"Carl's Lounge" (Off-Topic Discussion, Traditional Knife "Tales & Vignettes")

WhittlinAway said:
Does anyone else enjoy writing with a fountain pen? With the appreciation shown for pocket watches, safety razors, and other venerable instruments that have passed their peak favor with the masses, I thought I might find some kindred spirits here on the porch.

I first dabbled with them maybe fifteen years ago. About six or seven years ago I came back to them and they've been my preferred writing implement ever since. I find writing with them to be a more intentional process and that helps with both my handwriting and my focus. The irony is that I make my living working with computers, yet my best thinking and problem solving comes when I put pen to paper.

I mostly use inexpensive every-day models from Lamy and Pelikan and have developed a fondness for J. Herbin inks and Rhodia paper.

It's a rich world, though, and I'm sure there are new favorites waiting to be found.

So, porch friends, any one else frequently find themselves with ink stains on their finger tips?
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I have always enjoyed fountain pens for the exact same reasons you describe. I, too, find it makes my writing more deliberate. I teach cyber security so most of my time is spent either on a computer or talking to others about computers. It's interesting that quite of few hardcore IT people are also fans of traditional writing instruments. My current favorite, that is in my pocket right now, is a Kaweco AL Sport.

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Barrett, yeah the blue one is a Lamy Safari. I have a few of them, including one with an italic nib, which is fun for writing cards. If you're not getting enough ink flow you may want to try another brand of ink—I've had mixed luck with Noodler's ink, FWIW—or try tuning the nib. I've never done it, but Googling for "tune fountain pen nib" should lead you to instructions. For ballpoints, I'm a big fan of the Uni Jetstream. Ever tried one?

Meako, mrknife, and netguy1999, I'm glad to hear I'm not alone. :) That Kaweco AL Sport looks mighty nice. :thumbup:

Also, Meako, thanks for teaching me a new word. I had to look up texta, but will now try to drop it into conversation with my two colleagues who grew up in Australia. ;)
 
I used to take my notes in college with a fountain pen. However science classes require a bit more speed, so parker jotter. Although some folks will argue that fountain pen can be just as fast if not faster.
 
I don't use a fountain pen but I do use a lot of other old school devices. I have noticed folks that are in to traditional knives seem to have a taste for the older things in life rather than the more modern. I have an old GE clock radio from the 60's in my kitchen we use quite often. I also use a turntable on my stereo I love to listen to a lp with that scratchy sound it makes. I also love old tools and the list goes on. I guess truth be told we are an odd lot. :D
 
Not as good as a meat patina, but still one of my favorite patina methods, is peeling apples with your blade. I did a couple of cider vinegar patinas on my 73 Beaver Tail, and while I liked it, I wiped the patina off and tried peeling a few apples. The best part about patinas from fruit, veggies or meat, my favorite, is eating your spoils ;). So, while I think steak produces patinas, apples are cheaper. Leave your knife in a potato overnight? Why not peel an apple or pear? Fried apples are better than fried potatoes, but you don't get that instant gratification of eating a fresh apple, maybe with some peanut butter on it :D. At least peanut butter on apples isn't as strange as my friends peanut butter and bologna :barf:.

Just ordered a bushel of stamen winesap seconds. Just for eatin', not for lookin'... :D
 
WhittlinAway said:
Meako, mrknife, and netguy1999, I'm glad to hear I'm not alone. :) That Kaweco AL Sport looks mighty nice. :thumbup:
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I had to tune the nib a bit when I first got it. It was a little rough if you started up with an up-stroke. Here's the line up that I always carry with me in my backpack: The Kaweco, of course, a Rotring 800 pencil, and a basic CARAN d'ACHE ball point.

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Bob Andrews, from Old Hundred Collectibles passed away yesterday! After fighting cancer for quite a while, it overtook him.
I am sad to see him go! He was a friendly and honest man, and one of my SFO dealers. He missed the Rendezvous at GEC this year - for the first time I can remember!
A stalwart of this knife community, we are going to miss him!
Rest in Peace, Bob!

P.S. it might take Bob's wife a while to sort out Bob's online store - be as patient as you can.
 
I just logged on to post the following,

Well my school district decided to go to a bi-weekly pay schedule of where I will paid every other Friday.

I still will be paid the same salary but instead of 24 checks a year I now will receive 26.

This means 10 months out of the year I will have a lower income than I am accustomed too. Next August to April is going to be a stretch.

Oh, and the insurance coverage changed as well. Higher rates less coverage. And, I have to continue buying school supplies out of pocket.

Sorry for the vent.

I'm not in a Union but I do hope they can get this over turned.



After reading the news on Bob passing my vent seems petty. Prayers for Bob's family.
 
Charlie- I'm extremely sorry to hear about your friend and knife enthusiast friend Bob.
I always enjoy meeting someone like this - but to get to know a person like this then loose them is hard- I'm very sorry to all who knew Bob- especially to his friends and Family.
 
Very sad news about Bob, I had heard he was ill :( A few years back, Bob and I had a bit of a row here, I'm glad we made it up after :thumbup:

That's rotten news Brett, it always seems to be we ordinary folks who take a kicking :(
 
Condolences to Bob's family. I had bought with Bob from time to time and it was nice to see his face from prior rendezvous pictures. He always attached an appreciative message for doing business with him in our correspondence.

Brett, I hope for a positive outcome in your situation. An adjustment in one's income does have a domino like effect. I hope intelligence wins out with the committee overseeing such matters.
 
I'm really sorry to hear about Bob. My condolences to his family and friends. Thanks for spreading the news, Charlie.
 
Happy trails Bob. Sorry to hear that sad news. I bought several Knives from Old Hundred over the years. Thanks for letting us know Charlie.
I went on to fortnightly pay shortly after joining the NSW Fire Brigades in 1985- Champagne and caviar for the first week and Baked beans and water for the next:D
Ya get used to it.
 
meako said:
I went on to fortnightly pay shortly after joining the NSW Fire Brigades in 1985- Champagne and caviar for the first week and Baked beans and water for the next:D
Ya get used to it.
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Haha I wish brother. The first month is prorated and delayed meaning I will recieve only 60% of the norm that first month. If St. Jude hadn't stepped in to cover my daughter's monthly medical bill that my new insurance wont cover, I would be in some deep trouble. For 10 months there will be a 25% cut each month and for a family of four living on just my income, the baked beans will have to be rationed until I can figure this out. ;)

Im still blessed beyond measure though and will figure out soemthing. :)
 
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