The Nib Section

28 - The Sound of One Pen Being Tested Sep 14, 2018

Show notes

Fountain pen reviews are the backbone of the community. We do our own take on a pen review in this episode, before discussing what kind of reviews we think are most helpful and the downside of review culture.

The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania
You can always email us at thenibsection@gmail.com

Go like us on Facebook!

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

The hosts were Chuck (@entree3000_), Sharyn (@sharynzha) and Diana (@thegrynne).

FORMAT

01:05—What We Are Writing With

Chuck: Aurora Optima Yellow Resin F Flex

Diana: Visconti Homo Sapiens Dark Ages Midi F

Sharyn: Nakaya Neo Standard Two-layered Tame-Sukashi “Bamboo woods” Elastic Soft Medium

WWAWW (photo)

@aestheticbay

Nakaya elastic nib FAQ - Leigh Reyes

10:17—Aurora Optima F Flex review

Chuck’s Aurora Optima Yellow Resin (photos)

Aurora Optima - Goulet Pens

Aurora 88 - Goulet Pens

Sharyn’s comparison of Pilot modern flex nibs

Pilot CH 911 FA - The Pen Addict

Pilot Falcon - The Nibsmith

Chuck’s Omas Ogiva Vodka Lemon B

Flexible Nib Factory

Episode 6 - Fountain Pen Inks 101

Franklin-Christoph flex nib

27:40—Visconti Homo Sapiens Midi review

Episode 7 - QC Controversies: Nakaya, Visconti, TWSBI

Visconti Homo Sapiens - Goulet Pens

Visconti Divine Proportions LE - Chatterley Luxuries

Dante Del Vecchio, Rock Star of Pens - Forbes

OMAS is acquired by Ancora (14th June, 2018)

Armando Simoni Club

Montegrappa Micra review - Fountain Pen Network

45:15—Speaking of fountain pen reviews

Opus 88 Koloro Demonstrator - The Pen Addict

Hand Over That Pen

Pelikan M805 Ocean Swirl - The Pelikans Perch

Sailor Pro Gear Tequila Sunrise - Reddit

Wancher Dream Pen - Kickstarter

Hunnyhunt - Rakuten

Gourmet Pens

Figboot on Pens

1:13:23—Recommendations

JunsKitchen

Rachel and Jun

James Acaster: Repertoire

SORTEDfood

1:20:20—Thanks and Credits

Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Sharyn Zha.

Recording and editing: Diana Dai.

Special thanks to Christina Kowalin.

Music: Michael Pearce.

Logo: Will H. Smith.

Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.

27 - Collectors Series Part 4: "Horses for Courses" Sep 04, 2018

Show notes

The fountain pen hobby can be both a solitary pursuit as well as a communal experience. This episode rounds out our coverage of the Sydney Pen Show 2018 with some first-hand accounts of the day. The main part of the episode is the part 4 of our Collectors Series, an interview with Ian Reid, a collector of more than 30 years.

The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania
You can always email us at thenibsection@gmail.com

Go like us on Facebook!

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

The hosts were Diana (@thegrynne) and Sharyn (@sharynzha).

FORMAT

00:39—Sydney Pen Show 2018 Recap

Jhosie has heaps of photos from the show at @ambient.diary

03:45—Alisdair Daws

@alisdairdaws

Liz Steel workshop

Tav Sin’s nib tuning workshop

06:35—Mel Sanders

@the_fine_nib_chick

Mel’s wonderful pen hoodies

Pensive Pens table

Max’s table at the show, photo taken before doors open and he was flooded

09:31—Max Schumacher

@maxschumacher98

10:56—Interview: Ian Reid

Ian’s desk and pen holders (photos)

Sailor Professional Gear A-Mode Yellow w/ Zoom nib (photo)

Visconti Mazzi Dragon - Penporium

Visconti Voyager Demonstrator Prototype

Montblanc Mozart Bordeaux

Waterman Serenite - Peyton Street Pens

Montblanc Writers Editions

Montblanc Patron of Art

ST Dupont Montparnasse - Peyton Street Pens

Montblanc Friedensreich Hundertwasser - Departures

Parker 61

Lane Crawford

Caran d’Ache Hexagonal - Fountain Pen Network

Montegrappa The Dragon - Peyton Street Pens

Montblanc Lorenzo de Medici

Pelikan M800 Asia Series (Xuan Wu) - Pelikan Collectibles

Caran d’Ache Leman Tretiakov - Pens In Asia

ST Dupont Les Elements - Dupont Collector

ST Dupont Les Elements Fire - Dupont Collector

ST Dupont Chairman SE - Dupont Collector

Visconti Skeleton Titanium (photo)

Visconti Ripple - Peyton Street Pens

Sailor Professional Gear A-Mode - Rakuten

Sailor Susutake Bamboo - Aesthetic Bay

Sailor Nagahara Retirement Commemorative Takenuri Pen - Leigh Reyes

Point Plume Paris

Ian’s samourai pen stands (photo)

Pencil to commemorate coronation of King Edward VIII (later Duke of Windsor) - National Trust Collections

Nakaya Decapod Aka-Tamenuri (photo)

Montblanc Nicolaus Copernicus

Montblanc The Prince Regent

Lamy Blue - The Pen Addict

ST Dupont Royal Blue - Fountain Pen Network

Montblanc Leo Tolstoy Sky Blue - Gourmet Pens

Montblanc UNICEF Turquoise - Well Appointed Desk

Namiki Yukari Turtles

Conway Stewart The Churchill Casein

Ian’s pen storage boxes (photo)

1:01:27—Thanks and Credits

Producers: Diana Dai, Sharyn Zha.

Recording and editing: Diana Dai.

Special thanks: Ian Reid, Max Schumacher, Alisdair Daws and Mel Sanders.

Music: Michael Pearce.

Logo: Will H. Smith.

Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.

26 - Sydney Pen Show 2018 Preview Aug 11, 2018

Show notes

Days out from the very first Sydney Pen Show, Chuck and Diana sit down with the event organisers, Mark Hopson and Sophia Le, to chat about the adventure that was turning this dream into a reality.

The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania
You can always email us at thenibsection@gmail.com

Go like us on Facebook!

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

The hosts were Chuck (@entree3000_), Diana (@thegrynne), Mark (@_markshopson) and Sophia (@eskimosoap).

FORMAT

00:50—What We Are Writing With

Diana: ST Dupont Olympio Vertigo XL

Mark: Kaweco Al-Sport Gunmetal Grey w/ 14kt nib

Sophia: Traveler’s Company Fountain Pen

Chuck: Pilot E95S Burgundy

04:44—Reviews

The podcast review compiler mentioned but not named is My Podcast Reviews.

07:40—Interview: Mark and Sophia

Sydney Pen Show 2018 (FB, IG)

Australian National Maritime Museum

Liz Steel (@lizsteelart)

The Penthusiast

Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation

NaNoWriMo

Trade Market instructions

Robert Oster Signature Sydney Pen Show 2018 Lavender

Sydney Pen Show 2018 Pen Hoodies

47:00—Recommendations

Below the Heavens, Blue & Exile - Amazon

Killing Eve

Final Space

Tickled

51:50—Thanks and Credits

Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano.

Recording and editing: Diana Dai.

Music: Michael Pearce.

Logo: Will H. Smith.

Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.

25 - Top Pen & Stationery Retailers Aug 03, 2018

Show notes

Five hosts, some new and some returning, break down their favourite online and b&m pen retailers.

The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania
You can always email us at thenibsection@gmail.com

Go like us on Facebook!

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

The hosts were Chuck (@entree3000_), Sharyn (@sharynzha), Brian (@briansaputro), Jon (@thebeautifulbrain) and Hayden (@strolling.sydney).

FORMAT

01:28—What We Are Writing With

Chuck: Sailor x Classic Pens Realo w/ Diamine Twilight

Brian: Namiki Nippon Art Origami Penguin w/ Sailor Nioi Sumire

Jon: Montblanc 90th Anniversary Guilloche 146 EF and Sailor Pro Gear Hummingbird with Raden

Sharyn: Pelikan M400 White Tortoise

Hayden: Parker Striped Duofold Major “Dusty Red” w/ J. Herbin Vert Empire

03:27—Top online retailers

Sharyn

Brian

Hayden

Jon

Chuck

Rakuten
Classic Pens (Nibs.com)
Milligram, formerly Notemaker
Bookbinders Online
Goulet Pens

Overall

Goulet Pens, Bookbinders Online (tied)
Rakuten, Classic Pens (tied)
Pen Classics NZ, Pensive Pens, Cerisiers Japonais, Milligram, FPN (tied)

27:12—Honourable mentions

Chatterley Luxuries

Pendleton’s Pens

28:37—Top brick and mortar retailers

Hayden

Dymocks Stationery, Sydney CBD
Milligram, Melbourne Central
Bespoke Letterpress, Bowral
Bookbinders Online, Brisbane
Peter’s of Kensington, Kensington and Paper2, Surry Hills (closed)

Jon

Aesthetic Bay, Singapore
PenUltimate, Sydney Chifley Plaza
Dymocks Stationery, Sydney CBD
Peter’s of Kensington, Kensington
Kinokuniya, Sydney

Brian

Kingdom Note, Tokyo
Bungubox, Omote-sando
Sekaido, Shinjuku
G. Itoya, Ginza
Peter’s of Kensington, Kensington and Dymocks Stationery, Sydney CBD

Sharyn

Bungubox, Omote-sando
Nagasawa Umeda, Osaka and Nagasawa Penstyle Den, Kobe
Aesthetic Bay, Singapore
Milligram, Melbourne Central
Dymocks Stationery, Sydney CBD

Chuck

Kinokuniya, Sydney
Dymocks Stationery, Sydney CBD
Wonder Pens, Toronto
G. Itoya, Ginza
Officeworks

Overall

Dymocks Stationery, Sydney CBD
Bungubox, Omote-sando
Aesthetic Bay, Singapore

51:39—Special mentions

Oscar Braun Pens

56:57—Recommendations

It Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)

Getting a blood test if you’re over 25

The Mummy (2017)

Getting lost when travelling in a foreign country

Act III, Scene I, La Clairiere 90x90 carré by Hermès

@instachaaz

1:02:59—Thanks and Credits

Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Sharyn Zha.

Recording and editing: Diana Dai.

Music: Michael Pearce.

Logo: Will H. Smith.

Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.

24 - It's an Anniversary Q&A! Jul 20, 2018

Show notes

We’re celebrating the one year anniversary of the Nib Section by answering all your questions about pens, ink, and Chuck’s love life. We look back on our personal favourite TNS episodes we’ve done so far, and offer tips for visitors to the inaugural Sydney Pen Show next month.

The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania
You can always email us at thenibsection@gmail.com

Go like us on Facebook!

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

The hosts were Chuck (@entree3000_), Sharyn (@sharynzha), and Diana (@thegrynne).

FORMAT

02:08—What We Are Writing With

Diana: Montblanc 90th Anniversary Meisterstuck 146 EF

Sharyn: Pelikan M400 White Tortoise EF

Chuck: Nakaya Decapod Aka-tamenuri MS

07:00—Mailbag

Episode 12 - We Can't All Be Montblanc, Some Of Us Are Lego

Pelikan M600 Pink - The Pen Addict

18:34—One year of TNS

Episode 9 - Nibs 101

Episode 6 - Fountain Pen Inks 101

Episode 14 - Analog Strikes Back

Episode 13 - Try To Break This Pen...For Science

Episode 15 - Collectors Series Part 2: Handle Carefully Or Else It Explodes

Episode 17 - Buy Now, Regret Later (Tokyo Edition)

Red Dragon Pen Company

How to Write Letters: A 19th-Century Guide to the Lost Art of Epistolary Etiquette

37:35—More Q&A

Conid Pen

Sydney Pen Show (FB, IG)

Tickets for the Sydney Pen Show + Workshops - Eventbrite

Melbourne Pen Show

Liz Steel (@lizsteelart)

Moya (@moyagraphy)

Susan Tyler (@suespense)

The Pen Addict Podcast

Midori MD

Midori MD 10th Anniversary Storyboard Edition - Bookbinders Online

Midori MD Cotton A5 - JetPens

Midori MD A5 Leather Notebook Cover - Bookbinders Online

Nanami Paper

TarokoShop

Rhodia Webnotenook - Milligram

Overjoyed

Pilot Custom 823 Amber - Goulet Pens

Pilot Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo - Goulet Pens

ST Dupont Olympio Vertigo XL EF

Sailor Kiwa-guro - LarryPOST

Pelikan M450 Vermeil and Tortoiseshell - The Teeritz Agenda

Aurora Blue - The Writing Desk

Opus 88 Koloro - Pen Classics NZ

Opus 88 Demonstrator - Pen Classics NZ

Primer on the Opus 88 Eyedropper-Filled Mechanism

Omas Ogiva Cocktail Vodka Lemon - Chatterley Luxuries

Nakaya Chinkin Palmet Coloured Powders

Lamy Safari Yellow - Milligram

ST Dupont Phoenix Renaissance - La Couronne du Comte

Sailor Profit 1911 Large - Pen Chalet

Lamy Emporium - Peters of Kensington

Lamy Persona - Alt. Haven

1:08:40—Recommendations

Viberg Boot Colour 8 Chromexcel

Theronathon! - A journey through the career of Charlize Theron

west elm Mongolian Lamb Stool

1:14:24—Thanks and Credits

Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Sharyn Zha.

Recording and editing: Diana Dai.

Special thanks to Rene Versteegh of Pen Classics NZ for his help with the question on the Opus 88s, as well as Tav, Ruben and Ben for the a cappella musical intro.

Music: Michael Pearce.

Logo: Will H. Smith.

Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.

23 - For the Love of Ballpoints! Jul 06, 2018

Show notes

TNS is going off-brand this episode as we take a look at the ballpoints that we use and love. We also discuss how fountain pen evangelists and intractable ballpoint users can coexist in harmony.

The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania
You can always email us at thenibsection@gmail.com

Go like us on Facebook!

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

The hosts were Chuck (@entree3000_), Sharyn (@sharynzha), Diana (@thegrynne) and Ruben (@sirscribe).

FORMAT

02:05—What We Are Writing With

Chuck: Pilot FriXion Clicker

Sharyn: Lamy Linea and Parker Sonnet BP

Ruben: Aurora Optima Brown Auroloide w/ Edelstein Smoky Quartz

Diana: Parker Jotter

08:43—Mailbag

11:46—Ballpoints, maligned but not forgotten

Parker Jotter

Caran d’Ache 849 Claudio Colluci BP

Pilot FriXion Erasable Pens - JetPens

Leo Fok @inquisitivequill

Muji Gel Ink Pen

Iroshizuku Fuyu-syogun - Bookbinders Online

Lamy Safari Yellow - Milligram

Uni Jetstream - Officeworks

Parker Sonnet BP

Pilot Custom 823

Bic Cristal Gel Blue - Librex

Zebra Super Marble

33:30—News

Send your questions for our Anniversary Q&A episode to thenibsection@gmail.com

Don’t forget to register for the Pelikan Hubs 2018

35:15—Antipathy against ballpoints and ballpoint users

Observations of Elitism in the Pen Community - Karas Kustoms Blog

30 Rock

Nakaya Rollerball

Nakaya Naka-ai Ballpen - Nibs.com

Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Marker

It’s “oxidation”

Allan Visses @allanvisses

Traci Thompson @tmtcalligraphy

56:20—Recommendations

Alien Weaponry, Tū

Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin

Samurai Champloo on Netflix

Elvis and Kresse

1:04:10—Thanks and Credits

Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Sharyn Zha.

Recording and editing: Diana Dai.

Music: Michael Pearce.

Logo: Will H. Smith.

Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.

22 - Evolution of Handwriting Jun 22, 2018

Show notes

It's just Diana this week with guest host Ruben discussing the evolution of handwriting across time and space, the inevitability of change, and how cursive may yet survive in today’s digital-centric world.

The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania
You can always email us at thenibsection@gmail.com

Go like us on Facebook!

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

The hosts were Diana (@thegrynne) and Ruben (@sirscribe).

FORMAT

00:20—Introducing our guest host

Episode 3 - Handwriting and the Art of Calligraphy

Ruben is Scribe Life on YouTube

04:33—What We Are Writing With

Ruben: Sheaffer Triumph with Grey Striated Celluloid

Diana: Pilot Vanishing Point Sunset Blue LE

05:56—Mailbag

06:19—Changes in writing and writing tools

The History and Uncertain Future of Handwriting, by Anne Trubek

Debate on traditional and simplified Chinese characters

The cursive lowercase “r”

The “long s”

Roman square capitals

Correction: there is also “Roman cursive”, which we discovered after recording the episode (ops!)

How the Ballpoint Pen Killed Cursive (The Atlantic, 28 Aug 2015)

29:35—News

Send your questions for our Anniversary Q&A episode to thenibsection@gmail.com

Pelikan Hubs 2018

Sydney Pen Show

Buy tickets to the Sydney Pen Show

Episode 8.5 - Melbourne Pen Show 2017

36:38—What is the future of handwriting?

How and Why to Improve Your Cursive Penmanship

The comeback of cursive (The Economist, 6th Sept 2016)

1:05:37—Recommendations

Annihilation (2018)

The Rider (2017)

1:10:38—Thanks and Credits

Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Sharyn Zha.

Recording and editing: Diana Dai.

Music: Michael Pearce.

Logo: Will H. Smith.

Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.

21 - The Question of Worth Jun 07, 2018

Show notes

The hosts delve deep into their souls and their wallets to examine the question of worth. What do we mean when we say a pen is “worth it”? What is our ceiling when it comes to spending money on a fountain pen? And isn’t it all subjective anyway?

The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania
You can always email us at thenibsection@gmail.com

Go like us on Facebook!

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

The hosts were Chuck (@entree3000_), Brian (@briansaputro), Sharyn (@sharynzha) and Diana (@thegrynne).

FORMAT

00:42—What We Are Writing With

Diana: Pilot Custom Heritage 743 Burgundy Fine

Sharyn: Sailor Pro Gear Realo Precious Aquamarine

Brian: Sailor Maki-e Carp Nagahara Cross Concord

Chuck: Lamy 2000 BB

04:08—Mailbag

04:50—Are fountain pens (in general) worth it?

PaperMate Kilometrico

Pilot Kakuno

10:01—How we decide if a particular pen is worth the price?

Episode 8 - Holiday Gift Guide 2018

ST Dupont Stones Fortune L'Aquart Amethyst Limited Edition 88 Fountain Pen

AP Special Edition Lotus

Sailor King of Pen King Eagle

The Rational Animal: How Evolution Made Us Smarter Than We Think, by Douglas T. Kendrick and Vladas Griskevicius

Nakaya Naka-ai

Nakaya Raden Ao-Gai Zukushi

Aesthetic Bay

Nakaya The Waves Crest

34:40—Buying and selling fountain pens

Parker Vacumatic Maxima Double Jewel

43:35—Buying from brick and mortar stores

Platinum 3776 Celluloid Koi

Pelikan M805 Ocean Swirl

Graf von Faber-Castell Classic Pernambuco

Nakaya Naka-ai Shu

Nakaya Naka-ai Nanohana-iro

Episode 19 - Treat It Like Your Would Your Grandma; Collectors Series Part 3

The Goulet Pen Company

Pendleton’s Pens

54:50—Recommendations

Mr. Kate

Homemade pancetta

Vulfpeck, Mr. Finish Line

YSL La Laque Couture

Carl Kapp (@carlkapp)

59:15—Thanks and Credits

Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Sharyn Zha, Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.

Recording and editing: Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.

Music: Michael Pearce.

Logo: Will H. Smith.

Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.

20 - Pen Materials Throwdown May 25, 2018

Show notes

This episode, the hosts are here to talk pen body materials. What will be their top pick? Will it be acrylic? Metal? Celluloid? Place your bets and grab some popcorn, because there can only be one winner!

The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania
You can always email us at thenibsection@gmail.com

Go like us on Facebook!

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

The hosts were Chuck (@entree3000_), Max (@maxschumacher98), Brian (@briansaputro) and Sharyn (@sharynzha).

FORMAT

01:00—What We Are Writing With

Max: Wyvern #7 with an Onoto nib

Sharyn: Sailor Profit 1911 Aquamarine Naginata-Medium

Brian: Pilot Maki-e “Golden Sakura”?

Chuck: Parker Vacumatic Maxima Golden Pearl

03:18—Mailbag

05:54—Acrylics

Episode 9 - Nibs 101

Franklin-Christoph

Sheaffer Balance 875 Tigers Eye

Sheaffer Balance II Aspen

Omas Arlecchino “Harlequin” celluloid

Lamy 2000 Makrolon

13:15—Celluloid

Omas Ogiva Cocktail Vodka Lemon

Omas “vegetal resin”

Montegrappa, how celluloid is made

Omas Milord Arco Bronze

Platinum 3776 Celluloid Koi

Wing Sung 626 Celluloid

Episode 15 - “Handle Carefully Or Else It Explodes”

23:17—Ebonite

Sailor KOP Ebonite

24:55—What’s so precious about Montblanc “Precious Resin”?

26:54—Metal, wood and other exotic materials

Kaweco Liliput Fireblue

Peltogyne aka purpleheart

Graf von Faber-Castell POTY 2004 "Amber"

Montblanc StarWalker Ceramic

Graf von Faber-Castell POTY 2009 "Horsehair"

Nakaya Kago-amime “basket mesh”

Sailor Koshu Inden

Sailor Arita

TWSBI Micarta

ST Dupont Amethyst Pen

41:50—Why do some brands specialise in a certain production process?

45:38—Host’s pick

49:56—News

Sydney Pen Show 2018

50:27—Recommendations

The Pottery Shed

Monte Cristo sandwich

Royce Nama Chocolate with Maccha

A Quiet Place (2018)

54:47—Thanks and Credits

Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Max Schumacher, Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.

Recording and editing: Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.

Music: Michael Pearce.

Logo: Will H. Smith.

Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.

19 - Treat It Like You Would Your Grandma; Collectors Series Part 3 May 11, 2018

Show notes

We’re back with an extra-long episode all about ye ole pens of yore. Join Chuck, Tav, Barry and Max as they discuss how to buy, use, and repair vintage pens. Then Sharyn brings us a Collectors Series interview with Kosta Kamboukos and David van Cuylenburg, two vintage pen collectors from Melbourne.

The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania.
You can always email us at thenibsection@gmail.com
Go like us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

The hosts were Chuck (@entree3000_), Tav (@nunc_est_scribendi), Max (@maxschumacher98) and Barry. The interviewer was Sharyn Zha (@sharynzha).

FORMAT

01:20—What We Are Writing With

Barry: 1924 Parker Duofold Jr Italic

Tav: Sheaffer Targa Slim M w/ Sheaffer Black

Max: Sheaffer Imperial IV B w/ Aurora Blue, and Parker 45 Insignia M w/ Aurora Black

Chuck: Franklin-Christoph 20 Maya Blue EF SIG

02:55—Mailbag

@urbanhafner

Fountain Pen Companion

BYOB Pen Club

06:12—Buying and using vintage pens