Graduation is the day we all look forward to for at least three years and look back to for years to come. It's the watershed between youth and adulthood, the end of one's studies and the beginning of one's career, the day that celebrates achievement and merit.
For this day to stay in our memories for longer, we usually think of marking it with beautiful souvenirs - special gifts that would remind us of this remarkable occasion. We use pens everyday and always carry one around, which makes pens great gift ideas not only aesthetically but also practically. It is a present that will be frequently used by the receiver and will last long.
Traditionally, we give fountain pens as graduation pen gifts. However, with the fast and innovative development of pen industry some might prefer smart rollerballs or high-tech multifunction pens. There are more popular brands to choose from such as Parker, Waterman, Lamy, Sheaffer, Caran D'Ache and less known Aurora, USUS, Online. Another popular gift for graduates - solid silver pens by Laban and Waterman that look particularly stunning when engraved. You can engrave the graduate's name and degree title, the date of graduation or why not a cheerful note of recognition and encouragement? Engraved pens are a great way to make your graduation pen gift stand out and remind its owner of that special occasion for many years to come.
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Parker Pens
The history of Parker pens started back in the nineteenth century, when the Parker company was established. Founded in 1888 by George S. Parker, whose philosophy was creating “a better pen,” today Parker is an internationally renowned producer of fine writing instruments. The determination and foresight of its founder turned Parker into a global leader among pen producers as well as an icon in the world of writing instruments.
The first Parker fountain pen was patented in 1892, and that is when Parker Pen Company entered the market. Through the years Parker’s endless determination and constant drive for excellence supported the development of the brand. Parker is internationally renowned for its innovative technologies and cutting edge designs. The innovation that made Parker stand out came in 1894 with the invention of the Lucky Curve – a break-through ink feed system, designed to drain the ink back into the reservoir by capillary action when the pen was kept upright. This invention made Parker a major player among the producers of fountain pens.
Today Parker is one of the most recognizable pen brands around the world and the illustrious list of its loyal users is constantly updated with new names. Among the most prominent users was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who wrote Sherlock Holmes mysteries with a Parker pen. Parker pens are also used daily by the world’s most influential leaders to sign treaties, trade agreements and other important documents.
Parker range includes a multitude of beautifully designed pens, of which the most popular ones are: Parker Sonnet, Parker Duofold and Parker Latitude. These come in different forms, including fountain pens, ballpoint pens, rollerballs and mechanical pencils and in different colours to suit the tastes of the most demanding lovers of fine writing.
The first Parker fountain pen was patented in 1892, and that is when Parker Pen Company entered the market. Through the years Parker’s endless determination and constant drive for excellence supported the development of the brand. Parker is internationally renowned for its innovative technologies and cutting edge designs. The innovation that made Parker stand out came in 1894 with the invention of the Lucky Curve – a break-through ink feed system, designed to drain the ink back into the reservoir by capillary action when the pen was kept upright. This invention made Parker a major player among the producers of fountain pens.
Today Parker is one of the most recognizable pen brands around the world and the illustrious list of its loyal users is constantly updated with new names. Among the most prominent users was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who wrote Sherlock Holmes mysteries with a Parker pen. Parker pens are also used daily by the world’s most influential leaders to sign treaties, trade agreements and other important documents.
Parker range includes a multitude of beautifully designed pens, of which the most popular ones are: Parker Sonnet, Parker Duofold and Parker Latitude. These come in different forms, including fountain pens, ballpoint pens, rollerballs and mechanical pencils and in different colours to suit the tastes of the most demanding lovers of fine writing.
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
The Fisher Space Bullet pen is an Example of Great Modern Design
Well designed pens can look beautiful and intriguing. Some pens are wonderfully ornate encrusted with precious jewels and metals, whilst other pen designs focus on modernity. Lamy design excellent Bauhaus influenced pens, but my favourite example of modern design is the Bullet pen by the Fisher Space Pen Company. The bullet pen is considered an example of 'exquisite industrial design' and is on permanent display at the New York Museum of Modern Art. Its status as a design icon has been enhanced by many endorsements, including an appearance on the ‘Pen’ episode of Seinfeld.
The Fisher Space Bullet Pen looks exactly like a bullet; sleek and aerodynamic. It could be mistaken for a modern sculpture, perhaps by the famous American sculptor Jeff Koons. He is famous for using highly reflective surfaces, and when the Bullet pen comes in shiny chrome it looks fantastic. Its unique design means that it always gets lots of attention from onlookers, and is sure to impress your friends. The Bullet Pen was designed to fit in a pocket, and also is quite slim so that it can slip unnoticed into a pocket. Consequently, the Fisher Space Bullet Pen is one of the most practical for when you are travelling or away from your desk.
The Bullet pen looks great, but also has an interesting history. It was designed in the 1960s during the Space race, with the intention that astronauts could write in zero gravity. The pen is fitted with a pressurized ink cartridge which allows the user to write upside down, in water and in extreme temperatures. The pen is available in several finishes, but my favourites are shiny chrome, blueberry and rainbow (very groovy man!)
The Fisher Space Bullet Pen looks exactly like a bullet; sleek and aerodynamic. It could be mistaken for a modern sculpture, perhaps by the famous American sculptor Jeff Koons. He is famous for using highly reflective surfaces, and when the Bullet pen comes in shiny chrome it looks fantastic. Its unique design means that it always gets lots of attention from onlookers, and is sure to impress your friends. The Bullet Pen was designed to fit in a pocket, and also is quite slim so that it can slip unnoticed into a pocket. Consequently, the Fisher Space Bullet Pen is one of the most practical for when you are travelling or away from your desk.
The Bullet pen looks great, but also has an interesting history. It was designed in the 1960s during the Space race, with the intention that astronauts could write in zero gravity. The pen is fitted with a pressurized ink cartridge which allows the user to write upside down, in water and in extreme temperatures. The pen is available in several finishes, but my favourites are shiny chrome, blueberry and rainbow (very groovy man!)
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Parker Pens has one of the most Celebrated Histories in the Manufacture of Pens
Parker Pens are the most well known pen brand in the UK and internationally. As a child I remember using Parker Vector pens (bought by my mother) because they were reliable and lasted a long time. They have a strong reputation for quality pens that range from the affordable market to the luxury high end, as well as a long and celebrated history. Click here to view a large range of Parker Pens. Founded in 1888 in the USA, Parker established themselves through constant innovation, having been responsible for some of the most important pen inventions and iconic pen models. It is this contribution to the pen industry that has established Parker as a very solid and trusted brand. Click here to view the official Parker Pen Company website.
One of the most important contributions to fountain pens was the Lucky Curve ink feed which George Parker invented in 1894. The feed system was designed to drain the ink back into the reservoir by capillary action when the pen was in the pocket of its owner. The Lucky Curve feed was used in various forms until 1928. In 1931 Parker created quick drying ink (Quink) which dispensed with the need for blotting. This lead to the creation of the most widely used fountain pen ever, the Parker 51.
There have been many iconic Parker pen models over the years, which form an integral part of any self respecting pen collection. There is even a fansite dedicated to Parker Pens. One of the most loved and remembered models was the Parker 51, the most successful pen ever produced. Its revolutionary design makes it instantly recognizable and is considered a design icon. The 51 featured a gold tubular nib inside a hood to trap any ink overflow which meant it didn’t leak but kept the nib surrounded by ink.
The Parker Duofold is one of the most long lasting fountain pen designs ever, helping to establish Parker as a forerunner in the manufacture of quality fountain pens. Born in the age of jazz and Art Deco, the Parker Duofold pen reflects the opulence and iconography of its origins. Launched in 1921, the original Duofold was nicknamed the Big Red because it was made from bright red rubber and measured 5.5 inches capped. Duofolds remained popular in Europe up until the 60s and were revived once again in the 1980s as Parker’s flagship model.
One of the most important contributions to fountain pens was the Lucky Curve ink feed which George Parker invented in 1894. The feed system was designed to drain the ink back into the reservoir by capillary action when the pen was in the pocket of its owner. The Lucky Curve feed was used in various forms until 1928. In 1931 Parker created quick drying ink (Quink) which dispensed with the need for blotting. This lead to the creation of the most widely used fountain pen ever, the Parker 51.
There have been many iconic Parker pen models over the years, which form an integral part of any self respecting pen collection. There is even a fansite dedicated to Parker Pens. One of the most loved and remembered models was the Parker 51, the most successful pen ever produced. Its revolutionary design makes it instantly recognizable and is considered a design icon. The 51 featured a gold tubular nib inside a hood to trap any ink overflow which meant it didn’t leak but kept the nib surrounded by ink.
The Parker Duofold is one of the most long lasting fountain pen designs ever, helping to establish Parker as a forerunner in the manufacture of quality fountain pens. Born in the age of jazz and Art Deco, the Parker Duofold pen reflects the opulence and iconography of its origins. Launched in 1921, the original Duofold was nicknamed the Big Red because it was made from bright red rubber and measured 5.5 inches capped. Duofolds remained popular in Europe up until the 60s and were revived once again in the 1980s as Parker’s flagship model.
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
Sign the Wedding Register with a Feather Quill Pen
The wedding day is one of the most important days in a man or woman’s life. The experience is remembered for a lifetime, and commemorated with whole host of photographs and videos. Everything is planned meticulously, so don’t forget about the pen that the bride and groom use to sign the marriage certificate.
This is a detail that is often overseen, but is a vital part of the wedding ceremony. A special pen that suits the occasion will enhance your memory of the occasion. I think that an ordinary pen looks totally out of place at a wedding, as everything that surrounds it looks so special. In my opinion a feather quill pen totally suits the occasion, particularly if one can be found in white. A feather pen is usually made from a goose feather, and has a metal dib nib at the end. The feather quill pen not only looks beautiful and special, but also is historical.
The sanctity of marriage has been around for centuries, and the occasion has a real sense of history about it. The religious temple is usually the setting for a wedding, and again are historical buildings full of tradition. The feather quill pen fits in superbly with this setting, as it has been used in Europe since 700AD. It was used to write some of the dead see scrolls, as well as sign the constitution of the United States of America.
The feather quill dip pen needs to be dipped in ink before writing. This ritual enhances the memory and meaning associated with signing the marriage documents. So don’t forget about the detail of the pen at your wedding, use something special that suits the occasion like a feather quill.
This is a detail that is often overseen, but is a vital part of the wedding ceremony. A special pen that suits the occasion will enhance your memory of the occasion. I think that an ordinary pen looks totally out of place at a wedding, as everything that surrounds it looks so special. In my opinion a feather quill pen totally suits the occasion, particularly if one can be found in white. A feather pen is usually made from a goose feather, and has a metal dib nib at the end. The feather quill pen not only looks beautiful and special, but also is historical.
The sanctity of marriage has been around for centuries, and the occasion has a real sense of history about it. The religious temple is usually the setting for a wedding, and again are historical buildings full of tradition. The feather quill pen fits in superbly with this setting, as it has been used in Europe since 700AD. It was used to write some of the dead see scrolls, as well as sign the constitution of the United States of America.
The feather quill dip pen needs to be dipped in ink before writing. This ritual enhances the memory and meaning associated with signing the marriage documents. So don’t forget about the detail of the pen at your wedding, use something special that suits the occasion like a feather quill.
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
Reasonably Priced Solid Silver Pens
A solid silver pen makes a wonderful gift for the obvious reason that it is made from a precious metal. They also look great engraved and personalized, which is very useful if you are looking for something extra special. Some of the major pen brands manufacture solid silver pens but they are very expensive. For example, Graf von Faber-Castell has a solid silver fountain pen that retails at £450. Although the pen is well made and from good quality silver, it is not in most people’s price bracket. So where can you find reasonably priced silver pens, that are good quality?
Having had a good look around, there is not an abundance of ‘well priced’ solid sterling silver pens. The major brands such as Parker, Waterman and Sheaffer do not focus on silver pens, so I looked more at the lesser known pen brands. I eventually came across Laban Pens, which is relatively new having been established in 1981 by John Hu and his brother Charles. Their aim was to produce high quality solid silver and platinum plated pens, and have since developed a reputation as a world class pen manufacturer. They have a large and interesting range, playing with styles and materials. For example Laban have a solid silver pen with a striking lined effect, with Swarovski crystals, with wood, and also with different coloured resins.
Laban use a good quality silver that is hallmarked with the 925 symbol. 925 silver is used in most jewellery and basically means that it is made from 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. The copper helps strengthen the silver, and make it more resistant to scratching. The most important aspect of the laban silver pens is the price, with retail prices starting at about £50.00. There is little difference in the quality of silver with the Graf von Faber Castell pen, which makes these pens really good value.
Having had a good look around, there is not an abundance of ‘well priced’ solid sterling silver pens. The major brands such as Parker, Waterman and Sheaffer do not focus on silver pens, so I looked more at the lesser known pen brands. I eventually came across Laban Pens, which is relatively new having been established in 1981 by John Hu and his brother Charles. Their aim was to produce high quality solid silver and platinum plated pens, and have since developed a reputation as a world class pen manufacturer. They have a large and interesting range, playing with styles and materials. For example Laban have a solid silver pen with a striking lined effect, with Swarovski crystals, with wood, and also with different coloured resins.
Laban use a good quality silver that is hallmarked with the 925 symbol. 925 silver is used in most jewellery and basically means that it is made from 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. The copper helps strengthen the silver, and make it more resistant to scratching. The most important aspect of the laban silver pens is the price, with retail prices starting at about £50.00. There is little difference in the quality of silver with the Graf von Faber Castell pen, which makes these pens really good value.
Monday, 16 June 2008
Choosing the Ideal Pen for your Exams
During an exam I write furiously, and don’t want to be distracted by writers cramp or writing strain. Also I want a pen that is comfortable to hold and reliable. Exams are stressful enough without suffering from a leaking pen or aching hand. So what is the ideal pen for an exam?
Many people believe that fountain pens in an exam are a bad idea because they may leak or break. Whilst some fountain pens are prone to leakages, good quality fountain pens are very reliable and have advantages over other writing instruments. Because they use liquid ink, fountain pens need very little pressure on the paper whilst writing, meaning less risk of writing strain. The most popular pen for taking exams is the ballpen due to its reliability and economy. The disadvantage of a ballpen though is that it requires a lot of pressure to be applied to the paper. Perhaps the best solution is the rollerball pen because it uses liquid ink, and is very reliable like a ballpen. For more information on pens avialable, take a look at the Writing Equipment Society.
One of my favourites is the Lamy Safari, a highly dependable and comfortable pen that has an ergonomic grip. Lamy Pens are known for excellent quality and functional design. The Safari has a triangular grip for comfort, and a little barrier to stop the fingers slipping down the nib. The body is lightweight but very durable, and the fountain pen benefits from taking large ink cartridges. Lamy also has another range called the Studio, which is a bit heavier but very comfortable to use because the barrel is made from a ‘grippy’ surface. Thus Lamy pens are an excellent choice for an exam, and all their models are avialable in rollerball.
There are various ergonomic pens that I have seen on the market, but none are as good as the Yoropen. Ergonomic pens aim to make writing more natural and comfortable, and are therefore a very good choice for taking into an exam. The Yoropen has a bend above the nib, creating a finger support. It also changes the angle at which you write, meaning less pressure is required whilst writing. My own personal favourite pen for taking into an exam is the executive Yoropen, because it is beautifully weighted and writes like a rollerball. The good news is that the Yoropen will soon be available in gel ink.
If you have young children and are concerned about the standard of their handwriting, have a look at the website ‘handwriting for kids’. It has loads of good tips for teaching children how to hold the pen correctly and much more.
It is worth spending a bit of time choosing the right pen for your exam, because many people overlook this detail but regret it afterwards. It is a big mistake to take in a BIC biro or other cheap pen, because they will make your hand seriously hurt, thus damaging your performance. Also, your handwriting will deteriorate, making it illegible. To read some tips on improving your handwriting, click here. If you do buy a new pen for an exam, make sure you break it in beforehand. This is particularly important if it is a fountain pen, because it takes a while for the nib to adjust to the owners writing style.
Many people believe that fountain pens in an exam are a bad idea because they may leak or break. Whilst some fountain pens are prone to leakages, good quality fountain pens are very reliable and have advantages over other writing instruments. Because they use liquid ink, fountain pens need very little pressure on the paper whilst writing, meaning less risk of writing strain. The most popular pen for taking exams is the ballpen due to its reliability and economy. The disadvantage of a ballpen though is that it requires a lot of pressure to be applied to the paper. Perhaps the best solution is the rollerball pen because it uses liquid ink, and is very reliable like a ballpen. For more information on pens avialable, take a look at the Writing Equipment Society.
One of my favourites is the Lamy Safari, a highly dependable and comfortable pen that has an ergonomic grip. Lamy Pens are known for excellent quality and functional design. The Safari has a triangular grip for comfort, and a little barrier to stop the fingers slipping down the nib. The body is lightweight but very durable, and the fountain pen benefits from taking large ink cartridges. Lamy also has another range called the Studio, which is a bit heavier but very comfortable to use because the barrel is made from a ‘grippy’ surface. Thus Lamy pens are an excellent choice for an exam, and all their models are avialable in rollerball.
There are various ergonomic pens that I have seen on the market, but none are as good as the Yoropen. Ergonomic pens aim to make writing more natural and comfortable, and are therefore a very good choice for taking into an exam. The Yoropen has a bend above the nib, creating a finger support. It also changes the angle at which you write, meaning less pressure is required whilst writing. My own personal favourite pen for taking into an exam is the executive Yoropen, because it is beautifully weighted and writes like a rollerball. The good news is that the Yoropen will soon be available in gel ink.
If you have young children and are concerned about the standard of their handwriting, have a look at the website ‘handwriting for kids’. It has loads of good tips for teaching children how to hold the pen correctly and much more.
It is worth spending a bit of time choosing the right pen for your exam, because many people overlook this detail but regret it afterwards. It is a big mistake to take in a BIC biro or other cheap pen, because they will make your hand seriously hurt, thus damaging your performance. Also, your handwriting will deteriorate, making it illegible. To read some tips on improving your handwriting, click here. If you do buy a new pen for an exam, make sure you break it in beforehand. This is particularly important if it is a fountain pen, because it takes a while for the nib to adjust to the owners writing style.
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