Hello From Ontario, Canada

I am in awe at the knowledge you folks have acquired about so much. Fountain pens are no longer pens they are works of art as are their accessories like inks and papers and notebooks.

Then comes the art of writing - no end to it. I fear my lizard tracks would hide in shame.

I will be back to observe and learn.

I will need an accountant to get my schedule to work.

Good morning.

Mickey

I am in awe at the knowledge you folks have acquired about so much. Fountain pens are no longer pens they are works of art as are their accessories like inks and papers and notebooks.  

Then comes the art of writing - no end to  it.    I fear my lizard tracks would hide in shame.

I will be back to observe and learn.

I will need an accountant to get my schedule to work.

Good morning.

Mickey

Good morning Sean (@Mullen88) and Mickey (Mickey Oberman).  We have a thread in the Lounge about writing instruments, much of it dealing with fountain pens: https://damnfineshave.com/thread-writing-instruments.  Some of us have posted photos, too.  The thread has been dormant for a while so please feel free to join in.  I must post some photos of the stash I picked up at Anderson Pens, too.  There are smaller threads in the Lounge about dip pens and fountain pens given as Christmas gifts.

I just purchased my first Robert Oster ink at Anderson Pens and have not yet tried it.  I am not really a fan of Roher & Klingner.  I don't know if you have ever heard of Anderson Pens in Appleton, Wisconsin but I had the opportunity to go there with my friend, Pam, last Wednesday and it was a great experience.

Which Oster did you get?

That sounds like a great trip. I'd love to visit a store of that prestige. Yes, I have heard of Anderson Pens. I've ordered a few products from them over the years. Great service. Unfortunately I live about 3 hours from the closest city so I don't get to browse too many B&M's.

I got the Melon Tea Robert Oster.  I liked it as a different color but suitable for day to day writing.

The only reason I was able to get to Anderson Pens is because I was visiting my friend and she lives in a very rural area of northeast Wisconsin, about an hour and a half from Appleton.  Because she loves fountain pens, inks, and paper, too, the trip to the pen shop was just about a given.  By the way, Lisa Anderson was so gregarious and answered all of my questions and Brian Anderson graciously agreed to go outside with Pam and me to take our picture.  Did I mention that it was raining a little when I asked him.  As you can see from the photos, the shop is beautifully laid out and the ink section is amazing.

Check out Fire and Ice. The sheen is great.

That sounds like a great visit. If I every make it to Wisconsin I'll be sure to stop in. Thanks for sharing. And keep that nib wet.

Welcome to DFS Sean! @"Mullen88"

I agree. Did you ever read Clockwork Angels?
Yes, there are quite a few amazing bands. Maybe we can exchange our favourites sometime.

I never did read Clockwork Angels. Some fan I am…
Yes, let’s talk other favorites soon, it’s always interesting to see if I’ve been missing out on something good. And I might have a few for you to check out.

(Before I forget: Private messaging starts working once you hit the 15 post mark, just in case you have wondered. The limitation had to be put in place because of spammers.)

I didn't read it either. But I'm definitely interested. Keep in touch. I love new music suggestions.

My favourite pen was used by me for about 30 years in my business as a Title Searcher. It is a Parker Vacumatic. It is very short - only 4-1/2" with its cap on.
I still use it but it is nominally in retirement. Total years of loyal duty 47. It was made in Toronto.

My present daily use pen is a German Lamy, It is not quite like the Parker but then nothing can be like an old familiar friend. It has a triangular grip so it will not roll about in my stiff and neuropathy numbed fingers.

The only other pen is new. I have always made it a policy never to buy anything on impulse.
When I saw a photo of this Xezo Maestro with its abalone shell multi coloured body and gold trim my resolve dissolved instantly. It has a thicker than usual barrel so holding it presents no difficulties. Its nib writes a little thicker and juicier than my Parker and Lamy which have extra fine nibs. But I like it.

I try to use each pen at least once a day to keep them from drying up.

I do not really collect pens. They just accumulated over the years, None of the others are special.

Sean, are you familiar with Wonder Pens? Liz and Jon Chan, a young couple, started a small fountain pen business in their apartment about 5 or 6 years ago. Liz suggested the Lamy for me. I have always been grateful for that.
Their little shop has expanded twice and they have a wonderful and fascinating selection of all things connected with fountain pens and their use. Their shop is here in Toronto on Dundas St. East.
wonderpens.ca

Mickey

I've heard nothing but good things about the Vacumatic. I must try one.

That Xezo looks beautiful. Great instrument you have there.

Lamy's are great workhorses, and the interchangeable nibs are convenient.

I have been to Wonderpens, the new and old location. Great shop and great service. A trip to Toronto isn't complete without it.

[Image: IMGP7262.jpg]

Left to right:
Parker Vacumatic - Jinhao (I think - for red ink) - Xezo Maestro - Lamy
Lying down in front a collapsible pencil with infinite twist lead control rather than push.
All are mounted on an old phone stand converted for their comfort and safety,

I never used coloured inks other than red for danger or beware.
I used Quink Ink all those years. I never considered that one might be better than the other. About 4 months ago I was making beet borscht and thought it would make a splendid deep red ink. So I washed out one pen and filled it with borscht no beets or potatoes or sour cream though,
What came out of the pen was an anemic sickly pale pink. Very disappointing.

That Maestro is beautiful.

Lol, never heard of beet ink. Cool idea. Check out Sailor's line of inks. You can't go wrong.

Good morning Sean (@Mullen88) and Mickey (Mickey Oberman).  We have a thread in the Lounge about writing instruments, much of it dealing with fountain pens: https://damnfineshave.com/thread-writing-instruments.  Some of us have posted photos, too.  The thread has been dormant for a while so please feel free to join in.  I must post some photos of the stash I picked up at Anderson Pens, too.  There are smaller threads in the Lounge about dip pens and fountain pens given as Christmas gifts.
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Thanks. I'll be sure to stop in.

Welcome to DFS, fellow Crimson fan!

Welcome to DFS, fellow Crimson fan!

Just saw them in Toronto. Second time. Unbelievable show.