Fall always makes me want to change the inks in my fountain pens, and this time I had an even better excuse – three new pens. Two TWSBI Ecos and an Esterbrook Jr. And the nice thing is, they weren’t too painful on the pocketbook either. New pens without too much guilt? I’ll take it, and I’ll take it more with cafe inspired pens and ink colors just in time for Fall.

I have to admit, the TWSBIs surprised me. I had always thought of them as more of a junior or entry-level fountain pen – the kind you buy when you’re first getting into fountain pens before moving on to something else. I was wrong. Once I actually started writing with one, I understood why so many fountain pen people keep them around. They feel good in the hand, hold a ton of ink, write beautifully smooth, and that clear body makes the ink part of the visual fun. For the price, this is a seriously good pen. Now I have two, so that probably tells you something.

The Esterbrook brand goes without saying, however this is my first Esterbrook Jr. Slim and a little longer than the Niblet. Beautifully made it has a comfortable feel, a charming marble design, and easily can pop into a bag or pocket. I am still getting to know it, but so far, I’m very happy to have added it to my collection.

Since Fall colors are calling me right now, and it is October already, I went straight for the brown inks – which I love.

First is Sepia by Diamine. It has that wonderful old-paper feeling to it – not quite brown, not quite something else. It looks like it belongs in an old journal tucked away in a desk drawer. I love it for everyday writing because it has character without shouting for attention.

Next is Toffee Brown by Montblanc. A true favorite of mine and the name pretty much says it all. A deep, rich brown with warm undertones, and a very smooth write. This is the cozy one of the three. It makes me think of coffee, worn patina leather, and leaves that have turned.

Then there is Brilliant Brown made by Pelikan 4001. This one has a little more life to it – a brighter brown that stands up beautifully on the page. Next to Sepia and Toffee Brown, you can really see how different three ‘brown’ inks can be.

That’s one of the things I find important about ink swatches. On the bottle, brown is brown. Put three of them next to each other on paper and suddenly one is golden, one is earthy, and another is deeper and richer. It is hard to tell until the inks meets the paper.

A new pen makes it even more fun. There’s that first fill, the first few lines, and finding out how the nib feels on paper. For what I paid for these, I’m pretty pleased with what I got.

So my little Fall lineup is ready in the brown category: two new TWSBIs, one new Esterbrook Jr., and three beautiful brown inks, Sepia, Toffee Brown, and Brilliant Brown.

For me, this is one of those simple pleasures. My journal open in front of me writing and nowhere I need to rush off to. I can sit here, write whatever comes into my head, and enjoy the new pens.

Til next time,

From The Rabbit Hole