My Favorite Fountain Pen - Scottsdale Pen and Knife

As a pen shop owner, I am often asked what my favorite pens are. At first that might seem like a simple question, but it really isn't because I like so many of the pens that I sell in my shop. However, there are a couple of pens that I have latched onto as my everyday users.

As per my favorite fountain pen, it has all to do with looks - the Pilot M90. Here is the original description from our website back in 2009 when they were issued:

In celebration of Pilot’s 90th anniversary, Pilot is pleased to announce the launch of the Limited Edition MU/M90 Fountain Pen. The MU/M90’s cutting edge design is like no other. Made of durable stainless steel, the sleek, streamlined body features an integrated clip with an attractive sythetic blue stone embedded atop. The MU/M90 comes in a fine or medium, one-piece steel nib with blue ink cartridge and a converter. The pen is merchandised in a commemorative 90th anniversary gift box.Limited to 9000 pens worldwide, but only 1175 in the U.S. 4 11/16" closed, 5.5" with cap posted. Limited three year guarantee.

Both my wife and I kept one of these babies. We fell in love with their unusual size and shape - that sleek, streamlined look just called out to us. So without further ado, here it is:

These did sell out in a heartbeat and are now usually listed on eBay around the $500 mark. However, if you like this pen you might want to check out the Pilot E95S which came out in the last quarter of 2014 and shares similar lines and proportions. However, rather than the integral nib and body design of the M90, the nib can actually be repaired or replaced if damaged on the E95S.

http://www.scottsdalepen.com/pilot-pens-e95s-c-80_684.html

What does EDC mean? - Scottsdale Pen and Knife

You'll often here the expression that a certain knife is an excellent EDC. This expression can apply to pens (or guns and other objects) as well and stands for Every Day Carry.

An EDC is an item that you'd be comfortable carrying with you on a daily basis. The reasons for your choice can be a varied as your fingerprints, but usually it has to do with a combination of how valuable of an item are you willing to risk losing and what kind of use you're going to subject the object to.

What I might "need" while sitting in my shop is far different from what someone working in the field (let's say law enforcement, military, construction) might need. But "need" also often has nothing to do with "want" as we all know.

So, it's often about you and what you are saying about yourself. Whether we like it or not, many of the "things" that we own define us in the eyes of others no matter how accurate or inaccurate that might actually be. For those of us who are self-confident enough not to care, then we carry what we wish. For others, its going to be all about the brand.

Our advise at Scottsdale Pen and Knife is to be comfortable with your purchase no matter what the price or the brand. Do your own thing and enjoy - you can always move up or down as time and money allows. My EDC knives and pens (and watches) have changed over the years as new innovations have popped up or as new styles have caught my eye, or as my income has fluctuated.

We're always more than willing to share our thoughts with you if you have any questions or concerns.

http://www.scottsdalepen.com

Jay and Karen Sadow

Scottsdale Pen and Knife

7137 E. Stetson Dr. #7

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

480-947-2136

Best Fountain Pens for Beginners - Scottsdale Pen and Knife

So, you're interested in trying out a fountain pen but don't know where to begin? If you look on the web you're going to find lots of inexpensive options from all over the world and in lots of price ranges, but we have a few ideas for you.

For those who really don't want to get their feet wet or have a very tight budget, the Pilot Varsity and the Platinum Preppy are excellent choices. For roughly $3 or $4 respectively, both are actually very good fountain pens. The Varsity is disposable so it's only good for as long as the ink supply lasts while the Preppy is refillable and can be fitted with a converter for bottled ink filling.

Sticking with those two brands, the next step up are the Pilot Metropolitan and the Platinum Plaisir for about $17 and $22 respectively. The Metropolitan includes a squeeze converter so you can fill from a bottle of ink if you'd like, while the Plaisir has an optional converter. Both do use their own brand of cartridges.
http://www.scottsdalepen.com/pilot-pens-metropolitan-c-80_595.html
http://www.scottsdalepen.com/platinum-fountain-pens-c-233.html

The Platinum brand offers an airtight cap, so your pens will not dry out between uses, sometimes for extended periods of disuse, a major plus for this brand. However, the Pilots mentioned are always reliable and extremely popular outselling the Platinums in our shop.

Another starter fountain pen is the Pelikan Pelikano Junior. This refillable fountain pen is used in schools around the world to teach children how to write properly - it's literally been field tested millions of times. A comfortable three-point grip puts the nib in just the right position for writing. Around $22 as of this writing - uses international-style cartridges, but a converter is adaptable for bottled ink filling.
http://www.scottsdalepen.com/pelikan-pens-pelikano-c-55_289.html

Overall, our best selling starter fountain pen has been the Lamy Safari (about $37). Year after year this is the choice of beginners and experienced fountain pen users alike. There are seven different interchangeable nibs available at $13 each, and the pen can be fitted with a converter, too. This pen comes with a limited lifetime guarantee, too!
http://www.scottsdalepen.com/lamy-pens-safari-c-139_141.html

The choice of using a cartridge or a converter is strictly a personal one, but over the long run you'll spend less on bottled ink and spare the eco-system from the disposable plastic cartridges if you use a converter. There's also a much wider variety of ink color choices if you go with bottled ink.

Hope this helps a little bit. Please contact us for more information!

Jay and Karen Sadow

Scottsdale Pen and Knife

7137 E. Stetson Dr. #7

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

480-947-2136

http://www.scottsdalepen.com

Zero Tolerance 0900 Les George KVT Folding Knife - Scottsdale Pen and Knife

Designed by custom knifemaker Les George and premium-built by Zero Tolerance. The 0900 is compact and powerful. With a shorter—but wider—blade of less than 3 inches, it’s a convenient size to take along almost anywhere.

Premium Crucible S35VN stainless makes this 2.7" blade tough and chip resistant and enables us to sharpen it to a razor edge. S35VN ensures easier re-sharpening, too. 3.9" titanium handles make the new 0900 exceptionally handsome, while Zero Tolerance’s KVT ball-bearing system makes it exceptionally fast and easy to open. There are no springs involved—just pure, beautiful blade precision. The 0900 also features a secure titanium frame lock with hardened steel lockbar insert and a reversible, deep-carry clip. 4.3 ounces.

This is going to be one of ZT's hot items this year - powerfully built, smaller size, fast action.

http://www.scottsdalepen.com/zero-tolerance-0900-george-folding-knife-p-4463.html

Visconti Divina Elegance Royal Brown Ballpoint Pen - Scottsdale Pen and Knife

Visconti has added an element of color with the introduction of a swirling pearlescent blue and flowing pearlescent brown resins to enhance the appearance of the classic Divina shape. The Divina Elegance represents an iconic Visconti design that integrates luxury with functionality, and also features the series' signature sterling silver rods that spiral around the pen.

The silver rods are dovetail fitted into the resin, not glued on. Twist action, Parker-style refills. Limited five year guarantee.

http://www.scottsdalepen.com/visconti-divina-elegance-royal-brown-ballpoint-p-4294.html

Visconti Divina Elegance Imperial Blue Ballpoint Pen - Scottsdale Pen and Knife

Visconti has added an element of color with the introduction of a swirling pearlescent blue and flowing pearlescent brown resins to enhance the appearance of the classic Divina shape. The Divina Elegance represents an iconic Visconti design that integrates luxury with functionality, and also features the series' signature sterling silver rods that spiral around the pen.

The silver rods are dovetail fitted into the resin, not glued on. Twist action, Parker-style refills. Limited five year guarantee.

http://www.scottsdalepen.com/visconti-divina-elegance-imperial-blue-ballpoint-p-4293.html

Pilot Falcon Red Resin Flex Nib Fountain Pen - Scottsdale Pen and Knife

The Pilot Falcon fountain pen offers a traditional high-polished black resin body with gold plated trim, the perfect everyday writer. However, you can now enjoy this fine writer in red with rhodium trim. You'll enjoy the refined, flexible 14K gold nib. Cartridge/converter filling system. 

This is Pilot's most popular fountain pen after the Vanishing Point, but the very flexible nib earns this a unique spot in the pen world. This is the pen for you if you want line variation.

http://www.scottsdalepen.com/pilot-falcon-resin-flex-fountain-p-4496.html

Pilot Vanishing Point Metallic Purple Retractable Fountain Pen - Scottsdale Pen and Knife

The Vanishing Point retractable fountain pen hit the American market in 1970 and continues its success today with its brilliant design and ingenious technology.

Featuring a medium sized body, 18K gold nib, and a plunge-button operation, the Vanishing Point fits comfortably in the hand and carries safely in your pocket. Choice of piston filling converter or cartridges.

The nib is very responsive, and being Japanese, writes a bit finer than European counterparts, especially if you go with a fine or an extra fine nib.

http://www.scottsdalepen.com/pilot-vanishing-point-metallic-purple-retractable-fountain-p-4213.html

Pilot Vanishing Point Metallic Orange Retractable Fountain Pen - Scottsdale Pen and Knife

The Vanishing Point retractable fountain pen hit the American market in 1970 and continues its success today with its brilliant design and ingenious technology.

Featuring a medium sized body, 18K gold nib, and a plunge-button operation, the Vanishing Point fits comfortably in the hand and carries safely in your pocket. Choice of piston filling converter or cartridges.

The nib is very responsive, and being Japanese, writes a bit finer than European counterparts, especially if you go with a fine or an extra fine nib.

http://www.scottsdalepen.com/pilot-vanishing-point-metallic-orange-retractable-fountain-p-4214.html

Pilot Vanishing Point Metallic Green Retractable Fountain Pen - Scottsdale Pen and Knife

The Vanishing Point retractable fountain pen hit the American market in 1970 and continues its success today with its brilliant design and ingenious technology.

Featuring a medium sized body, 18K gold nib, and a plunge-button operation, the Vanishing Point fits comfortably in the hand and carries safely in your pocket. Choice of piston filling converter or cartridges.

The nib is very responsive, and being Japanese, writes a bit finer than European counterparts, especially if you go with a fine or an extra fine nib.

http://www.scottsdalepen.com/pilot-vanishing-point-metallic-green-retractable-fountain-p-4270.html

Pilot Vanishing Point Metallic Blue Retractable Fountain Pen - Scottsdale Pen and Knife

The Vanishing Point retractable fountain pen hit the American market in 1970 and continues its success today with its brilliant design and ingenious technology.

Featuring a medium sized body, 18K gold nib, and a plunge-button operation, the Vanishing Point fits comfortably in the hand and carries safely in your pocket. Choice of piston filling converter or cartridges.

The nib is very responsive, and being Japanese, writes a bit finer than European counterparts, especially if you go with a fine or an extra fine nib.

http://www.scottsdalepen.com/pilot-vanishing-point-metallic-blue-retractable-fountain-p-4269.html

Visconti Homo Sapiens Steel Age Rollerball Pen - Scottsdale Pen and Knife

Made from material as ancient as the world around us, the Visconti Homo Sapiens is the first pen ever forged from volcanic lava. The lava is from Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy.

Lava is virtually unbreakable having a high degree of resilience, it is heat resistant to over 100 degrees centigrade, is hydroscopic, meaning that it absorbs sweat, and has a dense feel making it comfortable to grip and relaxing to write with.

If you don't like bronze or gold colored fittings, then this is the go to choice in this line.

http://www.scottsdalepen.com/visconti-homo-sapiens-steel-rollerball-p-3364.html

Visconti Homo Sapiens Steel Age Ballpoint Pen - Scottsdale Pen and Knife

Made from material as ancient as the world around us, the Visconti Homo Sapiens is the first pen ever forged from volcanic lava. The lava is from Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy.

Lava is virtually unbreakable having a high degree of resilience, it is heat resistant to over 100 degrees centigrade, is hydroscopic, meaning that it absorbs sweat, and has a dense feel making it comfortable to grip and relaxing to write with.

The Homo Sapiens Steel Age ballpoint pen is a twist action featuring a Parker-style refill and stainless steel fittings. If you don't like bronze or gold colored fittings, this is the go to choice.

http://www.scottsdalepen.com/visconti-homo-sapiens-steel-ballpoint-p-3248.html

Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age Rollerball Pen - Scottsdale Pen and Knife

Made from material as ancient as the world around us, the Visconti Homo Sapiens is the first pen ever forged from volcanic lava. The lava is from Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy.

Lava is virtually unbreakable having a high degree of resilience, it is heat resistant to over 100 degrees centigrade, is hydroscopic, meaning that it absorbs sweat, and has a dense feel making it comfortable to grip and relaxing to write with. Bronze fittings complete the look, while the cap features the spring-loaded latch and catch system, requiring only a 20 degree twist to operate.

The natural bronze fittings will age and develop a unique patina. Although you can polish it up to bright and shiny, I prefer to leave mine tarnished - it's my pen with "my" finish.

http://www.scottsdalepen.com/visconti-homo-sapiens-bronze-rollerball-p-2176.html

Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age Fountain Pen - Scottsdale Pen and Knife

Made from material as ancient as the world around us, the Visconti Homo Sapiens is the first pen ever forged from volcanic lava. The lava is from Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy.

Lava is virtually unbreakable having a high degree of resilience, it is heat resistant to over 100 degrees centigrade, is hydroscopic, meaning that it absorbs sweat, and has a dense feel making it comfortable to grip and relaxing to write with.

The Homo Sapiens fountain pen has a High Vacuum Power Filler, which does not leak in flight, fitted with a titanium rod, and also features the all new Visconti Dream Touch 23K palladium nib, which has a great memory, is very flexible, and very smooth to write with. The nib is 950 parts palladium which is then dipped in gold for the two-tone look. Bronze fittings complete the look.

The nib is amazingly smooth writing and flexible, and the body of the pen feels amazing.

http://www.scottsdalepen.com/visconti-homo-sapiens-bronze-fountain-p-2174.html

Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age Ballpoint Pen - Scottsdale Pen and Knife

Made from material as ancient as the world around us, the Visconti Homo Sapiens is the first pen ever forged from volcanic lava. The lava is from Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy.

Lava is virtually unbreakable having a high degree of resilience, it is heat resistant to over 100 degrees centigrade, is hydroscopic, meaning that it absorbs sweat, and has a dense feel making it comfortable to grip and relaxing to write with. The ballpoint is a twist action and uses a Parker-style refill. Bronze fittings complete the look.

I personally have been using a Homo Sapiens Bronze Age ballpoint for several years now - it's my to go ballpoint. I love the feel, the thickness, and the way it reacts to my touch.

http://www.scottsdalepen.com/visconti-homo-sapiens-bronze-ballpoint-p-2175.html

Tuff-Writer Precision Press Black Tactical Ballpoint Pen - Scottsdale Pen and Knife

Tuff-Writer pens are designed to be the toughest pens out there, period. They are built to withstand blistering cold, intense heat and any kind of harsh environment an operator is bound to encounter.

The 6" Precision Press Ballpoint Pen is designed to be "the ultimate clicky pen". It is entirely modular with each component being easily replaceable and built to last a lifetime. The pen utilizes an all metal body machined out of 6061-T6 Aluminum. To ensure proper balance and amazing strength the tip is machined out of 303 stainless steel. The elongated clip, pressed out of spring steel and coated for durability and corrosion resistance, helps keep the pen securely fastened and close at hand. The pen also uses a spacer for allowing use of multiple cartridges (Fisher/Foray/Parker) and at its heart, a machined advancing mechanism with a two piece bearing-cam design for silky smooth operation (so smooth, it doesn’t even "click"). Finally for grip and comfort, the pen body has removable contrasting black Duron O-rings which assist in maintaining a positive grip on the pen when you need it most.

There are no identifying marks, no logos and no engravings on this pen. Made in Arizona, USA. Limited lifetime guarantee.

http://www.scottsdalepen.com/tuffwriter-precision-press-black-tactical-ballpoint-p-3926.html

Tuff-Writer Precision Press Green Tactical Ballpoint Pen - Scottsdale Pen and Knife

Tuff-Writer pens are designed to be the toughest pens out there, period. They are built to withstand blistering cold, intense heat and any kind of harsh environment an operator is bound to encounter.

The 6" Precision Press Ballpoint Pen is designed to be "the ultimate clicky pen". It is entirely modular with each component being easily replaceable and built to last a lifetime. The pen utilizes an all metal body machined out of 6061-T6 Aluminum. To ensure proper balance and amazing strength the tip is machined out of 303 stainless steel. The elongated clip, pressed out of spring steel and coated for durability and corrosion resistance, helps keep the pen securely fastened and close at hand. The pen also uses a spacer for allowing use of multiple cartridges (Fisher/Foray/Parker) and at its heart, a machined advancing mechanism with a two piece bearing-cam design for silky smooth operation (so smooth, it doesn’t even "click"). Finally for grip and comfort, the pen body has removable contrasting black Duron O-rings which assist in maintaining a positive grip on the pen when you need it most.

There are no identifying marks, no logos and no engravings on this pen. Made in Arizona, USA. Limited lifetime guarantee.

http://www.scottsdalepen.com/tuffwriter-precision-press-green-tactical-ballpoint-p-3963.html

Tuff-Writer Precision Press Purple Tactical Ballpoint Pen - Scottsdale Pen and Knife

Tuff-Writer pens are designed to be the toughest pens out there, period. They are built to withstand blistering cold, intense heat and any kind of harsh environment an operator is bound to encounter.

The 6" Precision Press Ballpoint Pen is designed to be "the ultimate clicky pen". It is entirely modular with each component being easily replaceable and built to last a lifetime. The pen utilizes an all metal body machined out of 6061-T6 Aluminum. To ensure proper balance and amazing strength the tip is machined out of 303 stainless steel. The elongated clip, pressed out of spring steel and coated for durability and corrosion resistance, helps keep the pen securely fastened and close at hand. The pen also uses a spacer for allowing use of multiple cartridges (Fisher/Foray/Parker) and at its heart, a machined advancing mechanism with a two piece bearing-cam design for silky smooth operation (so smooth, it doesn’t even "click"). Finally for grip and comfort, the pen body has removable contrasting black Duron O-rings which assist in maintaining a positive grip on the pen when you need it most.

There are no identifying marks, no logos and no engravings on this pen. Made in Arizona, USA. Limited lifetime guarantee.

http://www.scottsdalepen.com/tuffwriter-precision-press-purple-tactical-ballpoint-p-4044.html

Tuff-Writer Precision Press Polished Titanium Tactical Ballpoint - Scottsdale Pen and Knife

Tuff-Writer pens are designed to be the toughest pens out there, period. They are built to withstand blistering cold, intense heat and any kind of harsh environment an operator is bound to encounter.

The 6" Precision Press Ballpoint Pen is designed to be "the ultimate clicky pen". It is entirely modular with each component being easily replaceable and built to last a lifetime. This particular pen body and tip is machined from solid titanium, very difficult to manufacture but offering unsurpassed strength and durability. The elongated clip, pressed out of spring steel and coated for durability and corrosion resistance, helps keep the pen securely fastened and close at hand. The pen also uses a spacer for allowing use of multiple cartridges (Fisher/Foray/Parker) and at its heart, a machined advancing mechanism with a two piece bearing-cam design for silky smooth operation (so smooth, it doesn’t even "click"). Finally for grip and comfort, the pen body has removable contrasting black Duron O-rings which assist in maintaining a positive grip on the pen when you need it most.

Titanium is about 45 percent lighter than steel, 60 percent heavier than aluminum and more than three times stronger than either of them. There are no identifying marks, no logos and no engravings on this pen. Made in Arizona, USA. Limited lifetime guarantee.

http://www.scottsdalepen.com/tuffwriter-precision-press-polished-titanium-tactical-ballpoint-p-4466.html