Welcome to The Nib & Barrel wherein you can find my current pen collection, my inkventory, what I have currently inked, and a number of articles about pens, ink, and related topics.
Below are some recent articles and pen and ink pairings.
By my understanding, there was a time when the fountain pen was common, standard, possibly even the de facto writing instrument. That time, if it truly existed, is in the past. Because of this, there is — for me at least — a romantic appeal surrounding the fountain pen. They harken back to a time when life was “simpler” (is life ever simple?): a time when men wore fedoras and suits, were private investigators (or bull whip carrying archeologists), and families smiled at each other while eating a pot roast. For me, there has always been a soupçon of sophistication surrounding the fountain pen, and that was what initially drew me into this hobby.
Continue readingOn my Red Hongdian D5 (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Diamine Red Dragon. This pairing has been in use for one month.
On my Black TWSBI Diamond 580ALR (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Akkerman #29 Hofvijver Gris. This pairing has been in use for one month.
On my White Blue Opus 88 Koloro (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Birmingham Point Park Fountain Turquoise. This pairing has been in use for 2 months.
On my Blue TWSBI Eco (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with . This pairing has been in use for 2 months.
On my Solid Ice Franklin-Christoph Model 66 (IF) joined its comrades when it was filled with Noodler's 54th Massachusetts. This pairing has been in use for 3 months.
On my Red Ripple Scriptorium Pens Custom (IM) joined its comrades when it was filled with Monteverde Napa Burgundy. This pairing has been in use for about 5 months.
On my Crystal Blue Platinum Cool (Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Rohrer & Klingner Blu Mare. I refilled it once; the last refill was on . The pen was in use for 5 months and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.
On my Makrolon Lamy 2000 (0.6mm CI) joined its comrades when it was filled with Rohrer & Klingner Sepia. I refilled it once; the last refill was on . This pairing has been in use for 8 months.
On my Orange Monteverde Regatta (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Private Reserve Electric DC Blue. I refilled it once; the last refill was on . The pen was in use for 4 months and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.
On my White Sailor Professional Gear Slim (Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Noodler's Ottoman Rose. I refilled it 3 times; the last refill was on . This pairing has been in use for one year.
On my Cerulean Blue TWSBI ECO (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Noodler's Navajo Turquoise. This pairing has been in use for one year.
On my Night Blue Mica Pilot Namiki Stella 90S (Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Noodler's Ottoman Azure. I refilled it 5 times; the last refill was on . This pairing has been in use for one year.
On my Iris TWSBI Diamond 580 (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Noodler's Purple Mountain Majesty. The pen was in use for one year and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.
On my Dixie #10 Methuselah's Pine Cone Noodler's Konrad Ebonite (IB) joined its comrades when it was filled with Noodler's Kiowa Pecan. I refilled it once; the last refill was on . The pen was in use for one year and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.
On my Blue Pelikan M805 (0.5mm CI) joined its comrades when it was filled with Waterman Inspired Blue. The pen was in use for 11 months and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.