Ink At Pen Shows

[ellenspn]

I somehow managed to discover fountain pens and INK before the Chicago Pen show. I'm planning on going on Sunday so will have more time to peruse things. How should I approach looking/trying/buying ink at a show?

[swanjun]

I believe the DC Super Show has tables for testing out ink, but the Atlanta show (the only one I've been to) does not. So I'm not sure what kind of situation you'll find at the Chicago show. Many of the retailers that sell ink have binders with swatches for you to peruse—Anderson Pens in particular has it all nicely organized.

 

My personal philosophy is to focus on ink I either can't find easily in stock online, or ink that I want to be able to inspect in person before purchase.

[MisterBoll]

How should I approach looking/trying/buying ink at a show?

 

Stealthy and vigorously with a decidedly joyous air.

[Pentulant]

I focus on brands that I am not otherwise familiar with - and spend time flipping through the many books of samples. I also like to eavesdrop on conversations - which inks are being discussed the most, etc.

 

At the LA Show earlier this year, I ended up leaving without any inks - we were flying home and already had room for no more liquids (we weren't checking bags).

[ellenspn]

I believe the DC Super Show has tables for testing out ink, but the Atlanta show (the only one I've been to) does not. So I'm not sure what kind of situation you'll find at the Chicago show. Many of the retailers that sell ink have binders with swatches for you to peruse—Anderson Pens in particular has it all nicely organized.

 

My personal philosophy is to focus on ink I either can't find easily in stock online, or ink that I want to be able to inspect in person before purchase.

 

Anderson Pens will certainly be in Chicago. I'll make sure I check them out.

 

I've got a limited budget so I have to show restraint...sigh...

[ellenspn]

I focus on brands that I am not otherwise familiar with - and spend time flipping through the many books of samples. I also like to eavesdrop on conversations - which inks are being discussed the most, etc.

 

At the LA Show earlier this year, I ended up leaving without any inks - we were flying home and already had room for no more liquids (we weren't checking bags).

 

Luckily its a hour from my house, no air travel required.

[rogerb]

The UK shows tend to have ink only for pen-testing ... if you know that someone who stocks ink is going, I'd suggest that you contact them in advance and ask them to bring what you want.

IME, only the WES Show in London has quite a lot of inks to try. Inks and papers are a lot of weight for exhibitors to transport around.

 

(I was rather disappointed to discover this as I'd hoped to try-out some of the colours I'd never seen, and maybe some of the papers ... B&M stores are rather thin on the ground where i live!)

[ellenspn]

I actually only know one vendor that will be in Chicago, Anderson. I have no clue who else will be there. I didn't see a vendor list on the site other than the sponsors.