Writing instruments

Freddy, I just saw that the TWSBI Vac Mini is expected to be released mid-December. Have you heard that too?

The last I saw anything, Brian, was on TWSBI's Facebook page with a teaser about being out before Christmas. Honestly, with TWSBI, it isn't out till it's out in my opinion. It seemed like forever before the ECO arrived.

Freddy, I just saw that the TWSBI Vac Mini is expected to be released mid-December. Have you heard that too?

The last I saw anything, Brian, was on TWSBI's Facebook page with a teaser about being out before Christmas. Honestly, with TWSBI, it isn't out till it's out in my opinion. It seemed like forever before the ECO arrived.

Agreed. I just saw their Instagram showing some new filling bottles that will come out with the Vac Mini. In the comments someone asked about December 15th as a release date and they said "if not a day or two earlier." So we might know something concrete in a few short weeks.

Freddy, I just saw that the TWSBI Vac Mini is expected to be released mid-December. Have you heard that too?

The last I saw anything, Brian, was on TWSBI's Facebook page with a teaser about being out before Christmas.  Honestly, with TWSBI, it isn't out till it's out in my opinion.  It seemed like forever before the ECO arrived.

Agreed. I just saw their Instagram showing some new filling bottles that will come out with the Vac Mini. In the comments someone asked about December 15th as a release date and they said "if not a day or two earlier." So we might know something concrete in a few short weeks.

That's the most promising thing I've heard. I don't do Twitter, Instagram, or most other social networks. Facebook is the exception.

This Conklin arrived at my mailbox this afternoon.  I believe it dates from the 1910's-1920's somewhere.  The nib may need a bit of working on (see closeup photo of the nib).  Other than that, it seems to be in excellent condition.  It is a small ring top so has no clip.


Pen capped, 3.75"


Pen posted, 5.25"


An interesting aspect is that the lever click/locks into place; at first I thought it was stuck.


The nib tines are slightly uneven.  I'll have to see if that can be corrected.


The imprint at the bottom of the barrel reads: Conklin; Toledo, Oho, U.S.A.; Rolled Gold


The pen and its cap


The feathering of the ink has more to do with the quality of the paper than anything else.

Very nice Conklin freddy! Lovely ink too!

Very nice Conklin freddy!  Lovely ink too!

Thanks, Charlie. As for the Diamine Ancient Copper ink, I had been wanting to try it for a while so finally just went for it. The bad photograph and poor paper don't do the color of the ink justice.

Really nice pen. Was those pens actually made in Toledo?

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

Really nice pen.  Was those pens  actually made in Toledo?  

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

Hi Cincinnatus,

Conklin pens were, indeed, originally made in Toledo.  Later the company moved to Chicago and now the name Conklin is owned by Yafa but I have no idea where the modern ones are produced.

I love the way the Toledo made pens write, especially my two Crescent fillers, and have a particular fondness for them because for most of my 20s I lived there.

Freddy

That is a beautiful piece of history Freddy and thanks for sharing. I have not been bitten by the pen and ink bug but find it very interesting as I read through some of the posts and learn a bit more.

I joined Bespoke Post for the Standard razor last month and will be receiving a package this month that includes a Kaweco Sport pen and ink refills. I am sure that this is low of the low end but it sure does look cool. Any thoughts on this brand or tips for using it?

I have to admit that I switched the intended box mainly based on this thread and the desire to test a fountain pen out.

That is a beautiful piece of history Freddy and thanks for sharing. I have not been bitten by the pen and ink bug but find it very interesting as I read through some of the posts and learn a bit more.

I joined Bespoke Post for the Standard razor last month and will be receiving a package this month that includes a Kaweco Sport pen and ink refills. I am sure that this is low of the low end but it sure does look cool. Any thoughts on this brand or tips for using it?

I have to admit that I switched the intended box mainly based on this thread and the desire to test a fountain pen out.

Wrong, Kevin.  A Kaweco Sport with a plastic body (the Classic Sport, the Ice Sport) is not expensive, about US$28.00.  However, they are workhorses. I have the Classic Sport Demonstrator (clear plastic) with an extra fine nib.  It has been my everyday carry (EDC) for at least three years.  It is pretty beat up but it still writes like a champ.  It's an incredibly smooth writer, easy to transport, easy to clean, and the nibs are interchangeable.  Frankly, I've never changed my nib because I love it so much.  I have used different color ink cartridges in it with nothing more than a good flush of the old ink using tap water.

Be aware that it is a pocket/purse pen.  That means that capped (closed) it is quite small.  When writing with it, therefore, it is almost imperative that the cap be posted onto the back of the barrel.  When that is done, the pen is quite comfortable to hold.

Let us know how you get on with it and if you have any questions when you get the pen then please give a shout out.