Review: @NockCo Sinclair Pen Case - Spa Blue/Lime Green Unicorn Snot @GouletPens @BrianGoulet_

Thank you to Goulet Pens for sending the Unicorn Snot Nock Co. Sinclair for a review!

ABOUT

Exterior Material: 1000D Nylon with DWR coating
Interior Material: Nylon Pack Cloth
Dimensions: 4" x 6.25"
Height: 170 mm/6.7"
Width: 113 mm/4.4"
Depth: 25 mm/1"
Price: $ 40.00 USD
Where to buy: Goulet Pens

PACKAGING

None, as it should be.

APPEARANCE

The Sinclair case is bright, wild, and either super appealing or super repulsive. For me, this is SUPER appealing. I'm crazy for it! It has a light spa blue exterior, baby pink YKK zippers, and a nuclear lime green interior. I love it. LOVE LOVE LOVE. It's the best, most fun color combination ever. The inside has three pen slots on one side, a memo book pocket (3.5" x 5.5") on the other side, and an open space in the middle.

Pictured with Nock Co. Lookout.

PERFORMANCE & FEEL

I am a huge fan of the Sinclair case design. It's a simple design with one big pocket and everything I need accessible from there. I always love organizers with lots of pockets but for quick use, this is more convenient for me. It doesn't feel super bulky, even when I stuff it full of pens. If I want something hard and bulky, I can use a zippered pen folder, but I'd rather tote this around. When it's empty, it's flat and small.

Stuffed with long pens.

The fits some of my most precious pens easily, keep them safe, and then I can put the whole case in my bag. This case can accommodate some large pens, and only the really long ones like the Visconti Opera Master/Classic Pens LB5/Pilot Parallel push it. The case won't prevent pens from being crushed, but it offers a fair amount of padding for light to moderate use. I do put those large pens in near the ends and just close the zippers against them. I don't rely on the case to keep the pens from being pressed on at all, but rather as transport and keeping them together.

Stuffed.

The case is awesome, though. So far, I haven't gotten it particularly dirty. I really enjoy the texture in hand and the zippers are really smooth and easy to work with. Quality stuff. 

PROS 

• Amazing colorway, but if it's too wild for you there are other colors to choose from.
• Smooth zippers to access your goodies inside quickly and easily.
• Three pen slots on the inside hold pretty large pens. 
• In fact, the entire case can hold way more than you might expect.
• Not a bulky case so it's great to take to pen shows for filling up with all those pens you buy.

CONS

• Maybe too hideous for some people to love?
• Doesn't protect pens from being crushed.

OVERALL

I have a bunch of pen rolls and Visconti Dreamtouch cases, but more often than not, I reach for the Sinclair because it's no hassle. The Dreamtouch cases and rolls are great but take more work to open and grab pens from - and the Dreamtouch always has to be zipped shut because it's too easy for pens to fall out. I love this radiant, bright, cheery Unicorn Snot colorway, I love the make and build of the case, and I love how easy it is to use. 

I received this item free of charge for the purposes of this review. I was not compensated monetarily for my review. Everything you've read here is my own opinion.

Wordless Wednesday

Review: @Caran_dAche 849 Popline Ballpoint Pen @couronneducomte

Thanks to La Couronne du Comte for providing me this pen for a review! Actually, I picked it up in the store several years ago and because I am missing The Netherlands, I couldn't think of a better review to write up!

ABOUT

Body material: Metal & Lacquer
Trim: Steel
Color: Hot Pink (others available)

Refill: Goliath

Price: € 21,00

Where to buy: La Couronne du Comte

Refill Price: € 5,70

Where to buy: La Couronne du Comte

ALL CUSTOMERS: GOURMET10

10% off (excludes Montblanc)

PACKAGING

The 849 Popline is presented in a slim, sculpted, white aluminum metal gift tin with a magnetic closure. The pen has a raised shape in the tin to fit in the slim insides. The tin is marked with: Caran d'Ache Swiss Made 849. There is a half circle sticker that identifies the color of the pen inside - in this case, hot, fluorescent pink. The inside is lined with black felt, and there are four magnets on the outer corners. The pen is nestled in a pen-shaped space. In silver font, it says: "With Goliath refill, the universal reference. Stainless-steel tip, tungsten carbide ball for a clean line without blots during 8000m." Interesting packaging!

APPEARANCE

These pens totally appeal to me. I love the colors that Caran d'Ache are coming out with and the existing colors are fabulous! The 849 is slim and hexagonal, tapering towards the tip from the nose cone onwards. One facet says "849 Caran d'Ache, Swiss Made" in black, easily visible ink against the hot, vibrant pink body. There is a chrome, clip-on clip that wraps around the pen. The clip is simple; long and thin with no markings on it. The metal knock is round and is engraved with Caran d'Ache. It's a small pen, fairly slender, and I love the design. So cute, especially in this hot pink!

PERFORMANCE & FEEL

The long clip is quite springy and can be operated one-handed. It also slides on to papers and into pockets and pouches quite easily. I like the long clip - it allows the pen to slide down quite low on pockets and papers, which makes it quite secure.

The refill does indeed give a very clean line. This is my first experience with a Goliath refill and I really like it. It takes little pressure for the refill to write, although the lines are light. It writes easily on smooth and tooth paper, but I do find it needs even less pressure on the smooth papers. It does not blob ink, particularly at the high angle I tend to write with, and it delivers a really nice line. At a low angle, I found it a little scratchy with slight blobs - not big inky blobs, just tiny ones. I'm not sure anyone writes at such a low angle anyway, but I tested it at various angles and positions. It does write consistently in that the ink coverage is steady and it doesn't skip out.

I enjoy the pen because it is light and comfortable, not slippery in hand, and the refill is nice. I would like a darker, more intense blue, but those tend to blob more in my experience. I really like the knock on this pen! The mechanism is smooth and so satisfying to click away! I could click it all day, it never fails. 

The body is comfortable in hand - no sharp bits or discomfort. The hexagonal shape is great especially with the clip because it doesn't roll away. The material is tough and holds up well to being shoved in bags and tossed around. I did not really notice any significant scratches in the material, so it looks pretty beautiful even after years of use. 

OVERALL

I try not to collect things based on a color because with so many colors available, not only would I spend a lot on these pens, I would have a lot of them. However, I like having a few really decent, reliable ballpoint pens around. I actually use ballpoints quite frequently so there's nothing like a solid one. I would love to get the rose gold edition. Or the pink. Or mint. Or all.

Great colors, well-presented, perform well, robust pens... you just have to pick one! A great gift for a friend or yourself. The only real downside, in my humble opinion, is the price of the refill. It does last a long time, but it's still a pricy refill considering the price of Parker-style refills.



I received this item free of charge for the purposes of this review. I was not compensated monetarily for my review. Everything you've read here is my own opinion.

Mailbox Goodies Krishna Inks for Fountain Pens

Mailbox Goodies from Krishna Inks! I received six of these newer inks to try out and review! First things first: let's take a look at the colors before we get cracking on reviews. Thanks to Krishna Inks for sending these to me. You can find Krishna Inks at Pen Chalet. Use the code GOURMETPENS for 10% off your purchase. No commission, just a sweet deal for you.

This is a sponsored video. Krishna Inks is compensating me for my time and efforts. I will remain as unbiased as I possibly can be, as I always strive to be. I promise.

Sunday Reads: May 27. 2018

Stuff I Looked At Elsewhere & Read

• Yayoi Kusama’s ‘Flower Obsession’ Invites Guests to Cover a Domestic Interior With Faux Blossoms - Colossal.
• Strawberry Peanut Butter Swirl Smoothie Bowls - Skinnytaste.
• Before and after being called a good boy - Sad and Useless. Even if these aren't real, they're adorable. Animals are too good for us.
• Gathering maple sugar the traditional Anishinaabe way on CBC News.
• Cast Iron Skillet Pineapple Not Upside Down Cake - Country Cleaver.
• The ‘g’ in Google’s Old Logo Is Really Weird - The Atlantic.
• That One Night: The Oral History of the Greatest 'Office' Episode Ever - Rolling Stone. This has always been and always will be my favorite episode of The Office. From long before this article was written. 
• ‘Future Flowers’ Blossom in a Digital Collaboration Presented at Japan’s Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine - Colossal.
• About the oblique calligraphy pen - The Postman's Knock.
• The 15th Annual Smithsonian Photo Contest Winners Gallery - Twisted Sifter.
• JetPens blog - the best fountain pen paper.
• Commodity City - Jessica Kingdon on Vimeo.
• No bake banana split dessert - Brown Eyed Baker.

Stuff I Apparently Did This Week

• Toronto Pen Company PENtastic Folded Nibs [Video]
• Ink Shot Review: KWZ Ink IG Green #1
• Wordless Wednesday
• Review: Franklin-Christoph Model 31 Omnis Purpurae Fountain Pen 14kt Gold Nib
• Field Trip WonderPens Laywines & Coloverse Ink!
• Field Trip: Insights X Stationery/Trade Show: Online Pens

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If you're doing any browsing and shopping, please do check out my sponsors in the sidebar, because they help make all this possible. Some of these links are affiliate links, which provides me with a small commission but does not add any extra cost to your purchase. Some links are just referral links, but there is no obligation to purchase through any of these links. Your purchases through my links help support this blog and allows me to fulfill review requests. Either way, I appreciate your readership and your support so much, so thank you!

Discount codes here!

Field Trip: Insights X Stationery/Trade Show @InsightsExpo

Back in 2016, I attended the Insights X Stationery/Trade Show and I shared an overview of the event awhile ago. I realized I have a whole bunch of pictures from individual booths like Faber-Castell, Kaweco, Laban, and more. I thought it would be fun to share them with you here. If you are in the area or considering a trip to Nuremberg, the stationery show is a lot of fun and very interesting! I'll continue this series until I've run out! Here is the affordable, super fun stand of Online Pens!

We received this little magic wand and pen gift set. The idea was we take the wand to the stand to exchange it for their newest fountain pen! Awesome. 

Field Trip @_WonderPens @Laywines & Coloverse Ink!

A visit to Wonder Pens and Laywine's when Eric came to visit for his birthday week! Oh, and some Mailbox Goodies from Colorverse!

Wonder Pens
Wonder Pens on Instagram
Wonder Pens on Facebook
Wonder Pens on Twitter
Laywine's
Laywine's on Facebook
Laywine's on Instagram
Colorverse
Colorverse on Instagram

Review: Franklin-Christoph Model 31 Omnis Purpurae Fountain Pen 18kt Gold Nib @1901FC

Thanks to Franklin-Christoph for sending this beautiful purple pen for a review! It's also equipped with a delicious nib!

ABOUT

Body material: Acrylic resin
Trim: Metal
Nib material: #6 14kt gold (Steel also available)
Filling System: Standard international cartridge/converter, eyedropper-capable
Cap: Threaded
Posts: Yes, friction
Length (capped): 140.9 mm/5.5"
Length (uncapped): 129.7 mm/5.1"
Length (posted): 172.0 mm/6.75"
Length (section): 25.4 mm/1.0"
Diameter (barrel): 13.2 - 14.0 mm/0.52" - 0.56"
Diameter (section): 11.0 - 11.2 mm/0.43" - 0.44"
Weight (all): 26 g
Weight (cap): 10 g
Weight (body): 16 g
Price: ~$255.00USD with gold nib upgrade and no customization
Where to buy: Franklin-Christoph

PACKAGING

Thumbs up. I really like Franklin-Christoph's packaging. I hate having a bunch of pen boxes, even the gorgeous, really interesting ones. I just don't have space or interest in keeping them. This Model 66 Stabilis came in a black leather, zippered pouch with a soft suede-like interior. The pouch and pen were delivered in a simple, light, recyclable white cardboard sleeve. Not only is it less wasteful than a larger clamshell box, it also weighs less (for shipping). The zippered pouch is something that can be used as a pen (or pencil) pouch, or it can be used to lend a friend a pen... it has more than one use!

APPEARANCE

The Model 31 is a round pen with a beveled top and bottom. The finial is engraved with the Franklin-Christoph logo. This Model 31 has a clip attached to a small metal tab through the cap. The seam between the top of the cap and the cap body is visible, but it is smooth.The cap end tapers towards the barrel and connects smoothly. I like the smooth, curvy appearance of the pen. The cap is engraved with Franklin-Christoph 31. I like this because I will always know what the model is! Sometimes you can forget or get things mixed up.

Uncapped, the pen is pretty cute. The section is smooth, round, and slightly pinched. The cap threads are at the back of the section instead of the front, like what you find on the Model 66. There are three grooved rings on the barrel. This pen is the Purpurae - a gorgeous purple that I love. It's a stunning pearlescent color with veins of darker purple swirled through it. It isn't a bright, in-your-face purple. It's a little dark and mysterious. Gorgeous, great design.

NIB & PERFORMANCE

The nib is a 14kt gold double-broad. The #6 nib is slightly recessed in the section so it's partially covered. The nib unit can be unscrewed. The nib is a smooth, wet, pleasant writer. It is on the sift side, yielding as you write to offer a little line variation. The nib and feed perform well during long and fast writing sessions, so long as no pressure is applied. I love Franklin-Christoph nibs. They're always well-tuned and adjusted for my preferences. The steel nib is always great but the gold nibs have a softer touch that I love. This nib is set up for modification, which they offer in-house. I'm thinking a crisp cursive-italic! Yummy.

The standard international cartridge/converter set up works great. Easy to fill, empty, clean, and maintain. It can be turned into an eyedropper with just a bit of silicone grease on the threads.

IN HAND

The clip is nice and springy - easy to operate one-handed. It slides on and off pockets, pouches, and pages easily. The section is super comfortable - smooth, warm, not slippery. The cap threads are not sharp. I love the section design. It's really nice in hand and works well for me.

Unposted, the pen is a comfortable length and it is well-balanced. The cap can be posted snugly and securely by friction. Although the cap posts, I find the pen too long for comfortable use. It is not top heavy though, so if you must post and the length works for you, then it's great. I like it unposted.

One thing I dislike is there is a gap between the inner edge of the section and the nib. If you dip this into a bottle of ink to fill, it's messy if you forget to clean that gap. It can be avoided if you fill the converter directly or eyedropper the pen. It's not a deal breaker, but it's good to be aware of it to avoid an inky mess.

Top to bottom: Franklin-Christoph Model 31, Franklin-Christoph Model 20, Franklin-Christoph Model 66 Stabilis, Lamy Safari. 

PROS & CONS

OVERALL

I am a big fan of Franklin-Christoph pens, even though I am trying to present you an unbiased review. I have met the fine folks who run the company and they are delightful, and that helps in building brand loyalty. I also love their pens - they are very comfortable, attractive, and the selection of nibs and nib modifications really works for me. I love the SIG and Masuyama grinds - they are all fun and I think fairly priced. They're not inexpensive pens and nib combinations, but you'll get a lifetime of enjoyment out of them. They also back their products with a lifetime warranty.

The Model 31 is quite comfortable. I think I would get it without a clip because I like the seamless look. You get a leather sleeve, minimal, low-waste packaging, and that lifetime warranty, not to mention a selection of nibs. The most fun thing is to get yourself to a pen show that Franklin-Christoph attends because they bring a slew of prototypes that are irresistible. So much fun, highly recommended!




I received this item free of charge for the purposes of this review. I was not compensated monetarily for my review. Everything you've read here is my own opinion.