We’re reaching the six-month midpoint of 2023, and typically around this time I’m on vacation and using the time off to summarize my favorite releases, reviews, and store arrivals for the year. Due to some family travel, our schedule has been thrown a bit and vacation moved up to last month, so for the first time in years I’m actually spending the month of June at home! I’ll of course be doing some mid-year recaps, but perhaps with a slightly different approach than in the past.
From Left: Endless Creator, Pilot Vanishing Point, and Platinum Matte Curidas
In the shop, 2023 has seen us build out our selection of fountain pens, after spending the first two years thinking very carefully about what we wanted to carry. To date, the focus has been on “workhorse” pens that you can use for daily writing, spanning a range of price points, filling systems, and designs that now include a couple of recently released retractable nib pens. Today’s post highlights what we’ve added so far this year, and we have more on the way!
Lamy 2000 Fountain Pen. Since starting the shop, I’ve been waiting to bring in the Lamy 2000 line in its entirety, and we’re most of the way there. By far my favorite workhorse for everyday writing, the Lamy 2000 is one of my most-recommended fountain pens for those looking for a no-nonsense piston filler.
Pilot Custom 74 Fountain Pen. Similar to the Lamy 2000, the Pilot Custom 74 is one of those no-brainer recommendations where it’s hard to go wrong. Now available in 8 different demonstrator finishes with EF through Broad 14k nibs. Check out my recent “Review Revisited” for a closer look at the Custom 74.
Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen. Slightly larger than the Custom 74 and featuring a high-capacity vacuum filling system, the Pilot Custom 823 is the first “upgrade” for many fountain pen enthusiasts looking for a more technical fountain pen that’s remains approachable and not overly complex. The Custom 823 got the “Workhorse Pens” review treatment back in April.
Kaweco Sport and Skyline Sport Fountain Pens. Of course you need a pocket fountain pen in your rotation, and the standard Kaweco Sport (gold trim) and Skyline Sport (silver trim) is the first stop for most. It’s really hard to compete with the Mocha, Mint, and Fox Skyline colors!
Platinum Curidas Matte Fountain Pens. A retractable fountain pen? Of course we need one in our lineup. You can say I’m sort of obsessed with these Matte Curidas pens at the moment, especially the blue. I hope that Platinum continues to make this specific model.
Endless Creator Retractable Fountain Pen. I’m happy to see that there is more of a pricing spectrum with retractable nib fountain pens. Endless - makers of the “Recorder” notebook series, has released their “Creator” fountain pen at the $50 price point, and so far I’ve been impressed at what they’ve been able to do here with an original design while still keeping the price relatively accessible.
Platinum Preppy Wa “Modern Maki-e” Limited Editions. One reason I absolutely love the Preppy Wa is because it brings the fun of fountain pen limited editions to the lowest price point of all. The Platinum Preppy is an excellent entry level fountain pen, and the “Wa” series (now in it’s third rendition), continues with these Maki-e style designs.
Lamy AL-Star, Safari, and Vista. We plan to begin carrying the standard Lamy colors of the AL-Star and Safari in the near future, and currently stock a selection of the special release colors, including the Lilac and Petrol AL-Star fountain pens.
TWSBI Special Releases, including the ECO-T Saffron, ECO Persian Green, and Diamond Mini Grape. I may have to do a post specific to TWSBI in the near future, because over the past 12 months they have released some of my all-time favorite editions in some of my favorite colors. (Saffron and Purple? These could turn into classic TWSBI releases.)
Nahvalur Original Plus New Colors and Trim. Originally announced late last year, Nahvalur reworked it’s “Original” lineup to include a vacuum filling system in the original transparent acrylic demonstrators, and then two new models with rose gold trim.
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