2013 – the year in review(s) | edjelley.com – fountain pen, ink, and stationery reviews

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2013 The Year In Review(s)

DECEMBER 27, 2013 | EDJELLEY | 8 COMMENTSHey everyone!

I wanted to do a year end wrap of of my post popular posts. Instead of just linking to them, I decided Id have a lit-tle fun and do a quick reshoot of everyone together.

(http://edjelley.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/top-posts-2013-1-version-2.jpg)The photos were taken with myOlympus PEN E-P3, M. Zuiko 17mm f1.8 lens, and processed with Aperture 3 using the VSCO Film 02 Kodak Por-tra 400 VC film emulation. Something a little different than what I usually do on the site. Ive also included an up-date blurb / mini review on each item.

So here we go, the Top 10 posts of 2013:

(http://edjelley.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/top-posts-2013-16-version-2.jpg)Runner up: Nock Co. Lookout Pen Case

This one was SO close to the Top 10, I had to include it. Nock Co. created and successfully Kickstarted by BradDowdy (The Pen Addict) and his business partner and master seamster Jeffrey Bruckwicki has been protecting mypens for the past few months. They Kickstarter orders are in the process of being fulfilled and they look great.Watch out in 2014 for Nock Co.s retail site / total pen case domination.

Click here to check out the original review. (http://edjelley.com/2013/10/01/nock-co-the-lookout-pen-case-kick-starter-launch/)

(http://edjelley.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/top-posts-2013-4-version-2.jpg)10. Pilot Iroshizuku Fuyu-Syogun

Still one of my favorite inks. Since getting it back in the beginning of the year, its seen some heavy rotation. Ihavent had it loaded up as much recently as I used to, but its a great ink. Awesome performance and a really nicebluish grey makes Fuyu-Syogun versatile and interesting to write with. If youre looking for a grey ink, then I high-ly recommend this one.

Click here to check out the original review. (http://edjelley.com/2013/01/30/pilot-iroshizuku-fuyu-syogun-hand-written-review/)

(http://edjelley.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/top-posts-2013-5-version-2.jpg)9. Tomoe River Writing Pad from Nanami Paper

This ones picked up a few stickers since my first review of it. Tomoe River paper took 2013 by storm and for goodreason. Its the thinnest paper I have written on and some of the smoothest and best behaved. I like throwing asheet of Doane paper behind the sheet Im writing on for extra organization. The thin paper is very sheer, but inkdoesnt even think about bleeding or feathering. Its an awesome paper product that every fountain pen enthusiastneeds to check out. I now need to have Tomoe Paper on hand, its just that good.

Click here to check out the original review. (http://edjelley.com/2013/06/09/seven-seas-tomoe-river-paper-pad-handwritten-stationery-review/)

(http://edjelley.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/top-posts-2013-7-version-2.jpg)8. Sailor Sapporo Fountain Pen

The Sailor Sapporo is a great little pen. My specimen has an extra fine nib and writes about as smooth as a nib sofine can. Its nice and small when capped, but comfortable when posted. I got mine for a steal ($50) off the FountainPen Network classifieds. Is it worth the full asking price? Maybe not, but keep an eye out for a used model and youwont be let down. Usage has dwindled since getting it, but its my finest writing pen. I like having a nib that smallavailable when I need it.

Click here to check out the original review. (http://edjelley.com/2013/08/27/sailor-sapporo-fountain-pen-hand-written-review/)

(http://edjelley.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/top-posts-2013-8-version-2.jpg)7. Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen

Another pen that gained great popularity in 2013 is the Pilot Metropolitan. I still cant believe that this pen is only$15. Its buttery smooth, comes with a converter, and is solidly constructed out of metal. Its a great pen for begin-ners as well as serious collectors. The nib is also able to swap with the budget-priced Pilot Penmanship and Plumix adding more options to the pen at a low price. I love my Metropolitan. This pen has undoubtedly given the LamySafari a run for its money as the best beginner pen. It still holds up from the original review, and no other pen hasbeen able to match the value.

Click here to check out the original review. (http://edjelley.com/2012/11/23/handwritten-review-the-pilot-met-ropolitan-fountain-pen/)

(http://edjelley.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/top-posts-2013-3-version-2.jpg)6. Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-Peki

Heres my favorite blue ink. Its bright, performs well, and is a pleasure to look at. The bottle is beautiful as well.One sample, and its hard to not buy the bottle. I really like this ink in my Montblanc 149s medium nib it washesout easily too. Its a great ink all around, and my favorite of the Iroshizuku line. I still use Kon-Peki all the time,and its usually in at least one pen.

Click here to check out the original review. (http://edjelley.com/2013/01/07/pilot-irozshizuku-kon-peki-hand-written-review/)

(http://edjelley.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/top-posts-2013-9-version-2.jpg)5. Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen

Technically the top post was for my review of the Matte Black Vanishing Point. This one was closer and I have aphoto post for it coming very soon. The Vanishing Point was my favorite pen for college notes. No fussing with thecap, a SOLID knock, and smooth writing performance. The clip may get in the way for some, but not all. The pen iswonderfully weighted and balanced. I havent been using my VPs as much, but while doing this post I re-inkedone and its been in my carry. Theres always the question of Pilot Vanishing Point or Lamy 2000? and its a reallytough one to answer.

Click here to check out the original review. (http://edjelley.com/2012/12/09/handwritten-review-the-pilot-van-ishing-point-in-matte-black/)

(http://edjelley.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/top-posts-2013-10-version-2.jpg)4. Kaweco Sport Fountain Pen

The ultimate pocket pen! Kaweco reached out to a bunch of bloggers in the year 2013 which has been awesome.There are tons of reviews out there of a lot of their product line, but their most popular pen is still the Sport. I gotthe aluminum version this year, and since getting it, I have yet to ink this one up. The format is great, but its evenbetter when its entirely made of aluminum. I still like the Sport, especially in burgundy, but in my opinion the alu-minum version just knocks it out of the park.

Click here to check out the original review. (http://edjelley.com/2013/02/24/kaweco-sport-fountain-pen-hand-written-review/)

(http://edjelley.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/top-posts-2013-11-version-2.jpg)3. Lamy Safari Fountain Pen

The Lamy Safari was my first fountain pen, and it will always have a special place in my collection. Theyre solidlybuilt, reasonably priced, and swappable nibs make them ultra versatile. I have four of them in my collection and 3Al-Stars if that says anything. Theyre great and I always have at least one inked up. Some may not like the trian-gular grip section, but its great at training your hand to write with a fountain pen. The modern industrial look isicing on the cake and I still recommend this pen as a first pen for beginners. Its totally understandable why this re-view was the #3 post overall on the site.

Click here to check out the original review. (http://edjelley.com/2012/12/23/lamy-safari-handwritten-review/)

(http://edjelley.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/top-posts-2013-12-version-2.jpg)2. Sailor Professional Gear Imperial Black FountainPen

The stealthiest pen of all. When this was announced I knew I needed to have one. Dont feel like spending $400?Do some homework and find a retailer in Japan. I got the pen for much less off of eBay straight from Japan than Iwould have had I purchased it from the States. Admittedly I dont use this pen as much as it deserves to be used.Have I fallen out of love with it? I dont think so. The ruthenium plated metal bits on the matte resin look simply

amazing. Sailors nib designs are still my favorite out of any pen, and it looks even better in smoky black rutheni-um. This is a pretty serious pen, and a very serious purchase. Overall, I still like how the pen looks, but I think thenib needs a smoothing. Totally understandable why people are looking for reviews of this pen.

Click here to check out the original review. (http://edjelley.com/2013/01/21/sailor-1911-professional-gear-imperi-al-black-edition-handwritten-review/)

(http://edjelley.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/top-posts-2013-13-version-2.jpg)1. Lamy 2000 Fountain Pen

Not only is the Lamy 2000 my top post, its my all time favorite pen. The design has been around nearly 60 yearsand its still amazing. The contoured body, stainless grip, and brushed makrolon body are understated, yet stun-ning. The simplicity of the Lamy 2000 is what makes it so great. Its in no way pretentious or gaudy. The pen fillsby piston, with a nearly invisible knob. The hooded nib is gold and writes like butter. I could go on about this penfor ages, I love everything about it. If youre looking to up your fountain pen game, I still highly suggest the Lamy2000. This pen is ALWAYS inked and always with me. Its the pen is the litmus test of the fountain pen word, andunderstandably so. Heres to another 60 years of the Lamy 2000.

Click here to check out the original review. (http://edjelley.com/2013/03/28/lamy-2000-fountain-pen-handwrit-ten-review/)

(http://edjelley.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/top-posts-2013-2-version-2.jpg)Well, there you have it. The top 10reviews of 2013. I want to thank everyone for reading, commenting, and supporting the site all year long. Theresbeen so much growth this year and so much positive feedback. Its a great community that Im proud to say Im apart of. Do yourselves a favor and check out my blog roll (http://edjelley.com/blog-roll/) for other great pen sites.As always, feel free to contact me (http://edjelley.com/contact/) with any questions you may have, I would bemore than happy to help you pick out your next pen, help you get started with a pen blog, or any other pen-relatedneeds.

Have a safe and happy new year!

Best,

Ed Jelley

Gallery:

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8 thoughts on 2013 The Year In Review(s)

1. Bob M says: DECEMBER 27, 2013 AT 1:02 PMNice wrap up. I had missed a few of those the first time around. Thanks for the refresh and heres to anothergreat blogging year for you

About these ads (http://word-press.com/about-these-ads/)INK IROSHIZUKU LAMY PILOT REVIEWS SAILOR

1. edjelley says:

DECEMBER 29, 2013 AT 3:20 PMThank you! I was hoping for that effect with the roundup post too.

2. Fred Beiderbecke says: DECEMBER 28, 2013 AT 6:29 AMThanks for the ebay hint on the Sailor. That pen is very lustworthy. Those prices put it on the upper edges of myreach and I may have to treat myself.

3. edjelley says:

DECEMBER 29, 2013 AT 3:20 PMNo problem! It definitely puts the pen a but more in reach.

4. Pingback: Monday Links | The Pretense of Knowledge5. Pingback: Pilot vanishing Point in Gun Metal / Matte Photo Post | edjelley.com6. junius says:

DECEMBER 30, 2013 AT 9:53 AMHey Ed, thanks for the pangrams, the pens, and the entertainment. Its always fun to see what others like andwhy. The Iroshizuku bottles are special irrespective of the magic insidethe Japanese are masters of packagingand presentation. The Procrustean grip of the lesser Lamy makes it a non-user for me, but the Metropolitanmay fill the gap until I acquire a 2000, and perhaps some Tomoe to go with it. I truly enjoy seeing good pen-manship, so please keep your handwritten reviews coming (I already know Im going to like 2014 better than13 because I cant write a sightly 3 to save my life). Glad tidings for the new year, Ed, from the uncharacteris-tically frigid Mid-Atlantic!

7. Pingback: Link Love: Top 10 List Roundup | The Well-Appointed Desk

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