Roundtable discussion podcast about fountain pens, ink and the people who go crazy for them, from Fountain Pens Oceania. New episodes every fortnight.
Episodes
Friday Sep 14, 2018
Friday Sep 14, 2018
Fountain pen reviews are the backbone of the community. We do our own take on a pen review in this episode, before discussing what kind of reviews we think are most helpful and the downside of review culture.
The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania
You can always email us at thenibsection@gmail.com
Go like us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
The hosts were Chuck (@entree3000_), Sharyn (@sharynzha) and Diana (@thegrynne).
FORMAT
01:05—What We Are Writing With
Chuck: Aurora Optima Yellow Resin F Flex
Diana: Visconti Homo Sapiens Dark Ages Midi F
Sharyn: Nakaya Neo Standard Two-layered Tame-Sukashi “Bamboo woods” Elastic Soft Medium
WWAWW (photo)
Nakaya elastic nib FAQ - Leigh Reyes
10:17—Aurora Optima F Flex review
Chuck’s Aurora Optima Yellow Resin (photos)
Aurora Optima - Goulet Pens
Aurora 88 - Goulet Pens
Sharyn’s comparison of Pilot modern flex nibs
Pilot CH 911 FA - The Pen Addict
Pilot Falcon - The Nibsmith
Chuck’s Omas Ogiva Vodka Lemon B
Episode 6 - Fountain Pen Inks 101
27:40—Visconti Homo Sapiens Midi review
Episode 7 - QC Controversies: Nakaya, Visconti, TWSBI
Visconti Homo Sapiens - Goulet Pens
Visconti Divine Proportions LE - Chatterley Luxuries
Dante Del Vecchio, Rock Star of Pens - Forbes
OMAS is acquired by Ancora (14th June, 2018)
Montegrappa Micra review - Fountain Pen Network
45:15—Speaking of fountain pen reviews
Opus 88 Koloro Demonstrator - The Pen Addict
Pelikan M805 Ocean Swirl - The Pelikans Perch
Sailor Pro Gear Tequila Sunrise - Reddit
Wancher Dream Pen - Kickstarter
Hunnyhunt - Rakuten
1:13:23—Recommendations
1:20:20—Thanks and Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Sharyn Zha.
Recording and editing: Diana Dai.
Special thanks to Christina Kowalin.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
Tuesday Sep 04, 2018
Tuesday Sep 04, 2018
The fountain pen hobby can be both a solitary pursuit as well as a communal experience. This episode rounds out our coverage of the Sydney Pen Show 2018 with some first-hand accounts of the day. The main part of the episode is the part 4 of our Collectors Series, an interview with Ian Reid, a collector of more than 30 years.
The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania
You can always email us at thenibsection@gmail.com
Go like us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
The hosts were Diana (@thegrynne) and Sharyn (@sharynzha).
FORMAT
00:39—Sydney Pen Show 2018 Recap
Jhosie has heaps of photos from the show at @ambient.diary
03:45—Alisdair Daws
06:35—Mel Sanders
Max’s table at the show, photo taken before doors open and he was flooded
09:31—Max Schumacher
10:56—Interview: Ian Reid
Ian’s desk and pen holders (photos)
Sailor Professional Gear A-Mode Yellow w/ Zoom nib (photo)
Visconti Mazzi Dragon - Penporium
Visconti Voyager Demonstrator Prototype
Montblanc Mozart Bordeaux
Waterman Serenite - Peyton Street Pens
ST Dupont Montparnasse - Peyton Street Pens
Montblanc Friedensreich Hundertwasser - Departures
Caran d’Ache Hexagonal - Fountain Pen Network
Montegrappa The Dragon - Peyton Street Pens
Pelikan M800 Asia Series (Xuan Wu) - Pelikan Collectibles
Caran d’Ache Leman Tretiakov - Pens In Asia
ST Dupont Les Elements - Dupont Collector
ST Dupont Les Elements Fire - Dupont Collector
ST Dupont Chairman SE - Dupont Collector
Visconti Skeleton Titanium (photo)
Visconti Ripple - Peyton Street Pens
Sailor Professional Gear A-Mode - Rakuten
Sailor Susutake Bamboo - Aesthetic Bay
Sailor Nagahara Retirement Commemorative Takenuri Pen - Leigh Reyes
Ian’s samourai pen stands (photo)
Pencil to commemorate coronation of King Edward VIII (later Duke of Windsor) - National Trust Collections
Nakaya Decapod Aka-Tamenuri (photo)
Lamy Blue - The Pen Addict
ST Dupont Royal Blue - Fountain Pen Network
Montblanc Leo Tolstoy Sky Blue - Gourmet Pens
Montblanc UNICEF Turquoise - Well Appointed Desk
Conway Stewart The Churchill Casein
Ian’s pen storage boxes (photo)
1:01:27—Thanks and Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Sharyn Zha.
Recording and editing: Diana Dai.
Special thanks: Ian Reid, Max Schumacher, Alisdair Daws and Mel Sanders.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
Saturday Aug 11, 2018
Saturday Aug 11, 2018
Days out from the very first Sydney Pen Show, Chuck and Diana sit down with the event organisers, Mark Hopson and Sophia Le, to chat about the adventure that was turning this dream into a reality.
The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania
You can always email us at thenibsection@gmail.com
Go like us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
The hosts were Chuck (@entree3000_), Diana (@thegrynne), Mark (@_markshopson) and Sophia (@eskimosoap).
FORMAT
00:50—What We Are Writing With
Diana: ST Dupont Olympio Vertigo XL
Mark: Kaweco Al-Sport Gunmetal Grey w/ 14kt nib
Sophia: Traveler’s Company Fountain Pen
Chuck: Pilot E95S Burgundy
04:44—Reviews
The podcast review compiler mentioned but not named is My Podcast Reviews.
07:40—Interview: Mark and Sophia
Australian National Maritime Museum
Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation
Robert Oster Signature Sydney Pen Show 2018 Lavender
Sydney Pen Show 2018 Pen Hoodies
47:00—Recommendations
Below the Heavens, Blue & Exile - Amazon
51:50—Thanks and Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano.
Recording and editing: Diana Dai.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
Friday Aug 03, 2018
Friday Aug 03, 2018
Five hosts, some new and some returning, break down their favourite online and b&m pen retailers.
The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania
You can always email us at thenibsection@gmail.com
Go like us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
The hosts were Chuck (@entree3000_), Sharyn (@sharynzha), Brian (@briansaputro), Jon (@thebeautifulbrain) and Hayden (@strolling.sydney).
FORMAT
01:28—What We Are Writing With
Chuck: Sailor x Classic Pens Realo w/ Diamine Twilight
Brian: Namiki Nippon Art Origami Penguin w/ Sailor Nioi Sumire
Jon: Montblanc 90th Anniversary Guilloche 146 EF and Sailor Pro Gear Hummingbird with Raden
Sharyn: Pelikan M400 White Tortoise
Hayden: Parker Striped Duofold Major “Dusty Red” w/ J. Herbin Vert Empire
03:27—Top online retailers
Sharyn
- Pen Classics NZ
- Overjoyed
- Peter’s of Kensington
- Pen Chalet
- Rakuten - in particular Pent
Brian
Hayden
- Pensive Pens
- Goulet Pens
- My Hearty Timber Box
- Milligram, formerly NoteMaker
- Peter’s of Kensington
Jon
- Fountain Pen Network Classifieds
- Classic Pens (Nibs.com)
- Bookbinders Online
- Goulet Pens
- La Couronne du Comte
Chuck
- Rakuten
- Classic Pens (Nibs.com)
- Milligram, formerly Notemaker
- Bookbinders Online
- Goulet Pens
Overall
- Goulet Pens, Bookbinders Online (tied)
- Rakuten, Classic Pens (tied)
- Pen Classics NZ, Pensive Pens, Cerisiers Japonais, Milligram, FPN (tied)
27:12—Honourable mentions
28:37—Top brick and mortar retailers
Hayden
- Dymocks Stationery, Sydney CBD
- Milligram, Melbourne Central
- Bespoke Letterpress, Bowral
- Bookbinders Online, Brisbane
- Peter’s of Kensington, Kensington and Paper2, Surry Hills (closed)
Jon
- Aesthetic Bay, Singapore
- PenUltimate, Sydney Chifley Plaza
- Dymocks Stationery, Sydney CBD
- Peter’s of Kensington, Kensington
- Kinokuniya, Sydney
Brian
- Kingdom Note, Tokyo
- Bungubox, Omote-sando
- Sekaido, Shinjuku
- G. Itoya, Ginza
- Peter’s of Kensington, Kensington and Dymocks Stationery, Sydney CBD
Sharyn
- Bungubox, Omote-sando
- Nagasawa Umeda, Osaka and Nagasawa Penstyle Den, Kobe
- Aesthetic Bay, Singapore
- Milligram, Melbourne Central
- Dymocks Stationery, Sydney CBD
Chuck
- Kinokuniya, Sydney
- Dymocks Stationery, Sydney CBD
- Wonder Pens, Toronto
- G. Itoya, Ginza
- Officeworks
Overall
- Dymocks Stationery, Sydney CBD
- Bungubox, Omote-sando
- Aesthetic Bay, Singapore
51:39—Special mentions
Oscar Braun Pens
56:57—Recommendations
It Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)
Getting a blood test if you’re over 25
Getting lost when travelling in a foreign country
Act III, Scene I, La Clairiere 90x90 carré by Hermès
1:02:59—Thanks and Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Sharyn Zha.
Recording and editing: Diana Dai.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
Friday Jul 20, 2018
Friday Jul 20, 2018
We’re celebrating the one year anniversary of the Nib Section by answering all your questions about pens, ink, and Chuck’s love life. We look back on our personal favourite TNS episodes we’ve done so far, and offer tips for visitors to the inaugural Sydney Pen Show next month.
The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania
You can always email us at thenibsection@gmail.com
Go like us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
The hosts were Chuck (@entree3000_), Sharyn (@sharynzha), and Diana (@thegrynne).
FORMAT
02:08—What We Are Writing With
Diana: Montblanc 90th Anniversary Meisterstuck 146 EF
Sharyn: Pelikan M400 White Tortoise EF
Chuck: Nakaya Decapod Aka-tamenuri MS
07:00—Mailbag
Episode 12 - We Can't All Be Montblanc, Some Of Us Are Lego
Pelikan M600 Pink - The Pen Addict
18:34—One year of TNS
Episode 6 - Fountain Pen Inks 101
Episode 14 - Analog Strikes Back
Episode 13 - Try To Break This Pen...For Science
Episode 15 - Collectors Series Part 2: Handle Carefully Or Else It Explodes
Episode 17 - Buy Now, Regret Later (Tokyo Edition)
How to Write Letters: A 19th-Century Guide to the Lost Art of Epistolary Etiquette
37:35—More Q&A
Sydney Pen Show (FB, IG)
Tickets for the Sydney Pen Show + Workshops - Eventbrite
Liz Steel (@lizsteelart)
Moya (@moyagraphy)
Susan Tyler (@suespense)
Midori MD 10th Anniversary Storyboard Edition - Bookbinders Online
Midori MD A5 Leather Notebook Cover - Bookbinders Online
Rhodia Webnotenook - Milligram
Pilot Custom 823 Amber - Goulet Pens
Pilot Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo - Goulet Pens
ST Dupont Olympio Vertigo XL EF
Pelikan M450 Vermeil and Tortoiseshell - The Teeritz Agenda
Aurora Blue - The Writing Desk
Opus 88 Koloro - Pen Classics NZ
Opus 88 Demonstrator - Pen Classics NZ
Primer on the Opus 88 Eyedropper-Filled Mechanism
Omas Ogiva Cocktail Vodka Lemon - Chatterley Luxuries
Nakaya Chinkin Palmet Coloured Powders
Lamy Safari Yellow - Milligram
ST Dupont Phoenix Renaissance - La Couronne du Comte
Sailor Profit 1911 Large - Pen Chalet
Lamy Emporium - Peters of Kensington
1:08:40—Recommendations
Viberg Boot Colour 8 Chromexcel
Theronathon! - A journey through the career of Charlize Theron
1:14:24—Thanks and Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Sharyn Zha.
Recording and editing: Diana Dai.
Special thanks to Rene Versteegh of Pen Classics NZ for his help with the question on the Opus 88s, as well as Tav, Ruben and Ben for the a cappella musical intro.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
Friday Jul 06, 2018
Friday Jul 06, 2018
TNS is going off-brand this episode as we take a look at the ballpoints that we use and love. We also discuss how fountain pen evangelists and intractable ballpoint users can coexist in harmony.
The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania
You can always email us at thenibsection@gmail.com
Go like us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
The hosts were Chuck (@entree3000_), Sharyn (@sharynzha), Diana (@thegrynne) and Ruben (@sirscribe).
FORMAT
02:05—What We Are Writing With
Chuck: Pilot FriXion Clicker
Sharyn: Lamy Linea and Parker Sonnet BP
Ruben: Aurora Optima Brown Auroloide w/ Edelstein Smoky Quartz
Diana: Parker Jotter
08:43—Mailbag
11:46—Ballpoints, maligned but not forgotten
Caran d’Ache 849 Claudio Colluci BP
Pilot FriXion Erasable Pens - JetPens
Leo Fok @inquisitivequill
Iroshizuku Fuyu-syogun - Bookbinders Online
Lamy Safari Yellow - Milligram
33:30—News
Send your questions for our Anniversary Q&A episode to thenibsection@gmail.com
Don’t forget to register for the Pelikan Hubs 2018
35:15—Antipathy against ballpoints and ballpoint users
Observations of Elitism in the Pen Community - Karas Kustoms Blog
Nakaya Naka-ai Ballpen - Nibs.com
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Marker
It’s “oxidation”
Allan Visses @allanvisses
Traci Thompson @tmtcalligraphy
56:20—Recommendations
Alien Weaponry, Tū
Samurai Champloo on Netflix
1:04:10—Thanks and Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Sharyn Zha.
Recording and editing: Diana Dai.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
Friday Jun 22, 2018
Friday Jun 22, 2018
It's just Diana this week with guest host Ruben discussing the evolution of handwriting across time and space, the inevitability of change, and how cursive may yet survive in today’s digital-centric world.
The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania
You can always email us at thenibsection@gmail.com
Go like us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
The hosts were Diana (@thegrynne) and Ruben (@sirscribe).
FORMAT
00:20—Introducing our guest host
Episode 3 - Handwriting and the Art of Calligraphy
Ruben is Scribe Life on YouTube
04:33—What We Are Writing With
Ruben: Sheaffer Triumph with Grey Striated Celluloid
Diana: Pilot Vanishing Point Sunset Blue LE
05:56—Mailbag
06:19—Changes in writing and writing tools
The History and Uncertain Future of Handwriting, by Anne Trubek
Debate on traditional and simplified Chinese characters
Correction: there is also “Roman cursive”, which we discovered after recording the episode (ops!)
How the Ballpoint Pen Killed Cursive (The Atlantic, 28 Aug 2015)
29:35—News
Send your questions for our Anniversary Q&A episode to thenibsection@gmail.com
Buy tickets to the Sydney Pen Show
Episode 8.5 - Melbourne Pen Show 2017
36:38—What is the future of handwriting?
How and Why to Improve Your Cursive Penmanship
The comeback of cursive (The Economist, 6th Sept 2016)
1:05:37—Recommendations
Annihilation (2018)
The Rider (2017)
1:10:38—Thanks and Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Sharyn Zha.
Recording and editing: Diana Dai.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
Thursday Jun 07, 2018
Thursday Jun 07, 2018
The hosts delve deep into their souls and their wallets to examine the question of worth. What do we mean when we say a pen is “worth it”? What is our ceiling when it comes to spending money on a fountain pen? And isn’t it all subjective anyway?
The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania
You can always email us at thenibsection@gmail.com
Go like us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
The hosts were Chuck (@entree3000_), Brian (@briansaputro), Sharyn (@sharynzha) and Diana (@thegrynne).
FORMAT
00:42—What We Are Writing With
Diana: Pilot Custom Heritage 743 Burgundy Fine
Sharyn: Sailor Pro Gear Realo Precious Aquamarine
Brian: Sailor Maki-e Carp Nagahara Cross Concord
Chuck: Lamy 2000 BB
04:08—Mailbag
04:50—Are fountain pens (in general) worth it?
10:01—How we decide if a particular pen is worth the price?
Episode 8 - Holiday Gift Guide 2018
ST Dupont Stones Fortune L'Aquart Amethyst Limited Edition 88 Fountain Pen
The Rational Animal: How Evolution Made Us Smarter Than We Think, by Douglas T. Kendrick and Vladas Griskevicius
34:40—Buying and selling fountain pens
Parker Vacumatic Maxima Double Jewel
43:35—Buying from brick and mortar stores
Graf von Faber-Castell Classic Pernambuco
Episode 19 - Treat It Like Your Would Your Grandma; Collectors Series Part 3
54:50—Recommendations
59:15—Thanks and Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Sharyn Zha, Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Recording and editing: Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
Friday May 25, 2018
Friday May 25, 2018
This episode, the hosts are here to talk pen body materials. What will be their top pick? Will it be acrylic? Metal? Celluloid? Place your bets and grab some popcorn, because there can only be one winner!
The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania
You can always email us at thenibsection@gmail.com
Go like us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
The hosts were Chuck (@entree3000_), Max (@maxschumacher98), Brian (@briansaputro) and Sharyn (@sharynzha).
FORMAT
01:00—What We Are Writing With
Max: Wyvern #7 with an Onoto nib
Sharyn: Sailor Profit 1911 Aquamarine Naginata-Medium
Brian: Pilot Maki-e “Golden Sakura”?
Chuck: Parker Vacumatic Maxima Golden Pearl
03:18—Mailbag
05:54—Acrylics
Sheaffer Balance 875 Tigers Eye
Omas Arlecchino “Harlequin” celluloid
13:15—Celluloid
Omas Ogiva Cocktail Vodka Lemon
Montegrappa, how celluloid is made
Episode 15 - “Handle Carefully Or Else It Explodes”
23:17—Ebonite
24:55—What’s so precious about Montblanc “Precious Resin”?
26:54—Metal, wood and other exotic materials
Graf von Faber-Castell POTY 2004 "Amber"
Graf von Faber-Castell POTY 2009 "Horsehair"
Nakaya Kago-amime “basket mesh”
41:50—Why do some brands specialise in a certain production process?
45:38—Host’s pick
49:56—News
50:27—Recommendations
Royce Nama Chocolate with Maccha
54:47—Thanks and Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Max Schumacher, Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Recording and editing: Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
Friday May 11, 2018
Friday May 11, 2018
We’re back with an extra-long episode all about ye ole pens of yore. Join Chuck, Tav, Barry and Max as they discuss how to buy, use, and repair vintage pens. Then Sharyn brings us a Collectors Series interview with Kosta Kamboukos and David van Cuylenburg, two vintage pen collectors from Melbourne.
The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania.
You can always email us at thenibsection@gmail.com
Go like us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
The hosts were Chuck (@entree3000_), Tav (@nunc_est_scribendi), Max (@maxschumacher98) and Barry. The interviewer was Sharyn Zha (@sharynzha).
FORMAT
01:20—What We Are Writing With
Barry: 1924 Parker Duofold Jr Italic
Tav: Sheaffer Targa Slim M w/ Sheaffer Black
Max: Sheaffer Imperial IV B w/ Aurora Blue, and Parker 45 Insignia M w/ Aurora Black
Chuck: Franklin-Christoph 20 Maya Blue EF SIG
02:55—Mailbag
06:12—Buying and using vintage pens
The big 4: Parker, Sheaffer, Waterman and Wahl-Eversharp
17:53—What appeals to you about vintage pens?
24:36—Collectors Series Part 3: Kosta Kamboukos and David van Cuylenburg
Tokyo International Pen Show 2018 (Sep 29-30) at Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial and Trade Center Taito Hall 7th Floor in Taitou-ku
Pen Collectors of Melbourne (David)
Melbourne Vintage Pens (John Di Blasi)
Gopens.com (Garry Lehrer)
Jake’s Pens (Jake Leventhal)
Penamie (Brian Toynton)
Fountain Pen Hospital (Ed Fingerman)
Classic Fountain Pens (John Mottishaw)
Mike it Work! (Mike Masuyama)
The Nibsmith (Dan Smith)
Novelli (Marco Parascenzo)
“Arco Brown” Optima by Newton Pens
@quillidyllic (Nick Gold)
Fountain Pens of the World, by Andreas Lambrou
Waterman 420 eyedropper-fill in Cardinal Hard Rubber with Sterling Silver “Filigree” overlay (catalog 86)
Kosta: Pilot Decimo EF w/ Namiki Black, and Otto Hutt Design 4 rounded-nose cursive italic w/Sheaffer Skrip Red
David: Sheaffer PFM
1:06:52—Repairs and restoration
Richard Binder Repairer’s Corner
David Nishimura’s recommendations for repair/restoration services
Fountain Pens: The Complete Guide to Repair & Restoration, by Frank Dubiel
Mike Masuyama at Mike It Work!
David Nishimura at the Vintage Pen Website
Oscar Rodriguez the Penthusiast
@paperwantsapen (Stacy Hills)
PenBookmarks page on repairs and pen-making
1:17:50—Recommendations
Blackwing 602
1920s Parker Duofold
Chuck’s Benedict™
Keffir with cereal
1:21:55—Thanks and Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Sharyn Zha, Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Recording and editing: Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Special thanks to David and Kosta.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.