A weighty matter...

The new Colibri Ascari rollerball pen is making tracks among those who love techy-looking, high-performance rollerball pens. Inspired by the atmosphere of the Italian Grand Prix racetrack, this spring-loaded pen is predominantly matte black with a dash of red or racing blue. The precision-cut grip allows for comfortable handling, and the substantial weight and balance of the pen is impressive to say the least. The Ascari has a strong Colibri spring clip and uses a German refill system. It is packaged in a luxury matte black gift box, making it an ideal holiday gift for the man or woman in your life who enjoys substantial eye-catching pens. I own one and it never ceases to elicit comments...of course I always take advantage of the opportunity to "talk pens."

Pelikan's Lizard

While recalling an historical model that dates to 1937, the new Pelikan M101N Lizard has been updated to reflect today's fountain pen manufacturing: the lizard-patterned barrel and cap of the fountain pen are made of cellulose acetate. The clip and bands are palladium plate, and the 14-karat gold nib (extra fine, fine, medium and broad) is rhodium plated. This special edition, priced at $625, is available in a limited quantity beginning in December--just in time for Pelikan's 175th anniversary in 2013. Looks like next year holds more surprises in celebration.

Speaking of Presidents...

Honoring the 150^th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, Krone is introducing the second edition of its Abraham Lincoln Tribute Series. The cap and barrel are "Union" navy blue resin, and the sterling silver cap band features Lincoln's signature. The sterling silver clip serves as a canvas for a bronzed portrait of Lincoln. The cap crown houses an authenticated piece of wood obtained from Lincoln's private office in the White House, where he signed the Emancipation Proclamation. A framed piece of parchment, with Lincoln's actual handwriting, accompanies each pen. Just 88 piston-filled fountain pens (nib sizes in fine, medium and broad) and 28 rollerballs are available. The former is priced at $3,900, and the latter at $3,800.

Fountain Pen Day

I'm not sure who designated the first Friday in November as Fountain Pen Day, but I'm always glad to have something to celebrate--especially when it involves pens. So here's my top ten list of reasons to buy a fountain pen...or any pen that strikes your fancy and encourages you to write more.

10.    You can find a good pen in any price range.

  9.    No need to worry about buying the right size (but pay attention to pen circumference and hand size).

  8.    A good pen works for both genders.

  7.    A good pen will last forever...or almost.

  6.    There's a fine pen for every taste--conservative or flashy, monochromatic or colorful.

  5.    Most good pens come in their own little box, ready for wrapping.

  4.    Pens are both luxurious and functional.

  3.    If purchased from a reputable retailer, a pen can be returned or exchanged with no hassle.

  2.    A pen is personal without being too intimate, perfect for a special someone or a business associate.

  1.    EVERYONE NEEDS AT LEAST ONE GREAT PEN!!

Porsche Design Tec Flex

Remember the very first Porsche Design writing tool? It's now available in a very modern-looking black. Crafted from stainless steel, which is then finished with PVD coating, each pen also features a scratch-resistant PVD-coated gripping section. The Tec Flex  P'3110 is available in a fountain pen with an 18-karat gold nib (fine, medium or broad), rollerball, ballpoint and mechanical pencil, all made in Germany. The ballpoints and the mechanical pencils each have a very tactile quality: when you push the mechanism, the stainless steel weave on the barrel responds to the pressure and contracts, then returns to its original position once the refill or lead appears. Prices range from $295 to $975.