The Nib & Barrel

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.

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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.

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Red Ripple Scriptorium Pens Custom IM filled with Monteverde Napa Burgundy

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 one month.

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Crystal Blue Platinum Cool Fine filled with Rohrer & Klingner Blu Mare

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.

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Makrolon Lamy 2000 0.6mm CI filled with Rohrer & Klingner Sepia

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 about 5 months.

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Orange Monteverde Regatta  Extra Fine filled with Private Reserve Electric DC Blue

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.

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White Sailor Professional Gear Slim Fine filled with Noodler's Ottoman Rose

On my White Sailor Professional Gear Slim (Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Noodler's Ottoman Rose. I refilled it 2 times; the last refill was on . This pairing has been in use for 10 months.

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Cerulean Blue TWSBI ECO Extra Fine filled with Noodler's Navajo Turquoise

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 11 months.

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Night Blue Mica Pilot Namiki Stella 90S Fine filled with Noodler's Ottoman Azure

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 4 times; the last refill was on . This pairing has been in use for one year.

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Iris TWSBI Diamond 580 Extra Fine filled with Noodler's Purple Mountain Majesty

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.

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Dixie #10 Methuselah's Pine Cone Noodler's Konrad Ebonite IB filled with Noodler's Kiowa Pecan

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.

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Blue Pelikan M805 0.5mm CI filled with Waterman Inspired Blue

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.

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Anthracite Pelikan M805 0.5mm CI filled with Diamine Earl Grey

On my Anthracite Pelikan M805 (0.5mm CI) joined its comrades when it was filled with Diamine Earl Grey. I refilled it 2 times; the last refill was on . This pairing has been in use for one year.

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Blue Diplomat Aero Extra Fine filled with Noodler's Blue

On my Blue Diplomat Aero (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Noodler's Blue. I refilled it once; the last refill was on . The pen was in use for 10 months and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.

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Brass Moonman T1 Fine filled with Noodler's El Lawrence

On my Brass Moonman T1 (Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Noodler's El Lawrence. The pen was in use for one year and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.

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Black Aurora Talentum Extra Fine filled with Organics Studio Emily Dickinson Posie Pink

On my Black Aurora Talentum (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Organics Studio Emily Dickinson Posie Pink. The pen was in use for 6 months and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.

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Nickel Gray TWSBI Diamond 580ALR Extra Fine filled with Birmingham G.C. Murphy Tarnished Nickel

On my Nickel Gray TWSBI Diamond 580ALR (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Birmingham G.C. Murphy Tarnished Nickel. The pen was in use for about 12 months and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.

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