Observing one of my sons holding a pen prompted me to ask, and it was only then that I found out that teaching handwriting, something I had taken for granted, was no longer done in many elementary schools. Fountain pens are certainly not essential to learning penmanship - they had stopped being used by the … Continue reading Is teaching handwriting making a comeback?
More expensive pens
Again, add some precious metal and stones, and the price goes up. Most people would think that the pens I tend to carry in my pocket are exorbitant, but they pale in comparison to these. These handcrafted pens cost as much as a Hyundai hatchback Art doesn’t always come framed and hung on a wall. … Continue reading More expensive pens
From Goose Feathers to Ballpoints…
... and a little bit on before. This article is a very abbreviated history of writing instruments, but has a somewhat interesting paragraph on writing with common kitchen ingredients if you have a youngster. Imagine That: Name the plume The next time you get annoyed searching for a ballpoint pen to do some writing, think … Continue reading From Goose Feathers to Ballpoints…
Students sans fountain pens
An article from the UK. European schools required students used fountain pens for far longer than in the US. A 'biro', by the way, is what they call a ballpoint, (named for Laslo Biro, and early ballpoint pioneer). Kind of like lift vs elevator, or braces vs suspenders. 16 things today’s school kids don’t carry … Continue reading Students sans fountain pens
The ballpoint killed cursive? Maybe
Another proponent of fountain pens to teach handwriting, but it was a long enough time between the introduction of the ballpoint and the decline of teaching penmanship in schools to attribute it to the ballpoint. It seems more likely to me that it was more due to the move to keyboards. How The Ballpoint Pen … Continue reading The ballpoint killed cursive? Maybe
Pen collecting: Values rising?
Value of Collectible Pens Rise, Even as Handwriting Fades Tips for buying and selling collectible pens, with prices ranging from under $1,000 to over $300,000 Although many of us are writing less by hand, as we rely more on electronic communications, high quality collectible writing instruments are still in demand. Consider the most expensive … Continue reading Pen collecting: Values rising?
Marble Viscontis
Marble is a difficult material with which to work, especially at the sizes for pen caps and barrels. This extensive review of the Visconti Millionaire collection by Nancy Olsen at Quill & Pad speaks to all aspects of the pens' design & manufacture. Quick Facts Visconti Millionaire Editions: convertible fountain pen in four color … Continue reading Marble Viscontis
Sailor inks inspired by the sea
Sailor has again collaborated with KINGDOM NOTE on colors inspired by the natural world. Inspirations for previous series of inks came from insects, wild birds, and mushrooms. This time the ink color inspiration is crustaceans. These crustaceans are going to make you put fountain pen to paper ...This time around, they are borrowing from the vast … Continue reading Sailor inks inspired by the sea
Maldives’ independence and a Parker 51
Nice to read about pens we know and their place in history. This “1/10 12 carat rolled gold” pen of the “Parker 51” with a burgundy barrel and gold filled cap, was presented as a gift at the ceremony held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 26 July 1965 to liberate Maldives from the British protectorateship. … Continue reading Maldives’ independence and a Parker 51
S.T. Dupont at IPCPR 2015
At this year's International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association convention & trade show, S.T. Dupont displayed a huge number of new products including pens and lighters. This article gives a great overview with lots of photos. IPCPR 2015: S.T. Dupont http://halfwheel.com/ipcpr-2015-s-t-dupont
fountain pen users 