Author Archives: kuncoro

Pelikan M700 Tolédo

In 1931, Pelikan adopted a technique of Damascus steel engraving into a design of its fountain pen. This method, brought to Spain by the Arabs and perfected in Tolédo, involves engraving patterns into steel or iron surfaces, overlaying them with a thin sheet of gold, and heating the object to oxidise the steel while leaving the gold to shine brilliantly​​. Today, Pelikan still uses this technique for two Souverän series: M700 and M900. The elegant M700 has arrived last week.

The M700 Tolédo features a decorative sleeve made from a single piece of 925 Sterling Silver, which is intricately hand-engraved and covered with a layer of gold. This results in a beautifully contrasting design that combines the dark oxidised silver with the luminous gold patterns. The cap, front piece, and end piece of the pen are crafted from high-quality black resin, adding to its overall elegance and durability​​.

Pelikan M700 Tolédo is similar in size to the Pelikan Souverän M400, with a length of approximately 12.5 cm when capped and 14.7 cm when posted. It has a comfortable weight of about 23 grams, making it well-balanced and easy to handle for prolonged writing sessions​​.

One of the most distinguished features of the M700 is its nib. The pen is equipped with an Au750 (18K gold) nib adorned with rhodium accents, available in various sizes. Mine has medium size. This bi-color nib not only enhances the pen’s aesthetic appeal but also ensures a smooth and pleasurable writing experience. The pen utilizes a high-capacity piston filling system, which is both efficient and easy to use​.

Each M700 fountain pen is a unique piece, individually designed, hand-signed, and numbered. The intricate hand-engraving process means that no two pens are exactly alike. Due to the extensive manual labor involved, only a limited number of these pens —up to 200— can be produced each month. This exclusivity adds to the pen’s allure as a collector’s item and a piece of art​.

The pen is presented in a luxurious silk-lined wooden gift box, adding to its prestige and making it an excellent choice for a cherished gift. This thoughtful presentation underscores Pelikan’s attention to detail and dedication to providing a premium product experience​.

M700 is not just a writing instrument — it is a piece of history. The pen’s design has remained virtually unchanged since its introduction, preserving the heritage and craftsmanship of the Tolédo technique. This makes owning a Tolédo M700 akin to owning a small piece of art history​.

University of Cambridge — Onoto

The University of Cambridge has a rich history that spans more than 800 years. Its origins can be traced back to 1209, when a group of scholars migrated to establish ofa new centre of learning in Cambridge. By 1231, the institution received a charter from King Henry III, which granted it significant privileges. This charter marked the beginning of the university’s official recognition and its rise as a prominent academic institution.

The university is organised into a series of colleges, with the first college, Peterhouse, founded by Hugh de Balsham in 1284. Each college is an independent institution with its own property and income, but all are part of the university, contributing to its rich academic and cultural environment.

The university played a significant role in the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution. Notable alumni include Sir Isaac Newton, who developed the principles of modern physics in the 17th century while at Cambridge. In the 20th and 21st centuries, Cambridge continued to expand and evolve, becoming a globally recognised and respected institution for higher learning and research. It has maintained a strong emphasis on scientific research and innovation, contributing to technological advancements and the development of new fields of study. Today, this university consists of over 30 colleges and numerous academic departments, faculties, and schools. It continues to be a leading centre for education and research, attracting students and scholars from around the world. The university’s commitment to excellence in education, research, and contribution to society remains steadfast, ensuring its place among the top universities globally for years to come.

I have an Onoto fountain pen designed for the University of Cambridge. It is a Magna Black & Gold model with the logo of this university on its crown, and a Trinity College crest; with Au750 F-sized nib. It is my second Onoto after the one designed for Oxford University.

Onoto, a prestigious brand of fountain pens from the United Kingdom, has a rich history and a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and cultural significance. The brand’s journey began in the early 20th century, making it an integral part of the fountain pen industry’s history and development. Its history dates back to 1905 when the brand was established by Thomas De La Rue & Co. The first Onoto pen, the Onoto Patent Self-filling Pen, was launched in 1905 and quickly gained fame for its innovative plunger-filling system, which was a novelty at the time. This filling mechanism allowed for a more straightforward and cleaner way to refill the pen, setting Onoto pens apart from their competitors.

Onoto pens are renowned for their high quality, craftsmanship, and durability. The brand has consistently emphasized the production of pens that are not only functional but also beautiful, often using precious metals, high-quality resins, and intricate designs. Collectors and users of Onoto pens value them for their smooth writing experience, balance, and the tactile pleasure they provide. In the 21st century, Onoto has experienced a revival, appealing to both collectors of vintage pens and enthusiasts of luxury writing instruments. The brand continues to produce limited editions and bespoke pens, often commemorating significant historical and cultural events, further enhancing its cultural significance and appeal to connoisseurs of fine pens.

Ravenclaw

November — one of the most inspiring months, with its dark season in most populated part of the earth. Darkness, reducing the ability to see with our eyes, but opening our heart wider to see the wisdom of our life, of the universe. And at the first week of November, we celebrate Fountain Pen Day. This year, we celebrate it on November 3rd — just between Nov 2nd and Nov 4th for sure. And the pen I choose today is Montegrappa Harry Potter Series: Ravenclaw!

Montegrappa has produced a special edition fountain pen inspired by the Harry Potter series. I have displayed the Gryffindor design last year (URL). Now proudly I show you the Ravenclaw.

At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, each house has its own unique qualities and values, contributing to the diversity and richness of the Hogwarts student body. In contrast to the other houses (Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin), Ravenclaw stands out for its emphasis on intellectual pursuits and a love of learning.

The unique characteristics of Ravenclaw can be summarised as follows:

  • Intelligence and Wisdom: Ravenclaw house values academic achievement and intelligence. Ravenclaw people are known for their intellectual curiosity, love of learning, and a desire to expand their knowledge.
  • Creativity and Originality: Ravenclaws are often associated with creativity and original thinking. The house encourages people to think outside the box and approach problems with innovative solutions.
  • Wit and Cleverness: Ravenclaws are known for their quick wit and cleverness. They appreciate a sharp mind and the ability to think on one’s feet.
  • Love of Learning: Ravenclaw people have a passion for learning and seek to understand the world around them. The house common room, located in a tower on the west side of Hogwarts, is filled with books and is a quiet place to study and contemplate.
  • Individuality: Ravenclaws often value individuality and independence. They appreciate uniqueness and are accepting of diverse perspectives and ideas.
  • Lack of Prejudice: Unlike some other houses, Ravenclaw is known for its lack of prejudice and acceptance of people from all walks of life, as long as they exhibit the qualities valued by the house.

The most prominent Ravenclaw character at the Harry Potter series is surely Luna Lovegood — a beloved character known for her individuality, kindness, and unwavering belief in the magical and mysterious aspects of the wizarding world. The individuality here includes her distinctive quirky appearance and dreamy expression. Luna is portrayed as open-minded, kind-hearted, and unapologetically herself. She is not easily affected by the opinions of others and remains true to her beliefs and values.

Luna is often considered eccentric by her peers, but she is comfortable in her uniqueness. But her loyalty, bravery, and willingness to fight for what she believes in are evident during the final intense and dangerous confrontation of the series — making her one of the most important character of the story.

Le Petit Prince #3 — Montblanc

As a personal joke, I call it an example of a cognitive dissonance, or specifically on the aspect of cognitions importance — the greater the perceived value of something, the greater the magnitude of the dissonance in the relation. The dissonance on the importance values result sometimes in unpredictable things. An example is the activity of collecting fountain pens (in the 21st century nonetheless). Another example is the cohesion to the books and other artefacts related to Le Petit Prince. That is the reason that I choose this very day to exhibit another, or two other, artefacts from both collections: Montblanc, Le Petit Prince Series of the 3rd Year, in burgundy.

I have also explored my other Montblanc pens collection related to Le Petit Prince:

Obviously, I skip MB The Meisterstück Le Petit Prince #3 on purpose — albeit an inapparent reason.

This Montblanc LPP Series #3 were launched in 2020, with burgundy colour, and with gold nibs (Au 585) carved with The Little Prince cleaning his planet from the sprouts of bad seeds. The Chapter 5 of Le Petit Prince book describes on the little prince’s planet, as on all planets, there were good plants and bad plants, and so of course there were good seeds from the good plants, and bad seeds from the bad plants. But seeds are invisible. They lie dormant hidden deep in the dark of the earth until one of them has the notion it would be a good idea to wake up. This little seed will first have a stretch, then grow slowly, ever so slowly, up towards the sunlight, until at last there it is, a sweet little innocuous twig of a plant. If it is the first shoot on a radish perhaps, or the early sprig of a rose, then it can be left to grow on as it wishes. But if this is a bad plant, you should pull it up at once, the moment you recognise it for what it is. “It’s just a question of self discipline,” the little prince explained later.

I have two size of this excellently designed pen: Le Grand (146 size, above) and the Classique (145 size, below). The Meisterstück 146 is larger and has a slightly thicker barrel compared to the Meisterstück 145. The 146 is often considered a full-sized pen, while the 145 is slightly smaller and more compact. Both have similar nib design, albeit with obviously different size, and consequently different detail. The 146 has an internal piston, while the 145 is equipped with a cartridge.

Having two fountain pens with different size and similar design makes it easier to compare the experience of using these quite standardised pen (in term of size). Since the Meisterstück 146 is larger, it tends to be slightly heavier than the Meisterstück 145. The weight difference is generally not substantial, but some individuals may have a preference for either a lighter or heavier pen. While both pens offer a smooth writing experience, some users find that the larger size of the Meisterstück 146 provides a more comfortable grip and balance. However, this can vary based on personal preference and hand size.

The the previous Le Petit Prince -themed pens, these pens were designed in collaboration with Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s Estate. Le Petit Prince, authored by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, is a beloved and timeless literary work that has captivated readers worldwide. Montblanc’s collaboration with the Estate of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry allows them to pay homage to the author and his iconic characters while creating a special connection with literature enthusiasts and fans of Le Petit Prince.

Surely we are all curious that Montblanc released three different pen designs related to Le Petit Prince in three consecutive years. Or four, if the pen released in 2017 to commemorate Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is also counted. But releasing the pens in different colours each year has successfully created a sense of exclusivity and limited edition allure. It can also incentivise collectors to acquire all three pens (at least), appealing to the desire to complete a set or collection. This approach allows Montblanc to tap into the passion and enthusiasm of collectors who seek to possess the entire series. Each new colour or design release also keeps the story and its themes fresh in the minds of fans, fostering a continued connection with the narrative. And this is why I started it with a mention of cognitive dissonance.

Waterman Edson

The Waterman Edson Sapphire is supposed to be a luxurious and highly esteemed writing instrument with a stunning design that captivates from the first glance. It features a deep blue sapphire-coloured lacquer barrel with lustrous silver accents, giving it a refined and sophisticated appearance. The pen’s streamlined shape, sleek clip, and intricate detailing demonstrate the meticulous attention to design that Waterman is renowned for. The overall aesthetic of the pen conveys a sense of prestige and luxury.

The Au750 (18k gold) nib of the Edson Sapphire fountain pen provides a remarkable writing experience. It glides effortlessly across the paper, delivering smooth and consistent lines — at least when it was new. The nib’s fine craftsmanship ensures optimal ink flow, allowing for a controlled and precise writing experience. While the pen may come at a higher price point, its exceptional quality, attention to detail, and apparently distinctive design make it a coveted choice for pen enthusiasts. Edson uses a cartridge-converter filling system.

The story of Waterman pens started in 1884, when Lewis Edson Waterman — an insurance agent from New York City — experienced a significant issue with a fountain pen during a business deal. Frustrated by the pen’s unreliability and leaking, he sought to improve the design and functionality of fountain pens. Waterman developed his own fountain pen prototype; and he received a patent for his first practical fountain pen, which featured a capillary feed system and an ink chamber with a regulated flow.

This innovation eliminated the issues of leakage and inconsistent ink flow that plagued earlier fountain pen designs. Waterman’s fountain pen design gained popularity and recognition for its reliability and smooth writing experience. In 1888, he established the Waterman Pen Company in New York City. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality writing instruments.

In the early 20th century, Waterman expanded its operations globally, establishing subsidiaries and manufacturing facilities in Europe and Canada. The company’s pens became popular worldwide. As the 20th century wore on, Waterman’s conservatism allowed its younger and more innovative competitors to gain market share — Parker, Sheaffer, and Wahl-Eversharp in particular. By the later 1920s, Waterman was attempting to catch up; it continued to struggle through and beyond World War II before finally shutting down in 1954. Waterman’s French subsidiary, Waterman-JIF (Jules-Isidore Fagard) later Waterman S.A., continued to prosper and eventually absorbed what remained of the American company and its British arm. Today, Waterman is a French brand owned by the Newell Brands group.

Le Petit Prince #4 — Montblanc

Today we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the first publication of The Little Prince. On April 6, 1943, the first edition of the book was published in the United States, featuring illustrations created by the author, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The book tells the story of a young prince who travels from one planet to another, encountering various characters and learning profound life lessons along the way.

The Little Prince was met with immediate critical acclaim and gained a dedicated readership. Despite being initially published in wartime, it managed to capture the hearts of readers around the world with its enchanting storytelling and philosophical themes. It is important to note that the first publication of The Little Prince was in English, not in its original French language. The French edition followed later, published posthumously in 1946.

Since its publication, “The Little Prince” has become one of the most translated and best-selling books in the world, captivating readers of all ages with its poignant exploration of human nature, love, friendship, and the beauty of the imagination. It continues to be celebrated as a literary masterpiece and a cherished work of art.

The mesmerising nib with the rose

For the celebration, I display here a Montblanc Le Petit Prince series that I haven’t previously displayed. It is a special edition! The nib, made from Au750 (18K gold), is delicately engraved with the image of a rose. The rose holds significant symbolism in The Little Prince as it represents the bond between the Prince and his beloved rose. In the story, the rose is a delicate and special flower that teaches the Prince important lessons about love, responsibility, and the complexities of relationships. The rose engraving on the nib of this pen captures this iconic symbol, adding a touch of elegance and meaning to the writing instrument.

Writing with MB LPP Burgundy edition
The starry cap

Meisterstück 149 Curved Nib

Happy handwriting day. Today I’d like to share another special pen: another Meisterstück Calligraphy 149 pen from Montblanc, but now with a specially-designed curved nib. Its hand-crafted nib is not a flex nib, but an innovative curved nib allowing the user to draw a variety of writing styles and line widths, depending on the angle and the orientation at which the pen is held.

Using this pen, we can draw wide horizontal lines, thin vertical lines, and even fine lines. For the last style, we need to turn the nib upside down.

The nib is unlike any bent or fude nib, but I was tempted to use it to write some kanji and katakana character, and I found the result is better than many other pen I previously have. I would not display the result here, since I’m not a real master in writing kanji character.

Otto Hutt Design 04

Otto Hutt Design 04 is a notable and highly regarded series of writing instruments by the German manufacturer Otto Hutt. Introduced in 1999, Design 04 has become synonymous with the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovative design, and luxurious aesthetics.

Otto Hutt is a German manufacturer known for producing high-quality writing instruments, including fountain pens. The company was founded in 1920 by Karl Hutt in Pforzheim, Germany. Initially, the company focused on creating jewelry and accessories, including gold and silver pens. During the 1950s, Otto Hutt expanded its production to include more affordable writing instruments while maintaining its dedication to quality. The company incorporated advancements in pen technology and materials, such as the use of new plastics and metals, to cater to a wider market. In the 1990s, Otto Hutt underwent a significant transformation under the leadership of Dr. Christa Hutt, the granddaughter of the founder. Driven by a vision of combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, she revitalised the brand’s focus on luxury pens. This led to the introduction of the “Design 04” series in 1999, which gained widespread acclaim for its sleek and innovative design.

The Design 04 series is characterised by its sleek and modern design, combining clean lines with sophisticated details. It uses premium materials — the collection includes options crafted from precious metals, such as sterling silver and gold, as well as high-quality lacquers and resins. These materials not only enhance the pen’s aesthetic appeal but also contribute to its durability and longevity. The Design 04 pens are available in a range of finishes, allowing users to select a style that suits their personal preferences. Some of the finishes include precious metals with polished or brushed textures, vibrant lacquers in various colors, and elegant combinations of materials. The finishes are meticulously applied to ensure a flawless and visually captivating appearance.

The Design 04 series offers a selection of finely crafted nibs, designed to deliver an exceptional writing experience. The nibs are available in different materials, such Au750 (18k gold) shown here, and in various widths to cater to individual writing preferences. Each nib is carefully tuned to provide smooth and consistent ink flow, resulting in effortless and enjoyable writing.

Otto Hutt is known for its attention to detail, and the Design 04 series exemplifies this commitment. From the precision-engineered threads to the meticulously finished clips and accents, every aspect of the pen is thoughtfully designed and executed.

Pelikan Souverän M1000

For the International Handwriting Day today I will display Pelikan M1000 as one of the best pens I have (considering, though, that almost all my pens are the best pens). This pen is the top member of the Pelikan Souverän family. This family consists of the M3xx, M4xx, M6xx, M8xx, and M10xx — with the higher numbers before xx are related to the increase in size. So this Souverän M1000 is also the flagship pen of Pelikan.


This pen has a gigantic nib made of Au750 — and it is virtually a perfect 18C gold that it writes so smoothly with the effect of a flexible nib. We can compare it with the magnificent Montblanc Meisterstück 149 with flex nib. Both have an Au750 nib. But not all 149 nibs are designed as flex nib — only those that are advertised so. So both writes excellently well for flexible nib effect. But then when we use them for simple signature, M1000 can simply transform to a cool signature pen, whle 149 flex would lose its magic without its flex effect. It means, to replace an M1000, I’d need a 149 with flex nib and another 149 without flex nib. But surely others may have different experiences.


M1000 has some alternative designs. But for the sake of why not and mwahahahahaha I have chosen a perfect black M1000 with golden cap and ring. Now I have more collection for my gold banded black pen. The barrel and the cap of the pen are made of cotton resin. The cap features a 24k gold-plated finial with a laser-etched relief logo of a pelican and its chick. This pen has an 18k gold bib.

Pelikan’s nib is so breathtaking. It has a unique design: a long and slender nib, with narrower shoulders and a shallower curvature. The face of the bi-color nib is stamped with a series of intersecting, graceful, swooping curves. The Pelikan logo is stamped in the middle of the nib face.

Some dimensions:

  • Length (capped): 145.6mm
  • Length (uncapped): 135.1mm
  • Length (posted): 173.6mm
  • Section diameter: 12.1mm
  • Barrel max diameter: 13.8mm
  • Cap max diameter: 16mm
  • Weight, uncapped (with ink and/or converter): 25g
  • Weight, capped (with ink and/or converter): 35g

Writing using M1000 giving a wet effect of the ink — a favourite for a calligrapher. But, no, it is very wet — but somehow I like it. The big nib is springy, allowing to make line variation as we wish. Again, it is a favourite for a calligrapher.

Pelikan is a 190 year old manufacturer of stationeries. It launched its first fountain pen in 1929. Pelikan is also credited as the pioneer of piston filling mechanism with a differential spindle gear aims to overcome the ink capacity issue in fountain pens. Hungarian engineer Theodor Kovacs is credited with the invention of the original filling mechanism before selling off the patent to Günther Wagner in 1927.

Yes, another Wagner. I know.

Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Montblanc

Rhapsody in Blue — a composition I used to wake myself up for years. As if understanding how hard it is to start a day, it starts with a slow and random clarinet melodies. But then it raises to an orchestra with dynamic harmonies to absorb the spirit with no stop to our soul. And that is how life used to begin for years.

Its composer, George Gershwin (September 26, 1898 – July 11, 1937), was an American composer and pianist whose compositions spanned both popular and classical genres. Besides Rhapsody in Blue, his best-known works are an orchestral work An American in Paris (1928), the jazz standard I Got Rhythm (1930), and the opera Porgy and Bess (1935) which gave birth to the hit Summertime.

Montblanc has an annual tradition to launch donation pen collection for honouring world-famous classical musicians. This program supports selected cultural projects from pioneering artists the world over with a donation of 20 euros per fountain pen (and 10 euros per ballpoint or rollerball). The edition of 2019 paid the tribute to George Gershwin.

The design of Gershwin fountain pen is quite distinctive — easily recognised. The clip is in the shape of a clarinet — a tribute to the clarinet opening from Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Another tribute to Rhapsody in Blue is the ink window which features a blue colour. The cap ring is inspired by the Brooklyn Bridge to symbolise the close relationship George Gershwin had with his place of birth. The cap and barrel are made out of black resin combined with platinum-coated fittings. The length of the pen with the cap is 15.6 cm, and the total weight is 89.84 grams.