More so than a ballpoint or rollerball, a fountain pen has the ability to be a totally personalized writing experience. From the pen one selects (or, even for that matter, the brand!), to the ink, to the paper, and finally the nib – it is an all-encompassing experience which makes […]
Author: Brett F. Braley-Palko
The Pen: Functional Object, Cool Accessory or Status Symbol?
For centuries, writing instruments have, of course, played an important role in society. From early Egyptian scribes to the #2 pencil you yourself used in elementary school, knowledge has always been passed down through the written word. That is, of course, until the advent of the digital age. With technology […]
What Pen Would Don Draper Use?
Oh, Mad Men. Has there ever been a show that has been the cultural touchstone of a moment in television history? For many, the show was like catching lightning in a bottle: a great cast, interesting storylines, authentic sets, and enviable wardrobes. What Mad Men was able to do was […]
Montegrappa Elmo: Its History, Its Present
Within the pen community, Montegrappa is synonymous with Italian design and refinement. From humble beginnings, the company has grown to be an international leader in the industry. We at Inkstable are fascinated by the way in which one Italian company has become a global leader in the writing community, producing […]
What’s So Special About Montblanc Nibs?
There is something instantly recognizable about a Montblanc pen. Whether it’s in the silhouette of the body or the snowcap emblem, a Montblanc remains the industry standard for subtle, but effective, branding. This has helped to make Montblanc a worldwide name, but it’s sustained the reputation it has today through […]
A Father’s Day Gift Guide from Inkstable
For many, a father is the first hero that a son knows. He is the one to teach us responsibility, kindness, and pride in ourselves and our work. What better way to show your appreciation than with a thoughtful gift? With Father’s Day next week, June 19, Inkstable has put […]
Queen Elizabeth’s Fondness for Parker
As the UK and its Commonwealth puts away their bunting and recovers from celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, it’s hard to not be impressed by the regent’s longevity and stability, whose reign has covered nearly three-quarters of a century. Being the first British monarch to do so, this deserves acknowledgement, […]
When Louis Vuitton Made Inks and Other Luxury Brand Surprises
A luxury brand is never simply about clothing. These sort of brands make a consciously considered effort to provide an entire lifestyle within their product line, runway shows, and editorials. It is with this in mind that Inkstable looks more closely this week at the fashion houses that have a […]
What makes a Japanese Nib Special
There are many aspects to selecting a pen that first-time buyers may not think about. Often, novice pen enthusiasts go for design, color, or from a brand they know. This can mean that one ignores some of the more important aspects of the pen entirely – such as how it […]
Artisans Bolster the Pen Industry: How Craft Changes the Pen Experience
For those of us who appreciate pens, there is a distinctive response to the tactility of the object itself. To hold a pen in one’s hand is to understand its beauty wholly – something that a photo online, sadly, cannot replicate. But it’s this experiential quality to pens that also […]