Bertram's Inkwell

  • Home
  • Writing Instruments
  • Pads & Paper
  • Inks & Refills
  • Pencils
  • Bertram’s Inkwell
  • Baltimore Pen Show

Bertram's Inkwell Blog - Fine Writing Insruments

December 20, 2017 By Bert Oser Leave a Comment

Michael’s Fat Boy S-Model Ballpoint Pen

Michael’s Fat Boy S-Model Ballpoint Pen

Michael’s Pen began in the early 1990’s when the founder, Michael, began designing ergonomic pens to improve his grip due to calluses on his fingers. After his first design, “The Worm Pen,” became a worldwide hit, he began expanding his product line and creating a wide range of writing implement designs. This review is of the Michael’s Fat Boy S-Model ballpoint (slim) in the New York Black Edition. The S-Model pen collection is available in copper, copper with a flame patina (shades of red, blue, and green), and black-coated aluminum. The same materials and colors are also available as a mechanical pencil. All products are made right here in the U.S.A.

8/10 Packaging: Although the pen is a slim model, it comes in a huge box. The white outside box has no branding; however, there is a small sticker that says, “Michael’s S-Model,” with the model, color, and writing mode, as well as the company information and website. Inside the white box is a glossy black and white box with the Michael’s logo on the lid. There is also a foam insert, which holds the pen securely in place and has a maintenance card and a booklet with the company’s history, assembly and refill instructions, and contact information.

Michael's Fat Boy S-Model Ballpoint Michael's Fat Boy S-Model Ballpoint

 

8/10 First thoughts: The black finish contrasts beautifully against the silver of the clip, nosecone, and relief cuts into the body of the pen. It looks modern, but has hints of art deco style.

Michael's Fat Boy S-Model Ballpoint

 

9/10 Design: The pen is surprisingly light at 28 grams. The body of the pen is black with relief cuts running the length of the body, giving the pen a pop of contrast between the black body and raw aluminum underneath. There are three rubber rings on the grip section to help prevent the pen from being slick. The pen tip is extended and retracted via a push button on the back of the pen. It is without a doubt the smoothest mechanism I have ever used on a retractable pen, and it is almost silent. The clip is tight, but usable, and may require two hands depending on the thickness of the material.  The body has branding on the barrel, which reads “Michael’s S-Model USA” and “New York Edition.” Further, “Made in USA” is imprinted on the clip, and “USA” is imprinted on the nosecone.

Michael's Fat Boy S-Model Ballpoint Michael's Fat Boy S-Model Ballpoint Michael's Fat Boy S-Model Ballpoint Michael's Fat Boy S-Model Ballpoint Michael's Fat Boy S-Model Ballpoint

 

9/10 Filling System: The pen is uses a standard Parker style refill and can use the gel, rollerball, or ballpoint refills.

Michael's Fat Boy S-Model Ballpoint

 

9/10 Value:  The pen has a retail price of $95. This is a great price for a beautifully crafted pen machined from aluminum. The solid copper and flame patina copper have retail prices of $250 and $295 respectively.

43/50 Overall:  I really like the finish and weight of this pen. The ability to use any Parker style refill makes the pen very versatile and convenient to find refills on the go, instead of having to order proprietary cartridges. The modern meets art deco style makes the pen stand out for daily use and is an attention-grabber in meetings. I am not normally a non-fountain pen user but this pen has changed my mind. I look forward to adding one of these pens to my collection in the future.

Michael's Fat Boy S-Model Ballpoint Michael's Fat Boy S-Model Ballpoint Michael's Fat Boy S-Model Ballpoint Michael's Fat Boy S-Model Ballpoint

 

Specs:

Name: Michael’s Fat Boy S-Model New York Black Edition

Design: Black-coated aluminum body with silver accents

Length: 5 inches (127 mm)

Diameter: .43 inches (11 mm body), .55 inches (14 mm clip)

Weight: 28 grams

Filling System: Parker-style refill

 

Pros: Durable aluminum body, grip rings prevent the pen from slipping, easy to find refills

Cons: Tight clip

In the same price range:

Aurora Ipsilon

Caran d’Ache Alchemix

Delta Journal ballpoint

 

“Make your mark”

Eric Aycock (Pengeek13)

 

Bertram’s Inkwell thanks Eric Aycock for his time and contribution with this wonderful review!

Check out the Michael’s Fat Boy S-Model Ballpoint here.

 

Please follow and like us:

Share this:

Filed Under: Writing Instruments Tagged With: Ballpoint, Ballpoints, Michael's Fat Boy, New York, New York Edition, Pens, S-Model, Slim Line, Value pens, writing, Writing Instruments

December 14, 2017 By Bert Oser Leave a Comment

Kaweco Special Brass Fountain Pen

Kaweco Special Brass Fountain Pen

Kaweco has been producing high-quality writing instruments in Germany since 1883. The company, which is known primarily for their “Sport” models of pocket pens and pencils, has a large range of writing implements ranging from entry level to “high-end.” Today I am reviewing the Kaweco Special brass fountain pen.

9/10 Packaging: The pen comes in a nicely crafted Kaweco-branded brass colored tin, with a glossy paper sleeve that has “Kaweco, License to write, Germany since 1883” printed on it and the “KA/WE/CO” circle logo. The tin makes a handy carrying case and has a two-slotted pen bed. Extra points for a dual-purpose box, since most packaging is thrown away for being bulky.

 

Kaweco Special Brass Fountain Pen Kaweco Special Brass Fountain Pen

 

8/10 First thoughts: The pen is minimal, with no clip or roll stop, giving the pen a very streamlined utilitarian look. The color of the brass stands out well against the black color of the pen bed.

Kaweco Special Brass Fountain Pen

 

7/10 Design: The pen is made from solid brass and weighs in at 32 grams, which is heavy but not so heavy as to tire out your hand during longer writing sessions. The pen has a screw-on cap, which closes tightly against a small O-ring on the grip section. The cap can be posted securely by screwing it onto the threads on the bottom final, but this does make the pen slightly back weighted. When securing the body to the grip section, you have to tighten it down securely or it can unscrew when you are uncapping the pen.

The grip section is small but has a slight flare, which prevents your fingers from sliding down onto the nib. The threads are barely noticeable and not sharp. The body has eight facets, which help to prevent the pen from rolling since it does not have a clip or roll stop, and has the “KA/WE/CO” circle logo on the cap finial. You can purchase an aftermarket slip on clip for around $6.00, if you would like to add one. The finish has lost a bit of the shine with use, but it can easily be polished to keep it looking new. I personally like the patina that develops as you use it. The collection also has a black version, as well as a dip pen version.

 

Kaweco Special Brass Fountain Pen Kaweco Special Brass Fountain Pen Kaweco Special Brass Fountain Pen Kaweco Special Brass Fountain Pen

 

8/10 Nib Performance: The steel nib is a very smooth, slightly dry writer. I experienced no hard starts even after leaving the pen on my desk for a few days. The nib is engraved with a small bit of scrollwork, the “KA/WE/CO” circle logo, “Germany since 1883,” and “M” for Medium nib size. It is a smaller nib that definitely punches above its weight class. I have heard some quality control stories about Kaweco nibs, but this one was a dream to write with right out of the box.

Kaweco Special Brass Fountain Pen

 

8/10 Filling System: The pen is a cartridge/converter filling system. It comes with one cartridge and a spacer cartridge. If you prefer to use a converter, it is sold separately for around $3.00. Since the pen is solid brass, you cannot eyedropper it.

Kaweco Special Brass Fountain Pen

 

7/10 Value:  The retail price for the Kaweco Special Brass fountain pen is $130, but you can typically find it on sale for less.  Overall this is a bit high for this model. Understandably, it is solid machined brass, which can add to the price. I think a price of $70-$90 would be fair, especially since the clip and converter are sold separately. I feel the design is made to last for generations.  You are getting a solid workhorse pen that will not disappoint.

47/60 Overall: The minimalist design is interesting. This is the first pen I have used that does not come with a clip. That gave me concerns that it might slip out of my pocket or pen pouch. I like the faceted design, and it feels solid and durable given the material and the finish. The nib performs really well and it is a great writer right out of the box. Any pen that can sit for a number of days and start right up with no hesitation is a great performer in my book and definitely should be considered when you are looking for that next every day carry pen. I just wish the price point was lower.

 

Specs:

Name: Kaweco Special brass fountain pen

Design: Eight faceted all brass body

Length: 5.59 inches (142 mm)

Posted: 6.61 inches (168 mm)

Diameter: .39 inches (10 mm)

Weight: 32 grams

Nib: Steel Medium

Filling System: C/C

 

Pros: Minimalist design, faceted body, writes right out the box, threaded cap

Cons: No clip, body unthreads occasionally, does not come with a converter

In the same price range:

Conklin Nighthawk

Edison Beaumont

Faber- Castell E-Motion

 

“Make your mark”

Eric Aycock (Pengeek13)

 

Bertram’s Inkwell thanks Eric Aycock for his time and contribution with this wonderful review!

Check out the Kaweco Special Brass Fountain Pen here.

 

Please follow and like us:

Share this:

Filed Under: Fountain Pens Tagged With: Brass, Fountain Pens, Kaweco, Kaweco Special, Pens, Value pens, writing, Writing Instruments

December 11, 2017 By Bert Oser 2 Comments

Baltimore Washington International Pen Show 2018

Baltimore Washington International Pen Show 2018

 

The Baltimore Washington International Pen Show is booked and ready to go! The big news is the location, as we ran out of space last year. The new location will be at the Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards. Yes, that’s right next to the ballpark, and blocks from the inner harbor. The show starts Friday, March 2nd, and runs through Sunday, March 4th. It will be three full days of buying, selling, and trading the world’s greatest (new and old) fountain pens, ballpoints, and anything else that writes.  We will have a house-full of modern and vintage dealers. This year’s show will host multiple seminars ranging from pen history to nib tuning to calligraphy classes, and other writing classes. While all 3 days will be full of dealers, we will be trying something new in the evening.

Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards Baltimore Washington International Pen Show

 

 

While many of you have heard of speed dating, the #BWIPS2018 will have speed training and information. This great idea and fun event was coined by Lisa Vanness of the Vanness Pen Company (one of our supporters of the show). Here’s how it works: on Friday or Saturday after the show we will set up several themed tables offering various topics. Each table will hold court for a limited time, and folks will then move on to the next table or event. This is our first time doing speed training, but it sure sounds like tons of fun.

 

Also missing for the past few years at the #BWIPS2018 is a live auction. I’m very excited to bring this event back to the show. I’ll be accepting items soon if you would like to sell some of your pens. The auction will be held either Friday or Saturday night, depending on the Speed Training tables.

 

No pen show is complete without the wonderful teaching of Ms. Deborah Basel. While we are finalizing details of which classes to offer, I’m sure Deborah won’t disappoint.

 

The show at the Marriott will have two ballrooms directly opposite from each other. This is a great feature as the hallway between them will dead-end. There will only be traffic dedicated to the pen show, and no hotel traffic. Doors will be open in both rooms, allowing folks to walk freely between them.  This gives the feel of one really big room. The passage between the rooms will be the location for our speed training tables.

 

We have our own private classroom for the classes, seminars, and auction. This makes for a very personal and optimum experience. The room will be open Thursday afternoon into the evening for pre-show trading and a get-together.

 

What about the food? I mean ya gotta eat, “write”? This year’s show will hold a table breakfast on both Saturday and Sunday. I have found over the years this works best over lunches or other meals. The dealers just come early and eat, whereas other meals are not as scheduled. So you can expect a big Marriott full breakfast on both days.

 

There’s tons more info. coming as the show takes shape, and dealers fill the tables.  The Baltimore Washington International Pen Show website will be updated as pertinent information is available.

 

All tables will be assigned way before the show gets started. In other words, vendors will know their exact location as they come in on Thursday night and Friday morning.

 

This is just the beginning of a new chapter for the #BWIPS2018. I hope you will be a part of it, whether you’re a dealer or a customer walking in. If you’re new to pens this is a perfect show for you. We will have ample space for folks to move around, and dedicated dealers to help you navigate your way around the show.

 

I am here to help with any questions, concerns, or suggestions you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any.

 

I look forward to seeing you at the #BWIPS2018.

 

Bert Oser

Promoter

Baltimore Washington International Pen Show.

bert@bertramsinkwell.com

 

Please follow and like us:

Share this:

Filed Under: Fountain Pens, Inks & Refills, Pads & Paper, Pen Shows, Writing Instruments Tagged With: Baltimore Washington International Pen Show, BWIPS2018, Cross, Fountain Pen Day, Fountain Pens, Kenro, Marriott, Montegrappa, nibs, Parker, Pen shows, Rhodia, Waterman

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • …
  • 13
  • Next Page »

Search

Subscribe to Our Blog!

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Browse and Shop Online!

www.bertramsinkwell.com

Please follow & like us!

RSS
Follow by Email
Facebook
Google+
http://blog.bertramsinkwell.com/page/4
Twitter
Follow
Instagram

Categories

  • Fountain Pen Reviews
  • Fountain Pens
  • Inks & Refills
  • Pads & Paper
  • Pen Shows
  • Pencils
  • Product Roundup
  • Uncategorized
  • Writing Instruments

Tags

18kt Arco Aurora Ballpoint Ballpoints Baltimore Washington International Pen Show Blackwing Celluloid Conklin feed filler fountain pen Fountain Pens Ink Inks journal Journaling journals Lamy Limited Edition montblanc Monteverde nibs notebooks omas Pads Paper Pencils Pens Pen shows Pilot piston filled Piston filler Retractable Rhodia Sharpeners Sleeve Filler Stipula Taccia Value pens Vintage pens Visconti writing Writing Instruments Yafa

Stop By And See Us!

If you are in the Rockville Area, feel free to stop by and visit!

One Central Plaza Building
11300 Rockville Pike #109
Rockville, MD  20852

 

Copyright © 2019 · Bertram's Inkwell