If you're reading this, you're most likely a pen collector. Some of you may deny this, but I would argue that even if you have a few pens that you use on a regular basis, you are on the shallow end of the term. Unless you're using disposable bank pens and tossing them regularly, you collect.
With our years of experience in talking with fine-writing aficionados, enthusiasts and hobbyists, we've worked with a broad spectrum that fit our "collector" definition. There are those who collect every color of Parker Jotter that ever existed. Some may only want to collect pens of a certain color (that perfect 'blue,' you know who you are). Some only want to use piston-fill fountain pens while others need a click-top ballpoint. And there are the hard-core, affluent enthusiasts that are mostly interested in matching number sets of limited editions in the hundreds (or thousands) of dollars. Most of us are familiar with the term "collector" in the affluent context, but I say that definition is stuffy and outdated.
So, what is your collection like? Even if you don't have a criteria set, take a look at the pens you have and search for the common ground between them. If you haven't gotten rid of, traded or sold them, then they must be of some value to you. Are they all the same brand? Color? Size? Material? Weight? Mode? Point size? Even if they don't share physical characteristics, they may tell a story in that they were all pens received as gifts or pens purchased to commemorate different events in your life.
How do you collect? Jump in and comment!
I have a bunch of old ballpoint pens from the 70's which I bought from a guy on the internet.
ReplyDeleteHow sad is that?
Sounds pretty interesting to me, actually. What kind of ballpoints are they?
ReplyDeleteI've always liked fountain pens and stationery in general. I only got recently into the fountain pen craze and I have started "collecting" a few cheap ones. My most expensive pen is about $40 and I can't really justify going over that because I'm very happy with how the ones I have write.
ReplyDeleteI have the usual stuff: Pilot, Lamy, Sailor, Noodler's, TWSBI, Platinum, TWSBI...
I collect the university themed pens one would find at open days, inter-school science lectures and similar. I have fun judging the quality of the university based purely on the quality of their free pens. Sydney Uni is in the lead so far; giving away free 2G USB drives, metal ballpoints and an array of colourful pens from almost every faculty.
ReplyDeleteTurns out I am a collector after all.
ReplyDeleteTechnical pens, all in black, liquid and gel inks, 0.5 / 0.7. I seem to have aquired quite a few.
I'm a moleskine-aholic too so I'm forever trying these pens out specifically for my moleskines.
If there are any moleskine afficionados out there I can highly recommend the Pilot V5 and the classic Pilot G-2.
I'd quite fancy a fountain pen again next..
Thanks for the article!
- Mark
@peninkcillin - That's a great price point to get a lot of great writing pens out there. You seem to have the bases covered, but I would suggest to try a Pelikan.
ReplyDelete@anonymous - Free swag does give an impression, especially if it's really cheap. I wonder if there is any correlation on the company/university quality and the quality of their giveaways. If you decide to do a thesis on it, please credit me for your idea!
@Mark - Moleskines are a hard audition for a new pen, especially a fountain. I'd suggest a fine or extra-fine nib with a light color ink so that you don't have too much of an issue with show-through (seeing your writing through the other side of the page).
I wrestle with this constantly. I have a good friend who refers to me as a collector, though I insist, all my pens are users. Nonetheless, this post has made me reconsider my position. Currently I have a Sheaffer Imperial Broad nib, a TWSBI Medium, a Waterman Pro Graduate Fine that was a gift from a French friend in highschool, a Meisterstuck RB that was a gift from my father, and another Waterman on its way to me now. I recently decided to spread my afflictio and bought my wife a Lamy Safari from a certain web-based pen seller ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Josh. Personally, I like the idea of a "user" collection more than the pens collecting dust. How else are you going to fully appreciate a pen unless you write with it?
ReplyDeleteMy collection fits within a nebulous set of ideals--fun, modern, playful, innovative, affordable. These are the kind of pens (and pencils) that appeal to me, the kind that combine great modern designs with useful new ideas.
ReplyDeleteThat's especially what I'm looking for in the fountain pens I buy--I want something that's functional, but doesn't look stuffy, old, or too expensive, which I think is the stigma generally associated with fountain pens. I want energetic and youthful fountain pens. :)
I try to give myself lots of art and writing projects to keep my pens in use, and usually carry a pen bag full of various pens every day. You know, just in case
My collection fits within a nebulous set of ideals--fun, modern, playful, innovative, affordable. These are the kind of pens (and pencils) that appeal to me, the kind that combine great modern designs with useful new ideas.
ReplyDeleteThat's especially what I'm looking for in the fountain pens I buy--I want something that's functional, but doesn't look stuffy, old, or too expensive, which I think is the stigma generally associated with fountain pens. I want energetic and youthful fountain pens. :)
I try to give myself lots of art and writing projects to keep my pens in use, and usually carry a pen bag full of various pens every day. You know, just in case
Turns out I am a collector after all.
ReplyDeleteTechnical pens, all in black, liquid and gel inks, 0.5 / 0.7. I seem to have aquired quite a few.
I'm a moleskine-aholic too so I'm forever trying these pens out specifically for my moleskines.
If there are any moleskine afficionados out there I can highly recommend the Pilot V5 and the classic Pilot G-2.
I'd quite fancy a fountain pen again next..
Thanks for the article!
- Mark
I think it's fair to say my collection has two themes: fountain pens, and Lamy pens. I love Lamy!
ReplyDeleteMy collection started when my brother the wood worker started making pens. http://www.theportmans.name/photoalbum/main.php?cmd=album&var1=pens/
ReplyDeleteI have about 30 fine pens, I love the feel of the Waterman Phineas and Retro 51 Tornado. Pulling out a fountain pen to take notes in a meeting gets some looks, but I love the feel in my hand.
Almost all of my pens rotate through getting used, although the Rotring 600 pencil is pretty constant.