Every year I do a series of recaps in which I discuss my favorite posts from the past twelve months, broken down into various categories. Well, since we’re about two weeks out from 2022 (!?!?!) I figure it’s time to get things rolling. First up is my list of five favorite products reviewed from 2021, in no particular order. I’ve looked at a lot of great pens this year, but these five stand out in my mind as particularly memorable. Enjoy!
The Ultem-ate EDC? Reviewing the Schon DSGN Ultem Pens in Black and Amber. My Schon DSGN Ultem pens have been inked up ever since the San Francisco Pen show (eyedroppered, with custom nibs, of course), and stand out as my favorite acquisitions of 2021. The Black and Amber Ultem pens have now been joined by the “Peek” version.
Workhorse Pens: Opus 88 Fountain Pens Offer Maximum Versatility. Similar to the Schon DSGN Ultem pens, I’ve rarely not had an Opus 88 pen inked this year. Once I got over my fear of modifying nib units, they’ve become a pen case staple.
First Impressions: The TWSBI Swipe Is a Steal. TWSBI’s latest fountain pen model might be my favorite. From the design to the price point, the TWSBI Swipe is an all-around great buy for a low-cost workhorse. (Not to mention that the U.S. market receives two converters in the box, where many manufacturers don’t even include one.)
What Makes a Great Anniversary Edition: Kanilea Pen Company Honokalani Maile Lei. Kanilea Pen Company celebrated their fifth anniversary this year - a huge milestone even if they didn’t get to celebrate it at a pen show, as we all hoped! I love the addition of the “Maile Lei” sterling silver band, which is now being offered as an option on other pens.
First Impressions: Hands on with the New Parker 51 Fountain Pen. I couldn’t resist putting this one on the list, not necessarily because I think the new Parker 51 is one of the best fountain pens released this year (it’s not), but simply because this post offered me endless hours of entertainment from reading the comments. The level of vitriol this pen inspired is legendary, and serves as a reminder that regardless of how much we have emotionally invested in this hobby, “IT’S JUST A PEN, PEOPLE!”
Opus 88 fountain pens get really interesting, really fast once you figure out how to do things like swap in specialty nibs (including non-Jowo nibs from other brands).
Stay tuned for more recaps as I wind down the year! While the pen show season remains “in flux,” given the state of the world, I’m always hopeful of a return to relative normalcy, whatever that may look like. Regardless, I plan to be here reviewing pens, pencils, paper, and other fun stuff for the foreseeable future!
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