Sharon,
The pen and cases arrived this morning. As for the pen, in
addition to being even more impressive in the hand than it
is in the photo, it writes beautifully. Please convey my compliments
to John for the nib work. And thanks to all of you for a pleasurable
buying experience.
Kind regards,
Marc (05/08/07)
Wow, it's here a day early! What a lovely
pen (Ed: Wahl Eversharp Doric). Who could imagine it being
almost 70 years old, just looking at it? The celluloid is
perfect and I've never seen anything like it in a modern pen.
It does look like mineral structure, I can understand Sharon's
attraction. I've filled it with Waterman Blue Black which
gives a nice, vintage look to the writing. That semi-flex
fine nib is just about perfect for me, if I can't have one
of John's italics.
Thank you all, and especially Sharon, for letting me be the
custodian of it for the next generation.
Kent Kochheiser (05/16/07)
Hi Pat,
The Namiki Falcon has arrived! You have done a perfect job.
It writes just as I hoped, smooth, with a good flow, little
responsive and with enough line variation. Thanks again. When
I have another "nibjob" I will let you know for
sure.
Best regards from the Netherlands,
Michael Sliedrecht (05/23/07)
Dear Pat (and John!)
The Red Ripple came back yesterday! I was so excited to see
it and amazed at how great it looked. I sat down to write
out a thank you note--only to realize how awkward & wobbly
I was with my very own pen.
Not that I wasn't able to use it--more like for the first
time I actually COULD use it! I knew in the beginning I'd
be taking a chance with anything that had already been around
80 years, but I thought it would be worth it in terms of potential.
I'm just now starting to see that potential.
Thank you so much again and a world of appreciation for all
of your kindness and help!
-Margaret Mroczek (05/03/07)
Dear Pat,
Am I to write with the pen? Or just sit back and contemplate
it?
Thank you ever so much for what you've done. It is really
wonderful to be able to make such a quick and pleasant purchase
from far away - and get what one wanted in such a short time!
I'm afraid you will be hearing again from me sometime soon...
Best wishes,
Pedro Mendonca (05/03/07)
Hi:
I received my Namiki Pilot Falcon FP today and absolutely
love it! The customized nib, tailored to my writing style,
makes using the pen a smooth, enjoyable experience. I have
never written with such a fine instrument as this particular
pen.
Thank you for providing such fine craftsmanship. I intend
to make future purchases from your company.
Regards,
Edward A. Hawks (05/05/07)
Danielle,
My Omas arrived today, and it is wonderful, light weight and
beautiful. The nib is luscious, it will become my favorite
I'm sure. Thank you again for your great service and let John
know that the nib is perfect. Thank you,
Robert Gamburd (05/07/07)
My Pelikan M800 arrived without incident. It’s
great to have “old faithful” back! It writes better
than ever – the customizations for my writing style make
all the difference in the world. Thank you so much for your
outstanding work.
Jaimie Henderson (04/30/07)
Pat,
Last week I received the Conklin Endura pencil in Lapis –
it’s very beautiful and it is a pleasure to use! Discovering
your web-site was like turning down a side street and discovering
a wonderful little shop with delightful people! Talking to
you was a pleasure; your entire ordering process should be
an industry standard...
With pleasure,
John Zientowski (04/30/07)
John, and everyone,
Nibs arrived promptly last week; beautiful work as always;
everything fits and writes beautifully.
Ernie Drown (05/02/07)
Hi Pat, it’s here (Ed: OMAS Ogiva,
Black/Guilloche). I just inked it up (brought a bottle to
work with me for the occasion). It is perfect. Lovely smoothness
and wetness. Thank you for taking such care! Karen (05/02/07)
Pat,
I just returned from Toronto this afternoon and the Lamy Persona
was waiting for me upon my arrival.I really love the pen.It
writes beautifully and I really enjoy the weight and size
of the pen.I am so thankful that I went ahead and had the
nib ground down.Please express to John how thrilled I am with
the job that he masterfully performed.I want to thank everyone
again.It is an absolute pleasure dealing with all of you and
especially with you Pat!
My sincerest regards,
Rob Redlich (04/25/07)
Dear Pat,
I have been quite remiss in not writing sooner. My vintage
1939 OMAS Extra Lucens is simply wonderful. The ink flow is
perfect and the reground modern OMAS 18k stub nib precisely
to my liking. Thank John so very much for once again proving
his amazing attention to detail and craftsmanship! Writing
is a major part of my life, and to do so with a pristine vintage
OMAS is very special indeed. All the very best, Harris Saltzburg
(04/27/07)
Dear Pat,
I received the pen today! Thank you very much for an excellent
job! The pen is 100 time smoother than before! The ink flow
is JUST RIGHT! The nib writes flawlessly and smoothly and
solidly on a yellow pad I use daily. It's a keeper for me!
The lines produced are gorgeous! Once again John did his magic!
Please extend my sincere appreciation for his excellent work!
With sincere appreciation,
JK Kim (04/16/07)
Hi Pat,
The pens arrived yesterday. Thank you so much. They are both
beauties in their own way, although they couldn't be more
different--opposite ends of the fountain pen specturm really.
Yet they are both wonderful writers. John's nib on the Lamy
is great as usual, and the Conklin writes beautifully-- smooth
as silk and just enough flexibility for my lumbering hand.
Thanks for everything,
Alan (04/18/07)
Pat: My "Sailor" with music nib
was delivered in good shape about 15 minutes ago (a day ahead
of schedule) Very well packaged. I just tested it briefly
(with a cartridge) to make sure everything was working properly.
It was! Requires only the lightest touch ... good ink flow,
and superbly smooth. I'm really going to enjoy this! Now you
have me thinking about a normal writing pen ??? Many thanks
for the great service and, more importantly, for taking the
time to understand what it was that I wanted from a pen. Joe
Derrane (04/18/07)
John / Pat:
Yesterday I received my yellow, full-sized Sailor 1911 with
a music nib ground to a cursive italic. The pen arrived safely,
and the nib writes wonderfully! I do appreciate your keeping
on file a handwriting sample I'd sent a long time ago for
another nib job, and it's great to receive a pen where the
nib and level of ink flow are just right. Wonderful work.
Thanks so much.
Julio A. Thompson (04/09/07)
Ed: this arrived as a hand-written note:
John: The Grand Place arrived yesterday. It works perfectly.
What a beautiful pen, both in appearance and performance.
Thank you so much for your help in selecting the pen and configuring
the nib. It really does make a difference. I'm sure you'll
be hearing from me again soon... Steve Noble (04/09/07)
Dear Pat,
My Omas grey paragon fountain pen arrived!! It is beautiful!
I love the color, classic look and
the greek key design. The nib is great. I look forward to
many happy penning years with
the two Omas pens from you and John.
Thanks so much for the great support and service. I'm really
excited to become a "new
fountain pen" enthusiast.
Regards,
Pam (04/12/07)
All,
The pen arrived, it is inked, and I love it! The feel, the
design (I love Aurora designs), the color...all perfect. This
is why I frequently check the pre-owned section of the website;
I would have missed this fabulous Aurora otherwise. Now, if
only I could find the OMAS designed by Sottass...and a blue
Parker 51...and...
Thanks for your great service. Hope we meet someday.
Be well,
Bob Rogen (03/26/07)
Dear Pat, Sharon, Danielle, and John:
I have had the privilege to work with everyone at your incomparable
establishment with the exception of Danielle. In the past
several months I have purchased from you a Parker 61, 1929
Parker senior duofold, 1920's lapis Parker duofold jr., Pelican
M 400 Brown Tortoise, and now a 1917 Conklin crescent filler.
The redoubtable, John, has skillfully modified these pens
so that they are all broad to stub with a copious ink flow.
All of these pens are receiving constant use and are performing
beyond expectation. With enthusiasm, I recommend your firm,
without reservation to anyone who requires sales, repair,
or modification, of a fountain pen.
Cordially, James J. Sparandeo (03/26/07)
Ed: the following was received as a hand-written
note: Dear Pat & John, You are every bit as amazing and
talented as the testimonials on your web site indicate. The
pen is perfectly tuned for me and the only thing that could
improve it is a wider selection of ink colors in cartridges
from Sailor.... Thanks, again. Sincerely, Cheryl McCullough
(03/27/07)
Ed: the following was received as an email
attachment:
To read the entire letter, please
click here or on the line above.
Pat,
The pen arrived safely this morning, very very pleased with
it set up just the way I like. Thank you very much for everything,
excellent service
Regards
Martin Jones (03/12/07)
Hi Pat,
Just a note to let you know the Duofold nibs arrived on Friday.
I put in the converter in each nib and put one nib in the
Black Duofold and the other in the Orange or "Big Red"
and they wrote like "very old friends". For me,
they write "perfectly" - very, very smooth and excellent
inkflow. You guys have the "magic touch" even on
pens you don't normally handle...
Thank you so very much!
Joe Nemedi (03/12/07)
Hello Pat,
I just received the package and true to your promise, the
pens write “right out of the box’. The pens are
beautiful and your customer service is exemplary! Keep up
the good work.
Best Wishes.
Anant Dhotrekar (03/14/07)
Sharon, John - thank you so much. The gorgeous,
luminous yellow Sailor 1911 arrived yesterday, and it might
be the silkiest, most lovely pen I have ever had the pleasure
of using. It feels more like a paintbrush than a pen. I am
a customer for life. I will send via mail a writing sample,
probably this weekend. Thanks again. Let me know when you
have the Sapporos with the music nib - I'll probably buy one
of those too. --j (03/23/07)
Hi Pat!
This is Kybor. I want to thank you for your suggestion on
customization my M600 Blue Demonstrator Pelikan. It is so
beautiful and elegant. I received it one week ago. I tested
it, but I did not have a chance to use it fully. Today, I
took my pen to the bank to deposit my check. The teller commented
that I have a very nice handwriting. And I even used it to
write on happy birthday cards. It was so wonderful and addictive
when it comes to writing and signing. I've fell in love with
Pelikan medium stub nib. It just glides on papers. Thank you
for your service and Master John for his magical skills in
customizing nibs.
Sincerely,
Kybor (02/24/07)
Hello Pat,
My pen was delivered today – in perfect working condition.
It has a "made to measure feel" about it and makes
a wonderful replacement for my previous Pelikan that I lost
a few years ago. It's like meeting an old friend that has
come back to me after a long absence.
I'd like to thank you for your kind and cheerful cooperation.
Yours sincerely,
Albert Edelson (02/27/07)
the nib arrived yesterday. I've been writing
with it all morning. It's fabulous. It's exactly what I was
looking for. Thank you. Larry Sanford (03/02/07)
Hi Pat,
The pens arrived today, in perfect condition [Parker Duofold
International (UK) Fountain Pen and Ballpoint – Green
Marble]. I inked up the fountain pen and made my first strokes
on the paper – it was like velvet. So lovely.
The green marbling on the pens is even more beautiful than
the photos captured. My colleagues at work who are also fountain
pen enthusiasts are almost as excited as I am to see this
pen – I know they will be very jealous! I have, of course,
made sure they know all about you folks. With any luck, you
may have another few Canadian customers.
Thank you, Pat, for all your kind assistance and patience.
You answered all my questions quickly, thoroughly and thoughtfully.
And the nib works like a dream. Thank you, John. This has
been a very pleasant transaction – I feel as though I
have gotten to know you a little bit, rather than merely purchasing
a product from you. You can be sure that you will hear from
me again.
All best wishes ~ Trisha (02/15/07)
Hi Pat,
I received my Pelikan 800 the other day. It writes smoother
that the Montblanc I’ve been writing with for over 20
years (I didn’t think that was possible). PERFECT!
Please give my best to everyone.
Best regards,
Mark (02/15/07)
Hi Pat,
The little Omas couple arrived safely, on the doorstep yesterday.
What a “sweet” writing couple, as smooth as the
best dark chocolate! UmmmmUmmmm
The best Valentine’s Day gift ever! What an inspiration
“How do l love thee, let me count the ways”…Thank
you once again for many hours of blissful writing (thanks
to John’s expert craftsmanship). There is no doubt these
will evolve into the most treasured of loves.
Hugs and Smiles, Shea Stanfield (02/15/07)
To: Sharon Hardwick
Subject: RE: Classic Fountain Pens: Draft Invoice - Response
Requested
Today I received the Pilot Vanishing Point with the Medium
Cursive Italic nib adjustment. Oh, so that's what a fountain
pen is supposed to feel like! This pen is so quirky looking
I like it very much already. It writes incredibly nicely.
Problem is, now I would consider having other pens adjusted.
My new Parker Duofold and a Shaeffer I like a lot as well.
Did I read the web site correctly, the wait for nib work is
6 months? That's sneaky, you know; "Come here kid, the
first one is free"....
Regards,
Willy Palmer (02/20/07)
(Ed: all three of the testimonials below arrived as
hand-written notes):
John and Pat, Received my pens yesterday. Thank you for making
them work so well and look so beautiful. It was well worth
the wait. As you can see, the Parker 51 writes beaiutifully.
Again... My thanks and appreciation. Ra Scavelli (02/09/07)
Dear Pat, Once again, much thanks to you and
John for exceptional service. My new Sailor KoP is awesome!
As always, my favorite pen is..... anything Mottishaw! Best
regards, Dave Burnette (02/09/07)
Dear John, Thank you for this wonderful pen...
You can see how far I have progressed to this point in using
it: it has so many possibilities, and ny penmanship improves
day by day, vaving such an excellent writing instrument to
work with. Thank you! Walter (02/09/07)
Howdy. Got the pen today -- that was fast!
Filled it without any problem and immediately put pen to paper.
What a difference from using a rolling ball and ball point.
The Pelikan seems to glide over the paper with nary a hitch.
If you limited me to a one-word description, I would choose
the word "smooth." I'll be back for another!
David (02/13/07)
Received my Naginata-Togi. Love it. The
"juicier" thing is not a problem. Writes more like
a European medium, which I'm used to anyway. Thanks.
Yuan (02/13/07)
To John:
Super job! You haven't lost your touch.
Thanks again,
Alan Becker (02/04/07)
Hello Pat
The Sheaffer Pen has arrived this morning safely in my office.
I have already inked it. It writes excellently and very smoothly.
Thank you very much for your outstanding service.
Kind regards
Dan (02/07/07)
Pat, The Bronze Arco HT arrived safe and
sound today. I can only say that it is an absolutely beautiful
pen both in appearance and in the way it writes. It is smooth
with a perfectly even ink flow, comfortable in the hand an
a pleasure to work with. Thank you so much for sending it
so quickly and for the work that was done to fit it to the
writing style I described to you.... Again, many thanks for
getting this pen to me. I could not be happier with it.
Adrian Gordon (02/07/07)
Subject: My new Pilot... is just perfect! The broad
cursive italic is just what I wanted-- there is some thick-thin,
but it is not exaggerated, and I can write small with it.
And because there is no cap I can use it instead of a pencil
for quick one-handed notes. It is the perfect complement to
my Pelikan broad stub. As with the Pelkan, Private Reserve
Midnight Blues seems to work just fine. Once again, thanks
for your help. I can't decide which pen is next.
Regards,
Pete Sampson (01/25/07)
I have received my order, Inv. 18909, for
a Sailor pen, in good order. Let me say three words: I love
it! It writes just the way I wanted. Thanks for your prompt
service and helpful assistance. You have a new loyal customer.
Thanks,
Joan Sutton (01/30/07)
Pat:
Just wanted to let you know that I got the Arco this morning.
It is great! Not only is it a gorgeous pen, but it writes
like a dream. The nib that John did is by far the best I have
ever written with. It is almost wasted on my bad handwriting!
Thanks again,
Andrew Jablon (01/19/07)
Pat,
I just wanted to let you know that I received the pen yesterday
and it writes like a dream. Truly a pleasure!Thanks again!
Geoff (01/24/07)
(Ed: this testimonial arrived as a note written
with the subject pen/modification) Dear John & Pat - I
never dreamed a pen wuold write immediately as if I'd been
using it for years. My Sailor Maki-e is tailored to me as
if I'd been in your shop for you to see how I wrote. Your
wonderful service, excellent website and well-thought-out
order form made the process even more pleasant! Thank you
so much for a pen that is beautiful, of course, but also a
true joy to use. Sincerely, Kathleen Bregand (01/24/07)
Thank you so much to John and everyone who was so helpful
to me on the phone and with my order. I LOVE my new pen and
find myself writing down even the smallest list just to be
able to use my pen. I know that I will be back to have some
of my older pens transformed for me as well.
Thank you again to you all for making the entire transaction
so easy and the outcome so "awesome".
Leslie F. Gaylord (01/16/07)
Dear Ms. Ackor and Mr. Mottishaw,
The pen arrived today, the perfect, simple, elegant design
of the pen is astonishing it that it is truly intentionally
understated and the epitome of "less is better"
it is good to have a pen that is not distracting and draws
attention. I am overwhelmed remarkable fluidity of the pen
. On my good paper it has no tooth at all. I used Noodler's
Coeur Royal ink. I am more than pleased , it writes very smoothly.
I think you over estimated my writing pressure. I haven't
twisted, splayed, bent, or destroyed a nib yet to my knowledge.
I like to write deliberately. I can't write well if I have
the pen just skipping along the paper dancing in air making
ornate swirls.
Thank you for this marvelous pen. Fantastico!!!!...
Steven M. (01/16/07)
Dear Nibs Team,
My 87 year old mother was more delighted with this masterful
repair than with any other gift I have ever given her. She
is hard at work writing to everyone she knows, and fairly
crowed at the smooth and familiar tool she has used, according
to legend, for over 70 years. As a French friend said about
an old and humble bottle of family wine, "It's not so
special, but it is VERY special." Thank you for hand-cleaning
the nib, and responding so promptly. I will brag on your service
for years.... Thanks again,
Ellen Kochansky (01/17/07)
Hi Pat --
Just a note to let you know that the pen arrived on Friday
evening. The pen is absolutely gorgeous, and writes like a
dream. Please let John know that he did a perfect job on the
flow (I don't usually get fine nibs because I like a wet point),
but this nib feels like it's riding on air. Thanks again for
your help. --Phil (01/17/07)
To all:
I received my Namiki Falcon with extra fine and flexible nib
much sooner than I had expected, and what a pleasure it is
to write with. I cannot tell you what a pleasure it was doing
business with you; certainly a rare experience these days!...
Thanks again!
From frigid Colorado,
Mark Clancy (01/12/07)
Dear Pat, The pen writes wonderfully well.
I am delighted with the way it writes and flows so effortlessly.
I am really looking forward to using the Omas as my "additional"
daily pen. THANK YOU for a great job done! Besides writing
well, it is also a very good looking pen!
Pat... I got the pen... I love it... This
is the first M600 I've owned, and I'm not sure how I ever
lived without it.... You have a great company with a level
of customer service I haven't ever received even from other
pen sellers... Thanks again,
Ray Johnson (01/11/07)
I rec'd the Mont Blanc FP and it is a beautiful
addition to my collection. I just inked it for the first time
today and it writes like on air. Thank you so much for the
prompt service and the opportunity to purchase this pen. Dave
K. (01/10/07)
Well, Pat, my pen arrived about an hour
ago and I'm fairly certain my projects for this afternoon
will be tomorrow's projects.
The stub was an excellent choice: now that I've tried it I'm
certain I could handle the cursive italic nib, but I don't
believe I could write as quickly or fluently. I suspect for
my next pen I'll try the Falcon in cursive italic. I'm using
Private Reserve Midnight Blues and I couldn't be much happier
with either the pen or the ink.
Regards,
Pete Sampson (1/05/07)
(Ed: this arrived as a hand-written note:) To my friends
at Classic Fountain Pens, Inc., Thank you for the work by
John Mottishaw on the Pelikan nib. Never have I enjoyed writing
with a pen as much as I do now with custom crafted stub nib...
this was definitely worth the wait. Your business and service
is one of the best kept secrets around, if word spreads you
would have to clone more persons to do such great work....
Don Dunn (12/21/06)
Pat: Forgive me the delay in getting back
to you after the pen arrived. I have not really begun to work
with it in any sustained way and I am just starting to get
a feel for the work that John has managed. I am already certain
that this may be one of those pens that I just can not wait
to write with because the cursive italic is superb and the
feel of the nib on the paper is extraordinarily smooth and
responsive. Thank you again for excellent service, pass along
my gratitude to John
best wishes,
Steven (12/19/06)
Hi Sharon,
The nib arrived today, and it is beautiful! I really appreciate
John’s level of workmanship and attention to detail.
The crack repair is virtually invisible. I won’t install
it until next week (taking a few days off for the holidays),
but I’m sure it will work perfectly.
Thank you,
Tom Pike (12/18/06)
Hi Pat... I received the Omas Autuno with
the John modification of the nib about a week ago. I have
wanted to really have an opportunity to use before telling
you how much I love it. First it is beautiful, in an of itself.
I find it a "light pen" or alternatively it doesn't
have "heft" so I have had to adjust the pressure
I use to write with it. This is an observation, not a criticism.
The medium cursive modification that John did I think is amazing.
I am not an expert using nibs like this but it certainly writes
much more smoothly than I anticipated and has the "character"
that I wanted.... Peter (12/13/06)
Dear Pat/John,
I received the package yesterday,perfect service.I test the
omas Ingegno and the pelikan ib:perfect ink flow,flexibility,
smooth,great job,you have completely understood my requests...
Thanks,
best regards,alberto (12/14/06)
I have the nib (Ed: Parker 75 #98 Broad
Formal Italic), and have been using it (with green ink) for
Christmas cards. What a delight to have this pen write well
- I was convinced that it was an ornery thing! Next year,
perhaps I'll want a medium nib too... Thanks for a great nib,
and such courteous service.
Clare (12/14/06)
I rec'd the Mont Blanc FP and it is a beautiful
addition to my collection. I just inked it for the first time
today and it writes like on air. Thank you so much for the
prompt service and the opportunity to purchase this pen. Dave
K. (01/10/07)
Pat... I got the pen... I love it... This
is the first M600 I've owned, and I'm not sure how I ever
lived without it.... You have a great company with a level
of customer service I haven't ever received even from other
pen sellers... Thanks again,
Ray Johnson (01/11/07)
Dear Pat, The pen writes wonderfully well. I am delighted
with the way it writes and flows so effortlessly. I am really
looking forward to using the Omas as my "additional"
daily pen. THANK YOU for a great job done! Besides writing
well, it is also a very good looking pen!
To all:
I received my Namiki Falcon with extra fine and flexible
nib much sooner than I had expected, and what a pleasure
it is to write with. I cannot tell you what a pleasure it
was doing business with you; certainly a rare experience
these days!... Thanks again!
From frigid Colorado,
Mark Clancy (01/12/07)
Dear Pat and John,
My new 2005 Omas Paragon with the BB Left Oblique nib arrived
yesterday while I was at work. I got home late and was very
tired, so I decided not to open the box (difficult to do,
but I did wait) until this morning. It was nice to wake up
today and have this anticipation of testing out the Paragon
and Oblique nib.
It is great! The nib cut is perfect for me; I think John did
a great job of matching the grinding to my writing style.
I love the pen. It's got a little heft to it, but not so much
to tire my hand and the size is a perfect size for me. From
the web pictures, I was afraid that the clip on the cap would
protrude too much, but it's quite attractive and actually
enhances the pen nicely, I think.
Thanks for the great work and the fast shipment of my Christmas
present!
Kind regards,
Bruce Bailey (12/23/06)
Hi Pat,
Thank you for... being so efficient... This incident illustrates
the extraordinary customer service you all provide, service
that is becoming so rare in the world of big-box life. I wish
we could clone your actions.....Happy New Year!
Appreciatively,
Karen (12/31/06)
Well, Pat, my pen arrived about an hour ago and I'm fairly
certain my projects for this afternoon will be tomorrow's
projects.
The stub was an excellent choice: now that I've tried it
I'm certain I could handle the cursive italic nib, but I
don't believe I could write as quickly or fluently. I suspect
for my next pen I'll try the Falcon in cursive italic. I'm
using Private Reserve Midnight Blues and I couldn't be much
happier with either the pen or the ink.
Regards,
Pete Sampson (1/05/07)
Hi Sharon,
The nib arrived today, and it is beautiful! I really appreciate
John’s level of workmanship and attention to detail.
The crack repair is virtually invisible. I won’t install
it until next week (taking a few days off for the holidays),
but I’m sure it will work perfectly.
Thank you,
Tom Pike (12/18/06)
Pat: Forgive me the delay in getting back
to you after the pen arrived. I have not really begun to work
with it in any sustained way and I am just starting to get
a feel for the work that John has managed. I am already certain
that this may be one of those pens that I just can not wait
to write with because the cursive italic is superb and the
feel of the nib on the paper is extraordinarily smooth and
responsive. Thank you again for excellent service, pass along
my gratitude to John
best wishes,
Steven (12/19/06)
(Ed: this arrived as a hand-written note:)
To my friends at Classic Fountain Pens, Inc., Thank you for
the work by John Mottishaw on the Pelikan nib. Never have
I enjoyed writing with a pen as much as I do now with custom
crafted stub nib... this was definitely worth the wait. Your
business and service is one of the best kept secrets around,
if word spreads you would have to clone more persons to do
such great work.... Don Dunn (12/21/06)
Hi Pat... I received the Omas Autuno with
the John modification of the nib about a week ago. I have
wanted to really have an opportunity to use before telling
you how much I love it. First it is beautiful, in an of itself.
I find it a "light pen" or alternatively it doesn't
have "heft" so I have had to adjust the pressure
I use to write with it. This is an observation, not a criticism.
The medium cursive modification that John did I think is amazing.
I am not an expert using nibs like this but it certainly writes
much more smoothly than I anticipated and has the "character"
that I wanted.... Peter (12/13/06)
Dear Pat/John,
I received the package yesterday,perfect service.I test the
omas Ingegno and the pelikan ib:perfect ink flow,flexibility,
smooth,great job,you have completely understood my requests...
Thanks,
best regards,alberto (12/14/06)
I have the nib (Ed: Parker 75 #98 Broad
Formal Italic), and have been using it (with green ink) for
Christmas cards. What a delight to have this pen write well
- I was convinced that it was an ornery thing! Next year,
perhaps I'll want a medium nib too... Thanks for a great nib,
and such courteous service.
Clare (12/14/06)
John and Pat,
I've just returned from a week out of town and, as promised,
your package was waiting for me. Thanks to you, a grand, old
pen has returned to life. I'm absolutely delighted to have
my writing partner in hand again. Michael (11/29/06)
Hi Pat and John
Received my red Pelikan Souveran 800 today. I am very pleased
with its smoothness, ink flow, ink capacity and exquisite
good looks. It actually glides over the paper more easily
than my dear departed Omas MOMA pen.I am very glad that I
took a chance on this without trying it out first. Will send
you my old Mont Blanc for adjustments after I get through
grading the mountain of exams and papers before me.
Best!
Mark Levy (12/06/06)
Sharon, I love the pen, the nib was the
right choice. ) The ink is perfect as well, I thought it might
be too light and bright, but it isn't. Perfecto Mundo!!! Thank
you so much for your help.
Philip Johnson (12/07/06)
Hi Pat
The Arco arrived Monday morning our time. Wow! the celluloid
is simply stunning on this pen (can’t stop looking at
it). Truly worth persevering to eventually get this Omas;
the 360 too clunky and deco, the Autunno a little too feminine
and fancy for my taste. The nib set up is also perfect –
please pass on my compliments to John. Thanks for your help
and great service in setting this transaction up.
Best regards
Bob (11/26/06)
Dear Pat and Sharon,
Thank you for the meticulous care and precision with which
you unfailingly mediate my vision of a pen's characteristics
and John or Danielle's crafts(person)ship. The Dupont Orpheo
arrived half an hour ago, and though I am busy preparing to
give a graduate seminar, I just had to try out the pen. Let
me dispense with the superlatives and simply say this: I'm
tempted to skip class and sit home all day writing "happy
holiday" notes to myself. You've taken an expensive,
beautiful but "runny" and characterless fountain
pen and turned it into a marvelous writer.
Sincere thanks for yet another superb job, and happy holidays
to everyone there.
Jim Fujii (11/27/06)
(Ed: this arrived on 11/28/06 as a hand-written
letter)"Mr. Mottishaw: Just a note of thanks to let you
know how much I'm enjoying the Pelikan 3B nib you folks sent
me recently. The nib is very smooth and writes like a dream.
We'll do business again! Cordially, Doyle Phillips
(Ed: this arrived as a letter written with
the described pen) Hello John & Pat, I want to express
my complete satisfaction with a Sailor 1911 I examined at
the Portland Pen Show and purchased soon after. I use it primarily
for short notes, signatures, addressing correspondence. My
primary choice for longer letters is still the Montblanc #146
which John repaired last year. I write to remain in contact
with old friends, and I usually reserve an hour or two in
the evening to relax with pen & paper. Thank you for another
valued writing tool. I look forward to the Portland Pen Show
in 2007, when I will probably purchase another gem like this!
John's craftsmanship on this nib, combined with Sailor's inherent
quality, equips me with an instrument I will treasure for
years to come. Thank you. Respectfully, Ed Palumbo (11/15/06)
Hi Pat,
I want to thank you and John again for taking care of me and
my Paragon. The pen is now writing perfectly and the nib is
wonderful. Right from the first email to the return, you guys
were on top of this like it was a matter of national security...
Thanks again and have a nice Thanksgiving.
Until the next pen,
John Cullen (11/20/06)
Hi Pat,
Just got the desk pen that John repaired. It is just amazing.
Can't tell that it was ever broken. Fabulous job. Please convey
my thanks to John. Will make a wonderful Christmas present
- 2nd time around!! - for my wife...
Peter (11/23/06)
Danielle,
The beautiful Bronze Arco arrived! It looks great and the
cursive italic nib letters just right – even smoother
than I imagined. You all did a fabulous job of working with
me. I’ll send a handwritten note after you are settled
into the new office....
Thanks!
Al Causey (11/02/06)
Hi Pat:
This is Jorge. The pen arrived Wednesday night with no problem.
It is prettier and writes better than I expected. And the
flow is just, just perfect! When I got it I tried it and thought,
How come I've never had a pen that flowed so well? It took
me a couple of hours to remember that it had been adjusted
just for me. Thanx a lot. Jorge (11/09/06)
(Ed: this arrived as a handwritten letter) Dear Mr.
Mottishaw,
You are my first recipient of a letter using the olde
green Sheaffer Snorkel pen which you have clearly restored
to working order. The nib is smooth to the page, with just
enough drag to make it feel I am doing something.... It feels
good to have it in my hand again. Thank you very much.
Sincerely Yours,
Loren L. Johnson (10/30/06)
Hi Pat and John: The M600 with the Dos
Ojos nib arrived today. I very much like
the nib. The flexibility is terrific and it is "wet"
without any pressure which
I like. Thanks, Len Kaban (10/20/06)
Hi Pat,
Well, it arrived and it's gorgeous! (Ed: a Pelikan 1935 Lapis)
Almost too pretty to ink. But I did anyway. So far I've only
written a few lines with the oblique nib but it's wonderful.
John did a great job for me of finding the sweet spot. I love
the line size from the .7 and get enough variation with it
to add some character to my poor handwriting. I'm going to
have a lot of fun learning to get the best from it but on
such a light and responsive pen, I really feel like I can
write with it all day. I can't wait to try the flexible fine
nib, that will be an entirely new experience.
Thanks again!
Kent Kochheiser (10/23/06)
Hi Pat...
The pens arrived in fine condition. I just filled the Lominchay,
and think it is perhaps wrong to ask if I'm happy. Actually,
I'm ecstatic! The nib is probably as close to perfection as
anything I could ever hope for. It is a wonderful writing
pen. Wow!...Thanks again for a fantastic job.
Ron Hill (10/24/06)
Pat
My two fountain pens arrived whilst I was in London. I have
now filled them and written with them and they are, as usual,
exactly right (or maybe exactly write?). Thanks again for
the superb service-it is worth the wait.
George Heitczman (10/14/06)
Dear Pat,
This morning I received the Sheaffer Balance with the new
medium nib. It couldn't be better! The line matches my hand
writing perfectly and the nib and flow are as smooth as I
could imagine. Great job! By the way, the pen was really cleaned
up and especially the gold filled parts in which much of the
brassing seems to have been removed. It really shines!...
Best wishes,
Ron Butow (10/16/06)
Hi Danielle and everyone!
My beautiful red Sailor 1911 arrived today. I love it--everything:
the color, the feel of the pen, the smooth line the nib expresses.
I would have had more trepidation about buying over the Internet
if I hadn't felt reassured by the passion and knowledge evident
both on your website and on the phone. This kind of connoisseurship
and personal service is a rare, wonderful thing in today's
world.
Thank you so much!
Miriam van Werkhoven (10/17/06)
Dear Pat,
I just wanted to let you know that my new pen arrived yesterday.
I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am with it. It
really is the perfect shorthand pen, and I know it will get
many, many hours of use. It doesn't even compare to the Esterbrook
I was using.
I'm astounded that John was able to customize the nib so perfectly
(and on the very first try) only by looking at the two samples
I sent and reading my e-mails. He must be telepathic (or perhaps
he was a Pitman shorthand writer in another life!)....
Thanks so much again to both of you.
Take care,
Josh (10/10/06)
Hi, Pat.
Have spent a solid couple of weeks with the Omas Arco, so
can give some true considered feedback. Visually, the pen
is a delight. The celluloid is very beautiful and the appearance
of the pen changes depending on the angle of view and the
lighting.
The italic effect that John has conjured up is more marked
than that from the Sailor Hagi-Bush, but I am very happy with
it. My leftie style does not lend itself to much pencraft,
and as such, I really like the effect that the nib produces
automatically.
The nib feel is not as silky smooth as the Sailor or Namiki
Bamboo that John has previously modified for me, but this
is probably more to do with the fundamental shape difference
of the European pens versus the Japanese pens. Having said
this, I am happy with the ink flow and reliability.
All up, a very happy and satisfied customer!
All the best from down under,
Tom G. (Perth, Australia) (10/12/06)
I got the package in a day or so, I'm using
the nib and it's as perfect as I can imagine. Thank you very
much. Kathy Klyce (9/24/06)
Dear Pat,
The pens have arrived safely.
I'm so pleased with these beautiful pens.
I already have a Snorkel in gray.
They will become my favorite Snorkel brother.
Thanks so much for your business.
Have a great day,
Daisuke (9/27/06)
Dear Pat,
My new pan arrived this morning safe and sound (though with
a VAT bill, can’t avoid the TAX man). It’s writing
beautifully, I thing the broad stub was a good choice. I shall
look forward to trying it out over the coming days. Thanks
again for all your help, an excellent service all round. Yours,
Liam Colleran (9/29/06)
Dear Pat and John,
The Omas pen finally arrived this afternoon, and it is splendid.
The nicest pen I have ever owned. Beautifully ground. Thanks
so much, John. I wish you had ground my other pens (half a
dozen only). And thanks too very much for the statement about
pen repair, etc. It all worked well....
Happy Canadian thanksgiving!
Stanford Patrick (10/06/06)
Dear Pat,
Sorry for my delay in responding. Sometimes the middle of
the month can be hectic. I received the Pelikan and 1911 on
Thursday last, a day earlier than promised. Thank you getting
them to me so quickly. I got to use the 1000 with the O3B
to stub conversion to sign paychecks. What a hoot. I absolutely
love what it does to my signature. I have already had to refill
it three times in five days just because I get such a kick
out of trying different character sets with it to see how
the letters will look. I give you an A+ on a great nib and
fun pen. I also am quite pleased with the Sailor EF nib. I
was a bit unsure how I would like it when I ordered it, being
one enamored with big pens with big lines, but I find myself
looking for places to use the EF. It is as smooth as promised
and a welcome alternative to the usual medium I usually use
for smaller writing. Overall two very nice and enjoyable pens.
Again, very well done. Thanks for making fountain pens fun
and exciting.
A.Blad (9/20/06)
Hi Pat,
I received the pen and have been trying it out all evening.
Wow. It's the difference between a butter knife and true cutlery.
It will take some adjustment in my penmanship, but I can see
a remarkable difference already. Thanks so much for your quick
turnaround on this order. Truely a magnificent instrument!
Sincerely,
- Mike (9/20/06)
(Ed: this arrived as a letter printed in
calligraphic italic:) Dear All, I thought that I should write
briefly to say how delighted I am with the pen that arrived
last week, It is exactly what I wanted and the nib has a flexibility
that I have not been able to find for a very long time - since
the days of the Swan "Calligraphic" - I'm talking
some 50 years or more ago. Again, my many thanks for your
great service. Yours, Bill Bryant (9/2/06)
Hi Pat- Just wanted to let you know that
my husband absolutely loves his pen. It is his new favorite,
second to his favorite Pelikan with a custom nib by John.
Thanks for all your help. Michele Babaie (9/11/06)
Hi Pat and Danielle,
Just got to my computer, wanted to send word that the three
new arrivals were patiently waiting on my doorstep Friday
when I got home from work. I have been playing with them all
weekend. Each and everyone is a star performer. Thanks a bunch
you guys are the greatest. Smiles, Shea Stanfield (9/11/06)
I received my Sailor 1911 Colors red pen.
I really love it! It writes very smoothly and is perfect for
my writing needs. Thanks again!
Tania Tulcin (9/1/06)
Pat: The pen arrived on Friday and it is magnificent.
I am so very pleased that I could get such a perfect instrument
for my work. Please thank John for getting to this when he
was trying to get out of town for a much deserved vacation.
Thanks again for another great job,
Steven (9/5/06)
The pen arrived in pristine condition a
little while ago. It writes wonderfully and is set up perfectly
for me. Yall are geniuses there. Many thanks. I am a happy
customer.
Robin Johnson (9/6/06)
Dear Pat & John,
I got my pens yesterday – thanks for getting them out
and in my hot little hands so quickly. The Spencerian customization
of the M805 is masterful – I only hope my technique is
up to its capabilities. The yellow 1911 is certainly an eye-popping
beauty – yeow, is it bright! As always, thanks for the
friendly service; it’s a pleasure doing business with
you.
-Brian Kerns (8/25/06)
Dear Danielle and Pat:
Thank you for all the arrangements in securing the black version
of the OMAS Milord. This is the pen I admire and wanted; and
with the polished facets, it radiates with beauty. I enjoy
looking at it as well as using it!
It writes beautifully and was adjusted nicely...
I'll stop by the booth at the next L.A. pen show. Thanks again
for the friendly and informative service.
Bill Favata (8/28/06)
Ed: this one arrived as a note written
with the subject pen: Re: Shady Lady! I am really, really,
really, really, by the way did I say: really really happy
with the nib! Splendid artistry! Earl. P.S. I am holding the
pen so lightly that by the time I finished writing this it
had floated away to another room. (9/1/06)
Pat and John and all ----Many thanks ---
LOVE, LOVE, TRULY LOVE my new Sailor 911 silver pen!
James St. Cloud (8/20/06)
Dear Pat,
The big, broad, 7-30 nib safely and swiftly arrived today.
Naturally, it fit perfectly and writes like a dream : )
You guys (and gals...) ROCK!
Thanks for the wonderful (as always) service!
Best regards,
Andy Sonnemaker (8/23/06)
Pat,
I love, love my new Parker pen! Please pass on to John my
appreciation for delivering exactly what I asked for... My
experience with your company has been a pleasure and I look
forward to sending you a sketch in the near future.
Respectfully yours,
Jim Vakalopoulos (8/13/06)
Hi Pat and John,
The pen arrived on Sat and writes just like my other Sailor
EF nib - ie perfect! The Sailor does have the finest ef nib
of any that I have ever come accross which is a joy. The bright
yellow color is just so cool :)...
Many thanks again for your great service!
Kenn (8/14/06)
Pat/John
I just got the pen from Michael. He restored the pen to looking
brand new and installed the nib that John did. It writes beautifully.
Extremely smooth, beautiful lines in all directions. I’ve
thanked Michael in a separate email and I want to thank you
and John for great service and superb craftsman/person/ship.
Thank you also for going the extra step in coordinating and
overcoming the logistical obstacles. As always, top notch....
Take care, thanks for doing what you do so well.
Mike Alter (8/7/06)
(Ed: we received the following as a letter
on 7/10/06)
Dear Pat, Danielle and John, I just wanted to let you know
that the Sailor 1911 International arrived on time. As expected,
the pen is perfect! Please update my account info to have
every pen I get from you in the future write just like this
one. Aside from the best writing experience I've ever experienced,
the look of this mocel is quite bearable... basic black suits
this pen well... As usual, your service was excellent. Thank
you for this great pen! Regards, Dan Gillette
Pat, John, et al,
The yellow full size Sailor 1911 pen, the tortoise Waterman
pen, and the black Omas Paragon .7mm pencil arrived yesterday
as promised. After looking at the big yellow cigar pen on
my desk, I am puzzled at why the Parker Mandarin yellow pen
of the late 1920’s was so unpopular. Both the Sailor
and Waterman wrote quite well immediately. They will be in
my regular writing rotation.The Omas pencil works as advertised;
it will be a permanent addition to my pencil drawer.
Thanks for the excellent service. Have a good summer
Dick Loyd (7/18/06)
Pat:
I apologize for not writing sooner -- my computer was zapped
by a lightning storm two weeks ago and I'm finally back
on line tonight. The Parker 51 and... I'm extremely pleased
with the pen!!! Thanks again to you and John for an absolutely
superb writing experience! The pen floats over the paper
like I'm writing with a beam of light....
David Budde (7/26/06)
Pat-
Got the pen yesterday and it writes beautifully! The new nib
and section are working perfectly. I am very pleased! Thank
you to you and John for a job well done. I've had that pen
since 1974, so it is a genuine pleasure to be using it again.
Andy (7/9/06)
Pat:
I got the new Sailor a couple of days ago. You and John are
great! I love the weight and balance with the cap posted and
the nib customization is, as always, superb! Thanks again.
Regards,
Howard L. Gum (7/11/06)
Dear Pat,
Received the pen today and it's wonderful. Thanks so much
for having John 'tweak' it, it writes like a dream. Exactly
what I was hoping for. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Tara Wheeler (7/12/06)
Subject: my M800
I got the pen today, filled it with Mont Blanc Blue/Black,
and love it. The extra fine line this nib is capable of is
truly remarkable. I did note that this nib does not take much
pressure at all to flex into a pleasing Spencerian line. I
love it.
Thanks again,
Stew Hastings (7/7/06)
Hi Pat,
I received the M320 this morning. What a great little pen
-- it's so pretty! It writes perfectly & I could not be
more pleased overall.
I think that I now have a new addiction and will definitely
be doing business with you again. :) Thanks again for a great
transaction!
Jina (7/7/06)
I received the package and everything worked
out well. I think I can definitely get used to medium points
... it's a very smooth writer.... The medium on the Milord
especially is working out great ... I can get good control
over the line thickness with pressure changes ... almost like
having a flex nib.
Also the reconditioned nib on the 360 is writing beautifully.
In fact I think it's turning out to be the best writing pen
I have!
Thanks again. Peter H. Park (two messages, 6/17/06)
(Ed: the following arrived on 6/29/06 as
a handwritten letter) Dear Pat, I am writing to say how pleased
I am with my (latest) customized nibs... It was with a bit
of trepidation that I first tried out the two Pelikan nibs,
as it has taken a while to work out what would be best for
me (thank you for your patience and understanding along the
way!) but I have to say the result was exactly what I was
looking for.
The broad customized to a right oblique stub is perfect for
my daily writing. I use it mostly at work and the M605 is
an ideal sized pen to use. The right oblique allows my writing
to have a more "italic" look with much more line
variation than any other type of nib I have tried.
The triple broad customized to a right oblique crisp italic
is just wonderful to use in the 800. I was sticking my neck
out a bit with this one, but it is more than I had hoped for,
and I just love the result for handwritten correspondence
and signatures.
I was expecting the crisp italic to be much more difficult
to use but it isn't at all. It writes beautifully somoothly
for me. Truly John is a master of his art!
Both nibs have transformed my writing in a way I never thought
would be possible. So, thank you from a Doctor who's been
struggling to improve his handwriting. Yours Sincerely, Neil
Aiton
Dear Pat, Danielle and John,
Without a doubt, very wonderful work! I received the nib last
week and gave it to Valerie - she was thrilled and gained
a new level of love for her pen... please know that I am extremely
pleased with the entire experience that you have given me.
The extremely quick turn around, excellent quality of workmanship
and wonderfully pleasant and professional communication with
you all was truly top notch! Thanks again!
Semper Fi, Allen Thomas (6/8/06)
Danielle, Pat, and John -
Many thanks for the great pen. I received it yesterday evening
and am very impressed. I think it has a stately elegance (Ed:
an OMAS Venice Blue Milord), and writes very smoothly. I really
appreciate your friendly and fast service.
Thanks again,
Thomas Leath (6/10/06)
(Ed: this arrived as a hand-written note:)
Dear Pat! Just a quick note to Thank you and John for all
the wonderful pens and nibs. My current favorite is this Rhodium
Ogiva with the great BB cursive italic nib. It seems happiest
with this Waterman Florida Blue ink. Thanks again. I can't
wait to see that Autunno Celluloid! Best regards, Kent Kochheiser
(6/12/06)
Dear Pat and John,
Thanks so much, they arrived safely wed around 530 and so
far I have been playing with them all the time and see no
fault with the work. They write beautifully and I’m very
happy! The repair work on the cracks you can hardly see, great
work! It is so great to do business with you, Pat and John,
I think you are wonderful!
Again, thanks so much and take care!
Dennis Weathers (6/16/06)
Hi Pat, Just had to send you a brief note
to let you know how pleased I am with my Omas blue royale
since the recent nib modification. This pen has very quickly
become my favorite...and it indeed is perfect!
Thanks for your help,
Joseph Lambert (5/25/06)
Dear Pat:
The M800 Cursive Italic nib unit arrived and much to my shock
and surprise, it is fully acceptable!
For the nth time (I've lost count) John has gotten lucky when
altering a nib for me. He must have a very large pocket full
of rabbit's feet. I'm beginning to suspect skill may be involved
but I don't want to go out on a limb ...
Thanks,
George Feyerabend (5/25/06)
Hi Pat, Danielle, and John -- I received
the pen yesterday and love it! Also, I've never enjoyed
spending money over the phone so much . . . I was impressed
by the way you approach pen selling and can't wait until I
can order my Sailor extra-fine nib pen!
Thank you so much!
Mairi (5/26/06)
Hello Pat,
I received the modified Pelikan. Just as you promised, it
writes like a dream. The ink flow is just right, and you were
right when you recommended a .7 coursive italic nib. On paper
such as in my Moleskine notebooks, this fountain pen gives
me a zen feeling.
Thank you very, very much.
P | 
9/04/2007
