However, one secret to sweetest deals are fountain pens up for an auction that are spelled wrong. There are a lot of people that have no clue what that fancy pen they found at home or inherited is worth, so they put it on eBay in the hope to sell it for a couple of bucks if they're lucky enough.Many people misspell words describing the lot in the title. They wonder why there are no bids. Here's why . . . the item does not show up in eBay searches . . . nobody knows it's there. Many times you could be the only bidder.People have no idea what they are actually offering...
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| Afraid of buying a fake fountain pen? |
| 2007-11-17 13:16:00 |
Spotting a fake fountain penI am offering the following tips ( which I hope are useful ) and would welcome any additions on how to spot fake fountain pens (Mont Blancs, Parkers, Pelikans, etc).1. Ask for a picture of the underside of the nib section. A genuine Mont Blanc's black section will be aligned perfectly with the ink aperture between the tines ( a genuine article is accurately produced down to the smallest detail ). If the black section is not aligned and is either side of the aperture, then it is likely to be a fake.2. The nib is the most difficult aspect to fake. Always ask for a close up picture of the nib section - iridium tip and 'made in germany' stamped on the nib is a dead give away. To my knowledge, most fountain pen manufacturers do not...
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| How to care for fountain pens |
| 2007-11-17 13:06:00 |
Fountain Pens Need Special CareFountain pens (almost all of them) are comprised of the same basic components: a nib (also called a point, this is the decorative metal writing tip of the fountain pen, available in stainless steel, rhodium gold and other metals), a feed (the ribbed component attached to the back of the nib), and the ink supply (various options here include: cartridge, piston, converter, plunger, vacuum, and sac). Many people do not realize that there are certain care requirements for Fountain Pens and that if they are followed many “problems” can be resolved or never start.Fountain pens come in many finishes and are constructed of a wide variety materials, so their care varies from material to material. ...
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| 6 Tips before you start collecting fountain pens |
| 2007-11-17 12:41:00 |
Going to collect fountain pens?Many people like to collect antique or vintage fountain pens, while others like collecting the modern limited edition pens, or pens from a specific country. Collecting by brands, such as Parker or Sheaffer is also popular. Many people just collect what they like, resulting in a beautiful, eclectic mix of fountain pens.1. Decide if you want to focus your collection on one specific area of fountain pens, or if you want to collect a mixed variety of pens. This is important because you should define the purpose and area of your young hobby before you start joining forums of special interest in fountain pens.2. Read articles and books to learn about your favorite fountain pens. When you become fam...
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| Epitomy of Fountain Pen Usage |
| 2007-11-14 11:38:00 |
Your time planner is probably the most important and critical piece daily ballast that you carry with you. I highly recommend buying a very expensive planner. I've tried them all. I use a filofax cover. It's the classiest. It will make you feel that the planner is highly valuable, which it indeed is. You should invest in the finest leather that you can afford. So that everytime you open it, you feel a sense of pride and prosperity...you are programming you mind for prosperity. Then invest in a very expensive pen..like a Mont Blanc. Again, you are programming your mind that time management is highly valuable and that you are properous. You also will send that vibe to others who see you in meetings with this set up. Don't go for electronic devices..the English leather filofax and Montblanc p...
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| Fountain pens filling system |
| 2007-11-12 13:47:00 |
Fountain Pen Filling SystemsUnlike ballpoint pens, fountain pens contain a lot of detail and expensive craftsmanship in the nib. Thus, nearly all fountain pens are designed to be refillable. A number of different refill mechanisms exist, including piston fillers, sac fillers, lever fillers, and cartridge-converter fillers.Fountain pen ink cartridges date back to the 1950s. Some early models were made out of glass, but various plastics quickly became the material of choice. Some manufacturers experimented with refillable cartridges, but these were messy and unpopular; disposable cartridges quickly became the norm.Cartridges are considered by some to be more convenient than bottled ink. This...
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| Cleaning the Nibs |
| 2007-11-11 13:51:00 |
A new nib of a fountain pen should be cleaned from grease and factory-applied anti-corrosive lacquer before the ink will flow evenly. Some artists recommend sucking on a new nib to get it ready for ink. Manufacturers recommend immersing the nib in boiling water. An alternative is holding the nib briefly in the flame of a lighted match — but be careful — the heat can alter the temper of the nib.Nibs must be kept clean during use or the ink will not flow freely. They should be wiped with a soft rag and afterwards washed and dried to prevent corrosion. The best way to clean lettering or drawing nibs is to scrub them gently with a wet toothbrush. Crusted pen nibs should be scraped or brushed clean before using. Use a scalpel or an X-acto knife. A fiberglass brush and a Swiss Army knife is ...
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| Pilot Fountain Pens |
| 2007-11-06 00:31:00 |
Murex is the ultimate modern fountain pen. You can carry it everywhere, travel with it, sit on it, toss it in your bag, knock it around, and it never fails you. This is the pen you'll want to grab as you go out the door. And this is the pen most likely to grab everyone's attention when you whip it out to jot a note.The first two short models were actually named "MYU" by Pilot. The later models full size models were called Murex. These were two distinct pen lines, although related. While western pen collectors lump both of these together under the Murex banner, most Japanese collectors do just the opposite and refer to both groups as "MYU" pens, short MYUs and long MYUs.Pilot MYUs and Murexes were only sold here in Japan, i...
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| Japan fountain pens |
| 2007-11-05 00:29:00 |
Nakaya fountain pens of Japan have caused quite a ripple in the fountain pen community in Japan and around the world lately. These custom hand-made pens seem to be the topic of discussion almost daily on Pentrace and other discussion groups as well. It's amazing to think that this company was only started around two years ago, and consists of only a few retired pen craftsmen.The company didn't even have its own office until recently, but borrowed a room in the current Platinum Pen company building. A few months ago, in March, they finally became completely independent by setting up shop in a small office in one of the older neighborhoods in Tokyo.Recently I visited their office, camera in h...
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| Keeping Fountain Pens Right |
| 2007-10-07 18:36:00 |
Just finished an interesting morning at Parker Pen. Very helpful folks there; everyone wanted to get a look at the pen in Fred's pocket. As these were the same people who repair all the Parker pens they were very helpful. The consensus was that the pen is a "Vacumatic" (apparently spelled several ways) and I will prepare a report on the models of pens available at that time, as well as the measurements. Look for it next week.I am about to fly out to Europe for a while and am bringing some pens with me (of course) . I know that most ink rollerballs and fountain pens like to leak but do felt tip pens? I'd like to do some drawing during the flights and it would suck if my pens started getting all drooly.Yes, gel pens work fin...
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| Care and Cleaning for Fountain Pens |
| 2007-10-06 18:41:00 |
Care and maintenance are important to keep any pen a “good writer.” Here are a few points to remember:1. Never leave a pen filled and unused for more than a couple days.2. When not in use, place the pen in a nib up position or at angle where ink leaves the nib. (Do not store roller ball or gel ink pens in point up mode or be prepared to buy a new refill.)3. If the pen is to be stored, thoroughly clean it and ensure all ink is drained from the nib and reservoir.4. Always use first quality fountain pen ink. (Never India ink or technical fountain pen ink). Generally, the age of the stock is not a concern.Cleaning is always a good idea and there are some proven techniques to help. Any pen left unused several weeks with ink...
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| An Inside into Fountain Pen Forums |
| 2007-10-06 18:22:00 |
I am bereft. I wanted to recommend a writing pen to someone, so dug out my favorite cheap one — a Berol Fontaine — and then went looking for a source on the web.Doesn’t exist. So not only can I not only not suggest it to someone else, I must face the end of my relationship (something like ten years old) with this charming pen.And then, adding insult to injury, I discovered that Berol purchased the Osmiroid company. From my days at Reed, that was the calligraphy pen; now I see that most models have been canceled.Do any of you in Europe or elsewhere have sources for these fountain pens?I think several European manufacturers still make cheap fountain pens with a range of nibs for calligraphy, but at the moment I can't remember their names. The names S...
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| 5 Tips For Fountain Pen Gift Giving |
| 2007-10-06 16:56:00 |
Fountain pens make great gifts. They're personal, stylish and fun, not to mention very useful in everyday life.There are so many fine pens to choose from, and you can guarantee personalization by having them engraved. However, because there are a lot of options, choosing the "right" pen for that special person on your gift list can be intimidating. Here are some tips for making it easy and enjoyable instead.1: Focus on the other person's preferences, not your own.If you like the same things, you've got it made. But that's usually not the case. Put yourself in the other person's shoes and you're off to a good start.2: Decide how much you want to spend.This can help you narrow the field and not get too distracted. But give y...
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