Scenes from the 2020 Baltimore Pen Show: Day One

The full recap of this year’s Baltimore Pen Show will be up next week, but for now enjoy these photos from Day One, which included Friday night’s live recording of The Erasable Podcast. (Yes, pencils at the pen show!) I have a table this year, directly across the aisle from Vanness Pens, and I will have a bunch of stuff available for purchase, including TGS Swag Packs, Everyday Writer Ink Sample Packs, Write Notepads, Pokka Pens, and even some fountain pens. Stop by to check it out or just to say hello and chat for a while! I’m also teaching a free class at 2:30, titled “Everyday Writers: Choosing the Best Pens for Home and Office.” Check out the official pen show website for more details!

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I couldn’t be happier with how my table turned out! We still have plenty of Write Notepads paper, Pokka Pens, and TGS-branded goods, including testers.

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The No. 2 Pencil Podcast recorded a live episode

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The live Erasable episode featured several guests, including Ana from Well-Appointed Desk, Brad from The Pen Addict, and Dade from Weekly Pencil.

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Nock Co. arrived with some eye-searing goods.

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Erasable party favors!

Everyday Writers: The Best Fountain Pen Inks for Daily Use (2020 Edition)

It’s been a long time since I’ve updated one of the more popular posts on the website: Best Inks for Everyday Writing. As I was preparing for my seminar at the upcoming Baltimore Pen Show this Saturday, I reviewed this post and was surprised to discover it was somewhat out-of-date. Not substantively, mind you - all five inks that I originally discussed back in 2016 make excellent daily drivers - but a few of them have fallen by the wayside over the course of another four years of daily (and much more intense) fountain pen use.

What Makes a Fountain Pen Ink a Great Everyday Writer?

So what inks am I currently using for most of my everyday writing, and why have I chosen these specific inks? Let’s start by revisiting my criteria for an “everyday writer” ink:

• Cost. The ink must be relatively inexpensive for those who actually cycle through a high volume of ink in writing-intensive professions. Most of the inks featured on the list below cost anywhere from $0.15 to $0.23 per milliliter, well below the cost of most boutique inks. Sure, the range of available colors isn’t as extensive, but in certain contexts that’s less important than cost and versatility.

• Versatility. In terms of versatility, these inks work exceptionally well on a range of paper types, from your high quality Clairefontaine and Tomoe River notebooks to standard copy paper. Sure, you might get some feathering and bleedthrough on the latter, but the stuff they give us in my office won’t even handle a gel pen. (In worst-case scenarios, you just have to use a pencil.)

• Safety. All five of these inks are manufactured by companies that also sell pens, which is a good rule of thumb to follow when looking for inks that won’t damage your fountain pens, vintage or modern. That’s not to say that you should abandon all common sense - for example, don’t use red or purple inks in a clear demonstrator or a light-colored pen you want to keep absolutely stain-free - but you’re not going to melt the feed or tarnish a nib by using any of the inks on this list.

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My Top Five Fountain Pen Inks for Everyday Writing

1. Waterman “Serenity Blue”. In my opinion, one of the best all-around fountain-pen inks ever made. Unlike many standard blue inks, Waterman Blue - which I’ll forever think of by it’s old name, “Florida Blue” - has a bright, jewel-like quality to it, and it mixes well with other colors. (Combine 50/50 with Waterman Violet for the original “Blurple” ink.) Waterman blue is also widely-regarded as one of the safest inks around, especially for vintage pens.

2. Sheaffer Skrip Red. Red like a fire engine, or from your elementary school report card (or maybe just mine). That’s what I think of when I look for a pure red. Sheaffer Skrip Red has long been regarded as the “safe” red ink that won’t stain your pens. Personally, I take this with a grain of salt. As noted above, if I have a prized transparent or light-colored pen that I don’t want to stain, I’ll avoid any ink other than the aforementioned Waterman Blue.

3. Lamy Blue-Black. After jumping around for years, I’ve settled on Lamy Blue-Black as my preferred blue-black ink of choice. It’s what I consider a “pure” blue-black, that plays things right down the middle without either leaning too far to the blue or black end of the spectrum, and without appearing gray.

4. Lamy Black. I used to think of black inks as boring, but as I’ve settled into my fountain pen habits over the years, I’ve come to appreciate (1) how using a somewhat nondescript ink color can help you focus when you’re trying to get difficult work done, and (2) how Lamy Black can’t actually be described as “nondescript,” since the ink has subtle gray-green-purple undertones that make it one of the more interesting black inks out there.

5. Monteverde Passion Burgundy. This company flies under the radar of many fountain pen enthusiasts, but Monteverde makes excellent inks, and I’m partial to their burgundies. “Passion Burgundy” is one of my personal favorites, since it has a bit more pop than traditional wine-colored inks. When you don’t want to use a standard blue, black, or blue-black, and red ink feels too loud for professional correspondence, a deep burgundy offers a classy alternative. (Dark green is another option, but burgundy remains my favorite.)

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“Everyday Writers” Sample Packs and Where to Buy Full Bottles

As noted above, one great thing about all of these inks is widespread availability. We carry Lamy inks directly (as well as a diverse selection of others). The great thing about these four brands (especially Waterman, Sheaffer, and Lamy) is that most pen shops carry them and they remain relatively easy to find. either online or brick-and-mortar. If you regularly rely on one of these inks to get your work done, you shouldn’t have to worry about these inks becoming unavailable.

Everyday Writers: Choosing the Best Pens and Pencils for Life

If I had to declare a mission statement for The Gentleman Stationer, it would be to help people find the best tools that inspire them, both personally and practically. In the context of pens, you’re mostly talking about selecting the best “everyday writer,” or to use my own preferred term, “workhorse.” This year, for the first time ever, I’ve been asked to host a seminar at the 2020 Baltimore Pen Show, and I couldn’t think of a better and more timely topic. If you’re attending the show and are around at 2:30p.m. on Saturday, please stop by for my class “Everyday Writers: Choosing the Best Tools for Home or Office”. It’s 100% free, and all are welcome.

The past several years have seen an explosion in terms of the variety of pens, inks, paper, notebooks, mechanical pencils, woodcase pencils, pencil sharpeners, pen cases - hell, even run-of-the-mill office supplies like sticky notes and paper clips. In an era where the pen is supposedly “dead” (remember THAT article?), or where handwriting should no longer be taught in schools (that one didn’t last either), I get multiple e-mails a week from readers who express a sense of overwhelm trying to make sense of the ever-expanding variety of nibs, inks, and paper when all they want is a high quality but-not-too-expensive set of versatile writing tools that can be used in everyday life situations.

These everyday writers will be making an appearance at The Gentleman Stationer table at the BWI Pen Show. Stop by and try one out!

The “Workhorse Pens” Series as a Guide to Choosing an Everyday Writer

Over the years I’ve written a loosely connected series of articles that I refer to as the Workhorse Pens series, which I like to think of as a catalog of my best fountain pens for everyday writing. So far, these have included the Lamy Studio, Lamy Safari, Faber-Castell e-Motion, Lamy 2000, and the Montblanc 146, with the list expanding as I continue my own personal explorations. I even wrote a separate piece on how you can choose your own workhorse, with some additional pen recommendations. Finally, some of the most popular content published on the blog has included “Five Best Fountain Pen Inks for Everyday Writing,” and “Five Best Pencils for Everyday Writing.” In Baltimore, my goal is to bring this aspect of the blog to you.

I will have most, if not all, of the “Workhorse Pens” available for readers to experience in person, as well as some favorite ballpoints, rollerballs, multipens, and mechanical pencils - all tools that I regularly use in my own life. While I probably can’t bring multiple bottles of ink for testing, I may try to scrounge up some donations from vendors at the show. Woodcase pencils are much more portable and I plan to have some at the table.

I don’t want this class to actually be a class - I’d much prefer it if show organizers abandoned the traditional pen show “lecture” format, complete with a podium and rows of tables, in favor of a roundtable that promotes sharing and discussion. I’m going to do what I can to make the experience much more approachable and hands-on.

I’ll also have blog swag for sale, along with a few other choice items.

What to Expect at the TGS Table at the 2020 Baltimore Pen Show

In addition to the class, 2020 marks the first year that I’ve ever booked a table at a pen show, and I honestly have no idea what to expect. First and foremost, I just want a predictable place to sit down and make it easier for people to find me and say hello. I’ll be there to take requests, answer any questions readers may have, or just visit. In terms of things available for purchase, I plan to have some TGS-branded goods (stickers, coasters, and buttons) along with a handful of gently “loved” pens from my collection and possibly some special surprises. While it’s never been my intention to be a full-service stationery retailer, I’ve been on the lookout for opportunities to collaborate with makers and offer my readers a curated set of goods that furthers the philosophy driving this blog. Baltimore may be a start.

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone as pen show season kicks off in full force!

UPDATE: Since I ended up with enough buttons, coasters, and stickers to fill all the Patreon Orders and my suitcase for Baltimore, I have a limited number of full Swag Packs and Stickers ‘N Button backs available for purchase in the TGS Store. If these run out I will restock after the show.

Note: Any pens that remain in the TGS Store as of Wednesday of next week will be packed up and taken to the Baltimore Pen Show for sale. If you have had your eye on anything, grab it now. Also note that this post contains affiliate links.

A Tale of Two Limited Anniversary Editions: The Lamy 2000 Black Amber

Last year, at the time of the Lamy 2000 100th Anniversary Bauhaus edition, I looked at Lamy’s struggles with managing its limited edition portfolio. While most criticism of the “Blue Bauhaus” fountain pen focused on Lamy’s decision to release fewer than 2000 pens - not coming close to satisfying demand - it’s easy to see how the company ended up in that place: three years later, they still haven’t sold out of their previous anniversary edition, the Lamy 2000 Black Amber, released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Lamy’s flagship writing instrument.

Others (namely Dr. Deans at Pen Economics) have written in depth on the nature of the problems with this release from a business perspective. In short, Lamy grossly overestimated how many limited edition Black Amber Lamy 2000s they could sell at the 500 Euro / $600 USD price point. While most U.S. retailers no longer have the pen in stock, that’s likely the result of the heavy discounting and promotional offers they used to unload inventory. Some European retailers still have pens available for purchase, so at this point I wanted to take advantage of a couple years’ worth of perspective and re-evaluate the Black Amber with some distance, focusing more on this limited edition release as a pen rather than a marketing case study.

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Beyond black makrolon: From left, Lamy 2000 Black Amber 50th Anniversary Edition; Stainless Steel Lamy 2000M, and the Bauhaus 100th Anniversary Blue Makrolon pen.

The Black Amber Is Still a Lamy 2000 - And An Exceptional Pen

Disclaimer up front: I don’t necessarily come to this review from a rational standpoint. The Lamy 2000 is easily my favorite fountain pen of all time, and as with the Bauhaus 100th Anniversary Pen, I was eventually going to track down a Black Amber and add one to my core collection. And, it’s going to be no surprise to you all that I love this pen. I disagree with those who criticized this release on the grounds that it was “too similar” to the standard stainless steel Lamy 2000M. The electroplated finish on the Black Amber gives the pen a much different feel in the hand, and it’s noticeably lighter. When I weighed these two pens on my digital scale, the standard stainless steel pen came back at 2.0 oz, and the Black Amber 1.9 oz (and the Black Amber was fully inked at the time). The difference is enough to change the balance of the pen when posted, at least for me. Curiously, much of the extra weight on the stainless model is in the cap, which weighs .8 oz as opposed to .6 oz on the Black Amber.

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How does one describe the color? Let me say this: after seeing the Lamy 2000 Black Amber in person, I finally understood the name. The finish alternately appears dark grey, brownish, or even a champagne gold, depending on the lighting. It’s beautiful. Sure, the Black Amber will never appease those clamoring for a yellow or orange or translucent green demonstrator, but I’ve never felt that wild color schemes would be consistent with the Lamy 2000’s design heritage. At the end of the day, I think I’m fine with the decision to explore more subtle variations in color and texture.

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I have pen No. 3497/5000. The size of the releases have significance (5000 pens for the 50th Anniversary, and 1919 pens for the 100th Anniversary of the Bauhaus, founded in 1919.)

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The engraving on the cap is very subtle, requiring me to enhance the picture so that it’s even visible.

Overall Writing Experience

I’ve previously reviewed both the standard Lamy 2000 and the Stainless Steel Lamy 2000M at length, and to be honest the experience of putting nib to paper with the Black Amber doesn’t differ all that much from Lamy’s standard lineup. The medium nib on my Black Amber writes a smooth, wet line, consistent with the platinum-coated 14k nibs on the other Lamy 2000 fountain pens I currently have in rotation. At one point, the Lamy 2000 developed a reputation for finicky nibs, but I have to say that I’ve not experienced any issues with the pens I’ve owned, and I’ve purchased five or so within the last several years, through regular retail channels.

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Takeaways and Where to Buy

I remain convinced that the primary obstacle to the Black Amber selling well was the price, widely perceived as too high for “what the pen was.” While I’m not sure this is fair - other companies have implemented much more egregious price hikes on their limited editions (including instances where the editions weren’t really limited at all), the discomfort I have with high price points on the Lamy 2000 is that it seems somewhat inconsistent with the Bauhaus ethos: well designed, functional items meant to be used, not necessarily collected. But lots of factors go into companies’ pricing decisions that are beyond the scope of this article, including costs of material, manufacture, and distribution, all of which affect how a company can price the pen without losing money. And, don’t forget that the entire run of Bauhaus 100th Anniversary pens sold out immediately, despite similar pricing to the Black Amber, so what do I know? It could simply be an issue of Lamy feeling out the size of the market for a limited edition Lamy 2000, which sits somewhere between 1919 and 5000 pens.

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The texture on the Lamy 2000 Black Amber makes for a perfect pairing with my Raven Venture.

Like any limited edition pen priced at a premium, whether the purchase is “worth it” to you remains a highly personal decision. Anytime you move past the $300 mark, you’re buying the pen because it moves you in some way, or, like me, you’re concerned that if you let this pen sell out without acquiring one your status as a Lamy 2000 super-user will be revoked. But in all seriousness, my overall take on the pen is this: I love it, especially the finish, and the pen itself doesn’t deserve the degree of negative attention it’s received. If you appreciate Lamy’s understated designs, especially the subtle variations in finish and texture they’ve chosen for their limited editions on the 2000, and can handle the weight of the stainless steel body, you probably won’t regret the Black Amber. Ignore the hype/haters and trust your own preferences.

I purchased my Lamy 2000 Black Amber from site sponsor Appelboom last year, around the same time that I ordered my blue Bauhaus 100th Anniversary fountain pen. Although I recognize that the Black Amber is not for everyone, I’m somewhat amazed that this pen remains available for purchase, even at the discounted (but still-expensive) 400 Euro price point.

Further Reading on the Black Amber and the Lamy 2000

One reason I wanted to review the Lamy 2000 Black Amber is because so few reviews of this pen exist. Dries over at The Pencilcase Blog is the only one I can find who reviewed the Black Amber, back in 2016 at the time of its release, and had much the same reaction as I did. I’m glad that I can add my own voice to what little is out there, and make sure this gem doesn’t fall into obscurity.

Disclaimer: I purchased the pen featured in this review with my own funds, for my own use. This post contains affiliate links.

First Impressions: The AmazonBasics Fountain Pen Is Surprisingly Good

As something of an Amazon junkie, I couldn’t help but place an order for the AmazonBasics “Refillable Fountain Pen” after reading Evan’s review over at The Penquisition. His take on this pen is consistent with my own: Amazon has created (or more likely, sourced) an excellent inexpensive fountain pen that deserves consideration as a “First Fountain Pen” recommendation for new users, or as an inexpensive cartridge pen to leave at the office or keep in your travel bag.

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The packaging includes a nice presentation box for a $10 pen, so if you’re looking for an inexpensive gift to give someone potentially interested in fountain pens without dropping a ton of money. The pen does not ship with a converter, and I’ve only tested with the short international cartridges that ship in the box. I would expect a converter would work, though you may have to try a few sizes. The pen barrel is fairly narrow.

Design and Build Quality

Look, this pen won’t win any design awards, but for what I paid I’m more than happy with the somewhat generic lacquered brass body with chrome trim, and I’ll even forgive the “AmazonBasics” branding stamped on the clip. Frankly, if Amazon had foregone the latter, this could easily pass to the casual observer as a Cross or Waterman pen that sells for $100 plus.

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The AmazonBasics fountain pen features a classic shape and design, sort of similar to my Otto Hutt Design 06, but no one is going to confuse these two pens.

The build quality also feels far above the price point. Inexpensive pens often suffer from loose friction-fit caps that spin or rattle, but this one feels tight. The balance on this pen reminds me of my Otto Hutt Model 06, in that both can be used posted and unposted, and offer a slimmer profile without being too slim for longer writing sessions. The cap posts securely, and though some will find the metal section slippery, the overall weight of the pen is appropriate for a daily writer.

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Nib and Writing Experience

Amazon’s target customer for the AmazonBasics fountain pen will be perfectly happy with the medium nib on this pen. I actually like the clean design - Amazon didn’t try to stamp a logo on the nib, but rather left it plain save for an engraved “M” to designate the nib width. At the present, only fine and medium nib widths are available, which is consistent with most pens at this price point.

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I have no idea who made this No. 5 stainless steel nib. Based on the look of the feed, if it’s a German nib I would say it’s a Schmidt, but it could very well be of Chinese manufacture. It doesn’t matter because my nib writes a smooth, classic western medium line. It worked well out of the box and didn’t require any adjustment whatsoever. As Evan noted in his review, this nib also writes a surprisingly smooth extra fine line if you flip it over and write using the reverse side. That’s apparently not a fluke unique to his specific pen.

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Takeaways and Where to Buy

Amazon delivers the goods here: a no-frills black lacquered and chrome cartridge-converter fountain pen with a steel nib that works as advertised. For just under $10, you can’t argue that this pen isn’t good value. I actually find the AmazonBasics Fountain Pen (much) more comfortable than the Pilot Metropolitan, and for those who desire a work friendly “beater” pen made from a material other than plastic, or who are looking for a low-risk way to test the fountain pen waters for the first time, there’s no reason not to give this pen a try.

No surprises on where to buy this pen: Amazon is currently selling the AmazonBasics Fountain Pen in both fine and medium nib sizes. Currently, only one color is available, but again that could change if this pen catches on.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

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AmazonBasics Fountain Pen compared against, from left: Lamy 2000; Otto Hutt Design 06; TWSBI Eco.