Writing Pens

Okay, I admit I'm a fanatic about pens; always searching for the perfect pen that fits my hand perfectly, has a balanced weight and writes oh so smoothly. I have a few cigar boxes full of pens that I have used throughout the years that were retired when a better one came along.

When my brother-in-law Jeff was here on a visit, he showed me his birthday gift from his wife Jayne; a Namiki fountain pen with a retractable nib. Much like "clic your bic", but a high quality fountain pen. I loved the feel of it in my hand and have always loved fountain pens but hated having to deal with the cap. The Namiki Vanishing Point is perfect.

Darn Jeff and Jayne for introducing me to that pen. I bought one online last night and it is due to arrive within the week. My most expensive pen at $110. The photo shows the one I bought, the Blue Rhodium Trim.

Namiki has a pen I would love to have, but at $5500 it is a luxury that I would never purchase unless I won the million dollar lottery and even then I would be reluctant to spend such money. I'm a pen fanatic, but not that much of a pen fiend.

I don't know whether to say "Thanks" or "Damn it" to Jeff and Jayne for bringing that pen into my life. Will I now be obsessed with the Namiki line much like people who are obsessed with clothing lines? Will I crave Namiki exclusively like those who buy only Christian Dior, Vera Wang, Yves St. Laurent? .

My search for the perfect pen began in the 1970's when I was in high school. Many years later my search continues. I hope the Namiki pen meets my requirements, but I know another pen will come along to replace it and as sad as I will be to say goodbye to it, another pen will be needed to fit the changes in my aging hand. Such is the life of a pen fanatic.