The Gentleman Stationer

Artisan/Custom Makers

The greatest thing about the modern pen community is the proliferation of small-batch, custom, and artisan makers who have expanded modern pen design beyond “the classics”, and some even offer enthusiasts the opportunity to design the pen of their dreams. I’ve pinned this category to the top of the page, because if you truly love fountain pens and innovation, this is where the bulk of your attention should be focused.

Conid. A technically advanced Belgian maker, currently on hiatus.

• Conid Minimalistica

Edison Pens (Brian Gray). Based in Ohio, the Edison Pen Company was one of the first larger-scale custom maker who would make pens to order. They now offer standard production-line models as well.

• Edison Herald

• Edison Menlo (Draw Filler)

• Edison Menlo in Tibaldi Impero Celluloid

• Edison Pearlette

Hinze Pens. Texas-based Hinze Pens is an increasingly popular custom maker that’s a fixture on the pen show circuit and known for working with unique and colorful materials.

• Hinze “Five O’Clock Somewhere”

Kanilea Pen Company. A pen brand focused entirely on paying homage to natural locations in the state of Hawaii, Kanilea pens feature gorgeous materials and expertly tuned nibs.

• Kanilea Aolani

• Kanilea Hanauma Bay

• Kanilea Honokalani Maile Lei 5th Anniversary Pen

• Kanilea Mauna Kea

• Kanilea Nui Nalu

Karas Kustoms/Karas Pen Co. Originally known for their machined pen bodies designed to house the Pilot Hi-Tec-C and other favorite ultra fine-tipped refills, Arizona-based Karas Kustoms has expanded into fountain pens.

• Karas Kustoms Ink Black ‘n Copper

• Karas Pen Company Decograph

• Karas Pen Company “Reaktor” Series

• Karas Pen Company Vertex

MCM Pens (Matthew C. Martin). Matthew Martin makes exquisite machined pens, though he’s currently on hiatus from penmaking. His craftsmanship is beyond compare.

• MCM Pens OG1

Newton Pens (Shawn Newton). Hot Springs, Arkansas-based Shawn Newton has released a number of unique designs, ranging from the single-faceted Shinobi to the triangular Prospector.

• Newton Hale

• Newton Shinobi

Schon DSGN (Ian Schon). Originally focused on pocket ballpoints, Ian Schon rejuvenated the pocket fountain pen space when he released his Pocket 6. He regularly experiments with unique finishes and materials such as ultem.

• Schon DSGN Pocket 6

• Schon DSGN Ultem Fountain Pens

• Schon DSGN “Peek-a-Boo” Peek Fountain Pen

• Schon DSGN Monoc Nib, Fine Tip

Scriptorium Pens. Penmaker Renée Meeks of Jackson, Mississippi has garnered a devoted following with her handmade pens that come in a wide array of models. If you’ve obtained a rod or blank of rare or unique material and want a special pen made, Scriptorium would be my first stop.

• Scriptorium Balladeer

Tactile Turn. Will Hodges makes one of the best (and most accessibly priced) machined pens on the market, the Gist. I have the titanium version, which I love.

• Tactile Turn Gist 1.0

• Tactile Turn Gist 2.0 (Titanium)