This week I find I’m using the same few dependable pens I’ve been using for the past several weeks. I’m actually glad we started this new column, as it will force me to work through a rotation and try out some old friends that have been otherwise sitting idle. There are some great writing pens in my pen chest, so it will be nice to mix things up. I’ll try to give it a fair shake, vintage versus modern, but we’ll see how it ends up!
This last week I added a fifth pen to my otherwise four pen lineup. Usually, since my pen case only holds four pens, this can be a problem, but I worked around it by putting it in a slot inside my briefcase. About two weeks ago I started a new job so wanted to have some really reliable pens with me. There’s nothing worse than starting a new job, trying to take notes on some new procedure or policy and having to futz with your fountain pen. Not this guy!
So, on to pens, what did I choose? Read on:
Brian’s Weekly Carry
1) Lamy 2000 – This is my most recent purchase, acquired at the Philadelphia Pen Show a couple of weeks ago. I chose the OB nib and filled it with Aurora Blue ink. I love the feel of this pen in my hand. The material is really something, and a whole lot lighter than I expected it to be (contrast that to the stainless steel Lamy 2000 which is really heavy!). The pen posts well, and the fit and finish is first rate. I sometimes wish I would have gone with a more Medium nib, but I was mesmerized by that big nib. It’s good to mix things up every once in a while!
2) Edison/Anderson 2013 Limited Edition Ebonite Bulb Filler – I LOVE this pen. Nice size, Medium two tone nib, holds a ton of ink, and call me crazy, but I love the smell of hard rubber. Filled with my favorite Montblanc Burgundy ink, this pen really does encapsulate the vintage look we wanted.
3) Levenger 25th Anniversary True Writer – This was a Christmas present from Lisa. She actually bought something from Levenger and ended up getting a gift certificate which she then used to buy the pen. It was a pretty sweet deal. I liked the metal chasing pattern on the pen, and the more smokey gun metal finish makes it different from every other stainless steel pen out there. Not really a fan of the True Writer series because of somewhat poor quality control, I think they did this one well. The cap posts nicely, but you have to apply some force to get it on there securely, otherwise it will pop off on you when you least expect it. I had a little problem with the converter leaking ink, but Levenger has offered to replace the pen free of charge for us. I’ll miss it while it is gone, but A+ for good customer service. Filled with J. Herbin Eclat de Saphir and the Medium nib writes quite smoothly.
4) Sheaffer crest – The new entry into the club this week, my vintage Sheaffer Crest Touchdown. This is the “Fat” Touchdown model, produced for one year in 1949. I really like these pens and who doesn’t like that beautiful conical triumph style nib? These are more comfortable to hold in the hand for me and the gold filled cap gives it a realy distinguished look. I had been restoring a customer’s Sentinel Snorkel last week when I was reminded how well these write. I looked up at my desk and sure enough there this pen was sitting. I filled it with Aurora Black and have been off for the races. The nib is a solid Medium and writes a tad bit wet, which is just how I like it. While I’m intrigued by the engineering in the snorkel, the Touchdown is so much more simple and holds more ink.
5) Edison Herald in Copper Flake – This is one of the Production Line pens from Edison. I loved this Balance style design, but with a little more aggressive tapering to it. The plastic is just stunning to me. When we first got these pens, this one called to me. I resisted for several months, but then one day Lisa and I just looked at each other and started pulling pens off the shelf. This one was mine. Fitted with a two tone Medium nib just like in the Ebonite LE, it is also filled with Montblanc Burgundy ink and writes really well. It will be hard to swap this one out and has been in my roatation for months now.
Brian’s Leather Four Pen Case
All of these (ok, four of them) are nestled inside my four pen leather case. I don’t know who made this case or who I got it from. It was an eBay buy about seven or eight years ago and I’ve been very happy with it ever since. A nice sturdy and somewhat stiff but soft leather gives lots of protection for my pens. Unless it is a clipless slender pen, they don’t move inside, and I don’t usually clip pens ove the leather. I turn them just a bit and they stay tight and secure. If I could find another like it, I probably would buy another.
So there it is, my weekly carry. The real question is going to be how am I going to mix it up on my next go around? What do you think?
Cheers!
Brian