Sunday, July 31, 2016

Sunday Reads: July 31. 2016

Sunday Reads


Stuff I Looked At Elsewhere
Pen Stuff From Around The Web
Stuff I Apparently Did This Week
Stuff I Read This Week

Please check out my sponsors, because they help make all this possible - I've selected some glittery items I have my eye on at each! 
Thank you to everyone who supports my weirdness.

Patreon
Some of these links are affiliate links, which provides me with a small commission but does not add any extra cost to your purchase. Some links are just referral links, but there is no obligation to purchase through any of these links. Your purchases through my links help support this blog and allows me to fulfill review requests. Either way, I appreciate your readership and your support so much, so thank you!

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Serious Nibbage Part 49: Delta Vespucci Encore Argento Wood LE Fountain Pen

Thank you to Chatterley Luxuries for lending us this pen!


Friday, July 29, 2016

Whiskers & Paws: July 2016 Edition

Whiskers & Paws July 2016 Edition (9)
Whiskers & Paws July 2016 Edition (8)
Whiskers & Paws July 2016 Edition (7)
Whiskers & Paws July 2016 Edition (6)
Is that for meeee?
Whiskers & Paws July 2016 Edition (3)
Whiskers & Paws July 2016 Edition (4)
Whiskers & Paws July 2016 Edition (5)
Note the paw.
Whiskers & Paws July 2016 Edition (2)
He's always posing.
Whiskers & Paws July 2016 Edition (1)
She's always disgusted.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Review: Sailor Pro Gear Realo Fountain Pen @PenChalet

At some point, I discovered Sailor nibs are a pleasure to write with, and the Realo has a piston filler so no more refilling those tiny converters constantly. Let's take a look a this Pro Gear Realo!
Review Sailor Pro Gear Realo FP @PenChalet 13
Review Sailor Pro Gear Realo FP @PenChalet 10

ABOUT

Body Material: Resin
Trim: Gold
Nib material: 21KT Yellow Gold & Rhodium Plating
Cap: Screw on
Posts: Yes, friction
Length (capped): 134.6 mm/5.30"
Length (uncapped nib-end): 118.7 mm/4.67"
Length (posted): 149.0 mm/5.86"
Barrel Diameter: 11.2 - 13.1 mm/0.44" - 0.51"
Section Diameter: 10.3 - 11.3 mm/0.40" - 0.44"
Weight (all): 22 g
Weight (cap): 10 g
Weight (body): 12 g
Fill type: Piston-filler
Price: Sale $328.00 USD
Where to buy: Pen Chalet
Pen Chalet Banner

PACKAGING

The Realo is presented in Sailor's standard faux leather blue gift box, which I find a bit dull, but at least it's not excessive. It's a hard clamshell case with the Sailor logo in gold on top. There is a white cardboard sleeve on the outside.
Review Sailor Pro Gear Realo FP @PenChalet 1
Inside the box, the pen is held in place by an elastic bland a white ribbon on a tan colored felt bed. The bed can be removed and there is a small folded pamphlet about the Sailor company and your pen underneath.
Review Sailor Pro Gear Realo FP @PenChalet 2
This is plain packaging, but I don't feel bad about not keeping it. It also doesn't seem (depending on how you feel about packaging at all) too wasteful.

APPEARANCE
Review Sailor Pro Gear Realo FP @PenChalet 3
The Sailor Pro Gear Realo is a full size pen but it isn't all that big. It has a round cap that tapers towards the top, a round barrel that tapers towards the end, and both ends are flat. The finial has a small gold Sailor anchor logo in the maroon top. There is a gold band around the top of the cap, and just below this, the clip is attached through a small, very snug and clean cut out. The clip is plain, coming to a rounded off end. It has no branding on it, so it isn't particularly unique.
Review Sailor Pro Gear Realo FP @PenChalet 15
Near the end of the cap, there is a raised gold center band and a thinner, flat band just a small space above it. The larger band is engraved with: Sailor Japan Founded 1911. The section is round and tapers ever so slightly towards the nib, and ends in a flared ridge. The cap threads at the back of the section are set between two thin gold bands. At the start of the barrel, in the capped and uncapped position, there is a small, clear, double walled ink window that is always visible. Finally, at the end of the barrel, there is one more gold band that marks the piston turning knob.
Review Sailor Pro Gear Realo FP @PenChalet 7
I think the pen is pretty. I like the maroon cap, barrel, and section with gold trim. It's a warm color combination and is a little more fun for me than Sailor's black pens. The ink window is great, although the visual difference of the thickness of the cap and barrel disrupts the smoothness of the shape a bit.

The resin does pick up micro scratches over time, but if you don't let it rub on other pens and keep it in a sleeve when you tote it around, it'll look pretty good.
Review Sailor Pro Gear Realo FP @PenChalet 14
NIB & PERFORMANCE

This Realo has a two-tone 21kt nib in a hard broad. It has a single slit, a round breather hole, and is engraved with: 1911, 21K, 875, Sailor HB on the side, the Sailor anchor, and in a rhodium-plated strip, some flourishes. The nib looks thin and long, which is pretty, and I do prefer Sailor's two tone nibs to their single tone nibs, which are more common.
Review Sailor Pro Gear Realo FP @PenChalet 8
Review Sailor Pro Gear Realo FP @PenChalet 9
Not surprisingly, the nib is a solid performer. I did flush it with dilute dish soap followed by water prior to inking it. Maybe this isn't necessary, but I do it for all incoming pens - inexpensive and expensive alike.
Review Sailor Pro Gear Realo FP @PenChalet 18
The nib has consistent ink flow - with normal writing, there are no skips and hard starts. Sailor nibs are not typically scratchy, and this one is not, but they do offer some feedback. Personally, I like this feeling, and it's different than a super smooth 'buttery' nib. It's a surprisingly wet writer, but not a gusher. The broad writes more like a Western fine, and it is on the firm side, although it is not as rigid as I thought it would be. With regular writing and no pressure, the nib and feed keep up easily with long writing sessions and fast writing. With some pressure, the nib does offer a little bit of line variation. Drying times are on the fast side, given the wetness and width of the nib. I found the feed dries out a little when I used some pressure, but of course, that's not what it is designed for. I am pleased that it wasn't skippy on smooth paper like this Rhodia above.

The piston mechanism is smooth and that ink window is very useful.

IN HAND

The section is small but comfortable - no sharp ridges or anything. The threads themselves are a bit sharp but they are well out of my grip space. If you have large fingers, they might get in your way, but even so, it's not too sharp.

The clip is snug, useful, and I really like how well it works. It easily slides on and off papers, pouches, and into pockets. No problems there.

Review Sailor Pro Gear Realo FP @PenChalet 4
Review Sailor Pro Gear Realo FP @PenChalet 5
Review Sailor Pro Gear Realo FP @PenChalet 6
Unposted, this pen is quite light in hand, although the length is functional. It's not too thick, and I find it quite comfortable in my hand. I do find the pen a little light for extended use when unposted - the balance and weight just doesn't feel right. The cap can be posted by friction, and it sits deeply on the barrel. This makes the length, weight, and balance just spot on for longer writing sessions. It has to be posted, or it doesn't feel right in my hand.
Review Sailor Pro Gear Realo FP @PenChalet 12
Review Sailor Pro Gear Realo FP @PenChalet 11
I find the capping mechanism a little rough - the threads are clean but it takes some effort to cap it. There are quite a few threads and I can 'feel' the capping. Not a big deal, it's just an 'in hand' thing.

PROS & CONS
Review Sailor Pro Gear Realo FP @PenChalet 19
OVERALL

I am a fan of Sailor pens, and I really love the maroon and gold of this pen. The ink window is a plus, the nib is a solid performer. However, if you don't need the piston filling system and ink window, you can pick up a 1911L for a lower price, although with a smaller ink capacity. It's a great, reliable pen, and not surprisingly, is quite dependable. I prefer the music, zoom, and regular (not hard) nibs better, but this HB puts down a consistent line. Great for those who like firm nibs and don't want something extra broad.

I received this pen at a discount for the purposes of this review. I was not compensated monetarily for my review. Everything you've read here is my own opinion.

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Wordless Wednesday

I really love the Menlo, and want one in every color possible.
July 27. 2016 - Wordless Wednesday (3)
July 27. 2016 - Wordless Wednesday (2)
July 27. 2016 - Wordless Wednesday (1)
That's an Edison Beaumont Pneumatic in between there.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Ink Shot Review: Montblanc Ultra Black @Montblanc_World @couronneducomte @AppelboomLaren

Thanks to La Couronne du Comte and Appelboom for sending this new Montblanc special edition ink over for review! Sexy packaging, in all black.
Ink Shot Review Montblanc Ultra Black @Montblanc_World @AppelboomLaren 1
Ink Shot Review Montblanc Ultra Black @Montblanc_World @AppelboomLaren 2
ABOUT

Ink Shot Review Montblanc Ultra Black @Montblanc_World @AppelboomLaren 6
Color: Black
Bottle: 1 oz/30 ml
Price: €15,60 (outside the EU): €12,89
Where to buy: Appelboom | La Couronne du Comte
Appleboom BannerLa Couronne du Comte Banner
Discount Code for Appelboom: friend
Discount code for La Couronne du Comte: GOURMET10
Ink Shot Review Montblanc Ultra Black @Montblanc_World @AppelboomLaren 3
Ink Shot Review Montblanc Ultra Black @Montblanc_World @AppelboomLaren 4
Ink Shot Review Montblanc Ultra Black @Montblanc_World @AppelboomLaren 5
Ink Shot Review Montblanc Ultra Black @Montblanc_World @AppelboomLaren 7
PROS
  • Pretty bottle.
  • Sometimes you just need a black ink.
  • Pretty easy to clean.
  • Work appropriate.
  • Not a super wet ink, so it'll be suitable for notes.
Ink Shot Review Montblanc Ultra Black @Montblanc_World @AppelboomLaren 8
Ink Shot Review Montblanc Ultra Black @Montblanc_World @AppelboomLaren 9
CONS
  • Not water resistant.
  • Pretty bleed-y.
OVERALL

Errr... well. I might be biased because I'm not usually all that interested in black inks. This one is a pretty easy to clean ink, so that's a good thing. It's also not water resistant and leans towards bleeding, and it shades minimally. I'm not all that excited by it. What do you think of it?

I received this item/these items 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. Some links are just referral links, but there is no obligation to purchase through any of these links. Your purchases through my links help support this blog and allows me to fulfill review requests. Either way, I appreciate your readership and your support so much, so thank you!

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Sunday Reads: July 24. 2016

Sunday Reads


Stuff I Looked At Elsewhere
Pen Stuff From Around The Web
Stuff I Apparently Did This Week

Please check out my sponsors, because they help make all this possible - I've selected some glittery items I have my eye on at each! 
Thank you to everyone who supports my weirdness.

Patreon
Some of these links are affiliate links, which provides me with a small commission but does not add any extra cost to your purchase. Some links are just referral links, but there is no obligation to purchase through any of these links. Your purchases through my links help support this blog and allows me to fulfill review requests. Either way, I appreciate your readership and your support so much, so thank you!

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Serious Nibbage Part 48: Pelikan M205 Amethyst

Thank you to Appelboom for sending this pen out for review! Give them a follow on Instagram for weekly Friday fountain pen giveaways!


Friday, July 22, 2016

Winsor & Newton Gold Ink @winsorandnewton

In case you aren't subscribed to my YouTube channel, I wanted to share this here. I also wanted to share it because it's sexy as heck.

This Leonardt Shorthand Copperplate nib is affordable and totally worth it. Grab one at Anderson Pens and have some fun!

CONNECT: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Google

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Review: Pelikan M120 Green & Black Fountain Pen @couronneducomte

This cute little special edition Pelikan was sent for review by La Couronne du Comte! Pelikan says this has the ultimate retro look. The first Pelikan M120 was launched in 1955, and it had the same material for the nib as on this modern version: gold-plated, stainless steel. The original form of the pen remains the same.
Review Pelikan M120 Green & Black Fountain Pen @couronneducomte 4
Review Pelikan M120 Green & Black Fountain Pen @couronneducomte 16

ABOUT

Body Material: Resin
Trim: Gold plated
Length (capped): 129.8 mm/5.11"
Length (uncapped nib-end): 120.5 mm/4.74"
Length (posted): 153.3 mm/6.03"
Barrel Diameter: 11.7 mm/0.46"
Section Diameter: 9.1 - 9.9 mm/0.36" - 0.39"
Nib material: Gold-plated steel
Weight (all): 14 g
Weight (cap): 4 g
Weight (body): 10 g
Fill type: Piston-filler
Cap: Screw on
Posts: Yes, friction
Price: € 189,00
Where to buy: La Couronne du Comte
La Couronne du Comte Banner
DISCOUNT CODE for 10% off: GOURMETPENS

PACKAGING
Review Pelikan M120 Green & Black Fountain Pen @couronneducomte 1
The M120 is presented in a special historical gift box. The box is large but quite light, and is decorated with old style Pelikan script and colors. I love how it looks, and then I wonder why this box looks even nicer than the standard gift box of the Souverän series.

Inside, the pen and bottle of ink is secured in a satiny bed. I love when ink is included with a pen, and yes, maybe I'm a sucker, but it makes the experience more fun for me. I think Pelikan should have included their new 4001 Dunkel Grün ink instead, which would have been a great match for the green on the pen. Instead, it comes with Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue/Königsblau.
Review Pelikan M120 Green & Black Fountain Pen @couronneducomte 2
Although the packaging is a bit large and slightly excessive, I do understand that it's trying to recreate the original Pelikan, and since it comes with a large bottle of ink, it needs the extra space. It's very pretty presentation.
Review Pelikan M120 Green & Black Fountain Pen @couronneducomte 3
APPEARANCE

The M120 is a small (not tiny), quite cute pen - think a size similar to the 400NN/Souverän M400/M2XX series. The cap and barrel are round, and both ends are rounded off points. The finial has a modern, glossy Pelikan logo engraved in a matte ring of black resin. It is not very obvious, and it blends in to the black cap. The clip is attached externally by a ring around the cap. The trim is gold plated and complements the green and black plastic nicely. The clip is shaped like a pelican's bill, sitting close to the cap, and angling slightly upwards at the end. The center band is engraved with Pelikan and Germany.
Review Pelikan M120 Green & Black Fountain Pen @couronneducomte 5
The section is fairly short, round, smooth, black resin, and it tapers slightly towards the nib, ending in a flared ridge. The back of the section has threads right before the large, clear green ink window. The barrel is a solid dark green resin, seamless with the ink window. The end of the barrel has a black resin piston turning knob.
Review Pelikan M120 Green & Black Fountain Pen @couronneducomte 15
The pen is well put together - no large gaps, clean transitions, and no sharp edges sticking out. I have a soft spot for Pelikan, so this design and shape appeals to me. The green and black color scheme is very simple and while some may find it boring (especially if you compare it to some of Pelikan's other pens), it's also very classic Pelikan. This is meant to look like that original M120 school pen.

NIB & PERFORMANCE

This gold plated steel nib is an extra fine. It is a removable nib unit, and the nib is a bright yellow gold (plating). It has a single slit and a round breather hole. It is engraved with a special curly engraving that was found on a Pelikan price list from 1889. It is also engraved with a modern Pelikan logo, and the nib size (EF).
Review Pelikan M120 Green & Black Fountain Pen @couronneducomte 10
Review Pelikan M120 Green & Black Fountain Pen @couronneducomte 11
I flushed the pen with some dilute dish soap, and rinsed it thoroughly with water before inking it. I always do this for new pens now, regardless of their price. Is this necessary? Some pens need it, so I just make it a routine. The nib performs very well, and I find it very enjoyable to write with. It is not super smooth, being an extra fine, but is not scratchy either - just a little bit of feedback that comes with being an extra fine. As an extra fine, it is not a gusher but ink flow is quite adequate and appropriate for the nib size - a little on the dry side for me, but that's easy to adjust. Drying times are pretty quick, it does not skip, it does not hard start, and it keeps up well with fast writing and longer writing sessions - no drying out.
Review Pelikan M120 Green & Black Fountain Pen @couronneducomte 18
With normal writing, the nib is a tidy little Western extra fine, but it also offers a little bit of line variation, which is one of my favorite things about Pelikan's steel nibs. It's not soft, but with some mild to moderate pressure, you can add some character to your writing. This can easily be used as an every day writer with this performance and with the piston mechanism.
Review Pelikan M120 Green & Black Fountain Pen @couronneducomte 17
The piston operates smoothly out of the box. Thumbs up!

IN HAND

The clip is nice and springy, with a convenient and useful amount of tension. It's operable one handed but snug enough to hold the pen in place. The angled end makes it easy to slide on and off your papers, pockets, and pouches easily.

The section is quite small and I find the threads a little sharp to the touch. The section picks up grease/oils easily and if it weren't for the shape keeping my grip in place, I would be bothered by the slippery feeling it gets. My fingers just barely clear the section threads and if I shift my grip at all, I notice the sharp feeling. If you have larger hands, your grip will likely be too big for the small section. Still usable, but you will feel the threads.
Review Pelikan M120 Green & Black Fountain Pen @couronneducomte 6
Review Pelikan M120 Green & Black Fountain Pen @couronneducomte 7
Review Pelikan M120 Green & Black Fountain Pen @couronneducomte 8
Fortunately, the pen is quite light so just a light grip is needed to use it. Unposted, the pen is light, not too long, and well balanced. The cap can be posted by friction, and it sits quite snugly and securely. I love using this posted, because the length and weight are super comfortable, and the balance is spot on for me.
Review Pelikan M120 Green & Black Fountain Pen @couronneducomte 14
Review Pelikan M120 Green & Black Fountain Pen @couronneducomte 13
Although it looks small, it's not a tiny pen, not a pocket pen. It's just on the smaller side, and it posts perfectly, so it can be quite usable.

PROS & CONS
Review Pelikan M120 Green & Black Fountain Pen @couronneducomte 19
OVERALL
Review Pelikan M120 Green & Black Fountain Pen @couronneducomte 9
Review Pelikan M120 Green & Black Fountain Pen @couronneducomte 12
Cute pen. I really like Pelikan pens and I have reviewed quite a few of them (and I have more in my pen case waiting to be reviewed). This is the first M120 I have ever used, and I like it. It has nice packaging, a bottle of ink, it's easy to maintain yourself, easy to clean, and the steel nib is a little springy and perfectly tuned. I do think it's a little expensive, although it becomes much more attractive to purchase it outside of the EU (with 10% off). However, if you are a collector, if you love green/black, or want to give someone a solid, reliable pen, this is pretty decent.

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.
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