Pen Review: Franklin Christoph Model 45 XLV IPO in Classic Black

The Franklin-Christoph Model 45 XLV ("FC45") is the fourth Franklin-Christoph pen to enter my collection.  I got the IPO version in Classic Black.  Since I got in on IPO (Initial Price Offering) pricing, I decided to upgrade the nib to the Masuyama medium italic 18K nib.  I've been writing with this pen for over 3 months now.

Read More

Throwback Thursday: Lamy Al-Star LE Blue Green + Diamine Amazing Amethyst

Picking up from the purple ink theme that started last week with Noodler's Purple Martin, this week I'm looking back on Diamine Amazing Amethyst. It's another another ink which I had only got as a sample.  

Handwritten Review

Pen: Lamy Al-Star LE Blue Green 1.1
Ink: Diamine Amazing Amethyst
Paper: Rhodia No. 16 Grid

 

Read More

Platinum 3776 Century and My Lucky Pen Day

Those of you tapped into the pen and stationery blogosphere have likely come across the Pencilcase Blog run by Dries, a Belgian student.  Somehow between his busy schedule of exams, projects and studies he has managed to become a seasoned pen collector and writer-extraordinaire.  The Pencilcase Blog turned 3 years old this summer which makes Pendora's Box's 6 months of existence seem rather infantile.  As a veteran blogger, Dries was kind enough to offer this rooky some encouragement and advice.

Read More

Currently Inked: Loadout for Trip to Philadelphia

After coming home from my annual family cottage vacation, I barely got my luggage unpacked before repacking for a short trip to Philadelphia.  A few days was for working but there was a little time for sightseeing too. 

Since this would be shorter trip I decided to pack lightly in terms of writing instruments and stationery especially since I was intending NOT to check any baggage.

Read More

Throwback Thursday: Quick Look at Edison Nouveau Premiere - Lilac + Noodler's Purple Martin

 

At one time I had got quite a few purple ink samples to try matching with the lilac Edison Nouveau Premiere.

 

Handwritten Review

 

Pen: Edison Nouveau Premiere - Lilac 1.1

Ink: Noodler's Purple Martin

Paper: Rhodia No. 16 Grid

Read More

Currently Inked: August 2016

I headed off for my annual family cottage vacation a few days before the end of July. It was a hectic last week before I left so there wasn't time for me to switch to August ink fillings, plus, many of the pens inked up in July were 'not quite' used up.  So, I did what any reasonable pen and ink addict with do in this circumstance...I packed up all my July pens, my planned August pens and all the ink I could find that was in plastic bottles or vials.   These are think pairings I ended up with.

 

Read More

Currently Inked: EDC for Kayaking

Summertime in Canada means cottaging.  The August long weekend kicked off the start of my annual family summer holiday at the cottage.

This summer I've continued a new tradition that I started last year with my little guy...we go on a early morning paddle to the local village docks and head to the cafe for breakfast.  This year I tried to spend some time there to explore the antique shop, enjoy my latte and do some journaling.  

So, is it a good idea to take notebooks and fountain pens on a kayak?  What does a fountain pen and stationery addict take on the water?  Since it's a short trip, I wanted to keep things light.  This is what I brought...

Read More

Wordless Wednesday: Fountain Pens on a Sunset Walk