Sunday, August 31, 2014

Sunday Reads - August 31. 2014

And don't forget you can get 10% off at Pen Chalet until the end of the year on your purchases! (Not an affiliate link!)
Pen Chalet Coupon

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Giveaway at @JetPens @ZebraPen

Check out the JetPens Back To School Giveaway #3! One lucky winner will get: a Kokuyo Campus Slide Binder - B5 - 26 Rings - Pink, a Nomadic PE-06 Side Zipper Pencil Case - Yellow, a Kutsuwa Stad Compass with Mechanical Pencil 0.5 mm - Pink, and a Zebra Sarasa Push Clip Gel Ink Pen - 0.4 mm - 5 Color Set. Giveaway is open to US residents only and closes September 5th, 2014 at midnight Pacific. Click here for details!

Pen, Ink & Paper P0rn: @ThePenCompany @Pelikan_Company @PilotPenUSA

From my Instagram:
Drowning in a river of tears.  Namiki Falcon. Soft Fine.  (Cross Blue, I think.)  @pilotpenusa @leuchtturm1917 #pilot #pilotpens #leuchtturm1917 #namiki #cross #fountainpen #fountainpens #fpgeeks #pens #penporn #penaddict #flex #flexnibs #ericclapton #mus
Namiki Falcon.
Soft Fine nib.
Cross Blue ink.
Leuchtturm 1917 notebook.
I awoke only to find my lungs empty.   #leuchtturm1917 #fpgeeks #fountainpen #fountainpens #pens #penporn #penaddict #inks #inkporn #flex #flexnibs #vintage #waterman #pelikan #pelikanpen
Waterman 94.
Fine flex.
Pelikan 400NN.
Extra fine flex.
J. Herbin Diabolo Menthe.
Rohrer & Klingner Alt-Goldgrün.
Leuchtturm 1917 notebook.
Coming up! Pelikan Souverän 600 Fountain Pen from @thepencompany  #beingpelikan #fountainpen #fountainpens #fpgeeks #pens #pelikan #penporn #penaddict #pelikanpen #pelikanm600 #souveran #garnet #edelstein #leuchtturm1917 #inks #inkporn #reviews #pencompan
Pelikan Souverän M600.
Double broad.
Pelikan Edelstein Garnet.
Leuchtturm 1917 notebook.
Review is already up, by the way!

Friday, August 29, 2014

Whiskers & Paws: August 2014 Edition

Koa
Koa
Koa & Peaches
Koa & Peaches
Koa & Peaches
Peaches
Peaches
Ellie
Ellie
Ellie
Tyco
Tyco
Tyco

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Review: Taccia Savanna Special Edition Fountain Pen - Broad @PenChalet

This beautiful fountain pen was sent by Ron from Pen Chalet. I picked it based on its obvious beauty. It looks so smooth, glossy, and pretty. I couldn't resist!
Review: Taccia Savanna Special Edition Fountain Pen - Broad @PenChalet
ABOUT

Body Material: Buffalo horn
Trim: Metal & Buffalo horn
Length (capped): 6.02"
Length (uncapped nib-end): 5.41"
Length (posted): N/A
Barrel Diameter: 0.50" - 0.63"
Section Diameter: 0.36" - 0.40"
Nib material: Steel
Weight: 44 g
Fill type: Cartridge/converter
Price: $223.20USD
Where to buy: Pen Chalet
Review: Taccia Savanna Special Edition Fountain Pen - Broad @PenChalet
PACKAGING
Review: Taccia Savanna Special Edition Fountain Pen - Broad @PenChalet
Review: Taccia Savanna Special Edition Fountain Pen - Broad @PenChalet
Most often, I don't care about the packaging of fountain pens, because I actually hate having to store packaging (or get rid of it). First, there is just a plain black cardboard box. But inside, in this case, I am really pleased. The Savanna Special Edition comes in a really nice, soft leather zippered pouch in a warm deep caramel brown. FINALLY. A really useful case! This pen is large so it's great that it came with a pouch that it actually fits in, but also, it's useful for other pens as well.

APPEARANCE
Review: Taccia Savanna Special Edition Fountain Pen - Broad @PenChalet
The Savanna Special Edition is a very unusual pen in that it's made from (sustainably gathered) buffalo horn. As such, each piece is unique, being made of natural materials - just like with wood. The finial is the Taccia logo.
Review: Taccia Savanna Special Edition Fountain Pen - Broad @PenChalet
The only trim is the clip, which is a dark metal, with a small polished horn on the end; a very cool touch that I really like. This pen looks really cool clipped into a pocket because of this little bit of horn on the clip. The body is irregularly shaped. It's not quite round but is a more rounded square, and it does flare into a little lip at the center where the cap screws on, as well as at the ends. The section is black, and the threads are chrome.
Review: Taccia Savanna Special Edition Fountain Pen - Broad @PenChalet
Review: Taccia Savanna Special Edition Fountain Pen - Broad @PenChalet
The horn is a gorgeous striated ivory, caramel, and brown to deep brown. The pen has been polished to a beautiful shine.

NIB & PERFORMANCE
Review: Taccia Savanna Special Edition Fountain Pen - Broad @PenChalet
My first impressions of this pen were very positive, so I was a little surprised by the nib when I uncapped it. The nib is a two-tone steel nib. The only flourishing on it is in yellow gold; a small criss cross pattern around the nib. Inside the pattern is "Taccia Japan". If the nib were a little larger, it would be stunning. And while the nib is small, it actually suits the pen because the shape tapers towards the nib.

I inked the pen with Montblanc Toffee Brown, obviously. It took awhile for the feed to become saturated with enough ink for the ink to flow to my tastes. What is unique about this nib is Taccia actually claims it is a flexible steel nib, and I do find it offers a pretty significant amount of line variation and the ink flow keeps up pretty well. Not bad for not being a "real" flex pen.
Review: Taccia Savanna Special Edition Fountain Pen - Broad @PenChalet
IN HAND
Review: Taccia Savanna Special Edition Fountain Pen - Broad @PenChalet
This is a lovely pen to write with. It doesn't post, but unposted, it has a lovely weight and balance to it. It's a lot lighter than I expected it to be, but then it is buffalo horn! Based on its size though, you'd think it would be much heavier. It's a pleasure to hold and write with though because it's so smooth and polished that it's lovely in your hand. The section is pretty small but the pen isn't completely round so it doesn't just slide out of your grip. My fingers sit right on the section and the rest of the pen sits on my hand. The threads aren't in the way at all. If you hold your pen higher up, that could be an issue, but for me, it's perfect. The irregular shape of the barrel lends itself well to my comfort. It's really a great design. My hand doesn't tire using it either, which I appreciate.
Review: Taccia Savanna Special Edition Fountain Pen - Broad @PenChalet

PROS & CONS
Review: Taccia Savanna Special Edition Fountain Pen - Broad @PenChalet
OVERALL

This is a beautiful pen, and while I have many pens at this point, I was drawn to this pen based on its appearance alone. I was most pleased to find the pen is not only beautiful, but that it's comfortable and easy to write with as well. The nib is also really nice; good line variation, good ink flow, just a touch of feedback. To top it off, it comes with a fantastic leather zippered case. Sold.

I received this pen free of charge for the purposes of this review. I was not compensated monetarily for my review. Everything you've read here is my own opinion. There are no affiliate links in this review.

And don't forget you can get 10% off at Pen Chalet until the end of the year on your purchases! (Not an affiliate link!)
Pen Chalet Coupon

Kickstarter: Chocolate Brownie Leather

Okay, this one seems a bit confusing, doesn't it? I was attracted to this Kickstarter because of the first two rewards: a mini pencil case and a utility case. However, the other rewards are really neat, too! Pledges start at $30AUD, which is not exactly inexpensive for a mini pencil case... but I want it anyway. Check out the Chocolate Brownie Kickstarter! I will also admit I want them because they are called "Chocolate Brownie". (She also has a recipe for gluten-free chocolate brownies.)

Giveaway at @OfficeSupplyGee @Huckberry @NotebookStories @lovenotebooks @Leuchtturm1917c

Office Supply Geek and Huckberry are giving away an Architect's Wallet! Giveaway is open to US residents only and ends August 28th, 2014. Click here for details!

Notebook Stories and LoveNotebooks are giving away five Leuchtturm 1917 planners! Giveaway ends September 5th, 2014 at 11:59 pm EST. Click here for details!

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Wordless Wednesday

Peaches
Peaches

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Review: RodgersPenBox Handmade Oblique & Straight Dip Nib Holders

Ah! A new thing to review! Rodger contacted me and kindly offered me a straight pen holder and an oblique holder as well if I was interested. Having never used an oblique holder before, I was thrilled by his offer and accepted! Not long after, two gorgeous holders arrived. I did tell Rodger I would review them, but he didn't ask me to share his Etsy shop or even mention it, but the pen holders are so lovely, and I could do no less, of course. He also offered a lot of follow up help on care and further information on dip pens and flange adjustment, etc. Anyway, long ramble aside: thank you Rodger! Do check out Rodger's shop.

Ok, but before I go on... a DISCLAIMER! I am NOT a professional and I am not a calligrapher (obviously). I'm just someone who enjoys scribbling and trying out new writing tools. All I can offer you is my opinion and my take on things, and tell you what I have learned and try to guide you that way. If you don't like it, sorry, but you're probably looking in the wrong place. If you want something more structured or real, I'm not going to be able to offer that. If you're just here to have fun and test the waters, then read on and have a good time. Cheers!
Review: Handmade Oblique & Straight Dip Nib Holders
ABOUT
Review: Handmade Oblique & Straight Dip Nib Holders
Body Material: Cocobolo
Length (straight): 6.10"
Length (oblique): 6.08" (not including flange)
Barrel Diameter (both): 0.48"
Section Diameter: 0.37"
Weight (straight): 12 g
Weight (oblique): 12 g
Price: Starts at $35.00USD
Where to buy: Etsy - RodgersPenBox

PACKAGING & APPEARANCE
Review: Handmade Oblique & Straight Dip Nib Holders
Each nib holder is packaged inside a felt sleeve to protect the wood. They slide out easily so I don't use them for storage. Both pens are made of cocobolo wood: a very warm, rich coloured wood that seems to be a base of yellow-amber with darker swirls in it.
Review: Handmade Oblique & Straight Dip Nib Holders
They flare near the tip, thin out a little, then flare out again at the center of the bodies before tapering to a long and thin end. Aesthetically, both in terms of design and colour, they are gorgeous. I absolutely love them and they are without a doubt the most attractive dip pen holders I have.
Review: Handmade Oblique & Straight Dip Nib Holders
Review: Handmade Oblique & Straight Dip Nib Holders
PERFORMANCE
Review: Handmade Oblique & Straight Dip Nib Holders
The straight holder works fabulously: no adjustment required there.The springs hold nibs tightly. They don't slide around while I'm writing or dipping - which can be very annoying when using really crappy nib holders that just won't grip the nib. What I love about these snug springs though is that I can put a lot of pressure on the nib to really flex it and draw out as much line variation from it as possible. With a loose or weak grip on the nib from a lesser holder, I can't comfortably put pressure on the nib like this. Straight holder is an immediate hit!
Review: Handmade Oblique & Straight Dip Nib Holders
The oblique holder was adjusted by Rodger for Nikko G nibs before he sent them for me, but as he informed me, it was adjusted for his grip. I found the flange a little loose still, although it held other nibs more snugly. No problem though, Rodger let me know I could adjust the flange myself (gently with some pliers).
Review: Handmade Oblique & Straight Dip Nib Holders
Flanges can be adjusted for different nibs. From what I understand, people who use different nibs have different oblique pens for them because if the flange is adjusted too many times, it will eventually harden and crack. If the flange is not pinned (like mine), it can be replaced. If it is pinned, it would have to be carefully repaired, though I suppose it may be easier just to replace it, unless it's a sentimental or valuable holder. These issues obviously do not exist with the straight holders. By request, Rodger will pin a flange at no extra charge, or he will include brass shim material should the flange become loose and you don't want it pinned. If none of this makes sense, get in touch with Rodger through his Etsy shop. He's very, very nice and very helpful, and was most patient with  me (despite my lack of knowledge on all things dip pen).
Review: Handmade Oblique & Straight Dip Nib Holders
I tightened up the flange a little and adjusted the angle ever so slightly, my nib sat more snugly, I could readjust my grip to one that was comfortable with the oblique holder, and ta-da! It felt just right. Errr... not sure I'm ready for flourishing yet... I really don't think I do the oblique holder justice, but should I ever learn how to flourish, at least I won't destroy the nib or paper on the upstroke.
Review: Handmade Oblique & Straight Dip Nib Holders
Straight holder writing sample.
Review: Handmade Oblique & Straight Dip Nib Holders
Oblique holder writing sample. (Please don't laugh. I'm learning, okay?)
These two holders have replaced all others that I use because they are the smoothest in hand, and I love the slightly thinned out grip area in between the flared pieces - this helps hold my fingers in place. It's just a small matter of comfort.

INKS

A question I often get is "what inks can I use?" - and it's a good question. Fountain pen ink tends to be thin so it's difficult to work with, and while it can be done with a bit of practice, it may be easier to start with calligraphy inks and/or acrylic inks. (Never, ever put calligraphy or acrylic inks in your fountain pens!) Alternately, you can always thicken your fountain pen ink. Here is a recipe from Mr. Bill Lilly, Master Penman.

1 1/2 oz. Pelikan (4001) ink - or any other fountain pen ink
1 heaping teaspoon of powdered gum Arabic
Stir in small amounts of ink and powder, mix until smooth (make sure you get the lumps out)

Work in small batches. Maybe don't use your precious, discontinued, very expensive inks. Liquid gum arabic works with watercolour paints. Easy peasy. This will likely change the colour of your ink very slightly though.

PROS & CONS
Review: Handmade Oblique & Straight Dip Nib Holders
These are beautiful handmade pieces in which you can select the wood they are made from. You can talk to the maker and be specific about what you are looking for, especially if you know what you want! (I clearly didn't.)
Review: Handmade Oblique & Straight Dip Nib Holders
Cons? That's really tough. The only thing I can really say is an oblique holder is not for the weak of heart: you have to be willing to use it and adjust it to your liking, or it's not going to fit your grip perfectly, and it won't feel just right. A straight holder is a pretty safe bet, although going for a handmade holder in exotic wood is not as inexpensive as picking up a Tachikawa for $5.00USD from your favourite online stationery shop. Is this really a con? Well, no... but it could be a deterrent.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Rodger suggests occasionally wiping down the bodies with a clean, soft, dry rag. If (when) I get ink on them, try to remove the ink with a moist rag or paper towel. Usually I just use my finger to smear the ink off. Over time, oils from your hands and hand lotions will remove the luster from the pens, but alas, they are tools and are meant to be used!

OVERALL

If you're looking for dip nib holders, and you can spare the extra cash (between a $5.00 and $30.00 holder), spoil yourself and get yourself a nice handmade one. Or two. Or three. If you're looking to get one as a gift for someone, then you definitely should get them a handmade one like this! It would be a unique, beautiful gift that your budding or practiced calligrapher would certainly enjoy. While practiced calligraphers will likely be very particular about the tools for their trade, they would probably still enjoy doodling on the side with a thoughtful gift that was made just for them! And if you have never used a dip nib holder before, seriously: get one and venture into this extremely fun world. It's the most affordable way to experience flex nibs. 

Thank you again to Rodger for his generosity, help, kindness, and patience with me as I explored these holders and learned more about the oblique holders. Please do visit his Etsy shop!

Review: Handmade Oblique & Straight Dip Nib Holders
These nib holders were sent as a gift. I was not asked to do a review nor was I asked to share Rodger's Etsy shop: I'm sharing these holders because I really enjoy them and Rodger has been most helpful and I think his shop should be shared! All opinions here are uninfluenced by monetary compensation. There are no affiliate links in this review. 
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