The Pen Addict

TWSBI Diamond 540 ROC 100 Fountain Pen Review

2012-05-25T09:00:00-04:00

I’m not sure if I am crazy, or crazy like a fox, but this newfound fountain pen obsession is going to cost me for sure. I’ve mentioned on Twitter and on the podcast over the past few weeks that I have purchased a TWSBI Diamond 540 ROC 100 fountain pen and I wanted to share my initial thoughts.

TWSBI is a company that many of you outside the fountain pen world may not have heard of. While they have been around for decades as an OEM manufacturer they only recently created their own fountain pen product line. In just a few years time they have become a well respected brand in fountain pen circles. After a few weeks with my Diamond 540 I can see why.

If you haven’t already noticed, this is a striking looking pen. The translucent barrel with red and blue sections really pop. It looks as good in person as it does in the pictures. I’m not wild about the faceted cut in the clear mid-section of the barrel (I would have preferred smooth) but it blends in well and I am willing to overlook it.

Since I am just starting to spread my wings in the fountain pen world there were a couple of things that took some getting used to. While the Diamond 540 would not be considered a large pen, compared to the Lamy Safari and Pilot Prera it is bigger and more substantial feeling. I would say this is very normal sized compared to most fountain pens. It took me almost no time to get used to.

Secondly, the nib is larger physically than any other fountain pen I own. Again, I would say this is more of the norm in the grand scheme of things. I chose an EF nib and it writes wonderfully. It is very smooth and comparable in line width to both the Kaweco and Lamy EF nibs.

I was a little concerned as to how the piston filling system was going to work for me but it couldn’t possible be any easier to use. A quick dip and a twist and I was ready to write in a matter of seconds. I love how I can see the ink sloshing around in the barrel.

The TWSBI Diamond 540 is going to get a lot of use around the house and would be a good choice as my ink testing pen. I will have to see how easy it is to clean - my guess is not too difficult.

From what I have experienced in my limited TWSBI use I am very pleased with their products. Looking through their various lines I can see myself purchasing several other pens in the future. Are there any other TWSBI fans out there? I would love to hear about your experiences and your favorite TWSBI models so please let me know!

The Pen Addict Podcast: Episode 15 - Casing the Joint

2012-05-24T21:00:50-04:00

In Episode 15 of The Pen Addict Podcast I discuss some of my favorite pen cases as well as a new competitor to the Pilot Hi-Tec-C. Myke gives a Vanishing Point update now that he has spent some time with it and professes his undying love for all things Retro 51.

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Thank you to our sponsors Squarespace and Pear Note!

Midori Brass Bullet Pencil Holder Review

2012-05-23T09:00:00-04:00

Have you ever lusted after a product that you know good and well you are not going to use to its fullest capacity? The Midori Brass Bullet Pencil Holder is that item for me. My friend Patrick Ng at Scription has made them look so glamorous over the years I knew I had to have one no matter how little action it might see in my arsenal.

What makes the Brass Bullet so cool in my book is the way the barrel ages over time. It starts out as a bright gold and with only moderate use it transforms into a uniquely styled vintage writing instrument. Age and wear is a huge positive for this pencil holder. Remind me to take another set of photos a year from now.

From a practicality standpoint, it gives wood case pencil fans the option of portability. That doesn’t come without scarifies though. Not all pencil stubs fit in the holder (some do, and Midori does sell their own refills), and the eraser is poor at best. But wow, this is one cool pencil holder!

The sacrifices are worth it to me, but you will have to make that call for yourself. I also wonder what TSA would think if you tried to board a plane with one? Regardless, the Midori Brass Bullet is worth checking out if you are looking for something outside the ordinary.

Deleter Neopiko Line 2 0.3 mm Review

2012-05-21T09:14:27-04:00

Any time a new drawing pen hits the market I get an itchy trigger finger. I ordered the Deleter Neopiko Line 2 when it first came in stock at JetPens, reviewed it shortly thereafter, then completely forgot to post the review in a timely fashion. It was only when I saw Alex’s review at Economy Pens that I remembered I needed to post this.

My main concern with this pen is the softness and flexibility of the tip. I’m not sure if this is a design feature as opposed to a personal annoyance, but the tip is very different from the standard bearing Sakura Pigma Micron. The Micron sports a firm, rounded tip while the Deleter has almost a mini-brush pen type of feel. It is not quite that extreme but it doesn’t lend itself to writing, which is my primary use for this type of pen.

If you are using the Deleter Neopiko for its intended purpose - manga art - then the value question may not come into play. For me, since I use it for writing, value is an issue. It is much more costly in comparison to the aforementioned Micron, the Uni Pin, and a few other quality pigment liners. Be sure you know what you are getting into when checking out the Line 2.

For a third take on the Deleter Neopiko check out Brian’s guest post in April. There seems to be a recurring theme.

Ink Links

2012-05-19T11:53:48-04:00

– Artist Highlight - Alex Leon (JetPens Blog)

– Charlotte’s First [graphite] Pencil (Pencil Revolution)

– Kokuyp Inspiracion Notebook (Note Booker, Esq.

– Pelikan Edelstein Tanzanite Fountain Pen Ink (Office Supple Geek)

– Uni-ball Jetstream Color Series Ballpoint Pens (No Pen Intended)

– Vintage Office Supply Overdose (The Well-Appointed Desk)

– Stipula Bon Voyage! - an improvement on the Passaporto (Fountain Pen Geeks)

– Mandala Doodling on a Rhodia dotPad (Rhodia Drive)

– Review: Zebra Jiminie RT Ballpoint Pen (Gourmet Pens)

– Another Eraser Option (Lung Sketching Scrolls)

– Interview: Scott Franklin of Franklin Christoph Pens (Pen and Design)

– Pens With Great Names (My Supply Room)

– Pilot FriXion vs Muji Erasables (Paper Lovestory)

– Review: Zebra V–301 Fountain Pen (PenSwag)

– A Stunner: The Monteverde One Touch Engage Retractable Ink Ball Pen (From the Pen Cup)

– Deleter Neopiko Line 2 (Economy Pens)

– Uni-ball Jetstream Color 0.5 tastes better than crow (The Well-Appointed Desk)

– 10 Years (Cronicas Esilograficas)

– Waterman Purple ink review (Peninkcillin)

– JetPens Precision Tools and In-Progress (Cole Wardell)

– MUJI Pens (Penfan.ru)

Podcast Episode 14 and a Site Update

2012-05-18T09:00:00-04:00

Episode 14 of The Pen Addict Podcast - titled “Vanished in Customs” - has been posted. Myke details the challenges of freeing his Vanishing Point from the grip of the UK Customs Office and I talk about a pen I love on the polar opposite end of the pricing spectrum.

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The podcast has been a blast so far and I would love to hear if you have any suggestions for upcoming episodes. Myke and I keep a running list, but are always open to new ideas. Feel free to leave a comment, email me, or find me on Twitter @dowdyism.

Also, there has been a lot of talk in online circles about the death of the RSS feed. I am a dyed in the wool RSS guy, but for those who have moved their news/article/blog post gathering to Twitter, I have created a blog post only Twitter feed @Pen_Addict so please follow if you are so inclined.

Monteverde Artista Crystal Fountain Pen Winner

2012-05-17T17:28:22-04:00

Thank you all for the great feedback on this giveaway! Fountain pens are gaining in popularity and I am glad to be able to give pens like the Monteverde Artista Crystal away to awesome readers like you. There will definitely be more to come in the future!

The winner of this giveaway is:

Congratulations! Here is what I need from you:

Leave a comment on this post.
Email me your mailing address using the address on the sidebar.

You have one week to claim your prize. Hop to it!