Roundtable discussion podcast about fountain pens, ink and the people who go crazy for them, from Fountain Pens Oceania. New episodes every fortnight.
Episodes
Saturday Dec 02, 2017
Saturday Dec 02, 2017
In a special bonus episode of the podcast, Sophia and Mark bring you interviews with organisers, visitors, vendors, social media luminaries and everyone in between, direct from the Melbourne Pen Show 2017!
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
FORMAT
00:34—Melbourne Pen Show Organisers
Sophia chats with Max Braude, the 2017 Melbourne Pen Show organiser, and Marcus and Rebecca Lee-Steere, the husband and wife duo, members of the pen show organising committee.
14:35—Sally Siderio
Sally is President of the Calligraphy Society of Victoria.
18:41—Moya Carroll
Organiser of CalliCon 2017 (Calligraphy Convention) Melbourne, the first festival devoted to calligraphy. Moya is moyagraphy on Instagram.
21:13—Constance and Candace
Constance Wiebrands is at Flexnib and Flexnib blog. Candace is Pensivecandy on Instagram.
31:08—Nicholas Gold
Quillidyllic and the Quillidyllic blog.
33:52—Yagan Kiely
Co-founder of Fountain Pens Australia, Yagan also blogs at Macchiato Man.
36:10—Vendors
Vintage pen dealer Bernie Sweet, James Finniss of Pensive Pens, Debbie from Melbourne Pen Depot, and Tingo Ting of My Hearty Tingo Box.
45:14—Showgoers
Alasdair Daws (VIC), Tom May (VIC), Cassie Rogers (SA), Grant (NSW) and Lou.
54:08—Credits
Producers: Sophia Le, Mark Hopson, Diana Dai.
Recording and editing: Mark Hopson, Sophia Le, Denise Tang.
Special thanks this episode go to everyone at the MPS who took the time to chat to us.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
Tuesday Nov 21, 2017
Tuesday Nov 21, 2017
Just in the nick of time for the holidays, our hosts offer their gift recommendations for all those special people in your lives, and Sophia brings us an interview with the owner of the Australian pen and stationery retailer, LarryPOST.
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
The hosts were Chuck Montano, Max Schumacher, Sharyn Zha, Patrick Antolovich and Diana Dai. Jenny Saunders was interviewed by Sophia Le.
FORMAT
01:26—What We Are Writing With
Diana: Pilot Custom 845, Diamine Schubert
Patrick: Omas Milord, Montblanc BMW Blue
Sharyn: Sailor Pent Professional Gear Realo Precious Aquamarine, Sailor Kobe #2
Max: Lamy 2000, Aurora Black
Chuck: Nakaya Naka-ai Polished Shu, Iroshizuku Yama-budo
Photos of the pens up on Facebook.
10:57—Mailbag/Reviews
14:40—Interview with Jenny Saunders of LarryPOST
Sophia Le interviews the owner and head pen specialist of LarryPOST, Jenny Saunders, to chat about why she started her business, how the Australian pen market has changed over the last 7 years, and also to get her gift recommendations for the coming holiday season.
LarryPOST offers some unique services, including a custom embossing service, a loaner pens initiative, ink samples, and paper samples.
For newcomers: Pilot MR (Metropolitan) or Faber-Castell
For experts: Pilot Justus or Graf von Faber-Castell
For kids: Pelikan Twist or TWSBI
For artists: De Atramentis Waterproof Document Inks
For minimalist planners: Leuchtturm1917 A5 hardcover
Sophia’s hoping for a GvFC Classic Pernambuco this Christmas. *hint hint*
For even more recommendations, take a look at LarryPOST’s shopping guides
31:25—News
32:59—Holiday Gift Guide 2017
Fountain Pen Beginner
- Pilot MR/Metropolitan, Diamine Music Set and Flower Set
- Platinum Preppy, Pelikan Souveran M200 gift set
- Jinhao, Caran d’Ache 849 fountain pen
- Lamy Vista, Pilot Prera, Faber-Castell Ambition
- Lamy Safari (yellow), Rhodia Seyes ruled pad
Fountain Pen Expert
- J. Herbin 1798 Amethyste de l'Oural, Franklin Christoph Penvelope, Dudek Pen Stand
- Lamy Joy calligraphy set, any limited edition fountain pen to their taste
- Midori MD notebook, Nagasawa kip leather single pen sleeve
- Corbo pen case, Kingdom Note pen display cases
- Pelikan 3-pen pouch, leather cover for notebook (check out Etsy)
Children/Young Adults
- Pilot Kakuno
- Sailor Hello Kitty LE ProGear Mini (lol)
- Pilot Petit (also available in brush pens)
- Pelikan Pelikano, Pelikan Twist, Lamy Aion
- Pilot MR/Metropolitan, Pilot Maki-e Fountain Pen
Minimalist Planner
- Taroko Enigma, Caran d’Ache Leman A5 notebook cover
- Hobonichi Planner, Kaweco Sport and the Hobonichi User Group (Australia)
- Pelikan M205 highlighter
- Hobonichi Weeks, book darts
- Field Notes Resolution Edition, Roterfaden
Artist/Creative Journaller
- Robert Oster ink sets, Platinum Maki-e brush pen
- Sailor Profit 1911 or Professional Gear Realo, with 21kt H-FM or H-M nib
- Pilot Parallel, Finetec watercolours, Kuretake Gansai Tambi
- Dip pens, glass pens, Robert Oster Entire Collection Ink Pack
- Custom watercolour pan set, Stillman & Birn art journal
Self-gifting
- Omas Ogiva Cocktail Series
- Italix Parson’s Essential, Richard Mille RMS05
- Midori MD leather notebook cover, and handwritten notes
- Pilot Custom Urushi
- Custom pen sleeve, Visconti Corsani The Octa90nal
Check out the Pen Addict for more gift ideas.
1:12:20—Recommendations
Call Me By Your Name soundtrack
Love on Netflix
1:17:29—Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Sophia Le, Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Recording and editing: Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Special thanks this episode go to Jenny Saunders of LarryPOST for speaking to us.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
Tuesday Nov 07, 2017
Tuesday Nov 07, 2017
This miniature episode of The Nib Section covers the news from around the Fountain Pen world with Max Schumacher. From exciting new pens to tragically* discontinued ink ranges, Max rounds up the info you need to know, in particular with the upcoming Melbourne Pen Show.
*”Tragic” according to producer Patrick Antolovich, an avid Red Belly Black user.
Max’s Pen: Pelikan M200 Café Crème, Broad Cursive Italic Nib, Montblanc Lucky Orange
Max’s Instagram
LINKS
Aurora Optima 365 Calendar/Special Blue
Tuesday Oct 24, 2017
Tuesday Oct 24, 2017
This Episode on The Nib Section, our panel travel down a darker path of fountain pen ownership: Quality Control. Hosts Chuck and Diana speak to a wide range of guests to discuss the relationship between creator and customer. Brian Saputro comes in to speak about the art of Japanese Laquer that has made manufacturer Nakaya so popular, coupled with Sharyn Zha, a well loved and respected member of the FPO, known for her various collections. After, the panel is joined by Aidan O’Brien, a FPO leader and collector of Visconti and TWSBI, ready to answer repeated claims that both Visconti and TWSBI are lacking in the QC department. Flanked on all sides with knowledge is returning guest Taveet, ready to explain all terms further.
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
Podbean: thenibsection.podbean.com/
The hosts were Chuck Montano, Diana Dai, Brian Saputro, Sharyn Zha, Aidan O'Brien and Taveet Sinanian.
FORMAT
00:19—Panel intro
What We Are Writing With:
– Chuck: Pro Gear Realo
– Diana: Pilot VP: Raden Minamo
– Sharyn: Montblanc Boheme Paso Doble Rouge
– Aidan: Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age
02:40—Tragedy Of Nakaya’s Success
The panel recollect the rise of Nakaya, a formerly very small team of Japanese artisan fountain pen makers, now much larger and more streamlined due to popular demand, and what that can mean for the loss of close attention to detail. Brian explains the artistry behind their processes, including his own endeavours into the world of Japanese Laquer.
There are at least three famous types of maki-e: Hira maki-e, which is a flat maki-e; Taka maki-e, where the design is firstly raised using sumiko, charcoal powder, followed by gold powder application; and Kaga maki-e which uses gold flakes or foils instead of powder.
Next, is the Raden, which involves the application of abalone shell or mother of pearl onto wet lacquer, whether it’s in the form of strips, flakes, or shapes.
Tamenuri, well, this is a bit less known i think. It literally translates to “pooling”. In lacquer-sense, this effect can be achieved by applying layers and layers of clear urushi, which is actually brown, on top of a coloured undercoat. However, this technique can be cheated by applying only a few layers of black urushi and sanding the corners down. Results won’t be the same, but from a distance it does.
Chinkin, is a peculiar one. It’s relatively new compared to the ones i mentioned before. This involves making incisions on cured urushi, applying maki-e to the incisions. This technique gives depth and perspective, depending on the artist’s design.
28:02—QC Woes of Visconti and TWSBI
Visconti is known as the pinnacle of Fountain Pen collection for many people. However, especially in Australia, it seems that it’s hard to come across a pen that doesn’t have a problem in some way. Aidan answers some questions about what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what you can do about it. Furthermore, TWSBI also is examined for potential QC issues.
– Visconti Service Address: service@visconti.it
54:44—Recommendations
– Sharyn: Planet Earth 2
– Diana: Wild Alaska, and an additional 40 hours of Planet Earth 2 footage
– Aidan: The Expanse
– Taveet: Penny Dreadful
– Chuck: Mister Lui
58:47—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 Oct 10, 2017
Tuesday Oct 10, 2017
The Nib Section delves into the deep and diverse world of inks, providing not only a starting point for the beginners in the scene, but also answering questions from viewers in regards to various ink myths and mysteries, as well as looking ahead for what might be next in the industry of ink manufacture.
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
The hosts were Chuck, Jean and Taveet with special guest Joanne Pham.
FORMAT
00:20—Panel intro
What We Are Writing With:
– Chuck: Pilot CH92 Orange Demonstrator
– Tav: Vintage Japanese “Woden”
– Joanne: Franklin Christoph Pocket
– Jean: Platinum Maki-e Kanazawa
03:22—News With Max
One of our producers, Max Schumacher, goes through some of the happenings within the fountain pen market, looking at newly announced pens and inks.
- Sailor Jentle NOT out discontinued, 4 new colours
- Platinum 3776 Century Nice Lavender
- Pelikan m805 Ocean Swirl
- Aurora 88 Minerali (Azurite)
- Fountain Pen Hospital announces Butterscotch Sailor 1911
- Visconti Homo Sapien Jade
08:18—The Basics
The hosts speak with Inksperts Tav and Joanne to find out some of the basic aspects of inks – what they’re made of, what each type of ink is and some of the science behind it.
19:45—The Deeper
Ever wondered what the most recently discovered shade of blue is? Joanne happens to know, and the panel delve into what’s been happening in the innovation and development of new and exciting colours, some of them even coming from spiders (arachnophobia warning).
For iron gall inks with lower iron content, that are less likely to cause blockages, try Pelikan 4001 Blue Black and the Platinum Classic series of inks. The usual precautions for iron gall inks (regular cleaning, avoid contact with metal parts) apply.
25:46—Ink FAQs
The panel answer questions from our audience:
- Are Iron-Gall inks safe in vintage pens?
- What inks will behave well in what pens?
- How do you keep ink in good condition?
- How do you clean ink-caked pens?
- Do shimmer inks clog pens?
- Does the Noodler’s Eel range lubricate Piston/Vac pens?
- How to remove ink from various surfaces?
- What is the most permanent ink?
- What makes an ink wet?
- What makes an in sheen?
- Worst or Best inksperience?
- What are your favourite Inks?
48:21 – Recommendations
From Jean: TV Show – Atypical
From everyone else: Sun protection!
50:18—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.
Originally published on October 10, 2017.
Tuesday Oct 10, 2017
Tuesday Oct 10, 2017
Our hosts recap the Sydney Pelikan Hub, and Diana interviews the Hub Master for Newcastle, Brendan Fraser.
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
The hosts were Chuck Montano, Jean Pearce, Christina Kowalin and Diana Dai.
FORMAT
00:20—Panel intro
What We Are Writing With:
Chrissy - Pelikan M805 Vibrant Blue
Jean - Sailor Sapppro (Pro Gear Slim) Starburst Galaxy
Chuck - Lamy Safari Yellow
01:55—Sydney Pelikan Hub Recap
If you want to see photos from Hubs around the world, check out the Pelkan Hubs social wall.
18:38—News
Pelikan new releases: M605 White Stripe and Maki-e Dragonfly.
The Reddit fountain pen ink, Diamine Earl Grey. Reviewed on FPN.
Penlux post about Sailor Four Seasons inks being discontinued.
What looks like the new Sailor inks, in 20ml bottles.
26:40—Interview with Brendan Gazzard, Newcastle Hub Master
Check out photos of the TN inserts Brendan had custom-made on our Facebook page.
Brendan’s IG: thewinehabit
47:39—Recommendations
Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles (and yeah yeah, we’re aware that Diana mistakenly called James Cameron “Ridley Scott” throughout this entire section)
53:50—Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Max Schumacher, Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Recording and editing: Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Special thanks this episode go to Brendan Gazzard for taking the time to speak to us this episode.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
(This is a re-upload of Episode 5 - originally uploaded 26/09/17)
Tuesday Oct 10, 2017
Tuesday Oct 10, 2017
In a special preview episode for the 2017 Pelikan Hubs, Diana interviews two of this year’s Hub Masters - Leo Fok (Hong Kong) and Aidan O’Brien (Sydney) - about how they’re preparing for the event. The Hubs will be held around the world on 22nd September, 2017.
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
Podbean: thenibsection.podbean.com/
The hosts were Chuck Montano, Aidan O’Brien and Diana Dai.
FORMAT
—Panel intro
What We Are Writing With:
Aidan, Visconti Corsani 90 with Take-Sumi; Visconti Homo Sapiens Caput Mundi with Sailor Grenade; Pelikan M805 Demo with Nitrogen Royal Blue.
Diana, Pilot Custom 743 Burgundy F with Diamine Bach.
Chuck, Sailor Profit 1911 Realo M with Diamine Terracotta.
—Reviews
—Feature interview with Aidan O’Brien and Leo Fok
Fountain Pen Intelligence Agency (Hong Kong)
Leo Fok
IG: InquisitiveQuill
—Poll
—News
If you have a burning question about inks, a QC-related story about a pen you’d like to share, or if you want to let us know about your experience at the 2017 Pelikan Hubs, please email us or comment on our Facebook page. Emails and comments that we receive before September 24th might be featured in September and October upcoming episodes.
—Recommendations
—Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Chuck Montano, Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Recording and editing: Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Special thanks this episode go to Leo Fok and Aidan O’Brien for taking the time to speak to us this episode.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
(This is a re-upload of Episode 4 - originally uploaded 12/19/17)
Tuesday Oct 10, 2017
Tuesday Oct 10, 2017
Tav talks to two calligraphers, Ruben and Ahmad, about their art (yes art!), while the roundtable discusses the difference between calligraphy and handwriting, and how using fountain pens has affected the way they write.
We apologise for the audio quality this episode. Sydney is in the midst of a flu epidemic and it was quite a trial getting everyone able-bodied and in the same location for recording. Hopefully the discussion will make up for it. :)
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
Podbean: thenibsection.podbean.com/
The hosts were Chuck, Jean, Tav and Chrissy.
FORMAT
00:37—Panel intro
What We Are Writing With:
Tav, Sailor Profit 1911 Large Naginata M, Organics Studio Nitrogen Royal Blue
Jean, Pelikan M400 Red Stripe M, Montblanc Shakespeare Red
Christina, Baoer 3035, Iroshizuku Take-sumi
Chuck, Nakaya Decapod Twist Heki-tamenuri SM, Aurora Blue
03:30—Mailbag
Thanks to John M. from Alice Springs for emailing us.
08:40—Feature interview with Ruben Tabuteau and Ahmad Mujtaba on Gothic and urdu calligraphy
Ruben
Instagram: SirScribe
Youtube: Scribe Life
Ahmad
Youtube: Writing Urdu with a 1.1mm stub
Additional resources
MrMuttaqi and omarnizamuddin on Youtube
Australian Society of Calligraphers Inc. and their workshops
29:55—The hosts discuss a bevy of topics, including the difference between calligraphy and handwriting, the importance of calligraphy in different cultures and traditions, and handwriting over the centuries.
41:14—News
Email Jean to let her know of any repairers and restorers of fountain pens in Australia and NZ
@yamada_leuf’s Kobe ink writing samples
46:39—How handwriting fits into our daily lives
50:00—Has cursive had its heyday?
52:44—Poll
Visit our Facebook to weigh in on the poll question, “What brand (other than Pelikan) would you most like to see organise events for the fountain pen community?”
55:03—Recommendations
Vox Canvas will be performing in Melbourne, 8-9 September 2017
And don’t forget to call your parents!
58:12—Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Chux Montano, Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang, Taveet Sinanian, Jean Pearce.
Recording and editing: Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Special thanks this episode go to Ruben Tabuteau and Ahmad Mujtaba for taking the time to speak to us about calligraphy.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
(This is a re-upload of Episode 3 - originally uploaded on 29/08/17)
Tuesday Aug 15, 2017
Tuesday Aug 15, 2017
Chux and Chrissy chat with special guest hosts Mark and Sophia about their recent pen-related adventures in Japan, and their plans to hold a pen and stationery show in Sydney.
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
Podbean: thenibsection.podbean.com/
The hosts were Chux, Chrissy, Sophia and Mark.
FORMAT
00:32—Panel intro
01:04—What We Are Writing With
Mark, Lamy AL-Star with custom 14kt gold nib
Sophia, Pilot Fermo Green with medium nib
Chrissy, TWSBI Eco White with 1.1mm stub
Chux, Pilot 823 Amber with broad architect nib
02:02—Mailbag
Resources on nib tipping sizes:
Nibs.com Nib Tipping Sizes Chart
05:44—Mark and Sophia’s pen adventures in Japan
Shibuya, Tokyo - Bungubox.
Kobe - Nagasawa Stationery and Pen and Message.
Nagoya - Sankodo.
Shout out to Daisuke from Pilot, who showed Mark and Sophia around Itoya and Maruzen.
Pilot and Namiki factory tour.
Top Sailor Store Exclusive Inks:
Sankodo Forest Green
Bungubox Imperial Purple
Bungubox Sweet Potato Yellow
Kobe 41 Suma Rikyu Rose
Pen and Message Cigar
To see swabs of these inks, visit our Facebook.
18:40—Quick tip
20:30—Sydney Pen Show
https://www.facebook.com/SydneyPenShow/
Get in touch with the organisers: admin@sydneypenshow.com.au
25:17—News
Organics Studio Elements Nitrogen Royal Blue
The next Sydney FPO Meet-up will be at Dove & Olive, 1pm on 19 August 2017
34:38—Recommendations
Food Wars
Beelzebub
Fargo the TV Series
Beastmaster
A Confederacy of Dunces, John Kennedy Toole
39:17—Poll
"Should cursive go the way of the dinosaurs?"
Visit our Facebook to weigh in on the new poll:
https://www.facebook.com/TheNibSection/
41:44—Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Chux Montano, Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Recording and editing: Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.
Wednesday Aug 02, 2017
Wednesday Aug 02, 2017
Chux, Tav, Patrick and Jean reveal how they fell headlong into the fountain pen hobby, and recommend their top pens in each price bracket, in the very first episode of The Nib Section.
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!
Twitter: @thenibsection
Podbean: thenibsection.podbean.com/
The hosts were Chux, Taveet, Patrick and Jean.
FORMAT
00:00—Panel intro
What We Are Writing With:
Jean, GvFC Snakewood
Tav, ST Dupont Olympio Ecaille XL
Chux, Pilot CH 92
Patrick, Pelikan Ductus
06:16—How we got started in fountain pens
14:20—Top pens in each price bracket
44:53—News / Poll / Recommendations
https://www.facebook.com/TheNibSection/posts/1487501391296608
49:14—Credits
Producers: Diana Dai, Chux Montano, Patrick Antolovich, Max Schumacher and Jean Pearce.
Recording and editing: Patrick Antolovich, Denise Tang.
Music: Michael Pearce.
Logo: Will H. Smith.
Logo artwork: Melissa Graf.