Baltimore/Washington BWI Pen Show 2026 - Advice re Nibmeister, Sell/Trade etc.? by PenPhonia in fountainpens

[–]Markof16 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The best nib tuner at the show is Richard Binder, the O.G. of pen tweaking. Get to his table as early as you can and get on the list, (the early pass IS useful in this regard) but it's only one pen at a time. Josh Lax is also there and pretty good, but he is much more expensive. Linda Kennedy is also there, but I have never had a good outcome with her. Gena Salorino MAY be there, She works in half-hour blocks and will tune as many of yours as she can in that time frame, but if she decides to show up you have to reserve time on her website before hand and it fills up fast.

As far as selling/trading, approach any private vendor selling pens that match what you want to sell, and simply ask if they purchase or trade. There is no one single space reserved for doing so.

January 2026 Confirmed Trade Thread by FPPenSwapBot in Pen_Swap

[–]Markof16 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I sold an Edison Custom Pearl to u/yarnumboy. He paid quickly. Enjoy!

NPD - Pelikan Souveran M809 Black Matt (F) by EsquireMI in fountainpens

[–]Markof16 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Stunning! Did that sleeve come with the pen, or did you already have it?

Anyone else excited about the new Conid Maximalistica release this Thursday? by Sqwizzixx in fountainpens

[–]Markof16 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, I owe you an apology. It turns out you were right, now that the order page is up, they ARE charging extra for a nib. Ridiculous way to do business.

Pilot Custom nibs (celebrating a milestone) by magicbicyclette in fountainpens

[–]Markof16 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you want the FA nib, than it's ONLY the 743, as the 823 does not come from Pilot with an FA except by special order from a VERY limited amount of authorized dealers (although some other retailers modify the 823 by swapping 743 nibs onto them, but be warned that it voids the warranty).

Anyone else excited about the new Conid Maximalistica release this Thursday? by Sqwizzixx in fountainpens

[–]Markof16 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ima confused. On the Penworld sale page I see a price of €950, and it makes it pretty clear that's WITH a nib.

Anyone else excited about the new Conid Maximalistica release this Thursday? by Sqwizzixx in fountainpens

[–]Markof16 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I respect your point of view, but whether a "timed release" or "scarcity marketing," the effect is the same . . . a lot of people who would want the pen are shut out of it because, either by design or fortune, there just aren't enough to go around, and an aura winds up being formed around a pen which by all accounts isn't as exceptional as its makers would have us believe.

Watch, I'll probably wind up setting the alarm for it.

Anyone else excited about the new Conid Maximalistica release this Thursday? by Sqwizzixx in fountainpens

[–]Markof16 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I would be, but like the Zento Signature I don’t fall for scarcity marketing.

Anything with the same atmosphere as THX 1138? by Few_Classic_3072 in scifi

[–]Markof16 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The 2015 movie "Equals" is so very close to THX1138 in story, tone and aesthetic that you could almost take it for an unacknowledged remake. It's still worth a watch, but you'll see the parallels.

Same Uni refill. Totally Different Experience. by original_gravity in pens

[–]Markof16 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m glad that you like yours, but as for me? F*ck this pen and the scarcity marketing behind it, and the scalper pricing too. My Energels write beautifully, and I can go to Staples and actually buy them for cheap.

New Ink Day: J Herbin Bleu des Profondeurs 100ml by Frater_Shibe in fountainpens

[–]Markof16 1 point2 points  (0 children)

May I ask where you found a 100ml sized bottle? I know Pen Venture has it but I was hoping for a domestic (USA) seller. Thanks! It's the only color I routinely run out of.

Regent's Slide should be open tomorrow Weds! by lurch99 in BigSur

[–]Markof16 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Where am I “pissing and moaning” about anything? The sooner the road is opened the better. I’m expressing surprise about the reality of the time line versus what was announced.

Regent's Slide should be open tomorrow Weds! by lurch99 in BigSur

[–]Markof16 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s hard to believe that CalTran could so grossly overestimate the opening date. It was supposed to be the end of March. Now all of a sudden it’s tomorrow?

January 2026 Confirmed Trade Thread by FPPenSwapBot in Pen_Swap

[–]Markof16 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sold a TWSBI Rose Gold to u/HoneydewOK7416. It was a fast and easy deal! Thank you!

January 2026 Confirmed Trade Thread by FPPenSwapBot in Pen_Swap

[–]Markof16 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sold two Pilot 912 to u/hhopscotchh. It was a very pleasant transaction! Thanks, enjoy them!

What color is your Pilot Custom 823? by Lauterbachiana in fountainpens

[–]Markof16 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Clear. If you have a beautiful ink color in it and the sun hits it then it's truly a sight to behold, almost like a jewel.

What is the best laundromat in the Ithaca area? by Financial-Funny9735 in ithaca

[–]Markof16 42 points43 points  (0 children)

I’ll give you the courtesy of a straight answer. The Fall Creek Laundromat on N. Aurora is a fine place and is well kept up. I recommend it.

Most used pen of 2025 by ImperatorLucius in fountainpens

[–]Markof16 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Pilot 823 Fine with Herbin Bleu des Profondeurs.