The Fountain Pen Rabbit Hole

Karas Customs V2 on the Lochby Journal

I have long been a lover of pens, especially hand crafted ones. For most of my life, I have been a ball point or roller ball kind of writer. An avid journal writer, I have long sought the most perfect pen for my aging and somewhat chaotic writing style.

For the past two years, I have largely written with a Karas Customs Bolt. A beautifully machined piece of brass that is heavy and almost always by my side. During my working season, it is always in my pocket, ready to be handed to customers for signatures. It always elicits some form of comment due to its unique style and heft.

So, this past month, in my continued quest for the perfect journaling instrument, I dove head first into the world of fountain pens. Going with what I knew best, I ordered up a machined Karas Customs V2 with steel Fine Point nib. While these are probably not not on a Fountain Pen aficionado’s must buy list, I knew I would get a solid product that would take a beating and fit in with the rest of my Titanium and Brass pens.

Unable to do anything less than Mach 10, I also dove into the world of inks and bought a selection of these beautiful iroshizuku inks. The V2 was loaded up with the take-sumi, a rich black ink that I love for my day to day journaling. I have to say, after a week of writing, I am sold, and can see going deep down this hole.

I added a cheap Lamy Safari, widely regarded as a must have starter fountain pen. The difference is striking, and if nothing, has shown me that while an inexpensive pen works, the differences in quality as you go up the scale can be dramatic. Even for my hand, I can feel the difference in the way the two pens lay down ink.

I am hooked, and already contemplating my next pen acquisition as I write this article. Next up— A dive into my drive for the ultimate portable music solution.