Roundtable discussion podcast about fountain pens, ink and the people who go crazy for them, from Fountain Pens Oceania. New episodes every fortnight.
Episodes
Thursday Apr 26, 2018
Thursday Apr 26, 2018
This episode Tav and Angela review the Regalia Writing Labs Trilogy Nib and compare it to the Sailor Nagahara King Eagle, and then Diana chats with Brian Saputro about how the monthly Sydney fountain pen meetups got started.
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.
Featured in this episode are Tav (@nunc_est_scribendi), Angela (@crafty_rufus_), Brian (@briansaputro), and Diana (@thegrynne).
FORMAT
03:10—Review: Regalia Writing Labs Trilogy Nib
Ralph Reyes aka Regalia Writing Labs
Episode 13 - Try To Break This Pen...For Science
Angela’s photos of the Trilogy and King Eagle (1, 2, 3)
23:33—Interview: Brian Saputro and the Sydney FPO Meet-ups
Brian was previously a guest on Episode 16 - Paint with All the Colours of the Wind and Episode 7 - QC Controversies
Mark Hopson (@_markhopson) and Jonathan Teo (@the_beautiful_brain)
40:44—Thanks and Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Taveet Sinanian, Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Recording and editing: Taveet Sinanian, Diana Dai, Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
Friday Apr 13, 2018
Friday Apr 13, 2018
Taking over the microphone this episode are Sharyn and Leo, both freshly back from vacation and here to provide you with the Definitive (!!!) Pen-Lover’s Travel Guide to Japan.
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 Sharyn (@sharynzha) and Leo (@inquisitivequill).
FORMAT
01:14—Japan Pen Fairs 2018
Leo Travels: Tokyo Pen Extravaganza (2017)
Maruzen Nihonbashi World of Fountain Pen (7-13 March)
Mitsukoshi Fountain Pens of the World Festival (14-19 March)
09:07—Special Japan Edition Pens and Inks
21:56—Places to Visit
Shinjuku
Ginza
Shibuya
Nihonbashi
Kansai
49:27—What We Are Writing With
Sharyn: Mitsukoshi Platinum 3776 2018 “Kanzemizu” Limited Edition (Medium nib)
Leo: Aurora Sun Moon Lake silver trim Optima Limited Edition (BB, almost italic) (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
51:03—Recommendations
Leo: BUY ALL THE THINGS IN JAPAN
Sharyn: MinaLima
Thanks and Credits
Producers: Sharyn Zha, Diana Dai, Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Recording and editing: Leo Fok, Denise Tang.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
Wednesday Mar 28, 2018
Wednesday Mar 28, 2018
Fountain pens are not just for writing with - we also use them for doodling, sketching, colouring-in, and all kinds of art-making. Chuck, Brian, Melissa and Diana discuss their own (mostly modest) creative attempts, while Diana sits down with the illustrious Liz Steel to chat about the urban sketching movement, working in line and wash, and why she loves sketching with fountain pens.
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 Montano (@entree3000_), Brian Saputro (@briansaputro), Melissa Graf (@grafrell) and Diana Dai (@thegrynne).
FORMAT
01:38—What We Are Writing With
Melissa: Pilot Vanishing Point Twilight
Brian: Sailor Sapporo Four Seasons Meigetsu Autumn Moon Ivory Lame
Diana: Graf von Faber-Castell Intuition Platino Ebony
Chuck: Conid Minimalistica
07:00—Art-Making with Fountain Pens
Cadmium: The rare paint pigment faces a Europe-wide ban and artists are seeing red
De Atramentis Permanent Document Inks
Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji
25:50 —Interview with Liz Steel
SketchingNow Watercolours Course
Danny Gregory's Everyday Matters
Urban Sketchers Facebook Group
Teoh Yi Chie on Youtube, Parkablogs and @parkablogs
@kiahkiean ("KK")
Daniel Smith Cerulean Blue (Chromium)
Liz's Lamy Joy and other sketching pens
Pilot Custom 742 FA (falcon) nib
Mixing colours with De Atramentis CMYK Permanent Document Inks
Sailor Storia Mixable Pigment Inks
Goulet Guests Spotlight on Liz Steel
Lost and found edges in watercolour
Fountain Pen Sketching Series at Liz’s blog
Goulet Pens’ Liz Steel Package Set
01:10:00 —Recommendations
SquarePeg Studios Jewellery Courses
01:14:00 —Thanks and Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Recording and editing: Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Special thanks to Liz Steel for talking to us.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
Tuesday Mar 13, 2018
Tuesday Mar 13, 2018
Continuing with our series of interviews with fountain pen collectors, Sharyn and Diana sat down with Costa for a dive deep into his single-brand obsession: OMAS.
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 Sharyn Zha (@sharynzha) and Diana Dai (@thegrynne), with special guest Costa Koutsis.
FORMAT
01:17—Interview with Costa Koutsis
Joon Pens (closed)
Visit our Facebook photo album to see photos of some of the OMAS pens we mention in this episode.
32:34—Thanks and Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Sharyn Zha, Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Recording and editing: Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Special thanks to Costa Koutsis for talking to us.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
Tuesday Feb 27, 2018
Tuesday Feb 27, 2018
Which is better: analog or digital? Our hosts, along with special guest Joanne, weigh in on the debate, while Sophia speaks to former optometrist Jenny Saunders about the health benefits of taking it slow and writing by hand.
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 Montano (@entree3000_), Sharyn Zha (@sharynzha) and Diana Dai (@thegrynne), with special guest, Joanne Pham (@the.waffle.enthusiast).
FORMAT
02:10—What We Are Writing With
Diana: Sailor King of Pen Profit Ebonite w/ Nagahara King Eagle 21kt
Chuck: Classic Fountain Pens 22nd Anniversary Sailor Pro Gear Realo Yellow and Black Limited Edition w/ Masuyama rounded-nose cursive italic
Sharyn: Pilot Vanishing Point 2014 Copper Limited Edition w/ M architect
Joanne: Pilot Custom 92 w/ B stub
Visit our Facebook or Instagram for photos of What We Are Writing With.
06:05—Handwriting and memory retention
11:44—Blending digital and analog tools
28:50—Interview: Jenny Saunders on the health benefits of analog tools
Jen is owner of LarryPOST
TNS Episode 8 - Holiday Gift Guide 2017, LarryPOST
53:45—Recommendations
Jazz Liberatorz, “Clin d’oeil”
Arnott’s Milk Arrowroot sandwich with pomegranate turkish delight
The anti-rec: weak almond latte with honey
59:05—Thanks and Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Sophia Le, Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Recording and editing: Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Special thanks to Jenny Saunders and Alisdair Daws.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
Wednesday Feb 14, 2018
Wednesday Feb 14, 2018
Diana talks with Tav and special guest, Ralph from BYOB Pen Club, about nib grinding and modifications, how they each got into nib work, and what it takes to be worthy of the title “nibmeister”. They also discuss fountain pen customisation and DIY in general.
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 Dai and Taveet Sinanian (@nunc_est_scribendi), with special guest, Ralph Reyes (@reachingralph).
FORMAT
01:45—What We Are Writing With
Ralph: Red Dragon Pen Co Prototype w/ Richard Binder 2° Left Oblique Professional Italic grind
Tav: Lotus Shikhar B and Lotus “Duofold” B
Diana: ST Dupont Olympio Vertigo XL Stub
Visit our Facebook or Instagram for photos of What We Are Writing With.
05:36—Mailbag/Reviews
If you want to make your podcasters happy, leave us a comment or review on our iTunes, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
07:25—Japanese pen companies and the US market redux
16:10—Interview: Ralph Reyes
Ralph’s IG: @reachingralph
Regalia Writing Lab Trilogy Nib
Regalia Writing Lab Steel Flex Nib
Sailor Specialty Nibs including Nagahara King Eagle Concord
@penproclivities (John Lim)
Sailor Nagahara Cross Concord Emperor
1:04:07—Customisation, Modification, and DIY
Grinding Your Own Nibs - Ludwig Tan
1:23:45—Recommendations
The Lettering Tribe Calligraphy Kit
1:29:24—Thanks and Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Taveet Sinanian, Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Recording and editing: Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Special thanks to Ralph Reyes.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
Tuesday Jan 30, 2018
Tuesday Jan 30, 2018
The hosts look at fountain pen marketing in the present day: who does it well, why it’s mostly word of mouth, Conid’s marketing misstep, and what puts Montblanc in a class of its own.
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 Montano, Sharyn Zha, Sophia Le, Mark Hopson, and Diana Dai.
FORMAT
01:00—What We Are Writing With
Chuck: Pilot 823 clear
Sharyn: Pelikan M605 White Stripe M, Graf von Faber-Castell Annello Titanium
Sophia: Graf von Faber-Castell Classic Pernambuco
Mark: Sheaffer Targa vintage
Visit our Facebook or Instagram for photos of What We Are Writing With.
04:18—Mailbag/Reviews
Pjotr Spica Virginis Fountain Pen (3D Print - Limited Edition)
If you want to make your podcasters happy, leave us a comment or review on our iTunes, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
06:14—The presence of the Japanese Big 3 in US market
08:12—Branding and marketing
17:47—The secret of Montblanc’s success
Montblanc On How To Be A Luxury Brand For Many (interview with Montblanc CEO Lutz Bethge)
Marketing Lessons from Montblanc
25:26—Reaching customers, tastemakers
Sharyn's Lamy AL-Star print ad from 2008
Leo Fok’s photos of the Pilot Custom Urushi
32:56—Recommendations
Touloulou Bondamanjak French Creole Chili Sauce
38:21—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.
Tuesday Jan 16, 2018
Tuesday Jan 16, 2018
We’re back! Kicking off the new year with the start of a new series of interviews with fountain pen collectors (loosely defined). We’ll delve into their habits, the histories of their collections, try to work out if there is method to the madness. All in pursuit of an answer to the eternal question: Can users and collectors peacefully co-exist?
The first guest for the Collectors Series is Mr. Nicholas Gold. Keep an eye out for further interviews in the series as we head into the 2018.
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 Montano, Christina Kowalin and Aidan O’Brien. The guest was Nicholas Gold.
FORMAT
00:55—What We Are Writing With
Christina: Visconti Homo Sapiens Dark Age, Pilot Vanishing Point Matte Black, Pilot Custom Heritage 92
Aidan: Visconti Homo Sapiens Caput Mundi, Pelikan M805 Stresemann
Chuck: Pilot Custom Heritage 92
Visit our Facebook or Instagram for photos of What We Are Writing With.
02:11—Mailbag/Reviews
If you want to make your podcasters happy, leave us a comment or review on our iTunes, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
03:33—Choose Your Side: Users vs Collectors
An inspiration for the series, though not mentioned in the episode, was Ed Jelley’s blog post: Bloggers Weigh In: Collecting Fountain Pens vs Using Fountain Pens.
09:23—Interview: Nicholas Gold
Montblanc Hemingway Writers Edition
Pictures of Nicholas' fountain pens, including the stunning OMAS celluloids
Sydney Pen Show
CalliCon 2017
Col-o-ring Ink Testing Book
Field Notes
OMAS 360 Arco Bronze
John Mottishaw
Pilot Vanishing Point Raden Minamo “Water Surface”
Sailor Profit 1911 Large Aqua Blue
Montblanc Meisterstuck 146 90th Anniversary
Nicholas’ blog: Quillidyllic
IG: @quillidyllic
Twitter: @youstruckgold
54:07—News
Pelikan Edelstein Ink of the Year Olivine
Platinum 3776 Oshino
Unknown new Visconti Homo Sapiens model
55:18—Recommendations
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
Luxumbra
58:09—Thanks and Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Sharyn Zha, Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Recording and editing: Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Special thanks to Nicholas Gold.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
Monday Dec 18, 2017
Monday Dec 18, 2017
It’s time to finish up the year (and celebrate our 5-month anniversary) by answering your lingering questions and reminisce on the events of 2017. The hosts also discuss what paper planners they’ll be using in the new year, and Diana hints at what’s to come on the podcast.
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 our Instagram
Twitter: @thenibsection
The hosts were Chuck Montano, Max Schumacher, Sharyn Zha, Patrick Antolovich and Diana Dai.
FORMAT
00:40—What We Are Writing With
Sharyn: ST Dupont Fidelio Interentielle
Max: Pilot Custom Heritage 92 MF Cursive Italic, Sailor Yama-dori
Patrick: Lamy Vista 1.1mm, Lamy Neon Coral
Chuck: Omas Ogiva Vodka Lemon, Akkerman Dutch Masters 03
05:45—Mailbag/Reviews
08:00—Memorable Moments of 2017
13:10—Q&A
- How to convert non-FP users
- Reactions to ‘fancy pens’
- Buyer’s remorse
- Top 5 inks
- What makes a vintage pen?
- Pilot 100th anniversary
- Best ‘cheapies’
- Matching ink to pens
Sharyn: Montblanc Saint-Exupery Encre du Desert, Sailor Mitsukoshi Hana-Hiraku (discontinued), Sailor Tokiwa-Matsu, Monteverde Olivine, Sailor Kobe #17 Shioya Blue
Max: Diamine Autumn Oak, Sailor Yama-dori, Sailor Souten, Aurora Blue, Caran d’Ache Vibrant Green
Patrick: Diamine Steel Blue, Edelstein Tanzanite, Montblanc BMW Blue, Kaweco Red, Bookbinders Red Belly Black (discontinued)
Chuck: Akkerman Dutch Masters 03 Gele Oker van Frans "French Yellow Ochre”, Iroshizuku Syo-ro
34:43—Planning and Goals
40:20—Coming Soon in 2018 on the Nib Section
Aussie fountain pen ink makers: Robert Oster Signature, Bookbinders Snake Ink (sadly discontinued), Toucan, Van Diemans, Blackstone.
If you have any suggestions for future episodes, write to us!
43:36—Recommendations
Rintattoo (Rin Lu)
Max wants you to learn a hands-on skill
Big Mouth on Netflex
American Vandal on Netflix
46:39—Thanks and Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Recording and editing: Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
Wednesday Dec 06, 2017
Wednesday Dec 06, 2017
Our hosts tackle your questions about fountain pen nibs - what they are, what we love about them, and why they (sometimes) give us so much trouble.
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! www.facebook.com/TheNibSection/
Twitter: @thenibsection
Instagram: thenibsection
The hosts were Diana Dai, Taveet Sinanian, Sharyn Zha and Patrick Antolovich.
FORMAT
02:12—What We Are Writing With
Tav: Visconti Homosapiens Dark Ages, Edelstein Smokey Quartz
Sharyn: Caran d’Ache Hexagonal Carbon Fibre, Sailor Penlux Cobalt Blue
Patrick: Lamy Joy 1.9mm, Bookbinders Red Belly Black
Diana: Aurora Optima Black Pearl EF, Kobe Tao Black
08:27—The Basics
Nib shapes, materials, and the grinds they come in, both the mundane and the exotic.
Resources:
- Pictures and writing sample of a Spors glass-nibbed pen at Leigh Reyes’ blog.
- Sailor Specialty Nibs reference page at Nibs.com.
- Teoh also has great reviews and photos of Sailor specialty nibs at ParkaBlogs.
- Mike Matteson also has a YouTube video that provides a good overview of the different nib grinds.
36:55—Reviews/Mailbag
38:52—Let’s Talk About Flex, Baby!
A reminder to flex with caution!
David Nishimura’s posts on nibs at The Vintage Pens Blog
47:47—News
TNS now has an Instagram
49:16—Nib FAQs
- How would you make a nib wetter or dryer? (Quentin)
- Are there people who can retip nibs? (Maria)
- Have you used any of the Sailor specialty nibs? How easily can we get our hands on them? (Maria)
- Is the cost of warranty the only thing stopping modern penmakers from making vintage wet noodle nibs? (David Brennan)
- Which companies should you try before you buy due to QC issues? (Sunelle)
- Which non-branded nibs would you recommended? And which pens can you swap out the nibs on? (Sunelle)
Goldnibs.com and Greg Minuskin can retip a nib. Despite the mention in the episode, it appears that John Mottishaw no longer offers retipping services over at Classic Fountain Pens.
The Desiderata Pen Company make hand-turned pens that will take a calligraphy dip nib.
1:01:26—Recommendations
1:15:24—Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Taveet Sinanian, Max Schumacher, Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Recording and editing: Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.