Affordable Fountain Pens

I believe its important to write with a good pen because of many factors but mainly because I find it improves your handwriting and shows individuality. Even with my love of all things digital I'm finding that handwriting (along with spelling and grammar) is becoming a lost art. So, this month for my collaboration with Bureau Direct, I chose to compare two fountain pens from the affordable end of their range, especially as the first Friday in November is Fountain Pen Day.

The two fountain pens I chose to test are the Lamy Safari (in white) and the Platignum Studio (in lime). I filmed a short video which compares the two pens side by side and also a writing test.

As I mention in the video, I am enjoying both pens equally which really surprises me. I thought I would prefer one over the other, especially as the Lamy came so highly recommended. It's also worth noting that the "bleed through" I mention on the video is because I tested the inks in a moleskine notebook. Other notebook paper (for example, a Leuchtturm or a Rhodia) would hold the ink better. 

The Lamy currently retails at £13.95 (RRP £15.50) and the Platignum Studio is priced at £12.95 and at these prices I think they make very affordable, long lasting gifts for family or friends. The packaging for the Lamy is very "stationery shop" but it does come with a soft plastic protective case (in grey) and the Platignum, as you saw, could be wrapped and gifted in its own box.

What is your favourite pen to use? Are you a fountain pen user or love a good old biro? Let me know in the comments. And remember that if you want me to test something before you buy it, let me know and I'll arrange it.  

Finally, have you signed up to the Bureau Direct newsletter yet? It's delivered each Wednesday and an exclusive 10% discount code is shared on the first Wednesday of each month (if you miss any newsletters, you can find them here). There is also a new customer discount code on the Bureau Direct website.

BREAKING NEWS:  Dominic from Bureau Direct has shared a little-known top tip with me.  Did you know that Lamy T10 cartridges have a secret chamber in the end? If you run out of ink, give the cartridge a sharp tap on the table and it should release this extra ink.

Because this is a blogger/brand relationship, here's a link to my disclosure policy

Oohh, I almost forgot... I spotted this really cute mini cube pad from Crown Mill for little "Don't Forget" type notes-to-self. I've broken it up into even more mini note-pads and dotted them around the house (there is one in my kitchen, one on my little side table in my lounge, one by my bed, a couple on my desk, and one in my bag).