The Magic Kingdom at Orlando's Sam Flax

In central Florida, a writing instruments and art supplies store carries on the Flax pen shop legacy.

- RICH LAPIN

If you have children or grandchildren, the mere mention of the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, immediately conjures up the nearby Walt Disney World Resort. For those with discerning tastes for writing instruments, inks, and fine paper, another magic kingdom awaits at Orlando's Sam Flax stationery and art supplies store.

Pen World readers may recall reading an excellent profile in its August 2023 issue by Contributing Editor Reinhard Kargl headlined "Flax Pen to Paper: The Next Generation." Flax Pen to Paper is located in southern California. Originally founded by Meyer Flax, the store was part of an archipelago of shops owned by the Flax brothers Meyer, Sam, and Herman.

Meyer's brother, Sam Flax, opened stores bearing his name in New York City, New York; Atlanta, Georgia; and Orlando, Florida. The Orlando store opened over 40 years ago under Sam Flax's sons, Leonard and David. While there are other Sam Flax stores in the United States, this profile relates only to the Orlando store.

I was fortunate to receive a store tour from General Manager Jon KenKnight and Merchandise Manager Carrie Berry. Both have backgrounds in the fine arts. KenKnight has been with Sam Flax for over 22 years, and Berry for nine. More importantly, Berry and KenKnight have a genuine passion for what they do, and it is readily apparent in their enthusiastic conversation. The store's tagline is "Everything Creative," and the two of them work on keeping that tagline relevant every day.