In Link Love

Link Love: Zento Hype

Author AnaPosted on 1 Comment
Link Love: Zento Hype

Awhile back I reviewed the Uni Zento pens and, while these were the less expensive Standard and Flow models, I never quite understood the enthusiasm around the Zento Signature. From the review below form Joe at Gentleman Stationer, he is not as wowed as the rest of the internet. Maybe I’ve owned too many pens to be swayed. I don’t actually like magnetic caps because inevitably they will stick or have something stuck to them that I don’t want — bobby pins, paper clips, keys, etc. I don’t find it very aesthetic. The shape to me is odd. And finally, the refill that it uses is a fairly standard size which means it can be used with a pen that I find much more visually appealing. Have you tried the Zento Signature? What’s your take?

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In feature

Fountain Pen Review: Kaweco DIY Glow-in-the-Dark

Author AnaPosted on 5 Comments
Fountain Pen Review: Kaweco DIY Glow-in-the-Dark

I have been collecting Kaweco Sport Fountain Pens from the early days of my fountain pen collecting days. I have way more of these tiny little plastic pens than any one human needs. I have gotten better about NOT buying every single colorway option that hits the market but sometimes I get really tempted (last year was the Limited Edition Hello Kitty edition) but this year, I fell for the DIY Glow-in-the-Dark model.

However, the only way to get a Glow-in-the-Dark Kaweco Sport you must attend one of the DIY events which are held in-store only. So… you need to live in a community that has a pen shop large enough to support an event like that or have a friend who lives in the community. Which is what happened for me. (Thanks, friend!)

Flax Pen to Paper hosted the Kaweco DIY event a couple weeks ago and my friend kindly trekked over and was able to grab two of these delightful little pens.

I keep giving props to Kaweco for continuing to experiment with materials in their signature products. The iridescent models, the translucent glitter models, and now a Glow-in-the-Dark model.

So… does it glow-in-the-dark?

Yes it does! (Apologies for the slightly blurry photo, it was a long exposure). And the next question is WHY would you need a glow-in-the-dark pen? Ever hunted in the bottom of your bag for your pen? Ta da! My number one reason for glow-in-the-dark model.

I appreciate the ability to find a pen in low light — lost in the cushions of the sofa, the bottom of my bag, on my bedside table, etc.– which is what makes the Glow-in-the-Dark Kaweco special to me.

I honestly think the Kaweco F and EF are almost exactly the same width. Have you had a similar experience?

I paired the glow-in-the-dark DIY Sport with Sailor Manyo Ayame which has a little bit of a glowy vibe with its multichromatic reddish purple-to-green which is a weird color match but I kind of like it.

From top to bottom: Mellow Blue, Sage, Glow-in-the-Dark, Frosted Lime and Iridescent Pearl.

Do I have too many Kaweco Sports in the same color scheme? Maybe. Do I still want the new Lunar colors? Yep. Thankfully, they are cheaper than my other pen weakness, Sailor Pro Gear Slims.

Do you have a pen you tend to collect because of the colors? Are you able to resist them? Which one made you buy another one?

In Fountain Pen Review

Fountain Pen Review: Hong Dian N8

Author AnaPosted on 1 Comment
Fountain Pen Review: Hong Dian N8

Over the years, I’ve bought a few Chinese-made fountain pens. I’ve tried to steer away from Chinese-made pens that are visible dupes to a pen being made by another manufacturer (i.e. the endless Lamy Safari or Kaweco Sport knock-offs). Over the years I’ve seen a real move to create more unique designs with unusual details. Sometimes, this results in pens that look like Franken-pens but sometimes the results are pretty interesting.

For example, the Hong Dian N8. This pen has some aesthetic elements from the Pilot Prera and the Sailor Pro Gear without being a direct copy of either. The translucent white acrylic resin swirl body reminds me of a Pelikan-esque material but is paired with an etched opaque white cap with feather art.

When you consider the unique details like the feather etching on the cap (very different) and the option for the Long Blade nib (similar to an Architect style nib grind).

About the pen:

As I mentioned above, the Hong Dian N8 features a mix of materials from the etched cap (painted metal, I suspect based on the metallic effect of the etching and the weight) and the translucent resin swirly body.

The pen comes in a plain, un-noteworthy metal tin and did ship with a converter!!

One thing I noticed the moment I picked up the N8 is just how heavy it was. I was expecting it to be all resin but the cap being metal adds weight. If you plan on posting the pen, be prepared for the possible weight shift as the cap is heavier than the pen.

The N8 weighs 31 gms capped or posted and 18 gms unposted. When compared to the TWSBI Eco and a Sailor Pro Gear Slim, it was a little surprising. The Pro Gear weighs 20 gms posted and 12 gms unposted while the TWSBI Eco comes in at just one gram heavier at 21 gms and 13 gms respectively. The 10 gms difference was quite noticeable.

The nib and hardware are all silver-tone metal. The ends are flat which is what reminds me of the Prera.

Check out the nib! The fact that you can get a medium/broad architect for less than $30 is kind of amazing. The nib has a nice feel on paper. There is a little friction, depending on the angle but overall it is smooth and performed well no matter what angle I held it. (More about that in the writing samples.)

And the cutest little detail was the bird etched on the end cap. I wasn’t expecting it but found it charming.

Writing Sample:

In writing, I was struck by the variation in line widths I was able to accomplish depending on the angle I held the pen. As a lefty, I sometimes over-write, sometimes side-write and sometimes under-write. Each of these produced slightly different line widths and quality and if I held the pen at a high angle like a ballpoint or gel pen, I would get even different results.

On the plus sign, the nib is tuned well enough to work at ALL those angles. On the negative, it made my writing look inconsistent. This is a ME problem.

Also, the “Long Blade” is indeed long, comparable to a broad or medium nib being ground to an Architect which can be a little wide for my tiny regular handwriting.

Size Comparison:

I’ve included some photos for size comparison based on the pens I referenced for weight. The N8 is about the same length and width as the TWSBI Eco (but notably heavier). Somehow, in my head when I ordered it, I thought it would be closer in size to the Sailor Pro Gear Slim, hence the comparison. The PGS is shorter.

When looking at the nibs though, the Hong Dian N8 has a larger Size 6-ish nib compared to the smaller size 5 nib in the TWSBI Eco and the 5-ish nib in the Sailor.

When posted, the N8 is slightly shorter than the Eco.

Final Thoughts:

I am not sure I knew what to expect from a sub-$30 pen. It’s pretty, the nib is super cool and well-tuned though a little wide for me. I am not sure if it will be a regularly used pen despite its stunning quality since it’s a bit wide for me and heavier than I expected. However, it does make me more confident about trying other Hong Dian pens.

DISCLAIMER: Some items in this review include affiliate links. The Well-Appointed Desk is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Please see the About page for more details.

 

In feature

Two Week Until Chicago Pen Show!

Author AnaPosted on 6 Comments
Two Week Until Chicago Pen Show!

I cannot believe that it’s only two weeks until the Chicago Pen Show!

I am working on new sticker designs (proofs soon!) and we have a limited edition Col-o-ring available at the event as well. The design for the “Land of Inkin'” Col-o-ring came from my very first license plate. I hope it will be as nostaligic for other Illinois natives as it is for me and that it will be a fun keepsake for any visitors’ trip to the 2026 Chicago Pen Show.

Come visit us and all the other awesome vendors who will be at the event!

I also wanted to remind anyone attending that I am teaching two workshops over the weekend: Gamify Your Life and Sigils: Make Magic with Pens & Ink and there are still spaces available in both! Find new ways to use your planner or journal with fun or a little magic!

And just weeks later will be the St. Louis Pen Show with more workshops and chances to visit, meet and chat with pen fans!

In Link Love

Link Love: Still Space-y

Author AnaPosted on 1 Comment
Link Love: Still Space-y

Good News: Since the safe return of the Artemis II astronauts, photos and stories of the success of the mission and beautiful images of the moon, earth and space are being seen around the internet. Bask in the good space vibes. Links below.

Bad News: There’s a link below announcing price increases for postage stamps in the US starting in July. Starting April 26, all parcel shipment prices will increase by 8% and are expected to stay at this higher level through January 17, 2027. Be prepared that this will affect all shops small and large.

Still Feeling Space-y:

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In Pen Review

More adventures in gel pens: Pentel Hybrid Dual Metallic Gel Pens

Author Laura CameronPosted on 1 Comment
More adventures in gel pens: Pentel Hybrid Dual Metallic Gel Pens

So lately I’ve been diving headfirst into gel pens. If you love gel pens, but miss some of the sparkle/shimmer/sheen of fountain pen inks, this might be a set for you!

The Pentel Hybrid Dual Metallic Gel Pens are available individual or in sets, like the 14 pen Original + Fantasy set ($35) that I purchased. The pens are plastic barreled pens, with slightly faceted edges, and fitted with snap caps. The points are 1mm which provides for a “smooth and juicy” writing experience – the marketing nails that one.

In my set there were 14 colors available – 6 of the original darker colors with one metallic sheen, and 6 of the “fantasy” colors (they read more pastel) which each have two metallic sheens. The final two pens are Silver and Gold.

Overall the writing experience for me is mixed. I love the tips and that they lay down a nice amount of ink, but the faceted barrels aren’t super comfortable to write with.

I do love the color variety in the package. It’s a little strange writing with the pens at first. The ink lays down almost murky or a little dirty (you might be tempted to think you’ve mixed your fountain pen inks accidentally), but as it dries you start to see the metallic sheen of the second (or second and third colors). I don’t think my photos do them justice.

Overall, I don’t find them nearly as comfortable to write with as my Pilot G2s, but I appreciate the additional colors options. Now I just need a coloring book to sit with!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the items included in this review were provided to us free of charge by JetPens. Please see the About page for more details.