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We could talk all day about our favourite fountain pens. And sometimes we do. Yes, we’re a lot of fun at parties. Though, come to think of it, we don’t seem to get invited to many these days.

But what about your favourite fountain pens? 

There are advent calendars... and then there is the Cult Pens Premium Advent Calendar. This is for the dedicated festive superfans, those for whom Christmas is the pinnacle of annual celebrations. It's not a budget item, so we quite forgive you for wanting to know what's in it.

So, in no particular order, let's do this...

Countdown to Christmas with the Cult Pens Advent Calendar.

Now look, usually these things are supposed to contain surprises, and if you know what's in it, it's not really a surprise is it? But we know that some of you aren't comfortable with the unexpected, and we're nothing if not mindful of our lovely customers.

So, if you really want to know, here goes (in no particular order)...

Sailor is one of Japan’s most popular fountain pen brands and is definitely a Cult Pens favourite. Famous for truly exceptional nibs, iconic designs and an impressive schedule of new and innovative product from the ‘entry level’ Tuzu to high end Chinkin and Urushi pieces skilfully crafted in limited numbers, you can always guarantee 2 things from Sailor. The writing experience will be exceptional and the pen will have been made, 100%, in Japan! 

On an unassuming street in Nakameguro, 25 minutes south of Tokyo Station, stands the original Travelers Factory. The area has trendy vibes, and what could be more trendy than Traveler's Company? It’s easy to forget that the brand was only established in 2006. In a relatively short period it’s become so well known for quality journals with exceptional paper. One could be excused for thinking Traveler’s products had been accompanying explorers for hundreds of years.

We know that Cult Pens customers love Japanese pens and stationery. From timeless writing instruments made by Sailor, Pilot and Platinum, beautiful inks, quality papers and journals from Midori MD, and pen cases from Lihit Lab. There are also great ‘everyday’ pens from the likes of Pentel, Zebra and Uni-ball. Oh, and how can I forget the delightful little paper clips from Ohto that we attach to the invoice in all our customer orders?

You may be lucky enough to have a trip to Japan booked, in which case this short guide will help you find some ‘bucket list’ stationery stores. 

Benu was founded in 2016 when Alex Semanin and Kate Dmitrieva got together to make pens and accessories “for those who prefer bold, bright colours and new designs that are playful, stylish and fun”. A quick look at their range looks very much like they have succeeded - their pens are definitely bold, bright and fun, with vivid colours, glitter and flakes of gold embedded in them.

They both had backgrounds in watches, jewellery and home decor, but making fountain pens was more appealing to them.

Retro 51 pens are quite retro in style. There’s a bit of a hint in the name, really. The name isn’t a hint to when they were founded, though, that was in 1990. The aim was always to make pens ‘like they used to’, with nostalgic styling and build quality.

And the pens from their early days, which you can see in their archive of old catalogues, were, well, nice enough. But, to be honest, they looked like many other pens. But that changed in 1997.

Back in the 1840s, Richard Cross, a jeweller from Birmingham, left the UK for Providence, Rhode Island, USA, where he founded the A.T. Cross Pencil Company in 1846. His company continued to hone their craft over five generations of the Cross family.

Their expansion into fountain pens began in 1876 with a ‘Stylographic’ pen, most similar to what would now be called a metal-tipped technical pen, but with a more smoothly rounded tip for writing. A tiny wire inside a tubular tip controls the ink flow, and the Cross design was very successful, and used by all workers in the US Post Office.

I love POSCA!

I mean it... I really, really love UNI POSCA paint markers.

I have always had a love of drawing and painting. More recently dabbling in craft projects inspired by others, but I always find myself going back to drawing and painting.

London Pen Show organisers told us this was the best attended show yet, with all exhibitor tables sold out long before the show. That didn’t come as a surprise: we were non-stop from 9-4 and we never did manage to grab that coffee!

EDC, or EveryDay Carry, is all about the things we all carry with us every day, and choosing the very best things for us. It doesn't have to be about luxury, it's more often about things that can stand up to plenty of use, and still work well and look good. Here, we look at some of the best fountain pens you can make part of your everyday carry.