“aurora, meet my hero – a pilot.”

by JennyO on July 23, 2008

Let me introduce you to three fountain pens that are cherished souvenirs from two beloved penfriends.

From advertising executive Leigh Reyes comes a Pilot E with a Script nib. It dates to the ’70s, and has a timeless design that is simple and appealing, channeling that minimalist Japanese aesthetic sensibility.

Its stiffish nib is perfect for my heavy hand raised on ballpoint pens; it’s sturdy enough so I can press hard and practice calligraphic swirls and flourishes without fearing that the nib will bend or break.

From novelist and University of the Philippines professor Dr. Butch Dalisay come a lovely Aurora Idea and an unusual Hero fountain pen from China.

Aurora is an Italian brand and the Idea model is a workhorse designed for practical, everyday use. Its medium nib lays a thick wet line, just the thing for signing checks, marriage contracts, and state treaties.

Hero is China’s most well-known brand of fountain pen, and every collector must have at least one. This particular model, a 309, is unusual with its tiny nib that creates lovely eyelash-thin lines, ideal for my Moleskine. The barrel material might be some sort of plastic laminate over brass; it has a heft that gives a feeling of solidity and permanence while still being comfortable enough to write with for long stretches.