6 minute read
INK
M O N T B L A N C
Elixir Parfumeur Cinnamon Scent
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Dragging our blade across the drafting paper we always use to photograph fine inks, something magical began to appear. As the ink dried, it began to form a pitted texture where the ink gathered on the otherwise smooth paper. Moving the ink around on the page, it ran fluidly, finding the slightest impression or crevice, then sinking in deeply with little pockets of deep saturation. Whether by design or by chance, Montblanc’s new Elixir Parfumeur Cinnamon Scent brown ink effectively mimicked cinnamon bark in ourtrial – perhaps an unsurprising feat of magic for an ink officially designated an ‘Elixir’.
Packaged in 50 ml square bottles, Montblanc’s premium Elixir line provides desk-worthy inkwells filled with pigment rich inks. Elevating the experience of uncapping a daily companion, or opening a favourite bottle of ink, the select Parfumeur inks in the brand’s collection have included earthy fragrances like lingering tobacco and leather. Filling the air with tasteful notes of the Eastern spice, Cinnamon Scent is as soothing to use as it is pleasing on the page. With pooling shades of warm, reddish brown, the ink behaves with surprising lightness. Although leaving no trace of cinnamon bark in writing samples on quality paper, Cinnamon Scent does deposit dark brown shadows in its wake.
Available online (www.montblanc.com) or through authorized retailers, Montblanc’s regular production, special edition and Elixir inks give you everything you need to make your mark on the world. We recommend adding some spice.
ByGuestContributor NickNeghină Editor-in-ChiefofInkstable
As the editor of a digital magazine specializing in fine writing instruments, I have the privilege of exploring some of the industry's most spectacular releases each year. And, while I remain fully devoted to the noble act of handwriting, I must admit that most of the time it is the design, intricate details or innovative features of a pen that catch my eye. This year, we at Inkstable have gathered the latest trends and innovations from our industry for the readers of THE CIRCLE magazine – from novelties like Otto Hutt's captivating collection of handmade inks, to an intriguing Montegrappa, fit for a spy.
Nothing gets us in the mood for writing more than our favourite ink Most often, it is colour and saturation that draw us back to a favourite shade, but, is there more to an ink than its colour? It turns out there is. With a forwardlooking and user-oriented vision, German penmaking house, Otto Hutt, has created an exquisite collection of scented inks in a comprehensive assortment of eighteen profiles. Enhancing the user experience by adding an extra sensory dimension to the act of writing, this collection was made available in time to be enjoyed during the 2023 summer season Incorporating fresh, nature-inspired scents such as neroli, Japanese peach or wild cherry, the collection likewise caters to those who prefer soothing notes of dark chocolate or caramel on a blustery winter’s night. Adding another edition to their portfolio of fine writing instruments, Graf von Faber-Castell marked 2023 with therelease of the Magnumin walnutwood. Reminiscent of the Bentley Ebony, this collection revisits a favourite material of the German penmaker, which has brought us a variety of elegant silhouettesand intricate marquetry in nature’s most pliable medium. The unique texture of the Caucasian walnut barrel contrasts with highly polished platinum elements to create an accessory that brings comfort to the frenetic pace of modern life. Sadly absent on many of the brand’s recent releases, the iconic two-toned 18-karat gold nib, adorned with the Graf von Faber-Castell family coat of arms, is always a pleasure to uncap In addition to the fountainpen, thecollection includes three other variants: rollerball, ballpoint pen and propelling pencil.
An homage to the craftsmanship and beauty of traditional Japanese lacquering techniques, the second release of the Sailor Iro-Miyabi adds four new colours to complement the range of the previous model line-up. Each pen in this collection is crafted using the Miyabi-nuri technique, in colours varying from the elegant brown of Bun-jin-cha, to the lapis-lazuli blue of Kon-ruri. The beauty of this technique lies in the unique and laborious process of using a silk cloth to apply additional layers of lacquer over a base color. For a touch of refinement, gold and silver powder is then added to the final design. Like the previous release, the new collection features a 21-karat gold nib, available in medium and broad.
With strong Itallian character, the new Ogiva Golden Age collection released by Maiora, opens a new chapter for the Naples-based brand. In addition to the collection’s classical shape – enhanced to become the design dubbed the ‘Ultra Ogiva’ – the collection’s vivid materials are highlighted with accents of gold powder. Giving the collection its name, ‘Golden Age’, this Itallianmade material ranges from the playful flow of the blue and yellow Wind edition, to the elegantly marbled brown of Earth. The signature of the Itallian brand, the edition is set with a cap band of .925 sterling silver, and is available with a gold or stainlesssteel #6 nib in EF, F, M, B, 1.1 mm Stub and Flex
Created to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the first film in the James Bond series, Montegrappa’s 007 Spymaster Duo is like a veritable gadget plucked from the secret agent's collection of weapons. More than just a writing instrument, the 007 Spymaster Duo houses a false upper barrel containing a set of 007 cufflinks. Also included with this edition is the revolutionary ‘Swift-Shot’ filling mechanism, featuring refillablebrassbullet-inspired cartridges. Agreat additionto anycollection, or gift for the gentleman spy in your life, this unique edition is available now through authorized Montegrappa retailers.
Launching his eponymous brand in 2000, David Oscarson’s luxurious fountain pens have been the recipients of Robb Report’s annual Best of the Best and prestigious Readers’ Choice awards. From Fabergé inspired collections like the Henrik Wigstrom Trophy, to celebrations of historical figures like Jacques de Molay, each collection is a personal tribute to the art of writing.
“The biggest challenge today is helping people remember what a signature means, that it is an extension of one’s self,” says Oscarson. “Much is electronic today, including communication, but I always prefer talking on the phone to texting, and visiting in person to the telephone – old-fashioned, maybe, but much richer, and in my mind, much more rewarding.”
David Oscarson’s approach to the production of pens is equally analogue. Hand-rendered guilloché and quill applied enamel are emblematic of the brand Usually reserved for the jewellery or watchmaking industries, Oscarson takes great care in preserving the quality and purity of these art forms. Engraved from solid rods of sterling silver, David Oscarson’s editions are never stamped, but cut to reflect light through multiple layers of translucent hard enamel. Ground by hand with mortar and pestle, a paste of glass, water and metal oxides is hand applied and fired in a kiln, to form layers of molten glass.
“It is a painstaking multi-step process, requiring hours of grinding, applying, firing, filing and polishing, to cover the engraved body of the pen,” explains Oscarson. “My favorite part,” he shares, “is seeing an idea or concept become a real, ‘living’ thing.”
Guilloché
Hand-crafted from 18-karat gold and .925sterlingsilver,eachpreciousmetal component passes through multiple stages of precision engraving.
A finishing process often found in fine watchmaking, guilloché is a painstaking process of etching intricate patterns, which bring life and light to the surface of precious metals.
Hard Enamel
Using a mortar and pestle, a composition of glass, water and metal oxides is ground for hours by hand. When settled, the water is removed, leaving the fine paste that is the basis for hard enamel. A quill is then used to apply each coat of the mixture to the surface of the metal, ensuring that the entire guilloché area is completelycoveredinenamel. Thecomponents arethenfiredin akiln attemperatures exceeding 1,000° F, fusing the enamel to the metal and forming a layer of glass.
After cooling, the pieces are manually ground with a diamond file, restoring their proper shape and surface. This tedious process is repeated at length, until the level of enamel reaches the depth required to cover the peaks and fill the valleys of each intricate guilloché pattern. When the final stages of firing are completed, the pieces are polished and buffed, revealing the velvet finish of translucent hard enamel.
Production of translucent hard enamel demands the highest levels of patience, experience and skill. A five-year apprenticeship is required to ensure that the highest levels of quality will be met in each individual collection piece.
Overlay Work
Takingtheformoffigures,filigreeor the delicate ornamentation found on a Fabergé egg, finely crafted overlay work gives a three-dimensional depth, which transforms a writing instrument into a tactile sculpture.
Nib & Filling System
David Oscarson’s fine writing instruments accommodate a cartridge, converter or eyedropper, with a series of seals and “O” rings preventing ink from leaving the chamber at any point. A rollerball version of each David Oscarson edition is also available.
Engineered in Heidelberg, Germany, David Oscarson’s 18-karat gold nibs are unsurpassed in quality and form. Each nib is plated with rhodium and tipped with iridium to ensure durability in fine, medium and broad sizes.
