5 April 2025

I hit pay dirt within the first hour

In Salamanca market, I came upon this stall that makes all sorts of stuff from local wood. Interestingly, amongst all the wooden kitchenware, were quite a few pens. Out of curiosity and far less hope, I asked the gentleman “Are any of these fountain pens?”. What do you know? He said yes – and there was a whole section of them.

The girls went off on their own shopping spree as I sat down with Graeme and Saritthip to hear their story. Saritthip is the one who makes the fountain pens. They get their iridium point nibs brought in from Germany. Told me the story of each of the local wood they use.

Finally, bought two pens – one from golden sassafras wood and one from huon pine – both very local trees in Tasmania!

Category: Fountain Pens, Vacations | LEAVE A COMMENT
5 November 2024

A very special addition to my collection

This fountain pen is a generous gift from Dipanjan and Parijat which they picked up during their recent tour of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. The body of the pen is made from the wood of Wagon Tree. This particular type of Protea tree (Protea Nitida) is the only one that grows into trees with wood hardy enough to be shaped into fountain pen barrels. They are usually found on the side of the mountains at all elevations.

When they mentioned about the Protea wood, I remembered something – that the cricket team from South Africa is often referred to as the Proteans. (like the New Zealanders are called Kiwis). Got curious about the connection. Upon research, I learnt that Protea is the national flower of South Africa. Did not know about that.

Coming back to the pen, the nib is made in Germany. Composed of iridium, it is the classic style with exposed feed.

I think brown ink will go best with this. I have a Macassar ink from Diamine in mind.

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3 November 2024

Journaling in the morning

Been a bit peeved with myself lately for not staying as disciplined in my goals as I would like to be – or used to be. Got much of my mental confusion sorted out writing a long journal entry this morning. Do you journal? It certainly helps me clear my mind. How does it help you?

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8 September 2024

Few things are as satisfying as this…

Every month or so, cleaning up four fountain pens and filling them up with different colored inks. If you threw a writing pad at me at that moment, I would probably sit down and write a letter immediately – to nobody in particular… just to get that incredible feeling of the metal nib brushing against that fine paper.

Sharmila is usually scared to death that I will spill some ink and permanently destroy her marble top in the kitchen island. Especially with that glass of cocktail within an easy reach!

Admittedly, there is some satisfaction in that too 🙂 🙂

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