Levenger Discount And A True Writer Fountain Pen

Saw a Levenger discount this afternoon that made me wish for another True Writer to stub. Mike Masuyama did a great job with my Kyoto and it would be useful as well as fun to have a second one for ink variety. The colorful Sea Glass version with a stubbed bold nib could be just the thing to brighten my desk.

Yes, I do have several True Writers but they are retired colors and I like to keep those with the original nibs unless the nib is imperfect. So a Sea Glass pen with its happy colors could be just the thing and would work perfectly with my True Writer black pen stand, too.

No new pen for me this year but you could get one with the 20% discount on a $50 order. The code is 20PC2011A.

Hint: It’s okay to buy a gift for yourself especially if it’s a nice one.

Levenger True Writer® Sea Glass Fountain Pen

Fun, Edgy, Fanciful Notebooks From Daycraft

With the end of the year approaching, it is time to consider new options for 2012. Have you heard of Daycraft? They make some of the best looking journals and diaries on the market. Whether edgy, fanciful, or twinged with humor, each design hits an aesthetic vibe. Something for everyone, no?

Daycraft Skinz Notebook

The company sent a few notebooks for review and I must say they are easily some of the most interesting looking journals I’ve seen anywhere. Unfortunately, they have yet to enter the U.S. market. Someone really ought to import this line even if only on a limited basis. The Cookie Bookie Notebooks are especially fun and received high marks for unique appeal and ingenuity from the group here. (See update below.)

Daycraft Cookie Bookie Notebook in the Cheese Cracker Version

The attention to detail in the presentation is amazing as you can see on the Daycraft website. But once you move past the packaging and the brilliantly designed covers, will the paper deliver an acceptable fountain pen experience?

Daycraft Illusions Notebook Written Sample

The good news is that fountain pen ink works very well in the Illusions Notebook I used for testing purposes. The paper has a smooth but not coated feel so ink dried quickly. There was a tiny bit of feathering and a few indistinct edges with the most free-flowing nibs and inks. For a private journal this level of performance would not concern me but it could bother a perfectionist.

Daycraft Illusions Written Sample (back)

The bad news is that the ink showed on the back of the paper. Writing instruments other than fountain pens worked much better. I used mostly pens of the felt tip variety since they tend to misbehave more than rollerballs and ballpoints. Even the Sharpie Permanent Marker Ultra Fine Point performed with only the faintest ghosting. However, count on one-sided use with most fountain pens sporting nibs graded larger than fine with a few possible exceptions.

To my surprise Noodler’s Zhivago in a vintage Parker ’51′ Aero fine and Noodler’s Kiowa Pecan in a Levenger True Writer custom cursive italic did not even show on the reverse. Noodler’s Red-Black in a Sailor 1911 fine showed only very lightly. No other brand of ink fared so well. Individual colors may or may not bleed-through but success with three Noodler’s should mean others will provide a good experience, too. A wet writer or a wet ink will have problems but experimentation might reveal colors in other brands that can handle the paper.

Daycraft notebooks are so cool, I would use them regardless of any bleed-through. Yes, every once in a while, form takes precedence over function even for an inkophile.

Daycraft Slab Notebook in Gold

Update: MOMA carries the Cookie Bookie Notebook! I just learned there is a USA distributor for whom I can provide contact information if you are a retailer interested in stocking the Daycraft line.

• okami-whatever: Daycraft: New Additions!!
• Rants of the Archer: Daycraft’s Juicy Notebook

Discounts and deals and giveaways! Oh, my!

Time-limited offers so don’t delay.

• Levenger Free Shipping…No Minimum – 3 days only! Enter Joy2011 at checkout tinyurl.com/7d7a6bq
• OfficeSupplyGeek: Our first Giveaway and Review for Giveaway Week – a dozen Stainless Steel Sharpie Pens! goo.gl/jtmf6
• Joon Pens: Receive free shipping on any order over $75 http://fb.me/1hLYqygTs
• Tiger Pens: If you didn’t win the FriXion pens today, no worries…we’re going to give away another set on Wednesday and one more on Friday.
• Maxton Men: From 12AM PST on 11/30 through 11:59 PM PST on 12/7 use the discount code INKOPHILE at Maxton Men to receive 15% off the entire site. That includes free shipping on all items with no minimum purchase.
• Dick Blick Art: Give a gift – Win a gift.

If you know of other offers that might interest a pen aficionado, please put the details in the comments.

Levenger True Writer Blue Delft Fountain Pen

Levenger has a new True Writer® in shades of blue and it sure is pretty.

Levenger True Writer® Blue Delft Fountain Pen

The pattern is called Blue Delft after the blue and white pottery that originated in the Netherlands in the 16th century. Chrome furnishings perfectly complement the delicate colors of the barrel. If you like matching pen to ink, this gem will suit a huge range of cool blues. Certainly black would be practical and elegant but a shocking pink might just the thing to express your wicked sense of humor.

Many of my True Writer pens are conversation starters and this new model is no exception.

Can you tell this is one fountain pen I would love to own?

Fountain Pens, Hand Fatigue and Long Sessions

Complementing the strategy of using a light touch, changing pens from time to time is my second line of defense against hand fatigue. Extreme weight differences can be jarring but even more unsettling is switching from a pen that requires no effort to one that needs a bit of push to get the job done. Creative spontaneity may be fun but sometimes planning is in order for long sessions.

Sorting pens for weight and effort is senior but matching pens to frame of mind is helpful, too. Wider nibs tend to take the punishment of more emotional passages. Narrow nibs are well matched to casual musings. Flexible nibs require the most attention to avoid damaging the nib and to achieve attractive, delicate lines that connect to bold swathes. They work best when writing slowly doesn’t cut my rate of expression.

So that makes three criteria: weight, effort, and type of writing. Still when I just want to write, the right tool counts more.

Some pens are suited to all sorts of situations. A Levenger True Writer Masuyama Stub and a 1950′s Parker ’51′ Aero Fine are getting the most use these days. Also at hand are a couple of True Writer fountain pens. Their fine, round, steel nibs are most forgiving and do not berate me for excessive use of force. Lastly come the specialty nibs that add some flair to my penmanship. They are like stilettos, stylish but not for everyday use.

The real standout just might be the 1970′s Montblanc 220 Oblique Broad that at the perfect angle is the smoothest nib I’ve ever used. At the wrong angle it is sharp and drags against the paper. But it is very light weight and has a matte finish that makes it easy to grip. So it isn’t my favorite for long sessions but it does provide a bit of joy when I can write more slowly.

Do you suit pens to tasks or favor one over another for long writing sessions? What are your criteria? Not that I need enabling but trading for another all-purpose fountain pen might be worth considering. What would you suggest?

When A Tangerine Isn’t A Fruit

The tangerine Levenger True Writer has eluded me for years. On occasion I’ve even written about my search for the long-discontinued shade. Finally this week success! The color is even better than its images and will match nearly every orange ink in my collection. Yum!

Enough talk. Time to put this baby to work.

Tangerine Levenger True Writer

Levenger And The Bookends

The latest Levenger catalog hit my desk today and as usual I flipped through it looking for something appealing for pen and ink lovers. The new Bronze Hare Pen Stand is cute and the Captain Flint’s Pen Perch is about as close as I’m likely to get to owning a parrot. Someday I may spring for one and possibly the Sea Glass True Writer, too.

However, what really caught my eye were the bookends. Levenger has three that I would own in a heartbeat: the giraffes, bear, and White Fang. Others are equally charming and several are offered at special prices. So if you have a pile of books that could use something to lean on, this is your chance.

Levenger's Reading Bear Bookend

A Few Fountain Pens For Sale

Need a fountain pen? As my collection has become more focused, several have fallen on hard times with no use in over a year. Time to send them off to new homes.

Basic rules:

• Contact me at inkophile *at* gmail.com to ask a question or make a purchase.
• Payment via Paypal at price plus shipping costs.
• Shipment within 72 hours of cleared payment.
• Domestic shipping via USPS Priority One Rate will be $5.20 for a small box. At buyer’s expense for non-US shipment.
• Additional insurance and tracking fees are responsibility of buyer
• Combined purchases will increase shipping cost if larger box is needed
• If the pen is not as described, please return it within 7 days.
• For items new or New Old Stock (NOS): If you ink it, you keep it.
• Original pen box available for some but not others.
• Used pens will not be perfect. Idiosyncrasies are noted if known. There is a list of pen vendors in the sidebar, if new suits you best or you prefer a warranty. Hey, I tend to buy new as well.

All of my Japanese pocket pens were made in the 1970s so they are not pristine. However, some are more perfect than others. Either an empty cartridge or used converter is included so you can put your pen to use without delay.

Some of these pens got a fill or two here while others were never inked. There isn’t much I can tell you about them beyond what is in the descriptions.

Lastly, take the color of the pens with a grain of salt. Black will of course be true but other colors may not be so accurate. It’s fine if that puts you off and you look for a pen elsewhere. I would much rather you be happy with your pen purchase from another source than to sell you one of my pens that is a disappointment.

Now for the goods…

Inkophile Pens for Sale - #1

Inkophile Pens for Sale - #2

Inkophile Pens for Sale - #3

1. Platinum Pocket Pen in frosted silver with gold trim. 18k fine nib with white plastic section. Made in the 1970s and still has its sticker. I have never inked this pen and cannot say whether anyone else ever has. It uses Platinum cartridges and an empty one is included to get you started. The cart is well-designed with a small metal ball that floats in the chamber to keep the ink flowing. There are no converters made for this model. Length is 4 3/4″ capped and 5 7/8″ posted. Let me know if you would like to purchase a box of carts along with your pen. Sold
2. Platinum Pocket Pen in black with a double-sided 14k nib, one side is fine while the other is medium. This is a dry-writing pen that works best with free-flowing inks. It uses cartridges only and there is an empty one included. Length is 4 7/8″ capped and 6″ posted. There are a few boxes of cartridges here if you are interested. $85 US
3. Waterman 52, ca. 1915-1929 in black chased hard rubber (BCHR) with nickel trim. The 14k Ideal nib is a semi-flex fine to medium. It has no clip and the lever-filler has no brassing. The nib has a slight hook and writes a bit scratchy. However, a lubricating ink, light touch, and smooth paper make it fun to use. This pen has been professionally serviced and is overall in good condition. Note that the nib is slightly discolored though you might be able to improve on that. Length is 5 5/16″ and 6 5/8″ posted. $100 US
4. Waterman Lady Patricia, ca. 1930-38, semi-flex fine 14k nib. This is a small but lovely pen that has been professionally serviced. It is onyx plastic with a red, hard rubber section and cap edge. All trim is gold-filled metal. The pen is in good condition with typical discoloration plus a few scratches on the clip but very little brassing. The nib is not bent though it may appear so in the close-up image. Length is 4 1/4″ and 5 3/8″ posted. $125 US
5. Parker Vacumatic, ca. 1943, in azure blue with a 14k fine to medium nib. Very good transparency but shows signs of wear and a few spots of brassing on the cap ring. This pen has been repaired and the cap replaced. The end cap narrows slightly but fits well. The plunger filler works as it should. Consider this a user pen with a very good nib. Sold

Inkophile Pens for Sale - #4

Inkophile Pens for Sale - #5

Inkophile Pens for Sale - #6

1. Levenger Verona fine nib in marbled gray plastic. The 14k nib is dual-toned and in perfect condition. The barrel has some scratches so it is user grade. The nib writes like a medium but I find Stipulas to write wider than the nib size states. The flow is good with some inks but not others. A new converter might help with the flow. The cheap one it came with is not impressive. Sold.
2. Pilot Prera in ivory with stainless medium nib. That original nib has been swapped for a medium italic from a Pilot Plumix but you can easily swap them back. Both pens are included in this item along with a squeeze converter for the Prera. Length is 4 3/4″ capped and 5 3/8″ posted. $45 US
3. Pilot 78g in black with a broad nib but it really is an italic. It comes with a squeeze filler and is in like new condition. In fact it may never have been inked. Length is 5 1/4″ capped and 5 7/8″ posted. Sold.
4. Pilot Elite Pocket Pen Script Nib with Silver Luster Cap. The nib is a double-vented, fine firm 18k script nib. The extra vent increases ink flow which really benefits this dry-writing pen. The cap can appear either silver or champagne colored depending on the light. Length is 4 1/2″ capped and 5 5/8″ posted. Sold.

New Levenger True Writer Café au Lait Pen

Levenger True Writer® Café au Lait Fountain Pen

Whip this one out at a coffee house! The new Levenger True Writer® Café au Lait Fountain Pen has subtle coffee brown swirls curling through its milky resin barrel and is capped by gold furnishings for an elegant look. There are more than a few brown inks that would suit it but I think J. Herbin Lie de Thé would be my first choice.

Now if I only needed another True Writer…

New Levenger True Writer Colors

Are you a Levenger True Writer fountain pen fan? Well, are you in for a treat with the two newest color jolts. Both are demos (see-through) models and the colors are called True Teal and Shiraz. There is even a small price discount to get you started.

Maybe one of these days I’ll have one of my own for pics but for now you’ll have to make do with a couple from the Levenger site.

Levenger True Writer Demo Fountain Pen in True Teal

Levenger True Writer Demo Fountain Pen in Shiraz