Category: pen

Retro 51 Tornado rollerball review

26 May 2014 By ian

There was a time when Myke Hurley used to talk about the Retro 51 Tornado so often that it became a pen-that-should-not-be-named on the Pen Addict podcast. Is Myke completely mad or did he know what he was talking about? Or, at least on the podcast, trying not to talk about. The build quality of […]

Parker 45 fountain pen review

19 May 2014 By ian

I’ve avoided reviewing vintage fountain pens up to now because it’s hard to guarantee consistency. Even new pens can vary a little, depending on the effectiveness of a company’s quality control. So many variables can affect the quality of an old pen that it’s impossible to say if a particular model is going to be […]

Retro 51 Tornado Touch Ballpoint review and giveaway

12 May 2014 By ian

Retro 51 are well known for making wonderful full-sized rollerball pens. This pen, the Retro 51 Tornado Touch, is a relatively new product and it continues the same excellent quality, albeit with a ballpoint refill. The design of the pen is stylish, even to the point of just about getting away with the little moustache […]

Monteverde Impressa fountain pen review

5 May 2014 By ian

The Monteverde Impressa is a striking looking pen, particularly in this gunmetal red version. I appreciate Monteverde trying something different and I wish more pen companies would do likewise, particularly at this price point. (It’s around the Pilot Prera/Kaweco Classic Sport price range.) This is a very well made pen. The metal barrel feels solid […]