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Testimonial
Archive
2004 thru 2005 |
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Hi Pat,
Received the pens this afternoon. Both are just right ... when I buy from you the pens always write the way they should. Thanks for the quick service and have a Happy Holiday. Vince Grosso (12/20/05) John, The Paragon arrived today. I could hardly wait to
get home and fill it with some Aurora black ink! This is my first
stub nib and all I can say is that I may never write with a standard
round tip again! Even my almost-illegible scibbling looks fancy
and stylish. Thanks for steering me towards the broad nib over the
medium. The OMAS "broad" is perfect for my writing style
and is not noticeably thicker than my Pelikan "mediums".... Hello Pat Dear Pat, Dear John. Dear Pat, Danielle and John, Hello,
Thank you so much for all your help in choosing my
first expensive fountain pen. I was looking all around and luckily
stumbled upon your website. I was informed which pen would be the
best for me and how you all would "fit" it to my particular
writing style. I write quite a bit in my profession and the Pelikan
Stockholm which I purchased is a remarkable joy to write with. Thank
you again for such knowledge and assistance in my first serious
foray into the world of fine writing instruments. Dear John, Hi Pat/John, Dear Pat, I have been out of the country and so apologize
for taking so long to get back to you. The Sailor 1911 pen arrived
safely back in Nov. and is a delight to use. It has become instantly
one of my favorites for writing. Thanks so much for your help. I've
never before enjoyed Dear Pat, john and pat, John and Pat,
"Hi, I received my customized Pelikan cursive
italic nib and have been using it for several days. Your suggestion
to start with a medium nib to get a fine cursive italic was right
on the money. The ink flow is ideal whether I write large (as I
usually do) or small, as I do when making Daytimer entries. The
appearance of the writing is exactly what I was hoping for, Pat, (Ed: this arrived as a hand-written note:) Dear Pat and John, Just received my Parker in the mail and am writing this Thank You note with it. Thank you again for a wonderful job and repair. My little Parker writes better than a new pen. The ink flow is perfect. With warm wishes and appreciation, Ra Scavelli (11/7/05) Hello, Pat. Dear Pat and John, John, after having been away from the office for several
days, just returned to find my pen. You are a wonder! I of course
had quickly checked out the photos on your web site but they don't
do justice to the magnificent repair job (Ed: Bob is the owner of
the Sailor whose nib is shown on our Before & After page, second
row down: http://www.nibs.com/beforeandafter.htm ) . Thank you so
much for saving a great pen. You've certainly earned a customer
and a reference for life. I’ve developed ‘finger strain’ since
getting my new pen from you. I simply cannot put it down. I sometimes
have trouble sleeping and I find that doing some light hearted text
‘doodling’ with my pen really helps me relax.... Pat, Dear Pat and John, I just received today your package
with all the good things i asked, thanks very much. Everything is
perfect. I hope soon contact with you for another order. Once again
thank you very much. Hi John, Dear Pat, Pat, The pen is here safe and sound. All I can say is WOW!!!
You did a wonderful job. It really saddens me that the people at
Mt Blanc could not repair their own product properly. Well- I have broken the pens in and all I can say
is wow!! They are perfect- both with different personalities but
very nice to write with. Thanks to John for his hard work and willingness
to do the needlepoints. I am another very satisfied customer Just wanted you to know (somewhat belatedly) that
the pen arrived and that I am absolutely delighted with the way
it writes. As soon as my hectic pace slows a little, I have a couple
of pens I would like to send to have "tweaked" to write
as smoothly as the Pelikan you customized for me. Thanks so much.
You greatly exceeded my expectations. Pat, (Ed: this hand-written note arrived on 10/5/05) Dear John and Pat, I have spent about two weeks with the newest nib you made for me, and I must say this may be the best one ever. It is more flexible (thanks) and a little wetter than I expected. As a result, it is unsurpassingly soft and smooth, and a joy to write with. Thanks for all your help and wonderful service in my continuing effort to find that "perfect" pen. Regards, Larry Stone Ed: this testimonial arrived as a written letter on 9/27/05: Dear Pat & John - I received my new M600 blue/black stripe today and love it! Thank you very much for the terrific pricing and workmanship. The extra flexibility has given this pen a wonderfil "feel" as I write. I am sure I will write through several bottles of ink with it! Barton Pat,I think my e mail is working properly now. I
received my falcon last Friday and it is brilliant. The only draw
back is that I now have to save up and purchase some modified nibs
for my Pelikan 800 and city pens. So that they at least write as
well as the falcon. Once again thanks for your excellent service
and although the postage was high I actuall got the pen the next
day. Brilliant. Ed: the following testimonial arrived as a written
note: Dear Danielle, I am really enjoying the Pelikan 400 fountain
pen, in fact it arrived just in time for an examine in which I had
to write 50 pages 8 1/2 x 11 in less than a week. My pen is my primary
writing tool, so it is all in ink. Never have I enjoyed using a
pen as much as this one. I have a Parker Sonnet (in for repair),
a Montblanc Traveler (too much flow), an inexpensive Lamy, two Sheaffer
Targa's no longer used, an old Pelikan 200 still used but not for
long periods of writing. I commend you for your patience and thoughtfulmess
in our telephone conversation. I did find my Noodler's ink to be
just too thick for my needs and at present will use up my Omas purple. Pat, Pat, PAT AND DANIELLE, Pat -- The pen arrived yesterday afternoon, to a most-pleased reception. She's been using it, and enjoying it, and adapting to the nib, and working on her craft -- in short, enjoying it a lot. You folks are just magicians, when it comes to taking a good pen and making it great -- a nice thing to behold (and a pleasure to do business with). And you can quote me on that! Best, Paul Starrs (9/14/05) Pat, Dear Pat and John: (Ed: the following arrived as a hand-written note) John and Co. - I just wanted to thank you for your work on my Namiki Falcon. I love it! You should have seen me when it came, it was like a kid in a candy store. It was truly a pleasure to do business with you and I can't wait to work with you again. Benjamin Sanda (8/24/05) Pat, I got my Sailor 1911 "Colors" about
a week ago (via FPO to Hong Kong). It is truly a wonderful pen.
Wrote perfectly out of the box. I have tried many fountain pens
and this is hands down the best I have used. Thank you for the great
service and advice on the phone. I will recommend your shop to others
and I hope to have a reason to be a customer of yours yet Pat - I just wanted to say - thanks - you guys have done a truly magnificent job repairing my two pens - "skippy" and "leaky". These now write according to my personal specs and flow like rivers of beautiful ink - just the way I like it - I have found the joy of writing again with these heirloom instruments - I will tell all my frinds and associates about your great work - job well done and thanks so much - your customer for life ... regards, Bryan Berndt (8/11/05) Hi Pat - the pen arrived... and its John's usual stellar work. He is making it hard to chose pens to carry every day: I used to have just one favorite. Now I want to carry every one that he works on. Speaking of which, I have a Namiki Vanishing Point with a fine point that I'd like modified like the other two. Is that possible with a nib that size? If so, I'm going to wait to send it in until I have two pens to send at once: seems like that will save on shipping/paperwork. Barring any pen epiphanies, I won't be getting another pen for at least another month or two. Please pass along my thanks to John. Natasha Jones (8/15/05) Dear Pat, Hi Pat, Sorry for the delayed reply. I received the
pen a few weeks ago, but life has been a bit hectic since. I'm very
happy with the look, feel, and writing characteristics of the Omas
Vision, and have been using it happily since it arrived. Thank you
for another pen to treasure and gain pleasure from using. Biro scribblers
really don't know what they're missing! When I was in grammar school, I used
to buy the cheap Schaeffer cartridge pens. No telling how many I
went through. Not until I was in college and had an art history
professor who wrote with a fountain pen did my interest renew. I
bought a Schaeffer Targa and used that for a year or so. I got a
nice Parker with a reversible nib (med on one side EF if you turn
the pen over) from my parents for Christmas one year. This professor
had the most beautiful handwriting I ever saw -- like calligraphy.
And she always wrote with brown ink. I thought she had found a really
nice calligraphy pen (I didn't know anything more that B - M - F
and EF existed). I tried to get that same effect out of the Targa.
Obviously that didn't go too far. Not too many years later, I laid
my fountain pens aside. Omas arrived. John is incredible. The nib is fantastic.
Inked it up with Diamine Presidential Blue and have been writing
ever since. I will drop a more formal thank you note in the mail
later today. Thank you for the superb work -- well worth every penny.
Pat, (Ed: this testimonial arrived in a
hand-written letter) Pat, Thank you so much for all of your help.
My extra-fine extra-flexible Namiki Falcon arrived yesterday, just
as promised. I could not possibly be any happier. The ink flow is
very consistent even when applying almost no pressure on the nib.
Although I do not currently practice Spencerian writing I do appreciate
the very distinctive appearance it gives to my writing, whether
penning a letter to a friend or taking notes at work. This nib does
it all. Hi Pat, The pen returned home today. I am happy to say that it is not better, it is perfect! Amazing, truely amazing. Thank you all so very much. Chris Burton (7/29/05) Dear Pat, Dear Pat: The pen arrived safely and writes beautifully.
I am very pleased - the old Meisterstuck has never functioned so
well. Please let John know that his work was successful and that
I enjoyed talking with him. If he ever wants to know anything about
straight razors, he can give me a call. But then again, a person
can afford only so many manias..... Pat, Pat, John, Danielle, I just wanted to thank you all
for the continued excellent service. The two Omas Ogiva demonstrators
that I recently purchased from you write so beautifully. The broad
nib provides a superb ink flow and allows me to write with a beautiful
line across the page. As you know, I am a huge fan of that Omas
model (I hope so, given that you've sold me 4 of them!), but I am
an even bigger fan of your professionalism, your courtesy, and your
outstanding service. I will grade papers this coming academic year
with more enthusiasm than usual given the pens that you have sold
me.... Hi Pat, Ed: the following arrived as a written letter: "Dear John, Apparently I'm about to write my first ever Dear John letter. (Hope you have a sense of humor.) As per your request this is to inform you that the pen has arrived safely. M600 with stub BB. I've received to my amazement exactly what I envisioned. I've never ordered a custom pen and was apprehensive that I ordered correctly. Everything is perfect! I will definitely be ordering another in the near future. Sincerely, J.A. LeFevre (8/1/05) John and Pat, I have the pen, and it is FANTASTIC! (Ed: Pelikan
M605) Dear John and Pat, The two Namiki's arrived this morning to my great delight. Its hard to say which one I'm more excited about. I deliberated long and hard about whether or not to spend the extra money on the Raden rather than one of the carbonesque models, but as soon as I saw it, I knew I had done the right thing. What an exquisite pen. Greg was right; you can see flecks of the nebulae in the finish. And this is to say nothing of the nib which is exactly what I wanted-- a wonderfully smooth stub nib that adds loads of character to my rather drab and inadequate hand. And the Falcon is wonderful too. It does remind me of several of the vintage flexible nibs I own, but its much smoother and easier to control. Anyway, these are just my first excited impressions. Thanks again for these wonderful pens. Alan (7/28/05) Pat and John: Dear Pat, Dear Danielle/Pat: Hi Pat, Just wanted to let you know that the Ogiva
arrived last Thursday, and I could not be more pleased with it -
beautiful to look at, and it writes perfectly. Thank you so much
for the superb service, and I look forward to ordering my next pen
from you. Dear Pat, (Ed: the following is in reference to a Pelikan M620
Shanghai:) Hi Guys, The pens arrived at my door today. They are exquisite,
especially the maki-e (Ed: Namiki Yukari Morning Glory). It may
be the most beautiful maki-e that I have been able to collect. There
are few stores that carry that paerticular line of Namiki. I am
certainly glad to have found yours. Your attention to the nibs is
very much appreciated. Dear Pat, Got the pens. Fabulous! John's skills are
just amazing! The oblique smoothness of the Hi Pat, I
received my Pelikan M700 Toledo with a BB-stub customization last
week, and I absolutely love it. The nib is incredibly smooth and
exhibits a very pronounced line-width variation that truly imbues
my Hi Pat, I received the pen today. I have to say that it writes
soooo much better than before. Thanks very much for your good work.
I always loved the looks of this pen but avoided it because it did
not write well. Now that you have done your magic on it, I'm sure
it will become one of Pat & John, Hi Pat and John, Dear Pat, Hello Pat, Hello Pat and John, Hi Danielle: John: Dear Danielle,... I wanted to say thanks again, in
print, for the Omas Arco. I think somewhere among the testimonials
on your web site someone is quoted as saying that the pen writes
"like butter". That's something like the sensation I get
when I write with mine. I remember having years ago several pens
that I had all kinds of trouble with, mostly involving erratic ink
flow, scratchy nibs, etc. I used to dream of pens that wrote as
well as the Omas I ordered from you does. The Aurora Optima arrived on Friday, and I've been
using it ever since. I'm happy to tell you (though hardly surprised!)
that the ink flow stoppages are a thing of the past. What's more,
John Dear Pat, Hi Pat, Dear Pat and John: Pat and John Dear Pat and John, (Editor's Note: we received this testimonial as a hand-written letter): Dear John & Pat, Thank you so much for the new Pelikan pen (Ed: M250 Burgundy with a customized BB cursive italic nib). The nib works really well. Much better, even, than I expected. I am thrilled with its smoothness and the beautiful lines that it produces. There has been very little learning curve. Worked well right out of the box. Many thanks again. Yours sincerely, Jeremy Ransom (5/24/05) The beautiful Sterling Silver Sailor 1911 pen arrived
and is wonderful. It's beautiful! gorgeous! and so wonderfully smooth.
The music nib is perfect. You steered me right on it. I thank you!
Writing with the pen is so marvelous -- its "sweet spot"
feels just as smooth as ice -- glides across the paper. Just incredible, I'm speechless. It might be my favorite Omas. I love Omas as you know and of the 6 I own, this may well be my favorite when all is said and done. John is incredible and so are you. Your perfect record is intact.... (Ed: and then, in response to a request for permission to quote:) Absolutely, anytime, John and you have the highest recommendation I can give. Really, the work you do is like a walk through one of the finest Art Museums. Nothing short of incredible. Best, Mike (5/25/05) (Ed.Note: we received this testimonial as a note written with the subject pen/customization) Hi John & Pat: I owe you a major apology. My initial impressions of this Pelikan 250, Oblique flex pen were harsh and unfavourable. I'd never used one before and it seemed scratchy and delicate. Pat, you were very patient with me and our mutual friend Danny Marion was a great help in guiding my understanding. Let's just say that in two weeks of using this pen I have become a convert! I've already filled it twice and I can scarcely resist the urge to keep writing. IT IS THAT PLEASUREABLE! Your assessment of what pen would best suit my hand is spot-on! I won't hesitate to send you other, more pedestrian, pens for modification. This is bliss! I've never had a pen that so beckoned me to the page. Not only have you made the process of writing fun but by writing more I will lift my creative game to the next level. Put THAT in you testimonials! Thanks again! Morgan McArthur Hi Pat! ... the pens arrived safely on Friday and
as always they were more than I could have expected. I couldn’t
put the demonstrator down all weekend... As for John’s actual
work, it just seems to get better and better, and I feel privileged
to be able to write with these pens. The Right Oblique nib for the
demonstrator is a particular success—you may convert me to
the 14K religion yet! As I surmised, it’s really the perfect
pen for my Moleskine. I should really do some sort of ad campaign
on that, shouldn’t I? Anyway, apologies again for the belated
but enthusiastic thanks and you know I’ll be in touch as my
circumstances permit! Danielle, Hi John, Parker 51 Pen RECEIVED-WOW Dear Pat, John and Pat, Dear John, Pat, Pat, Hi Pat, Dear Pat, Got it today. I would never have believed that such a good result was possible, given the mangled piece of junk I sent you. Thanks! D. (4/25/05) Dear Pat and John, Hi Pat, Good morning Pat, Pat/John/Danielle (in no hierarchical order at
all), Dear Pat and John, Hello All, Pat, John, et al., John, Pat, and Danielle: The 600 size nibs I ordered
yesterday arrived today. It is with great regret that I find it
difficult to describe their performance without resorting to what
some might construe as hyperbole. To avoid excessive praise, I will
say that others might find the medium stub to be extraordinary,
but not me. I will have to call it acceptable. The flexible oblique
can also be termed acceptable. Acceptable includes instant starting,
smooth wet line with no skipping in response to my light touch.
This, a coincidence I believe, meets my requirements. I hope this
response will soften my careless use of such terms as wizard in
past communications. After all, we don't want pen lovers to harbor
outrageously high expectations! Hi Pat, Dear Pat, The pen arrived this morning! I was downstairs
at lightspeed the minute I heard the doorbell go, and practically
ripped it out of the postman's hands. It's gorgeous, and the nib
is perfect - I've never written with anything specifically designed
to fit my way of writing before, and I keep wondering why it feels
so smooth and I'm not having to keep turning the pen around to get
a better angle. I should be sending this as a proper, ink-on-paper
letter to demonstrate, but I wanted to gush immediately, so e-mail
it is. The only problem now is that you've spoiled me for uncustomised
nibs (not to mention that, now I know what you can do, I'll be wanting
to experiment with different kinds). Hey ho; there goes my bank
balance...Thank you (and John, obviously!) so much for all your
help, friendliness and craftsmanship; I can't remember the last
time making a purchase was so much fun. Got the Nakaya, Pat, and it writes like a dream.
I'm beginning to think there are only two types of fountain pens
in this world: those touched by Mottishaw, and those not; and that
the difference is absolutely everything. Dear Pat: Hi Pat, The Penol arrived today and I am more than
happy with the it. The pen Dear Pat and John, Dear Pat & John, I received the pen on Tuesday
and I've now been using it for a day and a half. It's better than
I believed this pen could ever be and as good as my wildest dream!
It writes exactly as I wanted it and it hasn't skipped once, not
even after being left uncapped and unused for over Dear John, Danielle and Pat, Pat, Sorry to report that so far I am happy with
the crooked stub Waterman. I will try again this weekend to fine
some fault with it. Of course, I don't know what I am doing. But,
as far as I can tell, it writes smoothly and in a reasonably attractive
fashion despite my poor handwriting technique. I will feel compelled
to improve my handwriting so as to be able to take advantage of
the pens potential.... Dear Pat and John, Dear Pat, Dear Pat, Dear John and Pat: I received the pens yesterday. I do not think a
short e mail would do any justice to the pens or the service. The
items were wonderfully packed, with layer after layer of protection
(I almost felt like a kid opening a birthday present). Dear Pat... . received package. problem is that only once
in a lifetime will i need a nib.and only once in a lifetime will
i be able to deal with such an effient firm as yours. bottom line
is that i should live more than one life! thank you. Pat, Dear Pat and John, Dear Pat, I received the lovely Sailor koi pen yesterday and it meets my expectations perfectly! The beautiful shape is hard to image until you see it in person. I know my husband will love it! Thanks so much for all of the care you took in discussing pens
with me and in arranging the best Warmest regards, Pat; Dear Pat, Thank you so much for the VP nib unit. The bold stub
is smoother than I expected and really enhances my otherwise awful
writing. My thanks go to you and Danielle for a delightful and personal
customer service experience. Please give my regards to John for
creating such a fine product. I'm sure I'll be in contact again
in the near future. Hi Pat, yes it arrived safely yesterday. Although
I bought it on the spur of the moment, and would normally never
have considered spending so much on a pen (Ed: Pelikan M400 White
Tortoise), I'm absolutely thrilled! It is a really lovely piece,
and it writes like it's always belonged to me. I think I may become
a serious collector... Pat, Pat and John- Hey Pat, Ok this is definitely a quote for the
web site that you can post at your convenience: Dear Wizards, Hi Pat, The pen arrived, and, as I anticipated, it is spectacular
(Ed: Omas Celluloid Saft Green Hi-Tech). It is in fact a jewel as
all the Omas celluloid pens are. Now if I can just hold off buying
another for a little bit! Of course, the nib and ink flow are superb...
fantastic. Thank you very much. Ed: we received the following in a hand-written letter: Hey Pat, All I can say about the way this pen writes is “WOW!!”. "Hi Pat! John/Pat/Danielle, I have been a Quality Assurance Specialist for the biggest part of my adult life. As part of my job I have researched the Quality Control Systems of many companies. The fountain pen industry, unfortunately, does not have a really good record for Quality Control. Even Pelikan, which has one of the best records of Quality Control, still has occasional problems which I have personally experienced before doing business with Classic Fountain Pen and John Mottishaw. Over the last year plus I have purchased a goodly number of fountain pens from John and crew. Each and every pen has functioned perfectly right out of the box. My new Omas Bronze Arco which I received yesterday afternoon is no exception. It is a beautiful pen and as usual the custom broad stub nib writes superbly right out of the box. I would never have purchased such a high end pen if I was not convinced that it would function perfectly. Thanks again John. I am looking forward to receiving my next order. Sincerely, Dear Pat, Dear Pat, I have postponed writing you until I cannot find any
other excuse not to tell you my experiences with the pen I ordered
from Classic Fountain Pens. I still cannot believe how pleased I
am with this simple purchase. This is the first custom nib I have
ever owned but my experience with it makes me think it is an old
friend I have had for years. I can only credit your responses to
my needs and the fine work all of you do every day. I cannot be
more pleased with my purchase and the customer service that has
already been extended to me. Hi Pat, The nib arrived this midday........and this is the first chance I have had to open the parcel......Why does everyone want their pen repaired for Christmas! I am most impressed with the postal service...however words fail me on the nib! Will WOW do!!. It is Fantastic!!...I know my customer will be over the moon! You could start a business with this talent!... I bow to your great service/efficiency and courteousness. It should be an inspiration to all businesses.Have a Great Festive Season, and I hope a healthy 2005. Looking forward to more future business with you... Trevor (12/16/04) Dear Pat, I was in San Francisco for a few days,
but as soon as I returned yesterday I found my Omas Arco. Today,
I used it all day long, and the flow and smoothness are perfect.
I want to thank you and John to make it possible for me to have
two beautiful pens that are not only beautiful to look, not only
a pleasure to write with, but dependable writer's tools. Dear Pat: Dear John, Pat and Company: Hi Pat, WOW, the OMAS
Bronze Arco arrived today. This isn’t just a fountain pen;
it’s a functioning work of art. I couldn’t wait to fill
it with the OMAS Roma 2000 Blue I’ve been hording for a special
occasion. The crisp broad stub nib is amazing, thanks for the suggestion.
As always John worked his magic with the nib customization. Thanks
again for your great service. It’s such a pleasure dealing
with you all. Dear John and Pat, Dear Pat, Dear Pat: I just wanted to send you a note to say
how much I love the Pelikan 600 with the Cursive Italic Nib. The
pen fits like a glove and it's definately a keeper. I can see myself
carrying this pen for years to come - which is exactly what I was
looking for. Dear Pat, John, Thank you for my customized Namiki Falcon! Its everything I'd hoped it would be! I just completed my first project with it and it was perfect--great line width variability without having to change pens or fuss with dip pens. You're right--crow quills and technical pens would still be necessary for the extremely fine or extremely wide (I'm not going to risk the nib by putting too much pressure on it) but it is much more responsive and yet easier to use than I expected. Its very smooth and never catches even on the upstroke. This is what I had always thought fountain pens should be like and yet had never found one! I'm going to send you my Waterman for customization but will wait til after Christmas to get on your waitng list. Thankyou also for your wonderful and clear communications and for your efficiency--I was amazed at how quickly my Namiki arrived! Thanks again! Karen Cleaver (11/28/04) Hi Pat, Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I have
been traveling. The pens did come in and please tell John the work
is perfect. They write exquisitely! Thanks much for your work. I
will be sending more pens toward the end of the month. Hello Pat, I received the Vanishing Point pen yesterday
(far earlier than I expected), and have been using it at work all
day, aswell as trying it out at home last night. I'm very impressed
with the nib, it's a smooth writer, with a nice line width variation.
I think it's everything I dared hoped for, and I have no doubt that
the pen will be my daily user for some time. I find the VP quite
comfortable to hold too, even with the unusually placed clip... Dear Pat, Pat & John: just to let you know we received
the package on the 18th, and ever since Ward has been in ecstasy.
The first thing he does every morning is go to his drawing table
and write (play) with these pens, and then he gives me a lecture
on why these pens are wonderful and forces me to admire them, even
when I'm trying to make coffee or brush my teeth. I think he could
not be happier and has probably already sent John a postcard expressing
this. Dear Pat and John, Dear Pat, Dear Pat and John, Dear Pat, Dear Pat, The VP EF point is the best extra-fine nib I've experienced so far. It produces a truely extra-fine line on paper while maintaing a fairly smooth feel. Most importantly, it doesn't skip. Many thanks to you and John, and Danielle for your excellent work
and service. (Ed: received as a hand written letter:) Thank you so much for
exchanging the medium stub nib (for a Namiki Vanishing Point) to
this Broad Left Oblique (BLOB :}) nib. It is working out great!
I also like this black ink (Namiki Black) - I thought I was a blue
ink only type of guy, but this is very nice to use. Hello Pat: Just wanted you to know that the pen arrived a day late,
but intact. I was amazed at the difference in the pen (Ed: Waterman's
Serenite). This was a pen that I loved the look of, but hated to
write with. After it was returned to Waterman twice for repairs
that did not work any better, I almost gave it away. Now it writes
exactly the way I want it to. Nice ink flow, a fine nib, just exactly
what I ordered. Thanks so much for saving this for me. John, I received my red Pelikan 800 with its 14k
medium oblique nib several days ago, and have been trying it out
vigorously. You gave it a very nice ink flow so that the ink color
is saturated and dense, as I was hoping it would be. I like the
flexibility you gave it. It's taken me a while to get the hang of
writing with it properly , so it shows the flair I was hoping to
get into my handwriting. It's an inducement to make my penmanship
worthy of the instrument!... If it is possible - I think this nib is even smoother and a better
writer than the original. I am extremely pleased! Pat: The nib arrived today, and works "perfectly." I'm
suffering a classic case of "mixed emotions," because
I've gotten used to the broad tip, and I really like the line it
lays down. But---I confess---it's really easier to write with my
old faithful fine point. So...at least I have a choice. Hello Pat and John, Pat, The pen arrived yesterday. I wrote with it
for the first time this morning. Thank you for making it look and
feel like new. The wait was worth it. The Falcon has arrived. It's a great user, can
write beautiful, charmful, so sensitive lines. What a suprise, of
course, not because of my hand skill, you know. Every day I enjoy
writing with it and am so satisfied with the conclusion. But I think
"What should I do for my any other pens?" Folks, The Parker is beautiful - It looks just as I had
imagined it would - not new, but a maintained vintage pen from the
60's. You did a great job on the oblique point - writes very smoothly,
with just the right amount of shading to make my writing more distinctive.
Dear Pat, (Ed: received as a hand-written letter, dated 5
October 2004): Danielle, Hi Danielle, Just a quick note on the M600 I purchased from
you early this past summer -- the more I write with it, the better
it gets. No doubt something you've heard before! I was initially
concerned that a Fine was not fine enough, but after switching from
Parker Quink to Pelikan ink I am entirely happy with the fineness
of the fine, smooth, wet line the fine nib provides.This is now
the pen I am doing all my writing with -- a former favourite, a
Parker Vacumatic, sits inkless (and cleaned out) as I convey this
message. Hi Pat and John, Hi Pat: Dear Pat, John and Josh; Pat, I just received my Vanishing Point insert.
Excellent packaging, super fast! Thanks for the material on pens,
that was a nice addition. As for the broad stub nib, it was everything
I was looking for but, nothing like I expected. As you may recall
I was worried about the broad nib being too large, you convinced
me that it wouldn't be once John cut it into a stub. You were so
right!!! The nib is fantastic, it is exactly what I was looking
for. The size and line variations are perfect for writing in my
Moleskine journals. Now my handwriting (printing) has more flair!!!
Thank you again for such personal service. I wish I was 18 again
and just starting a career, I would be on my way to L.A. to beg
for a place on your team as an apprentice. I hope you find that
special person to learn this art... Thank you both again, it has
been a wonderful pleasure!!! Dear Pat, Hi Pat and John, of course!... Hi Pat. The Omas just arrived and it's gorgeous
- absolutely transformed. I hadn't realised just how flexible the
nib was before. The flow is perfect too. Now that's the kind of
nib you really need for a pen of that quality - the plain vanilla
medium just didn't do it justice. Dear Pat, I got the pen today. I love the pen. It writes
great. The nib is the right width. I like the weight and balance.
It is not scratchy (doing pretty good on the light touch I guess).
It is stiffer than I was Pat and John, Pat, Hi Pat, Hi,
The pen & ink arrived today and work like a
dream. As advertised and timely delivery. My thanks for your courteous,
prompt and up to date assistance. The Koi should be here on the
2nd." (8/31/04) (Ed: and then, on 9/3:) "Well despite
a delay from a late train the pen arrived today. Wonderful. It works
and writes like a dream and is a work of art, from the design to
its function. Thank you again for your assistance and help. I am
looking forward to many years of use as my favorite pen. Hi Pat, John, I received my pen this today... I have used it a bit this afternoon: I am so pleased with the improvements! It flows ink when the cap is removed, the tip is perfect, writing is very smooth. What an improvement. Thank you so much. Cheers. H.S. (8/15/04) I've been writing with my Montegrappa 1912 Classica
for a couple of days. -John(8/17/04) Dear Pat, I have just received the nib and put
it on my pen. It writes more smoothly than I have expected. I really
enjoy writing with it. I would like to let you know that your service
has far exceeded my expectation.... Dear John, I got it (Ed: Namiki Falcon) today. Pat, it is just marvelous. I immediately filled it with ink. As soon as the nib hit the parchment paper, it was instant euphoria. It felt wonderful as the pen glided on surface of paper. Lite weight, smooth as glass, silky feel. My compliments to you and John. You guys have never let me down
ever since i started buying fountain pens several years ago. Please
give John my warmest regards for his supurb craftsmanship.... Hi John and Pat, Hi Pat, John/Pat: Hi Pat, I did receive the VP this morning. As always with pens
prepared by John, it's a really Hi John, Pat, Josh and Danielle, Just received the new and improved "Bubbles"
and partner. The Omas seems to write even better now...go figure??
In other words, love the work as you saved my little buddy from
certain nib doom. The pelican now flows effortlessly also. Before
it was rather scratchy right out of the box. But now, both pens
are a dream. You guys do great work and deserve all the praise you
receive. You are certainly worth every penny paid. Dear Pat, I am sorry for making you worry, as when I got home today my pen was here, having been signed for by my cleaning lady while I was out for the day. Everything is wonderful, and as usual John has done a superb job. I am happy with all, and look forward very much to seeing him at the pen show in D.C. next week. Thanks for all your efficient work as usual.... Best, Susanne (8/4/04) I received my pen about a week and half ago ( or so).... I've been writing pretty steadily since I've received it. It writes marvelously, a testament not only to Pelikan but also to the fellow who set up the nib for me. Thank you for your superb customer service. I'll look forward to doing business with you again, when I'm in the market for a new pen. Please feel free to use my comments as a reference should the need arise. Sincerely, Pat, I wanted to let you know that the nib arrived safely today.
I inked it with Waterman Blue/Black tonight and gave it a spin.
Like the other second-hand Vanishing Point stub that I have that
was reground by John, the nib is an excellent writer, with no hesitation
and great line Thank you once again for the very smooth transaction. Frank (7/19/04) Received the Saft Green Omas today - it's beautiful and writes
just the way I like it! Thanks for another great pen ... I received the pen yesterday (Ed: Montblanc Semiramis
L.E.). It is absolutely beautiful. Thank you very much for your
assistance with this.... My wife purchased the Pelikan 805 for Father's Day. It has an OBB nib. I have been very pleased. It writes beautifully with wide smooth strokes. In the past, depending on the type of paper, my other pens with less broad nibs would skip. This nib works smoothly on all. Some paper seems to soak up the ink and others seem to repel it (but when dry will not smear). I also like the feel and size of this pen. My hand does not tire at all... Thanks Alan (7/9/04) Hi Pat and John + Family, Dear Pat Received the pen today (Ed: Sailor 1911, Broad nib). Extremely happy with the nib. It has the smoothness in writing that I have been seeking (I need a smooth nib to be able to write quickly in court). Thank you Michael (7/9/04) Dear Pat, Josh, and John, I received my Sailor Mosaic yesterday evening and used it all day today at work. I am really impressed with how good it writes - almost by itself it seems. It's a real pleasure to use and a pleasure even to look at... Thanks for such a good buying experience. Sincerely, Pat, Pat/John, UPS just delivered the Parker 51 and I'm very
happy to have it back. I've been covering pages with nonsense just
for the joy of writing with this pen. Hello John, I just received the new nib (Pelikan
EF, #7) and ink, and I'm astonished! The difference in feel between
this and the stainless steel EF is many times more than I'd expected.
It's a world of smoothness and flexibility I had not known existed.
I'm sure this is old news to you, but it was quite a revelation
to me. The ink flow is ideal, as well. I find myself writing more
neatly, as I'm not >trying to rush ahead of the ink. I hadn't
been aware of any of these issues with the old nib, but the improvement
was apparent immediately. Excellent work! (I'm also surprised that
it got here "To the Gang @ Nibs! Thank you for the wonderful writing Omas. It truly feels wonderful. It writes like Butter! I loved my first great fountain pen - the Pelikan 600 - but this pen is a whole different breed of animal. I have stopped emails! Only written letters! Just kidding! Thank you! Thank You! THANK YA! Rik" (6/15/04) Pat, I received the pen, nib, and ink yesterday afternoon, all in good shape. The pen and nib both write extremely well. I am very pleased with your service. I'll show the burgundy Pelikan off in Monterey next week. Thanks very much. Harry Lesser (6/19/04) Pat, I received the nib and the bill. I must admit
that it was more than I thought I wanted to pay, UNTIL I wrote with
my newly adjusted Pelikan M1000 nib. Two words: MELTED BUTTER!!!
This is how a fountain pen is supposed to write, I just didn't know
it until now. Tell John thanks for Dear Pat, Hello Pat and John.... Pat, John, and Josh, Hello Pat and Josh, Dear John and Pat: "mottishaw" oughta
be a verb that means "to perfect an object that was once Perfection!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Greetings Pat- and now Josh The nib unit arrived (Ed: #7 BB with out cursive italic customization) and it is now securely screwed into my 1935. Absolutely fantastic. Just what I wanted. Smooth as silk. Always a pleasure, Bob (5/13/04) I've been travelling the past several weeks, but have now had numerous chances to write with the M600. It writes wonderfully. I had wondered about the fine point, as opposed to the extra fine, which is closer, I suspect, to my vacumatics, but I am really liking the way the M600 writes with the current nib. So I am happy, happy, happy. Thanks for being a source of dependable fountain pens in a world of uncertain consumer goods, including many "high-end" fountain pens! all the best, Michael (5/21/04) I just received my new Pelikan M405. I want to thank you for your prompt and courteous service and most importantly for the excellent set-up of the pen.I took it out of the box, filled it with my favorite ink and it functioned perfectly. My grateful thanks!...David (5/4/04) Hi Pat and John ...well firstly I need to give 100% to the USPS ! Sent 2 days ago from California, arrived before lunch here in England.....trust me, if you'd posted them in London they would not have arrived by now ..amazing ! Very pleased with both Pens (Ed: Sailor Naginata Togi and 1911 with Zoom nib) thank you....great service from you as well ! Filled both with PR Tanzanite and really happy..especiallly the Zoom nib 1911(I think I'm supposed to prefer the more expensive pen !)...that nib is great fun. ... The Togi too has been set just right (I'm no expert however!) and I will enjoy taking both on their first business rip, tomorrow in London and then Stockholm, Sweden on Monday....hopefully get some envious looks from colleagues ! Thanks again for such a great, friendly, personal and professional service... All the best SImon Burgess (5/6/04) Just writing to let you know that I have received
the M805 and it is truly a beautiful pen. I have already written
a number of pages with it and am delighted with its size and flow....
Thanks again for all your help and amazing service. Just received the pen; immeidately inked. writing checks with it this afternoon. Tell John I am IN LOVE !!!!!! with this pen. Absolotely smooth and I can do a lot with it. BEAUTIFUL>>>>>just gorgeous writing. THANKS, again and again. VERY pleased. Nellie(4/28/04) Pat, I got it! Even took my lunch late because I knew the UPS guy was in the building...Didn't hop up and down, but I did phone the mailroom about three times this morning. It's the best writer I have -- the reason I don't use anything but John's nibs anymore. Good thing I have about six of his nibs on my pens... I'm working on a couple pieces of fiction right now, and I'm planning on having this pen write the entire first draft of my novel. A dragon should be appropriate for that, don't you think? Thanks again! Mary(4/29/04) Pat and John: Dear Mr. Mottishaw, I've been writing with my M250 Pelikan with the M400 nib for the last two hours. So smooth, feels so good in my hand! Puts down a very nice line... you now have a loyal customer, soon as I can put some of my [limited] collection [remember I just started] together, I'll send them in for "nib work" smoothing, well you understand... Now I know the difference between a John Mottishaw Fountain Pen and what I thought was excellent...like day and night!.... Once again, thank you, thank you and thank you, Fred Ackerman(4/13/04) "Pat -- Received the Sailor 1911 (Ed: Blue with EF nib) on Friday - excellent service as always. The pen is wonderful and perfect for using with Moleskine journal narrow lines. Thank you for again a pen that writes the first time exactly how I expected it to perform and continues line-after-line. I will include the Sailor 1911 in the article I am writing about Moleskine journals and of course will mention the Sailor and CFP. Thanks! -- Craig" (4/19/04) Given the inherent ambiguity of language, no thinking person should expect to receive a nib that is ground exactly the way s/he tried to describe his/her preference. Miracle of miracles! You did it. Not only is the nib exactly what I had in mind, the pen is beautiful and the nib is smooth as silk. Many thanks. Fred (4/19/04) There are people who can't charge more than they think is "justified,"
and then there are people who think their services are impossibly
valuable. Definitely nicer people in the first category! From an
economic standpoint, pen repairers ought to charge enough to keep
the queues down, and the higher income would encourage other people
to become repairers, too. More repairers would begin to offset the
high prices and ultimately customers would be better off. Of course,
John has a rare talent and probably could always charge more. Then
you could hire someone to learn, and pay them more than peanuts.
Obviously the market isn't working that way, so in the meantime,
I'll... get in line. It isn't as though I will run out of pens to
use :-). I received the pens on Wednesday 4/7/04 and they are wonderful! The nib customizations are fabulous - Getting the stub retip on the 875 Sheaffer was quite amazing - and it is silky smooth. Thank you for your exceptional and prompt service! Thomas Scott (4/9/04) John / Pat,
The OMAS has landed, the pen is a viewing pleasure. Pat you did not tell me the pen would glide across the page! Sweet. There is no effort from hand to paper. Barrel is larger than I thought would fit in my smaller hand, was pleasantly surprised how it did fit (this is a good thing). Will have to rethink pens sizes. The ink flow is wet & even under my light touch. Now I have a small idea why these pens are held in high regard. As always excellent workmanship and customer service. Looking forward to my next order, (next quarter... Sailor and/or VP w/nib in cursive italic? decisions to ponder).
All the best.
Thanks! (A.DeR., 4/12/04) Dear John, Pat, Josh! Last night I received the 14K single-tone Medium
nib unit for my Pelikan I very much appreciate your excellent work and the great service
you Best wishes from a very happy new customer, Elke (4/13/04) I received the Namiki Falcon with the modified
extra fine, extra flexible nib. First, thank you so much for such
timely next-day service. Second, thank you for the outstanding nib.
It is exeactly what I wanted, and it certainly performs like a great
XF flexi!! Best of all, I am amazed at how smooth it is! I know
that making an XF, extra flexible nib perform and be smooth is next
to impossible, but you did it!! I am grateful. All the nibs and pens have arrived ; and I have
even pinched Pat's lovely emerald green ink; it has already drawn
comment, from some judges and other divorce lawyers... I would like
to express my appreciation at all the time Pat... took to assist
in choice of pens and nibs. It seems that the 800 with B or BB -
Pelikan, may be my staple. Will settle in before looking at stubs
in some months time... Thanks again for all your time and assistance
and care must be taken to ensure the ongoing survival of the John's
craft skills which take me back to the time of guilds and groups
of artisans in England some centuries ago. John, Dear John, Pat, Josh, My shipment arrived yesterday afternoon, and I have
to report that the work you have done has surpassed all expectations.
The .4mm italic is wonderful -- quite sharp, yet also somehow smooth,
even when pushing across the page. As for the needlepoint: while
the ideal for me is a near-invisible line, this comes pretty close.
Quite a change after using the 6x0 rapidograph; while it only took
me about an hour to get a feel for it, it will probably take weeks,
if not months or longer, to master the touch. But the advantages
are already evident.... Thanks to all of you for your skill, and
for your patience with my interminable questions about the job....
Sincerely, John: John, I received my Namiki VP nib today. It is fantastic. You made it half way between a stub and a cursive italic and I think it is perfect. It is incredibly smooth and my handwriting has improved greatly with this nib. Thanks for helping me figure out exactly what I wanted. I don't think I will ever buy another FP without a custom nib. Thanks! Dave Berke (3/15/04) I received the Sailor today and have not been able to stop writing with it--and it's well past midnight here now! This is my first expensive pen, though I've been writing with fountain pens all my life. You folks did an absolutely wonderful prep on it. It's exactly what you discussed with me on the phone. The nib is like butter. The care and attention you folks showed me in my first purchase from you has won a loyal and repeat customer. I already am setting aside some money for my next one. Nice pens are really addictive! Thank you very much indeed. Paschall (3/16/04) John et al., I've received the Aurora 88 Demo back from it's second trip. It looks like you guys worked out all the kinks! It now writes EXACTLY how I was hoping and you even managed to remove that squeeking sound from the nib/feed! I really couldn't ask for a more perfect cursive-italic. Adding that to the other two pens you have perfected, I must say I'm extremely impressed. I've done business with many other 'big-name' pen repair people, but the quality of communication and service you provide surpasses all my past experience by leaps and bounds. If I shall ever need a repair/customization in the future (which is almost indubitable), I most certainly know where to turn. Thanks once again, I'm going to send a couple of pens back with my dad (Ed: from Paris, France), to be sent to you, too. One that needs some repair attention and another couple to get the Mottification treatment. In the meantime, I'm so looking forward to experiencing the Wahl and the new Pelikan nib. (3/4/04) (Ed: in response to our request for permission to quote:) Be my guest. If the three of you went mountain climbing and got caught in your ropes, would that make you the dangling Mottifiers? --h (3/5/04) Dear Pat, The pen arrived this morning, amazingly quickly. I'm
really ecstatic with the way it writes. Thanks so much to you and
Josh for troubling to pin down my preferences and for so perfectly
implementing them. Every aspect--line width and crispness, thin/thick
contrast, ink flow--is just as I'd hoped. "Hello John, Received the Sailor
1911 w/zoom nib and it was a great recommendation! The nib is smooth
beyond description and is set up perfectly. I can't imagine a finer
writing feel than this Sailor. Thanks so You did an amazing job on my Omas! It is PERFECT!!! Thank you so much for working with me and getting the perfect nib for my work (Ed: an architect/draftsman's point: broad cross strokes, fine downstrokes). you are truly a blessing. Miguel Saucedo2/19/04 Hello John, Received the Sailor 1991 w/zoom nib and it was a great recommendation! The nib is smooth beyond description and is set up perfectly. I can't imagine a finer writing feel than this Sailor. Thanks so much again for all your help and best regards, Howard Blumberg(2/23/04) HI John! Hi Pat!... "John -the Pelikan M250 you sent me surpasses all expectations. You leave me no choice but to write a gushing thank you note. This pen writes brilliantly well, and after more than a month of exclusive use I still can't put it down. Most of that is down to you acting on the answers to your expert questions posed at the time of the sale. It appears that all left-handers should order pens from you - what a difference. Many Thanks, Matt" (3/11/04) (Ed: this was received as a snail-mail letter:) I wantd to write to you properly to say thank you for the excellent service I have received from you - it was a pleasure to deal with folks who took a real interest in now I write, rather than just wanting to sell a pen. The red Pelikan M600 is wonderful, and filled with some of J. Herbin's Lierre Sauvage it leaves a wonderful line.... It feels like everythng a good pen should be..... Michael Mable(2/18/04) (Ed: this arrived as a hand-written letter also:) I thought I would drop you a short note and let you see how your handy work has affected my pemnanship. All these years I thought I was a fine nib person. My first clue that I may be wrong was when Pat talked me into trying a vanishing point pen with a custom broad stub. I fell in love with it and felt an M800 Stub must be even better. This is definitely me. I can show ever so much more emotion in my writing and the stub glides across the paper smooth as silk. Yep! This is me ok. Keep up the good work, Don Smith(2/20/04) Dear Mr.Mottishaw, I just received the Pelikan 250 stub. I like it. It takes a little
getting used to, but I really like the character the different line
widths impart to my writing style. Thanks for all your help and
encouragement. oh baby! what a mutha of a pen!! sho do
luv dis one, too!!!! well tell the truth, will an omas let me down
or put me in the stratOshpere. something 'bout those green celluloids...
catch my eyes everytime. mmmmm, mmmm. and on a more serious note...
thank you again. Just wanted to let you know
I received my modified Sailor (cursive italic) and I adore it. Now
it REALLY sails! Hi There Thanks for the VP. It arrived in Britain on Thursday
and at my doorstep yesterday. Typical UK post office sloppiness...
But I musn't gripe. The pen is extremely nice in every way, and
hasn't been out of my hand (which can be awkward at meal times).
I'm glad you warned me about this model's inherent dryness, because
I think I would have been disappointed. As it is, I really like Hi Pat, my pen just arrived!!!! i've been writing, printing and sketching like crazy. thank you, and please thank John for a wonderful set up on my pen. you guys are the best. regards vic (2/4/04) Hi John and Pat, I thought I'd send you a quick email to let you know how much I am enjoying my new Toledo!! The stub nib is exactly what I had in mind. It gives some character to my writing but it is not at all fussy or positional. The pen itself is beautiful, and that combined with the nib has made this my favorite pen ever. I could not be more pleased. Thanks very much!!Mary Levenson (1/29/04) Dear Pat and John, Pat, Thank you so much for all you have done....and for all John did. I received the package on Wednesday afternoon and I don't know that I have put down my Sailor pen since. I absolutely love it. It is perfect for what I wanted to use it for and I couldn't be more pleased and satisfied. Thank you all so much. Mark (1/16/04) (Ed: this arrived as a handwritten note:) Thank you, the nib arrived today... I screwed (it) into my Black 600 and filled up with Midnight Blue. I an writing with the pen right now. I know for a fact this will be the most used Pelikan in my flock. I am very impressed at how the nib lays down ink, you got it totally right on. I think I will be buying my Pelikans and Omas through Classic Fountain Pens in the future. I will also be telling others about the pen and nib unit side of the business. Your reputation for nib repair need not be repeated. Again, thank you. Bill Smith (1/20/04) ."Hi Pat, This is Kane, who ordered Pelikan Souverän M250 last Thursday. First, thank you for processing the order so quickly. I received the pen only two days after (Saturday). It writes very well. The width of the nib and the amount of ink flow are just as I wanted. I mostly collect full-size fountain pens, and I did not realize until I tried M250 that standard-size pens (or a little bit smaller) are easy to hold and actually very comfortable. I like my new M250 a lot. Considering its quality and price, this is clearly the best pen that I have ever purchased. Thanks again. Kane" (1/20/04) John and Pat, |
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