Happy Holidays: A Review of Ferris Wheel Press Peppermint Drop / "Tourbillon de Menthe"

December 2, 2020

I’m officially declaring post-Thanksgiving “Cyber Week” over (at least for me), and it’s time to get back to business as usual. What better way to kick off December and the holiday season with an ink called “Peppermint Drop,” from a brand I’ve never reviewed before?

Ferris-Wheel-Press-Peppermint-Drop-Bottle-Label

If you spend any time at all on stationery social media, you’ve probably heard of Ferris Wheel Press, a Canadian company based in Toronto that launched on Kickstarter back in 2018. While I appreciated the carefully crafted, vintage look of the brand, I didn't think the products themselves would be for me. I had heard mixed reviews about the initial batch of inks, with reports of feathering, bleed-through, and slow dry times. Ferris Wheel Press also had introduced a fountain pen, the “Brush,” which I found aesthetically interesting but too slim for my taste. Since then, Ferris Wheel Press has expanded their line of products to include more than a dozen inks, notebooks, paper, and other stationery accessories, and apparently they’ve also perfected their ink formulations.

Yet again, I’m a perfect example for why you should occasionally venture outside of your comfort zone. Lisa Vanness was kind enough to send me a 38ml bottle of Ferris Wheel Press “Peppermint Drop,” (or, “Tourbillon de Menthe”, for the francophones out there). Not only is the Ferris Wheel Press ink bottle exquisitely crafted, but I’ve had nothing but good experiences with the ink itself, and to the extent there have been issues with other colors, Peppermint Drop behaves well and might be the perfect green to use in December. I’d describe it as a “true green” with slight hints of teal, and you may get a minor degree of red sheen in swabs or wetter nibs.

Again, while the ink itself is quite good, equal attention needs to be paid to the bottle. Ferris Wheel Press originally received a lot of attention and press in the pen world for their larger, 85ml balloon-shaped bottles, but they have since introduced a smaller, 36ml bottle reminiscent of a vintage perfume bottle (or even a flask). Each bottle has a brass cap, which combined with a rubber interior seal should be durable and minimize leakage. The flat profiles on these bottles also makes them easy to store.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

I’m glad that Vanness sent me this ink to review, because Ferris Wheel Press is one of those brands that I probably would not have chosen to review myself. I suspect a lot of pen enthusiasts have taken a pass due to the brand’s conscious branding and social media promotion, which they take as a sign that these accessories aren’t for serious writers. That’s not the case. Peppermint Drop is an excellent ink that dries quickly, even on coated paper like Clairefontaine, and doesn’t feather or bleed at all. I could easily use this ink as an everyday writer and I’m interested to see if the other options in the Ferris Wheel Press lineup follow suit.

Our friends and sponsors at Vanness Pens carry the full line of Ferris Wheel Press inks, including the ink featured in this review. As I mentioned above, Ferris Wheel Press inks are available in two different bottle sizes: a larger 85ml bottle and a smaller 38ml bottle, priced at $36 and $18 respectively.

Disclaimer: The ink featured in this review was provided by Vanness Pens free of charge, for review purposes. Many thanks to Vanness for making this review possible!

Pen Review: Maiora Impronte Oversize Fountain Pen

November 21, 2020

Of all the new brands that have emerged from the collapse of the former Italian pen company Delta, Leonardo Officina Italiana has received the most attention. A second penmaker, however, has emerged whose products also deserve a close look: Maiora, the maker of the superbly comfortable “Impronte” and “Impronte Oversize.”

The Leonardo Momento Zero Grande, left, alongside the Maiora Impronte Oversize, right.

Maiora and Leonardo both trace their roots to Delta. While Leonardo was founded by one of the founders of Delta, Ciro Matrone and his family, Maiora is owned by Nino Marino, the other founder. Since neither company has an official website, most of my knowledge of the respective company histories comes secondhand, and I would refer you to Glenn Marcus’s excellent website for additional background information.

Maiora’s flagship model is the “Impronte,” which comes in standard and oversized models. Here, Vanness Pens kindly sent me an oversized pen to review, in the dark blue “Capri” acrylic. From first glance, the Maiora Impronte has a lot to offer. The section features a pronounced hourglass shape that’s exceedingly comfortable to write with, and the tapered barrel allows for deep posting of the cap. This gives the Maiora Impronte Oversize a marked advantage over other larger pens, especially for those with small hands who love to post and might find a pen like the Leonardo Momento Zero Grande a touch unwieldy.

The Impronte features what is honestly one of the more comfortable sections that I’ve used. It almost feels like it cradles your fingers as you write.

Design-wise, you can certainly see the shared Delta heritage in both Maiora and Leonardo pens, from the general silhouettes, to the peaked caps, to the Delta-style converter filling system that allows you to unscrew the blind cap to access the converter to fill as you would with a traditional piston, without disassembling the pen entirely. Maiora Pens use standard JoWo No. 6 stainless steel nibs.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

I remained a huge fan of Delta Pens until the end, despite their inconsistent design aesthetic and quality control issues. Based on my experience with Leonardo Pens, and now, the Maiora Impronte, I’m happy to say that both of these new companies have taken the best of Delta and appear to be moving forward with two lines of high-quality pens that are built for writing, with a focus on comfort and sturdy build quality.

Despite the shared heritage, the Leonardo and Maiora pens have distinct differences. For example, Maiora did not continue with Delta’s “roller clip” design, and the Impronte is shorter and more tapered than the Momento Zero Grande (shown right). Mai… — Despite the shared heritage, the Leonardo and Maiora pens have distinct differences. For example, Maiora did not continue with Delta’s “roller clip” design, and the Impronte is shorter and more tapered than the Momento Zero Grande (shown right). Maiora also uses JoWo nibs, while Leonardo uses Bock. Currently, Maiora Impronte fountain pens are only available with steel nibs.

It’s taken me a while to get my hands on a Maiora Impronte for review, as the pens were available in limited stock until recently. Our friends and sponsors at Vanness Pens were kind enough to send me the Maiora Impronte Oversize featured here, and they currently offer a range of different colors and finishes. The Maiora Impronte Oversize has a MSRP of $245, and typically retails for $196. For a quality handmade pen with this degree of fit and finish, the price is fair, though over the long term I would hope to see them come down to match the Leonardo Momento Zero, which has some models priced as low as $169, depending on the materials used.

Disclaimer: I received the pen featured in this post free of charge from site sponsor Vanness Pens, for review purposes. Many thanks to Vanness Pens for making this review possible.

Five Surprisingly Practical Uses for Washi Tape

November 18, 2020

Rather than dramatically expanding my collection of pens and pencils, I’ve spent time during the past year exploring new types of stationery and desk accessories I had previously ignored. One such product is washi tape - the decorative Japanese masking tape that’s exploded in popularity in recent years. Though I admired all the colorful options and clever patterns, I didn’t see how I could justify purchasing washi tape for my own use. When I started carrying washi tape in the shop earlier this year, I pulled a few rolls out of inventory and was shocked at how much I ended up going through. If you’re someone who has been on the fence, wanting to dip a toe in the expansive pool of tens of thousands of different tapes available, here are five of my favorite things to do with washi tape:

I’ve started flagging pages in my notebooks and journals with folded over pieces of washi tape.

Page Markers. A reader tipped me off to this one back in the spring. If you’re not overly concerned about being able to move the bookmark at a later date, a small piece of washi tape folded over the edge of a page can serve the same purpose as a Book Dart. (Of course, tape is not archivally safe and will technically “damage” your page, so I’d recommend this technique only for your own personal journals or books from your own library.)
Sealing Letters. One of the benefits of the T.G.S. Patreon Program is that I send a handwritten thank-you letter to all supporters. (In fact, the latest batch is getting ready to go in the mail, so if you haven’t received yours yet, I haven’t forgotten about you!) Sometimes I will break out the delightfully old-school sealing wax to ensure the envelopes stay closed, but washi tape can serve the same purpose. I’m also trying to track down some holiday-themed tape to incorporate into my family’s holiday cards.
Journaling and Commonplacing. Maybe “scrapbooking” is the better term, but because I tend to save everything, I have boxes, folders, envelopes - you name it - with all sorts of memorabilia and souvenirs tucked away. I’ve done better in terms of just letting some of this go, but I’ve also started to organize things into my journal and commonplace book. I dislike glue, so I mainly use washi tape to stick things like ticket stubs, small photos, post-its, and clipped periodicals into my journals and notebooks. Ultra-thin washi tape doesn’t add bulk to the page.
Gift Wrap and Packaging. With the holidays approaching, you can do better than standard cellophane tape! As with letters, washi tape can add personality to your gift wrapping while still performing a useful purpose. Those of you who have ordered from the store may notice some washi tape “samples” on your envelopes or interior packaging.
Well…Just Tape. Washi tape may be thin and easy to tear with your hands (no scissors required!) but it’s not flimsy. It’s durable and holds up surprisingly well to pretty much any task where you would reach for standard masking or cellophane tape. And it’s definitely a lot more fun. I’m currently searching for the perfect small tape dispenser that I can use to keep a roll or two loaded and ready to go on my desk.

The selection of washi tape currently in stock from iLootPaperie. Taco Tuesday, anyone?

Whether they like it or not, my family is going to be receiving a lot of washi tape in their stockings this Christmas. If you’re looking for a charming, inexpensive gift, or simply want to add some personality to your day-to-day office supplies, consider giving washi tape a try. The T.G.S. Curated Shop stocks a selection of unique tapes that I’ve personally chosen, priced anywhere from $2-6 per roll. I’m constantly searching for new patterns, so keep checking back for additions.

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of all brands that it carries. For in-depth discussion of our curated retail selections, including more gift ideas, check out our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide.

Can You Write With a Leadholder? I do!

November 14, 2020

Lead holders or “clutch pencils” are an overlooked and under-appreciated category of stationery, sitting in a strange twilight zone between woodcase and mechanical pencils. Despite many different options on the market, these pencils have garnered a reputation as artist’s or draftman’s tools, unsuitable for writing. That’s actually not the case at all, and I keep several on hand that I use regularly (and almost solely for writing).

Nearly all leadholders use a “clutch” mechanism to hold the lead, meaning that you depress the knock to release the button and the lead drops out via gravity, as opposed to a traditional mechanical pencil in which the lead advances a predetermined d… — Nearly all leadholders use a “clutch” mechanism to hold the lead, meaning that you depress the knock to release the button and the lead drops out via gravity, as opposed to a traditional mechanical pencil in which the lead advances a predetermined distance after each click. After sharpening the lead, you must reopen the clutch and push it back in.

A key difference between a lead holder pencil and a standard mechanical pencil is the diameter of the graphite. Lead holders typically use either 2mm or 3mm leads, whereas your traditional mechanical pencil uses leads with a much smaller diameter ranging from .2mm to .9mm, with the most popular sizes being .5mm or .7mm. If you write with heavier pressure, and find yourself constantly breaking standard mechanical pencil leads, a larger-diameter lead holder pencil will likely suit you better. I also prefer these larger leads because they offer the line variation and legibility of a woodcase pencil. (I’m often told that my handwriting degenerates into an unreadable scrawl when I write with mechanical pencils.)

.2mm lead refills. You refill a lead holder by feeding the lead into the front of the pencil. Most hold one lead at at time.

The downside? The clutch mechanism is a bit clumsier than a standard mechanical pencil, and you need to sharpen a lead holder much like you need to sharpen a woodcase pencil. You typically use a “lead pointer” instead of a standard pencil sharpener, with some lead holders, such as the Caran d’Ache Fixpencil, incorporating a sharpener/pointer into the nock or button. While you won’t have to deal with a large volume of wood shavings, the graphite dust from lead pointers can get messy very quickly. I always try to sharpen directly over a garbage can.

And, yes, some brands make blue and red leads (but these are used mainly for drawing and drafting).

Another consideration when choosing a lead holder is shape and weight. Those intended strictly for drawing and drafting tend to be heavier, and often feature metal knurling on the grip that some find uncomfortable when writing for longer sessions. For this reason, I gravitate towards lead holders that mimic the look and feel of a round or hexagonal woodcase pencil, including Caran d’Ache’s iconic “Fixpencil” pictured above. Fun historical fact: the Fixpencil was originally created as a replacement for standard woodcase pencils due to wartime materials shortages. The idea caught on, and the product has remained in the company’s lineup as one of its longest-running products.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

Despite their niche status, leadholders are fairly easy to find. Your local art or office supply store will likely stock leadholders from brands such as Mars and Alvin. Rotring even makes a lead holder version of its Rotring 88 pencil. I currently have three in my personal collection: a Sierra “Slip-On” that I purchased at Kinokuniya in NYC, the “Sostanza” Kickstarter pencil from a few years ago, and a Caran d’Ache Fixpencil.

Because I find them more versatile and among the most comfortable to use for traditional writing, the Fixpencils are my favorite, and for that reason I’ve chosen to stock them in the T.G.S. Curated Shop. I have both the standard matte black Fixpencil with a black, red, or blue button, as well as the Fixpencil 884 or “JR”, which is the same size and comes in blue, red, and green. The different Fixpencil versions are priced at $24.50 and $22.00, respectively. Refill leads are also available in HB, 2H, and 2B.

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized reseller of Caran d’Ache products, as well as any other products featured in the T.G.S. Curated Shop.

Worth the Hype? A Close Look at a Montblanc Writers Edition (Virginia Woolf)

November 7, 2020

Though the difference in price and hype is perhaps less pronounced than when the series was first introduced, few limited edition fountain pens attract the same level of attention as Montblanc’s annual “Writers Edition” releases. Typically, Montblanc releases a pen design inspired by the life and work of a particular novelist or poet. For example, this year’s “Homage to Victor Hugo” limited edition features a cap “decorated with gothic arches in relief, and the end of the clip, which is shaped like the clapper of a bell, recall[ing] the the bell ringer Quasimodo and the Bells of Notre-Dame.” Montblanc also engraves the writer’s signature somewhere on the pen, usually on the barrel.

Montblanc-Virginia-Woolf-Fountain-Pen-Cap

The designs themselves either appeal to you or they don’t. Personally, I find most of the Montblanc Writers Edition pens either (1) too large, or (2) too gaudy, especially those released in recent years. My personal favorites are the older editions, and I have two in my collection: Virginia Woolf (2006), which I review here, and Charles Dickens (2001), which I plan to address in a separate post.

The snowcap on my pen has an off-white patina, and I don’t know whether this is by design or whether it has developed as the pen ages.

The Montblanc Virginia Woolf Writers Edition fountain pen is, to me, a perfect example of a Writers Edition pen that one can easily use for, well, actual writing. At roughly the size of a Montblanc 146, the pen itself is not too large. The Virginia Woolf edition also features a contoured barrel comfortable to use posted or unposted. When I’ve shown pictures of this pen in the past, readers have asked whether it’s a Bonheur, the so-called “pen for women,” and while it’s not, there is a resemblance, particularly with the cap. Due to the similarities, some regard this as a “gendered pen” unsuitable for a man to use, which is of course absurd.

Finally, I appreciate the understated manner in which Montblanc incorporated references to Woolf’s life and work into the pen’s design. The black barrel is engraved with a guilloche pattern, a reference to her novel “The Waves,” and the nib features an engraving of the two elm trees under which she is buried. Her signature appears subtly engraved on the gold piston knob.

Each Writer’s Edition features a custom engraved nib.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

The Virginia Woolf Writers Edition is not just one of my favorite Montblanc Writers Editions, it’s one of my favorite Montblancs in my current collection. I have a hard time leaving this one un-inked. I’ve previously written multiple times about how Montblanc stock broad nibs tend to be stubbish, and this one is no exception. It’s also tuned perfectly, which either shows how Montblanc pays closer attention to the Writers Edition nibs before they go out the door, or that older Montblanc pens in general were subject to better quality control practices. This particular pen wrote exceptionally well out of the box, without any skipping or “baby’s bottom” issues you sometimes see with stock Montblanc nibs.

One of the more polarizing design choices on this pen is the ruby on the clip. I like it, and find that it adds a touch of color to an otherwise very traditional black-with-gold-trim design scheme.

Unfortunately, the Virginia Woolf Writers Edition dates to 2006, so if you’re looking to pick one up you likely need to search the secondary market for used or N.O.S. (new old stock) items. I found this one during a Black Friday sale last year, where a European retailer (I believe La Couronne du Comte) had several older N.O.S. Writers Edition pens available for purchase. Today, many different options exist, but in the U.S. the retailers who typically have the largest selection at any given time are Chatterly Luxuries and The Pen Show. You can always take your chances on eBay, but be aware that Montblanc pens are heavily counterfeited and you should only purchase from a reputable seller. Personally, for pens in this price range (anywhere from $600 to $1500), I would only purchase online from known pen dealers with a reputation for standing behind their products, or else wait until pen shows resume and you can inspect potential acquisitions in person.

Disclaimer: I purchased the pen featured in this review with my own funds, for my own collection. I did not receive a discount on this purchase other than coupon codes available to the public. This post does not contain affiliate links.