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Waterman Edson Collection

The Waterman Edson is unrivaled in overall quality and unmatched in design. It's one of the world's premiere writing instruments. The fountain pen features a technologically advanced system that has proven itself leakproof against high atmospheric pressure in airplanes. The luxurious experience of writing with this pen will certainly give you an entirely new, exceptionally comfortable handwriting experience. The intense colors of the pen’s barrel are created by a hairline space between the outer ultra-violet varnish and the inner lining. The cap is plated with a sleek matte gold with the clip a high luster 23.5kt gold plate. The rollerball and ballpen complete this spectacular collection. The pen was originally available in a deep green (emerald) and ruby, in addition to the blue shown.

A limited edition (4000) sterling silver version of the Edson (right) has
been produced with matching roller ball available. Retail is about
$1000 for the fountain pen, street price now seems to be $650-750.
This is a truly exceptional writing instrument worthy of consideration.

Waterman L'etalon (Lacquer with Gold Trim)

The L'etalon offers exceptional quality of construction and a pleasant-sized 18 kt gold nib that performs with typical Waterman excellence. I particular like the construction of this and other Waterman pens - brass instead of plastics or "resins." This is a pen not easily broken in daily use, whether fountain, roller ball, or ball point. One of the first things you will notice is the weight of this unit is a bit more than is typical - good materials - but it is nicely balanced. The pen comes in black, dark green, and burgundy. Precious metals versions are also available.

The bad news ? L'etalon is discontinued in Waterman line. The good news is you can now find L'etalon at a street price of about $176.00. A huge bargain for a fountain pen of this quality. If you have only one pen, this is the one!

Gel Pens Compatible with Parker Gel Ink Refills

The Parker Gel Ink refill offers excellent ink flow to create a nice line in print or script. The pens shown are compatible with the Parker refill.

From left to right:

Waterford Marquis

Waterford Kilbarry

Delta Elite (Staples for about a buck) (2)

Aurora PreSCRIPTive (SAMs) (2)

Pelikan ballpoints also take the Parker refill.

The Delta Elite is a great buy. Triangular shape, cushion grip, nice construction, and they are inexpensive. Staples has ‘em, press the button.

The Aurora pens come in a 12-pack at SAMs and are a good value too.

A NEW TYPE OF PENCIL – No, it’s not your same ole No.2 pencil !

The pencil has been around for a long time, gone through more than a few developments, not the least being the development of the mechanical pencil, but this new one from Ticonderoga – one of the premier pencil firms in the U.S. – is not the same ole thing by any means...Or is it and only the shape has changed as it should have long ago.

The wood version of Ticonderoga’s Tri-conderoga pencil fits the hand exceptional well, if slightly smaller in diameter than the typical hexagonal No.2. It reduces writing fatigue, will accommodate a cushion or enlarging finger grip, and standard pencil sharpeners will renew the point. The triangle-shaped mechanical pencil comes in various colors, in 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9mm. The unit is fitted with a comfortable cushion grip.

Visit www.dixonusa.com for more information and where to buy. Take a look at Henry Petroski’s book, “The Pencil – A History of Design and Circumstance” (ISBN 0-394-57422-2), for everything you ever wanted to know, and more, about the design and evolution of the pencil. Order it from our store.

If you haven't tried the latest offering from Sensa - their Meridian fountain pen - you're missing a real treat. The pen has good weight and balance, and the nibs are fairly rigid (as you'd expect) but smooth as glass. Ink flow is nicely measured and precise, creating a clean line. The hallmark soft "grip" is part of the design and very comfortable for extended writing. Street price seems to be $60-70, which is a bargain for this pen. Four colors are offered.