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.
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 readingStellar Azure Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Night Blue Mica Pilot Namiki Stella 90S (Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Noodler's Ottoman Azure. This pairing has been in use for 2 months.
Iris Mountain Majesty Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Iris TWSBI Diamond 580 (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Noodler's Purple Mountain Majesty. This pairing has been in use for 5 months.
Methuselah’s Pecan Pen & Ink Pairing
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. This pairing has been in use for 8 months.
Vibrant Inspiration Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Blue Pelikan M805 (0.5mm CI) joined its comrades when it was filled with Waterman Inspired Blue. This pairing has been in use for about 9 months.
Grey Stress Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Anthracite Pelikan M805 (0.5mm CI) joined its comrades when it was filled with Diamine Earl Grey. I refilled it once; the last refill was on . This pairing has been in use for about 9 months.
Blue Diplomat Pen & Ink Pairing
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.
El Moon Man Pen & Ink Pairing
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.
Emily’s Aurora Pen & Ink Pairing
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.
Tarnished Nickel Pen & Ink Pairing
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.
Iris of the Plum Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Iris TWSBI Vac 700R (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Private Reserve Plum. I refilled it 2 times; the last refill was on . This pairing has been in use for 2 years.
Vanishing Rootbeer Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Blue Matte Pilot Vanishing Point (0.5mm CI) joined its comrades when it was filled with Birmingham Winky's Hamburgers Root Beer. I refilled it 4 times; 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.
TWSBI Double Purple Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Purple TWSBI Diamond 580AL (IF) joined its comrades when it was filled with TWSBI 1791 Royal Purple. The pen was in use for one year and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.
Prussian Blue Skies Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Prussian Blue TWSBI Diamond 580ALR (IM) joined its comrades when it was filled with TWSBI 1791 Sky Blue. The pen was in use for one year and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.
TWSBI Double Emerald Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Emerald TWSBI Diamond 580AL (0.5mm CI) joined its comrades when it was filled with TWSBI 1791 Emerald Green. The pen was in use for 2 years and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.
Green Prairie Diamonds Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Green TWSBI Diamond 580AL (Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with TWSBI 1791 Prairie Green. The pen was in use for one year and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.