Nomad Notebooks reached out to me recently to check out their products, and I love what I’m seeing. The main selling point is the inclusion of mixed up paper types - graph, dots, hex, reticle, star maps (!) - in each different volume of notebooks. I have two packs to give away, one Sea+Air+Space and one Graph Pack, and will pick two winners to each receive one of these packs at random. Read the rules below and enter away!
Esterbrook “The Journaler” Nib Review
It’s rare when I review a stand-alone nib product on The Pen Addict, but in the case of The Journaler, I think that it is more than worthwhile to discuss.
The Journaler is a collaboration between Esterbrook and Gena Salorino, of Custom Nib Studio. The idea behind this product was to create a nib grind that would mimic the experience of a vintage Esterbrook nib. In this case, the 9314M - a classic medium stub grind.
So to get us all on the same page here: A pen company I like is working with a nibmeister I like to create a modern version of a vintage nib style that will work perfectly my handwriting.
You had me at hello.
Before I get into the performance of this nib (Spoiler: It’s great.) I want to discuss the idea of this nib. Pen companies that go out into the community to work with other creators will always get my attention, and support. It’s a sign to me that these companies get it. I love to see it, and I will love seeing this continue, not only with Esterbrook, but with other brands who do the same.
To quote from Esterbrooks product page for The Journaler:
“The idea is that it’s smooth and friendly enough for everyday use, gives your writing some flair, all without being too huge for practical writing.”
I think this description is exactly right. I’ve been able to use The Journaler regularly over the past month, and it gives a perfect medium stub line. Being a steel nib it is firm, and the line variation is moderate. Vertical strokes are wide - I’m guessing somewhere around 1.0 mm - and horizontal strokes cut the line width approximately in half to give your letters a great look.
While this nib grind is tailor-made for my block printing handwriting style, cursive writers will enjoy smooth lines and good variation as well. All in all, it’s a complete joy to write with.
The Journaler, top, vs. TWSBI 1.5 mm Stub.
I chose Robert Oster Blue Water Ice to use with this nib to see what shading I could get out of it, and it was a solid choice for that. The way stub nibs work is that the wide part of the nib on the downstroke pulls the ink down, giving the top of the line a lighter color than the bottom, where the nib lifts up and the ink pools. Shading is the best feature of fountain pen inks, in my opinion.
The Journaler has been a great nib for me, and I think many of you would like this as an option if you are looking at picking up a new Esterbrook Pen. This nib isn’t available separately, but is available as a $50 upgraded nib choice (check the dropdown) when buying a Standard or Oversized Esterbrook Estie. That puts it in line with getting a custom grind on your nib at any pen show.
I love this product, and I love this concept even more. I can’t wait to see what’s next from Esterbrook, and from other brands who are looking to work with other makers in our community.
(Kenro Industries provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
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Misfill, Punks for President Edition
Each week in Refill, the Pen Addict Members newsletter, I publish Ink Links as part of the additional content you receive for being a member. And each week, after 10 to 15 links, plus my added commentary on each, I'm left with many great items I want to share. Enter Misfill. Here are this weeks links:
— New York Punks Are Running for Office (Vice)
— Carlo Stanga collaborates with Moleskine, encouraging us all to rediscover a world of colour post-lockdown (It’s Nice That)
— Wancher Seven Treasures Bakelite Fire Fountain Pen Review (SBREBrown)
— Where Did My Ambition Go? (GEN)
— Karas Ink V2 Pony Express: the weight of progress (UK fountain pens)
— Ink Review #1213: Monteverde Black Ash (Mountain of Ink)
— A Block in Brooklyn Gets a Black Lives Matter Mural (Hyperallergic)
— Handwriting and Lettering with the Platinum #3776 Celluloid Karakusa Blue Coarse Nib (Gourmet Pens)
— Pen Review: Pentastic CxPO Brass Folded Nibs for Testers (The Well-Appointed Desk)
— My Top 10 Blackwing Volumes Pencils And A Promotional Giveaway (The Gentleman Stationer)
— Little Big Pen: The New Monteverde Mega (Penquisition)
— Public Enemy Releases a Fiery Anti-Trump Protest Song (NSFW) (Open Culture)
— Ti Mini Review (Writing at Large)
— Glastonbury At 50 & The Loss Of The Communal Under Coronavirus (The Quietus)
— Review: Noodlers Ahab Flex Nib Fountain Pen (The Pencilcase Blog)
— Guest Post: The Pelikan 600 – A Research Note And Query (The Pelikan's Perch)
— Ink Review #219: Vinta Inks Collection Sea Kelp Leyte 1944 (Fountain Pen Pharmacist)
— Our Date with Diane Pernet, the Internet's First High Priestess of Fashion (Messy Messy Chic)
— A Surreal Watercolor by Illustrator Marija Tiurina Captures a Miscellany of Thoughts in Quarantine (Colossal)
Want to catch the rest, plus extra articles, reviews, commentary, discounts, and more? Try out a Pen Addict Membership for only $5 per month!
