The Pen Addict

They geek out over titanium Kaweco custom work and the craftsmanship behind limited metal pens. They compare pocket notebooks that actually handle fountain-pen ink and name specific thin-paper options. They spot Korean webtoon tie-ins in indie ink releases and talk regional concept stores like Pilot Pen Nepal. They plan must-see vendors and demo goals for the big Atlanta pen show.

They spar over a surreal Frixion vs Keisera video and debate erasable-ink chemistry and real-world scratch tests. They riff on marketing, design flaws, and whether writing feel beats novelty. A banana-with-biro analogy surfaces while paper compatibility and travel pen setups get discussed. A New Orleans stationery shop visit and maker spotlights round out the chat.

They debate mechanical pencil mechanics and why certain lead-rotation designs remain unique. Glow-in-the-dark pens and the realities of misplacing favorites come up. A viral video of handmade notebooks sparks a conversation about manual production and small-batch packaging. Several pen comparisons and a spirited Uniball “bracket” tournament fuel playful brand rivalries.

They poke into a peelable ink mystery and how different papers react. They talk mechanical pencil fixes and a clever Kuru Toga retrofit. They react to bright new pen colors and gaudy luxury collaborations. They debate a pricey machined-metal retractable and gush over a heavily shimmering ink release.

They inspect Sailor’s new erasable gel ink and debate whether it truly disappears. They compare erasability tech to Pilot Friction and ponder patents and market timing. They spotlight Lamy Japan adding Jetstream refills and tease new Lamy colors. They explore DIY build-a-pen options and critique retractable fountain-pen designs.

They dig into Pilot product lines and surprising global sales figures, including how a friction pen outsold expectations. Kaweco’s new iridescent Perkeo, naming quirks, and clutch-pencil popularity get unpacked. Uniball Jetstream’s 20th anniversary color vote and Pilot’s small fountain-pen revenue share are discussed. A playful look at ‘analog defaults’ for everyday stationery rounds things out.

They riff on 2026 F1 car liveries and rank their favorites with playful banter. They share their current desk rotations, favorite fountain pens and pencils, and detailed kit breakdowns. Brad takes the Pentel Multi 8 for a spin, describing its design, coloring quirks, and best uses. They also dig into inks, limited-edition pen pricing, and recent gear releases from Tactile Turn and others.

They unpack LAMY's Flamingo and Pine AL-Star limited releases and speculate about Safari variants. Confusion around OMAS's revival and who is actually making the pens gets debated. A new large Blackwing retractable pen and its price, mechanism and fit spark a detailed look. Conversation touches on beloved mechanical pencil designs, Esterbrook Bestie marketing, and hard-to-find gel pens.

A catch-up chat about a new Hobonichi journaling app, its missing features, and privacy quirks. A look at Platinum 3776 Version 2.0 improvements and demonstrator design. A deep dive into why Micron grips are shaped for drafting tools. A lively debate over Pilot Iroshizuku ink tier placements and Japanese pen pricing shifts.

Join the hosts as they celebrate a major milestone with reflections on their journey and the significance of yearly themes. Brad shares insights on his 'Year of Meaning', focusing on curated collections and meaningful purchases. Meanwhile, Myke's 'Year of New' explores fresh experiences, parenting adjustments, and upcoming stationery events. Engage with listener feedback that highlights the joy of journaling, quirky stationery finds, and personal connections with makers. It's a delightful dive into the colorful world of stationery and community spirit!