Digitalisation encouraged so many people to give up handwriting altogether, which automatically led to a disinterest in beautiful, well-made pens. When there is such a massive and global change of habits, some products are slowly disappearing. If we take a look at the large-scale consumer, this is exactly what happened […]

There is a pervasive idea that the fountain pen world is stuffy. While the classic image of a pen may be used by a businessman or banker, usually in black with gold trim, that’s far from the reality of today’s market. Today, there is a robust industry full of vibrant […]

For many, having a few minutes at the end of a day to sit and reflect is a necessary ritual. For others, making to-do lists throughout a workday helps keep things on track. And even for others, doodling in the margins of notes and keeping a scrapbook of sorts is […]

For me, a mark of a good pen is that I want to use it above all other writing options. While I am a big fan of many American and European-style pens, there is something that attracts me to their Japanese counterparts that has meant many paychecks saved up for […]

If you’re new to the Pen World you’ve probably already struggled to figure out what finial, barrel or piston knob means. And to be honest, before stepping into this fascinating world I also had a hard time trying to understand each and every pen component. And don’t get me wrong, […]

In previous articles, we have spoken about Montblanc’s approach to a customer-forward approach to design and retail. We also spoke about the need for nibmeisters as the craftsmen of the nib world. Now, today, we combine both in telling you about Montblanc’s bespoke nib service. Offered since 2012, this service […]

Like wardrobes, watches, and cars, a pen can tell a lot about a person. Given the nature of the pen – which mixes the personal and the functional – it has the ability to signal to others the style of writing they like, their income, their respect for heritage or […]

If you follow many social channels in the pen industry, then you may have seen more than one post regarding the passing of Gianfranco Aquila. Even if the name does not sound familiar, his impact on the pen industry can be felt around the globe.  Aquila – or Il Signore […]

Picture the scene with me. In 1963, the young American president John F. Kennedy, Jr. visited Cologne during a trip through Europe. This was during the Cold War and there was JFK, at the frontlines, so to speak, of communist Germany. While there, he, along with his counterparts, were invited […]

Those of you who follow me on instagram probably noticed that in early June I enjoyed New York City for about 10 days. During These days I had the chance to browse around several shops, and four of which were obviously Pen Stores. If you’re in New York, you must […]