In 2017 I wrote my first βState of the Unionβ where I discussed ink brands, what they had done, and what I wanted them to do in 2018. In 2018 I did the same for 2019. This yearβs has been delayed, unfortunately! I really want to get these out before the new year, but sometimes other things conspire against good timing! 2017 was 3,500 words, 2018 was 6,100 words and this year is 8,600 words! I made a PDF in case people find that easier to read!
Read MoreMonteverde
State of the Union 2018: Fountain Pen Ink
Last year I talked about what ink brands had done that year and what I hoped for this year. In this article Iβm doing the same thing again. How many of my hopes were realised? What did the brand do? What do I want from them in 2019 and has that changed from what I wanted for this year? Last year this write up was over 3,500 words and this time it is over 6,100 wordsβ¦ Sorry!
Read MoreMy Ink Collection: 1091 Bottles and 47 Litres of Ink (2019)
A year and a half ago I wrote about my then collection of 637 Bottles and 33.47 Litres of Ink and now, after cracking 1,000 thanks to my recent purchase of all 100 Sailor Ink Studio inks (from Pen Classics) I thought was a good time to give an update to the collection.
Read MoreInk Review: Monteverde Amethyst
Early 2017 Monteverde began what has become a huge expansion to their originally somewhat minimal ink collection with a Gemstone set comprising of ten inks. They've subsequently added a Noir set and an Emotions set. Some pretty inks in the collection from what I've seen. The inks come in 30ml and 90ml bottles. Coincidentally, the stone is also my birthstone. Whatever that means!
Read MoreState of the Union 2017: Fountain Pen Ink
The last few years really have been a renaissance for Fountain Pens and this year is no different. Lots of expansions and additions to lineups and several standout inks. Iβm going to be talking about how various brands have performed this year and what I hope for next year. This will be, of course, focused on inks and not pens. I try to keep my posts as objective as possible but this one will probably have a bit more subjectivity than usual.
Read More