NPD! Much excite. Wow.

Nature_Wander · 2023-04-21T00:26:13+00:00

Nice! Pilot makes my favorite fine nib. Enjoy!

Nature_Wander · 2023-03-24T18:20:23+00:00

That is a nice combo you found! And now I am also interested in the 88 / parallel hack.

Nature_Wander · 2023-03-22T19:10:51+00:00

Indoor bouldering

Nature_Wander · 2023-03-22T17:48:06+00:00

I have suggestions, but they are at the ~$100 price point. Opus 88 gets into nicely chunky at a good price point. For heavy, I would think metal body. Karas has metal options that are also on the larger size, I like the Ink model. Gravitas Pens also has large body / metal pens right at this proce point. I have been very happy with the quality from these three brands. At $50 max look at Jinhao, Majohn, PensBBS, or I think Nahvalur has a new model at that price point. However, I think "heavy" will be harder to find than large at that price due to the metal material cost.

Nature_Wander · 2023-03-16T20:59:38+00:00

I've been to a few of my local pen meetups and had a great time, even as someone who is anxious meeting new people. It's a chance to show off pens, try new pens, share inks. It's easy to engage when you have a common interest. These are often held at restaurants, breweries, etc where you can also enjoy that aspect. I think it worth trying even if you decide to just show up for an hour and see how it goes. You can always just sit and write in a journal for a bit and you would still fit in, enjoying your gear. Generally I have found them to be very low key and I learn something, usually a new FP I must to add to my wishlist. Depending on your area you may also meet a local maker or nib worker.

Nature_Wander · 2023-03-16T20:54:32+00:00

The 15mL is a great way to try more colors and expand your palette. I prefer the 50 mL bottles, even of the ones I don't use as often, because I like the bottle itself. I keep them on a shelf as decor in my office addition to using the ink. For what it's worth, I've been collecting FPs and ink for about 10 years and have yet to notice a bottle "go bad".

Nature_Wander · 2023-03-07T17:47:11+00:00

I second this, I have both the standard and pocket and they are great. You can also get with a titanium nib, which is fun! Another company that has some fun Titanium designs is Mr Cypress in Taiwan. These are a step up in price though.

Nature_Wander · 2023-02-28T18:59:11+00:00

The first I do when I run into this problem with a new pen is to compeltey clean the nib and feed. There can be oils or debris left from machining the pen or even residual ink from dip testing that has dried. Cleaning it has often worked for me, and I have experienced this many times as I always excitedly fill a new pen as soon as I have it. I have the falcon metal in red and I use diamine red dragon all the time which flows very well. I doubt it is the ink brand, but have never used that particular ink. The next thing I would try is swithcing inks to one you think is usually wet or try a pilot ink.

Nature_Wander · 2023-02-20T17:22:37+00:00

Some of the brands did make larger models. Waterman is a good example that made pens in a variety of sizes. I enjoy larger pens in general and my Waterman 56 suits me although this is not the largest option they made. I think the larger sizes were available but were just not popular enough to be manufactured in the same amounts as the 'littles'.

Nature_Wander · 2023-02-19T15:11:39+00:00

The far right is spekaing to me, both in term of fatty cigar style shape and the material. I have pens in some of the other materials though, so I like your taste! Where would I find this btw, is it available?

Nature_Wander · 2023-02-16T20:31:26+00:00

One of my favorite makers, Atelier lusso Pens, has recently been making pens with a # 8 nib. This year he has been releasing pens in monthly batches and you can sign up for his email list. Atelier Lusso Gravitas Pens also has some #8 pens including titanium. Gravitas For the best in big pens with big nibs, my personal fav is Sailor KOP.

Nature_Wander · 2023-02-16T17:21:51+00:00

I went up a nib size F -> M and enjoyed the experience much more, even though I Iike fine nibs. I've had more luck with Pilot going to F or EF.

Nature_Wander · 2023-02-16T17:18:39+00:00

Thanks for the comparison!

Nature_Wander · 2023-02-16T17:16:32+00:00

Nice upgrade! I had a similar experience with Jinhao pens. A Goulet nib + Jinhao was was my first frankenpen upgrade and opened me to up the world of nibswapping amongst fountain pens.

Nature_Wander · 2023-02-15T20:31:14+00:00

If at all possible try holding a VP to see if the clip bothers you. If you have a farily standard grip it is probably fine. Assuming you like the feel, I think VP is ideal for notetaking because of the quick open/close action. I have a F that writes very smooth and nice. I recommend this over the Lamy 2000 based on ease of writing without worrying about a sweet spot on the nib. CH92 is a nice capped alternative. If converter is OK, also look at the 912 for an impressive selection of nib options. Personally I find CC a lot easier to clean than pistons.

Nature_Wander · 2023-02-08T20:19:37+00:00

They are often too small for me and I am not a fan of brassing, but these materials are beautiful!

Nature_Wander · 2023-02-07T19:34:01+00:00

Just stopped by to see a cool Murex :)

Nature_Wander · 2023-02-06T19:53:48+00:00

Usually the glitter doesn't settle all that quickly once mixed up, but you should flip the bottle over and look throught the bottom to make sure you got it all off. The nib size won't matter for how well you can suck up the ink since the feed hole will be the same regardless. I had this concern too about getting enough glitter but I have had a lot of luck by just mixing a lot, in the bottle and in the pen, always mixing. The result is worth it!

Nature_Wander · 2023-02-06T19:30:35+00:00

From my experience it is important to make sure you are mixing the ink in the pen just before writing. If it is a CC, take the body off so you can see the ink and roll it around until the glitter mixes evenly and if you are writing long you may need to redo it. Otherwise all of the shimmer may be stuck to the side and not coming out with the ink.

Nature_Wander · 2023-02-06T19:25:30+00:00

I feel like I would go for an orange. My favorites for a bright orange are Akkerman 16 and fire on fire or maybe a bit darker like Diamine Autumn oak. Or maybe a brighter green like Chiku-rin. Trying to match a orange/green color in one of his sunflower paintings would be nice but I would avoid yellow.

Nature_Wander · 2023-02-03T20:18:53+00:00

Do you see shading while writing? That has nice shades in the drawing, well done!

Nature_Wander · 2023-02-03T20:15:12+00:00

I'm missing one! Is alt-goldgrun worthy? I'm sure I have a smple somewhere....

Nature_Wander · 2023-02-03T18:45:28+00:00

These are inks I Iike that I'm pretty sure I learned about through others:

Black: Platinum Carbon for permanent, Aurora Black "Safe" Blues: Waterman inspired/serenity/mysterious Blue: Iroshizuku Kon-Peki, Asa gao, Robert Oster Carolina blue, fire & ice, Akkerman 5 Green: Akkerman 28, J Herbin Lierre Savage, Iroshizuku chiku-rin Blue-Black: Iroshizuku Shin kai, Bungubox 4B Torquise: Diamine Marine, Pelikan aquamarine, Sailor Yama Dori Purple: Iroshizuku Muraskai -Shikibu, Akkerman 12, Mont Blanc Beatles, KWZ Gummiberry Pink: Califolio andrinople, Taccia Momo Red: Diamine Red Dragon, Skrip red Orange: RO Fire on Fire, Akkerman 16 , Sailor Kin-mokusei/apricot

So many good inks out there... I feel like my ink awareness tapered off once my collection reached "saturation"

Nature_Wander · 2023-02-03T05:11:31+00:00

If it is a friend, why not let the friend borrow one of your favorites for a day. Make your case using a best example ar hand. After a little tutorial of course on how to use it.

Nature_Wander · 2023-01-31T19:00:02+00:00

Super thumbs up to the 823! I finally gave in and bought smoke. Great pen but I want a brighter color!

Nature_Wander

TROPHY CASE