Fountain pens hold a special place in my heart. Like my love for mechanical watches and bicycles, they’re more than just items; they’re cherished passions. I’ve been collecting them for over 45 years, and they have become an essential tool for my creativity, helping me to relax, reflect, and remember more of what I write and listen to. They help me unwind and offer a break from monotony.

When I sit down with a fountain pen, it’s not just about jotting down notes or scribbling reminders. It’s a whole experience. I love the artistic flexibility that fountain pens offer with their range of line widths and styles. Whether I’m dabbling in calligraphy or sketching out artistic ideas, they provide a lot of scope for creative expression.

The other thing that intrigues me is the ink. With a variety ranging from classic blues and blacks to shining golds and UV-reactive neon colours, there’s a whole world of ink out there waiting to be explored. It’s like choosing a paint colour for a masterpiece, each ink adding its own unique flair to writing.

But, beyond the ink or instrument, there is something deeper about fountain pens that speaks to me. Maybe it’s the nostalgia, the feeling of being connected to generations past. Or maybe it’s the personalised craftsmanship, knowing that each pen is meticulously crafted to last a lifetime and beyond.

There’s also something about the way the ink flows onto the paper that feels amazing. Wiring without the need to press down hard or worry about smudging, not only makes the act of writing more enjoyable but also reduces hand strain, making fountain pens an ideal choice for those who engage in long writing sessions. Then there is the environmental aspect. With a refillable fountain pen, I can do my bit to reduce single-use plastics.

You may be thinking: in this age of smartphones and smartwatches, why bother with a pen and paper? Well, for me, it’s about disconnecting from the digital world for a moment and reconnecting with myself. It’s about slowing down, being present, and letting my thoughts flow freely onto the page.

It might seem unexpected for me to be talking about fountain pens in the same breath as robotics and AI. Why? Well, it’s not just about the fancy ink or the craftsmanship. There’s this indescribable feeling when you pick up a fountain pen and let it glide across the paper. It’s about a writing experience that’s more than just words on paper.