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 readingA Grape Pen Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Purple TWSBI Diamond Mini AL (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Diamine Grape. This pairing has been in use for one week.
Qin Dragon Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Red Hongdian D5 (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Diamine Red Dragon. This pairing has been in use for 2 months.
Black Gris Pen & Ink Pairing
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 about 3 months.
White Blue Fountain Pen & Ink Pairing
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 about 4 months.
Cosmic Indigo Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Blue TWSBI Eco (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Vinta Cosmic Blue. This pairing has been in use for about 4 months.
54-66 Model Mass Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Solid Ice Franklin-Christoph Model 66 (IF) joined its comrades when it was filled with Noodler's 54th Massachusetts. The pen was in use for 3 months and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.
Burgundy Churchill Pen & Ink Pairing
On my Red Ripple Scriptorium Pens Custom (IM) joined its comrades when it was filled with Monteverde Napa Burgundy. The pen was in use for 5 months and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.
Cool Blue Sea Pen & Ink Pairing
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.
Sepia 2000 Pen & Ink Pairing
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 9 months.
Electric Blue Regatta Pen & Ink Pairing
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.
Rosy Ottoman Sailor Pen & Ink Pairing
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.
Eco Turquoise Pen & Ink Pairing
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.
Stellar 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. I refilled it 5 times; the last refill was on . This pairing has been in use for one year.
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. The pen was in use for one year and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.
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. 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.