Ask the Desk: Refills, Sharpeners & Stamp Pads

Ask the Desk: Refills, Sharpeners & Stamp Pads

Kiran asks: I love your blog! I had a pen that used Schneider topball 850 refills. I liked that pen but it has been damaged so I’m looking to replace it with something similar that uses the same refills. Do you know how I would find pens that fit the Schneider topball 850? I tried…

Fountain Pen Review: Sailor Compass (MF Nib)

Fountain Pen Review: Sailor Compass (MF Nib)

I am shocked at how long it’s taken me to write a review about an “under-$50” fountain pen. Sometimes, I think reviews about pens in this price range require the greatest attention because they are the pens that can make-or-break a fountain pen fan. Should someone purchase just the right fountain pen in this price…

Ink Review: Papier Plume Iron Lace (New Orleans Collection)

Ink Review: Papier Plume Iron Lace (New Orleans Collection)

When Papier Plume sent me the newest edition to their New Orleans Collection of ink, Iron Lace ($10 for 30ml bottle), (“a not-so-basic black”, it says on the bottle), they included a note that it was a “subversive black alternative”. Yes, please. Like all Papier Plume inks, the bottle is topped with the melted red…

Ink Review: Robert Oster Frankly Fifth (Federalist Pens 5th Anniversary Ed)

Ink Review: Robert Oster Frankly Fifth (Federalist Pens 5th Anniversary Ed)

I’ve gone around over the years about my feelings regarding the size and shape of the Robert Oster 50ml ink bottles and, while they are not the most romantic, elegant bottles, they really are pretty easy to use once you get the hang of them. The plastic is a standard #2 plastic making them recyclable…