PEN WORLD Magazine - August 2023

In this issue

In this issue: After moving production from Russia to Armenia, BENU Pen is breaking all the rules as it challenges the conventions of the hand-painted fountain pen. Kevin Hsu of Taiwan's Penlux offers a luxurious writing experience at remarkably low prices through savvy engineering and supply-chain know-how. Giovanni Santini, owner of Santini Italia, might be an artisanal pen maker, but with new No. 8-sized nibs, he proves he is a giant of the industry. The new Lepidoptera series of fountain pen inks from family-run brand Anderillium display vivid colors and expertise in chemistry. For the first time in its history, New York City pen shop Fountain Pen Hospital is changing hands, from the Wiederlight family to The Pen Family. On the other coast, Los Angeles pen shop Flax Pen to Paper is also under ambitious new ownership. Explore the best that lettering artists have to offer with the Scranton Penmanship Collection of historical documents and a brand-new book from Master Penman Michael Sull. Plus, winners of the 29th annual PW Readers' Choice Awards: who got the Pennys?

Jeanne's Ohana Designs: Take Notes, Send Notes, Create 'Ohana

For some companies, it's all about the product and the purchase. Then there's Jeanne's Ohana Designs, which offers not only items and assistance but genuine connection.

2 mins

Sailor Iro-Miyabi Fountain Pens Presented to G7 Leaders

From May 19 to 21, heads of state traveled to Hiroshima, Japan, for the G7 Hiroshima Summit, hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

1 min

Atelier Lusso and the Borchard Center on Literary Arts

On May 26, PW received an email from Eric Sands, the artisan pen maker behind the California-based brand Atelier Lusso, along with a photograph. \"You see the amazing people in this photo?\" begins Sands's email. \"All are recipients of the coveted Borchard Prize for literature, and each of these wonderfully talented writers is a part of the Atelier Lusso family.\"

3 mins

Like a Phoenix, BENU Rises

First, a move from Russia to Armenia. Now, this young company is challenging our conceptions of the hand-painted fountain pen.

8 mins

Apprentice to Journeyman to Master

Since the turn of the century, Penlux's Kevin Hsu has been mastering his craft.

6 mins

Fountain Pen Hospital and the End of an Era

The Wiederlight brothers have sold their business to The Pen Family, marking the most significant change this landmark shop has ever seen.

5 mins

Santini Italia Slays the Giant

With the new No. 8 Giant nib, this artisanal Italian pen company is making its largest mark yet.

5 mins

Flax Pen to Paper: The Next Generation

Outside its home area of Southern California, Flax Pen to Paper flew under the radar for decades. Now under new ownership, this is about to change.

5 mins

Anderillium Flies on Gossamer Wings

This family-run ink brand proves you don't have to be big to have a big impact.

6 mins

Written in History

The Scranton Penmanship Collection gives us insights into the rich heritage of American cursive.

6 mins

Read all stories from PEN WORLD

PEN WORLD Magazine Description:

Founded in 1987, Pen World is the premier niche luxury magazine of fine writing instruments and handwriting culture. Based in Houston, Texas and issued bi-monthly, Pen World entices both new and experienced pen connoisseurs to look at writing instruments in an unconventional way. In our pages, you will find contemporary fountain pens and other writing instruments at all price points, fine papers, inks, and desk accessories. Our long-form articles cover leading brands, vintage pens, pen-and-ink artists, how-to guides, and much more. If you love pens, then Pen World is the magazine for you.