Welcome to Glenn's Pens
I use a fountain pen to write as it nicely conveys character in my writing.
I also enjoy the ownership of a good pen. And good, because it is a pen I select as meaning something to me. I believe your pen, is an expression of you, and is a means to to make you personal mark in your written communications.
Good pens do not have to be pricey. I have very good pens that range from $30 to those that approach $1,000. When selecting a pen, try a few, see which one seems to be right for your hand, and right in terms of what you want to pay.
Of course your pen belongs in a pen case that you have selected - all part of owning a pen you value. There are many beautiful pen cases available to enhance owning your pen.
I provide notes on my experience with my Pens of Note - those pens in my collection that I use the most.
I am always looking for pens stores. Many years ago I started collecting names and addresses of stores, creating a pen web site, and corresponding with other pen users. Some of the stores are "great pen stores" and I have listed them accordingly.
Since starting "Glenn's Pens" with my reviews, others have provided information about stores they have found. This all results in creating a good reference point on pens, pen stores, pen inks and pen companies.
Charals & Vancouver Pen - Celebrate 25 Years in 2011
This year, in Vancouver, BC, two pen stores celebrate 25 years of business - a great testament to the level of service and products each have offered over the many years. Charals - marks its 25 anniversary in August and Vancouver Pen in October.
When you come across a "Great Pen Store" send me an note with your thoughts. If you can provide address information and hints on finding the store that would be very helpful. I will include it with the next update.
Paris and Pens
During September I had the opportunity to stay in Paris for five days and that provided an opportunity to visit a number of stores. I have updated the Great Pen Stores - Paris reviews.
Besides the pen itself, the next most important item of discussion to those who use fountain pens related to ink.
There are many different brands, they all have different writing characteristics. Some inks flow quickly, others flow with more resistance.
From deep saturated colours to lighter tones that shade as the ink dries on the paper, your writing can look very different depending on the ink.
The matching of ink and pen can make the difference between just writing with your pen, and really writing with your pen. Not all ink works great in all pens. Some of it is just trial and error.
Not as up-scale as a wine review, the web site includes reviews on the colour tones and writing characteristics of any different brands of ink.
There is a general page on Ink as well as some of my Inks of Note, yes, the inks that I find I am using the most.
In addition to the Stores Directory, Great Pen Stores, Ink, and Inks of Note I am pleased to provide information on the major Pen Companies. Some I have been fortunate to visit and include interiews with the companies leaders.
Of course the wrting experience is the pen, the nib, the ink and also the paper and I have included notes on some of the papers I use the most.
- 09-11 Charals and Vancouver Pen celebrate 25 Year Anniversary
- 06-11 Carrying Pens in your shirt pocket, jacket pocket, pen case or pen roll.
- Join or Visit a Pen Club- a great way to enjoy the company of others who also value the experience of owning a pen.
Every month or so I update my column, Pen Views, with my thoughts on the ownership of pens.