Fisher Space Pen - Futura Pen Review

The Fisher Futura is a pen I really don't know a whole lot about at this point other than it is a discontinued model.  Not sure if it is from the 70's, 80's, 90's... I'll have to look into it more.

I found this one secondhand for super cheap and thought it might be cool to add to my pen holder as I enjoy the Fisher brand.   Not in perfect condition as it has some scratches, nicks, and wear, but is decent.

On a side note, when I hear "Futura", my mind is instantly taken to the 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car which would eventually be modified into Adam West's iconic Batmobile.  Pretty sweet.  (Recently sold for $4.62 million this year...price tag; not so sweet.) 

The Fisher Futura is a very thin pen, but it would probably compare closest to the Zebra F-701 in build quality and feel (which can also be modified to take the Fisher refill).  

The Futura appears to have a stainless steel body and chromed brass tip.  When unscrewing the tip and peeking inside, the "innards" appear to be brass which is comforting.  Other than the thinness, the pen has a good weight and feel.  

The black knurling choice I thought was pretty cool, but as you can see from the picture tends to chip overtime.  There are some really great machined lines on the tip of the pen that adds just some subtle design interest that I found to be appealing.  

Notice the ding in the chrome tip...battle scars from the previous owner. 

As far as writing quality, the pen of course is compatible with the Fisher PR series which allows for all the crazy writing situations you may find yourself in...

Some other damage I found on it were some scratches on the clip.  If this was an everyday carry type pen for someone, this is to be expected though. 

I am not a huge fan of the click mechanism on this pen.  I'm going to blame it on age and wear, but the click feels almost gummy.  There is a distinct click, but there is a drag and it feels like it catches.  It is hard to explain...  It is more when the tip is retracting back into the pen where it feels like it snags; it just isn't very enjoyable.

Unless you are a super Fisher fanatic, I'm not sure I would try to seek out a really nice model of the Futura.  I found this one on eBay for less than $10.  If you want a nice clicky Space Pen, I'd go with the AG7.

White Lamy Safari Fountain Pen - M Nib Review

This Lamy has kind of a funny story.  I'd like to thank Tom for this one.  I was enabled to pick up this particular nib size due to a review he did on Instagram of Lamy nibs EF - B.  Yet, upon posting a photo of the selection I made in the white edition of the Safari, Tom was then prompted to go and buy one for himself.  I could see the vicious cycle of "enabler becoming the enablee" perpetuating itself further... I'm ok with that.  So, again, thanks Tom.

For whatever reason I find the white one particularly striking.  Same build quality of the normal ABS Safaris, but there is something about a glossy white finish that makes this pen stand out. 

The top of the cap is a nice subtle gray which accents the overall body well.  They even made the o-ring in the middle match the top.  That is some aesthetic determination right there; kudos Lamy. 

I've been very pleased with the M nib and it seems to be a really good starter.  The ink flows easily and puts down a line width that I think is most comfortable to me which is probably somewhere in the range of a 0.7mm on a good rollerball.  

The Lamy ink is not really my favorite and I wish it was a bit smoother to work with so I may have to opt for a converter in this one too.  If anyone has suggestions around some of their favorite blue inks to put through a Safari, please let me know! 

I'm going to link to this again if you happened to miss it from the Lamy Swift review, but it is the awesome Lamy Video (all in German) that shows some of their design and production process.  Seriously, you're going to love it. 

A beautiful Safari to add to the collection. 

Doane Paper Goods Review (and thoughts)

For work, outside of my pen addiction, I am an account manager with a software company that helps small businesses.  Each day I have the privilege of talking with small business owners literally around the globe which is an amazing and humbling experience.  Listening to their triumphs and stuggles, I appreciate the efforts they put into creating something great for their customers.  Mike, this is a paper review, right?  We'll get to that...

As I'm sure you've noticed, most of my pictures have Doane Paper in them.  Not because Chad is a sponsor of the site or asked me to do it, or that I've stolen the schtick of Mr. Dowdy (or didn't on purpose), but because I enjoy it and perhaps even subconsciously want other people to realize how great it is.  Most paper reviews talk about the weight, bleed, texture, etc.  This is all important, but with Doane, it's different, or at least it is for me. 

Maybe you can or can't relate to this, but when I sit down at my table to write or do a review and I have my Doane pad, I am genuinely excited to write on it.  I'm excited to simply have it and I look to it as a very unique and special product.  For me, there is an experience of using Doane Paper.    

Eluding to the start of the review, I really love small businesses.  Food establishments, goods; I seek these people out.  On a side note, you should check out this guy's work.  With all of the products on the shelf we can buy, there is a disconnect with where it comes from.  If I go to Staples (nothing against Staples) and buy a few pads of your basic white or canary legal pads, it means nothing to me other than a product to consume.  Doane Paper has a story, and there is a small business owner named Chad Doane that dreamt it up and made it happen; I'm sure through his own triumphs and struggles.  Now, I'm not suggesting that Chad is downstairs in his basement pulping trees to make paper and spiraling up our Idea Journals one by one, but this is his thing and he's a small business owner keeping the wheels turning for us.

The (small) Paper Review Part

Doane Paper is excellent.  It is extremely heavy stock, absorbs most inks well, and of course has the signature blue grid + lines action going on.  As Brad has discussed numerous times, I agree that the DP Idea Journal (above) is by far one of the best products around.  The thick and sturdy chipboard cover and silver spiral binding coupled with the 60 lb paper makes a great addition to your desk.  Again, when having and using it there is an enjoyable experience, not just consumption or filling a need. 

I also purchased the Winter Session + DP Utility Notebook Cover and I love it.  The leather is thick, durable, and looks and smells terrific.  Eventually, I plan to pick up the leather four barrel holster at some point as well; maybe for my birthday.  : )  Hopefully my wife reads my blog...

One thing I think might go well for another product offering is a stapled, softbound, larger sized notebook in the larger pad size.  For portability, this might be something that could slip into a bag a little easier or perhaps, another leather cover product?  Just some thoughts.

If you live in the US and haven't bought some Doane Paper yet, really, give it a go even just to try it.  Kind of like your mother said, "you won't know if you like it until you've tried it..."  You could perceive it as pricey (although no pricier than Rhodia or Moleskine) and if that's an issue, go halfsies with a friend on an order over $50 as Chad offers free shipping at that point.  When you get your order, enjoy it.  Soak in the awesome small business-ness that you just helped support and be glad that Chad thought up such a stellar idea and is critical of making sure the paper you get is super high quality.

Anyhow, Mr. Doane, thanks and keep up the great work.