Galen Leather x Kaweco Review - Sport Fountain Pen Cognac - Galen Leather Edition

 I have wanted to review a Galen Leather product for quite awhile now. By which I mean, I have wanted to own and enjoy a Galen Leather product for quite awhile and share the experience with others. Their Writing Box and Medic Bag are higher-dollar items that I've constantly looked at, and I hope to own one or both of these at some point. But the newest product from Galen that prompted an instant purchase is the collaboration between Galen Leather and Kaweco. The new Kaweco Sport Fountain Pen Cognac - Galen Leather Edition. 

A few weeks ago, someone in the online pen community mentioned this collaboration, and I thought it was wishful thinking. They were discussing collaborations in general, and didn't mention this pen. But they did specify a Galen Leather x Kaweco collaboration, and I thought, "I can't wait for that 

to happen!" Turns out I didn't have to wait at all. This pen was already made and I ordered it as soon as I found out.

The color got me. I fall for the colors of Fall every time, and any pen with amber colors gets my attention, and usually my money. The Kaweco Galen Cognac edition makes me think of pumpkins, apple cider, and the colors of my favorite season. So, last weekend when my family headed out to our local pumpkin patch, Baldwin Farms, I took my new pen along for the ride.

(Kaweco x Galen Leather Cognac Edition, Nock Co. Fodderstack, Story Supply Co. Notebook, and Baldwin Farms Pumpkin)

The pen writes smoothly and consistently, as expected from Kaweco. Kaweco continues to be one of my favorite pens, and this collaboration only serves to boost my appreciation of them even more. You may be less familiar with Galen Leather Co. This family-owned business based in Turkey excels in customer service. Their products are beautiful, and they stand behind them. At the time of my pen order, I received confirmation and personalized follow-up, and the same after my order was shipped and received. 

Galen clearly cares about their customers and works to make sure the purchasing process is smooth. It was. This was my first pen order requiring customs paperwork and it went through without a hitch. Galen also included some extras with my purchase and the branded drawstring bag and postcards help enhance the great presentation of the company and its products. 

Check out the Galen Leather Co. products at https://www.galenleather.com/

The site is a gorgeous display of the leather and woodworking prowess of the company. Every image on there is what I want my desk and Study to look like.

(Galen Leather Co. Goodies and Extras)

(I purchased this product with my own funds from Galen Leather Co.)

God's Timing and a Good Book, Episodes 1-3

 Last year I wrote a brief blog about a couple of good books and how God placed them into my hands at strategic times in my life and ministry. I mentioned that I would be starting a video series to share more of those books and as a way to thank the people who helped bring those books across my path. It wasn't until this year that I was able to start the project. I've greatly enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to sharing many more! Below are links to the first three episodes on YouTube:

Episode 1, Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Episode 2, Charlotte's Web

Episode 3, This Present Darkness

Platinum Curidas Fountain Pen Review

One of my hobbies is fountain pens. Over the course of almost three years, I've acquired a decent collection, and they are a daily tool for much of what I do as a pastor and author. I use them for all of my personal writing, study, and sermon notes, and for some sketching and illustration. The Platinum Curidas - a new retractable fountain pen - is a recent addition and this is my quick review of a pen that's quickly becoming a favorite.

Nib: Fine, stainless steel.

Ink: Platinum cartridge black

Barrel Color: Gran Red

The Mechanism: Mesmerizing, retractable, clicky pen goodness. 

The Nock: Excellent acoustics. Like a Parker Jotter with Bose speakers hooked up to it. 

CLICK * KA-CHUNK* 

Multi-Step Take-down Pen: You won't ink up this pen with the quick load of a cartridge. But...it's a really cool disassembly and reassembly process. Definitely part of the uniqueness of the Curidas. Akin to assembling Cold War era spy gear. I mean this in the best of ways. Hardware twists and clicks together like you're assembling a covert mini-rifle out of watch components and parts from your stealth camera. 

Inked: It seemed to be a slow starter. I'm not sure if that was more of a cartridge issue, or something related to the feed. But once the ink starts flowing, it smooths out and writes really well. This is my first Platinum pen, and I veered from my traditional Medium nib and went with Fine instead. This nib can handle tiny and precision lines like a needle-point pen.

Between the spy-tech gear and the really fine nib, I'm ready to write secret messages to fellow agents. I just won't be sneaking up on anyone. 

CLICK * KA-CHUNK* 

Summary: It's a new favorite in my fountain pen arsenal. It has been in daily use. The mechanics, design, and nib quality are all excellent. I can see why Platinum hyped and marketed this pen the way they did; clearly they knew they were into something good. It's a great pen I think you'll enjoy using frequently. Many people have expressed concern about the clip and the protrusion that holds it. For my standard grip, it was never in the way and was very comfortable when writing.

Purchasing: Pen Chalet, where I bought my Curidas, currently has all the colors and nib sizes available. I've seen it arriving at some other favorite vendors, too. I was fortunate to put in my pre-order in January, before the hype increased even more, and I got the pre-order pricing that provided a good discount and deal. 

I purchased my Curidas from Pen Chalet with my own funds. The opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced by the seller.