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 readingBrown-Pink Heartwood Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Teak Montegrappa Heartwood Fortuna (Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with KWZ Brown Pink. I refilled it once; the last refill was on . The pen was in use for 3 weeks and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.
A Talent for the Serene Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Black Aurora Talentum (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Waterman Serenity Blue. The pen was in use for 3 weeks and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.
Wings over Lexington Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Silver Wing Sung 30 (IEF) joined its comrades when it was filled with Noodler's Lexington Gray. This pairing has been in use for 2 months.
Iron Turquoise Wing Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Blue Wing Sung 3008 (IEF) joined its comrades when it was filled with KWZ IG Turquoise. This pairing has been in use for 2 months.
Iron Gall Inferno Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Lapis Inferno Noodler's Ahab (IF) joined its comrades when it was filled with KWZ IG Blue #6. I refilled it 2 times; the last refill was on . This pairing has been in use for 2 months.
The Lavender King Pen & Ink Pairing
On my King Philip Purple Noodler's Ahab (IF) joined its comrades when it was filled with Platinum Classic Lavender Black. I refilled it 2 times; the last refill was on . This pairing has been in use for 2 months.
Cardinal Cassis Black Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Cardinal Darkness Noodler's Ahab (IF) joined its comrades when it was filled with Platinum Classic Cassis Black. I refilled it 2 times; the last refill was on . This pairing has been in use for 2 months.
Flying the Deep Cerulean Blue Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Blue Diplomat Aero (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki. The pen was in use for about 2 months and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.
Ku-jaku Ops Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Black Aurora Talentum (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Pilot Iroshizuku Ku-jaku. The pen was in use for 2 weeks and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.
On the Ledge with Methuselah Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Dixie #10 Methuselah's Pine Cone Noodler's Konrad Ebonite (IF) joined its comrades when it was filled with Noodler's Proctor's Ledge. The pen was in use for 5 months and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.
General Army Beige Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Beige Opus 88 Koloro (Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Noodler's General of the Armies. This pairing has been in use for 7 months.
Aquatic Picnic Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Blue Opus 88 Picnic (Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Diamine Aqua Blue. This pairing has been in use for 7 months.
Optimum Blue Black? Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Clear Aurora Optima (Medium) joined its comrades when it was filled with Aurora Blue Black. The pen was in use for about 6 months and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.
Sailing the Blue Aurora Pen & Ink Pairing
On my White Sailor Professional Gear Slim (Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Aurora Blue. The pen was in use for about 5 months and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.
Dreaming in Dark Lilac Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Dark Lilac Lamy Safari (IF) joined its comrades when it was filled with Diamine 150th Anniversary Purple Dream. The pen was in use for 6 months and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.