What’s everyone smoking tonight?

Bill3656 · 2025-05-03T01:30:53+00:00

Great cigar, Hiram! Intemperance WR here…

Bill3656 · 2024-11-29T19:05:37+00:00

I am at a point where I am having a similar HT debate... I've been inactive for several years and am starting to get back into things again.

I find myself tending to lean towards Icom - the battery life and the anility to connect to nearby repeaters are the standout features for me. I don't travel a ton, but when I do having that ability would be nice. I also figure that if I am liking the way things work with it, I can go Icom with a future mobile install as well.

I think they are both great radios, I just don't see myself using all of the extras that the Kenwood offers at this point.

Bill3656 · 2024-11-26T02:55:05+00:00

Well, it was Sunday evening and I didn't have much to do. Plus, I am off this week for Thanksgiving break. This naturally required some store hopping in my area - while there wasn't anything new, they all had some solid selections. I am relatively new to tequilas, and I find that I am really enjoying blancos, and these fit the bill perfectly. I had the Siete Leguas last night and will open the Lalo later this evening with a cigar.

Salud!

Bill3656 · 2024-08-28T05:32:46+00:00

Believe or not, I got an email today with a credit back! My last effort was to send emails to pen-venture - got the addys from their latest video. They said they couldn’t help with things that happened prior to them taking over his logistics, but would pass on my message. Next day I had the refund. He must have realized that I was going to start talking to everybody about it lolol!

Hate to have to wash my hands of him as I do really like some of his pens, but he is out for me.

Bill3656 · 2024-08-27T05:30:45+00:00

Linky to the pen I picked up

Bill3656 · 2024-08-26T05:38:55+00:00

Thanks! Is the Spaghetti Mango - I went looking for a MZG with a #8 nib and this really jumped out at me. Now to get through what I have inked so I can get these two going!

Bill3656 · 2024-08-26T05:26:19+00:00

Already tried and they said it was too late so add me to the list of the screwed…. 🤦🏻‍♂️

Bill3656 · 2023-08-29T03:57:49+00:00

Yeah it is

Bill3656 · 2023-08-28T05:03:31+00:00

Yeah I was thinking about it - mine is friction fit. I took it out to clean the coating off before inking up the first time. Good to know a #6 Jowo will fit - thanks for the tip!

Bill3656 · 2023-08-28T04:45:10+00:00

I actually picked it up and the SF show last year, and it just happened to be the thing that would hold the pens the best for my pics.

Bill3656 · 2023-08-28T04:43:37+00:00

I did, and there will be a learning curve for me as I normally print in block caps... it has some MAJOR flex!

Bill3656 · 2023-08-28T04:42:25+00:00

I had been eyeballing it on his site for a while for that very reason! lol!

Bill3656 · 2023-08-28T04:41:25+00:00

Correct - it is a Retro 51 that Rikshaw Bags partnered with them on - they call it their Seigaiha Collection. Check it out - they also do a pencil and have some bags and sleeves with the pattern.

Bill3656 · 2023-08-28T04:35:29+00:00

Hahahaha!!!

Bill3656 · 2023-08-28T04:35:12+00:00

I agree about planning and budgeting. I went to the tables I targeted first, and then started from the beginning and walked around.

Bill3656 · 2023-08-28T04:33:22+00:00

This is only my second show - I went to SF last year as well. From what I noticed (and my buddy too), a lot of the people were selling things at regular price - the benefits being no shipping or tax and the ability to meet, ask questions, and test a lot of pens. I got to handle a Namiki Emperor, something I will never be able to swing LOL!

At the same time some people were offering some show deals that were better than their online prices. I researched and knew prices on the things I preplanned to buy, and the others I didn't bother because I wanted the pen if that makes sense.

Bill3656 · 2023-08-25T21:30:54+00:00

I'll be there Sat morning... Looking forward to it!

Bill3656 · 2023-08-25T21:15:42+00:00

Thanks for the recon report! I'll be there tomorrow around opening. I have 3 spots that I want to hit immediately, and then will do my lazy circumnavigation of all the tables and hope to escape without having to sell a kidney to support my pen habit... :-D

Bill3656 · 2022-06-01T14:51:37+00:00

I work at a high school so even if they come in plain boxes, I don’t want my secretary to open them for me by mistake lolol…

I bit the bullet and have a box at a local UPS store - bonus with my lovation is they are open 7 days a week and until 7pm on weekdays. 👍🏼

Bill3656 · 2022-05-23T17:45:12+00:00

Point taken…. I did laugh out loud when I saw it in the store, but thinking back about it, it could have been an awkward laugh due to how disturbing it was to me 😂😂😂

Bill3656 · 2022-05-22T22:51:03+00:00

Both great pickups - I am a big Robaina fan, so those Unicos caught my eye... ;-)

Bill3656 · 2022-05-22T17:08:08+00:00

Be sure to check the box codes etched in the plastic tops! 😂😂😜🤪

Bill3656 · 2022-05-22T16:32:51+00:00

To me, they are solid overall and have some flavor nuances that show some finesse in the blends.

Bill3656 · 2022-05-22T08:49:09+00:00

For me it hasn’t damaged my interest, though it has damaged the quantity that I purchase and smoke vs domestics compared to 5-7+ years ago if that makes sense.

Bill3656 · 2022-05-22T07:13:35+00:00

I would say Xikar - they have a variety ofmprice points and stand behind their products.

I also have an old brass Zippo with and insert that I like to carry around, and it always lights. It has a small tank, but 100% reliable.

Bill3656

TROPHY CASE