The Pentertainment Podcast

Episode 130: Urushi Pens with Michal from Tamenuri Studio

Michal Kulka (@tamenuri_studio) joins us from Poland to talk about Urushi fountain pens. Michal is a self-taught Urushi-lacquer artist who makes a living selling Urushi fountain pens through Instagram and his tamenuri.com website. In this interview, we find out how Michal discovered his passion for fountain pens and why he decided to start slathering pens in magical tree juice. We also uncover some common misconceptions when it comes to urushi and maki-e pens. 

 

If you'd like to shop for a new pen or try to get Tom fired, head over to our retail sponsor, Goldspot Pens at:
https://goldspot.com/?aff=3

Use promo code ROY to get an additional 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Esterbrook, Edison Pen Co., Narwhal, and TWSBI products.* Also, be sure to put #firetom in the order comments and you might get a special Pentertainment Podcast sticker with your order.

Our friends at Luxury Brands of America would like for you to know about new pens that arrived from manufacturers they distribute here in the USA. First, there's the Waldmann Tango Imagination - a 925 sterling silver pen with mesmerizing guilloche engraving and lacquered finish. The new Dark Teal style is a North American exclusive that just arrived from Germany and is available at great pen retailers (like Goldspot!). Also, you'll want to check out two lucky pens from Benu. The Talisman 4-Leaf Clover and Dream Bean are infused with their namesake material, bestowing mystical properties unto the writer. Well, we don't know if the Talisman will actually give you magical powers. But, they are pretty damn sparkly and cool-looking. I would consider myself lucky just to write with one.
 
Don't forget to check out brlcoffeeco.com for the latest and greatest in coffee from my good friend Neil. Also, be sure to use coupon code "roy" at check out to score extra savings on all products on the brlcoffeeco.com website!

Live your best summer ever with the PenBoyRoy official YouTube channel shirt. This shirt is too awesome to take off under any circumstances. Cannonball into the deep end with it on. Go to the wave pool with it on. Rock it on vacation with your toes in the sand. It's a conversation starter that will have people noticing your excellent taste in pens rather than anything else about your appearance.
 
https://www.inkjournal.com/collections/stickers/products/penboyroy-official-t-shirt-black

Episode 129: Fountain pens. Nothing else matters.

Tom and I make sweet, sweet music together as we discuss Metallica, super-expensive flutes, and why Sam Ash is like Staples. Also, I dance the Tango with a new Waldmann pen. If you've got an S.T. Dupont lighter, now is the time to flick it open to hear that ping. We're going to perform a 1-hour ballad for you inky savage Pentertainment Podcast listeners.

 

If you'd like to shop for a new pen or try to get Tom fired, head over to our retail sponsor, Goldspot Pens at:
https://goldspot.com/?aff=3

Use promo code ROY to get an additional 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Esterbrook, Edison Pen Co., Narwhal, and TWSBI products.* Also, be sure to put #firetom in the order comments and you might get a special Pentertainment Podcast sticker with your order.

Write with the stars and stripes all year long with the USA-exclusive ink from Colorverse. It comes in two versions (just like me): glistening and non-glistening. The ink itself is a rich blue with a red sheen. The glistening version twinkles shimmer to represent the stars on the American Flag. Get Colorverse Stars and Stripes from any USA Colorverse fine writing retailer.
 
Don't forget to check out brlcoffeeco.com for the latest and greatest in coffee from my good friend Neil. Also, be sure to use coupon code "roy" at check out to score extra savings on all products on the brlcoffeeco.com website!
Live your best summer ever with the PenBoyRoy official YouTube channel shirt. This shirt is too awesome to take off under any circumstances. Cannonball into the deep end with it on. Go to the wave pool with it on. Rock it on vacation with your toes in the sand. It's a conversation starter that will have people noticing your excellent taste in pens rather than anything else about your appearance.
 
https://www.inkjournal.com/collections/stickers/products/penboyroy-official-t-shirt-black

Episode 128: TWS-BE or Not TWS-BE? That is the question...

Purchase Pens here:

https://goldspot.com?aff=3

 

In this episode, the Odd Oink and I discuss the joint statement released by Narwhal and Twsbi. What exactly does the statement mean? Does it resolve anything in part or whole? Am I just a nit picking jerk? We also announce the winner of the Ink Journal Ink Flight Boxes. But wait. There isn't but one winner... or two... no no no. There are more! Hint: it's more than three but less than five!

 

Check out the new Waldmann Tango Dark Teal Fountain pens at the Gold Spot link above! Last. Check out

www.brlcoffeeco.com

and use coupon code "roy" at check out for additional savings on all products on the website.

PenBoyRoy T-Shirts sold here! Stop being cheap! Support the cause!

https://www.inkjournal.com/collections/stickers/products/penboyroy-official-t-shirt-black

 

 

Episode 127: Kirk Speer of Pen Realm

This week, we have on our good friend, Kirk Speer, of Pen Realm. We discuss how he got into nib grinding, how he hooked up with our good friends over at Esterbrook Pens, and other stuff thats really interesting when it comes to nib grinding and stuff... and more stuff. No potty mouth words this episode though. 

Be sure to check out the Esterbrook pens mentioned in the episode at my affiliate link or at 

www.esterbrookpens.com

 

If you'd like to shop for a new pen or try to get Tom fired, head over to our retail sponsor, Goldspot Pens at:

https://goldspot.com/?aff=3

Use promo code ROY to get an additional 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Esterbrook, Edison Pen Co., Narwhal, and TWSBI products.* Also, be sure to put #firetom in the order comments and you might get a special Pentertainment Podcast sticker with your order.

 

The GIOIA Avorio Partenope is back in stock and now available again at your favorite retailers. This pen never seems to stay in stock long so be sure to get them while they are available! 

Episode 126: Crane vs Turtle

If a crane and a turtle got into a fight, who do you think would win? Why would a crane and a turtle fight, and does crumbling felt material have anything to do with it? Or maybe a six pack of beer plastic ring with a plastic straw? If Roy used a rollerball, what rollerball would he use if any? Are naps damaging to Roy's brain? Apparently. In this episode, I share a comparison between a Namiki Nippon Art Maki-e fountain pen and the Platinum Izumo I've been crushin' on as of late. I share how to give your CON-70 an enema. Plus, I talk about the So-crates memorial giveaways.

 

If you'd like to shop for a new pen or try to get Tom fired, head over to our retail sponsor, Goldspot Pens at:

https://goldspot.com/?aff=3

Use promo code ROY to get an additional 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Esterbrook, Edison Pen Co., Narwhal, and TWSBI products.* Also, be sure to put #firetom in the order comments and you might get a special Pentertainment Podcast sticker with your order.

 

The Colorverse Kingdom series has landed and is now available at your favorite retailer! These inks are inspired by the 500-year legacy of the Cho-Sun dynasty! For a limited time, get the Nebula Note kingdom series Notebook or memo pad with a striking black cover and iridescent foil stamping on the front and back inspired by the Cho-Sun dynasty. 

 

Dont forget to check out 

 

brlcoffeeco.com for the latest and greatest in coffee from my good friend Neil. Also be sure to use coupon code "roy" at check out to score extra savings on all products on the brlcoffeeco.com website!

Live your best summer ever with the PenBoyRoy official YouTube channel shirt. This shirt is too awesome to take off under any circumstances. Cannonball into the deep end with it on. Go to the wave pool with it on. Rock it on vacation with your toes in the sand. It's a conversation starter that will have people noticing your excellent taste in pens rather than anything else about your appearance.
 
https://www.inkjournal.com/collections/stickers/products/penboyroy-official-t-shirt-black

Episode 125: Kate from Benu!

All the way from Armenia, Kate from Benu joins Tom and me for an enlightening interview where we discuss how Benu pens started, what "Benu" means, how they dream up dazzling pen designs, and how the company is relocating to its new home.

 

If you'd like to shop for a new pen or try to get Tom fired, head over to our retail sponsor, Goldspot Pens at

https://goldspot.com/?aff=3

Use promo code ROY to get an additional 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Esterbrook, Edison Pen Co., Narwhal, and TWSBI products.* Also, be sure to put #firetom in the order comments and you might get a special Pentertainment Podcast sticker with your order.

 

In the episode, we talked about the two newest additions to the Benu Talisman collection. The "Dream Bean" and "Four Leaf Clover" are due to arrive sometime in July at your favorite Benu retailer. They're infused with good luck and sparkly goodness. 

 

Don't forget to visit 

www.brlcoffeeco.com 

for all your coffee needs, and be sure to use coupon code "roy" at checkout for an additional savings on everything on the site!!

The summer heat is here! Get your beach bod ready with the PenBoyRoy official YouTube channel shirt. This shirt is too awesome to take off under any circumstances. Cannonball into the deep end with it on. Go to the wave pool with it on. Rock it on vacation with your toes in the sand. It's a conversation starter that will have people noticing your excellent taste in pens rather than anything else about your appearance.
 
https://www.inkjournal.com/collections/stickers/products/penboyroy-official-t-shirt-black

 

Episode 124: Yair Greenberg of Yafa Pen Company

In this episode, I interview Yair Greenberg, CEO of one of the largest pen distributors in North America, Yafa Brands. Yair's story spans 5 decades, starting as a captain in the Israeli army to a college student at California State University to becoming the US distributor for Aurora. He tells of his travels around the world selling writing instruments, how he was turned down 15 times for a business loan, and how he gathered 13 pen brands under one roof in California.

 

If you'd like to shop for a new pen or try to get Tom fired, head over to our retail sponsor, Goldspot Pens at

https://goldspot.com/?aff=3

Use promo code ROY to get an additional 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Esterbrook, Edison Pen Co., Narwhal, and TWSBI products.* Also, be sure to put #firetom in the order comments and you might get a special Pentertainment Podcast sticker with your order.

 

The Platinum Shape of Heart has landed in the US! This gorgeous black pen is trim in rose gold and has hand-laid crystals in the finial. Platinum also incorporates their famous heart-shaped nib breather hole cutouts into the cap as well! Very limited, so get them before they are gone! 

The summer heat is coming soon. Get your beach bod ready with the PenBoyRoy official YouTube channel shirt. This shirt is too awesome to take off under any circumstances. Cannonball into the deep end with it on. Go to the wave pool with it on. Rock it on vacation with your toes in the sand. It's a conversation starter that will have people noticing your excellent taste in pens rather than anything else about your appearance.
 
https://www.inkjournal.com/collections/stickers/products/penboyroy-official-t-shirt-black

Episode 123: Is Urushi ”betta” than Acrylic?

Spill a little ink for my fallen homie, So-crates. The betta fish that sparked my enthusiasm for the fishkeeping hobby passed away on May 19th. Tom and I recorded this episode in his honor. We also have an enlightening discussion on urushi lacquer and the Platinum Izumo fountain pen. If you have any suggestions on what fish-themed blue ink would honor So-crates, please send them to pentertainmentpodcast@gmail.com

 

If you'd like to shop for a new pen or try to get Tom fired, head over to our retail sponsor, Goldspot Pens at

https://goldspot.com/?aff=3

Use promo code ROY to get an additional 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Esterbrook, Edison Pen Co., Narwhal, and TWSBI products.* Also, be sure to put #firetom in the order comments and you might get a special Pentertainment Podcast sticker with your order.

 

Want a solid permanent ink that won’t harm your pen but is reliably waterproof? Look no further than Colorverse Office Series inks, distributed by Luxury Brands of America. With permanent, black, blue-black, and photo grey (which is perfect for highlighting) in addition to other job-permanent colors, there is something for everyone. 

 

Finally, don't forget the best coffee in the world at:

brlcoffeeco.com

and use coupon code "roy" at check out for additional savings on all the stuff!

The summer heat is coming soon. Get your beach bod ready with the PenBoyRoy official YouTube channel shirt. This shirt is too awesome to take off under any circumstances. Cannonball into the deep end with it on. Go to the wave pool with it on. Rock it on vacation with your toes in the sand. It's a conversation starter that will have people noticing your excellent taste in pens rather than anything else about your appearance.
 
https://www.inkjournal.com/collections/stickers/products/penboyroy-official-t-shirt-black

Episode 122: Michael Kahwajy-Hyland of Turning Point Pen Co.

If you're looking for a truly unique, one-of-a-kind fountain pen, Michael Hyland of the Turning Point Pen company can help make your vision come to life. In this episode, Michael shares his story and the deep values that fuel his mission in making heirloom pens.

If you'd like to shop for a new pen or try to get Tom fired, head over to our retail sponsor, Goldspot Pens at

https://goldspot.com?aff=3

Use promo code ROY to get an additional 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Esterbrook, Edison Pen Co., Narwhal, and TWSBI products.* Also, be sure to put #firetom in the order comments and you might get a special Pentertainment Podcast sticker with your order.

For presale now is the new BENU Four Leaf Clover and Dream Bean! As always with the Talisman Collection, each pen has the namesake of each pen incorporated into the resin!  These two new additions to the Talisman collection will be here to stay! 

Don't forget about my buddy Neil over at 

brlcoffeeco.com 

for some of the best coffee ever created in the history of anything created ever! Also use coupon code "roy" at checkout for additional savings on all products!

 

The summer heat is coming soon. Get your beach bod ready with the PenBoyRoy official YouTube channel shirt. This shirt is too awesome to take off under any circumstances. Cannonball into the deep end with it on. Go to the wave pool with it on. Rock it on vacation with your toes in the sand. It's a conversation starter that will have people noticing your excellent taste in pens rather than anything else about your appearance.
 
https://www.inkjournal.com/collections/stickers/products/penboyroy-official-t-shirt-black

 

Episode 121: Sommelier of Schmidt Nibs

Would you be able to identify a nib by its feel? Tom and I discuss Schmidt nibs, the latest from Benu, and how awesome the pen community is. Let us know what kinds of nibs should be in our "blind taste test" at pentertainmentpodcast@gmail.com

If you'd like to shop for a new pen or try to get Tom fired, head over to our retail sponsor, Goldspot Pens at

https://goldspot.com?aff=3

Use promo code ROY to get an additional 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Esterbrook, Edison Pen Co., Narwhal, and TWSBI products.* Also, be sure to put #firetom in the order comments and you might get a special Pentertainment Podcast sticker with your order.

I'm finding myself distracted from my studies by the sparkly goodness of the Benu Talisman Shooting Star fountain pen. You, too, can divert your attention from the doldrums of work and study when you order this pen from Goldspot Pens. We hope to have one of the co-owners of Benu, Kate, on the show in the near future to talk about how these psychedelic Benu pens are made. E-mail us if you have questions for any of our upcoming guests.

 

Get your Shooting Star here

https://goldspot.com/products/benu-talisman-fountain-pen-in-shooting-star?aff=3

The summer heat is coming soon. Get your beach bod ready with the PenBoyRoy official YouTube channel shirt. This shirt is too awesome to take off under any circumstances. Cannonball into the deep end with it on. Go to the wave pool with it on. Rock it on vacation with your toes in the sand. It's a conversation starter that will have people noticing your excellent taste in pens rather than anything else about your appearance.
 
https://www.inkjournal.com/collections/stickers/products/penboyroy-official-t-shirt-black