Lamy Dialog 3

Where does the time go? I can't believe its been so long since my last post. Anyway, Happy New Year. Hope your holidays were merry and bright. Scottsdale Pen did very well, thank you.

We were disappointed that the Lamy Dialog 3 didn't arrive until the week after Christmas since there had been so much excited anticipation beginning in mid-October. However, regardless of the timing of their arrival, I must say that the execution of the design is amazing enough and that the Lamy Dialog 3 does not dissappoint in any regard.

The operation of the mechanism is flawless. The clip retracts slightly, the ball valve throws flawlessy, and the nib is a tried and true model already in use on other successful Lamy models. In the limited world of retractable fountain pens, Lamy has most firmly established itself as a player. While it may not unseat the Pilot Vanishing Point in this field, I expect it will perform very well in the years ahead.

While a bit on the thick side, you'll find this is very comfortable to hold. And you're going to love the twist mechanism itself- its just too cool- almost like playing with a switchblade knife according to one avid pen and knife collector.

Tough Pens for Tough Times

The latest Stylus magazine, Fall 2009, has come out and features an article called "Steel Yourself: Three Moderately Priced Fountain Pens for Tough Economic Times" starting on page 80. Howard Edelstein and Mel Strohminger Road Test the Waterman Phileas, the Pelikan Pura, and the Libelle Chromatic Sport in red.

All three score in the 89 to 92 point range on a scale of 100 points with the Waterman and the Pelikan tied at an average of 91, while the Libelle comes in right behind at an average of 90. Scottsdale Pen carries all three models and can agree that all three models are top performers in their price range ($75- $85).

Montegrappa Arrives and Other Delights

We're very excited to announce the arrival of our first items from Montegrappa, the NeroUno collection. At the same time, Montegrappa announced new, lower pricing, too! You can't beat the Italians for style- the pens from Montegrappa are truly beautiful.

The big hits of the summer were the Pilot M90 and the Pilot Vanishing Point in Vivid Red, both limited edition fountain pens. They came and went in one heck of a hurry. But, no use in crying over spilled milk, let's look forward to the next hot pens...

Coming this last quarter look for the Lamy Dialog 3, a retractable fountain pen. Oh yeah, baby, this is going to be hotter than Phoenix in August. Lamy will also introduce the violet Studio series.

Visconti is bringing out variations on the Divina series including the limited edition Divine Proportions ballpoint, and the Divina Royale. These are going to really jazz up the holiday season. They are also introducing the very limited Knight's Templar fountain pen. For everyday, you'll love the all new value-priced Rembrandt series.

We'll have the new Faber-Castell Ambition Rhombus in engraved precious resin very shortly.

Sailor will be landing here within the next week with new demonstators in the Professional and Sapporo lines. The Procolor 500 series will also arrive in four great colors along with the Sapporo purple!

The Parker Premier series will be at full strength and all three modes will be on display within the next 10 days.

The Cross Affinity collection has arrived at special introductory prices through the end of the year. And in a similar mode, the Pilot Knight collection of value-priced pens are now here at full strength.

Caran d'Ache has just announced the release of their popular office pens in the all new Zodiac series. We'll have this display within the next two weeks. Hey, what's your sign?

And have you seen the Pilot Custom 823 Demonstrator yet? A great fountain pen for everyday with a huge ink capacity!

Wow, that should do it for now. Come and see us soon! Our store hours will expand in October to Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm.

Best of Phoenix 2009

We're proud to announce that Scottsdale Pen has been cited in the September 2009 issue of Phoenix Magazine as one of the 105 "great local businesses that struggle to lure you away from the chains." This is their highly anticipated annual Best of the Valley issue and it is an honor for us to be included after less than two years in business. If you search out the issue, you'll find us on page 108 under the heading "Best Place to Sign Off in Style".

In other news, the Pilot Vanishing Point Limited Edition Vivid Red fountain pen has arrived. Only 650 will be released in the United States, so supplies will be tight. The MSRP is $225. This pen features a lipstick red body with rhodium trim and a rhodium-plated 18K gold medium nib.

Pilot 90th Anniversary M90 Fountain Pen

In celebration of Pilot's 90th anniversary they have released the limited edition M90 fountain pen. Featuring a sleek, brushed stainless, one-piece nib/body design, the M90 appears both retro and futuristic in the same instance. I can say without hesitation that I find this pen design inspiring. If you're looking for something that begs for you to write, this is it!

Limited to only 9000 pieces worldwide and maybe 1175 in the U.S., supplies are going to be very tight. The Pilot M90 was produced in fine and medium nibs only and operates with either a cartridge or converter.

Pelikan Souveran 400 Tortoise Celluloid

The Pelikan Special Edition Souveran 400 tortoiseshell celluloid has arrived and its a delicious fountain pen for your collection. The main draw is, of course, the wonderful barrel material that varies in shading from cream to tan to brown and is alluringly transluscent allowing you to see hints of the plunger filling system in action.

Keeping with the color scheme, all parts are a deep, dark, brown highlighted with gold-plated trim. The nib is 14K yellow gold.

This pen will be available for a limited time only.

Father's Day is June 21

Hard to believe, but Father's Day is upon us, coming up Sunday, June 21. We've got the perfect gift for dad with pens to fit almost any budget. We recently added in some new Jack Georges briefcases, too.

We've also been adding to our bottled ink selection with some new colors from Noodler's and Private Reserve. Visconti is now in stock, and a selection should be arriving shortly from J. Herbin and Caran d'Ache, too.

As of Sunday, June 21 Scottsdale Pen will be closed on Sundays through the summer months. Store hours will be Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm.