Goulet Ink Drop Membership

Hello there, I'm back again tonight to make sure I post this before I forget. Brian Goulet from The Goulet Pen Company (I don't really know when he started it) established a mail service where you can get ink samples each month. I haven't, and probably won't sign up for this because I could use that extra $10 each month for food and gas money to go to school, but I really recommend this to all ink enthusiasts! Advantages of signing up are that, "they are a great way to try out ink colors and brands you may not have considered before, and "purchase full bottles of the corresponding ink samples at a 10% discount for the duration of the month." Mr. Goulet is a person that I look up to and I think his company and YouTube services have been very beneficial in expanding my penmanship. So, anyway, I highly recommend you check it out!

Sign up!
http://www.gouletpens.com/Ink_Drop_Membership_p/inkdrop.htm
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheInkNouveau
http://www.inknouveau.com/

Pen Review: The Lamy L205BK Ballpoint Pen (Circa 1990)

Alright guys, I got another review. I'll try to get as many reviews out as fast as possible, but being a college student, posts might get delayed at times. Anyway, today I'll be reviewing the Lamy "L205BK." Now, first things first, I have only owned this pen for less than one year and only used it once, but it was made around 1990. The reason I am certain is for a couple of things. First is where it was made - West Germany. According to Wikipedia, the country of West Germany, or Westdeutschland, ruled from 1949 to 1990. Also, my mom got into pens right up to when I was born. She told me that she sold and collected all kinds of pens from Montblanc to Waterman. With that said, this model cannot be newer than 1990.


First impressions: When I first got this pen last year, it was in pristine condition. I don't have the original box or any documentation that probably came with the pen, but it doesn't matter because the pen speaks for itself. I love the stainless steel and matte finish! The jimping on the natural grip position also feels great. It's minimalistic appearance and design really appals to me. It's a Lamy trademark. 


The design: If today were 1990, I would be outstandingly amazed by the ingenious design by this pen. It's compactness, modernism, novel, stylish, and cutting-edge finish would definitely be what everyone would say about this pen. But since it's been 21 years, my opinion is going to change. If I were using this pen for an EDC or EDW, it would probably not meet the expectations that I have. First of all - the pocket clip. I admire the mastermind engineering that the Germans put into developing the ballistic integration and spring assisted clip, but it's not very practical. By my calculations, the area under the pocket clip is 0.56 cm^2. As I do more reviews, we will see that this is actually a relatively small area for a pocket clip (not ideal for jeans). Another thing to note is that the bearing under the pocket clip moves in all directions, (up/down and left/right) this means that if you put it in your pocket, it will slide to the side, and that's definitively not a good thing. By the way, some specifications: in clicked position, the pocket clip rides up at 0.7 cm - not bad. Retracted at 0.9 cm - not bad as well.


Finally, you can probably tell that I haven't talked about the ink at all, but that is because this ink is 21 years old! Believe it or not, all ink has an expiration date, and I'm sure this is expired. It has the same (M16) refill since it was fabricated. Though, when I did try to write with it, the ink did write on paper. Sadly, when I tried it on Southworth and Moleskine paper, it responded very slow. It was hard and not very blue like it says.




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Pros:
1. Vintage German pen
2. Cold steel feels great for field writing
3. Cheap (2011 MSRP $16)


Cons:
1. Very light (6 g)
2. Unpractical pocket clip
3. Expensive refills (2011 MSRP $5.25)

Pen Review: The Waterman Phileas Fountain Pen

I've finally decided to start my own blog! For a long time, I've been collecting and admiring the beauty of pens. I don't really know when it all started, but ever since, my interest has risen to a hobby of its own. As of now, I'm 21 years old and live in North Carolina. You probably don't know me, but if you do give me a shout on Facebook for some pen talk!

For my first review, I'd like to critique the Waterman Phileas. This is not my first fountain pen by any means, but its one that just sits on my bookshelf and for occasional journaling from the beginning. The reason being is for its overwhelmingly, preposterous, burly, and gelatinous medium nib. Given that it's only a medium gives me almost a headache to know that there's probably two more sizes of nibs thicker that Waterman produces and I don't see any reason to even yeild such absurdity.

Alright, well, from first impressions right out of the semi-luxurious box, (made in Thailand) the pen is made out of marble. Without touch, it looks magnificent. The golden trim truly adds a touch of elegance to the pen. Though, when the sense of touch is added to the mix, almost all hope is lost from this investment. Without ink, the pen only weighs 10 g! It feels like a cheap Bic Pen. As I then examined the barrel of the pen, I clearly saw that the once magnificent marble pen, was just colored acrylic. Also, a downside to it was that the pocket clip rides 1.5 cm up to the end (not very stealthy for an EDC).

Finally, the nib however, responded pretty well to paper. Smooth, effortless, and fluent would be words I would use to describe its responsiveness. In all, it's a great pen to start out with, but I would not recomend it to someone with a more serious interest in fountain pens.


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Pros:
1. Great looks
2. Perfect size for a medium-sized pen
3. Made in Paris by Waterman

Cons:
1. Feels like you're holding a Sharpie
2. Writes as bold as a Sharpie
3. Overpriced for it's quality