Ink Review: Robert Oster Frankly Fifth (Federalist Pens 5th Anniversary Ed)

Ink Review: Robert Oster Frankly Fifth (Federalist Pens 5th Anniversary Ed)

I’ve gone around over the years about my feelings regarding the size and shape of the Robert Oster 50ml ink bottles and, while they are not the most romantic, elegant bottles, they really are pretty easy to use once you get the hang of them. The plastic is a standard #2 plastic making them recyclable…

Tool Review: Kutsuwa Round and Triangular Pencil Caps

Tool Review: Kutsuwa Round and Triangular Pencil Caps

Review by Tina Koyama My daily-carry bag contains many pencils, both colored and graphite. To prevent broken points and inadvertent stabs, I keep them and myself protected with pencil caps. Although I’ve tried some fancy ones made of leather or metal, my favorites are inexpensive, lightweight, colorful plastic ones. Kutsuwa makes several, including round ones…

Eye Candy: Esterbrook Estie Maraschino  Fountain Pen (F)

Eye Candy: Esterbrook Estie Maraschino Fountain Pen (F)

Esterbrook has released another amazing color for the Estie: The Maraschino and it’s selling out faster than cocktails by the pitcher at happy hour. The Maraschino is available in both the silver palladium trim and gold tone trim with coordinating nibs in both the regular and oversize. The retail price for the regular size is…

Review: Formal Dept Notebook Case (& Giveaway)

Review: Formal Dept Notebook Case (& Giveaway)

Several months ago, the team that creates Formal Dept (illustrator Kate Pugsley and industrial designer Charlie McArthur) launched a Kickstarter to develop a watercolor dish and cup set. I was super excited to see the project reach it’s goal. Unfortunately, the Kickstarter launched in the middle of pandemic lockdown which affected the outcome and it…