The Pen Addict Podcast: Episode 661 - Breaking Through The Barrier

Fahrney's Cherry Blossom

It’s Drew time! Come listen to my conversation with the new President of Fahrney’s Pens, the one and only Drew Brown. Drew and I break it all down this week, and dig in to what the future of traditional brick and mortar can be in the stationery space.

Show Notes & Download Links

This episode of The Pen Addict is sponsored by:

Enigma Stationery: Join Enigma's support of LGBTQIA+ youth. Visit their fundraising page now.

Kenro Industries: Esterbrook introduces the new Estie Coffee Monsterz Co pen. Click to buy now.

Factor: Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door.

Posted on April 19, 2025 and filed under Podcast.

Montblanc Boutique, Honolulu - Shop Visit

(Kimberly (she/her) took the express train down the fountain pen/stationery rabbit hole and doesn't want to be rescued. She can be found on Instagram @allthehobbies because there really are many, many hobbies!.)

My family and I spent spring break in Oahu, Hawaii and I managed to finagle a few minutes away when we went to the Ala Moana Mall in Honolulu. Aside from getting lunch (which was their primary goal,) I also wanted to check out the Montblanc Boutique. The Ala Moana Mall is one of, if not the, largest outdoor malls and it is worth checking out, for all the food and shopping, even if you’re not into pens (but you are, which is why you’re reading this, amirite?).

Montblanc Boutique, Honolulu - Shop Visit

Montblanc Boutique, Honolulu at the Ala Moana Mall.

The sign outside on a sunny day.

Montblanc is a luxury brand, known for more than just pens, such as accessories, leather goods and watches.

Sunglasses, suitcases, and other fancy things!

Leather accessories like wallets, portfolios, briefcases, etc.

Watches (if y’all think pens are expensive, watches are next level.)

This 1858 Geosphere will set you back $6,000.

Let’s be real though, I didn’t stop in the shop to look at accessories and watches, I came to see pens!

More limited edition pens on the wall, like Jane Austen, Gatsby, Maria Callas, and more.

The Origin Collection - The Coral ones on the right are extra stunning.

Around the World in 80 Days Collection.

I knew about Montblanc’s Bespoke customization program but I thought it was just for special nib sizes. I had no idea they could do other fancy designs too! I wish I had more time to spend at the shop, because the staff can help design a bespoke nib for you on their computer. Maybe someday when I win the lottery.

Check out this one-of-a-kind rabbit engraved nib with a set-in ruby!

They had these cool postcards and encouraged me to take one of each design as a souvenir!

Once I picked out a postcard to send to myself (something I forgot to do for the rest of the trip, oops), they asked if I needed a pen to write with!

I picked the BB (since I can’t write with obliques). What a fun nib!

Then you drop the postcard into their very cool mailbox and they will stamp it and mail it for you.

Carl Saito was such a kind, friendly salesman, who answered lots of questions and showed me various pens that I couldn’t afford, lol. His personal daily carry is this stunning Montblanc Solitaire Le Petit Prince ballpoint! If you see him, tell him I said hi!

They didn’t have the Renoir ink I was looking for but I thought this Coal Blue ink, along with my postcard, would also be good souvenirs of my visit!

Quick swatches of the Coal Blue ink - it’s much more of a grey than blue.

The Montblanc Honolulu boutique is located in the Ala Moana Center, at 1450 Ala Moana Blvd Suite #2215, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814. The store is open daily from 10am - 8pm. You can reach them by phone at 1-808-942-4810 or via email.

PS - if you do go to the mall and like poke bowls, head down to the garage level and go to Foodland. You won’t regret it.

This was one of two poke displays, each with different kinds of poke. It was utterly mind-blowing, amazing and delicicious.


Enjoy reading The Pen Addict? Then consider becoming a member to receive additional weekly content, giveaways, and discounts in The Pen Addict shop. Plus, you support me and the site directly, for which I am very grateful.

Membership starts at just $5/month, with a discounted annual option available. To find out more about membership click here and join us!

Posted on April 18, 2025 and filed under Montblanc, Store Visit.