Henki's Holiday Shopping List - Nobody Ever Tweeted A Manifesto!

A bit about me - 

Shortly before my sixth birthday, while playing on the neighbor's swing-set, I made the intelligent choice of jumping off the slide. I managed to fall on my right arm, breaking it in three (3) places. Fortunately, the neighbor's father was also our doctor. He promptly wrapped my arm in a New York Times and my parents drove me the 3 blocks to Allen Memorial Hospital where I woke up the next morning to find my arm in a cast from my fingers to just below my shoulder. Although I was released in the morning, my father took me to Gibson's Bakery for an ice cream cone ; )

I was set to start first grade in about 2 months time - and just as the cast came off my arm, I began the journey of learning to read and write (beyond the alphabet squares we had in kindergarten). And try though I might, I could never get any of my letters to look the same consistently. What my teachers assumed was laziness was later diagnosed as nerve damage from the break. This was in the 70s, so no typed homework for me and my classmates. Hand writing was de rigueur. Needless to say, I have no small amount of sympathy for my teachers who had to try and decipher my code!

So with that initial obstacle somewhat tamed, I then managed to break three (3) of the four (4) fingers on my right hand just after turning forty!

But rather than chuck in the idea of writing by hand, I have taken the more challenging path of trying to re-train my right hand by using (almost exclusively) fountain pens.

Courtesy of Gioia

And that brings us to today's gift idea (one that I've just gifted myself) the Gioia Metis Verde D'Oriente. 

It is a big, beautiful pen! Crafted from a single bar of resin, made in Gioia's facility in Naples, Italy. 

This is a side-by side with a Pelikan 600.

I tend to prefer a broad nib, the larger ink flow tends to cover a multitude of my handwriting sins ; )

You can order directly from Gioia, and this communication tool will cost you 130,00 €

There are also a handful of retail stores that offer Gioia pens, and I secured mine from The Paper Mind in San Francisco, CA.

Needless to say, the Gioia Metis proves that the pen is still mightier!

Happy Holidays!

Nobody Ever Texted A Mission Statement

So I recommend you find a more permanent communication device. I give you the Esterbrook Model J in Lotus Green. 

Pen people are slightly connected to watch people, but in truth they are a tribe unto themselves. Watches, by and large, come as they are. True, you can order a custom Sartory-Billard, or Holthinrichs watch, but by and large you buy what the brand has made. You might put your own twist on it with a different strap, but for the most part that's it.

For pen people, it's often a wee bit different. Some of it's about heft (i.e. how much it weighs, how dense it feels in your hand), for some it's about the flow of the ink from the nib, for others it's about how stiff or flexible the nib is. Others are solely focused on the name on the box that the pen came in. Pen people, like watch people, are often looking for that extra bit of validation.

I have been guilty of this, with a flock of Pelikan pens in various drawers and pen boxes. I had an opportunity to check out Esterbook's pens back in October and I took the Model J for a test drive.

It is available in two colors. And as you came to Henki Time for the words, and not the photos, I will borrow a better image from the folks at Esterbrook -

Courtesy of Esterbook

This is the Model J in Antique Rose. It was a close contest, but in the end I opted for the Lotus Green with a broad nib. Yes, to quote that other great commentator on watches and pens, Boz Skaggs, I put my money on the table and drove it off the lot.

Now should you ever encounter my handwriting, you will scratch your head, and wonder why I would bother even trying to use anything so elegant. Well, that is an answer in two parts:

Part One:

Just prior to my sixth birthday, I took an ill advised leap off of our neighbor's swing set. According to my mother, it was a multiple break "2 or 3 places!" Luckily, long-suffering family friend and neighborhood doctor, Dr. Mason, was on hand to splint me up in (according to my father) that day's copy of the New York Times. The accuracy of that last factoid remains lost to history, but after an overnight stay at Allen Memorial Hospital, and six weeks in plaster, I went off to first grade where they tried as best they could to get me to hold a pencil correctly, and produce anything that might vaguely pass as handwriting. What was not realized at the time was that there was nerve damage in the arm - and therefore the hand as well. About a year after leaving the U of O, I picked up a fountain pen and used it from time to time, nothing too serious. Almost as much an affectation as anything else. But I did notice that it forced me to be more patient when writing. Wendy gave me a Parker Sonnet for our first wedding anniversary. But by and large, I still mostly used ball points or roller balls.

Part Two:

In 2009 I took a rather nasty tumble off my Gitane Team Replica bike (it is worth noting that the only 2 cycling accidents I have had have been on blue French bicycles - my Peugeot in 1982, and the Gitane). I managed to drag my face along the tarmac for a good 25 feet. Two front teeth, literally the skin off my nose, a knee filled with gravel (of which the removal was excruciating), and two broken fingers later, I was back at work. And needless to say, holding a pen was also, excruciating. 

I started trying to get control of my hand, and its now semi-serviceable fingers. And I started writing exclusively with fountain pens as a type of physical therapy as it forced me to focus my actions and motions. And for the most part? I never looked back.

But back to my new Esterbrook -

It is safe to say, that not unlike watches, when it comes to pens you have plenty to choose from. Some of it well worth the money, some of it disappointing. The Esterbrook does not disappoint! I opted for a broad nib. The feel is forgiving without being flimsy. The ink flows evenly, and it requires little to no downward force. 

It is crafted of ebonite, and therefore has a wonderfully warm feeling in the hand. And it now has me looking at it's Antique Rose partner.

While it is not inexpensive, it is not outrageously priced at $295. Now while that would have been way out of my league as a freshly minted graduate with journalistic ambitions, it is certainly not too outlandish. It is the type of pen that just might inspire the next Charles Foster Kane (ideally the one before his fall from grace).

So for those of you out there working on a business plan, a mission statement or even a declaration of principles...

Get yourself a decent pen, and write like you give a damn!

Leonardo Pens - Write Like You Mean It!

Words in papers, words in booksWords on TV, words for crooks
Words of comfort, words of peace
Words to make the fighting cease
Words to tell you what to do
Words are working hard for you
Eat your words but don't go hungry
Words have always nearly hung me

Wordy Rappinghood, Tom Tom Club, 1981

I am, admittedly, not a big fan of disposable pens. They're wasteful, they leak, they feel just like what they are - fairly flimsy pieces of plastic in your hand. So needless to say, I am a bit particular about what I write with.

In my day job, I have to write a fair bit. A lot of it is writing proposals for grants (funding) for our adult education program. And I have a confession to make - it is one of my least favorite things to do. It is stressful. If you can't write a compelling argument for the funding, you won't get it. Simply put - no money, no program, no jobs. So when my team and I are successful, I reward myself with a new fountain pen. 

Spoiler alert - we were successful with our latest application. So off I went to Broomfield Pen in Boston and discovered a brand I had never heard of before - Leonardo Officina Italiana (or for our purposes - Leonardo).

This, gentle reader, is the Leonardo Furore Bronze. Or the Leonardo Rootbeer as I like to call it ; )

This pen is what I would call a "tweener". Not as small as most, and not as large as some. It is wonderfully comfortable to write with, and I would put it's size as "Goldilocks" - just right.

The nib for this pen is a Stub. I am not going to try and explain it intelligently, so I will leave it to the folks at Goulet Pens -

What is a stub nib?

• A nib with tipping material that’s ground flat on the end
• Produces a narrow line on the cross stroke, broad on the down stroke
• Mimics calligraphy (without doing anything different!)
• Different than flex nibs, which require pressure to change the line width

And I have to be honest, I'm kinda' digging it!  

Regarding fountain pens, I am not really a fan of cartridges unless you are traveling, and really not a fan of ultra-expensive pens that are sold in elaborate packaging with swanky bottles of "artisanal" ink, only to be equipped with somewhat anemic adapters to use bottled ink (which let's face it, is what you should be using!). To my way of thinking, it's like ordering a handmade suit and not opting for functioning button holes on the sleeve.

And that is another interesting approach that Leonardo has taken - a removable cap over the INTERNAL converter.  In other words, it is a fairly impressive reservoir that holds an impressive amount of ink. I've stripped a fair number of Pelikan pen pistons (let's face it, they're plastic), so I have to say that this is a great choice.

And as I know that there is another grant proposal on the horizon, I have already identified my next Leonardo, the Moment zero Pietra marina 

(gold nib) -

Courtesy of Leonardo Officina Italiana

Just remember, nobody of any substance or longterm consequence ever tweeted a manifesto, so write like you mean it!

Write Like You Mean It

Love letters are written, not tweeted.  Resolutions are drafted, not instant messaged.  And as Charles Foster Kane (as played by Orson Welles) tried to underscore before he was himself corrupted - a declaration of principles is writ large, without fear or favor -

We live in some pretty crazy times, and the fast pace and access to instant communication has probably made all of us lazier than we should be.  We favor speed over content, immediacy over thoughtfulness.  That is also true in a lot of our communication tools.  And that is why I am so glad that Opus Mechan is still making pens by hand, one at a time.

Courtesy of Opus Mechan

This is the Musician in Northern Lights 3 from Opus Mechan in Michigan.

Courtesy of Opus Mechan

Words are easy.  Finding the right ones, and using them wisely?  How often have we all said or tweeted or instant messaged something that we truly regretted in hindsight?  That is something we all need to work on.  And as you look for that perfect tool to express yourself, I will be strongly considering one of these to draft my future articles.

Pick your words with care, use them to inform, not to harm or hurt.  Build a bridge with your ideas.

Peace.

Better Than An Apple For The Teacher

From Montegrappa -

Courtesy of Montegrappa

As an English Teacher and now responsible for an adult education program here on the North Shore, this one speaks to me.  This is the Teacher's Pen.

Courtesy of Montegrappa

Obviously a little under the radar as Montegrappa has a lot of dazzling pens, but for the teachers out there and the people who love them, this is something pretty cool.

Courtesy of Montegrappa

Here are the pertinents -

                       FEATURES

Material: resin

Trim: steel

Nib: steel

Filling System: converter, cartridge

Packaging: special

Length: 141 mm

Diameter: 14.7 mm

Weight: 31.00 gr

The Pen is Mightier

Courtesy of Timothy John Fine Arts

Timothy John is something of a legend among watch and pen enthusiasts, many of us discovering his artwork through his collaborations with watch and pen manufacturers.  The Australian artist has been active since 1979, and is known around the world for his fine art, notably that of his landscape works.

He has collaborated with Montegrappa, the Italian pen maker through some previous designs, but it is his latest effort that has caught the attention of many beyond the pen enthusiast, and as this is a very special and important piece, I am going to let Mr. John and Montegrappa tell you in their own words -

TULIP FOR TEAM FOX

Pens against Parkinson’s

By Timothy John. For Parkinson’s research. 

The global symbol of Parkinson’s awareness is the centrepiece of a design championed and created by fine artist, Timothy John. Recently diagnosed with the debilitating disease, Timothy inspired us to seek out the collaboration of an organisation that Bloomberg cited as “the fulcrum on which Parkinson’s research pivots.” Proceeds from every purchase will help fund the Michael J. Fox Foundation and its efforts to accelerate the search for a cure.

Courtesy of Monntegrappa

Per Timothy John -

"TULIP FOR TEAM FOX"~MONTEGRAPPA

After I received my Parkinson's Disease diagnosis, I discussed with MONTEGRAPPA C.E.O. Giuseppe Aquila the possibility of creating a Montegrappa pen for global release, with part proceeds of all sales donated to a Parkinson's Disease Research Charity / Foundation.

Giuseppe was very enthusiastic about the idea and very supportive of my involvement as designer, encouraging me even though he knew I had doubts that my capabilities were somewhat limited due to tremors and bouts of depression because of my condition.

Courtesy of Montegrappa and Timothy John

While we were confident of producing a beautiful pen, we were unsure of where the money raised from sales would be directed.

After much research and due diligence, the Michael.J.Fox Foundation (MJFF) & TEAMFOXwere selected as our preferred partners.

MJFF is described by Bloomberg as “the fulcrum on which Parkinson’s research pivots”.

It is with great pride that I can now reveal the fruits of our efforts with the Montegrappa "TULIP FOR TEAM FOX" a selection of strikingly beautiful pens inspired by TEAMFOX colours, with the distinctive sculptural Tulip shaped clip designed by me.

The Tulip is the international symbol for Parkinson's Disease.

Courtesy of Montegrappa

Proceeds from every pen purchase will help fund the Michael J. Fox Foundation and its efforts to accelerate the search for a cure.

Available in 3 variations, of fountain pen, rollerball and ballpoint, designed stand out and to exclaim loud and proud , support for medical research into Parkinson's Disease.

You can order the pen direct from Montegrappa here -

Order Tulip for Team Fox

A Christmas Bonus

Well, we've been a bit behind schedule here at Tempus Fugit HQ owing to a fairly massive project that I have undertaken (more to come on that).  So I haven't really had a chance to even reflect too much on what Santa Claus brought me for Christmas.  In fact the coolest item under the tree did not come from a rotund fellow in a red suit with white trim.  No, in fact one of the coolest things that I received was a joint present from my work mates, the Executive Publisher and the Cub Reporter -

And I suppose it might have been a gentle hint to get back on the horse and write a bit more frequently, but I have to say it really hit my visceral buttons.  I have often waxed lyrical about Pelikan, and they make a very fine pen.  But I have to be honest, I am becoming more and more enamored with Kaweco!

This is the Kaweco Student 70 Soul Rollerball.  And it is the Witches Britches! 

It is wonderfully whimsical, reminiscent of the
Creamsicle® of my youth -

Courtesy of Popscicle

And that is perhaps what I have come to love so much about Kaweco.  Rather than pontificating and bloviating on how important, stately, iconic (insert other self-important language here) their pen brand is, Kaweco tends to focus on communicating just how much fun a pen can be.

Shamelessly borrowed from the world-wide infoweb

Ultimately, while a pen can be a beautiful item, it is also a tool.  And more specifically?  A tool for communication.  And what I find so fascinating about Kaweco is the lengths that they go to help their retail partners communicate Kaweco's message.  Remember, a lot of people start out with the Kaweco Sport -

Courtesy of Kaweco

This is a pen that goes for a little north of US $20.  Think about that for a minute.  Whereas most retailers refuse to go anywhere near something that inexpensive, Kaweco has found a way to bridge the gap and not only support their retail partners with, let's face it, totally bitchin' point of sale displays, but to get the retail partners excited about it.  Consider this, when a young person first gets exposed to a fountain pen, it is a much easier bridge to purchase a Kaweco Sport, and get the feel of it.  This in turn leads to more Kaweco Sport models, and then, inevitably, to a higher end model.  And while there are other brands, if that first fountain pen kiss came from Kaweco, they have already established a relationship.  

So well done Kaweco!  I have and use SEVERAL of your Sport collection of varying colors, a few in metal, several in fun colorful splashes.  And I can say without fear or favor - if you are even into pens just a little bit?  Treat yourself!

Wrapping Up - The Pelikan M605 White Transparent

Now to be very clear, Tempus Fugit is by no means a pen blog, nor would anyone mistake me for an authority on pens like Joshua E. Danley who is responsible for the truly excellent Pelikan's Perch site that is a must read not just for Pelikan fans, but for anyone interested in pens.  But Pelikan has fascinated me ever since my father gave me a pen and pencil set during my third year at the University of Oregon, and Pelikan fountain pens followed later on.

While pretty much anyone out there could identify a Montblanc (or misidentify a Montblanc fake) from a hundred yards, Pelikan is something a little more special. One thing in particular is Pelikan's offering of different color codes for their main collection series. And that keeps not only collectors, but the general pen buying public intrigued, engaged and active.

Pelikan was kind enough to let me test-drive their M605 White Transparent with a medium nib. They were also kind enough not to scream and shout when the review went beyond the planned for time period.

As you can tell by the ink on the nib, this was a REAL review ; )

One of the challenges for anyone making and marketing a fountain pen is how big or small should the pen be? In other words, what is the "Goldilocks" size (i.e. just right)?

I have heard some say that for some people, pen size is a bit of a self validation. And truthfully, far too many "statement" fountain pens are way too big. They look nice, and they lend a certain air of gravitas, but truthfully? Apart from signing the occasional personal Magna Carta, they tend to sit idle in your pen box, desk drawer or glove compartment.

So needless to say, size is important.

As a point of comparison, on the left you have a Montblanc Meisterstuck Classique (I believe) ball point. I think this is a useful example, because for many this is about as big as they want to go for a daily "writer".

More than anything else, your want your fountain pen to write smoothly, for the ink to flow, and to not have to dip it or bleed it (manually push ink towards the nib by adjusting the piston).  And I have found few fountain pens that let you fill them and forget them, but the M605 has performed flawlessly!  Easy to fill, large capacity for ink storage in the reservoir, and never a dry stroke until I had finally depleted the supply in the pen.  The nib itself was smooth and satisfying.  Extremely even ink flow, never scratchy or frustrating.

The barrel of the pen is semi-translucent with alternating stripes white stripes which provides a delightful inside view, not unlike the display back on a watch.  This allows you to see fairly clearly just what your ink levels are.  It is made of cellulose acetate, the piston (filling knob) and cap are crafted from white resin.  And because the barrel is somewhat transparent, you get the contrast of your chosen ink on display.

The accent pieces and the clip are accented with a palladium finish.

And the feel of the M605 when you have it in your hand is something you have to experience to fully appreciate.  

It is solid to be sure, but it is not a lead weight with a nib attached to it.  It is responsive and nimble, a real joy to work with.

The nib is described as being rhodinized 14K gold.  Visually it is a great match to the pen itself.
 

Ultimately, you could write with just about anything.

You don't need to use a fountain pen.  And truth be told, too many fountain pens are poorly assembled in a half-assed manner, dressed up as a "special or limited" edition, and pumped out the door.  I have quite a few fountain pens, but only two or three that have come close to the feel of the M605 both in the hand and on paper.


Yes, I am definitely a fan of this pen.


I would like to leave you with one final thought about a good pen, and communication -


Real manifestos are written, not tweeted.  So put down your phone, grab a real pen, and get ready for greatness!

A Different Kind of Review - Pelikan M605

So as I am wrapping up my review of the Favre Leuba Harpoon, I have begun another, slightly different review.  The good folks at Pelikan sent one of their latest fountain pens to take for a 
test drive  -

So over the next two weeks the Pelikan M605 will be making the rounds with me and my notebooks.  

Two weeks with the M605 starts now.

They Might Be Giants

Every now and then there are topics beyond watches here at Tempus Fugit.  Pens are one of those items that, when dressed up by the wordsmiths in PR are magically transformed into "writing instruments".  And I suppose when you drop a week or two worth of pay on something, you are looking for it to become a bit more transcendent than merely utilitarian.

But what this has really succeeded in doing, is creating a vacuum in the pen industry.  While the great and the good focus on creating rare and beautiful vessels for holding ink (and maybe occasionally writing), these very expensive objects, in many instances, become just that.  Objects.  They are too expensive, often too delicate to ever dream of writing with.

Courtesy of Kaweco

Enter Kaweco. 

Spending more than my fair share of time trying to craft story lines and narratives to fit the needs of my clients, I have a fairly sensitive bullshit meter.  And while the words "writing instrument" do make the odd appearance here and there on the Kaweco website, the Kaweco approach is actually quite refreshing.  Pens for NORMAL people, who might actually use them.

And despite the opinions of certain watch company CEOs and over indulged PR mavens, I like to think that I am a normal person.

So normal that I picked this little communication tool yesterday -

This is the Kaweco CLASSIC Sport in brushed aluminum.  An honest pen made from honest materials for (I hope) an honest writer ; )

Inheritance

Now while some people inherit stately homes, some a title, some even inherit watch companies...

Some of us inherit some pens -

The old man loved pens.  And in particular, he REALLY loved Pelikan pens.  Interesting to relate, he had what could be considered a bit of a phobia about fountain pens.  He was convinced that his handwriting was too poor to make a fountain pen a viable option.  But that did not deter him from amassing well over 100 different Pelikan ball point and roller ball pens.  When Wendy and I cleared out his office, we found boxes and boxes of them squirreled away.  And in some instances we found several versions of the same limited edition - in other words he had forgotten that he already had them!

At any rate, they occupy my desk here at Tempus Fugit HQ as a daily reminder, and I have picked up the torch, with a few fountain pens of my own -

At any rate, enjoy your pens and your watches ; )

Write Something!

This is something from my old favorite Pelikan called (appropriately enough) the 'Calculation of Time'.

Courtesy of Pelikan

Per the folks at Pelikan, this one dates back to 2008.

Courtesy of Pelikan

A New Roller Ball Pen

From Manu Propria -

Courtesy of Manu Propria

This is the latest of Martin Pauli's latest creation - a roller ball.  Hand made one at a time by Martin in his atelier in Switzerland.

Available from March first.

Souverän M101N Tortoiseshell-Red

From Pelikan -

Courtesy of Pelikan

The unique tortoise shell barrel is crafted from cellulose acetate, while the solid red pieces are made of resin.  This is the third piece in a series inspired by Pelikan's past.