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After about three years back using fountain pens, I had the pleasure of attending my first pen show today: Atlanta, 2015. I was struck by the quantity of exceedingly large, or highly-decorated, pens that were on display. I cannot understand why. Personally, I would never want to use a pen as thick and long and heavy as some of these. Neither would I want the discomfort of trying to use a pen covered with metal filligree. I want a pen, first and foremost, that serves its primary function: to write and write well, with comfort in my hand. Only then do I look to designs, or color, or type of material, in deciding whether to purchase or pass. I respect the artistry in these oversized pens. I can imagine picking one up occasionally, and marvelling at the handiwork and honoring the non-present artisan who created it. But I would not spend a dime to buy one, nor hint for one at Christmas. Am I missing something? Or are these pens merely canvases upon which to create, but never to use, the beauty found thereon.