Electrifying...

Michael's FatBoy limited edition TeslaCoil is machined from a solid bar of aluminum and features tightly wound copper wire to simulate the windings found on an electric motor. All of Michael's pens are made in the U. S., and the company has garnered much attention for this and other reasons since its inception less than 10 years ago. The TeslaCoil is available as a fountain pen, rollerball, ballpoint and mechanical pencil. They are priced accordingly: $495, $295, $195 and $195. I like Michael and his products--fun, well-made and unpretentious.

Here, there and everywhere

Where do you think most pens are made? Of course they are made around the globe, but if you’re “into” pens, you probably know that most hail from Germany, Italy and Asia. Unfortunately, just a few are still made in the US, and Bexley and Michael’s Pens are two examples. 

In the UK, Conway Stewart has gained a reputation for its limited editions and beautiful bespoke craftsmanship. Its newest Belliver collection is crafted from pearlescent brown resin (in shades of amber, bronze and cream), and it has gold trim and an 18-karat nib. Personally, I think the name is as interesting as the pen, and I’m a huge fan of creative names for pens—particularly since there aren’t many. “Belliver” (also sometimes spelled “Bellever”) is derived from the location where the Conway Stewart factory is located on the outskirts of Plymouth Devon. It is also the name of a tor situated close by in the Dartmoor National Park. Tors are small hills usually capped by granite outcroppings, and they are popular tourist attractions, with hikers seen trekking from one peak to another during their holiday vacations. Tor granite was used to construct the pillars outside the British Museum in London and also to build London Bridge.

The Belliver may be ordered through July 25. The fountain pen is priced at $430: the rollerball, $395.The cartridge/converter-filled fountain pen is available with the following nib grades: fine, medium and broad, and italic fine, medium or broad.