Well, I stuck to my guns and didn't buy anything on Saturday after what turned into a blowout Friday. That isn't to say that Saturday at the D.C. Pen Show wasn't enjoyable. The crowds were significantly larger than Friday, and from what I heard most vendors did really well because people were buying a lot of pens and ink! I spent most of the day visiting with people whom I hadn't seen in a very long time, and walking around the show just enjoying the experience. I'll try to keep this recap limited to pictures as much as possible, because I know that's what you all want to see!
As always, Brian and Andrea Gray of the Edison Pen Company stayed busy at their table. They brought a large selection of custom pens to the show.
Kenro Industries was at the show, and they brought a selection of Montegrappa Fortuna pens, including these Heartwood pens shown here.
Dan Smith ("The Nibsmith") was located in the back hallway, and kept up a brisk business throughout the weekend.
And, as always, Mike Masuyama had a steady stream of customers. If you want to book a slot with Mike, you need to get to the show EARLY.
Despite being assigned a table in the back hallway, Vanness Pens seems to have had a good show.
After Hours
After the show ended, everyone headed downstairs to a memorial service for Susan Wirth, who passed away unexpectedly in May after the Chicago Pen Show. Her associates set up her booth at the D.C. Show this year, just as she would have, and it was good to see them doing a brisk business all weekend.
Afterwards, Kenro Industries hosted an after-hours event for bloggers and some other show attendees at Top Golf in Alexandria, and they were kind enough to invite me. Check out my Instagram stream (@gentlemanstationer) for some of the antics. Let's just say it wasn't an early night.