Another Crossroads.

[Cryptos]

As in the title, I am rapidly approaching another crossroads.

 

Having sold off a lot of stuff, and given away some (I will wonder at the wisdom of that one day), and just returned a stunningly awful Waterman's 54, I find that I have kind of settled on a handful of pens that I use regularly and really enjoy. There are still some that may be culled: the Indian pens (too generic), a Mabie Todd,and a Diamond Medal ringtop (it's a real beauty in lapis).

 

I have a Scriptorium scheduled to come in sometime this year (I hope). And Chris Yoke is currently making a nice oblique holder for me, so that covers dippers.

 

Looking at my "only for the hobby" PayPal I find I am sitting on just over $600

 

The question is: what should I do with this (if anything)?

 

I don't have any particular hankerings. Thought about getting something expensive and interesting. Not sure though. Most of the modern boutique brands don't appeal and/or have very poor nib choices (for me). The exception is Aurora and I am looking at 88s and Optimas.

 

Art pieces are interesting but I have heard that there is much hype about them (Nakaya, Danitrio etc) rather than genuine substance.

 

 

First world problems, eh?

 

I baby my pens a bit. They go to work in a pen wrap and sit on my desk all day. I may take one to a meeting. Saying that, I am tempted to grab a Lamy 2K as a kind of indestructible throw in the bag go anywhere kind of pen.

 

Also thought about chucking the cash at a decent vintage flexible pen, but I have zero confidence in any of the sellers after my latest debacle.

 

 

So, thoughts? Keep the money? Spend it? Set fire to it?

[ksm]

First world problems, eh?

You've nailed it on the head.

 

Few weeks ago, I've made an inventory of inks in my possession. I've promised myself not to buy any inks unless I empty a bottle or I sell one of them. You know what, I feel tempted do get Sailor Do-You.

 

If you have no idea what to do with the money, then consider your writing desk... I've promised myself to get a desk with adjustable workspace angle next year.

Edited October 19, 2016 by ksm

[Cryptos]

That's an interesting thought. I have a desk at home that I like. It's nothing special - I don't believe in slopes and other such devices.

 

I'm going through a phase of paring down the clutter in my life. And believe me, every time you move house the amount of junk you have seems to accumulate. I want to get rid of everything that is literally rubbish (packing materials and so on), sell/giveaway everything that has no more use, and just keep what I consider the essentials for mine and my partner's lifestyle needs.

 

One of the reasons why I am hesitant to go for an expensive luxury pen is that the writing experience will be no different. I have found over the last couple of years that even though my handwriting isn't anything special, it is supremely adaptable. In other words, I can write with any nib. Makes no real difference to me. Going from there we are only going to be talking about custom paint jobs (if you see what I mean).

 

Actually, at work they are a bit mystified because I've been turning out the last few weeks in very professional clothing. This is a sharp contrast to the jeans and Ts of before.

 

Something is changing in my approach to what I am doing, and in how I am prioritising things, and it doesn't seem to be a conscious change oddly enough.

 

 

 

Anyway, pens. Thought about Vanishing Point for mark up only. Then thought, why bother for something I only do sporadically anyway? Why pay $100 for a pen that will only get occasional use? You can tell I do not have the collector mentality.

 

In my pen roll today was: a Pilot 823 fine, a Waterman 52*, a Mabie Todd Swan 3260, and a Parker Duofold Jr. All got used.

 

 

*Praxim may find this amusing. The Waterman got sent to him, and he replaced the barrel (the lever box was shot you see), and sent it back. I lucked into a nicer nib locally (what were the chances?) and replaced the existing nib and section with this. So the only original part from my initial purchase is the cap. It's turned out like the lifelong broom parable!

[rochester21]

Depends on how much money you leave aside for the hobby each month. What i do is invest a certain amount and spend the profit on pens or other hobbies, while reinvesting the initial amount. I also sell some of my pens if i get tired of them, and buy different ones. This way you can never get bored.

Edited October 19, 2016 by rochester21

[Cryptos]

I don't leave any money aside each month. That's not how I do my finances - with the exceptions of food, housing, transport, and taxes.

[AAAndrew]

I like the idea of investing in your writing space at home, or at the office if that's possible. A good lamp, a nice desk that fits what you need, or a good chair can all help you spend that money quickly but also provide a lasting, positive impact.

 

If you're going to pare down, and you have the luxury of doing so, then paring down by purchasing only a few very high quality things is the way to go. If you've found your sweet spot for pens and ink, and you want to spend this on something related to the hobby, then look outward from your hands and see what else contributes to the experience. (paper is always good too, but won't put a huge dent in the bank account unless you're buying reams of TR)

 

This idea of a few, quality things is also very in line with your Zen circle, especially as practiced in Japan. The tea house is sparsely furnished. A vase with a flower, and a simple painting of a spare circle in the tokonoma, a simple table to hold the beautiful tea ware, and a view of the garden are all that's needed. A comfortable chair, a well-designed surface and a good light can do the same for your writing. I'm not saying to try and achieve wabi-sabi with your writing, just to pare down to the essence, the key components of joy. And sometimes that's not cheap.

 

Good luck.

[Rednaxela]

If I were in your position, I would spend it on some Skype one-on-one lessons with Connie Chen.

 

http://www.connie-chen.com/calligraphy-courses/skype-one-on-one-lessons

 

Especially with a Yoke holder on its way.

[praxim]

*Praxim may find this amusing. The Waterman got sent to him, and he replaced the barrel (the lever box was shot you see), and sent it back. I lucked into a nicer nib locally (what were the chances?) and replaced the existing nib and section with this. So the only original part from my initial purchase is the cap. It's turned out like the lifelong broom parable!

 

 

[ThomasB]

Since you baby your pens, how about a nice pen box to store them at home...Agresti makes some really nice ones...It would also help on the de-cluttering end

 

If your aim is a new pen, it seems by your comments you are focusing on Auroras...I have a mini collection of them and can say they are great pens...However, it you are aiming at the italic nib, it is very unforgiving as compared to others--I prefer the stubs. I have both the 88s and the Optimas...I don't usually post my pens, but with the Optima I do as it is not a long pen, but with the cap posted it is perfectly balanced.

[Cryptos]

Nice idea, but I don't have enough pens to warrant a storage box. At least half of my pens (about 5) are less than user-grade vintage. When I say baby I mean I take care not to leave them lying around or in harm's way.

 

I wonder how the Aurora italic compares with a Masuyama grind (sharp and very dry) or an FPNibs grind (sharp and wet).

[ThomasB]

I have the Masuyama itlaic grind on my Franklin Christoph...I find the Masuyama grind more forgiving than the Optima

Edited October 19, 2016 by tbickiii

[ian1964]

E o C, I get a lot of pleasure displaying my pens an discovered an inexpensive but really great way to expand my hobby. I search Ebay and Garage sales etc here in Australia for unusual boxes to make pen displays. It's really satisfying and Not Expensive. Not eveyones cup of tea but for a total of about $30 very satisfying. Below is just one example.

[Cryptos]

That's very nice. However, I am no collector. My pens are strictly for use. None are stored, all (such as they are) have ink in them.

 

Still, it's a nice harmless problem with no particular time limit. It's interesting to note that I can choose any brand and there will always be someone who will sincerely tell me that this brand is not worth pursuing.

[LuckyKate]

If I don't want anything I would just let the money sit there until I did or transfer it to my savings account and forget about it. Maybe you're satisfied in which case there's really no need to buy anything at all for the present.

 

You could also save more and use the money for a plane trip to next year's Los Angeles pen show. Have you ever been to one? They are really fun and the people there are so lovely.

[Cryptos]

Another neat idea. I wouldn't dream of going on a holiday trip without my partner, so that would be considerably more expensive.

[WaskiSquirrel]

If you don't have an idea what to do with the money, there is no harm in sitting on it. Never spend just to spend.

[Uncial]

Sit on it until there is something you feel truly drawn to.

[sidthecat]

You might have a look at the pen-porn sites like Five-Star, nibs.com, Peyton Street, etc. if you want something high-end in restored condition.

[Jezza]

Aside from the desk idea--which is really great--I find that fountain pens pair nicely with mechanical watches. Your savings, plus or minus, could actually land you a nice Tissot, Mido or Certina certified chronometer if you know where to look. Outside of that, it never hurts to have something in savings.

[pajaro]

If you have more than one or two pens, you are beginning to be a collector.

 

Back when I had one pen, and when I felt like I wanted to try something better, I tried a Montblanc 146. Then a Montblanc 144R red pen. I still like the 144s after sampling Pelikan, Aurora, Visconti and a lot of other brands' pens. A lot of pens are good pens. Few pens are excellent. Very few indeed.