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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Green TWSBI Eco Extra Fine filled with Wearingeul Call of the Cthulhu

On my Green TWSBI Eco (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Wearingeul Call of the Cthulhu. This pairing has been in use for 3 weeks.

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Kyanite Blue TWSBI Vac 700R Extra fine filled with Noodler's Ottoman Azure

On my Kyanite Blue TWSBI Vac 700R (Extra fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Noodler's Ottoman Azure. This pairing has been in use for one month.

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Purple TWSBI Diamond Mini AL Extra Fine filled with Diamine Grape

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 5 months.

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Red Hongdian D5 Extra Fine filled with Diamine Red Dragon

On my Red Hongdian D5 (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Diamine Red Dragon. The pen was in use for 2 months and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.

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Black TWSBI Diamond 580ALR Extra Fine filled with Akkerman #29 Hofvijver Gris

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 8 months.

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White Blue Opus 88 Koloro Extra Fine filled with Birmingham Point Park Fountain Turquoise

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 9 months.

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Blue TWSBI Eco Extra Fine filled with Vinta Cosmic Blue

On my Blue TWSBI Eco (Extra Fine) joined its comrades when it was filled with Vinta Cosmic Blue. I refilled it once; the last refill was on . The pen was in use for 7 months and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.

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Solid Ice Franklin-Christoph Model 66 IF filled with Noodler's 54th Massachusetts

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.

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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. The pen was in use for 5 months and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.

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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 2 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.

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

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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. The pen was in use for one year and was emptied and cleaned on , saying good-bye to its fellows.

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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 5 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.

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