November's New Pens

As well as unseasonably warm (is it really just me?!) November is also proving to be an excellent month for new pens at Write Here! Most of our favourite manufacturers have sent us releases for a new fountain pen, most limited edition, in time to tempt us for Christmas. Here's a summary of some of the most exciting...

Magna Classic Tortoiseshell

 

The latest in Onoto’s Manga Classic range of pens, the Tortoiseshell edition of the Magna Classic collection is crafted in resin, shaded in a pleasing combination of amber, copper, bronze and chocolate – perfectly warm and reminiscent of autumn as the weather apparently gets colder and darker in this part of the world. We were lucky enough to get a sneak preview of this pen at our October pen evening, and can confirm that it is both substantial and wonderfully balanced. Tempted? You can have a closer look here.

Piri Reis 

For their latest limited edition, Omas have decided to honour the great Ottoman explorer and map maker Piri Reis as in 2013 we have reach the 500^th Anniversary since he produced the First World Map. I was excited just by seeing the box. The Piri Reis limited edition is produced in three editions, the 1513 in rose gold, the Book of Navigation in white gold and diamond, and the 500th Anniversary edition. Like all Omas limited editions, it has a lot of character, a story to tell, and strong ties to history which it expresses in the tiny elements of design which make the limited editions classic, and interesting. You can read about the background and history of Piri Reis on our website.

We’ve had it said to us many a time that there aren't enough wooded pens, and happily each Piri Reis design incorporates elements of oak wood to represent the sailing galleon that unlocked the edges of the earliest world maps. Wood and gold - an interesting mix of medium, and an unusual one! These editions have their unique meanings and ties to the history of Piri Reis – the 500^th Anniversary is made in 500 pieces, the 1513 has only been produced in 10 pieces (the sum of 1, 5, 1, 3).(And there are only 10 surviving copies of the first edition of Piri Reis' Book of Navigation).

 

Conway Stewart’s Blue Laurel 

 

We think the Blue Laurel, the latest of the Elegance series of fountain pens is exquisite, and it is one of my favourites as I tend to like all things blue and silver. Conway Stewart have mentioned that this edition is destined to become a classic and the royal blue enamel  and guilloche engraved silver is certainly striking. Only 30 numbered fountain pens are being made in this festive-inspired limited edition.

 Sailor’s 1911 Black Luster

The new Black Luster from Sailor is the latest in their 1911 series and has been hinted at as a pen for men. Stylish black, complimented with black ion fittings, this fountain pen is designed to be understated and a darker interpretation of classic Sailor design. We don’t have any of these pens in stock, as they’re not released until mid December, but get in touch if you’d like to be on the waiting list.

 

Thoughts from a pen novice...

Until very recently I knew pretty much squat about pens, of any sort, and certainly had no idea of the scale of which people enthuse about the next hotly anticipated 'release'. For some its very much like what it was like when you actually had to go to a record shop in order to get the latest offering from your favourite band.

In my short time in this relatively unknown world has definitely been an eye-opener, I really had know idea people had the inclination to spend thousands of pounds on a writing instrument. Like many, I covet the stolen pen from the bank extensively, well, until it explodes in my pocket creating turning coins, train tickets or anything else it finds into one of the blue man group…

We are of course, I suppose really talking about fountain pens, rather than 'pens' in general. 

I must be honest, I'm a fairly lethargic individual when it comes to most things, and I wouldn't say I've exactly been bitten by the pen bug, well - not yet anyway. I have however I think learnt to appreciate the stylographic corner of the world, so perhaps one day I'll move up a level from that.

Slowly though I am finding that I look at a certain pen and think, hmm wouldn't mind using that day to day. The worry that I'd lose it or sit on it, is always a high possibility. I think that the last time I actually used a fountain pen was in primary school, no idea what it was, I do also have some kind of Parker fountain pen at home, only used it a couple of times - perhaps I should crack it out and carry it around. Not sure it could cope with the inside of my pockets however, they're like an particularly unorganised filing cabinet, in which only one person knows it exact contents and where to find it…

But then I think, even if I did carry a pen around with me, would it get used much, I pretty sure I've gone through large periods of time over the last few years, not writing down anything using a pen for weeks or months at a time, I only wrote something down again just to make sure I hadn't forgotten how to do it. 

What pens have I looked at and thought this I hear you ask?

I must admit the Pilot Capless has caught my eye, until recently I had no idea you could even do that with a fountain pen, and it must be said that they look pretty darn cool.

So I ask of you, can anyone convince me of my pen wavering ways?