Fountain pens have not always been seen as the most practical of items. However, in this article, I hope to be able to dispel some of these myths. Some of these myths I hope to debunk include leaking, too hard to use, too hard to maintain, and too delicate to […]
Author: Andrew Chorley
In-depth Review of the Pilot Custom 912
One day back in August, I was browsing through Instagram when I noticed that one of my favourite urushi artists, Bokumondoh Studios, had showcased a rather fetching pen. That pen being the Pilot Custom 912! This was a pen in which I had been pining for, for quite some time. […]
Eboya x Yukari
For quite some time now I have been looking high and low for someone willing to take up the mantel for completing custom urushi work and when I say custom work, someone that would be able to work on my designs. Typically speaking in the past this is something many […]
Urushi and Maki-e From a Japanese Perspective
Well greetings everyone, today I have a special treat for you all! Now for those who don’t know, I have an obsession in life and that obsession is urushi and maki-e. Why may you ask? Well, I have always had an admiration for the arts in general and when I […]
In-depth Review Of The Nakaya Ascending Dragon in Gin Bokashi
It was around this time last year, that the Dutch Pen Show was occurring and by chance watching an Instagram live of the show, Tamenuri Studios said “I’ve found your next pen” of course, I thought he was joking. However, time passed and just like a rash, this pen itched […]
In-depth Review of the NEW design07 Corn Guilloche by Otto Hutt
Firstly, I must thank Style of Zug and Nick for arranging for this pen to be reviewed. It was a most generous thought and I am indeed humbled by the kindness of the community! And in full disclosure, the pen has been gifted. Still, I will give a fair assessment […]
Introduction to Maki-e
Over a thousand years of history and celebrated worldwide, Maki-e is perhaps one of the best-known styles of lacquering in the world. Please read on to discover my fascination with this age-old technique. Well, ladies and gentlemen, I must confess I am not the foremost expert on this topic! However, […]
In-depth review of the Gioia Partenope Fiamma
Only recently I had reviewed a Gioia on Inkstable, but I thought I’d give a brief recap on the company. Gioia is based in Naples Italy, famous for many points such as Pizza, Opera, Stunning landmarks and most importantly pens! Well, I mean pizza is right up there. image source: […]
In-depth review of Gioa Alleria Grotta Azzurra
Back at the tail end of last year, I was contacted by Grand Vision Pens and was asked if I’d like to review one of their new Gioia pens. To which I responded yes, please! This was quite fortuitous actually, as I had been browsing the brand for some time. […]
Nakaya Akitsu-shima
Today we take a look at a Nakaya, featuring a contemporary interpretation of a symbolic insect of Japan. Background Nakaya specialises in Urushi and Maki-e and as such are more pricey than your regular pens. For those that don’t know Nakaya and Platinum are closely linked together, with retired platinum employees making […]