2013 Atlanta Pen Show Recap - Part 1

The day I had been planning for since January finally arrived this past Saturday - it was Atlanta Pen Show time! My shopping list was ready, my car was fueled, and my bank account was emptied as I made my way an hour and a half north to the show.

I wanted to get there early because it was imperative I got in the queue for Mike Masuyama, lest I be there all day waiting for the nib work I wanted done. I arrived at 9:45 and put my name on the list. I was already 8th in line. Oh well, time for shopping!

As soon as I turned from Mike Masuyama's table, here comes Lisa Anderson from Anderson Pens to give me a big welcoming hug. I was happy to meet her right out the gate and her enthusiasm helped set the tone for what would be a great day. She is a real joy to talk to, as is Brian, who I met as he manned the four packed Anderson Pens tables.

One of my goals this show was to purchase an Esterbrook from Brian. He went through the various models and nibs and I settled on a beautiful blue Esterbrook J and swapped in a 9550 (EF) nib. I also picked up a couple of bottles of ink I wanted to try out, including the interesting Scribal Work Shop Cryptid Siren Blue.

After the Andersons, I made my way around the remainder of the show, making sure I gave every table a good once-over before making my next purchase. Right when I was rounding the last corner of the second ballroom I spotted a few Edison Pens. Many dealers stocked the Production Line Edison pens but I happened upon a single Signature Line Pearl snuck between a few others. I inquired on what turned out to be a blue/black swirl ebonite Edison Pearl, the price was good, and it was mine.

During my lap around the show I checked out dozens of Parker 51's. I was pretty sure one would be coming home with me, but I never found the perfect match. Many were in rough shape, and I had been spoiled already by the one Thomas loaned me. So, I passed on the 51, but a different Parker caught my eye - the Vacumatic.

To be continued ...

Ink Links

-- April 2013 Carnival of Pen, Pencil and Paper (Goldspot Pens)

-- Review: Kaweco Ice Sport Fountain Pen - Fine Nib (delectable pens)

-- Did You Know I’m a Fountain Pen Geek? (SurfBits)

-- A few more Caran D'Ache Grafwood pencils, Technik eraser, and updated value chart (Lung Sketching Scrolls)

-- Lamy Al-Star Pearl (Write to Me Often)

-- Snug as pens in a rug (Leigh Reyes)

-- Review: Stabilo Point 88 Fineiner 0.4 mm Marker Pen - Turquoise Blue (Gourmet Pens)

-- LE Morgan Manufacturing Progress, and Stealthy Sneak Peek! (Edison Pen Company)

-- Keeping Things Sharp (Rhodia Drive)

-- Travel Kit (East...West...Everywhere)

-- Pilot iroshizuku inks dip penned (JustDaveyB)

-- Nebotek (Cronicas Estilograficas)

-- Pelikan Edelstein Amber Fountain Pen Ink (Office Supply Geek)

-- hero 383 fountain pen review (inktronics)

-- Top 5 Ergonomic Pens (Penfan.ru)

-- Parker Quink in Black (Ed Jelley)

-- Field Notes: America the Beautiful Edition (The Well-Appointed Desk)

-- Luke Bott (What Do You Carry?)

-- An Ink Rotation And Its Worksheet (Inkophile)

-- Moleskine Monday: A Discussion (Notebook Stories)

-- Laurentien Coloured Pencils (A Penchant for Paper)

Caran D'ache 849 Ballpoint Review

A Pen Addict reader requested months ago that I review a pen from the Caran d'Ache 849 series, and I was more than happy to oblige. I had my eyes on this pen for a while, and it didn't take much for me to hit the buy button.

I ordered the Black Metal version from Amazon and the photos don't do justice to how great looking this pen is. And honestly, I didn't expect anything less from a company that manufactures very high end pens. The 849 series is a way for us common folk to get in on a well-made and highly-respected Swiss pen.

The hexagonal aluminum barrel enhances the clean lines of the pen, and the chrome clip and knock add a sharp touch. My only issue with the design is that I would prefer more feedback from the knock. Maybe it is a Swiss thing, but there is no audible feedback when engaging or retracting. It is more of a squish-down, squish-up feeling and I would like to hear a more solid click when the ballpoint is engaged.

About that ballpoint ink cartridge - it is terrible. The tip is scratchy and there is a lot of white space in the line. That is normal ballpoint cartridge performance, but I expect more from a company like Caran d'Ache. I will be looking for a suitable replacement soon because this barrel deserves to be used.

One sentence review: The barrel is built to last but swap out the refill to protect your sanity.