Introducing Toronto Pen Company

[Expressions]

Hello all,

 

I would like to introduce Toronto Pen Company to the good folks of this community.

 

My name is Salman Khattak and am usually found moderating the Calligraphy forums (as 'smk'). I started this venture (Toronto Pen Company) last year to provide pen tuning and custom nib grinding services to the local community. I have been lucky to receive great support from fountain pen enthusiasts from all over Canada (and abroad).

 

I recently realized that I never updated my profile on FPN to announce all this - hence this post.

 

Details of the nib grinds I offer: TorontoPenCompany.com/prices--process.html

 

Some writing samples: TorontoPenCompany.com/writing-samples.html

 

Store: TorontoPenCompany.com/store.html

 

I also offer Calligraphy workshops from time to time as well as custom Calligraphy services. I am working on a line of greeting cards that should be out soon - I will make sure to make an announcement here when the time comes :-)

 

- Salman

[dennis_f]

This is great news! I'm so glad there's someone offering these kinds of services locally now.

 

How come I had no idea you existed? How come every time I've asked the retailers around town whether they knew of anyone who could provide these kinds of services, they've always told me there's no one local!?!

 

If you haven't already, I think you should contact some shops and let them know you're out there.

 

Hope to avail myself of some of your services soon. Thanks for posting here.

D.

[Expressions]

Hi Dennis,

 

Wonder Pens and Take Note Store both know about me and I have left my cards there. Maybe I should pay them another visit. Laywine's doesn't (yet) but I plan on going there soon.

 

Most of my work comes from word of mouth and I am a regular at both the Toronto and Durham pen meets. Have you been to one? Toronto's pen meets (called Pens and Pints) are announced here and on the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pensandpints). The next one is June 6th at Midtown Gastro Hub near St. Clair station at 6:00 p.m.

 

- Salman

[dennis_f]

Hi there Salman,

No, I haven't been to a Toronto meet; although I "live" in Toronto I'm more often out of the province on business, and over the past 3 years I've never been in the city on the same night as a pen meet. I keep trying to make my schedule work, and I'm optimistic that at some point in the not so distant future I'll be able to attend. I'm looking forward to it.

As for the stores, definitely mention it to Laywine's: I know people who shop there exclusively, so mentioning it to them would help spread the word. And Phidon, perhaps?

 

As for Wonderpens, I haven't been in the physical store in 18 months and I may not have asked about pen services the last time I was there... so I probably shouldn't have suggested they don't advertise your services.

In any case, it's great to hear that there's someone offering these services locally. You've opened up a whole new world of possibilities!

D.

[LucasPer]

That's awesome, Salman. The store looks sharp! I wish you a lot of success. I hope to visit the store in person as well sooner or later.

[smk]

It will be good to see you at one of the meets Dennis - hope you make it to one soon.

 

Thank you LucasPer. I don't have a physical store but will be happy to arrange a meeting at the Fairview Mall in North York if that is not too far from you.

 

- Salman

[Fuzzy_Bear]

Excellent! Another B&M!

 

Please understand my suggestion is just in general as I have not had any work done on my nibs. If you can make it possible for payment other than PayPal. I refuse to use their service after some bad dealings with them and I know others have had the same issues.

[Expressions]

Hi Fuzzy_Bear - not a B&M I'm afraid, online only at this point :-)

 

For pen work, I do accept Interac payments (via email or phone) and one can pay the invoice via Credit Card as well. I can also take credit cards in person at the various pen meets.

 

The online store can process credit cards independently of PayPal.

 

- Salman