What Was Your Last Impulsive Pen Acquisition?

[Penguincollector]

The Luminous Shadow is beautiful, @JonSzanto! I wish there was a PGS in that material. 

[Gloucesterman]

10 hours ago, Penguincollector said:

PGS

????

Please...

[JonSzanto]

1 hour ago, Gloucesterman said:

????

Please...

Short for the Sailor “Pro(fessional) Gear Slim”.

[Penguincollector]

Sorry, @Gloucesterman, Jon is correct. It’s the small Sailor with the 14k nib and flat ends.
 

Watch this space for what iI end up with at the PNW Pen Show, other than some nib  repairs/grinds it’s all impulse and vibes. 

[RJS]

I hadn't bought a Chinese pen since leaving China, 5 years ago, but decided to try an X159 and grabbed one on Amazon. Let's call it a 'tribute' to the Montblanc 149, not unlike the Sailor King of Pen (a favourite of mine, btw), though the Sailor brings a few changes at least. I was attracted to it because of the section- like those two pens, its section is ideal for me- quite thick and short, as I like holding a pen over the threads.

 

First impressions are pretty good. The burgundy/gold colour scheme maybe wasn't a good choice on my part- it looked much better in the photos than real life- but it all seems well made. The Fine nib writes rather nicely and is closer to a Japanese F than Euro/US F. The nib and feed were saturated with blue ink, suggested someone actually briefly bothered to test it, which often feels like isn't the case with other cheap pens from China or Europe. I'd rather they'd rinsed off some of that ink, though, rather than require an overnight soak on arrival.

For someone with big hands, you could make a much much poorer choice of a starter pen than this. (I reserve the right to change my opinion should it decide to stop writing next week for no reason, or fall apart spontaneously). 
 

Edit: I will probably tweak and fiddle with the nib, but it's really not bad. There is one odd thing about the cap I noticed that is worth mentioning- it seems to take 3 1/2 rotations to undo, which is unnecessary.

[JonSzanto]

9 minutes ago, Penguincollector said:

Watch this space for what iI end up with at the PNW Pen Show, other than some nib  repairs/grinds it’s all impulse and vibes. 

 

Ah, great! I'm really happy that this 'new' pen show has popped up in the PNW, and am impressed by the lineup of people they have coming. Two of my favorite nib people, Gena of Custom Nib Studio and Matthew Chen will be working and both do superior work. Also, be certain to check out Curnow Books and Leatherwork - Steve is a guy from the Bay area group and has done a fabulous job (in retirement!) of making top-notch journals, blank books, and other writing paraphernalia. He uses great paper and there are a million sizes and styles to choose from. Have a great time!

[Penguincollector]

2 hours ago, JonSzanto said:

 

Ah, great! I'm really happy that this 'new' pen show has popped up in the PNW, and am impressed by the lineup of people they have coming. Two of my favorite nib people, Gena of Custom Nib Studio and Matthew Chen will be working and both do superior work. Also, be certain to check out Curnow Books and Leatherwork - Steve is a guy from the Bay area group and has done a fabulous job (in retirement!) of making top-notch journals, blank books, and other writing paraphernalia. He uses great paper and there are a million sizes and styles to choose from. Have a great time!

 

    This all sounds fantastic.  I remember watching Salorino work on pens last year and it was mesmerizing. I also met the whole Chen family while volunteering and they were all lovely, especially Ma Chen. A handmade leather souvenir sounds lovely. Thank you for wishing me a good time- I kicked up my pre-show volunteering and excited to get the prep work started on Thursday. 

[Gloucesterman]

3 hours ago, JonSzanto said:

Short for the Sailor “Pro(fessional) Gear Slim”.

Okay, thank you.

As I am not a Sailor user, the terminology was unfamiliar to me.

[JonSzanto]

10 minutes ago, Gloucesterman said:

As I am not a Sailor user, the terminology was unfamiliar to me.

 

That seems so unfortunate, considering: 

[Cjtamu]

1 hour ago, JonSzanto said:

 

That seems so unfortunate, considering: 

I’ll second that. That KoP is beautiful, but they’re a little large for me. I like large pens but just something about the size and shape I can’t get comfortable with. Same way with MB149 and Pilot Custom Urushi. Considering their price points it’s probably fortunate 😄. @Gloucesterman the 21K nib on the Pro Gear and 1911L is excellent. Large pens but not as large as mentioned above. The 14K nib @Penguincollector mentioned is also very good, but not as soft as the 21K and the Pro Gear Slim and 1911S are smaller as well. Any of them well worth a try and can be had reasonably on the pre-loved market.

[JonSzanto]

@Cjtamu Well, I'll find out tomorrow when it arrives. It is my first KoP and obviously a different design than most of the others. However, I've written with KoP and other large format pens. For me, it isn't size (within reason) but weight and balance that can nix the deal. I have hopes for this because the piece that isn't duplicated anywhere in their line is the experience of that big, 21k nib. The actual length of the tines adds another level of responsiveness that I'm interested in. Lastly, I am neither a (constant) bottom-feeder nor someone who throws piles of cash at pens. This was, I assure you, an exceptional bargain that came through a friend. I don't know that I would touch this pen even at the discounted current prices. Hence: impulse.

[Doug C]

1 minute ago, JonSzanto said:

@Cjtamu Well, I'll find out tomorrow when it arrives. It is my first KoP and obviously a different design than most of the others. However, I've written with KoP and other large format pens. For me, it isn't size (within reason) but weight and balance that can nix the deal. I have hopes for this because the piece that isn't duplicated anywhere in their line is the experience of that big, 21k nib. The actual length of the tines adds another level of responsiveness that I'm interested in. Lastly, I am neither a (constant) bottom-feeder nor someone who throws piles of cash at pens. This was, I assure you, an exceptional bargain that came through a friend. I don't know that I would touch this pen even at the discounted current prices. Hence: impulse.

I have the KOP in ebonite and the size is great for me.  My problem is the Naginata Togi nib. I like architect nibs but this is just too wide on the side to side stroke. I still like the pen but it has limited use.

[dms525]

On 7/8/2024 at 9:03 AM, JonSzanto said:

 

Congratulations, Jon! That series looks really beautiful from the photos I have seen. I suspect some will make an appearance at the SF Pen Show. If only the KOP could be had with a Zoom or Music nib. Or maybe it's, "Thankfully the KOP can't be had ..."

 

David

[Cjtamu]

1 hour ago, JonSzanto said:

@Cjtamu Well, I'll find out tomorrow when it arrives. It is my first KoP and obviously a different design than most of the others. However, I've written with KoP and other large format pens. For me, it isn't size (within reason) but weight and balance that can nix the deal. I have hopes for this because the piece that isn't duplicated anywhere in their line is the experience of that big, 21k nib. The actual length of the tines adds another level of responsiveness that I'm interested in. Lastly, I am neither a (constant) bottom-feeder nor someone who throws piles of cash at pens. This was, I assure you, an exceptional bargain that came through a friend. I don't know that I would touch this pen even at the discounted current prices. Hence: impulse.

Ha ha ha. Not being at all disparaging. Was just giving some info to @Gloucesterman. I’m obviously a big fan of the Sailor 21K nibs. I’ve tested a KoP and if I were able to get one at a great price one would no doubt be in my pen case(s). And the body on that one is gorgeous. Here’s hoping it’s everything you want it to be and more.

[dms525]

About a month ago, Leonardo posted photos of limited edition they made for the 60th anniversary of La Cartoleria Srl, a stationary shop in Salerno. It is a Momento Magico in a custom resin made by Jonathon Brooks with rose gold hardware. I thought the material was gorgeous, and the Magico is my favorite Leonardo model for edc duty. The shop owner had never sold to an US customer and was totally confused about how to handle the VAT. I enlisted Salvatore's help, and was able to get the pen. It is indeed a beauty.

 

 

 

 

David

[Gloucesterman]

2 hours ago, Cjtamu said:

I’ll second that. That KoP is beautiful, but they’re a little large for me. I like large pens but just something about the size and shape I can’t get comfortable with. Same way with MB149 and Pilot Custom Urushi. Considering their price points it’s probably fortunate 😄. @Gloucesterman the 21K nib on the Pro Gear and 1911L is excellent. Large pens but not as large as mentioned above. The 14K nib @Penguincollector mentioned is also very good, but not as soft as the 21K and the Pro Gear Slim and 1911S are smaller as well. Any of them well worth a try and can be had reasonably on the pre-loved market.

Must admit that I never thought of things from that perspective!

However, if you think that might be awkward, please know that since I was a child I have been prone to "motion sickness" unless I am the person driving (or at least in the front seat.)

 

On the few occasions that I have use a Sailor pen, I found nothing distinctive or remarkable (either positive or negative that made me want to pursue the brand further. I must also admit that I find the pricing (at least new) more than I really want to spend. For a personal reason I find myself writing much, much less than I used to and reluctant to spend the money. (I was VERY tempted though with the recent Amazon offer and might have jumped on it if I had not just spent a chunk of cash on car repairs and another $500 on more pens at the local flea market.

 

I may be more open to acquisition in late September after the Commonwealth Pen Show. I have two tables at the show and many, MANY pens (and inks and other stuff) to sell there.

 

Oh yes, and I just acquired a Waterman Edson which is one of my grail pens, so I am in a conservative mood in regard to spending more money at the moment.

[Penguincollector]

2 hours ago, Gloucesterman said:

Waterman Edson

  Nice, I’m in love with the Boucheron version. I don’t know if I will ever buy one, but I love looking at it. 

[Gloucesterman]

8 hours ago, Penguincollector said:

  Nice, I’m in love with the Boucheron version. I don’t know if I will ever buy one, but I love looking at it. 

Like you, I'm a great admirer of the Boucheron. AND, like you I wonder if I will ever actually own one.

In regard to the Edson, I got it the "old fashion" way... I traded for it. I was lucky because I had a number of pens that a friend was interested in and we worked out a win-win agreement. To be open about it, I really don't know if I would have laid out all that cash for a pen. Even an Edson.

[Penguincollector]

  That’s an excellent trade, @Gloucesterman!  There was a vendor who had an Edson at the local show last year for a good price and I didn’t see it until I had already spent what I allocated for the weekend. I am hoping he’s there again this weekend,  Edson or no. He had beautiful pens for excellent prices. 

[inkstainedruth]

On 7/8/2024 at 6:24 PM, JonSzanto said:

 

Ruth, it's a Sailor "Luminous Shadow" King of Pen, in Storm Blue, with ruthenium (just for you!) trim. Their first KoP models that aren't either a cigar or Pro Gear shape, and done in quite different materials. These are all mostly sold out but I happened on a pen friend who was reducing his personal inventory, and I jumped at the offer in a way I usually don't. It will be my first KoP and I'm looking forward to it very much. Supposed to arrive on Weds, will take pics.

Sigh.  Don't suppose they got made in smaller sizes....   I suspect a King of Pen would be WAAAY to big and heavy for me (I do really like my 2 Pro Gear Slims).

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth