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This month’s roster represents some overdue connection back to pens that are special in ways big & small.
A pen never had a more accurate name than this. It writes, it lasts, it has nothing you don't need.
I wanted a neutral ink for this expressive nib. Using a light touch helps the shading come through.
The ink seems too light for Autumn Oak, so, by power of keen deduction, I think it's Saddle Brown.
This coming weekend is the Commonwealth Pen Show in Somerville, MA. My thoughts on last year’s show are here. The venue is the same, which I have mixed feelings about. I hope some practical improvements will happen for the floor layout and lighting. That said, I’m glad there continues to be a local show that’s close by and draws an interested crowd. It helps make the hobby much more engaging.
I’m putting thoughts together about what to look for at the show. The primary things on my interest list — a Tamenuri Studio pen and a Schon Monoc Nib — seem unlikely to be there. I do not think Schon has exhibited at the Commonwealth show since moving from Massachusetts to Philadelphia. I know they’re a very busy operation going to shows all over the place and you can’t make them all. That said, I think the chance to try out Monoc nibs and possibly the new Evo pen would be appreciated by the local audience. It’s a lot easier to decide whether to spend what they cost when you’ve experienced them first hand.
Esterbrook will have a table and I’m always appreciative of the effort and enthusiasm Kenro puts into their shows. It is a good thing for the community. I was impressed with the Model J last year so I’ll take another pass at them to see if one calls to me. I’ll also have an eye out for the Estie Kingfisher, which looks beautiful online.
I’m naturally interested in getting more nibs ground. I got work done by JJ Lax last year. He’s on the exhibitor list, as are Richard Binder and Linda Kennedy. So, what pens will I bring for potential tune-ups?
Coming to a grinding wheel near you?
The black Franklin-Christoph nib is a steel BB that could do well with a monoline grind.
The smaller F-C nib is a 14k fine. It’s on the firm side with some feedback, so I may opt for getting it as smooth as possible to balance the firmness. Another possibility is taking it down to a Western EF/Japanese F size line.
I considered getting the Visconti ground earlier in the year until I found its barrel cracked. Now back in working order, I think a cursive italic would suit it nicely.
The Waldmann has an 18k fine. It writes well, but this pen deserves something with more flair. I tend to think an architect or naginata style grind has limited impact on a fine nib, so my inclination is to make it a stub for some.
I may pop a few others in the pen case to bring along as grind candidates. How many I can get on someone’s operating table will depend on what the sign-up lists look like when I get there. Fingers crossed.
Ink? Don’t need any.
Notebooks? Don’t need any, but will have an eye out for certain Clairefontaine top wirebound styles I like using at work.
Assorted other goods and swag? A nice 6 or 8 pen roll isn’t out of the question. I seem to have misplaced my Rickshaw roll and it’s driving me nuts. Snarky and fun stickers appeal to me, so there can always be some room for those if present.
Will you be attending?
