RICHARD INK | A Pen Blog

Happy Holidays from RichardInk.com & Merritt Fine Writing Instruments

Happy Holidays from RichardInk.com & the Merritt family.

Looking back on the last 12 months, I could easily go into writing a book here.
But to say the least, It's been a fantastic year.  

I want to say thank you to everyone that has supported Merritt Fine Writing Instruments and the RICHARDink.com blog -- you are extremely appreciated. ☺

I look forward to spending the rest of this month with my family (and slippin' in a few more winter fly fishing outings, catching up on my fly tying and trying not to work.

I'll save all the work for the New Year -- which I'm quite excited about.  There's lots to look forward to as we head into 2009 -- but we'll talk about all that later. Thanks again yall.

Merry Christmas!

RLM

MERRITT CLASSIC FOUNTAIN PEN - HANDCRAFTED from AFZELIA BURL

Merritt Classic Fountain Pen - Afzelia Burl - Rhodium Appointments & 22k Gold Insets
Handcrafted by Richard Lee Merritt


(click to enlarge images)

It's The Perfect Holiday Gift!

This is an oversized Merritt Classic Fountain Pen Handcrafted by Richard Lee Merritt from a rare piece of Afzelia Burl from East Asia. This fine writing instrument is dressed in Rhodium plated (Platinum Family) appointments and accented with beautiful hand-cast engraved insets on the ends of the cap and pen barrel as well as the accent band in 22k Gold.  A very Limited Number of Merritt Classic Fountain Pens are made each year.

In the tradition of fine desk pens, the Merritt Classic Fountain Pen is not designed for use with the cap attached to the pen. This ensures that you will enjoy effortless writing and the perfect balance of the Merritt Classic every time you use it.  The cap screws on and off with only one and a half turns and is ultra smooth.

A special clear gloss finish is applied by hand to add superior beauty and durability, the burl wood is also specially hand stabilized to ensure the highest quality of standards possible in a writing instrument . (*Note: This is the natural color of the wood burl, No stains are used on Merritt Fine Writing Instruments)

This Merritt Fountain Pen features a top quality German-made two-tone nib (Medium) with genuine iridium point for smooth writing and dependable ink flow. It will accept standard ink cartridges as well as converters. Includes a premium Schmidt ink converter and ink cartridges. Also included is a sleek genuine leather case.
Pen measures 11/16” wide x 5 3/4” long. Upgrade to a 18k Solid Gold Nib for $100.00 (Notify after purchase for upgrade to 18k Gold Nib/A separate invoice will be sent for upgrades)

The photos do not do justice to the beauty and balance of this fine writing instrument.

SOLD

Thank You Indra D.  A very special customer from Ontario Canada

  

Cross Starlight Breast-Cancer Awareness Ballpoint Pen (Pink Pen)

Century II Starlight Breast-Cancer Awareness Ballpoint pen 
On behalf of A.T. Cross, we would like to reach out to you and remind you that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Cross introduces the 2008 Limited Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Century® II pink Starlight pen that will donate 10% of the sale to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

(click here for more information)

Limited Edition. For every pen you purchase we’ll donate 10% to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation with a minimum guaranteed donation of $10,000. 

Fashioned in a shimmering pearlescent pink finish inlaid with rhodium-plated stars and finished with a jewelry-quality pink enamel awareness ribbon on the clip. Polished chrome-plated appointments. Give them to your mothers, daughters, sisters and co-workers and help make a difference.

"Get Your Starlight Breast Cancer Awarness Pen At Cross.com or by clicking the link below"

Starlight Breast Cancer Awareness Pen exclusively at Cross.com.
GET YOURS HEREplease feel free to Digg or Stumble this post to help spread the word...

Ponzi Pirillo Shows Off Her New Merritt Rollerball Pen at Chris.Pirillo.com

Here In This Video, Ponzi Pirillo Showcases Her New Handcrafted Merritt Monarch Jr. Rollerball Pen.
I recently made this custom Merritt Monarch Jr. Rollerball Ink Pen for Ponzi from a very Rare piece of Afzelia Burl from an East Asian Jungle and combined it with beautiful Rhodium/Platinum appointments, and a clear genuine Swarovski Crystal.

Thank You for the Awesome Video Ponzi -- I really appreciate it!!!

Richard

PS. I also want to thank Chris Pirillo for posting this video on his site chris.pirillo.com!
Thanks Chris!

PPS. Be sure to check out Ponzi's Blog @ www.ponzarelli.com.  And Chris' site @ chris.pirillo.com or just type 'Chris' into google --- he's the number one ranking 'Chris'! Seriously.

•You can see the actual pen upclose and learn more about it if you scroll down to the next post▼

Hey, stop drooling on yourself!  If you want your own Merritt Monarch Jr. Rollerball or Fountain Pen -- Just contact me! I'll make you one!

Merritt Monarch Jr. Handcrafted Rollerball Pen - Afzelia Burl & Rhodium - NEW

 
Merritt Monarch Jr. Handcrafted Rollerball Pen

Introducing the New Merritt Monarch Jr. Rollerball Pen.
Made from very rare top quality Afzelia Burl wood from East Asia hand turned freestyle on a lathe by artisan Richard Lee Merritt -- and combined with Rhodium (Platinum family) plated appointments and Black Titanium accents.

This New slimmed down version of the Merritt Monarch Desk Pen has all of the features and qualities of the original Merritt Monarch Pen but in a slightly smaller and more slender design. It's perfect for those who want a smaller more practical writing instrument without sacrificing beauty and elegance.

The Merritt Monarch Jr. handcrafted pens feature the ability to "post" the cap onto the pen barrel for balance and writing and storage convenience. The Merritt Monarch Jr. Rollerball Pen includes many remarkable features including: a genuine sparkling Swarovski clear crystal set in the clip.

All of the accent rings, bands and caps include elegant custom hand-carved  three-dimensional designs. The components are cast, polished then plated with extremely durable Black Titanium. Accented with brilliant rhodium-plating on all components and handpressed for a perfect fit and finish.
Included is a Schmidt premium ceramic tip rollerball refill and a handsome black leather slip case.

Size: Capped: 5.5"  Cap Posted: 6.5"

AVAILABLE FOR CUSTOM ORDER ONLY -- EMAIL FOR PRICING AND FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Merritt Monarch Jr. is also available in a Fountain Pen model for custom order. Please email us for more information.  Don't forget to sign up on the VIP mailing list right here (top right of this page) for special deals that only are announced to members... It's Free to sign-up!

Note: Merritt Handcrafted Fine Writing Instruments are made one-at-a-time by Richard only.
Please allow 30 to 45 days to receive your Merritt Monarch Jr Rollerball or Fountain Pen from the time your payment is received. Thank you for your support.
If you have any questions please email us here. To learn more about Richard and Merritt Pens go here.

See the Merritt Classic fountain pen models currently for sale here:  Model 1 &  Model 2 

This Pen Was Specially Made for Ponzi Pirillo @ www.ponzarelli.com

Advanced Writing Solution for Professional Results . Limited Time Offer! Get It Now!

Merritt in Blogging Your Arts and Crafts

Here's an article titled "Merritt in Blogging Your Arts and Crafts" written by Diane Stafford over at ArtHobbyCraft.com.
I'm completely flattered by this article written for Art & Craft bloggers - as Diane used RICHARDink.com as an example!  It was a nice surprise.

I don't know what to say other than-- my head is too big to leave through my office door now!
Thanks Diane!   :)

Richard

HERE'S THE LINK TO THE ARTICLE►

Seriously...
Thank you Diane -- I really appreciate it.

Inventor of the BallPoint Pen: Article at Investor's Business Daily...

 

"Journalist Laszlo Biro was irritated with his fountain pen.

It often ran out of ink. Refilling the cartridges took too much time.

And the whole process was messy. The slow-drying ink would smudge, and the sharp tip of his pen sometimes ripped into paper...."

The above clip is from the article titled "He Invented the Ballpoint Pen" written by journalist Mr. Brian Deagon over at Investor's Business Daily (Investors.com)

I was contacted by Mr. Deagon, last week and we conversed about Laszlo's invention, as he mentions in the article.

Anyways, I found it to be a very good read, go ahead... enjoy►

I wanted to take a second to say Thank You to Mr. Brian Deagon and Investor's Business Daily for kindly mentioning me and RICHARDink.com in the article.  -- Thanks Brian!

[ Image: A Handcrafted Merritt Deco TwistBall Pen made from one of my favorite types of wood Australian Sheoak (click image to enlarge) ]

*If you are interested in having a Merritt Deco Twistball Pen custom made for you.
Contact me to order $125.00

MERRITT CLASSIC FOUNTAIN PEN - HANDCRAFTED from AMBOYNA BURL

Merritt Classic Fountain Pen - Amboyna Burl - Rhodium Appointments & Black Titanium Insets
Handcrafted by Richard Lee Merritt


(click images to enlarge)

This is an oversized Merritt Classic Fountain Pen Handcrafted by Richard Lee Merritt from a rare piece of two-toned Amboyna Burl. This fine writing instrument is dressed in Rhodium plated (Platinum Family) appointments and accented with beautiful hand-cast engraved insets on the ends of the cap and pen barrel as well as the accent band in Black Titanium.  A very Limited Number of Merritt Classic Fountain Pens are made each year.

In the tradition of fine desk pens, the Merritt Classic Fountain Pen is not designed for use with the cap attached to the pen. This ensures that you will enjoy effortless writing and the perfect balance of the Merritt Classic every time you use it.  The cap screws on and off with only one and a half turns and is ultra smooth.

A special clear gloss finish is applied by hand to add superior beauty and durability, the burl wood is also specially hand stabilized to ensure the highest quality of standards possible in a writing instrument . (*Note: This is the natural color of the wood burl, No stains are used on Merritt Fine Writing Instruments)

This Merritt Fountain Pen features a top quality German-made two-tone nib (Medium) with genuine iridium point for smooth writing and dependable ink flow. It will accept standard ink cartridges as well as converters. Includes a premium Schmidt ink converter and ink cartridges. Also included is a sleek genuine leather case.
Pen measures 11/16” wide x 5 3/4” long. Upgrade to a 18k Solid Gold Nib for $100.00 (Notify after purchase for upgrade to 18k Gold Nib/A separate invoice will be sent for upgrades)

The photos do not do justice to the beauty and balance of this fine writing instrument.

SOLD 

Thank you to a very special customer Diane from UK

The Fountain Pen Market: Is It Drying Up Like Some Old Bottle of Ink?

(click image to enlarge)
Unfortunately the short answer is yes.  The fountain pen market has been on a steady decline -- and some of the results are right here in this Google Trends graph.

Of course this is only a very vague display of what this niche market is actually doing.  In fact, for the purpose of keeping things simple, this graph only shows the demand for the keyword search of two phrases: "Fountain Pen" & "Fountain Pens" on Google.
But this is a birds-eye view and a direct translation of what is happening to the market side of fountain pens online.

Now let me be clear here.  While the market for "new" fountain pens is declining rapidly, the used, collectible vintage and antique fountain pen market is much stronger.  Well, it is still declining, but not nearly as fast as the market for new fountain pens.  It's all logical -- technology will continue to strangle several "analog" niches and markets. It has to be expected.

I have done some rigorous testing over the last few months.  I've even penetrated the market and "owned" the online side of the industry for a while with certain targeted BIG keywords.  After much measuring and testing, my personal experience and tests show that yes, the interest in fountain pens is shrinking fast. The offline market is also declining, but this varies drastically depending on location - where New York and Europe have more demand and still do well in high business traffic areas .

Where Am I Going With All This?
Well, its been no secret to me that this market is shrinking. It didn't take graphs and research to see it with my own two eyes. But It hasn't really affected me for several reasons. 
One of those reasons is that my income is not solely from selling new fountain pens.  I make and sell pens because I love them and enjoy making them for others that love them too.  The other reason is the handcrafted pen market is almost totally separate from the mainstream fountain pen market, and the buying pattern for New Pens versus Handcrafted Pens is completely different.  In fact if marketed properly the handcrafted pen business (while very small) is actually semi-steady with of course some spikes in revenue a few times of year (Mother's Day, Fathers Day, Graduation and of course Christmas).  Unfortunately though, most handcraft penmakers are craftsman and therefore they think like a craftsman, and not a marketer... So they usually don't stay in business very long.

My point in writing this post was not to try and "break" some "Market News" or to try and create any hype.
But it is to announce that my testing has helped me to make a decision.  Which is why I test markets in the first place.

TheFountainPenStore.com
As many of you know, I was building TheFountainPenStore.com, an e-commerce store as a dealer of many fine brands of fountain pens, ink and accessories.  In fact I really appreciate the support that I received from many of you as I announced the idea.  I was already testing the market months before I announced it.  And I was really excited to create it and to began building it.  As a marketer I run more than one business and thought TheFountainPenStore.com would be a fun side-hobby/business in addition to several other businesses I run online. 

But unfortunately, the return in revenue for the time invested to physically run and build TheFountainPenStore.com simply does not "weigh out"! 

What I mean is, I would rather use the time and money to focus my energy on my own brand of handcrafted "Merritt Pens" -- rather than spread myself too thin -- pushing other manufacturers' new pens in a struggling market.
 
Part of being a good business person is "knowing when to pull the plug". 

With that said, TheFountainPenStore.com will no longer be in development.

Looking Up!
The bright side of this is that I will continue to develop and brand "Merritt Pens" at www.MerrittPens.com as planned.  I will continue to only produce a very limited number of Merritt Handcrafted Fine Writing Instruments each year.  I will continue to produce each pen one-at-a-time and sell them on a custom order basis.  If you would like to stay updated with the development of MerrittPens.com please join the mailing list.

For everyone that supported the idea of TFPS.com, I just want to say Thank You. 

And for everyone that supports this blog (RICHARDink.com) and Merritt Fine Writing Instruments -- Thank you so much!  It really means a lot! Thank you!

In gratitude,
Richard

PS. Anyone interested in Purchasing the Domain Name "TheFountainPenStore.com" please contact me via email to make an offer.  Thank you.

7 Simple Tips on How-to Use and Care for Your Fountain Pens

Here are 7 super quick tips about taking care of your fountain pens

Fountain pens are a delicate writing instrument that can bring years of enjoyment if properly used and maintained.  Here I will list seven quick helpful tips on using, maintaining and servicing your fountain pen.

•Holding a Fountain Pen
When properly held, the fountain pen nib should be upright so you can see the engraving on the nib.  Both tines at the tip of the pen should contact the paper at the same time.  Be sure not to apply pressure when writing, the weight of the pen is enough.  Most of us who are used to writing with ballpoint pens, have been trained to press down onto the paper with pressure when writing -- this is not necessary with fountain pens. 
•FACT: The average right handed person writes with their pen at approximately a 55° angle to the paper.

•Using Fountain Pen Ink Cartridges
To install a standard ink cartridge, simply press the ink cartridge onto the nipple of the feed until firmly seated. Gently write on a scrap piece of quality paper to begin the ink flow.  Sometimes you have to be patient here as it could take a minute to get the ink started and flowing.  If it is being really stubborn and won't start after a minute or so, give the cartridge a very gentle squeeze.  (Be very careful not to squeeze to hard, or ink will drip out of the nib/feed -- it's best to do this over a paper towel.)

•Using a Fountain Pen Piston Converter
There are several different types of ink reservoir systems used with fountain pens - but for the simple fact that the majority of today's pens are mostly made for cartridge ink refills, I will only discuss this type in this article.  But, you can also refill your fountain pen ink from a bottle, which usually you have more color options this way and it's much more economical and "eco" freindly too.

To do this you can use what's known as a Converter.
Twist the end of the converter counter-clockwise until the piston head is positioned at the filling end. Press the converter onto the nipple of the feed.  With the nib submersed in the (bottle of) ink, twist the end of the converter clockwise until it fills with ink and stops.  Completely twist the end of the converter back and forth a few times to be sure it is completely filled.  Now, gently twist counter-clockwise and allow two drops of ink to drip back into the bottle.  Remove excess ink from the nib with a paper towel.

•Choosing the Right Fountain Pen Ink
The ink discussion can often be a subjective and broad topic with lots of personal opinions and choices - which is actually part of the fun of using fountain pens .  My advice is to experiment with as many types as you can to find what you like, but be sure to only use ink designed specifically for fountain pens.  India ink and calligraphy ink can cause permanent damage to the nib, feed and reservoir of your fountain pen.  So be sure you buy the right type of ink.

•Choosing the Right Paper for Fountain Pens
This is another quite subjective topic amongst fountain pen users but generally just be sure to use high quality , non-coated paper.  Low quality paper tends to collect on the tip of the nib when writing causing ink to bleed and your lines to skip.  When possible choose quality paper with a high cotton content to get the most out of your fountain pen when writing. 
Note: Writing on recycled types of paper with most fountain pens and inks usually yields subpar results.

•Storing Your Fountain Pens
Always store your fountain pen with the nib in an upright position. This allows the ink to drain from the nib when not in use. Doing this will also prevent clogging issues over time. 

•Cleaning and Maintaining Your Fountain Pen
Fountain pens should be cleaned once a month and every time you change ink brands or colors.  Remove the ink cartridge/converter from the nib and flush with cold water.  It may be necessary to soak the nib for several hours if it is clogged.  Use the converter to flush the nib and feed with cold water.  Repeat until the water is clear and free of ink.  Leave out to dry, or I like to use a can of air to carefully blow out the excess water from the feed, nib, and converter before filling or installing a new cartridge.  Be sure to gently wipe down your pen from any water with a microfiber cloth or something gentle. Do not use hot (or warm) water or solvents as this may damage the nib, feed, and/or finish of your pen.

Waterman Hemisphere Fountain Pen

Waterman Hemisphere Fountain Pen Mars Black Medium
I ordered up one of these Waterman Hemisphere fountain pens in a medium over the weekend from EE. I'll be sure to post a review or a video when I get a chance.  Click on the image for more details or to get yours at EE for $85. They have some great deals over there and a lot of times they have free shipping.

Waterman Hemisphere Fountain Pen Mars Black Medium

A sleekly sculpted essay in the cosmopolitan, Hemisphere spans wondrous continents of choice in form and finish, from metallic to marbled to the elegance of stainless steel. Offering a glittering perspective on the synergies of professionalism and pleasure, Hemisphere lights the select path whose destination is sterling value and sumptuous style.

Namiki Vanishing Point Fountain Pens On Sale $111.99 + Free Shipping

RETRACTABLE FOUNTAIN PENS
This is a fantastic deal for Namiki Vanishing Point Fountain Pens On Sale for $111.99 with Free Shipping! In Black, Blue, Red and Carbonesque.  Click the links to get the details at EE. In Stock in your choice of Fine or Medium size nib.

Namiki Vanishing Point Fountain Pen Black & Silver
Namiki Vanishing Point Fountain Pen Blue & Silver
Namiki Vanishing Point Fountain Pen Red & Silver
Namiki Vanishing Point Fountain Pen Carbonesque

NAMIKI VANISHING POINT RETRACTABLE FOUNTAIN PEN
Innovative technology makes the Vanishing Point Collection unique among fountain pens. The patented Vanishing Point design allows the nib to retract completely into the pen body after use. More than just an advancement in design technology, these are superior writing instruments which stand up to the rigors of daily use. A pen from the Vanishing Point Collection is sure to attract attention whenever it is used. Available in fine, medium and broad 14 karat gold nibs. A black leather gift box completes the presentation.

•I've been finding some great deals here lately - check them out!
Executive Essentials: Shop Fine Pens, Executive Gifts & More!

•Be sure to sign up for my VIP NEWSLETTER for more great deals and coupon codes for special savings. 
I also give away free tips and tricks on pen care and DIY Nib Smoothing and Grinding ►

Namiki Yukari Fountain Pen Kingfisher - On Sale and Free Shipping

I thought this was worth sharing. This is a really beautiful piece of artwork! 
On Sale: $4,399.99 at executive essentials. It's usually $5500.00
They have them in stock in medium and broad nibs.
You can click the pen image to go to EE and get all the details.

Namiki Yukari Fountain Pen Kingfisher

Namiki Yukari Fountain Pen Kingfisher

The Yukari Collection transforms traditional scenes from nature into striking fantasies. The Cormorant, Morning Glory, Apricot Tree and Brush Warbler, Hummingbird, Goldfish, Wave and Plover, and Pigeon and Persimmon designs show the combined beauty of Togidashi andTaka-maki-e in intricate raised relief form. The Hydrangea, Firefly, Nightline and Cherry Blossom fountain pens feature the beauty of multi-colored abalone shells in Raden lacquering style. A must for fountain pen enthusiasts, designs from this collection also feature 18 karat gold fine, medium and broad nibs and 18 karat gold clips.

Waterman Edson Fountain Pen in Black with Free Shipping

The Edson in Black is a sexy pen by Waterman, I found it at EE with FREE SHIPPING.  They have them in fine and medium size nibs. (click the image for details) Price: $1000.00

Waterman Edson Fountain Pen Black

A pure contemporary design - The contemporary prestige of intense, transparent metallic and rare platinum unite in a stunning arrangement of aesthetic sophistication. Infinite reliability and a unique inlaid form transforms this remarkable rhodium-plated 18K solid gold nib into a miracle of design and technology. An elegantly crafted, assertive interpretation of Waterman's renowned clip boldly embraces the cap in perfect mirror symmetry with its nib.

Are You Thinking About Starting A Fountain Pen Collection?

Hi gang!  Here are some great tips and information for those of you that are considering to take the plunge into collecting fountain pens and fine writing instruments.

Believe it or not, there is quite a bit to know about fountain pens, which can make it a bit overwhelming when one starts out on their journey to collect information on this topic. 

So How Do I Start a Fountain Pen Collection? You Ask...
Not knowing where to start seems to be a very common feeling at first.  That said I'd like to point you to an article that covers a lot of good information for those of you that are interested in beginning to set out on this addiction (uhum, I mean...) most enjoyable hobby! ☺

If I have to give ONE bit of advice -- I would say: if you're just starting out (which I don't hear this much in the pen collector's circles) -- "there are no rules" to collecting. 

Don't let the "pen snobs" tell you to "Have a Focus" for your collection right away.  While I see the point in this for different reasons, there is always time for that later!

For now... Just collect what you like!  That's what I do. It keeps it fun.  And that's really what it's all about!

Anyways...

► Here's the link to the article

"How to Start a Fountain Pen Collection"

Enjoy!

Richard