In Fountain Pen Review

Fountain Pen Review: Diplomat Excellence A, Rhombus Guilloch Lapis in Black

Author Laura CameronPosted on 145 Comments
Fountain Pen Review: Diplomat Excellence A, Rhombus Guilloch Lapis in Black

Review by Laura Cameron

A few weeks ago, Ana told me she had a pen for review that she thought I would like.  She brought me the Diplomat Excellence A, Rhombus Guilloch Lapis Black Fountain Pen ($225MSRP).  I’m not going to lie; when I first saw the pen I thought “now THAT is a fountain pen!”

When I received the pen, it was truly like opening a present.  The pen comes in a white cardboard box bearing the Diplomat logo. Once “unboxed”, there is a metal sleeve that slides aside to reveal the gorgeous pen sitting on white satin, again with the logo.

The Diplomat pen body is an all-metal casing with a multi-layered lacquer finish and laser engraving.  The nib is a fine steel nib and bears the Diplomat logo.  The postable cap is a screw cap, and the very top of the cap also bears the Diplomat logo as well.

One of the reasons Ana thought I might like to review the pen is because of its weight.  This is a metal pen and has a very pleasing heaviness to it.  The body itself, with converter filled, weighs 29gms and, with the cap, it weighs 45gms.  While the cap is postable, I found that posting the cap made the back end of the pen fairly top heavy, so I preferred not to post it.

This pen was a joy to write with.  The ink filled quickly and the pen itself wrote very smoothly.  The fine nib is more of a Western fine, so not as fine as a Japanese nib, but still very nice.  I really enjoyed the quantity of ink that the pen put down; it gave excellent coverage without being too wet.  I was able to test this pen on both the Crossfield Journal and Field Notes Byline and it performed very well.

To be honest, my favorite thing about this beautiful pen is the thought put into all the little touches, specifically the aesthetically pleasing logo tying all the elements of the pen together. They are executed in a way that isn’t fussy, but really lend an air of elegance to this pen.

The great news for you is that this pen was generously sent to “the Desk” for a giveaway – one of you lucky readers will get to keep this pen!

THE GIVEAWAY: We are giving away this very Diplomat Excellence A Rhombus Guilloch in black with a steel fine nib. This is a tester model so it has been inked and tested here at The Desk but will be cleaned, re-boxed and shipped directly to you in like-new condition.

Please leave a comment below and tell us what ink you’d put in the Excellence A Rhombus Guilloch in black for your first fill?

FINE PRINT: All entries must be submitted by 10pm CST on Saturday, September 16, 2017. All entries must be submitted at wellappointeddesk.com, not Twitter, Tumblr or Facebook, okay? Winner will be announced on Saturday. Winner will be selected by random number generator from entries that played by the rules (see above). Please include your email address in the comment form so that I can contact you if you win. We will not save email addresses or sell them to anyone — pinky swear. If winner does not respond within 10 days, we will draw a new giveaway winner. Shipping via USPS Priority Mail is covered. Additional shipping options or insurance will  be paid by the winner upon request. We are generous but we’re not made of money. US residents/APO only.

Laura is a tech editor, podcaster, knitter, spinner and recent pen addict. You can learn more about her knitting and tea adventures on her website, The Corner of Knit & Tea and can find her on Instagram as Fluffykira.

DISCLAIMER: This item was sent to us free of charge by Points of Distinction, the US distributor of Diplomat Pens, for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.

In Paper Review

Notebook Review: Crossfield Journal

Author Laura CameronPosted on 5 Comments

Review by Laura Cameron

Although I managed to get in on the Hippo Noto Kickstarter, I couldn’t possibly wait that many months to try Tomoe River paper (!!), so I went ahead an ordered a Crossfield Journal from Nanami Paper ($24).

The Crossfield Journal I purchased is actually the second edition of this journal. The journal is A5 size, so the paper measures 8.3 x 5.8 inches.  The journal has a flexible semi-stiff fabric coated cover and is threadbound, with lay-flat binding.  This means that when I open the Crossfield, it lays open nicely.  The journal is filled with graph lined white Tomoe River paper and lots of it; 480 pages.  There are two end pages, and both are in ivory.  There isn’t a bookmark in this book.  The Crossfield comes with a kraft slip case that is printed with some of the journal specs.  Finally, the package includes a sheet of blotting paper.  All of this is crafted in Japan.

When I ordered the Crossfield I actually had a purpose in mind for it.  After watching Azizah’s video about how she samples her inks, I wanted my book to be an ongoing journal of the inks I try with different pens and nibs.  To that end, I tried to experiment with a variety of techniques.

I was pretty impressed with the Tomoe River paper.  For the most part, I was splashing large dots of ink on the paper and, of course, those bled through to the other side.  But I was consistently surprised at how the thin paper (52 gsm “notebook” paper) didn’t bleed through on “regular” uses – when I used a pen or dip nib to write the name of the color on the page or play with the ink in other ways.  Several times I tested a pen just by writing a page or two of text and those pages showed no bleed through. The pages did ghost though, and quite a bit.  If you are intent on using each and every page of this journal front and back, this may not be the best book for you unless you’re sketching with a soft pencil or some lighter use. Finally, I would note that on the pages where I was heavy handed with the ink drops there was rippling, like the paper had gotten wet. On the pages where I had just written normally, I didn’t experience that.

I’ve included a sample of pages that I’ve been inking in the Crossfield, as well as a shot or two of the backside of the pages.

Overall I’ve been very pleased with this journal and plan to continue using it as I grow my pen and ink collection.

Laura is a tech editor, podcaster, knitter, spinner and recent pen addict. You can learn more about her knitting and tea adventures on her website, The Corner of Knit & Tea and can find her on Instagram as Fluffykira.

In feature, Tools

Review: Galen Leather Pen Cases

Author AnaPosted on 139 Comments
Review: Galen Leather Pen Cases

Galen Leather has become a well-known leather goods maker from Turkey specializing in stationery-related products. They recently sent me two of their newest products to try out: the 3-pen zippered pen case in Crazy Horse ($39) and the 5-Pen Zipper case in Chocolate Brown ($49) .

The 3-Pen case opens with the pen loops on the right and slots on the left for business cards and receipts or stamps. When I first got this case, I was not sure I would like it as I have a tendency to carry dozens of pens at any one time but it turns out I carry about three really good pens with me most of the time and it has turned out to be the perfect case for me. The zipper slides smoothly, the case fits in my hand and is roughly the same size, albeit a little thicker than my iPhone 6s. So, I can grab it along with my phone and a notebook and run to a meeting without looking like I’m carrying a ton of crap. I’ve even managed to spatter ink on the leather cover already which looks perfect with the roughed up “crazy horse” finish.

There’s something very Indiana Jones about the “crazy horse” finish. Really dig it.

The larger 5-pen case has a polished, professional look. The leather is warm cocoa colored with a smooth finish. It has the same smooth performing zipper closure which I found to be a pleasing surprise. Sometimes, zippers that have to navigate corners stick but this one does not.

The leather pull tab makes it easy to open and close as well and it looks good.

Inside, the elastics snugly hold pens with a variety of cap sizes. The widest cap I had was the new Karas Decograph which was a snug fit while the narrowest was the silver Platinum which fit loosely but the clip kept it from shifting.

The Field Notes or other comparable sized notebook tucks into the stitched seam pocket and stays in place. For me, as a lefty, this notebook on the right layout was not effective as my arm ended up laying on the pens. Also, this case configuration made using the left-hand pages difficult if not impossible if the pens were in the straps regardless of whether you are left-handed or right-handed. However, if you’re not inclined to use the left-hand side of the pages and are right-handed, this is a beautiful and super handy way to have a pen (or five) and some paper handy at all times.

 

THE GIVEAWAY: I’d like to giveaway the Galen Leather Zippered 5-Pen Case to one lucky reader who can put it to good use.  It has been used for review purposes so there may be light signs of wear. Photos show its current condition. Pens and Field Notes not included. Just so you know.

THE RULES: Answer the following question in the comments below: What pens and/or paper would you fill the 5-Pen Zipper case with?

One entry per person.

FINE PRINT: All entries must be submitted by 10pm CST on Monday, September 11, 2011. All entries must be submitted at wellappointeddesk.com, not Twitter, Tumblr or Facebook, okay? Winner will be announced on Tuesday. Winner will be selected by random number generator from entries that played by the rules (see above). Please include your REAL email address in the comment form so that I can contact you if you win. I will not save email addresses or sell them to anyone — pinky swear. If winner does not respond within 7 days, I will draw a new giveaway winner. Shipping via USPS first class is covered. Additional shipping options or insurance will have to be paid by the winner. We are generous but we’re not made of money. US residents only.

DISCLAIMER: This item was sent to me free of charge by Galen Leather for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.

In Tools

Product Review: Global Arts Pencil Case

Author AnaPosted on 1 Comment
Product Review: Global Arts Pencil Case

Review by Tina Koyama

Last winter I took a class in colored pencil drawing. On the first day, when students started pulling out their materials, I saw that everyone had brought their pencils in the flat metal tins that they had come in.

I have so many colored pencils that I had difficulty choosing a couple dozen or so “to start with,” as the instructor had suggested. Since I hate working out of those metal tins and always store my pencils upright in mugs, I simply grabbed several sets’ worth and dumped them all into a plastic storage bin to take to class. They rattled around a lot as I carried and dug through them. While our instructor advised us to transport our pencils carefully to avoid dropping them and shattering the cores, she glanced at my plastic bin through the side of her eye. Chagrined, I vowed to get a better case for them.

I finished the class still using the plastic bin, but fortunately, I never dropped it. Next time I take a colored pencil class, though, I’ll be ready, because I now have a Global Art canvas-covered pencil case.

I chose the 48-pencil capacity case in the Rose color. (It’s available in seven other colors and a 24-pencil capacity size, too.) The sturdy canvas fabric feels soft like a nicely worn jacket. The black nylon zippers move smoothly and easily around the rounded corners.

The zippers have an unusual detail that I’m not sure I’ve seen before on something like a pencil case: When zipped closed, the tabs can be snapped onto the spine. If I thought the zippers could slide open easily by themselves, I can see that the snaps might be necessary (the packaging says the snaps provide “security when traveling”), but I can’t imagine that happening. (Read on for another reason why the pencils’ security is never at risk.) Frankly, I can’t be bothered with snapping and unsnapping something I want to get at easily like my colored pencils, so just zipping is enough security for me. But if I were storing the case on a bookshelf, the snapped tabs would look neat and tidy.

Inside are two separate fabric-lined compartments, each with its own zipper. Each compartment has six wide elastic bands to hold the pencils.

I filled the first compartment with Caran d’Ache Museum Aquarelle pencils, which are slightly larger in diameter than average pencils. For a capacity of 48, each compartment should hold 24 pencils, but I couldn’t fit four Museum Aquarelles into each elastic band; even three are a bit of a squeeze. So if all I used were pencils of this size, I’d say the maximum capacity of the case is 36 – not 48.

Caran d’Ache Pablo pencils have an average pencil diameter, so I put some into the second compartment to test their size. I was able to fit four Pablo pencils per elastic band, but just barely; they are really tight and require a significant struggle to put in and take out. Three are comfortably snug. Perhaps over time the elastic bands will loosen, but until then, I recommend placing no more than three per band.

One thing I will never have to worry about with this case is my pencils falling out, ever – even if I were to leave the compartments unzipped. These bands are super-secure!

Some pencil cases I’ve used look great empty or with only a few items in them, but when filled to capacity, they look bulky and messy. The Global Art case, however, looks neat and compact with both compartments filled and zipped. There is no bulging or forcing of the zippers.

Final Impressions

The Global Art pencil case is designed well, looks and feels nice, and is probably the most secure pencil case I’ve ever used. Nothing is ever falling out of this baby! However, due to that extra-tight security, and depending on the diameter of your pencils, I recommend putting no more than 36 pencils into this case intended for 48. I just signed up for a graphite drawing class this fall, and I’ll need to bring several grades of pencils, so I’m looking forward to carrying them to class in this case (and avoiding that sidelong glance from the teacher).

tina-koyamaTina Koyama is an urban sketcher in Seattle. Her blog is Fueled by Clouds & Coffee, and you can follow her on Instagram as Miatagrrl.

DISCLAIMER: The items included in this review were provided free of charge by JetPens for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.

In Link Love

Link Love: Pens & Friends

Author AnaPosted on 1 Comment

Posts of the Week:

Writer and pen fan favorite, June Thomas wrote a fantastic piece for Bloomberg about Nakaya. I have been fascinated by them but did not know enough about them to consider making a purchase. After reading this article, I just might be ready to jump on board.

Once again, Mary Collis revealed a very personal story of what the pen community has brought to her world. I have to say that her experience reflects what a lot of us feel. We are so glad that you found your tribe and that we found you!

Pens:

Ink:

Pencils:

Paper & Notebooks:

Other Interesting Things:

In Ink Review

Ink Love: All the Inks Fit to Print

Author AnaPosted on 5 Comments
Ink Love: All the Inks Fit to Print

No, that’s not a typo. This morning I thought I’d share with you all the inks I bought at the San Francisco Pen Show. After four pen shows in as many months, I finally lost all control and bought ALL THE INKS! Well, not all the inks but I did buy a lot.

Since I spend the better part of almost every show selling ink, I get a chance to see all the inks people are buying. I can often get ink crazy or ink overload by the end of the weekend. And sometimes by Sunday, the colors I want are all sold out.

But in San Francisco, I not only got many of the colors I wanted but was also able to get some new, never-before-seen inks from PenBBS from China.

I bought the PenBBs inks ($16) at the very last minute, literally as we were packing up the Vanness Pens “inkvan” so I selected my colors off a sheet of paper and what I could find in the already packed crate. I chose three colors: No. 178 Rose Quartz, No. 220 Watermelon Red and No. 224 Tolstoy.

The boxes are orange with quotes printed on them. Inside, the bottles are hexagonal with different graphics printed on the labels. This makes them considerably more unique and easier to identify.

Of the three bottles, a couple had really unusual embossing on the cap. This was my favorite.

The No. 220 Watermelon Red is super bright and vivid pinky red. It’s more red than Kosumosu or Sakura Mori but not as orangey as KWZ Grapefruit. I was worried it was a bit too similar to the considerably more expensive bottle of Bungbox Lycoris Red I had purchased earlier in the day but as you’ll see further down, there is enough difference in the color that I feel like its okay to have both bottles. And while there is definitely some shading in Watermelon Red, Lycoris Red has major sheen so that was totally worth the money. I haven’t put it into a pen yet but I’m definitely looking forward to it.

No. 224 Tolstoy turned out to be a total win. I put it into my Peyton Street resin slim bamboo fountain pen and have been using it for over a week. Every time someone tries it, they say, “Oooo, what is this ink?” Every. time. It writes a good deal lighter in the fine italic than it appears in the swatch but it shades beautifully and then gets lovely light olive-y spots in the writing. Quite lovely.

I was hoping that the Rose Quartz might be a good match for my new Carolina Pen Company pen but when I swatched it, the color ended up being lighter when wet and dries darker– almost like a sunbleached, terracotta color.  I don’t have any other color like it in my ink library. Tonally, Black Swan in English Roses was the only thing even close. Everything else was either too red or too pink.

I purchased five other bottles of ink: Robert Oster Viola ($17), Kobe #43 Fresh Green ($30), Kobe #48 Marchais Blue ($30), Bungbox Lycoris Red ($37) and Kyo-Iro #5 Cherry Blossom of Keage ($28).

I don’t know if anyone remembers my adventure last year in trying to find the perfect shade of lavender purple but I think Viola by Robert Oster might be it. It’s a little bit deeper than Australian Opal Mauve which I freakin’ love and a bit more purply. Viola still maintains lots of shading though so its feels textural and interesting. I put it next to a couple other complex tonal purples for comparison. There is definitely more color detail in Viola!

I also got a bottle of Kobe #43 which is loosely translated to include “fresh green” in the name. It definitely has a happy yellow green aspect to the color that I’ve been looking for for years. It’s edging into “signature Well-Appointed Desk” territory!

The other bottle of Kobe  purchased was the #48 Marchais Blue which is unlike any blue I had really. The closest comparable color I had is the Kaweco Paradise Blue which I really like and its quite a bit darker and greener. I added a swatch that was bluer (Lamy Pacific Blue/Turquoise) and one that was darker Oster Fire & Ice just for reference because I really didn’t have anything else close. Most turquoise colors are more like the Lamy Turquoise/Pacific or darker like Fire & Ice. This Marchais Blue is the coelacanth of ink colors.

Oh, Bungbox Lycoris Red! You out sheen Sailor Irori Red!

So, here’s a little Col-o-ring secret fact. When we were testing papers, Irori was THE ink I used to verify that the papers we tested would show sheen. I tested other inks but I always tested Irori and if the gold sheen didn’t show, the paper didn’t make the cut.

But Bungbox Lycoris Red is a brighter red with MORE gold sheen than Sailor Irori and that’s saying something. Initially, I thought Lycoris Red was going to be more pinky red but it actually ends up being a vivid red. I think the gold sheen helps to temper it. I have a pal who swears by J. Herbin Rouge Opera as the perfect true red ink, however, I find the J. Herbin inks to be a little watery and ill-tempered in some situations. Bungbox, being Sailor inks, are well-behaved particularly in finer-nibbed pens and so I’m inclined to argue for the premium price. Plus, gold sheen out the wazoo!

The last ink I bought was my first from the Kyoto TAG series. I bought the Kyo-Iro #5 Cherry Blossom of Keage.

Photo from the official Kyo-iro product page.

I am too enthusiastic about the packaging for pens and I seldom make much about the packaging for inks beyond it’s usefulness but the Kyoto TAG packaging is so quintessentially Japanese its hard not to appreciate it. The boxes are stunning white heavyweight paperboard with printed spatters of ink and debossed lettering. Inside the design on the small, squat bottles in simple and understated. Besides a single bottle of Akkerman and some vintage ink bottles, this is the only bottle that will live on my desk. It might usurp the Akkerman bottle.

Colorwise, Kyo-Iro #5 is a bit deeper than Robert Oster Cherry Blossom in my swatch but I think it will work out to my benefit because, in writing, the RO Cherry Blossom is a bit too light.

I bought this ink with plans to use it in my new Carolina Pen Company pen.  It might not be a perfect match to the pen and maybe it doesn’t need to be. I didn’t find the PenBBS ink until after I had purchased this ink and I still think this will be a better pairing. But who knows? I think it’s a beautiful color and it will definitely get used.

So, is there anything you go crazy for at pen shows? For Dallas, I’m looking forward to checking out Retro51 table, Dromgoole’s and hopefully partaking in some delicious snacks from the Dallas area. I hope the horrible weather doesn’t keep people away as I’m so looking forward to seeing everyone from last year and new folks this year.