tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45547893576873680432024-03-13T13:23:34.631-04:00The Gold StandardYour place for all things fountain pen, fine writing and analog productivity.Goldspot Penshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04388520620911301783noreply@blogger.comBlogger439125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-38372746000721594342016-10-17T08:30:00.007-04:002022-11-30T11:20:28.180-05:00Noodler's Ink Proctor's Ledge Review<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/noodlers-ink-proctors-ledge-review" rel="canonical" />
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<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/noodlers-ink-refills-proctors-ledge-bottled-ink"><img height="305" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/69b0c6972f104c11873467c7e/images/6034517a-03af-4eff-9cb0-bd3c92ac5852.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><b><br />A Macabre History</b><br />Proctor's Ledge, and the illustrated bottle label, is a memorial to the 19 innocent victims of the Salem Witch Trials that were hanged at this particular site.<br /><br />The ink is as dark as the theme. The center of the line is rich in saturation and appears almost to be a black. The warm, brown undertone comes through where the ink is less saturated.<br /><b><br />An Ink with Secrets</b><br />As Nathan Tardiff (owner of Noodler's Ink) illustrates <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-c_ZSgHo7Ws">in his video</a>, the ink has an interesting chromatography. When spread on a paper towel, the rich brownish-black separates into a fluorescent yellow and a fiery red. Using a blacklight, these color separations become more evident. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/noodlers-ink-refills-proctors-ledge-bottled-ink"><img height="320" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/69b0c6972f104c11873467c7e/images/b46290d8-ab14-4b0c-8df7-c4c6765bf934.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />However, when one uses this ink normally, the saturation hides the fluorescence. Nathan's video may lead some to believe that the sheen and fluorescent tones would be common when writing on a standard paper. It isn't. When I asked about this discrepancy, Nathan clarified that this effect is best seen on craft paper, tag or poster board. Below, you will see a sample of the ink written on Rhodia 80gsm, plain paper. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/noodlers-ink-refills-proctors-ledge-bottled-ink"><img height="320" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/69b0c6972f104c11873467c7e/images/c6d45061-9e8e-4346-b8bb-9239f05c0427.gif" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Getting a little creative with this ink, you can produce the fluorescence by using a water brush to dilute the ink. This can be a particularly effective implementation when it comes to doing illustrations.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/noodlers-inky-brew-fountain-pen-ink-set"><img height="320" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/69b0c6972f104c11873467c7e/images/18577f5c-6bc0-47e4-a77d-98735dfe0bb6.gif" width="320" /></a><br /><br />In the animation above, the black lines were done using a Pigma Micron waterproof pen and a Noodler's Konrad brush pen was dipped into a very small amount of Proctor's Ledge to wash the page and create varying layers of saturation. The lightest areas proved to show the fluorescence under blacklight. <br /><b><br />Turn it up to 11</b><br />To amp up the fluorescence and make Proctor's Ledge a warm grey ink to use as a color fill for my InkTober drawings, I mixed approximately 1 part of Proctor's Ledge with 3 parts of Noodler's Whiteness of the Whale. The resulting drawing was posted as Day 14's illustration : <br /><br /><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BLir-7Dhufs/?taken-by=inkjournal"><img height="320" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/69b0c6972f104c11873467c7e/images/9586394b-f367-4e69-a42c-5fba9b8dcd5a.png" width="320" /></a><br /><br />(Click on the image above to see the video on Instagram.)<br /><br />You, too, can have fun creating UV reactive writing and drawings. We've put together <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/noodlers-inky-brew-fountain-pen-ink-set">a pen and ink set</a> that allows you to brew this inky combination yourself. It includes the aforementioned Noodler's Ink Proctor's Ledge (3oz), Whiteness of the Whale (1oz), a Konrad demonstrator fountain pen, a small Rhodia notepad and a portable blacklight on a keychain.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/noodlers-inky-brew-fountain-pen-ink-set"><img height="320" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/69b0c6972f104c11873467c7e/images/ce9109af-da25-4807-a80e-fcfef4fd93c4.jpg" width="305" /></a><br /><br />Since <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/noodlers-ink-refills-proctors-ledge-bottled-ink">Proctor's Ledge</a> was created as a limited release during the Commonwealth Pen Show, we anticipate the ink will be gone for good once it sells out completely. For a Noodler's fan, this is a must-own bottle of ink (gotta catch 'em all!). For artists, letterers and illustrators, this ink has a number of fun, creative applications, especially when paired with a blacklight.Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-14147894143374542752016-09-22T16:04:00.011-04:002022-11-30T11:20:32.090-05:00Marrying Fountain Pens and Paper with the Cloud<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/introducing-the-exclusive-goldspot-jinhao-599a" rel="canonical" />
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This is a guest post by Brian S. Friedlander, Ph.D. You can find him on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/assistivetek">@assistivetek</a> and his blog <a href="http://assistivetek.blogpsot.com/">assistivetek.blogpsot.com</a></div>
<br /><br />As much as I enjoy my digital tools there is just something about using pen and paper that still feels just right! For the past couple of months, I have gotten back to using fountain pens in my work flow and have really enjoyed using a variety of fountain pens and ink colors that abound. The big question for me was just how could I integrate it with my workflow? You see for me to keep organized I generally keep everything in my iPhone and have been using Evernote for the past eight years. While this problem may seem insurmountable I did find a workflow that allows me to use my fountain pens and continue to use my Evernote account. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfeSExQ209QOeFb6Q26bZgIflumDlmPVE215QMOhyphenhyphenWjimHvFe7z_ZDGLvxKgJvmOqHnzApfZ1Bng1XKWGfdwXwH7tJQPufiBOO7I3gFeEOlMrGKJYymr542kSTAzRhpskUrxsVMb7_OBq/s1600/WHT_NB_Master-Slim_DOTTED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfeSExQ209QOeFb6Q26bZgIflumDlmPVE215QMOhyphenhyphenWjimHvFe7z_ZDGLvxKgJvmOqHnzApfZ1Bng1XKWGfdwXwH7tJQPufiBOO7I3gFeEOlMrGKJYymr542kSTAzRhpskUrxsVMb7_OBq/s320/WHT_NB_Master-Slim_DOTTED.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />One of my favorite note taking tools is Evernote which I have been using for some time now. Evernote is a great way to capture ideas, notes, images, audio and store it on the web for easy access. Not too long ago, Evernote in collaboration with Moleskine came out with journals that allowed me to quickly move my handwritten notes to the cloud with full searching capabilities. The system is very easy to use and gave me the ability to continue to take notes using a fountain pen and paper. After writing my notes or tasks I can use Smart Stickers that come with the Evernote writing journals to quickly file my notes into the right notebook using the camera on my iPhone. The Smart Stickers are quite ingenious. Using the camera on my iPhone I can associate a sticker with a particular notebook. For example, if you associate the sticker that has a House icon on it with your Work notebook, then when you take a picture of that page that has the house sticker affixed, it automatically will file the note in your Work notebook. The Evernote system works great and one of the big advantages of this system is that you can easily search all your handwritten notes. Evernote will OCR all of your handwritten notes and make searching them very easy. Using the Evernote journal from Moleskine has allowed me to use my fountain pens and marry my need to keep my notes and to-do in the cloud. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4G2aCguWcppoxXmcvrtuiUbI78MNMHclLE9e9_OmfjCqgwkFN6-RKhObDZ3hnriLqQvAmOhHUfW1qRCF8Yg0-0kfsMSwmpE-Fp4lYtIMW6Siw915SUqoGSsaQSMB3cNkV9N1li88VcDVj/s1600/notebooks-whitelines-link-1-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4G2aCguWcppoxXmcvrtuiUbI78MNMHclLE9e9_OmfjCqgwkFN6-RKhObDZ3hnriLqQvAmOhHUfW1qRCF8Yg0-0kfsMSwmpE-Fp4lYtIMW6Siw915SUqoGSsaQSMB3cNkV9N1li88VcDVj/s320/notebooks-whitelines-link-1-1-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />While searching the web one day, I came across a relatively new solution that bridges the analog to digital world for note taking called Whitelines Link. Whitelines Link produces several different notepads with a grey background with whitelines, with a unique looking code on the four corners of each page. On the bottom of each page is a set of three icons in a box, which probably needs no introduction and includes one for Email, Evernote, and Dropbox. More about this a little later. The notebooks were designed this way so that when you write or draw on the page your words or drawings pop on the page. I have been using the <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/leuchtturm1917/whitelines-link">Whitelines Link A5 Squared notebook</a> for the last two months and have really enjoyed the experience. The Whitelines Link notebook is spiral bound so the pages lay flat and the paper quality is great for use with a pencil, gel pen or even a fountain pen. Once I have finished my page of notes - there is where the fun begins! First I decide what I want to do with my notes- am I going to send them to someone via email, or save them to my Evernote or Dropbox account? By ticking off one of the icons on the bottom of the page I can easily and automatically route the note without having to think about it. As a heavy user of Evernote this works great. When I'm done with my note, I simply tick off the Evernote icon and when I open the Whitelines Link app on my iPhone and take a picture of the note, the app using the codes on the corner of the page can senses where the note is and automatically routes it to my Evernote account for safe keeping. The Whitelines Link app is available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store and is free. I should mention that when you use the Whitelines Link app to capture your notes, the grey background and white lines disappear and all you are left with are your notes on a white background which really highlights your ideas! The ways to use Whitelines Link is only limited by your creativity. Whitelines Link notebooks are available on Amazon and are licensed to be used with Leuchtturm Whitelines Link Black Pocket Dots notebooks which are readily available in the United States. This is a great product and one that I know you will enjoy using.<br /><br />If you enjoy using fountain pens to jot down ideas, journal, or for writing your to-do lists then you may want to consider bringing the analog to digital gap by using the Moleskine Evernote, Whitelines Link, or the <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/leuchtturm1917/whitelines-link">Leuchtturm Whitelines Link</a> Black Pocket Dots notebooks. All of the notebook solutions add a considerable value proposition and one that allowed me to continue to use fountain pens that are then married to my cloud based services!Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-35668098619543844892016-09-20T13:07:00.001-04:002022-11-30T11:20:39.972-05:00Pen Profile : The Visconti Van Gogh Mini (Pre-2011)<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/pen-profile-the-visconti-van-gogh-mini-pre-2011" rel="canonical" />
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Van Gogh is quoted to have once said,<br /> <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.</blockquote>
<br /><br />Creating a masterpiece is no small feat. Neither is being a world renown artist. However, the route to each of those achievements is taken in the same way - one stroke at a time, one step at a time.<br /><br />It may be little, but every conscious decision toward your big dreams is one step closer to making them real.<br /><br />Keeping inspired with a positive mental attitude is key in following through and pursuing your goals. A painting will not look like the finished product until months (possibly years) of labor are invested. If the artist is discouraged after a lack of daily progress, then the masterpiece will never be completed.<br /><br />Having a miniature masterpiece at hand can help keep the creative juices flowing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/weekly-dip/fine-writing-special"><img height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhzWP5cqQrFeu-N2gYLPdXiUM5HdRJ1FKDMwK-EUpQ-mxl9ylyYxRcMUipQGVCcMCmfeWQUN21VFYxJcD8QDEG35XETQkGV210I_HRwGbINNMa8Ny7UirQZUkIi3Twx8aLwnrUHqf20T6YNnEelRXsQ5nFIpV84TGhvam6VJW8yAXpM3-vJkn5UQSBOh95wL_Mqnh2acGEbWO0bBq9ePXHQ23vHOWSpNg=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Let your dreams manifest through your hands with Visconti's Van Gogh collection of writing instruments. The original styles produced prior to 2011 feature colorful, swirling, translucent resin with chrome trims and the classic, Visconti arc clip. These unique resins pay tribute to the artist's post-impressionist painting style, brilliantly translated into pen form.<br /><br />The original Van Gogh collection came in three sizes : an oversized "Maxi," the standard "Midi" and the petite "Mini." When they were replaced by the VanGogh Impressionist collection back in 2011, we obtained the last of the Van Gogh Mini pens from the distributor. As of this writing, only a few dozen new, old stock pens are left.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/weekly-dip/fine-writing-special"><img height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEglKfvUIPoJEkCxPtpKwKwNmIQrkpGFKCxeDTYeYqyI-x3jXVSQWDvVSIkRUGOy1C9_7iHpG53YLr1E7vVQG-ImH3Gymg6Gusn27boqB4IJM5vYIGlAbXQKn10gXxAoFDCSsl0mrrLTLdY6RmUAbVarv8LP5bZGfkhatwFWB0ZBJirDDTP9_ZIiP1PlfJ4maFeK7duWaRqChWdx54QE3b15JYn5mtUuqg=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><b>Pocket-Sized Paintings</b><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/visconti/van-gogh-midi">Van Gogh Mini</a> fountain pen measures 4.875" long closed, 4.375" with cap removed, 5.5" long with cap posted on back end. It is not as small as a Kaweco Sport pen, which measures 4.13" long closed and 5.3" long with cap posted, but it is smaller than the newer <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/visconti/van-gogh">Visconti Van Gogh Impressionist pens</a> (5.5" closed, 6.23" with cap posted). <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg238TbYLrjdvUrDKOI6YQa7D14RmnR0IaS_aBUSxsnvLe4MYPXq0g5BcgCzkUFwmANYnjkFrA2U8S9-aeDe_kY_mPi-FPop52hi8zvRL2LKuxSSMOIhD7eOqAMfTTrL8f-zHD-h1xB8whj/s1600/visconti-van-gogh-mini-vs-post-2011-impressionist.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg238TbYLrjdvUrDKOI6YQa7D14RmnR0IaS_aBUSxsnvLe4MYPXq0g5BcgCzkUFwmANYnjkFrA2U8S9-aeDe_kY_mPi-FPop52hi8zvRL2LKuxSSMOIhD7eOqAMfTTrL8f-zHD-h1xB8whj/s320/visconti-van-gogh-mini-vs-post-2011-impressionist.jpg" width="312" /></a><br /><br />The Van Gogh Mini has a screw open cap that posts securely to the back end while writing. The fountain pen arrives with a single, international-sized ink cartridge to start with, but it can also use the <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/kaweco-sport-piston-converter-for-fountain-pen">Kaweco Sport piston converter</a> to fill using bottled ink (sold separately). The stainless steel nib is as smooth and reliable as you would expect a Visconti worth 3X the value.<br /><br />A matching rollerball is also available in select styles. The Van Gogh Mini rollerball uses the same type of <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/search?keywords=short+schmidt+8126&x=0&y=0">Schmidt capless rollerball refill</a> that accompanies the Retro 51 Tornado Pen. All Van Gogh Mini pens arrive in highly presentable Visconti gift boxes.</div>
Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-20865792951315080622016-08-30T15:31:00.001-04:002022-11-30T11:20:45.076-05:00NJ Pen Club Pen-B-Q 2016 Wrap Up<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/nj-pen-club-pen-b-q-2016-wrap-up" rel="canonical" />
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Thank you to all who attended our inaugural Goldspot Pens & NJ Pen Club Pen-B-Q cookout and mini-pen show that was held last weekend on Saturday, August 27th. We appreciate everyone who was able to make it and enjoy a sunny, Jersey afternoon with us. Anyone who wasn't able to make it, but wanted to come, this post is for you! We've collected the highlights of our meet up in this convenient, bite-sized post. Enjoy!<br />
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We set up on a beautiful, low-humidity Saturday morning. Our tents pitched and our tables clothed with white linen, we were set to bring out the pens and the food!</div>
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Thanks to the support of Kenro Industries and Blueline Rediform, we had two awesome reps from each company come out to set up their own tables and show off some of the latest and greatest pens. Below is Kenro Industries' Neil L. with his spread of <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/aurora">Aurora</a> and Montegrappa pens with a couple of Ballast Watches to throw in some luxurious variety.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montegrappa pens (left), Aurora Pens (right)</td></tr>
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Jennifer R. from Rediform enthusiastically represented <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/lamy">Lamy pens</a> and Filofax organizers at her table. This was her first "pen meet up" experience as a sales rep and she absolutely loved it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJRneC4zewUgtPYPtjO7hXHlXd4q7oRc9Hy2ClVkZ2gL7VcPqS71mvhdLSkm7y44qPB87VWhNQslqmZOKXJ2FlvYwZGhZymS2mo8ORnckoDS2U4AARYy73FvoHHDKylJGgX7KQvjlt20C/s1600/IMG_3781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJRneC4zewUgtPYPtjO7hXHlXd4q7oRc9Hy2ClVkZ2gL7VcPqS71mvhdLSkm7y44qPB87VWhNQslqmZOKXJ2FlvYwZGhZymS2mo8ORnckoDS2U4AARYy73FvoHHDKylJGgX7KQvjlt20C/s320/IMG_3781.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filofax organizers (left) Lamy Lx, Lamy 2000 and new Scala pens (right)</td></tr>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYiqfJglC9W_iSyv20eRurJZo3eIj9aCWbeojOvolOw1WlxcDssXb4qdLRh5NCvxmvVg76IPuzSisvVv3L0SwIiXU6ubc-TFFdqc9_7Bhrz5SmJrO9fMQXdm1XGPWGdBg7timSmemZj4gr/s1600/IMG_3785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYiqfJglC9W_iSyv20eRurJZo3eIj9aCWbeojOvolOw1WlxcDssXb4qdLRh5NCvxmvVg76IPuzSisvVv3L0SwIiXU6ubc-TFFdqc9_7Bhrz5SmJrO9fMQXdm1XGPWGdBg7timSmemZj4gr/s320/IMG_3785.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
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So, what did Goldspot have cooking? Besides our own table of closeout special pens, we also had ink bottles you can sample and a top-secret case of Parker pens that are expected to debut fall 2016. Plus, Tom was manning the grill, flipping burgers and turning dogs for guests. A special shout-out goes to our long-time pen club members, Karen and Debbie, for bringing several summer snacks and goodies to add to our spread of food. There was a lot of food to eat!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyH-KTub3y8wffZbFdNApiRPwr6ioGEmQjZ43pTOfoulL9Kr1sfMupnPREpAkok0Ky8oTuxMZtbmSkVr_cjeG5leFaYvz7fOzxrZDdqeqSo0FvR-aMDYzZcC5Hvl53xZYOebL6lLKTE5BL/s1600/IMG_3786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyH-KTub3y8wffZbFdNApiRPwr6ioGEmQjZ43pTOfoulL9Kr1sfMupnPREpAkok0Ky8oTuxMZtbmSkVr_cjeG5leFaYvz7fOzxrZDdqeqSo0FvR-aMDYzZcC5Hvl53xZYOebL6lLKTE5BL/s320/IMG_3786.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Tom was also demonstrating the <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/pilot-parallel-modified-naifu-folded-nib-fountain-pen">Pilot Parallel modified 6.0mm nib</a> that writes like a folded nib. "Ooohs" and "aaahs" could be heard from the gathering of on-lookers. The pen was inked with Lamy Dark Violet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHDakuobRihh2EZRBmMKZpqB3Z4uXY9Jog7vtJaNfffeitAMOV61Obp5D7ur8y1h61udCf6vWgs2_BmPt88d80qioOdTMZ6YFynjurI9T-p-vBtKgNHKaAEpicEo7u22SHrCJC0S5K1DB/s1600/IMG_3777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHDakuobRihh2EZRBmMKZpqB3Z4uXY9Jog7vtJaNfffeitAMOV61Obp5D7ur8y1h61udCf6vWgs2_BmPt88d80qioOdTMZ6YFynjurI9T-p-vBtKgNHKaAEpicEo7u22SHrCJC0S5K1DB/s320/IMG_3777.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of the highlights of the event was the huge door prize giveaway. We received great support from our vendors, who graciously provided us with plenty of goodies to giveaway. We raffled off a <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/retro-51">Retro 51</a> Spaceglow, which was released back in 2010 and we would estimate is worth now about $100. We also had a Caran d'Ache Essentially Swiss ballpoint pen, several Pilot Metropolitan Retro Pop ballpoint pens, a Lamy logo ballpen, Filofax notebook, Pilot sport water bottles, totes and desk caddy organizers. We had so many prizes that everyone who attended received something!<br />
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Overall, it was a fun afternoon enjoyed by all. We're already talking about making it a bigger event next year. Perhaps this is just the beginning of a beautiful, yearly event. If you're in the NJ metro area, would you be interested in coming? Please let us know below in the comments.Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-77987168565787612902016-08-16T15:28:00.002-04:002022-11-30T11:21:01.840-05:00The First Annual Goldspot Pen-B-Q<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/the-first-annual-goldspot-pen-b-q" rel="canonical" />
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Burgers. Dogs. Drinks. Pens and Inks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmt2-lktIjlilkrG9H-aM9Bn96OoyaGuSBMsmx08unpaJ5u8CvE32PTZoZ4WWfkQtOv4afXp32-ptt9DORvOhRvzQbdYQhw3T-qVsi-44EK2Z0c__VPZ1rCffj0ywQsfv9IJD4H-p2S8h/s1600/nj-pen-club-pen-b-q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmt2-lktIjlilkrG9H-aM9Bn96OoyaGuSBMsmx08unpaJ5u8CvE32PTZoZ4WWfkQtOv4afXp32-ptt9DORvOhRvzQbdYQhw3T-qVsi-44EK2Z0c__VPZ1rCffj0ywQsfv9IJD4H-p2S8h/s640/nj-pen-club-pen-b-q.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Please allow us to introduce our inaugural Pen-B-Q, hosted by the NJ Pen Club and yours truly at <a href="https://www.goldspot.com/">Goldspot Pens</a>.<br />
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We cordially invite pen enthusiasts from the New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania metro area to come and enjoy some good company on Saturday, August 27th at 1pm.<br />
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The pen meet / cookout is being held at our office parking lot at 1230 State Highway 34, Aberdeen, NJ 07747 (we're right next to Dyke's Lumber).<br />
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Come meet with local pen enthusiasts, check out our selection of writing instruments and sample inks. We will have door prizes that will be raffled off for all attendees. The event is totally FREE.<br />
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If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Tom@goldspot.com and let us know how many people you expect to bring with you. We need to make sure we have enough food and drink for all!Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-58797487400034927942016-07-23T14:17:00.001-04:002022-11-30T11:21:06.958-05:00Edison Pearlette Lapis Lazuli Fountain Pen - a Video Review<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/edison-pearlette-lapis-lazuli-fountain-pen-a-video-review" rel="canonical" />
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In the week preceding our Nation's birthday, the all-American, Edison Pen Company debuted two new materials to their production line of fountain pens that are available to their network of esteemed retailers (like us!). One was a rich, subtle color in the larger Collier model, which was named as <a href="http://goldspotpens.blogspot.com/2011/11/2011-pen-of-year-edison-collier.html">2011's Goldspot Pen of the Year,</a> called Burnished Gold.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYluDSXQ4M3EMsHJLFpuGLpy_YMacZz3DEsTO61lryATn0GgQaCh8Ha8Go0LA66Ykt-XoCkIsb5J0yx8nvOP1WnHRqXzvjUNYfWJ5siZU6MID-s1I7xt6O13OV2fLfiU0O0X5w_IAHSZne/s1600/edison-collier-burnished-gold-fountain-pen-open-silo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYluDSXQ4M3EMsHJLFpuGLpy_YMacZz3DEsTO61lryATn0GgQaCh8Ha8Go0LA66Ykt-XoCkIsb5J0yx8nvOP1WnHRqXzvjUNYfWJ5siZU6MID-s1I7xt6O13OV2fLfiU0O0X5w_IAHSZne/s320/edison-collier-burnished-gold-fountain-pen-open-silo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The second finish is the topic of this blog post and review - The Edison Pearlette Lapis Lazuli.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8sjLzDO-Ex_A19zCgem__eRQcr698LxAj2RrmLk5pGnMzkt1hRIZxhv7Ove-77nAoVl-PjEoro9MppsouohTOMG2ux3cyXCAwwIZ3agiyLaDS_rWrtqI563kkevyGNFDJSlCcPBTyKen/s1600/edison-pearlette-lapis-lazulli-fountainpen-silo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8sjLzDO-Ex_A19zCgem__eRQcr698LxAj2RrmLk5pGnMzkt1hRIZxhv7Ove-77nAoVl-PjEoro9MppsouohTOMG2ux3cyXCAwwIZ3agiyLaDS_rWrtqI563kkevyGNFDJSlCcPBTyKen/s320/edison-pearlette-lapis-lazulli-fountainpen-silo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Let's check out the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI2Iuk-O62s">video review</a> we published a few weeks back. We unbox, fill and write with the Edison Pearlette Lapis Lazuli with an 18kt gold nib.<br />
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The Pearlette is the smallest of the Edison pen models, but by no means is a pocket pen like a Kaweco Sport. Here, we see the pen model comparison from the <a href="http://edisonpen.com/size-comparison-2">Edison Pen Co website</a> :<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityS3v-YGwBZQxbQEKatvzdIqyroazD3vmCn3euyZbo5-aUcdV19cjWHgfoZuXzhUPijAuU1Yn-AXRe2NTL_vIzIKMQ4O5wBmgfnZaqlqzkgRIbjco2hMNtdOPil7p8GTnhkxWB668cxxu/s1600/i-W6tK3nf-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityS3v-YGwBZQxbQEKatvzdIqyroazD3vmCn3euyZbo5-aUcdV19cjWHgfoZuXzhUPijAuU1Yn-AXRe2NTL_vIzIKMQ4O5wBmgfnZaqlqzkgRIbjco2hMNtdOPil7p8GTnhkxWB668cxxu/s320/i-W6tK3nf-X3.jpg" width="168" /></a></div>
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The size has a vintage feel, as many models and brands manufactured pens of this size back in the mid 20th Century. I compare it closely with the size of my Parker Vacumatic, which measures about 5 7/8" posted.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1laqrAsPQCwUUFlGgRwM_BqeJXG_4tNnSWd3Xuta_fSsRAnIMo3CdF5gVXmaa88lK9aA8t9R31LomudH-uN-Zv6I7tp7HKYYbRA-CUmFJwxykZRDr9mi5WBTd9HYYq7qewA0-Pu0SflUk/s1600/parker-vac-edison-pearlette-comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1laqrAsPQCwUUFlGgRwM_BqeJXG_4tNnSWd3Xuta_fSsRAnIMo3CdF5gVXmaa88lK9aA8t9R31LomudH-uN-Zv6I7tp7HKYYbRA-CUmFJwxykZRDr9mi5WBTd9HYYq7qewA0-Pu0SflUk/s320/parker-vac-edison-pearlette-comparison.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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While this Vacumatic would be considered to be around the "standard" size of pens made by Parker at the time, the <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/edison/pearlette">Pearlette</a> is seen to be a diminutive design in the modern age of fountain pens. For an average hand, this pen works is still a good fit. I would strongly recommend it for anyone that prefers a smaller pen with a thinner grip section. If you prefer a heavy hitter like the Collier, then the Pearlette would not be an enjoyable pen to hold.<br />
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Edison Pearlette Specifications<br />
<ul>
<li>Nib : #5 Size, available in stainless steel or 18kt gold.</li>
<li>Filling System : Cartridge or Converter</li>
<li>Cap Diameter : .515in</li>
<li>Barrel Diameter : .515in</li>
<li>Length Capped : 5 3/16in</li>
<li>Length Uncapped : 4 3/4in</li>
<li>Pen Weight : 18g</li>
<li>Barrel only Weight : 12g</li>
</ul>
As one would expect from a quality Edison fountain pen, the attention to detail on the fit and finish of this pen is remarkable. The Lapis Lazuli acrylic is polished to a high luster. The cap threads on to the front section securely and posts on the back as well. The standard Schmidt converter fits snugly into the section to make filling the pen effortless.<br />
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The Lapis Lazuli material itself is splendid to behold. I argue it looks even better than the precious gemstone that carries its namesake. The rich, saturated blue has a shimmer and sheen when held up to direct light. The flecks of marbled acrylic are highlighted with gold veining that, matched with the gold clip and bi-color gold nib, create an elegant picture of a pen that carries the heritage of American-made writing instruments. <br />
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The smaller, #5 size nib doesn't have the grandiosity of the #6 nib that is standard on most other Edison fountain pens, but the performance is "write" on par. The 18kt gold nib that was used for this review flows nicely with a slight bit of feedback. The gold responds to the amount of pressure you put on the point, but I wouldn't recommend doing any flexing.<br />
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The Edison Pearlette is part of the production line of fountain pens, which are available at many fine writing shops (both online and brick-and-mortar). The advantage with the production line is the pricing. A custom Edison that is ordered directly (in any material of your choosing) will run you at least $250 for a steel nib. One of these production model Edison pens is only $149 for the steel nib and $274 for the 18kt gold nib. For their production line, the Edison Pen Co. usually picks stunning pen materials that appeal to a wide audience. The Lapis Lazuli is certainly no exception. Come check it out on the <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/edison/pearlette">Goldspot Pens shop</a> and enjoy free shipping on any Edison fountain pen shipped within the USA.Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-81430312526567691162016-07-18T11:41:00.001-04:002022-11-30T11:21:14.875-05:00Kaweco Supra Brass Fountain Pen - a Video Review<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/kaweco-supra-brass-fountain-pen-a-video-review" rel="canonical" />
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You may have seen the <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/kaweco/kaweco-supra" target="_blank">Kaweco Supra</a> and dismissed the pen as simply another Liliput design. There's a lot more to this fountain pen that meets the eye. This review will take you into the details of this all brass pen that is made in Germany and why it would be a fidgeter's dream pen.<br />
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Before we go on, check out our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIJ2GC6FkUw" target="_blank">video review on the Kaweco Supra</a> that will show you the unboxing, filling and writing ability of this unique pen.<br />
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The first thing you notice about the pen straight out of the box, besides its polished brass appearance, is its weight. The pen weighs a hefty 1.8 ounces in all, which is 3x the weight of a Lamy Safari, for example. With a nearly half-inch barrel diameter, the pen feels quite significant in-hand and would certainly please those who prefer larger, heavyweight type pens.<br />
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(Additional measurements of this pen can be found, in detail, at <a href="http://www.gourmetpens.com/2016/05/review-kaweco-supra-fountain-pen.html" target="_blank">Gourmet Pens' review</a> of this pen.)<br />
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Once you uncap the pen, the second major feature of this pen is the larger, number 6 size nib in stainless steel. Most Kaweco pens, including the Sport and Liliput models, use the smaller #5 nib. The larger nib looks right at home with the profile of this larger pen.<br />
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The third and most distinctive feature about this pen that you would notice right away would be the middle, "extension" section of the barrel. Measuring 2.5cm in length, the brass extender piece is a game-changer on this pen. It changes the entire dynamic of your writing experience with the Supra and allows it to be adapted to your own personal taste.<br />
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As you would see in our <a href="https://youtu.be/YIJ2GC6FkUw?t=1m8s" target="_blank">video</a>, the extender piece unscrews from the front grip section and the rest of the barrel. It removes 0.4 ounces from the total weight of the pen, and shortens it up to the equivalent length of a Liliput. When in "mini mode," the Supra is a heavy pocket pen, similar to the Kaweco Brass Sport, but still has the smooth, cylindrical features of the Liliput model. It is up to your own personal taste of how you would like to write with this pen, so you can test out the mini mode uncapped or posted to your liking.<br />
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Speaking of posting, the cap does screw on to the back of the pen, which is a great utility feature for those who like a pen that posts, since one never has to worry about the cap falling off and getting lost.<br />
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Personally, my favorite mode of writing with this pen was <i>without</i> the extender piece and with the cap <i>posted</i> on back. It gave me the most comfortable writing experience out of the four ways you can hold this pen.<br />
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The drawback of removing the extension piece is that the Kaweco Supra can no longer hold a standard, international size ink converter. You would have to resort to filling ink cartridges or using the <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/kaweco-sport-piston-converter-for-fountain-pen" target="_blank">Kaweco Sport Piston Converter</a>, which holds a minuscule amount of ink.<br />
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So, just how does the Supra stack up to the two most popular Kaweco pen models (the Sport and Liliput)? Let's check out some comparison shots to show you the length and size of the Supra stacked against these Kaweco models you may be more familiar with.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEVFfl4DVsI_BYWNJXDdTNmKcB0nEPN5Z_J0DUtGhz3ZV2Fns2lV2Jd3512g-uqGz92PEePuVefVWxXT1FjI1aJ9J3EfxaMj7_LQeQ8mH5RQb6zT9AKwh6usmqQsko_Ifnj2XjSXWUkz4/s1600/kaweco-sport-liliput-supra-capped-comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEVFfl4DVsI_BYWNJXDdTNmKcB0nEPN5Z_J0DUtGhz3ZV2Fns2lV2Jd3512g-uqGz92PEePuVefVWxXT1FjI1aJ9J3EfxaMj7_LQeQ8mH5RQb6zT9AKwh6usmqQsko_Ifnj2XjSXWUkz4/s320/kaweco-sport-liliput-supra-capped-comparison.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top to Bottom : Kaweco Sport Classic, Kaweco Supra, Kaweco Liliput Fireblue. Closed Position.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaYxf_3hFA2Ajoe4XYIdG_dL2z7Ix9NwD-y3AK5m_pmflw-UeUghpG2wNrlQmMT1p2Y9LUE-cbd-fQTjoHr9WLWq5cip0-nUNzLWHeckNRV6N60vBCiQjmZDeEuZk6YJ6p7YbC8yn_dYW/s1600/kaweco-sport-liliput-supra-uncapped-comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaYxf_3hFA2Ajoe4XYIdG_dL2z7Ix9NwD-y3AK5m_pmflw-UeUghpG2wNrlQmMT1p2Y9LUE-cbd-fQTjoHr9WLWq5cip0-nUNzLWHeckNRV6N60vBCiQjmZDeEuZk6YJ6p7YbC8yn_dYW/s320/kaweco-sport-liliput-supra-uncapped-comparison.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaweco pens with caps removed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtj7RMJzvF0b_UIk3ZgaebH9UbQUTelagzMVsfvxkCJGrZhDaw9titI7rSwNTe8hcrDwnesd8KKhSYc-i3y61gFqxihh2yPWO0hyphenhyphenr1jj2HBn9-E5coHgENkr9Zy1T6ygGzppigkhgQhKX_/s1600/kaweco-sport-liliput-supra-uncapped-posted-comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtj7RMJzvF0b_UIk3ZgaebH9UbQUTelagzMVsfvxkCJGrZhDaw9titI7rSwNTe8hcrDwnesd8KKhSYc-i3y61gFqxihh2yPWO0hyphenhyphenr1jj2HBn9-E5coHgENkr9Zy1T6ygGzppigkhgQhKX_/s320/kaweco-sport-liliput-supra-uncapped-posted-comparison.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaweco pens with caps posted on back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCQ3GAgim7qn0KMLlhGoTH293VopwgyctCSMjBL5sc1i4z1kM0TPjpZOiB7orMK_bYJNvlkskSepIwKxxzSMxaFDVZqdJV7lzWUscDm6FixRITnJgavJCgg6sRxwVtKy8xjCMMqAC8P8t/s1600/kaweco-sport-liliput-supra-uncapped-mini-mode-comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCQ3GAgim7qn0KMLlhGoTH293VopwgyctCSMjBL5sc1i4z1kM0TPjpZOiB7orMK_bYJNvlkskSepIwKxxzSMxaFDVZqdJV7lzWUscDm6FixRITnJgavJCgg6sRxwVtKy8xjCMMqAC8P8t/s320/kaweco-sport-liliput-supra-uncapped-mini-mode-comparison.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaweco pens with caps removed, the extender piece has been removed from the Supra.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeFgaY1hR-JT_-gDArAuszvaqMuMkPMO8NpB5AkUo_h6tm0Gw1z1xpoKB64O_yOSj856PfMzzAW7M5cEjleAMSVBNlbNObMQhElHs8KNJnYuH-ptx2aPMNxwaf4341CKRnUR6Eww8PVk9/s1600/kaweco-sport-liliput-supra-uncapped-posted-mini-mode-comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeFgaY1hR-JT_-gDArAuszvaqMuMkPMO8NpB5AkUo_h6tm0Gw1z1xpoKB64O_yOSj856PfMzzAW7M5cEjleAMSVBNlbNObMQhElHs8KNJnYuH-ptx2aPMNxwaf4341CKRnUR6Eww8PVk9/s320/kaweco-sport-liliput-supra-uncapped-posted-mini-mode-comparison.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here, the Supra is Posted without the Extender Section. Pens Open with Caps Posted on Back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
The last point of comparison between the Supra and the Liliput is one that you cannot see, but speaks volumes : price. An all-brass Liliput pen will run you $80. The blow-torched steel of the FireBlue Liliput goes for $180. The extra-large Supra sits in between at $140. Kaweco could have priced the Supra above the most expensive Liliput, but they didn't, which many wallets will appreciate.<br />
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The Supra fountain pen is also a fidgeter's dream come true because not only can you roll the smooth cylinder of this pen across your desk at your amusement, but you can also assemble and disassemble it to remove the extender piece, screw on the cap to the back end and take it all apart again. The Kaweco Supra can be your new best friend to occupy your hands during long meetings and webinars.<br />
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You can purchase your <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/kaweco/kaweco-supra" target="_blank">Kaweco Supra fountain pen</a> from your favorite source for fine writing supplies - <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/kaweco/kaweco-supra">Goldspot.com</a> for the street price of $140. Package it together with <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/kaweco/refills/fountain-pen-refills">international size ink cartridges from Kaweco</a> or many other brands (I would suggest <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/diamine/refills/fountain-pen-cartridge-refills">Diamine</a>, as they have a broader selection of colors). You can also add-on an <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/kaweco-refills-dia2-converter-fountain-pen" target="_blank">international size Kaweco converter</a>, as they are not included with the purchase of the pen. Put it all together with a travel-size, <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/clairefontaine/roadbook">pocket notebook from Clairefontaine</a>, and you're all set for your writing adventures.<br />
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Any questions about the Kaweco Supra? Please feel free to leave us a comment below or shoot us an e-mail and we'll be happy to help.Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-72592284699927634742016-07-08T16:09:00.001-04:002022-11-30T11:21:23.908-05:00How to Pronounce J. Herbin's Caroube de Chypre<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/how-to-pronounce-j-herbins-caroube-de-chypre" rel="canonical" />
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Fountain pen enthusiasts have come to embrace the craze that has become J. Herbin's 1670 ink collection with open arms. Every year, a new ink has caused upstanding pen lovers to geek-out over the sparkle, saturation, shading and sheen of the 1670 Anniversary inks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TOkCSPohNwEZJy86L5LHPUrvQAnsJdhaBC2a-Z9Vwe1j6k9Rc8KcwIjePQh3tQmxjHWGp8sSlQRAxU0_HULjE66QhUxzwYj8stgbdTiqqr7Hbang8632FN3XuV-cfFL88P8IuHHfqGrT/s1600/j-herbin-caroube-de-chypre-ink-writing-sample-beauty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TOkCSPohNwEZJy86L5LHPUrvQAnsJdhaBC2a-Z9Vwe1j6k9Rc8KcwIjePQh3tQmxjHWGp8sSlQRAxU0_HULjE66QhUxzwYj8stgbdTiqqr7Hbang8632FN3XuV-cfFL88P8IuHHfqGrT/s320/j-herbin-caroube-de-chypre-ink-writing-sample-beauty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For 2016, J. Herbin has brought us a warm brown ink that is inspired by carob pods from the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. This ink is aptly called "<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/j-herbin-1670-anniversary-caroube-de-chypre-bottled-ink" target="_blank">Caroube de Chypre</a>," which is French for Carob from Cyprus.<br />
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Any non-French-speaking person may end up tripping over their tongue while trying to pronounce the name of this ink. Even the Pen Addict, Brad Dowdy, faced difficulty agreeing on a pronunciation on a recent <a href="https://www.relay.fm/penaddict/211" target="_blank">Pen Addict podcast episode</a> (at the 11 min mark).<br />
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Thankfully, we have an Asha.<br />
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Asha grew up in Senegal and is fluent in French. She's one of our customer care specialists that has been with us for 10 years. If anyone knows how to detangle this tongue twister, she does.<br />
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She confirms the correct pronunciation in <a href="https://youtu.be/ldbzGmqBcbI" target="_blank">our short video</a> on our youtube channel.<br />
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However, we know that not everyone is a linguist, so we will also accept other alternate pronunciations, should you call up and place your order with us over the phone for this new ink.<br />
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Other acceptable ways to ask for <i>Caroube de Chypre</i> :<br />
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"Car-ooh-bay de Shy-pree"<br />
"Carob de Shyper"<br />
"Car-oob de Ship-ray"<br />
"Carib de Chipper"<br />
"the new J. Herbin ink"<br />
"the brown, sparkly one"<br />
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So, now that we've cleared up the best way to pronounce this gorgeous ink, let's talk about the best way to write with it. J. Herbin 1670 anniversary inks are well-saturated and contain flecks of gold particles that are suspended in the ink. The more ink that is laid down on the paper, the more noticeable the effect is. Therefore, the thicker and wetter the nib, the better the result.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuEKKhdjTqNqEWfex8c_Ol4eXSeTYFnNZJPjareZlJu4udmWazXBXnevlW3dzTgrtKuc87YOssSIUHWuWNTm45scNFdMfMwOjqkW7YaP_yi1xyTq9TwUAdlVcYXmPgV-KAIVbQh2RAK-W/s1600/pilot-parallel-set-with-jherbin-caroube-de-chypre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuEKKhdjTqNqEWfex8c_Ol4eXSeTYFnNZJPjareZlJu4udmWazXBXnevlW3dzTgrtKuc87YOssSIUHWuWNTm45scNFdMfMwOjqkW7YaP_yi1xyTq9TwUAdlVcYXmPgV-KAIVbQh2RAK-W/s320/pilot-parallel-set-with-jherbin-caroube-de-chypre.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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The East meets West as a French ink is paired up with its perfect match in the Japense Pilot Parallel calligraphy fountain pen. Pilot's parallel plate technology is a champ in getting a large amount of ink down on the page, while maintaining crisp edges of every stroke. If you're looking for a versatile selection of nib widths, check out the <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/jherbin-caroube-de-chypre-pilot-parallel-calligraphy-fountain-pen-set" target="_blank">Pilot Parallel 4-pack with J. Herbin Caroube de Chypre combo</a>. It includes the necessary CON-50 twist converter to extract the sparkly ink from the bottle.<br />
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On the more exotic side, where writing meets artistry, you can opt for a folded nib to put down a ton of ink on the page. Ed Jelley uses a folded nib in his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shdG7PiJsxU" target="_blank">video for the Caroube de Chypre</a>, which looks so cool!<br />
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The only problem with folded nibs is that they require a bottle of ink close at hand. The whole purpose of a fountain pen was to carry pen ink within the pen so that it can be used without having to constantly dip from an inkwell. One solution is to take a Pilot Parallel nib and modify it to behave similarly to a folded nib. The large, 6.0mm Parallel nib lays down bold strokes as you attempt to control the beautiful chaos of ink on the page.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AifeqYuYS-hkzuSaASV40wSDlaRRxJG2le8uSVDYAR6MWqh8hButdnEBSMrY9uR4iKgfxz_PCLlJD0OF6VbvXREDTbTDiPFZ_wA7EaRb7nfMPYLu4YCMNATT4xHeOmWOamtu_NT_B_oU/s1600/j-herbin-caroube-de-chypre-ink-with-parallel-naifu-mod-nib-writing-samp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AifeqYuYS-hkzuSaASV40wSDlaRRxJG2le8uSVDYAR6MWqh8hButdnEBSMrY9uR4iKgfxz_PCLlJD0OF6VbvXREDTbTDiPFZ_wA7EaRb7nfMPYLu4YCMNATT4xHeOmWOamtu_NT_B_oU/s320/j-herbin-caroube-de-chypre-ink-with-parallel-naifu-mod-nib-writing-samp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The modified Parallel nib, which we lovingly dubbed "Naifu" (Knife in Japanese) writes with raw emotion and has the advantage of being able to fill up with using the CON-50 converter. <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/j-herbin-caroube-de-chypre-and-pilot-parallel-6mm-modified-nib" target="_blank">Packaged together with the Caroube de Chypre</a>, this is a winning combination that will add a whole other dimension to your snail mail correspondence, journal entries and instagram pics.<br />
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If you're still struggling with trying to get the sparkles and sheen to appear with your anniversary ink, read our <a href="http://goldspotpens.blogspot.com/2015/07/4-keys-to-achieving-maximum.html" target="_blank">tips on how to get maximum satisfaction with your J. Herbin ink</a>.Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-24156453135317351552016-06-25T23:05:00.003-04:002022-11-30T11:21:31.306-05:00Top 5 Beginner Fountain Pens (and Top 3 for the Risk-takers!)<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/top-5-beginner-fountain-pens-and-top-3-for-the-risk-takers" rel="canonical" />
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, you want to try out a fountain pen, or two...</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The single most common question we get from intrigued fountain pen newbies is "which is the best, first fountain pen?" -- and this post should help narrow that down for you. </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As you venture into the fountain pen world, you'll soon notice that much of the appeal of these pens is how personal they can be; my idea of a perfect pen might have a fine nib and a moderate weight, while yours might have a medium nib and be as light as a feather. The point is, with fountain pens, there are many options, and within each pen, you'll find even more options.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The following are 5 of our best recommendations for your first fountain pen, including features, specifications, and thoughts on each pen. I suggest purchasing finer nibs if you are used to writing with 0.5 - 0.7 mm tips, as the transition may be easier. If you're feeling risky and want to try flex writing or calligraphy, scroll down to find three additional pens that are sure to bring excitement to your writing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For Normal Writing:</span></b></u></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVAJMse8I8T3KkNpih6h5L8UXzqck5dMdyW2WZvebW4d-x5W9lO6L3TBJzTmkMRaysG4JVCLYcWXEAv0j0xIRTQUustDt95pfccve9CmStNGnSdm9giUOsL175uQH5fcpSoyr6z8vqtOm/s1600/top+5+blog+post+-+pilot+metropolitan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVAJMse8I8T3KkNpih6h5L8UXzqck5dMdyW2WZvebW4d-x5W9lO6L3TBJzTmkMRaysG4JVCLYcWXEAv0j0xIRTQUustDt95pfccve9CmStNGnSdm9giUOsL175uQH5fcpSoyr6z8vqtOm/s400/top+5+blog+post+-+pilot+metropolitan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></u></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/pilot/metropolitan" target="_blank">Pilot Metropolitan</a></span></span><br />
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cost: $14.95</span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nib Sizes: fine, medium</span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Grip: round</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall Weight: 26g</span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Filling Method: proprietary Pilot cartridge and con-20 converter included</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Durability: metal, very durable (unlike thin plastic which may crack under large amounts of pressure)</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Colors: comes in many colors, including <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/pilot/metropolitan" target="_blank">classic</a>, <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/pilot/metropolitan-animal" target="_blank">animal</a> and <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/pilot/metropolitan-retro-pop" target="_blank">retro pop</a> styles.</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Pilot Metropolitan has quickly become the top recommendation for newbies. It’s a great value, smooth-writing fine nib, round grip, average weight, and strong durability makes the pen suited for the majority of new users. Two thing to look out for: 1) Pilot nibs are proprietary, meaning only Pilot cartridges and converters will fit into Pilot pens and 2) you can’t see the ink level in the con-20 converter, so you won’t know exactly when you are out of ink until the pen stops writing. If this bothers you, Pilot offers the transparent <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/pilot-refills-vanishing-point-twist-convertor-fountain-pen" target="_blank">con-50 converter</a> as a substitute. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzhkhbIAnWrT-TTq1im2BQuy-4LPZKM86HgZoCDnwfpwe1SBUEwGpZR5fooJobeoKtD2BbZRj8gzoaVOYC2xBPU5dslkRnJpL5kEbcyBcB5P9Ar7UbpsNYdExu1wGE6ReRbWsKW5WHbvL/s1600/lamy-safari-dark-lilac-fp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzhkhbIAnWrT-TTq1im2BQuy-4LPZKM86HgZoCDnwfpwe1SBUEwGpZR5fooJobeoKtD2BbZRj8gzoaVOYC2xBPU5dslkRnJpL5kEbcyBcB5P9Ar7UbpsNYdExu1wGE6ReRbWsKW5WHbvL/s320/lamy-safari-dark-lilac-fp.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/lamy/safari" target="_blank">Lamy Safari</a></span></span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.08px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></b>
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<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cost: $29.95</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nib Sizes: EF, F, M, B, 1.1mm, 1.5mm, 1.9mm</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Grip: triangular</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall Weight: 17g</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Filling Method: proprietary Lamy cartridge included. LZ24 Converter sold separately.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Durability: made of extremely durable ABS plastic</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Colors: comes in many colors (can upgrade to Al-Star)</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ink window</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Lamy Safari is long considered a staple in the fountain pen world. It is a great value, with a nib known for being smooth, but with feedback (not glossy smooth, but enough to let you know the nib is touching the paper). The barrel of the Safari is made of ABS plastic, the material used to make the famous Lego toys, which can withstand large amounts of pressure -- making the Safari extremely durable. Many beginners choose this pen because later on, you can try out one of the many other nib sizes (ranging from EF to 1.9mm), which is always fun.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8J_FMa0zrbBigud-XUYRhDBQYOiYN3Z6De5B_qJsmM4Yj3pMJ7pfS5OXqMEt2u5mCiVIg1MhW5PFTbYi93JP3vgaYGH1zEmCi7kFVf7dS0gqX2wDKO_iteuGuHD5BupWsg2zABg5iBeZ0/s1600/kaweco-ice-sport-orange-set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8J_FMa0zrbBigud-XUYRhDBQYOiYN3Z6De5B_qJsmM4Yj3pMJ7pfS5OXqMEt2u5mCiVIg1MhW5PFTbYi93JP3vgaYGH1zEmCi7kFVf7dS0gqX2wDKO_iteuGuHD5BupWsg2zABg5iBeZ0/s320/kaweco-ice-sport-orange-set.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/kaweco" target="_blank">Kaweco</a> Sport</span></span><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cost: $25.00</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nib Sizes: F, M, B (also, EF, BB, 1.5 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.3 mm)</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Grip: round, good for all people</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall Weight: 10g</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Filling Method: standard international cartridges, can buy separate Kaweco Sport squeeze converter</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Durability: durable plastic, perfect for pocket, workhorse</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Colors: comes in many colors (can upgrade to AL, etc.)</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkSMtcdh0A5jvLj7Tqq8Il1cCijy2a-OESIX-R7SHdI09-BlnB7PrXIz0cAmQAPhj61YIYdWBo40GfpcNybplc4Nbtd7EJNmsttTWxwe3JAWlKGHYaaZ3bVc691oUt5I8YMK9cKhLk3zo/s1600/natalie-dalai-lama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkSMtcdh0A5jvLj7Tqq8Il1cCijy2a-OESIX-R7SHdI09-BlnB7PrXIz0cAmQAPhj61YIYdWBo40GfpcNybplc4Nbtd7EJNmsttTWxwe3JAWlKGHYaaZ3bVc691oUt5I8YMK9cKhLk3zo/s320/natalie-dalai-lama.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/nemosine" target="_blank">Nemosine</a> Singularity</span></span><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cost: $19.95</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nib Sizes: EF, F, M, B, 0.6mm, 0.8mm</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Grip: normal, round, good for all people</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall Weight: 17g</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Filling Method: standard international cartridges and converters (comes with)</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Durability: strong plastic, should withstand pressure</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Colors: comes in many colors, including clear/blue/purple tinted demonstrators</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Demonstrator looks cool, can see ink</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObx-why7Cn_xvxESBnJNJGsFiQOtjXKomcGgB-QEDVgJR1RkJhcR1LX46J4OQPQZ8-Nrn2kTUG0ovoKpf9_vEYQyn9ca7q1AcPl6V3lRXcnYpvEC163nZaXFxklVsrpXrUyiCdE-6DPEr/s1600/PPQ200-SET_big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObx-why7Cn_xvxESBnJNJGsFiQOtjXKomcGgB-QEDVgJR1RkJhcR1LX46J4OQPQZ8-Nrn2kTUG0ovoKpf9_vEYQyn9ca7q1AcPl6V3lRXcnYpvEC163nZaXFxklVsrpXrUyiCdE-6DPEr/s320/PPQ200-SET_big.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/platinum/preppy" target="_blank">Platinum Preppy</a></span></span><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cost: $3.95 - 4.95</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nib Sizes: EF (02) highly recommend for people who like very thin lines, F (03)</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Grip: normal, round</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall Weight: 13g</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Filling Method: platinum cartridge (or buy separate converter but costs more than pen), eyedropper (but beware of cracking)</span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Durability: can crack if dropped hard or stepped on</span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Colors: 7 different colors, can come in pack too</span></span></div>
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</ul>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Top 3 Beginner Pens for Risk Takers</span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6QWvg_dRAoAUFhdlBCzH1DczWlPREGrV-RDqzpekboIv2DlkUXXxruJQcgXTafRYpBi2i57_hLwA-48QxzMHXra1BOx0CoxR9gmqi_TNuOGfC1KqCvyO6UjxwT15-q-_uj2rNfp4hJyF/s1600/noodlers-konrad-fountain-pen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6QWvg_dRAoAUFhdlBCzH1DczWlPREGrV-RDqzpekboIv2DlkUXXxruJQcgXTafRYpBi2i57_hLwA-48QxzMHXra1BOx0CoxR9gmqi_TNuOGfC1KqCvyO6UjxwT15-q-_uj2rNfp4hJyF/s320/noodlers-konrad-fountain-pen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/noodlers_ink/konrad-flex" target="_blank">Noodler’s Konrad</a></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cost: $20 for most, $40 for acrylic materials</span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nib: Fine/Medium Flex (can buy replacement nibs, some flex and some not)</span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall Weight: 13g</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Filling Method: piston filler (recommended over the ahab for this reason)</span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Durability: relatively durable plastic</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Colors: many</span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the tinkerer, and for those interested in flex nibs (beginners)</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaI7orsNyC8hNXOmeg95YXYvkWLyGJqyfLcLEFkENlRoQ5FLW6jPhESd_NLy7jGPca7fQ2Z6wn5VBoRrlVBOFj-7kBpmdlcx_Ui_R9V_YlZJxQKN0gOyYjQwTuXw6mj_3PuSRYb4aAgl4D/s1600/pilot-parallel-words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaI7orsNyC8hNXOmeg95YXYvkWLyGJqyfLcLEFkENlRoQ5FLW6jPhESd_NLy7jGPca7fQ2Z6wn5VBoRrlVBOFj-7kBpmdlcx_Ui_R9V_YlZJxQKN0gOyYjQwTuXw6mj_3PuSRYb4aAgl4D/s320/pilot-parallel-words.jpg" width="294" /></a></div>
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2. <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/pilot/parallel" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Pilot Parallel</a></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cost: $10, $26.95 for all four</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nib Sizes: 1.5mm, 2.4mm, 3.8mm, 6.0mm</span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall Weight: 10g</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Filling Method: pilot cartridge (con-50 converter can be used, sold separately)</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Durability: relatively durable plastic</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Colors: four colors, corresponding with nib</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For those interested in calligraphy, must get used to nib to use it well, can do color gradient, check out <a href="https://www.instagram.com/seblester/?hl=en" target="_blank">@seblester</a></span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YMJp-CuXy2Yagk2809BeQ5HyoeLTxh08oV-S3tzbPotRblqEDCaW1erEpl2J1EheJ9YGTjQ4OwkIi13wh_7ydlEIpmsjLLFyXpARSK6jMTwUzjRuCXWfZCGXXeycdhl-SoHGNSS6aEPq/s1600/LAMY_011_LAMY_joy_AL_FH_image_L.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YMJp-CuXy2Yagk2809BeQ5HyoeLTxh08oV-S3tzbPotRblqEDCaW1erEpl2J1EheJ9YGTjQ4OwkIi13wh_7ydlEIpmsjLLFyXpARSK6jMTwUzjRuCXWfZCGXXeycdhl-SoHGNSS6aEPq/s320/LAMY_011_LAMY_joy_AL_FH_image_L.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/lamy/joy" target="_blank">Lamy Joy</a></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cost: $27.95 - 35.95 (for AL)</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nib Sizes: 1.5mm (fine), 1.5mm (medium), 1.9mm (broad)</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Grip: triangular (not suitable for people without “normal grip”)</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall Weight: 17g</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Filling Method: comes with cartridge, but must buy separate converter (can see ink level), proprietary to Lamy</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Durability: made of extremely durable ABS plastic (what legos are made of)</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Colors: three colors</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-81465490716419522062016-06-23T09:59:00.002-04:002022-11-30T11:21:44.375-05:00Top 5 Blue Pens to Cure the Blues<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/top-5-blue-pens-to-cure-the-blues" rel="canonical" />
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<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/search?keywords=conklin+lapis+blue&x=0&y=0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="326" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/acefccd3ad79e9a1925f96c82/images/2323180c-55b8-4ef1-88f5-57b0bf448f01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Blue, Blue & More Blue </h3>
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Looking over all the new pens that have been launched by the greatest pen-makers like Pelikan, Pilot, Conklin and more, we've noticed a great deal of blue this year. Without further adieu, let's check out all the awesome blue pens that are currently available :<br />
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<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/search?keywords=vanishing+point+blue+matte&x=0&y=0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="146" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/acefccd3ad79e9a1925f96c82/images/87783603-f71b-4b2f-8b6c-971273661985.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pilot Vanishing Point Matte Blue Fountain Pen (<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/search?keywords=vanishing+point+blue+matte&x=0&y=0">View</a>)<br />
2016's latest line extension of the ever-popular Pilot Vanishing Point ("Capless" if you're outside of the US) retractable fountain pen. This royal blue is finished with a satin feel and stealth black trims. A black plated 18kt gold nib is installed to complement the furniture and clip.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/search?keywords=conklin+lapis+blue&x=0&y=0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="108" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/acefccd3ad79e9a1925f96c82/images/25532e16-cf5e-46ee-864b-350ebdd4a107.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Conklin All American Lapis Blue (<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/search?keywords=conklin+lapis+blue&x=0&y=0">View</a>)<br />
We were so stunned by the vibrant, marbled blue of the Conklin All American that we had to do a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOtbqVT-fRY" target="_blank">video overview</a> on this pen to capture its gorgeous color.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/search?keywords=205+blue+demo&x=0&y=0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="106" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/acefccd3ad79e9a1925f96c82/images/0644e2ae-2c08-4fa4-9bd7-60c28fc8fde4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pelikan M205 Blue Transparent (<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/search?keywords=205+blue+demo&x=0&y=0">View</a>)<br />
A re-issue of the same style that had been a hit success back in 2011 with a slightly updated finial top. Not much changes with these Pelikans, and that's a good thing! If you're a fan of high-performing demonstrators and the color blue, this one is a must have for your collection.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/search?keywords=805+vibrant&x=0&y=0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="177" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/acefccd3ad79e9a1925f96c82/images/74130a60-4683-42f1-84f5-448964a9db7e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pelikan M805 Vibrant Blue (<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/search?keywords=805+vibrant&x=0&y=0">View</a>)<br />
This special edition for Pelikan does not disappoint. The barrel and cap are made from a translucent, marbled blue acrylic that is a marvel to behold and feel in hand. Check out our video review, which has been lovingly called "pen porn," <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVKG124AHJQ" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/omas/arte-italiana-vintage-556f" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="86" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/acefccd3ad79e9a1925f96c82/images/529a1f68-7bee-4c19-9a80-d5bf6b967168.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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OMAS Arte Italiana Vintage 556F (<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/omas/arte-italiana-vintage-556f">View</a>)<br />
While this isn't a new pen, we recently got our hands on the very last of this classically designed OMAS pen because we fell in love with the simplicity and the richness of the resin color. The navy blue is paired with either gold trim or platinum-plated trim. The demure and subtle quality of this combination is not to be overlooked.<br />
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To match these wonderfully blue pens, we'd recommend the following inks and notebooks : <br />
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<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/montblanc-refills-leo-tolstoy-ink-35ml-bottled-ink" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="400" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/acefccd3ad79e9a1925f96c82/images/ba37949c-5541-4272-ab90-68bdc29c9a0f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mont Blanc Leo Tolstoy Sky Blue Ink (<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/montblanc-refills-leo-tolstoy-ink-35ml-bottled-ink">View</a>)<br />
A limited edition ink, this Leo Tolstoy is one of our best sellers in Mont Blanc fountain pen inks.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/rhodia/rhodiarama" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="265" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/acefccd3ad79e9a1925f96c82/images/29d3a279-8c53-4f17-b5a3-de86de4591b5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Rhodiarama Webnotebooks (<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/rhodia/rhodiarama">View</a>)<br />
The high quality paper in the Rhodia webnotebooks can handle most fountain pen inks and nibs. The sturdy hard cover and elastic band ensure your writings and sketches stay protected in your daily travels. The Rhodiarama collection has a color cover to match every personality, with several shades of blue to match your blue pens & inks.Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-67708251145712735432016-06-14T12:12:00.001-04:002022-11-30T11:21:49.733-05:00The Write Stuff Clairefontaine Notebook Giveaway<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/the-write-stuff-clairefontaine-notebook-giveaway" rel="canonical" />
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So, we've got this little newsletter we do once a week called "The Write Stuff." This week, we're writing up issue #52, which means we've done this for about a year now. <b>A giveaway is in order!</b><br />
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At over 29,000 active subscribers and growing, we're eager to hit that 30k milestone. In case you haven't heard of us, or have been reluctant to get YET ANOTHER E-MAIL from a online retail company, please allow me to tell you why the <i>Write Stuff</i> is better than your typical, sales-driven e-mail list.<br />
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It's full of photos of awesome, beautiful, writing gear. </h3>
Hey, we get it! You've got to eat and pay the mortgage like anyone else. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy the aesthetic beauty of these wonderful, new pens and inks we have to offer. Our newsletter has plenty of gorgeous pictures for you to oogle and put on your wish list for later.<br />
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<h3>
It keeps you informed of the best pen content on the internet.</h3>
We love sharing posts from your favorite pen bloggers like Brad Dowdy from the <a href="http://penaddict.com/">Penaddict.com</a>, Azizah from <a href="http://gourmetpens.com/">Gourmetpens.com</a>, Matt from <a href="http://penhabit.com/">Penhabit.com</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeWDDbfQxKv0Cgq_UNpwYpA" target="_blank">SBRE Brown</a>. We share links to pen reviews, ink reviews and other fun articles that will inspire and delight.<br />
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<h3>
It gets you the best bang for your pen buck.</h3>
Every week, we try to have a new promotion where we are adding value to your order by including a complimentary pen, ink or notebook. We run our Weekly Dip specials that change every Thursday that you can take advantage of at an additional discount. We also run special sales where you can save additional $'s off your next order. <i>How will you know about any of these specials?</i> By signing up, of course!<br />
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<h3>
It only happens once a week, for a few minutes.</h3>
Think of all the times you have to listen or watch the same ad over and over again. On any given day I'm listening to at least 20 minutes of ads on Spotify, watching 8 minutes of ads on a 30-minute television program, or scanning through ads on the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram feed. All we ask for is a quick 2 minutes each week for you to look through our newsletter. That's it! The only time you can expect a few extra e-mails is during a special, holiday promotion or during Christmastime.<br />
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<h3>
It's an exclusive list that never gets spammy</h3>
Look, we get a ton of e-mail, everyday. There are some e-mails that you look forward to opening, and others that you are eager to find the "unsubscribe" button. We treat your attention like it is ours and would only want to send you premium content that you enjoy looking at each week. Goldspot will never rent or sell your e-mail address to ANYONE! We respect the trust you have put in us to provide us with your e-mail address and would never compromise it for a quick buck.<br />
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So, if you're looking to join for FREE and <b>enter our giveaway</b>, please submit your entry below. You also have the option to tweet about this giveaway to spread the word (and earn an additional entry in the giveaway).<br />
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This week, we're giving away these <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/clairefontaine-staplebound-assorted-ruled-3x5-notebook" target="_blank">Clairefontaine Classic pocket notebooks</a> (3.5" x 5.5" size) that contain a 96 pages of fountain pen-loving ruled paper. We'll pick 10 winners to get 2 notebooks a piece. Giveaway closes Tuesday, June 21st at 11am. Good luck and have fun!<br />
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Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-18388493063082374192016-05-18T11:00:00.002-04:002022-11-30T11:22:05.755-05:00Sailor 1911S Highlighter Fountain Pen & Ink Set<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/sailor-1911s-highlighter-fountain-pen-ink-set" rel="canonical" />
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Wowzas. This bright combo from <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/sailor" target="_blank">Sailor</a> sure is hard to miss! This 1911S is fitted with a 14kt gold Music nib so you can use it like a broad-tipped highlighter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTru9VqTFKi8gnWzo6VFqHLqA2CVw-fzQb3Uox1LZDobvNGjh5jEhAoUojKCYFA5jCjIDGkGKqrJlyEdUSBOJZ40jn5s6-DKqr3gqYKJaUblgajITKLjlfW3lrnIofV-HlH_Rl6Z4nMqfV/s1600/sailor1911s-highlighter-box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTru9VqTFKi8gnWzo6VFqHLqA2CVw-fzQb3Uox1LZDobvNGjh5jEhAoUojKCYFA5jCjIDGkGKqrJlyEdUSBOJZ40jn5s6-DKqr3gqYKJaUblgajITKLjlfW3lrnIofV-HlH_Rl6Z4nMqfV/s320/sailor1911s-highlighter-box.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Limited to 50 pieces brought into the United States. At the time of this writing, we only have 6 sets available in our store. <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/sailor-1911s-highlighter-14k-music-nib-fountain-pen-and-ink" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">SHOP NOW</span></a>.<br />
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The ink bottles are available separately, so if you already have a music or stub nib, you can purchase the bottle of <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/sailor-refills-jentle-bright-yellow-highlighter-50-ml-bottled-ink" target="_blank">Jentle Bright Yellow Highlighter ink</a> for $24 and convert your favorite fountain pen into a fantastic, refillable highlighter.Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-31660393281761938342016-05-11T11:51:00.005-04:002022-11-30T11:22:14.504-05:00All Aboard The J. Herbin Ink Hype Train! Caroube de Chypre Sneak Peek<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/all-aboard-the-j-herbin-ink-hype-train-caroube-de-chypre-sneak-peek" rel="canonical" />
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A new year, a new <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/j-herbin/1670" target="_blank">J. Herbin Anniversary ink</a> for pen lovers to get crazy about.<br />
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One would think that after Diamine introduced their line of Shimmertastic inks in 2015, the excitement over another sparkling ink from J. Herbin would slightly diminish. However, J. Herbin smartly tackled their next color to stand out from the crowd.<br />
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Introducing <b>Caroube de Chypre</b> :<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYgq2GWySGTaDKd5MnZzwX4Gjdr5iVSteTLIVVm5fLIhnddSMEr8vNP9Fy7c_LSzI75Y6qlF_PTr1yoAuH9eD-xmTVNmeU4Jp2DJef5c3fX3nhnnggC_Qy5i6JhFDVLB80mriAbRC-r1B/s1600/choo-choo-caroube-de-cypre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYgq2GWySGTaDKd5MnZzwX4Gjdr5iVSteTLIVVm5fLIhnddSMEr8vNP9Fy7c_LSzI75Y6qlF_PTr1yoAuH9eD-xmTVNmeU4Jp2DJef5c3fX3nhnnggC_Qy5i6JhFDVLB80mriAbRC-r1B/s320/choo-choo-caroube-de-cypre.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This color looks rich and chocolatey, with golden shimmer and a slight reddish sheen, according to the <a href="http://www.jherbin.com/1670.shtml" target="_blank">J. Herbin manufacturer page</a>. According to the story, J. Herbin was fond of dried carob pods, which look like this :<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVcXebM8HHeJXSUL_tJv1Isy6m4s4RNLa4RmCZ3H8DVUA_viqhDJMFgH1HaewD2XQvUoNJlEUXsTvchj7fLMhJl76Uq2wFGLQvpUwDpBnQkNY2XcFEAQuFZxQkHf7GiTw2SaUOXUgpBMd/s1600/carob-pods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVcXebM8HHeJXSUL_tJv1Isy6m4s4RNLa4RmCZ3H8DVUA_viqhDJMFgH1HaewD2XQvUoNJlEUXsTvchj7fLMhJl76Uq2wFGLQvpUwDpBnQkNY2XcFEAQuFZxQkHf7GiTw2SaUOXUgpBMd/s320/carob-pods.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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They have healthy and therapeutic properties. The Carob trees were cultivated all around the mediterranean since ancient times. The pods were so popular, they were called the "black gold of Cyprus."<br />
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<u>UPDATE 05/18/2016</u><br />
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We were able to sample a bit of the Caroube de Chypre at the National Stationery Show that concluded this week. We had help from all-star calligrapher .... to create these wonderful photos that show off the shimmer and sheen of this ink. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take any of this ink back to the office with us, but seeing it in person was truly an experience!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvynil7CCueVMWhRBNLOH3Kt3CsT8CTODdheZB5vYx26ul7IW-x_f_uTORiXZAxT1Vwube1jxGgxeq0VHFWQJndrTmpf_S1dHl_-vU_0CSCWKYLkbzqm24DKKEKudDmYQDFrTqeGr1Efu/s1600/IMG_2841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvynil7CCueVMWhRBNLOH3Kt3CsT8CTODdheZB5vYx26ul7IW-x_f_uTORiXZAxT1Vwube1jxGgxeq0VHFWQJndrTmpf_S1dHl_-vU_0CSCWKYLkbzqm24DKKEKudDmYQDFrTqeGr1Efu/s320/IMG_2841.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFe5LLKJSOc/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">The sparkle of the new J Herbin 1670 Caroube de Chypre courtesy of @laura_dipiazza taken at #nss2016 at the Javits Center in NYC. #jherbin #sheen #shimmer #calligraphy #lettering #handwriting #handlettered</a></div>
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A video posted by Goldspot Pens (@goldspotpens) on <time datetime="2016-05-16T21:10:02+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 16, 2016 at 2:10pm PDT</time></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFhk-qEJSEX/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Here is a little behind the scenes action of @laura_dipiazza doing her magic with J Herbin's Caroube de Chypre at the #nss2016 Awesome talent! #jherbin #dippen #calligraphy #handwriting #lettering</a></div>
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A video posted by Goldspot Pens (@goldspotpens) on <time datetime="2016-05-17T22:11:17+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 17, 2016 at 3:11pm PDT</time></div>
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UPDATE 05/19/2016 : The Clumsy Penman did a full-out gorgeous review of the ink with many, many pictures that show the ink color in exquisite detail. Be sure to check out Mateusz's review of the <a href="http://www.clumsypenman.com/ink-review/j-herbin-1670-edition-caroube-de-chypre/" target="_blank">Caroube de Chypre</a>. Here are a few sample images from the post:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk98MBlbsDLG7Sp-vB5H6ONQ-_ROZ4QhkECHtr9ydYAAloU6BL69ukxHVjK89A1nIwakg1qM2AaIFpgVodmnlVJXcmtLooTE78ABGPh1hZg-UbskNTamW-zv3SJmS_3QDVFtVYYT5GJbIB/s1600/20160518-20160518_164219.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk98MBlbsDLG7Sp-vB5H6ONQ-_ROZ4QhkECHtr9ydYAAloU6BL69ukxHVjK89A1nIwakg1qM2AaIFpgVodmnlVJXcmtLooTE78ABGPh1hZg-UbskNTamW-zv3SJmS_3QDVFtVYYT5GJbIB/s320/20160518-20160518_164219.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5yEm4I76TgymBbJ0I-zbL9iku6FVG-cUPANZUylynBYQnH-kzqgQtKU3xmK3jusm1GtVu_DokT5p7N005VFnzYquZxW_deZz8_teae5XNwGHSY0uXByrmKpV79tKgMF68kkPPPTtnBU5/s1600/20160518-P1080733.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5yEm4I76TgymBbJ0I-zbL9iku6FVG-cUPANZUylynBYQnH-kzqgQtKU3xmK3jusm1GtVu_DokT5p7N005VFnzYquZxW_deZz8_teae5XNwGHSY0uXByrmKpV79tKgMF68kkPPPTtnBU5/s320/20160518-P1080733.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfvbxkXfYodwxCyFWVEcBIiVLN8ft_TGH6ljJTafxjVREdX0gvCLp0qxYVvLv1sdqJEID6_xRfKDerD5x6JIMY-6qcUtO_kyIeqv4qd5Ax2oylqoOLaiQ7YNSojVt_wxvIbdv4GSdpP13/s1600/20160518-20160518_171657.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfvbxkXfYodwxCyFWVEcBIiVLN8ft_TGH6ljJTafxjVREdX0gvCLp0qxYVvLv1sdqJEID6_xRfKDerD5x6JIMY-6qcUtO_kyIeqv4qd5Ax2oylqoOLaiQ7YNSojVt_wxvIbdv4GSdpP13/s320/20160518-20160518_171657.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As with the <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/j-herbin-1670-anniversary-emerald-chivor-bottled-ink" target="_blank">Emerald of Chivor</a> that nearly broke our website last year, we anticipate demand for this ink will be high when the initial shipment arrives. This year, we're giving our loyal newsletter subscribers the first opportunity to buy this ink when it becomes available. So, make sure you're <a href="http://bit.ly/writestuffnews" target="_blank">signed up for our newsletter</a> list by following the link below.<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/writestuffnews" target="_blank">SIGN UP TO GET AN ALERT WHEN J. HERBIN CAROUBE DE CHYPRE IS IN</a><br />
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Available : mid-July 2016.<br />
Estimated Retail : $26 per 50mL glass bottle.
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</script>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-75444962023966195952016-04-17T16:01:00.001-04:002022-11-30T11:22:21.299-05:00Introducing Pelikan 4001 Dunkelgrün Dark Green Ink<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/introducing-pelikan-4001-dunkelgrun-dark-green-ink" rel="canonical" />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhco8oq9lGFat1eGT4OSNrq2629uYH4eNHcQglYsWeyCEE5svjyO-HDudUbq0zpUxHE7tBzepFyLGRU-kcIf0dRIUxYhSnUBXIRZgi3uL1bcK1b50HCoMOpbTXinXmL8nB9340N0gs48PrJ/s1600/pelikan-4001-dunkelgrun-and-brilliant-green.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhco8oq9lGFat1eGT4OSNrq2629uYH4eNHcQglYsWeyCEE5svjyO-HDudUbq0zpUxHE7tBzepFyLGRU-kcIf0dRIUxYhSnUBXIRZgi3uL1bcK1b50HCoMOpbTXinXmL8nB9340N0gs48PrJ/s320/pelikan-4001-dunkelgrun-and-brilliant-green.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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tl;dr... Pelikan has released the new <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/search?keywords=dunkelgrun&x=0&y=0" target="_blank">Dunkelgrün Dark Green 4001 ink</a> to replace the Brilliant Green, which is now discontinued.<div>
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The Pelikan 4001 ink series stands as one of the most reliable set of colors for your fountain pen. Not only are the recommended for optimal performance of your <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/pelikan_pens" target="_blank">Pelikan</a> pen, they are also safe for many other plunger-filling, converter type fountain pens as well. The 4001 series is also more affordable, in comparison to the Pelikan Edelstein line of luxury inks, at $10 per 30mL bottle. Other than the blue-black being discontinued some years ago, the lineup has remained mostly the same for years and years.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NzsoFxPX9m_R9SSYS1eyzA1IxIQnivjGtLDjFm95DpsDgFfWGZeHyoP7XzZL_GH5Eax8HiiDp_-HLFjOrzKX-KHxIn70gsc3Hk63Qhb_576Xs9BYg0GnAnlXr6mlNPX5p6-llAyivrW8/s1600/pelikan-4001-dunkelgrun-and-brilliant-green-comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NzsoFxPX9m_R9SSYS1eyzA1IxIQnivjGtLDjFm95DpsDgFfWGZeHyoP7XzZL_GH5Eax8HiiDp_-HLFjOrzKX-KHxIn70gsc3Hk63Qhb_576Xs9BYg0GnAnlXr6mlNPX5p6-llAyivrW8/s320/pelikan-4001-dunkelgrun-and-brilliant-green-comparison.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Effective April 2016, the lineup has made a change to remove the "Brilliant Green" and replace it with "Dark Green," or Dunkelgrün.</div>
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I know, Earth-shattering news, right? Although I didn't lose any sleep about it, I'm sure that some would at least be interested to know the difference between the two inks, which is slight, but definitely noticeable. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxui9WDG0b-mAPUuHLQRT7aflTO5iximY64uM7XewS2IrY73DKqBS65DPF4AF6L5qvUPQZ_seU-uwS8_fqWhL5vdRt9c3RW5Uht5Lfztm4VMbj0zpOvvcTAGFSoLr0k9nVa8Z_4Iz-Sms/s1600/pelikan-4001-dunkelgrun-writing-nib.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxui9WDG0b-mAPUuHLQRT7aflTO5iximY64uM7XewS2IrY73DKqBS65DPF4AF6L5qvUPQZ_seU-uwS8_fqWhL5vdRt9c3RW5Uht5Lfztm4VMbj0zpOvvcTAGFSoLr0k9nVa8Z_4Iz-Sms/s320/pelikan-4001-dunkelgrun-writing-nib.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In terms of performance and safety with your fountain pen, you can still expect the same level of quality from the new Dunkelgrün. I would feel comfortable in putting this ink in any Pelikan, from a Pelikano to a Souveran M1000. To test out the color, I went to a vintage 1940's Waterman Stalwart fountain pen with a semi-flexible 14kt nib. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkz3chW_UqyRkDah6xK66P-d37gpvNMbin89rVwNcprOLV8FEPoQaoSlhFb-s_e47I0V8dhAYn1_Ej43cPloxsGaprh80vGj-HLeddnMcysQg-MaMR9vRZaRQ5wW2KuIyYGweDsBVFogYp/s1600/pelikan-4001-dunkelgrun-and-brilliant-green-comparison-angle.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkz3chW_UqyRkDah6xK66P-d37gpvNMbin89rVwNcprOLV8FEPoQaoSlhFb-s_e47I0V8dhAYn1_Ej43cPloxsGaprh80vGj-HLeddnMcysQg-MaMR9vRZaRQ5wW2KuIyYGweDsBVFogYp/s320/pelikan-4001-dunkelgrun-and-brilliant-green-comparison-angle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As one might expect from the name, <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/search?keywords=dunkelgrun&x=0&y=0" target="_blank">Dunkelgrün</a> is a darker shade of Brilliant Green. It seems to take on a cooler, blueish hue when compared against the lighter green. Brilliant Green is less saturated, so it does shade a bit better and is less water resistant than the new darker green color.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7vJtavHESlZ6wod5-QrMPlsMYxilbII443vP57YB2CswHgsXh0L2FaG5Kg2Anb-ih24SogDl1KbLu_NlZGppM0zHrNC4jjuqNnsLGbOcPYkwKSmaArwxZbxW2-jgoKbCGzBnF2SId6ve/s1600/pelikan-4001-dunkelgrun-and-brilliant-green-water-resistance-test-comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7vJtavHESlZ6wod5-QrMPlsMYxilbII443vP57YB2CswHgsXh0L2FaG5Kg2Anb-ih24SogDl1KbLu_NlZGppM0zHrNC4jjuqNnsLGbOcPYkwKSmaArwxZbxW2-jgoKbCGzBnF2SId6ve/s400/pelikan-4001-dunkelgrun-and-brilliant-green-water-resistance-test-comparison.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dunkelgrün's color seems to be an homage to the dark green that is synonymous with Pelikan's brand. From the striped Souveran fountain pens to the historical models of yesteryear, the German brand is forever associated with dark green.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqw7mNcA54JR7oE0GXh7vtU_2hFlWEv1bwTGmiOHnY2T2UwKmgDcS7LMcfjab8lOVVlLre87_ZdVObW66gi8Rr562fXB8cRV29savoySygdqNhcgtBvmTdLDdfka2HlfRNh8jbJ6GPD9x7/s1600/Pelikan-Gu%25CC%2588nther-Wagner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqw7mNcA54JR7oE0GXh7vtU_2hFlWEv1bwTGmiOHnY2T2UwKmgDcS7LMcfjab8lOVVlLre87_ZdVObW66gi8Rr562fXB8cRV29savoySygdqNhcgtBvmTdLDdfka2HlfRNh8jbJ6GPD9x7/s320/Pelikan-Gu%25CC%2588nther-Wagner.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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What do you think of the change? Are you going to miss <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/search?keywords=brilliant+green&x=0&y=0" target="_blank">Brilliant Green</a>? As of this writing, we have both colors readily available in-stock. Hit the 'Spot to pick up a bottle, international sized ink cartridge or the giant size ink cartridges.</div>
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Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-38732166223355043812016-04-07T12:25:00.003-04:002022-11-30T11:22:25.514-05:00Review of the Pelikan Souveran M805 Vibrant Blue Fountain Pen<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/review-of-the-pelikan-souveran-m805-vibrant-blue-fountain-pen" rel="canonical" />
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There are many blue pens that exist in the world of fine writing. Pelikan has not just made another blue pen, but <i>the</i> blue pen that separates itself from all others before it.<br />
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The <a href="https://www.goldspot.com/search?keywords=pelikan+vibrant+blue&x=0&y=0" target="_blank">Souveran M805 Vibrant Blue</a> (launched April 2016) is the blue you've been searching for all your life.<br />
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People who favor blue are said to revel in its tranquil, calming qualities. The layered, acrylic material of the M805 Vibrant Blue hits those serene notes with its pearlescent, marbled barrel and cap. Light penetrates the semi-translucent, blue material, creating a stained glass effect.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IZQ856-auRguuJhjG9g1eiDDmN4UJtAuqoMBAP7HvhprzpLjUZItKGPrre1pPxK8m0udwY3Zzi6qccq67YSmOPIMFg9rdoKFNRPQJzqhglDcBrNXuBx8n8IoCgQpllS0dfw9T3y9N_hK/s1600/IMG_2700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IZQ856-auRguuJhjG9g1eiDDmN4UJtAuqoMBAP7HvhprzpLjUZItKGPrre1pPxK8m0udwY3Zzi6qccq67YSmOPIMFg9rdoKFNRPQJzqhglDcBrNXuBx8n8IoCgQpllS0dfw9T3y9N_hK/s320/IMG_2700.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Turning the cap to unscrew it from the section, the 18ct gold, rhodium coated nib can be spied through the translucency, as if it were submerged in shallow water. Bringing the pen's barrel to light, the ink that is held within the body can be seen sloshing around and should clearly indicate when a refill is soon needed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dTLrycvNdnDUkPn-KFKFC6VNAU7m0uHJacruE7ZS1qDB2k54zjT3L-vP7pinBhdEe1drpOxqGagEhmkkUAL7wOrzt880woHiY8UbK7Bip7FHdT8cR0mnBpBcH1pv9npNVniEmKoB2NSb/s1600/IMG_2683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dTLrycvNdnDUkPn-KFKFC6VNAU7m0uHJacruE7ZS1qDB2k54zjT3L-vP7pinBhdEe1drpOxqGagEhmkkUAL7wOrzt880woHiY8UbK7Bip7FHdT8cR0mnBpBcH1pv9npNVniEmKoB2NSb/s320/IMG_2683.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As with other M800/M805 model Pelikan pens, like the <a href="http://goldspotpens.blogspot.com/2015/02/pelikan-souveran-805-stresemann.html">Stresemann</a> we reviewed last year, the Vibrant Blue has an oversized profile, more suitable for larger hands.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8VncIzJLz_yjciDze1TvR5-OlAmX5upMcsNh_3BEOv0wzk7jiG_BgxVui6NrKZOUl3Me4Za2JXY19XQZfCH4elNiEEbsFOp4rb9jhH6AJ3Cq3rrjci0zmF2-M6TrgFIu_ZSweaslukl-/s1600/IMG_2688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8VncIzJLz_yjciDze1TvR5-OlAmX5upMcsNh_3BEOv0wzk7jiG_BgxVui6NrKZOUl3Me4Za2JXY19XQZfCH4elNiEEbsFOp4rb9jhH6AJ3Cq3rrjci0zmF2-M6TrgFIu_ZSweaslukl-/s320/IMG_2688.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top to Bottom : OMAS Ogiva Cocktail, Pelikan M805 Vibrant Blue, Pelikan M215 Blue</td></tr>
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Souverän M805 Vibrant Blue Dimensions<br />
Length Capped : 5.5"<br />
Length Posted : 6.5"<br />
Length without Cap : 5.00"<br />
Barrel Diameter : 0.52"<br />
Section Diameter : 0.42"<br />
Weight : 0.89 oz<br />
Ink Capacity : 1.2mL<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">18ct gold goodness</td></tr>
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The large nib on the M805 rhodium coated to match the gleaming silver color of the palladium trims and signature <a href="https://www.goldspot.com/store/pelikan_pens" target="_blank">Pelikan</a> "beak" clip. The silver trim is a perfect compliment to the deep, placid blues of the pen body. As with other Pelikan 18ct nibs that I've personally experienced, this one had a small case of baby's bottom. For the uninitiated, baby's bottom is the over-polishing of the nib's iridium tip that can cause a gap in the nib's writing contact surface and lead to some missed strokes and starting issues. Writing on a coarse surface, like a brown paper bag, is usually recommended to remedy the problem. However, I prefer using micro-mesh instead. With a little slight scribbling, I was gliding around on paper like an olympic figure skater on ice.<br />
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I know, I know. You should be shocked that a pen of this caliber would not write anything but perfect out of the box, but it happens occasionally. If you have experienced this with any new Pelikan (or any fountain pen) purchased from us right out of the box, please do contact us if you aren't comfortable with nib adjustments / troubleshooting. We'll either get it working exactly like its supposed to, or replace it to make sure you have a writing instrument that you are in love with.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcSzhKyZQWr2v5bT25QNM5Cjsg2Zb_SG0QFwxNdoE1Y-rnHuaAvx5EhuXpGoEQIXHgXHHB7sDeSS4uBHO08wBgz1va04MNT1iiY4CDrPQ5MTbrrVHnEk1FWFAuPF3bNjoPNzhUfMJw3fV/s1600/IMG_2690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcSzhKyZQWr2v5bT25QNM5Cjsg2Zb_SG0QFwxNdoE1Y-rnHuaAvx5EhuXpGoEQIXHgXHHB7sDeSS4uBHO08wBgz1va04MNT1iiY4CDrPQ5MTbrrVHnEk1FWFAuPF3bNjoPNzhUfMJw3fV/s320/IMG_2690.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Written with M805 & Edelstein Aquamarine on Tomoe River Paper</td></tr>
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Baby's bottom aside, this nib is super-smooth with a tiny bit of springiness. There's no flexibility to speak of, nor would anyone recommend to flex the nib to attempt any line variation. The pen writes a bit on the drier side. My writing sample for the demonstration is done with the Pelikan Edelstein ink of the year 2016, Aquamarine.<br />
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As the <a href="https://www.goldspot.com/search?keywords=pelikan+vibrant+blue&x=0&y=0" target="_blank">M805 Vibrant Blue</a> is a special edition for 2016, I imagine this will be a design that will be sold quickly and will be a highly demanded collector's item a few years from now. At the time of this writing, we had received our first shipment of Vibrant Blue last week and they are currently on-sale at Goldspot.com.<br />
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<h3>
A Few Choice Words</h3>
Summary :<br />
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<li>Writing Quality : 18ct solid gold nib performs smoothly and with expected refinement. The weight and size is perfect for those with larger hands, but can work for those who can write un-posted. (grade A-)</li>
<li>Aesthetic Quality : That Blue... Oh man. Hard to resist just gawking at that blue and the translucency. (grade A+)</li>
<li>Utility : Pelikan always gets the checkmark on this category for the large internal piston-filling mechanism for its ability to hold a tanker-full of ink. This pen is on the larger side and may have a little difficulty fitting with some pen loops and pouches. (grade A)</li>
<li>Price : This type of quality and Pelikan brand-name craftsmanship does come at a hefty cost. The +$800 retail price may give most sticker shock, but, if you're in the market for a grail pen, we're offering a discounted street price that will be competitive to any US retailer. (grade B)</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvyTd7J-XNO1gkkAXHmL6cEpC07h2_KGsmJFpL-7iVyJBNMqpHS6hB8rYYKHE-3u0vnSjwgehFrM4BXuc4sN7IVITMRRkr1wB3rsTZTI7vd8w86yzNVTfWKUcQQco7wcyDMeGcILWIF4T/s1600/IMG_2677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvyTd7J-XNO1gkkAXHmL6cEpC07h2_KGsmJFpL-7iVyJBNMqpHS6hB8rYYKHE-3u0vnSjwgehFrM4BXuc4sN7IVITMRRkr1wB3rsTZTI7vd8w86yzNVTfWKUcQQco7wcyDMeGcILWIF4T/s320/IMG_2677.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b>Final Grade : A</b><br />
Pelikan has a knack for taking all the classical elements of their flagship pen model, this case being the Souveran, and forcing pen fanatics to fall in love again with new styles like this Vibrant Blue. Although Pelikan tends to be rather conservative in their everyday pen lines, these exotic special editions are perfect for writing enthusiasts to obtain a Pelikan that has more of a "vibrant" personality. If you're a blue lover like I am, this is going to be a pen you will want to sell other pens to justify adding it to your collection. <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/search?keywords=vibrant+blue&x=0&y=0" target="_blank">Buy the Pelikan Souveran M805 Vibrant Blue at Goldspot Pens</a>.Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-12707313827755235662016-03-21T15:38:00.001-04:002022-11-30T11:22:30.348-05:00Ciao, OMAS!<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/ciao-omas" rel="canonical" />
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The worldwide fountain pen community expressed a collective, solemn lament as news broke that Italian pen-maker OMAS, after celebrating its 90th anniversary last year, had become defunct. It was an outcome that we all hoped would be avoided with an 11th hour intervention. There were buyers that were looking to save the company and keep the doors open. Unfortunately, the deals had fallen through and the company shuttered its doors for the foreseeable future.<br />
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As there are still interested parties looking to purchase what is left of the company, OMAS fans can hold onto hope that, some years from now, we may see a resurrection of the brand. However, at the time of this writing, we are looking at a dwindling inventory of OMAS pens world-wide.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VCBmgBx1jqiVmuquTHCuxPzvrSYlFTcrIkP9ZZvOYM7gIc71ZyVzcRY3HvPP0-wpO8aVm-qUkUkw4fdfcCNRb6kgv-YU1r7soUvWmtD9QP7xCkNMmrUQ_8wMROPEMdVNPjpU2S6F0GXL/s1600/omas-90th-anniversary-icon-set-3-nibs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VCBmgBx1jqiVmuquTHCuxPzvrSYlFTcrIkP9ZZvOYM7gIc71ZyVzcRY3HvPP0-wpO8aVm-qUkUkw4fdfcCNRb6kgv-YU1r7soUvWmtD9QP7xCkNMmrUQ_8wMROPEMdVNPjpU2S6F0GXL/s320/omas-90th-anniversary-icon-set-3-nibs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
I thought it would be important to note that I'm writing the first draft of this post with an <a href="https://www.goldspot.com/store/omas/ogiva-cocktail-limited-edition" target="_blank">OMAS Ogiva Cocktail</a> fountain pen. Now, more than ever, I treasure my pens for their uniqueness and craftsmanship. Being that I have a personal affection for the brand, I wanted to see the last OMAS pens be put in the hands of true fans and writing enthusiasts. So, we're throwing a special going-away party!<br />
<br />
"Ciao" in Italian could mean either "hello" or "goodbye," depending on the context it is being used. Therefore, it is with much respect and fondness that we invite you to our <a href="https://www.goldspot.com/store/omas" target="_blank">Ciao, OMAS farewell party</a>. We might be saying "goodbye," but for anyone that is purchasing a new OMAS, it is time to say "hello" to your new pen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqEVVBQrs-4poFtjUo8DvTfr1GkdfunyrNYjS9Y8UjC-r2E7pp3e3pEGYhFo0f78w0JbbZO1gdrmzgdXWysOjpHacVjxWoxpkeHQUIefSgk3IKLGEKXHxDX9deVOuUc0V_TprKjOwGM5h/s1600/omas-ogiva-cocktail-set-beauty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqEVVBQrs-4poFtjUo8DvTfr1GkdfunyrNYjS9Y8UjC-r2E7pp3e3pEGYhFo0f78w0JbbZO1gdrmzgdXWysOjpHacVjxWoxpkeHQUIefSgk3IKLGEKXHxDX9deVOuUc0V_TprKjOwGM5h/s320/omas-ogiva-cocktail-set-beauty.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMAS Ogiva Cocktail Limited Edition</td></tr>
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Goldspot Pens has acquired a number of OMAS pens from what was left at the US distributor and Japan. At the start of our party, we're offering our stock of <a href="https://www.goldspot.com/store/omas/arte-italiana" target="_blank">Arte Italiana</a>, Ogiva Cocktail, <a href="https://www.goldspot.com/store/omas/new-bologna" target="_blank">Bologna</a>, 360, and more at a discount, including free, insured shipping anywhere in the USA. We're also hosting a giveaway of the rare Milady ballpoint pen that you can enter here. Help us get the word out to OMAS fans everywhere and you can possibly win an OMAS pen. Enter the giveaway by using the form below (if it is closed, the giveaway is over).<br />
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="ae8fe27f9" data-template="55f9b3250e6eaee8318e2424" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ae8fe27f9/" id="rcwidget_2pxzzq1h" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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All of our OMAS pens were acquired through authorized distribution and are still covered under a 3-year warranty. Contact <a href="https://secure.kenroindustries.com/" target="_blank">Kenro Industries</a> (US OMAS distributor) to arrange the pen to be sent for warranty service only. For any repairs that are outside of the warranty, or are user-related (dropped nib, crushed pen, etc), contact <a href="http://www.nibs.com/orderform.html" target="_blank">Classic Fountain Pens</a> directly.<br />
<br />
Each OMAS pen purchased from Goldspot Pens is new, in box with the original booklet / papers. They are all covered under our return policy, which allows you to return, for any reason, within 15 days of purchase with the option to exchange or refund. Please note returns for refund will incur a 15% restocking fee from the total amount.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4_Lb3UwCujhqNOfueaviJZoQCOt3nFJbHCu38EoWJ-cuqMKZds_wpYCT_utG_ZThHhrl_cXM1ywZswy8nCLniiJwHIhrhEEA3oEqKTYcZCQLLCH034eN5AiSFpAYJLMiBWwq6_72-VdJ/s1600/omas-instagram-teaser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4_Lb3UwCujhqNOfueaviJZoQCOt3nFJbHCu38EoWJ-cuqMKZds_wpYCT_utG_ZThHhrl_cXM1ywZswy8nCLniiJwHIhrhEEA3oEqKTYcZCQLLCH034eN5AiSFpAYJLMiBWwq6_72-VdJ/s320/omas-instagram-teaser.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3>
<br />OMAS Bologna, Reintroduced</h3>
We will be listing new pens all week. To kick off the party, we added an entire collection that hasn't been seen in the United States in some years. The Bologna is a rounded and tapered OMAS pen that comfortably sits in your hand. The eye-catching, pearlescent acrylic resin is a sight to behold, adding a dimension of luxury that OMAS is known for. The fountain pen fills by cartridge or converter. The 14kt gold nib glides smoothly, engraved with a graphic of Bologna's famous porticoes. The twist-action ballpoint is loaded with an easy-flow, Parker-style refill and is also emblazoned with an image of a portico on the nosecone of the pen. <a href="https://www.goldspot.com/store/omas/new-bologna" target="_blank">Shop Now.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEb79VtCKGBUMiOI-Tm74LSX6a26DoOsA4F7K7h9cFlRB_dodnXqMj2ndkwD5A5qEzaD8NmNhUdD0yhzfsf8rfTcCIkKHFtmCPs2TUY1kRD_kjXv2Md5oJc2P8fFeOv95O67kKvAicGs33/s1600/omas-bologna-collection-colors-capped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEb79VtCKGBUMiOI-Tm74LSX6a26DoOsA4F7K7h9cFlRB_dodnXqMj2ndkwD5A5qEzaD8NmNhUdD0yhzfsf8rfTcCIkKHFtmCPs2TUY1kRD_kjXv2Md5oJc2P8fFeOv95O67kKvAicGs33/s320/omas-bologna-collection-colors-capped.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
If you enjoy <a href="https://www.goldspot.com/store/omas/refills" target="_blank">OMAS ink</a> and are looking to get stocked up for some time, we still have bottled ink and ink cartridges in a variety of colors. We are trying to stay on top of our website to remove items as soon as they are sold, but undoubtedly we will become oversold, but we will notify you as soon as possible if a discrepancy occurs to see if another option, or a refund, is preferred.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mEQ7d487l-2LtFuG294w9R7PIe-kyN92NARcCgIRfcsf9B56vlgrSQM04Bn8l9iKofnEt02GcqwyFpDisk28ZYZN8PG2OUozXhNgSjifnmY0WtSE6FF2EbghTB1ueFY2-Ogwlk4X7DA6/s1600/omas-party-violet-ink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mEQ7d487l-2LtFuG294w9R7PIe-kyN92NARcCgIRfcsf9B56vlgrSQM04Bn8l9iKofnEt02GcqwyFpDisk28ZYZN8PG2OUozXhNgSjifnmY0WtSE6FF2EbghTB1ueFY2-Ogwlk4X7DA6/s400/omas-party-violet-ink.jpg" /></a></div>
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As a bonus, we're offering a complimentary bottle of OMAS Violet with any purchase of $150 or more (can include OMAS or other brands of products). Use promo code <b>OMASPARTY</b> during checkout and the ink will be added to your order with a discount to offset the cost.<br />
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<br />Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-23567277835761709612016-03-09T07:30:00.001-05:002022-11-30T11:22:35.348-05:00A Guided Tour of Modern Fountain Pens<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/a-guided-tour-of-modern-fountain-pens" rel="canonical" />
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<br />
Getting into fountain pens can feel like you've fallen down the rabbit hole. It's exciting to discover a world exists that flies in the face of modern technology. It's as if you've grown up your entire life shopping at Barnes & Noble and then realized that libraries existed - and that people still go to them!<br />
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If handwritten posts on social media have your interest piqued, then this post is what you need to read to start your quick-and-dirty education.<br />
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To the uninitiated, fountain pens seem alluring, yet the aspect of getting started with them can be daunting. Many of the questions we get from beginners : What pen to start with? How much should I have to pay to get a good quality fountain pen? Which pen is going to be the best value for the money? What nib size should I choose?<br />
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As with many of the purchases that we make these days, one can spend days on fountain pen research. An abundance of information exists in the forms of videos, reviews, forum posts and so on. There's so much information that many first-timers hesitate to commit. Some call it "paralysis by analysis."<br />
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Lets make it simple by giving you a guided tour of what you need to know when selecting your next fountain pen.<br />
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Consider us your sherpa on this expedition. Goldspot has sold pens online since 1999 when we started out listing Sensa and rOtring pens on eBay. I'm being modest when I say that we know a thing or two about pens. We also rely heavily on the feedback of our customers and the fountain pen community to validate our pen suggestions.<br />
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Before window shopping (and getting distracted by the bright and shiny's, ask yourself these questions :<br />
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<ul>
<li>What am I using the fountain pen for?</li>
<li>What do I usually like to write with?</li>
<li>What is my budget?</li>
</ul>
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These questions are important to ask because it is easy to get sidetracked by all the flex nibs, gold nibs, piston-fillers and limited editions. If you are using the fountain pen for detailed note-taking and your hand writing is quite small, a large, music nib isn't suitable for your needs. Taking into consideration the pens you already enjoy using will give you a basis for comparison to find a fountain pen that will satisfy your requirements for size, weight and grip. Lastly, setting a budget may prevent the unpleasant conversation you will have with your significant other regarding the credit card bill.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/gift-ideas/fountain-pen-gift-guide/beginner-fountain-pens" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAHOAPSopf7pf5-dJ_urJH7mSWnIbRts1Lxj-f1DLlcPiyIWCEOn_86GtXUh2AgwkoZL_W5miKEFyb8-sq4DmLp1Ih8ZYcWukP4glOaBXF7I18UQ6c0nSmaWWwEW7cFj8CSj-j3icDLbE/s400/menu-beginner-fountain-pen.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
For true beginners that are looking to inexpensively try out using a fountain pen for the first time, we've put together a list of our best fountain pens for beginners. <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/gift-ideas/fountain-pen-gift-guide/beginner-fountain-pens" target="_blank">View List >></a><br />
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If you like one of the pens on this list, but are curious to see if comes in different colors or point sizes, click on the related items links at the bottom of the product detail page. In the example below, if you want to look at ALL the Pilot Metropolitan Retro Pop pens, colors and point sizes, you would click on the link that reads Metropolitan Retro Pop.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"look for similar items"</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/gift-ideas/fountain-pen-gift-guide/calligraphy-fountain-pens" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimuHPbNMjhW5LuEHaTJQzfBv7fUxkHB1n89lm-KCeD1O4SsLZ_sUqrr-1KaXYSyk0TDr9FBF5hT16Dtlw39h5y1zpaJzlP0Q44ix07HQsm_YlXFtZ_Ywn8NjQl0mnqCfdY8USKegKfucC/s400/menu-calligraphy-fountain-pen.jpg" /></a></div>
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You don't have to be a master penman like <a href="https://www.jakeweidmann.com/" target="_blank">Jake Weidmann</a> to enjoy a good calligraphic fountain pen. Fountain pens with calligraphic or stub nibs can be fun to write with as an everyday pen. Go for smaller point sizes (like 0.8mm) for note-taking. The popular Pilot Parallel is an excellent choice to get started inexpensively. <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/gift-ideas/fountain-pen-gift-guide/calligraphy-fountain-pens" target="_blank">View List >></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/gift-ideas/fountain-pen-gift-guide/piston-fill-fountain-pens" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0wP5bvx_W7AFeP9refWbRNe2iyW1VIVPMTMIjxeZD9TlSgZ7gl6kvPJPZoaDGCLplsyx4Iabnkwauw6m_g9eDl8ahONq3SEd6Ogy-kB8_vjXtOrMuo9R6rcX0GuvKfp2PdGLmZiXTceK/s400/menu-piston-fill-fountain-pen.jpg" /></a></div>
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Want to keep on writing for a long time without having to go back for a fill-up? Piston-Filling fountain pens provide a higher ink capacity than traditional cartridge converter fountain pens and fill from bottled ink exclusively. <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/gift-ideas/fountain-pen-gift-guide/piston-fill-fountain-pens" target="_blank">View List >></a><br />
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It's easy to spend one's fountain pen kitty quickly. Hey, we know not everyone can afford to spend a car payment on one fountain pen. That's why we created several tiers to accommodate your budget.<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/gift-ideas/fountain-pen-gift-guide/fountain-pens-under-50-dollars" target="_blank">Fountain Pens Under $50</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/gift-ideas/fountain-pen-gift-guide/fountain-pens-under-100-dollars" target="_blank">Fountain Pens Under $100</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/gift-ideas/fountain-pen-gift-guide/fountain-pens-under-200-dollars" target="_blank">Fountain Pens Under $200</a></li>
</ul>
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These are some of the best fountain pens in those price ranges that give you the most bang for your buck.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/gift-ideas/fountain-pen-gift-guide/retractable-fountain-pens" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbV0BSLRJxAmHMOP1irw9QIznjZJp8K2MKLe7Q0BfJAq1SeCZubKTVgBiCtyMSE2hFSbo119zCd57f-EoaAAbu5uV67_-7H7ygZvVQLEyoHwHORmh32l2T-xG0rgzS6iiHT4-Mb_y4dkN/s400/menu-retractable-fountain-pen.jpg" /></a></div>
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Looking for a fountain pen that is as convenient as a retractable ballpoint pen? There's a fountain pen for that! This selection of retractable nib fountain pens are convenient and just plain cool to play with (especially in long meetings). <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/gift-ideas/fountain-pen-gift-guide/retractable-fountain-pens" target="_blank">View List >></a><br />
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View all of our suggestions and more on our <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/gift-ideas/fountain-pen-gift-guide" target="_blank">Fountain Pen Guide</a> page at the Goldspot Pens Store.<br />
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Fountain pen users - are there other types of fountain pen categories you would recommend for first time writers? Please let us know in the comments section if you feel any categories or pens should also be included in our guide.Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-52069157381781854952016-03-07T13:36:00.001-05:002022-11-30T11:22:39.452-05:00Spring 2016 Filofax designs that will enhance your calm<link href="https://goldspot.com/collections/notebooks-journals" rel="canonical" />
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The weather is getting warmer here in New Jersey. The last of our snow has melted away and the early birds can be heard tweeting away without using 140 characters. Looking at your year so far, have you held up to your goals for 2016? Are they in progress? Most importantly, do you have a system for keeping yourself moving forward without losing sight of the big picture?<br />
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Modern life is abundant with distractions to keep us from working on our goals. Yes, most of the prime-time, network TV shows have returned from mid-season break (Walking Dead is getting really good). Scrolling around Facebook became more involving, as you have other options besides a simple "like." And, what's there to be said that hasn't been said about the Presidential primary season....<br />
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All these distractions can suck up so much time without us even knowing it. That's why it's a great idea to unplug once in a while and focus on what really matters.<br />
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Every once in a while, you read something about an uber-successful person relying on pen and paper to keep their thoughts in line and focus on the "big picture." <a href="https://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/bring-back-the-pen" target="_blank">Richard Branson</a> comes to mind. So does acclaimed author <a href="http://journal.neilgaiman.com/2004/05/pens-rules-finishing-things-and-why.asp" target="_blank">Neil Gaiman</a>. Handwriting also has benefits in learning, as <a href="http://pss.sagepub.com/content/25/6/1159" target="_blank">one study points out</a>.<br />
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Enter the organizer - a pen & paper practitioner's best friend. <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/filofax" target="_blank">Filofax</a>, our #1 brand of organizer we offer, is world renown for their durable, fashionable and practical designs. Each year, designers get together to devise new, fashionable and trendy organizers to refresh the brand and stay on the cutting edge of modern style.<br />
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These new, 2016 Filofax styles are now available to order in our shop. The pleasing colors and cover designs are perfect for Spring.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/filofax/tweet" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMVhlRUxwYqlhKogg5dNjlTrjIz0pC0EUkZywf8KG2zSBxT9bJIGyMEQ9Hy7pq86ygmT0XlRmm-ZnccpWRK7Bk1GpeAYZGgogQKwI2vmytSscjc5YRYSmjPRL1hMWYX8LKtYHa0VapzOP/s400/filofax-tweet-organizer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Not into social media? This is your kind of "<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/filofax/tweet" target="_blank">Tweet</a>." Writing in this organizer far exceeds the 140 character limit, and we're OK with that! Pocket or Personal sizes available.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/filofax/butterflies" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRsmqZp6bbYkeqp8C_6Aam8ixlk8ik0Aq_SRO8PM-vZCeGBalE1jca9O3J1U_YvOOgkIFh5IGCTL-MCQrjFBx4_cMlaVCOOOCuj-FURU2k3s71yg3kx_8_M5GtSHwtDLGHyHEGUr3HfeR/s400/filofax-butterfiles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For lovers of all things Spring, this pretty style of Filofax "<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/filofax/butterflies" target="_blank">Butterflies</a>" organizer fits perfectly. Pocket or personal size.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/filofax/geometric" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJNzX_M5m-xqVUxQNqUIEpjZoqEH8LtJzsHAP3iHHCL34ML8Jpkp1zeL95IwyvfRtkj5RLvLFgRqQ4E7XfbpfWLrM7eBb3IitT0U1K7CQj4lu6Y4jkLpJJmn40q7xV1xZmVRlYlwezVre/s400/filofax-geometric.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Filofax <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/filofax/geometric" target="_blank">Geometric's</a> mesmerizing print design and calming color palette will help you keep on-task without stressing out on the details.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/filofax/lockwood" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylRs4wIxujwRPViufF-8_p4Rm-6AuSpE18qZIViZOtONJaLaX5tfiteESpntH8phHG5fz5sleOA-w-Y8kmqT83p4FvITlX9NB8d42fTo4rW0dkU6j5tAqR-rrjS_u7FTDwpOP5MIhRVvl/s400/filofax-lockwood-preview.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Wrapped in luxurious, genuine leather, the <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/filofax/lockwood" target="_blank">Lockwood</a> has a distinguished and elegant feel. Available in A5 or Personal size in Aqua or Garnet colors.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/filofax/denim-dots" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXgrn0cPcCR1mcMWdaoCiSBdeCFEnTnEac_ZaODELncHnLSzEnJrVqfvFsf-Q3FOgI2oS9hRoHhJzGT7xxub8u-aSNqPQ0i0haqofGPy8Lwh6wErzimiptDzKM99kbpd1Gidx1GXZ4I4M/s400/filofax-denim-dots.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As comfortable as a pair of your favorite jeans, the Filofax <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/filofax/denim-dots" target="_blank">Denim Dots</a> has a button fly closure to complete the look. Available in pocket or personal sizes.<br />
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<h3>
Goldspot Original Spring Essentials Organizer Set</h3>
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While we introduce all new organizers to the Filofax planner lineup, we are highlighting a glowing best-seller by offering this exclusive bundle that will help you get your organizer set up in a jiffy!</div>
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<a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/filofax-original-pink-a5-organizer-essentials-set" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldRQW31VXdjksgJLen2lm9uyBnvmwbhhXfh6-5fQmh6BqdcydX4SQrzV3aNXvekyJXFjWntaJdSqP0Fi4WbQBHL-ilSbk8gMhE9X6pyrOyuMX76dkU7e-ltQh0fgVfCprJwsEXyStBFyt/s400/Filofax-Pink-Set.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We invite you to move right into a new organizer to kickstart your most important goals and get a handle on your busy schedule. Our <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/filofax-original-pink-a5-organizer-essentials-set" target="_blank">Filofax Fluorescent Pink A5 Essentials Set</a> includes all the standard organizer inserts that come with the purchase of a brand new A5 :<br />
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<ul>
<li>2016 Week on Two Pages Diary</li>
<li>6 Numbered Index Tabs</li>
<li>Contact Address Sheets</li>
<li>Assorted Color Ruled Notepaper</li>
<li>To-Do List Paper</li>
<li>Plain, Grid and Ruled White Notepaper</li>
<li>Transparent Envelope</li>
<li>Ruler / Pagemarker</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyXtk4UpH-1ZniRCoaAqcnWTtUz5UKj7pi4bXBb2v8oB1PBuS0bDUYe-KmUeb2uRG-FPOg7VHLA7P5DuVKPeeKJrEjGcldmaLyItznbDcZTH4uMfaAY-2AG-zOi3bCHXha3VNu6uaAlnz/s1600/filofax-original-pink-a5-open-stickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyXtk4UpH-1ZniRCoaAqcnWTtUz5UKj7pi4bXBb2v8oB1PBuS0bDUYe-KmUeb2uRG-FPOg7VHLA7P5DuVKPeeKJrEjGcldmaLyItznbDcZTH4uMfaAY-2AG-zOi3bCHXha3VNu6uaAlnz/s400/filofax-original-pink-a5-open-stickers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In addition, this essentials set provides you with a few extras to help customize your organizer set up, including :<br />
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<ul>
<li>(1) Pack of Plain White Notepaper (25 sheets)</li>
<li>(1) Assorted Sticky Notes & Highlight Strips</li>
<li>(1) Pack of Organizer Stickers</li>
</ul>
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In case that isn't enough, we're also including a complimentary crystal gem ballpoint pen (colors vary and are chosen at random upon shipping).<br />
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Normally, the A5 organizer alone costs $111.00 retail price.<br />
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We're offering the entire set at the outstanding price of <b>$99.00</b>, including FREE US priority shipping to any domestic US shipping addresses.<br />
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This offer is limited to the number of organizers we have available in-stock. Once we sell out, this set will not be offered again. <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/filofax-original-pink-a5-organizer-essentials-set" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> to view the details in our shop and place an order.Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-49343645980647142262016-01-25T08:00:00.001-05:002022-11-30T11:22:48.572-05:00In Defense of the Noodler's Konrad Acrylic Flex Nib Fountain Pen<!-- REDIRECTING STARTS -->
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Ever since <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/noodlers_ink" target="_blank">Noodler's Ink</a> began their production of piston-fill fountain pens, I've wanted to get behind the brand's efforts in crafting an entry-level pen that spreads the pen-addiction bug to ordinary "muggles." In the opinion of customers I've conversed with and my own opinion, the wizardry fell quite short of expectations.<br />
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Every time I was introduced to a new model, first the standard Creaper, then the Ahab, then the Konrad and the Neponset, I went into the experience with optimism that this would be an amazing experience for the cost. Plans began to formulate in my head to obtain one of every color, because it would be an iconic pen that was affordable enough to justify collecting the entire series. However, the moment I would open the package, I would be underwhelmed and disappointed.<br />
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OK, so I know most of the criticisms that I shall now list can be negotiated or modified to be suited for one's own needs. As someone who believes that a good pen should be a solid writer directly out of the box, unaltered, I approach my critique of the Noodler's pens with the same eye that a person with limited experience in fountain pens would have. As the Noodler's brand occupies the entry level market price point, it should also be accommodating of the entry-level end-user. Although Noodler's pens are <a href="https://wonderpens.wordpress.com/2015/07/15/how-to-adjust-a-noodlers-ahab-flex-pen-or-konrad-or-nib-creaper/" target="_blank">typically considered to be the "tinkerer's pen,"</a> it shouldn't require a few hours of research on discussion forums and watching YouTube videos just to get it to function properly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGx6dlgtuGtWfp_Guyx1EEcUbdhzczUkCjw2yO76mglK2W1Dop9UsKmYqRArg2xDr3T8YaWkaiA648H8sMkJNsaJKR95aMGfY5tcsvcMizHXEuGH33LITHNj8Ci0ADvGo8d3vlwcBx7S9m/s1600/noodlers-konrad-flex-nib-oxblood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGx6dlgtuGtWfp_Guyx1EEcUbdhzczUkCjw2yO76mglK2W1Dop9UsKmYqRArg2xDr3T8YaWkaiA648H8sMkJNsaJKR95aMGfY5tcsvcMizHXEuGH33LITHNj8Ci0ADvGo8d3vlwcBx7S9m/s320/noodlers-konrad-flex-nib-oxblood.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Noodler's Pen Criticisms :<br />
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<ul>
<li><u>The Smell</u> - Right out of the box, the body material of the pen has a certain odor that is unpleasant to most people. Personally, I don't care for it. I've <a href="http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/257467-noodlers-nib-creaper-smell-removal/" target="_blank">read and followed suggestions</a> on how to help the smell dissipate, but each pen still had a faint stink, no matter what. </li>
<li><u>The Flow</u> (or lack thereof) - The feed of the pen has to keep up with the demand of a flex nib when it is flexing. In past experiences, not only would the Noodler's pen railroad constantly, but I would often get a complete seizure of ink flow that would result in having to prime the filling mechanism just to force more ink into the feed to write anything at all.</li>
<li><u>The Filling Mechanism</u> - Having experience with a Pelikan piston mechanism first has me spoiled for this "you-get-what-you-pay-for" Noodler's mechanism. The piston head is often sticky and stiff to operate, requiring a bit more force to get it going. My own experience with the Ahab plunger system was the worst of all the models. I went to prime the feed after the nib went dry. I couldn't simply nudge the plunger forward a millimeter or two, it was stuck. I ended up having to rush to the sink just to get the pen working again, as pushing on the plunger any harder would result in the nib squirting with ink.</li>
</ul>
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As you can guess, when I opened up the new <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/products/noodler-s-ink-konrad-flex-tinian-treasure-acrylic-fountain-pen" target="_blank">Noodler's Konrad Acrylic Tinian Treasure fountain pen</a>, my bar of expectation was set quite low, to say the least. Despite all my reservations about the Noodler's pens I've tried in the past, along with the feedback I get from our customers, I still remained optimistic that Noodler's has to be getting something right. After all, there are those who swear by their Noodler's pens and use them often.<br />
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In putting this pen through its paces, I went over my previous objections about Noodler's pens and was pleasantly surprised to see my criticisms were defied.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5NdntyvZHEO4Kq6VDbOkFz-c9YvqoW8ljao6XZ69nYekXBL5NTdG7ZSKlj8wdR7iZuWnf8k1hC-OFOjae36FB58k75jeg4dXVa-VSj0pnRvCK9m7Xb7jdJqaWu5DAhxdzEpuBNWlJb1E/s1600/noodlers-konrad-acrylic-fountain-pen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5NdntyvZHEO4Kq6VDbOkFz-c9YvqoW8ljao6XZ69nYekXBL5NTdG7ZSKlj8wdR7iZuWnf8k1hC-OFOjae36FB58k75jeg4dXVa-VSj0pnRvCK9m7Xb7jdJqaWu5DAhxdzEpuBNWlJb1E/s400/noodlers-konrad-acrylic-fountain-pen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noodler's Konrad Acrylic in Tinian Treasure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>The Smell of the Acrylic Konrad is actually OK.</b><br />
It smells like a normal pen would. The acrylic material is devoid of the odor that still plagues the standard Konrad. Comparing it to the new, limited edition Konrad Tahitian Tortoise with the Non-Flex vented nib, the Tortoise still has that distinctive smell while the Acrylic Tinian Treasure does not.<br />
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<b>The Flow of the Acrylic Konrad is manageable for flex writing.</b><br />
As you would be able to view in my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qziFWWamsoo">video of the Konrad's flex test</a>, the nib does railroad, but you have to find its sweet spot. Positioning the pen at a more vertical angle to the paper does limit the amount of line variation, but it does support a constant flow from the feed to manage the demand of ink. Please keep in mind this evaluation was done without any alteration of adjustment to the pen. These results are right out of the box.<br />
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As with any pen that touts "flex" capability, flex it responsibly. Imagine you're meeting a dance partner for the first time. You wouldn't go straight into a fast-paced, complicated number straight away. Take it slow, find out where the pen's sweet spot it is and accommodate your grip and speed to suit the pen's ability.<br />
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<b>The Konrad Filling Mechanism is sound.</b><br />
While being a little sticky at the start, the internal piston mechanism does respond smoothly and draws up a great deal of ink into its body. Having the ink view window is a fun and useful feature on this model.<br />
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Overall, I'm quite pleased, and surprised that this <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/noodlers_ink/konrad-flex" target="_blank">Konrad</a> exceeds my expectations for a Noodler's fountain pen. True, it isn't one of their least costly models at $40, but it is a value buy in terms of obtaining a flexible nib fountain pen. Since your options for a flex or semi-flex nib pen are very limited and often expensive, this Konrad fits in nicely as a solid option for a value flex fountain pen.<br />
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I'm interested in hearing about your experiences with the Noodler's fountain pen. Love it? Hate it? Have you tried all the tips and modifications to enhance the pen's writing capability? If so, were you pleased by the result? What do you think of the smell? Please write us a comment below.<br />
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<i>Review written & video produced by Tom Oddo @ Goldspot Pens</i>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-82902762542828231582016-01-12T08:00:00.001-05:002022-11-30T11:22:52.273-05:005 Posts to Inspire Your Filofax Setup Organization<link href="https://goldspot.com/collections/notebooks-journals" rel="canonical" />
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Getting a brand new Filofax to start off the new year is only part of the plan in getting organized and making it effective for your own needs. The modular system of being able to sort, divide and compartmentalize pertinent information means that you can tailor it a thousand different ways. Also, with a handy hole puncher and some downloadable templates, you can create your own style of inserts that better suits your organizer setup.<br />
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Here are some helpful Filofax setup links to get you started on your organizing journey.<br />
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<tr><td><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://jaggedlittlethoughts.blogspot.fr/2013/05/my-home-filofax-setup.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRE-rirtfLlr88IrfVLLs987RBUE-DgEzYnqFF-3NKfPRjhIgJk1uD2ran18umypKPNOCRCHKSV3EFQLJbfmtJJbCLWKn6C6GK3CsKv3vfOptaMqc2hKWbUkmAwQMwhx5TeY577nmmjaYn/s400/filofax-malden-custom-inserts-setup.png" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="http://jaggedlittlethoughts.blogspot.fr/2013/05/my-home-filofax-setup.html" target="_blank">Jagged Little Thoughts</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://jaggedlittlethoughts.blogspot.fr/2013/05/my-home-filofax-setup.html" target="_blank">My Home Filofax Setup</a> - Laura (Jagged Little Thoughts)
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Although a new Filofax does arrive with an assortment of inserts and refills to get you started, that's only the tip of the iceberg! Take Laura's organizer set up, for example. The at-a-glance "dashboard" at the front of the organizer puts important tasks and reminders front-and-center.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.mylifeasateacup.com/2015/01/2015-filofax-setup" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUR72I2db3dLhfiIpaWEFvQXZkffqJa9gTvxDCR5Z13oeU9SnQWNTbo74L0A557iV-E6xq7D_gmSSyzWGxdaSU3G4Tqt2ejMqK-7ToduIef9_fI6vLJkb6NKf6-Gqq7NfCuh2yKY9AMN8/s400/life-as-a-teacup-filofax-setup.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylifeasateacup.com/2015/01/2015-filofax-setup" target="_blank">My Life as a Teacup</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.mylifeasateacup.com/2015/01/2015-filofax-setup" target="_blank">Anatomy of a Filofax</a> - Kristin (My Life as a Teacup)<br />
"Moving in" to a Filofax and making it feel like home is important to sustain the enthusiasm to keep one's life organized. Kristin takes a detailed approach to each feature of a productive, fun setup.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2013/08/my-filofax-organization.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYWaI16kj1EtR7DHfxLpiB3HvGCY3rZf0hTNGPLPSSGd9IThrhyphenhyphencdeZYrC-jSOzLeCd6m_UImPu7qURhJqLRcqQz1MqovjFd2a-EU_se7y2Iztgy-Odlu-bACaCgy-D1L7JSzxmeDGp4x/s400/Filofax-Organization-A-Bowl-Full-of-Lemons-19.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2013/08/my-filofax-organization.html" target="_blank">A Bowl Full of Lemons</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2013/08/my-filofax-organization.html" target="_blank">My Filofax Organization</a> - Toni (A Bowl Full of Lemons)<br />
Being organized can be contagious and spread to your surrounding workspace. If you're serious about customizing your organizer, this is a setup that you need to take note of.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.wendaful.com/2015/10/personal-business-financial-filofax-sections-free-printables/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bpMS2KtFSgcVnPT2dnpvLI2CafcjvD7mWWMxzt1G2fjzxkPXOgiUg1SZoH4mHPXJMz1mhE-hFw1L_3mROlochaUlYe38D4sMrncS5MO0zuDmzXoV_nLJCZkVU98oUHwzVutH8FoogWPF/s320/finance2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wendaful.com/2015/10/personal-business-financial-filofax-sections-free-printables/" target="_blank">Wendaful</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.wendaful.com/2015/10/personal-business-financial-filofax-sections-free-printables/" target="_blank">Personal & Business Financial Filofax Sections</a> - Wenda (Wendaful)<br />
There are a number of sources online that offer free printable templates for useful registers, tables and forms. One of the main uses of an organizer is to keep record of finances. Filofax does offer a couple of financial theme inserts, but these printable sheets are more specified.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://andrea-gomoll.de/2015/02/planner-eyecandy-sharing-some-current-planner-pages-new-planner-stickers/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTOnILqUIwEK_HKEi8qq9Oi_wSbZWuOFw1oviQYnHXLLI4kYAn_EY8p-4ZUkM6421Z8lEf84O3ESwNZkXSQGdHwaRS6VXZ_0D0KUNV79A6S5GGwT2emvhuT38czUlEYdhXFNbP84gJwmu/s400/colorcrush-planner-websterspages-4%2528pp_w635_h635%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://andrea-gomoll.de/2015/02/planner-eyecandy-sharing-some-current-planner-pages-new-planner-stickers/" target="_blank">Cre8tive Cre8tions</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://andrea-gomoll.de/2015/02/planner-eyecandy-sharing-some-current-planner-pages-new-planner-stickers/" target="_blank">Planner Eyecandy</a> - Andrea (Cre8tive Cre8tions)<br />
Show off your flair and personality. Go to town with custom stickers, tape, printable pages and anything else you can imagine. Etsy can be a great resource for sourcing these creative, one-of-a-kind embellishments to your organizer.<br />
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Now that you've seen some creative uses of <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/filofax">Filofax</a> organizers, go forth and move into your own organizer and share the results with us on social media @goldspotpens<br />
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Use the hashtag #filofaxlove to show your setup to the Filo lovers everywhere.Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-64030940803657250422016-01-11T08:30:00.001-05:002022-11-30T11:22:56.572-05:002016 Clean Off Your Desk Day<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/2016-clean-off-your-desk-day" rel="canonical" />
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Some of us may not be so fortunate to start off our 2016 resolutions on the right foot. Your plate may still be filled with things left-over from 2015. To get a fresh start on our productivity, there is the unofficial holiday, "Clean Off Your Desk Day."<br />
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Every 2nd Monday in January, <a href="http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-clean-off-your-desk-day-second-monday-in-january/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clean Off Your Desk Day</a> serves as a yearly reminder to keep our workspace simplified and our priorities straightened to be able to address the important tasks.
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Besides having productive benefits, keeping a neat and organized desk also limits the risk of a security breach. When tidying a desk, make sure to lock away any secure documents that may have sensitive information. Some companies mandate a <a href="https://adeliarisk.com/hipaa-clean-desk-policy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clean Desk Policy</a> that enforces this practice on a routine basis and is usually part of the employee handbook.</div>
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Other benefits to keeping a clean desk :</div>
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<ul>
<li>Saves time in finding documents & papers.</li>
<li>Reduces stress.</li>
<li>Provides an excellent impression to other co-workers and bosses.</li>
</ul>
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Also, if you have pets that sometimes like to climb on top of your workspace, the cleaning can help keep pet hair out of unwanted areas.<br />
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Want to show off your neat (or proudly messy) workstation? Share a pic on twitter and tag us <a href="https://twitter.com/goldspotpens" target="_blank">@goldspotpens</a> with #CleanOffYourDeskDay</div>
Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-40467356126089962102015-12-23T11:17:00.003-05:002022-11-30T11:23:04.528-05:00Winners to our Letters to Santa Giveaway + Holiday Hours<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/winners-to-our-letters-to-santa-giveaway-holiday-hours" rel="canonical" />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOvdHQxZaDXsgd09Tj1Y9ytmCb8TbReu0NYqnQTYRT-vx__qKWNzpYhTSusmXehHnYgqL2_CkFG-gNWO8S8Usq1lzMos4tcH3yWocFJY8YcoXFwLScA1STYayKqJVf_ZMGyQRpX_AxtEo/s1600/letters-to-santa-stack.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOvdHQxZaDXsgd09Tj1Y9ytmCb8TbReu0NYqnQTYRT-vx__qKWNzpYhTSusmXehHnYgqL2_CkFG-gNWO8S8Usq1lzMos4tcH3yWocFJY8YcoXFwLScA1STYayKqJVf_ZMGyQRpX_AxtEo/s400/letters-to-santa-stack.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As you can imagine, Santa had quite a few letters to read. He was quite taken by the number of handwritten letters that came in this year. It was a welcome sight for his old eyes.<br />
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Thank you to everyone who sent us a letter to forward to Santa. The jolly old elf was overjoyed at reading your notes.<br />
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Santa said it was difficult to choose just one letter as the winner of the giveaway. So many of you wrote such lovely letters! After much contemplation, he gave us the one letter that was picked as the winner.<br />
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The lucky winner of the <a href="http://goldspotpens.blogspot.com/2015/12/letters-to-santa-giveaway.html">Letters to Santa Giveaway</a> is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kataish/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kata</a> from Canada! Congratulations! Santa will be on his way to pick up the pen she wished for, the <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/sailor/professional-gear-slim-four-seasons" target="_blank">Sailor Pro Gear Four Seasons</a> "Winter" fountain pen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL00s0DmOGsUtZv7IXPmaW-cS1_dW1-ZPupT97iM13a9P1huWY8_TV-UeR20IjPDwxSit-peyIzzuCqYlQ_g_gXG9oMQlNrK8jDfe8Bg0ujXk1q8y0oicp_GMQzpDnAPt6aKcjOvNtB1_4/s1600/letters-to-santa-winner.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL00s0DmOGsUtZv7IXPmaW-cS1_dW1-ZPupT97iM13a9P1huWY8_TV-UeR20IjPDwxSit-peyIzzuCqYlQ_g_gXG9oMQlNrK8jDfe8Bg0ujXk1q8y0oicp_GMQzpDnAPt6aKcjOvNtB1_4/s400/letters-to-santa-winner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We also picked our 5 runner ups that will receive a Goldspot Prize Pack, which includes the one prize pack we set aside for the Rafflecopter giveaway we were running on social media. The winners are :<br />
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<ul>
<li>Karen J.</li>
<li>Susan J.</li>
<li>Ken A.</li>
<li>Alec P.</li>
<li>Jeff L. (our Rafflecopter winner)</li>
</ul>
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These winners will be receiving the items pictured below :<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpN_Xa3bUatSPOFO_5mMjbu9gs8LuLInraWI7hSE3tzdC3uT7zwmDUS65M8rARlYWvA9wvYgQW4r7tsMEkjD74DSUntRpemF5WUQX3VIBXZ275v9e6C3Q-AJXTIAxl2fAReFcSVbLlgAVZ/s1600/stocking-stuffer-prize-pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpN_Xa3bUatSPOFO_5mMjbu9gs8LuLInraWI7hSE3tzdC3uT7zwmDUS65M8rARlYWvA9wvYgQW4r7tsMEkjD74DSUntRpemF5WUQX3VIBXZ275v9e6C3Q-AJXTIAxl2fAReFcSVbLlgAVZ/s320/stocking-stuffer-prize-pack.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you're curious to know what all the good little boys and girls asked for as their top Christmas wish pen, here are some observations :<br />
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Most boys and girls wished for a Visconti pen over all other brands. The #<b>1 most wished-for pen</b> was a <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/visconti/homo-sapiens" target="_blank">Visconti Homo Sapiens</a> fountain pen.<br />
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Pelikan came in a close second, OMAS third & fourth place shared by Pilot & Sailor.<br />
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Other notable pens that were asked for :<br />
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<ul>
<li>OMAS Arco Brown Celluloid - in the Ogiva & Arte Italiana styles</li>
<li>Pelikan M1000</li>
<li>Visconti Divina Elegance</li>
<li>Pilot Vanishing Point Raden</li>
<li>Pelikan M805 Stresemann</li>
<li>Namiki Yukari Moonlight</li>
</ul>
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Thank you again to everyone who wrote in. This was quite an enjoyable giveaway that we most likely will be running next year as well.<br />
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We hope everyone will be enjoying family & friends this holiday season. Our office will be closed early on <i>Christmas Eve, December 24th</i>. We will be closed on <i>Friday, Christmas Day</i>, and will resume business on Monday, December 28th. We will also be closed on <i>Friday, January 1st</i>.<br />
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Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa & Happy New Year! Best of health, happiness and fortune to you all!<br />
<br />Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-38066280022555392652015-12-22T21:19:00.002-05:002022-11-30T11:23:10.521-05:00It's Not Easy Being Green - the New Lamy AL-Star Charged Green<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/its-not-easy-being-green-the-new-lamy-al-star-charged-green" rel="canonical" />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tjXV-bOFYBXeKW1Q57TsIiT5Kla-FZyzzcerDDlHTv6_UxQ2ugbB7yzOabsLTxvcVOdDMWBhCEAyHoS62W-batnvItIW351sDXArT9BeesOJM6_zYm8fEqngeaov58eVFJNMbMrEXztr/s1600/Lamy-AL-Star-Charged-Green-uncapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tjXV-bOFYBXeKW1Q57TsIiT5Kla-FZyzzcerDDlHTv6_UxQ2ugbB7yzOabsLTxvcVOdDMWBhCEAyHoS62W-batnvItIW351sDXArT9BeesOJM6_zYm8fEqngeaov58eVFJNMbMrEXztr/s400/Lamy-AL-Star-Charged-Green-uncapped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lamy introduces the "Charged Green" <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/lamy/al-star" target="_blank">AL-Star</a> for 2016!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoYrZ6JDfn4FeIIS0kWSxTldjhRph3Tjfh9frf65SQGXQLDr-iYhnp8cV-hITCiUVHFL0hyFnjCKqHWVjdVM97-_6esrKP9X1rBrgfbNrysGdFfbHJ3lLtnNF6W6X0BiJHGaNmmmvz7dv/s1600/dog-meme-srsly-e1356148080271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoYrZ6JDfn4FeIIS0kWSxTldjhRph3Tjfh9frf65SQGXQLDr-iYhnp8cV-hITCiUVHFL0hyFnjCKqHWVjdVM97-_6esrKP9X1rBrgfbNrysGdFfbHJ3lLtnNF6W6X0BiJHGaNmmmvz7dv/s320/dog-meme-srsly-e1356148080271.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another green? Do we need another green in what seems like a never-ending procession of green Safaris and AL-Stars?<br />
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Does Germany have waaay too much green pen "batter" laying around that they need to use before it goes bad?<br />
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As many Lamy fans and collectors know in their hearts, the color won't matter much, it's a new Safari / Al-Star, and Charged Green must be assimilated into the Lamy collective.<br />
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So, what makes "Charged" Green different from any other green? See our photos below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-8HmorN1SGm7IUwPFqW1vX-uVpTxkFeFSXDaKoCqpbcLF5GlOjkmqqoG07Aouyn1NbW8utbjDbhyphenhyphenRnXP_IUoI_SSnlWQzYDhrnOvJFwFrTaQpcWkjOTrdfNTNJh2O2ekXjaSf46thSw0/s1600/Lamy-AL-Star-Charged-Green---it-aint-easy-bein-green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-8HmorN1SGm7IUwPFqW1vX-uVpTxkFeFSXDaKoCqpbcLF5GlOjkmqqoG07Aouyn1NbW8utbjDbhyphenhyphenRnXP_IUoI_SSnlWQzYDhrnOvJFwFrTaQpcWkjOTrdfNTNJh2O2ekXjaSf46thSw0/s400/Lamy-AL-Star-Charged-Green---it-aint-easy-bein-green.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
(From Left to Right) : Lamy Safari Neon Green (2015), <b>Lamy Al-Star Charged Green</b> (2016), Pilot Metropolitan Retro Pop Green (2015), Lamy Safari Apple Green (2012, 2016), Pilot Vanishing Point Metallic Green (2014), Lamy Al-Star Bluegreen (2014, 2016).<br />
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As you can see, the Charged Green has a mix of yellow that gives it an "underripe golden delicious apple" look. It's not nearly as saturated as the Apple Green, which is being reintroduced to the <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/lamy/safari" target="_blank">Safari</a> lineup this year. It is also not as eye-stingingly bright as last year's Neon Lime.<br />
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In this shot, we see the Charged Green laid over the other greens to get more of a direct comparison. What are your feelings on this green? Write your opinions below in the comments.</div>
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The <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/lamy" target="_blank">Lamy</a> Al-Star Charged Green will become available early 2016, along with the re-issue of the Al-Star Blue Green, Safari Apple Green and the new Safari Dark Lilac. We will have more information on those new Lamy releases as they come to us. To be the first to know about these pens, subscribe to our blog.</div>
Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-41555690145072075092015-12-11T15:41:00.004-05:002022-11-30T11:23:15.228-05:00Introducing the Exclusive Goldspot + Jinhao 599A<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/introducing-the-exclusive-goldspot-jinhao-599a" rel="canonical" />
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Hi Pen Pals,<br />
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If you've ordered from us in the last few weeks, you may have noticed a little surprise in your package of pen goods. The Goldspot elves have been toiling for many long hours picking, packing and shipping your orders. We all wanted to say "thanks" for your support with a special gift we sprinkled in a number of our shipments.<br />
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Meet the Goldspot Pens + <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/jinhao/jinhao-x-goldspot-599a-demonstrator-pens" target="_blank">Jinhao 599A Demonstrator Fountain Pen</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEQ4Gnw8js4k2QEUVhXiUtrk2W9332nUsI-AXQa6Yu6p8eM5LEJz5tgMHuCnlHlgQQOxOoFUrh7p5qtOYL6_pGRWZRkE_1Z_Ha1DMkZmz18fVK2scONTSFp0hVoLIxQ8xALHybhuRq5tm/s1600/jinhao-599A-uncapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEQ4Gnw8js4k2QEUVhXiUtrk2W9332nUsI-AXQa6Yu6p8eM5LEJz5tgMHuCnlHlgQQOxOoFUrh7p5qtOYL6_pGRWZRkE_1Z_Ha1DMkZmz18fVK2scONTSFp0hVoLIxQ8xALHybhuRq5tm/s400/jinhao-599A-uncapped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For those who are unfamiliar with this model of fountain pen, it is originally produced by Jinhao, a well-known Chinese pen manufacturer that has a reputation for inexpensive, quality pens. The model may look familiar to those who know the <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/lamy/safari" target="_blank">Lamy Safari</a> / Vista pen line.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFWl49tn4gTqgQTZj20tvSJw2yZ0LbLBDsh9FskK1Nk68vESGteo2KYfti79XZmw0uviRjDqMkXH-budgKnljg5yjD7nuDQ0C84BjKYb-FigRR4Swy7xM0hfDw17uzoSgzgB7-zVr3EDW/s1600/jinhao-599a-all-colors-capped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFWl49tn4gTqgQTZj20tvSJw2yZ0LbLBDsh9FskK1Nk68vESGteo2KYfti79XZmw0uviRjDqMkXH-budgKnljg5yjD7nuDQ0C84BjKYb-FigRR4Swy7xM0hfDw17uzoSgzgB7-zVr3EDW/s400/jinhao-599a-all-colors-capped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our variation on this pen is that the Jinhao branding has been removed and replaced with our own. The <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/" target="_blank">Goldspot</a> Logo is written on the barrel and the Goldspot "G" is engraved into the stainless steel nib.<br />
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In case you've never written with a fountain pen before, we've made this handy video to give you an overview of the Jinhao pen, complete with instructions on how to fill it, write with it and proper maintenance to ensure you'll be enjoying this pen for years to come.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="253" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6HYvz6GKTuE?rel=0" width="450"></iframe></div>
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Check our video on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HYvz6GKTuE" target="_blank">Discovering the Jinhao 599A Fountain Pen on YouTub</a>e.<br />
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Happy Writing!Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4554789357687368043.post-10026810697964614332015-12-09T12:16:00.001-05:002022-11-30T11:23:22.509-05:00Parker / Waterman 2015 Rebate on New Pens<link href="https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/parker-waterman-2015-rebate-on-new-pens" rel="canonical" />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/waterman/ombres-et-lumieres" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATzSS-3mVnZ4Asn9r7gOA4wsb2dKvAmYe6Lv2lY1RwMgKaktByAHBEmPwgMTiGNwijJL_kwRWzRbWXYYZkRC5zvo1ReYZonjwEod3tV-tqobdWxZJWw2yOm5Iw_sbfPCNfxyuCnyYoWQq/s400/waterman-ombres-et-lumieres.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/waterman/ombres-et-lumieres" target="_blank">Waterman Ombres et Lumieres Pen Collection - 2015</a></td></tr>
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Who is up for saving just a little bit more on your <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/parker" target="_blank">Parker</a> & <a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/waterman" target="_blank">Waterman Pens</a>? Of course you are.<br />
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Even if you've already purchased a Parker or Waterman from us this past month, you may be eligible to get up to $25 back in the 2015 Holiday Rebate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/parker/sonnet-great-expectations" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy80uRKdu7Zh0y8aFJlF40-MHi_pL76miEansoaILMVeiEd1p61j0g1c_7N06IeI89P4HNm0uNSGqlY7NHCA2l-HCfXCxH4nzehX6XNhj-g4JesNUVEcvmMP6PmUQ03OXGs3nv0SOoIvQX/s400/parker-great-expectations-set.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goldspot.com/store/parker/sonnet-great-expectations" target="_blank">Parker Sonnet Great Expectations Collection - 2015</a></td></tr>
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Sponsored by Newell Rubbermaid, the parent company of the fine writing division that owns both Parker & Waterman, this Holiday rebate includes purchases made from November 15th, 2015 to December 31st, 2015.<br />
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<td><b>Purchase Amount (before tax)</b></td><td><b>Rebate Amount</b></td>
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<td>$50 - $99.99</td><td>$5</td>
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<td>$100 - $149.99</td><td>$10</td>
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<td>$150 - $199.99</td><td>$15</td>
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<td>$200 and up</td><td>$25</td>
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To Redeem the Parker / Waterman Rebate</h3>
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<ol>
<li>Purchase any Parker or Waterman pen from us during the rebate period and be sure to save the sales receipt we send in the package.</li>
<li>Complete the rebate redemption form on <a href="http://www.finewritingrebate.com/"><b>www.finewritingrebate.com</b></a></li>
<li>Mail the redemption form, the original sales receipt with the Parker / Waterman purchase circled, making sure it is postmarked by January 15th, 2016.</li>
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The mailing address for the Rebate promotion is as follows :<br />
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Fine Writing Promotion 2015</div>
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PO Box 2511</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grand Rapids, MN 55745-2511</div>
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There is a limit of one rebate claimed per person & per household during the promotion period.<br />
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The offer is valid only in the United States. Goldspot Pens is not responsible for payment for these rebates and they cannot be exchanged for a discount at the time of purchase.<br />
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For more details, please check out the official rebate voucher below:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_f0gMuJN-SfIojs-KGHNHwZ7Mzx9INUV25uDDC8p4hZDOs6GhMR9nOfEglFLov5niHxC7rBzuHoc91pXQMxNCO19xTCGQK4KSk-K1Pf6VE1AB4_ujK2UIT9rGNvLl7Ib9yvtSTRFjkrLc/s1600/parker-waterman-2015-rebate-front.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622714861501891629noreply@blogger.com0