The Pen Addict Podcast: Episode 142 - Agents Of Orange

It was a monster follow-up week on the podcast as I record live from a remote vacation location. We get clarity on the orange Vanishing Point sighting, fight over orange inks, fret over handwriting, and hear directly from the Visionnaire eBayer himself! It was a rollicking episode you don't want to miss.

Show Notes & Download Links

This episode of The Pen Addict is sponsored by:

lynda.com: An easy and affordable way to help individuals and organizations learn. Free 10-day trial.

Squarespace: Build it Beautiful. Use code INK for 10% off.

Pen Chalet: use the code PENADDICT to save 10% on your order or click the ‘podcast’ link at the top of the website and enter the password 'penaddict' for even more savings, as well as your 10% off.

Get 20% Off Your Order At Cult Pens (Sponsor)

There is no wonder why Cult Pens has a cult following in the stationery world. They do an incredible job of hunting down and stocking the newest pens, pencils, paper, and accessories. Just look at some of the latest additions to their ever-growing inventory:

As someone who always has an active notepad on their desk, the classic look of the Exacompta Desk Pad checks all the boxes for me. It features a retro looking metal non-slip base filled with 200 sheets of high quality, perforated Exacompta paper. Several different sizes are available in plain or squared ruling, and refill packs will keep you stocked as you doodle your way through that conference call.

I'll admit it: I have a thing for wooden pencils. There is something about the feel and feedback of graphite on the page, and as far as style goes, the limited edition Les Crayons de la Maison from Caran d'Ache are some of the most beautiful I have laid eyes on. Made from rare and certified woods from around the world, the fourth edition in this series is a head-turner.

Calepino Notebooks are made right across the English Channel from Cult Pens in Nantes, France and feature beautiful, simple designs in their pocket notebooks. Choose from blank, ruled, squared, or dot grid, and add in their functional Metal Line Markers to keep your notes organized.

Cult Pens is kind enough to offer a wonderful discount to readers of The Pen Addict. From today until February 28th, spend at least £30 and receive 20% off of your entire order. This is a no-brainer, so click this link to see the discount details or use the code "PENADDICT3020" at checkout and see what Cult Pens has to offer!

My thanks to Cult Pens for sponsoring The Pen Addict this week.

Pilot Custom 74 Fountain Pen Review

The main reason I keep a product wish list is to keep track of product prices and know when to pull the trigger when I see a good deal. The orange Pilot Custom 74 had been on my radar for ages, and when Pen Chalet had a good deal on them on the podcast back in November I bought it live on the show. $135 to the door made me a happy camper.

The Custom 74 lived up to every expectation I had, and then some. The decision to go with the orange barrel was an easy one. I love demonstrators, and this one is a beauty. The smoke colored section and rounded ends were a surprise too. I obviously knew it came like this, but I had no idea how much I would enjoy this feature.

As easy as the color choice was, nib selection was another thing. Medium nibs normally aren’t my first choice, but recent experience with two other Japanese M nibs led me down this path. This size may be the perfect all-around writing nib. The ink flows as the line remains sharp and clean. Start writing and you can just disappear into the flow.

The 14k nib is a beauty too. I’m a huge fan of Pilot nibs, both in the looks and performance department. This Custom 74 was perfect right out of the box. The large capacity CON-70 converter it ships with is a nice added bonus.

The best thing I can say about the Pilot Custom 74 is I already want another one. That seems to be a recurring theme with me and Pilot. The Violet barrel is now on the wish list, just waiting for another good deal.