At the beginning of 2022, I wrote about how I wanted the focus of this year to be about cycling out those pens I didn’t use as much, and consolidating my own personal collecting around unique and/or custom pens from independent makers. I’m happy to report back that as far as this goal went, 2022 was a success! (Though I don’t think my wallet would agree.)
I purchased very few pens from major makers this year, and none from the “Big Guys” like Montblanc, Pelikan, or Aurora. Not necessarily because I dislike what those companies have been doing - there have been some great releases this year - but I already have so many pens from these companies that more wouldn’t be additive to my collection. On the other hand, each of the “indie” pens I’ve added this year is unique. I thought it might be fun to showcase a few of my favorites.
Kanilea Pen Company Kai Huli and Lewa Lani
I spent most of the summer trying to decide which of the recent Kanilea Pen Company releases to add to my collection, and settled on the Lewa Lani (released around the time of the 2022 Chicago Pen Show), as well as one of the “pen show special” Kai Huli pens in a coral and yellow marbled acrylic that I regrettably passed up in D.C., but was thrilled to discover was still available in November. I enjoy the personal stories that inspires each of the Kanilea creations, and I’ve settled on the “Classic Flush” shape as my favorite as it fits my hand the best.
Schon DSGN Full Size Fountain Pens in “3D Purple” and “Cement Saffron” Finishes
Easily one of my favorite releases from the past two years, these Schon DSGN full-size metal fountain pens feature a lightweight, comfortable build, along with the added benefit of JoWo No. 6 nib compatibility and the ability to post, a relatively rare feature in machined metal pens. The finish, particularly the anodization, on Schon DSGN pens are top-notch. Picking up a new one has become a bit of a pen show tradition for me, and Ian’s creativity seemingly knows no bounds.
Primary Manipulation Custom Pen by Nicolas Pasquale
Purchased at this year’s Nashville Pelikan Hub, I wanted to feature this creation from local (to me) pen maker Nic Pasquale, who goes by @pensbypasquale on Instagram. This is a very comfortable design, with not only the Brooks material but a Bock nib tuned by Kirk Speer. I love how it’s not the basic flat-end shape favored by many makers, but slightly peaked.
Further Reading and the Indie Pens Holiday Gift Guide
I previously discussed several of these pens (and a handful more) in the first-ever 2022 T.G.S. “Indie” Gift Guide. Believe me, I know from my own experience that we’re all in the depths of the holiday shopping rush, but if you’re considering pen related gifts for others (or even yourself - wink), please consider shopping smaller makers and businesses. The decision to support independents makes the pen community a more interesting place, and maintains the variety that we’ve all come to expect and enjoy!
I purchased the pens featured in this review with my own funds, for my own personal collection. The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and by pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.