These are the pens I’ve accumulated. I’ve linked the pen name to my review if it exists. If there’s no review yet, and I do have a “This Just In” or “Ink & Pen Notes” post about why I added the pen then I’ve linked to that.
I also have a page for my Esterbrook nibs.
Core Pens
These are pens I’ve enjoyed for an extended period of time and became the focus of my accumulation, which started becoming more of a curated collection in 2019. These pens have either stood the test of time and have kept my interest, or they meet a specific need. Listed in alphabetical order, the numbers are just so I can easily count the pens, not a ranking.
- Diplomat Aero Volute (Fine L. Oblique) – Another recent addition that I like. I sent it to Mark Bacas to be turned into a left oblique nib. This moved it into the core pen category.
- Edison Huron Grande (EF): Flecked Red/White/Blue: My first custom pen. Large, relatively light and holds a gallon (not literally, of course) of ink when eyedropper filled. Frequently in my Fav 5 listing.
- Esterbrook Oversize Estie (Journaler) – I just got this (Oct.8th), so I may be premature putting it as a core pen. But I love it and don’t see that changing. Will the new pen glow wear off? This pen is from the Kenro era.
- Fisher of Pens Hermes (F) – Vintage Web Green: Another long/tall pen, which makes it look thinner than it is. This one has a clip, unlike the Huron Grande and Model 66.
- Franklin-Christoph Model 02 Intrinsic (Needlepoint) – Solid Emerald: This is the original Model 02 design. I just really like the pen, especially the acrylic. I tried other Model 02 pens and they never measured up.
- Franklin-Christoph Model 66 Stabilis Desk Pen (EF): Black: Smaller than the Huron Grande, but still a large clipless desk pen. You can have the ice and antique glass acrylics, I’ll stick with the basic, elegant black. This pen went 18 flawless months without cleaning (just refills) paired with R&K Blau-Schwarz LE ink.
- Kaweco Brass Sport (EF:) Raw Brass: My choice for a pocket pen. Other pocket pens have moved on (except the aluminum sibling that I keep as a spare).
- Kanilea Kona Cherry (EF) – Absolutely stunning acrylic. The pen took some time to break in (or I did). But now its taken a permanent place in my pen case filled with Montblanc Bordeaux. Well, as permanent as it can be, using an out-of-production ink.
- Lamy Safari (O.M.) – I have a 14k oblique medium nib for Lamy pens (except the 2000). It’s new, so the jury is still out and it may be new pen bias, but oblique mediums are a favorite, so it will start as a core pen.
- Leonard Italiana Officina Momento Zero Blue Green Rhodium (M) – My newest fountain pen. The acrylic is gorgeous and the pen is comfortable in my hand.
- Newton Pens Eastman – Clear Acrylic (vintage Esterbrook nibs): A custom pen by Shawn Newton that can use my vintage Esterbrook nibs, A large pen comfortable enough for me to use all day, unlike the thin vintage Esterbrooks.
- Pilot Custom 823 (F) – Amber: I’m not a fan of the aesthetics of this pen, but it’s such a great, comfortable writer that I ignore its looks.
- Pilot Vanishing Point – Cherry Bamboo (multiple nibs): I like the wooden VPs over the metal bodies Both pens get equal billing, especially since I’ll move the nib unit between barrels.
- Sailor 1911L Ringless Epinard (Zoom) – While not a daily user for me, I love using this nib with a bright ink. And, well – green.
- Sailor Professional Gear King of Pen (M) – Black/Rhodium: A big, beautiful pen with a big, beautiful nib that’s a joy to use.
- Sailor King of Pen (OM) – Royal Tangerine: I like the KOP writing experience. The bright orange makes me smile. The oblique medium nib is my favorite nib for just sitting down and writing. Instant core pen.
- Sailor Professional Gear Regency Stripe (H-EF): This brings some silver bling to my core pens. I generally like laid-back pen designs, nothing too flashy. The Regency Stripe breaks that rule with its reflective, silver body. I love the thin, extra-fine nib.
- Sheaffer Balance II Aspen Limited Edition (M) and
- Sheaffer Balance II – Jade Green (M) and
- Sheaffer Balance II – Crimson Glow (M) – All three have same nib, which I love and is more a fine than it’s official designation of medium. The Aspen is my favorite pen and the other two are close behind. Unfortunately, they are a bit fragile which keeps them from getting out much.
- Sheaffer Custom Legacy – Blue Fleck barrel made by Franklin-Christoph : The Blade Turk nib grind by Marc Bacas moved this one into the core pen category.
- ystudio Classic Desk Pen – Copper – A permanent fixture on my home desk. Functional and good looking. Quick to pick up and use for a quick note, while comfortable for longer writing sessions.
And finally, a non-fountain pen joins my core pens… - Esterbrook Dip-Less – Red/Black: Usually with a #7550 nib. A dip pen made my core pens list. It usually lives on my work desk, in an inkwell filled with Sheaffer Red ink. But with office visits curtailed I haven’t refilled it, although I can still admire it on my desk when I do go into the office.
Hangers-On
These are pens I do like. But either they’re too new to be objective about, or I don’t like (or use) them as much as I think or should. Unlike the core pens, I don’t exclude passing moving them into the “All the Rest” category. But for now, they’re probably worth more to me than someone else.
- Benu Scepter II (EF) – A June 2020 purchase. I like the design, and the uniqueness of the pen’s look is a big attraction for me. The nib, while a good writer, is comparable to other extra-fines that I have.
- Diplomat Aero (EF) – Orange/Black: A nice writer. But I like the Volute better, and I have other EF nibs that are just as good.
- Diplomat Aero (F) – Green: This is Diplomat’s 14k gold nib. A nice writer. It’s too new to be called a core pen, but it may end up there. I love the color. According to Goulet Pens, this is a limited production run pen exclusive to them.
- Edison Menlo Pump Filler (EF) – A real pain to clean, thanks mainly to the filler tube in the pen. I do remove the nib to flush the pen, and I hate disassembling a pen simply to clean it. But I love the look and performance.
- Esterbrook Estie Evergreen – This is a hanger on simply because it can handle my Esterbrook nibs. The original vintage Esterbrooks are too uncomfortable for me to use for anything more than quick notes. (Review link is for my earlier Estie which was since replaced by this one). This pen is from the Kenro era.
- Lamy Safari Dark Lilac (2016 Special Edition) (M) – I like Safaris so will probably always have one or two (or AL-Stars). I have a collection of Safari nibs in various sizes so I can swap them.
- Lamy Safari Petrol (2017 Special Edition) (EF)
- Lamy Safari USA Independence Day (M)
- Parker Vacumatic Maxima, 1942 Blue Diamond – Silver Pearl – I’ve always liked the look of these vintage Vacumatics. I decided to keep the one that fits with my aesthetic, lots of silver.
- Pelikan Souverän M815 Metal Striped Special Edition (F) – Very close to being a core pen, I just need to see if the shine wears off over time (not literally).
- Penlux Masterpiece Grande (F) – Black & White Koi
- Pilot 912 (PO) – Black w/silver trim
- Retro 51 Vintage Metalsmith Lincoln (1.1mm Stub) : I love the look of the pen, although stub nibs aren’t a common choice for me.
- Sailor 1911 Full Size Realo (MF) – A Sailor piston filler. This nib is growing on me. The Realo may become a core pen.
- TWSBI Go (Predator Extreme) – Smoke. Nib grind by Mark Bacas.
Sheaffer Collection
I use the term collection loosely. There’s no real theme, beyond be Sheaffer, among these pens. Despite my tendency to be a completest I have no desire to collect a entire model or any other collection theme. But, unlike my other pens these can stick around simply because I like Sheaffers and they don’t need to be used regularly to earn their place.
- Sheaffer Balance Full Size Vacu-Fill – Carmine Red Striated
- Sheaffer Balance Full Size Vacu-Fill – Golden Brown Striated
- Sheaffer Balance Junior lever fill – Pearl & Black
- Sheaffer Balance Lifetime Full Size – Black
- Sheaffer Balance Lifetime Oversize – Grey Pearl Striated (Needs re-sacing)
- Sheaffer Balance Lifetime Oversize c.1935 – Marine Green (Broken, likely unrepairable – would need a new cap)
- Sheaffer Balance Lifetime Oversize c.1935 – Marine Green
- Sheaffer Balance Lifetime Oversize c.1935 – Grey Marble
- Sheaffer Balance Lifetime Oversize c.1935 – Gray Pearl/Red Veins (Needs re-sacing)
- Sheaffer Craftsman Tip-Dip – Pastel Green
- Sheaffer Crest – Nova Green (See Nova Red review)
- Sheaffer Imperial – Brushed Steel
- Sheaffer Legacy I – Blue Lacquer/Gold Cap
- Sheaffer Legacy II – Sandblasted Emperor’s Silver Pattern Chrome Plate PT
- Sheaffer Legacy Heritage – Coppertone GT
- Sheaffer PFM I – Green (see the article on blue PFM I)
- Sheaffer Ringtop – Jade Green
- Sheaffer Triumph Lifetime Vacuum Fill – Carmine Red
- Sheaffer Triumph Sentinel Deluxe – Green Striped
All The Rest
These are the pens I’ve accumulated over time but almost never use. Some need repair but I don’t like them enough to pay for the repair, they may eventually become practice pens if my skills improve.
- Caran d Ache Dunas – Shiny Red
- Conway Stewart Marlborough Vintage – Woodgrain (Needs Repair)
- Cross ATX – Chrome
- Cross Bailey
- Delta Vintage – Green (terrible ink flow, needs work)
- Esterbrook $1 Bandless – Foliage Green
- Esterbrook J – Copper
- Esterbrook J – Dubonnet Red
- Esterbrook J – Fern Green
- Esterbrook J – Fern Green
- Esterbrook SJ Double Jewel – Silver
- Faber-Castell Basic Black – Leather
- Franklin-Christoph Model 03 Iterum – Smoke
- Franklin-Christoph Model 20 – Vintage Green
- Karas Kustoms Ink – Raw Aluminum
- Kaweco AL Sport – Raw Aluminum : It’s pretty banged up from traveling in the same pocket as my keys. Since that affects the resale value, I keep it as a spare in the event I lose its Brass sibling. It hasn’t been used in over two years.
- Merlin 33 – Grey Marble No. 6
- Namiki Knight – Silver
- Namisu Nexus Minimal – Black
- Parker 21 – Navy Blue/Silver Cap
- Parker Vacumatic Major, 1944 Blue Diamond – Golden Pearl (Brown Stripe)
- Pilot Metropolitan – Black, Zig-Zag (and others)
- Pilot Vanishing Point 2013 LE – Maple Wood (multiple nibs) : While I like the wooden Vanishing Points, the Cherry Bamboo gets all my attention.
- Platinum Carbon Desk Pen
- Ryan Krusac The Legend – Black Walnut Burl
- Sailor Clear Candy – Clear w/black trim
- Sailor Fude 55º – Green
- Sailor Recycled Material Desk Pen
- Sheaffer VFM – Maximum Orange
- Signum Orione – Blue
- Taccia Mother of Pearl – Harmony
- TWSBI Classic – Burgundy (Leaks)
- TWSBI Go (EF) – Sapphire (Ink burping issue)
- TWSBI Micarta
- TWSBI Vac 700
Formerly Owned Pens
If I wrote about why I sold the pen it’s linked with “Saying Goodbye”
- Aurora Optima Nero Perla
- Benu Briolette (EF) – Secret Garden
- Benu Grand Scepter X (F)
- Benu Minima – Mystical Green
- Bexley 2007 Owners Club – Amber
- Bexley 2007 Owners Club – Mahogany
- Bexley America the Beautiful – black
- Bexley Imperial – Red/Black
- Bexley Intrepid – Mandarin Yellow
- Bexley Poseidon Magnum – Duofold Red
- Bexley Submariner – Orange : Early in my days accumulating pens this was a clear favorite and I always carried it. Is has the distinction of being the only pen I lost. Clearly lost, not stolen. I couldn’t find a replacement and eventually stopped looking.
- Caran d Ache Geneve – Brown Marble
- Caran d Ache Ivanhoe – Metallic
- Conklin Crescent Filler LE – Demonstrator w/Black Trim
- Conklin Ohio – Blue
- Conklin Ohio – Peach
- Conway Stewart FPH 60th Anniversary – Brown Marble
- Cross Apogee – Chrome
- Cross Verve – Merlot
- Edison Collier – Antique Marble
- Edison Pearl 2012 LEE #8 – Black/Beige Swirl
- Edison Herald – Amber Tortoise
- Edison Extended Mina 2015 LE #23
- Edison Nouveau Encore LE (LE #07) – Flecked Tortoise
- Edison Nouveau Premiere LE (LE #69) – Cherry Cordial
- Esterbrook Estie – Tortoise
- Esterbrook SJ Double Jewel – Dubonnet Red
- Faber-Castell E-Motion Rhombus – White
- Fountain Pen Revolution Dilli – Green
- Franklin-Christoph Model 02 Intrinsic (2nd gen) – Amber-Orange & Cinnamaroon
- Franklin-Christoph Model 02 Intrinsic (2nd gen) – Smoke & Ice
- Franklin-Christoph Model 19 “1901” – Black w/King’s Gold band (Saying Goodbye)
- Franklin-Christoph Model 20 – Tiger Red (Saying Goodbye)
- Franklin-Christoph Model 25 Eclipse – Black
- Franklin-Christoph Model 29 Bellus – Black/Red (Saying Goodbye)
- Franklin-Christoph Model 40 Pocket – Smoke & Ice
- Gate City Pen New Postal Senior – Ruby/Black
- Gate City Pen New Dunn Pen – Tattler
- Gate City Pen The Belmont – Claret Stone
- Gate City Pen The Belmont – Galapagos
- KarasKustoms Ink – Gold
- KarasKustoms Ink – Silver
- KarasKustoms Ink – Green
- KarasKustoms Ink – Orange
- Kaweco AC Sport Carbon – Red
- Kaweco AL Sport – Stonewashed Black (Saying Goodbye)
- Kaweco Allrounder – Black
- Kaweco Student – White
- Kaweco Classic Sport – Clear
- KarasKustoms Ink – Red
- Lamy 2000 (F)
- Lamy AL-Star – Green
- Lamy AL-Star – Ruby Red
- Lamy Safari – Black
- Lamy Safari – Dark Blue
- Lamy Safari – Green
- Lamy Safari (2012 Special Edition) – Apple Green
- Lamy Safari – Sky Blue w/red clip
- Lamy Safari Vista – Clear
- Lamy Safari – Yellow
- Leonardo Officina Italiana Messenger (EF)
- Levenger L3 – Yellow
- Levenger Rocket Writer – Black
- Levenger Sangria – Blue
- Libelle Epic – Bamboo
- Libelle Granite – Burgundy
- Libelle Nature Collection – Mosaic
- Libelle Nature Collection – Mother of Pearl
- Libelle Nature Collection – Tuscan Sunset
- Monteverde Impressa – Pearl/Blue
- Monteverde Regatta – Sea Green
- Montblanc Meisterstück Ultra Black LeGrand
- Namiki Falcon – Black
- Namiki Sterling – Dragon
- Namiki Sterling – Hawk
- Noodler’s Ahab Flex – Jade
- Noodler’s Ahab Flex – Dec 25th
- Noodler’s Konrad Ebonite – Methuselah’s Pine Cone
- Noodler’s Konrad – Irish Brigade
- Ohto Rook – Green (worst pen I ever owned)
- Omas 360 Vintage Collection – Turquoise
- Parker Duofold c1928 – Orange
- Parker Insignia Wave – Sea Green
- Parker Striped Duofold Senior 1945 Blue Diamond – Red/Gray Stripe
- Parker Vacumatic Maxima, 1939 Blue Diamond – Golden Pearl (Brown Stripe), Double Jewel
- Pelikan M101N Special Edition – Lizard
- Pelikan Piazza Navone (Saying Goodbye)
- Pelikan Picadilly Circus
- Pelikan Shanghai (Saying Goodbye)
- Pelikan Souveran 200 – Green
- Pelikan Souverän M605 – Blue w/silver trim
- Pelikan Souverän M805 Stresemann Anthracite
- Pilot Prera – Yellow
- Pilot Vanishing Point – Chrome
- Pilot Vanishing Point – Green w/Gold Trim
- Pilot Vanishing Point – Gunmetal w/Black Matte Trim
- Pilot Vanishing Point – Matte Black “Stealth”
- Pilot Vanishing Point 2012 LE – Black Marble
- Pilot Vanishing Point 2016 LE – Guilloche
- Pilot Vanishing Point – Yellow
- Piper Prism – Red
- Platinum #3776 Century – Bourgogne (Burgundy) (Saying Goodbye)
- Platinum #3776 Century – Chartres Blue (Saying Goodbye)
- Platinum #3776 Century – Sonji
- Platinum #3776 Ribbed (UEF)
- Platinum Plaisir – Green
- Platinum Plaisir – Red
- Platinum Plaisir – Silver
- Platinum Plaisir – Gunmetal
- Retro 51 Double Eight – Green
- Retro 51 Tornado Lincoln EXT – Copper
- Rotring 600 – Lava
- Sailor 1911 – Black
- Sailor 1911 – Blue
- Sailor 1911 – Burgundy
- Sailor 1911 (M Stub)
- Sailor 1911M – Yellow
- Sailor Professional Gear – Imperial Black
- Sheaffer 300 – Metallic Grey
- Sheaffer Crest – Nova Red
- Sheaffer PFM I – Blue
- Sheaffer Snorkel Saratoga – Burgundy
- Sheaffer Targa – Green Marble
- Sheaffer Intensity – Carbon Fiber
- Stipula Model T – Green
- Taccia Staccato – Black
- TWSBI Diamond 540 – Amber
- TWSBI Diamond 540 – Demonstrator
- TWSBI Diamond 540 – Smoke
- Visconti Brunelleschi
- Visconti Homo Sapien Bronze Age
- Waterman Carene Deluxe – Silver Plate
- Waterman Charleston – Citrine Yellow
- Waterman Edson – Blue (Saying Goodbye)
- Waterman Liaison Cobra
Wow, you have an incredible collection. How long have you been collecting?
I started a little over ten years ago although “just after the turn of the century” sounds better. There was a break in the middle where I didn’t get to many new ones, just one or to a year. Then things picked up at the same time I started this site.
Wow, what a collection! No Mont Blanc?
Hi Erin. Thanks. No, no Montblanc. I like the classic look of the 149 but not the price. I also like the Hitchcock LE but that is way beyond my price range.
Ray
So cool a collection.
If you started 10 years ago then you average 11.4 pens per year ! Way more than mine.
Hi
A great collection.
Have you looked at Nakaya pens? The urushi finishes are amazing. I got one recently and its is the most beautiful pen I have and writes so smoothly.
Regards
Adrian Rees
Adrian, I’ve only seen one Nakaya in person and it was a gorgeous as the pictures, more so actually. They’re definitely on my radar but at their price I want to see the finish and try the pen model before I buy. Plus, I’m paralyzed by the choices 🙂 I am jealous of your Nakaya. Congratulations.
Ray
Thanks Ray.
I know what you mean about choices; I only have a dozen or so pens and every time I look I see more that I like!
Adrian
How about a review of your Omas 360 Vintage Collection – Turquoise?
Nice Pen Collection!
Hi Ashokdad,
I haven’t been all that excited with the Omas 360. Doesn’t mean I can’t review it but it does mean I haven’t used it enough to review. I’ll put it in the queue to ink up and do a review in August (or so).
Thanks for reading,
Ray
Ray, how are those F-C Intrinsics hold up for your interest in writing with them over time?
Hi JD, Well, three of them is a bit much. They are a good size and comfortable for me to write with. The Smoke is a pain to clean which keeps me from inking it up. (It is c/c but I don’t like seeing the converter or cartridge in it so I eyedropper it.) It’s probably the one I’ll get rid of eventually. I have the orange (actually called amber) inked up now and like it a lot, both in looks and performance. It’s translucent so I can see the cartridge inside if I look but it bothers me less than a silver converter and is less visible than the mostly clear smoke model. I imagine it might also be hard to clean as an eyedropper since the inside is rough for the frosted look. I’ve never used it as a eyedropper for that reason. Physically they’ve all held up well. Personally, I like the uniqueness of the tapered barrel.
Thanks for reading,
Ray
Thanks, Ray. I appreciate your detailing your response! The amber is a very interesting look. Quite intriguing. I’m thinking about getting the plain ol’ Emerald, my favorite F-C acrylic.