ASA PORUS

*Sikander ne porus se ki thi ladai..to main kya karoon*

Aaj ka din ek aitihasik din hai

A known surprise..

After coxing Anna non stop, for months all together

Main aim was to get an ambition size 40 nib.. for I have had heard about it being a *LARGE* Nib

In white acrylic.. so thick that I can easily put it under diet program (along with self to lose at least 15% of body fat 😉). I may still get a good slim trim stunner

 This *PORUS* though feels hefty, mighty and strong in hand, yet that white colour makes it delicate at same time.

Clipless, torpedo shaped, Big and balanced.

Will not be inking it 

Will just dip test.. 

*Kahin daag na lag jaaye*

Thanks Anna and please forgive if my jives have hurt you,, but they were all playful😁

This porus has won my heart

Amar Jyoti Sarma : Memoirs of a Fountain Pen Lover

You may connect with what he says, may have different views but will definitely agree undeniably on many facts that he states, emotions he expresses. You cannot help yourself but smiling at times when he narrates  his experience, his attachments and bonding.

Amar Jyoti Sarma, An FP_Enthusiast from Assam (The Land of Tea Gardens)        ...here you go

1. What does the word Pen meant to you?

A pen is a writing instrument to pen down your thoughts. It can be roller pen, ball pen,Jotter or a fountain pen. For me, the fountain pens are the classiest writing instruments. They are not perfect and need the occasional tuning  as per your writing style and grip. This makes them more personal than any other writing instruments. You work on its wetness, fineness, smoothness till it represents you. Its unique, personal and therefore an extension of yourself.

 Its very personal and reflects your personality.

2. Where did you get your inspiration from?

I inherited my father's Wingsung pens. In 2010, when I inked those pens, I instantly liked the flow of ink and the sound of the nib on paper. It was an instant connection. However, the nib was not at it's best. So, I looked for spare nibs on internet. Meanwhile, I became very curious about Indian handmade pens, especially in Ebonite. I ordered the cheapest (economically, of course) two I could find from ASA website ( I didn't want to lose money as online transactions were still very new). The pens were made by Gama. And I got hooked. I became fascinated with ebonite pens from ASA, Gama and so started my journey. 

 I like to believe that I am a user rather than a collector as I buy pens that I believe will give me a better experience than its aesthetic value.

Wingsungs

3. What drives you towards a pen?

I have become very particular about my pens over the last decade. I am a user and therefore, writing  is my utmost priority. The feel of the nib scratching on the paper and the ink trail giving shape to my thoughts, feels magical. The wetness of the ink, the color, the fineness everything is personalized for me. This can happen only with a fountain pen. However, there is no perfect fountain pen. You have to work on it and make it perfect for yourself. You have to get your hands dirty sometimes and when you are done, you have a pen that is an extension of yourself. Many people don't like my settings of a pen but that is me. I like my pen that way.


4. Which is your go to pen? What features you look for when selecting a pen? Actually "How do you like your pen to be"?

A few pens that I can never do without would be Kanwrite Desire with a semi flex M nib, Pilot 78 G with an F nib and Deccan Advocate with an F nib. I like my nibs as fine as possible, slightly dry so that the ink dries out quickly on the paper, it should have a mid sized section and neither too heavy, nor too light. I am very particular when it comes to my writing experience. Besides those, ASA Maya is also my favourite. 

Kanwrite

Pilot

5.How big is your collection of pens? Can you share their pics and details, how you feel about  them? 

I have about 300 pens, mostly Indian FPs from Gama, ASA, Guider, Ratnam and Ranga. I have a few Kanwrites. I have about 100 Chinese pens and some vintage Parkers, Sheaffers and Indian vintage too. But I am primarily in Indian handmade ebonites and an occasional acrylic. However, I collect Indian vintage pens as I feel that they need to be preserved for posterity. Nothing beats the feel of ebonite in hand though I like acrylic for its vibrant colors.

 

6. What measures you feel are essential on part of manufacturers and FP dealer/retailers in India to make the FP popular?

 Japan and Germany had the advantage of starting earlier in a perfect multinational conglomerate way. They have over the period of time build their brand in such a way that people do not mind buying their products at a premium because they are assured of the quality and after sales service. Indian manufacturers are more or less operating like cottage industries. Further, India still doesn't produce enough raw material and parts required to make  fountain pens. So, certain compromises has to be made. You may get quality but the price goes high or you may make it affordable but the effect of cost cutting is apparent. For example, we do not have steady supply of clips and rings of good quality or the rods or sheets (of ebonite and acrylic) to make the FP body.  However, even with this limitations our pens can do much better by investing more time on quality check and by creating an effective after sales services. Most people want a good experience out of the box. No body really has time to work on the pen or send it back again for servicing. Consumers will think twice before sending a pen back for servicing and wait for its arrival. Therefore some kind of network of after sales service is the need of the hour. But quality check before the user uses the pen is the utmost priority.

7. How active are you on Social media?  

 

I am mostly in FB and I am working actively in a new FB group called Pen's and Calligraphers forum. The idea of this group is not just to display the collection of FP but also enjoy creating something with it, even if it's just a scribble. After all, an FP is a writing instrument.  An FP should help you express yourself. Just enjoy your pen.

9. Tell me about your profession and hobbies, apart from FP and inks

I am a weird person. Do you know I collect or rather cant throw away the card board boxes and cartons of my fountain pens, mobiles, cameras. 😂😂 

Besides pen, I love electronic gadgets like mobiles, cameras and such small gadgets. I love tinkering with electrical or electronic goods. I have spoiled 3 of my phones trying to repair them myself by watching youtube guides. I love riding motorcycles. I have a Pulsar when I feel sporty and a Enfield Classic 500 when I want a long ride. I do amateur gardening. I love reading about astrophysics. Everything about Origin of the universe, relativity quantum mechanics. I don't understand it like a scientist but I like reading it in its simplified form. Do you know that  time will stand still if you can travel at the speed of light. Unfortunately, that would require infinite energy. The unsolved mysteries of the world really fascinates me. I go to sleep trying to visualize falling into a black hole and its consequences.

Professionally, I am a senior lecturer of law in BRM Govt. Law College.

8. Well giving messages to all is easy and most common question, but I would like to ask, whats your opinion about impulse purchases? 

I feel that an FP must be enjoyed first. It must be, like one of my friend said, exploited. Get the maximum out of it. Yes, collecting them  as investments is also a viable option but beyond that don't ever fall in the rat race of buying pens just because somebody else bought it. Ask yourself, do you really need another fountain pen and why? If you are satisfied with your answer then definitely go for it. 

 

 

Dislaimer : 

• All views expressed in this post are of the Amar Jyoti Sarma and published after his expressed consent.
• The copyright of all pictures and images are of respective brand owners/ Amar Jyoti Sarma.
• The author cannot be responsible legally or otherwise, for Any loss or damage or injury by use of any product.
• Respective Brand owners and manufacturers have their copyright of their brands and warranty on products.
• Respective Brands and owners are responsible for promotion of their products and maintaining information and catalogues. 
• This post is all about passion of an individual and expressed as such. No inferences to be drawn out of it. Readers to make informed decisions for any action of sale/purchase or use of any article mentioned above.
  

#2020,#Acrylic,#Asapens,#BeVocalForLocal,#COVIDWARRIORS, #TeachForBetterHuman
#RE, #Bullet500, #Pulsar, #FPClubIndia, #FPCommunity, #FPManiac, #Happyhunting, #IndianFP,#Kanwrite, #MadeInIndia, #COVID-19 #WearMask,#THE #DECCAN #PEN, #Gama, #ASA, #Guider, #Ratnam, #Ranga

Pst COVID-19 is still here and we have to live with it..However it been blessing in disguise too for FP enthusiasts

 Hello Fellow FP enthusiasts,

Covid 19 has actually played havoc and it's affected one and all. However some of us found it a blessing in disguise with resorting to multiple orders of FP (since there was no outing and diehard FP fans fingers were itching for more 😊) especially in areas where the Postal and Couriers services were restored.

Couple of Groupbuys like #ASA pens, #Ranga pens and #Acriv had a successful subscription to the extent that ASA(Subramanyam Anna) has to resort to FB to declare that they are oversubscribed and they are finding it hard to meet the demands of customers and that they are working overtime to meet the demands of #Orion model (exclusively made by #Click pens for ASA).

Similarly ACRIV came out with unique aeries of #titanium pens, Titanium nibs with name inscribed/etched onto it, Different colour schemes for nibs-with matching acrylics(recycled) or nail paints. :)

So its not been all that disappointing and Though its not all win-win situation but its indeed heartening to know that more and more people are discovering #FP #MadeInIndia.

Another brand that's worth mentioning here is Hyderabad based #Woodex pens who have been noticed for their affordable #Ebonite pens and which has turned out to be a hit with FP community

Its been a long time that I have posted something here on specific brands. Please standby for something  more in this series pretty soon.

Till then #Happy #Hunting #keep_safe_distance #FightCOVID #WearMask

  #FPManiac #FountainPenClubIndia #FPClub

Fountain Pen Made in India : LOTUS PENS

PART-III

Hi FP Enthusiasts and FP lovers. How is your weekend?

We meet once again with our next interaction in this series with Mr Arun Singhi of LOTUS pens, Made in India

“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”– Mark Twain

“Forty is the old age of youth; fifty the youth of old age.” – Victor Hugo

And I say:

Age is not just a number, its the measure of your experiences, relations, learning along the paths you traversed during journey called LIFE, till now.

 Look no further for the inspiration from our latest contributor, be it  in the world of pen turners or in Fountain Pen Enthusiasts community, especially in India. They are in fact just a three year old company, but their products have really made inroads in the hearts of all, be it a newbie or a seasoned fountain pen collector and user.

Welcome Mr Arun Singhi , proud owner, turner and designers of brand LOTUS pens.

The brand recently celebrated their three successful year of journey on 27 June 2020.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOTUS

One can just bow to the dedication of this Entrapreneur in Sweet Sixties and admire his Josh. Lets just start with his video message on third anniversary.

Lets Start

Tell us about different products of your Brand pens 
We have a versatile range, I believe in, and want to work, with every material possible, be it ebonite or buffalo horn, Indian Acrylic or Imported acrylic. Lotus Shikhar that has a niche in the industry, is made in all  sorts of material, mostly on request.

TACTONA INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL(INDIA)

CHINTU

HIDE AND SEEK

MAHARAJA

Chintu model is the smallest fountain pen in our range with Maharaja being the tallest till date. I can say with pride that models like Hide & Seek and Techtona are close to my heart and are one of their kind pens, that are only made by me, in Ebonite with wood-finish.


We also have  tried out hand-carving on ebonite, hand-turned brass fountain pen, Fountain pen in Sandalwood and many more.

Tell us about your passion. At the age, when one thinks of enjoying  a retiree's  life, you seem to have rekindled you hobby and turned it into a passion, a brand that  has carved a niche for itself. How do you ensure quality control?

Each pen is taken care of as we customize every order that has  been placed by our patrons (an interesting term  for those customers ordering pens 😊) in order for them to be fully satisfied. Right from suggesting the best material, hand turning, and then to polish each and every pen- which is  done by me personally-to give the final touch. No writing instrument is passes without being  inspected  for several parameters to ensure that strict quality control is followed.

How did it all start?

About three years ago, on Facebook, I came across hand-painted pens and they caught my imagination.  I was driven by the  strong urge to try and  create something on those lines. So, I bought some ready made pens from the market and  hand-painted them. I gave out these hand-painted pens to some of the Fountain Pen collectors like Mr. Sanjeev Prakash and Mr. Rodrigues. They gave me the feedback that while the painting on these pens is beautiful, the material of these pens wasn't of good quality. They suggested that I should start manufacturing my own pens using materials like Ebonite. I had no clue then, what  it was. I started my research on Ebonite. This took me sometime to figure out about ebonite, its availability and process of making pen, turning them etc.Then, I sourced the raw-material locally. I  hand turned one pen at first to test the waters, but the material quality wasn’t up to the mark and end product was not to my satisfaction. I decided to import Japanese raw-material to make my next batch of about 4-5 pens. They turned out to be outstanding and to my delight, they got sold out quickly. Subsequently, I met Mr. Yusuf Mansoor (who doesn't know him in FP community, especially in India) an avid pen collector.

Mr Mansoor and Mr. Sanjeev Prakash mentored my art, craft and science of Fountain pen manufacturing - things like balance, design.

Their guidance made me confident enough to start my own manufacturing unit. And that is how I started! I researched designs on pintrest, imported raw-materials from Japan and the journey of LOTUS pens began!

What is your customer base?

We have Customers spread across the globe - in about 71 countries.  We are slowly reaching out to  fountain pen lovers - winning their hearts.

Tell us about your future plans?

We want that our products should become part of collection of every fountain pen lover, and be more accessible to the new generation, who are forgetting the essence of writing with fountain pens. I am optimistic about it.
  
Your message to FP community.

My message to the fountain pen lovers out there is to keep their love for fountain pen alive and kicking, and let it strengthen every passing day. Fountain pens are the tangible element of writing as an art. They carry legacy. They are present, are a part of history and they have a beautiful future. Let us keep the love for writing and pens alive.
 
What was your job/profession before you thought of turning to LOTUS?
 I was working with a known pen manufacturing company as the  Production Manager for more than four decades.

At what age did you start your brand Lotus?What was the reaction from family and friends when you informed them about your idea of making pens?
 I started Lotus at the  young age of 65 years. Everyone in my family was very happy when they come to know about this. I started from hand painted pens.

How did the brand name Lotus originate? What is your emotional connect with it? Reason behind naming brand as LOTUS.
 I am a staunch devotee  of Ma Lakshmi (Hindu Goddess Lakshmi). I perform Pooja and Aarti (prayers) everyday. All my friends know this. On my 50th birthday one of them gifted me a statue of Ma Lakshmi I was really mesmerized by it. One day, while offering my prayers, I heard a voice that I should name my pens as LOTUS.  That is how it came into being.

Any interesting incident you want to share.                                                                                       During my early days of making fountain pens, I made a FP in Deep Blue Acrylic and took it to Sudhir ji to get his opinion and expert advice. It was my first meeting with him. I offered him that pen. He just looked at it and then examined it with magnifying glass. He pointed out lathe marks on the section in torch light. That was an altogether new experience for me in workmanship. Ever since, I examin each and every of my pens minutely to ensure flawless piece is delivered to the patron. Sudhirji also guided me about balancing the pen, tuning nibs. Most interestingly, this blue pen I took for his advice was named by him as "Lotus COBALTUM".


Phew..what an experience. Thank you Mr Arun Singhi forletting us all know about your wonderful brand LOTUS. I wish you a bright and sparkling future.

So that was our jurney with Arunji in his making of LOTUS.  He  can be contacted via his website  LOTUS PENS

Picture Gallery

Textured LOTUS SHIKHAR..Arriving soon

TITANIUM

VIRAT IN NIKKO EBONITE

SHIKHAR IN MATT BLACK NIKKO EBONITE

SHIKHAR IN SEM BLACK WAVE

LOTUS IN SANDALWOOD

DORSAL GOLD

GOLD CRIME

Hand Painted Pens

HIDE AND SEEK HANDPAINTED FLOWERS

VIDEO OF MADHUBANI HANDPAINTED PEN

#Happyhunting, #FPManiac, #Acrylic, #Ebonite, #FPClubIndia, #FPCommunity, #Fountain pens, IndianFP, #Lotus, #Titanium, #Sandalwood, #Shikhar, #ArunSinghi, #Handturned, #Age #IndependenceDay #MadeInIndia, #BeVocalForLocal #josh #Madhubani, #Hand #Painted #BrassPens #Brass #Nibs #balance #Nib #Tuning #MADHUBANI #HANDPAINTED

Dislaimer : 

• All views expressed in this post are of the owner of brand.
• The copyright of all pictures and images is of brand owner
• The details on website of product owner are subject to change as per per requirements of owners of brands
• In no uncertain terms I claim this as final or exhaustive list. there are many I would have missed out but these are some that I own and use their pens.
• This is just  suggestive post and I donot endorse any product.
• The author cannot be responsible legally or otherwise, for Any loss or damage or injury by use of any product.
• Respective Brand owners and manufacturers have their copyright of their brands and warranty on products.
• Respective Brands and owners are responsible for promotion of their products and maintianing information and catalogues. 
• Kindly keep yourself updated with latest offers and models.

FOUNTAIN PENS MADE IN INDIA : BELOW INR 3000 (USD 40)

Part-I

Hi all Fountain Pen Enthusiasts and FP Lovers.

Guider and Oliver

I have been getting regular posts seeking suggestions for Made in India Fountain Pens (FP).I am compiling this suggested list of FP from my personal experience and purchases with Indian manufacturers and brands.

I am sure you all have already made up your mind to purchase a FP for your budget upto INR 3k.

1. First of all I would mention Kanwrite brand of pens  owned by Sandeep Awasthi, their Desire and Heritage model are very popular and falls well below INR 3K.

2. Second option that I could suggest is going for Lotus Student  from Lotus Pens, Owner Arun Singhi.

3. Click pens for Unique Pen industries is another brand that offers good option in less than  INR 3000. Latest catalogue contains dashing colors in acrylic. Harsh Gagwani is the owner of this brand and Click Aristrocrat is their most sought after Brand.

4. V'Sign/ Beena Pens are a surprisingly cute (also a model made by them), well made and though limited in variety but worth owning one from them. Flora and Cute are affordable models.

5. ASA pens by Subramaniam Laxminarayan also called as "Anna" fondly in FP communities are a treat in iteself. Azadi, Nauka are two most sought after brands and they are well within the range to order more than one  FP :) . Moreover his groupbuys of different models are also very popular.

6. Vivek Kulkarni of Urushi Studio is a latest addition in this segment who otherwise makes premium urushi lacqured handmade and handpainted pens on order. he has marketed a new brand under GM Industries.

7. Guider, Gama, Deccan Pens,  Ranga pens, Ratnamsons,  Ratnam Pens, Diya Vadodaria brands Acriv and just launched EboWrite(neither one owned presently) and many more are offering pens in this range and one can always be proud owner of these brands.

8. Vazir pens are youngest to join this bandwagon with a bang.They are in mid range about INR 2 k.

9. Wality/ Airmail is a trusted  brand for many decades in budget fountain pens. Its popular in FP communities world over. You can buy almost a dozen pens in 3k INR if aiming for least priced models. ASApens can be contacted for online purchases(edited after multiple comments on missing out on this Brand)

 * Biggest advantage of these pen turners and manufacturers is that they are all approachable and one can have their guidance to customisation of nibs, pens and that may be at additional cost, depending on your requirements.

Dislaimer:

• In no uncertain terms I claim this as final or exhaustive list. there are many I would have missed out but these are some that I own and use their pens.
• This is just  suggestive post and I donot endorse any product.
• The author cannot be responsible legally or otherwise, for Any loss or damage or injury by use of any product.
• Respective Brand owners and manufacturers have their copyright of their brands and warranty on products.
• Respective Brands and owners are responsible for promotion of their products and maintianing information and catalogues. 
• Kindly keep yourself updated with latest offers and models.

#FountainPenManiac #Asapens, #Click_pens, #Acriv, #Guider #Pens, #Kanwrite, #Lotus, #Ranga_Pens, #Brand #ASA #Ratnampens, #THE_DECCAN_PEN_STORES, #V'Sign / BEENA PENS, #Vazir,     #Airmail/Wality

#Happyhunting #MadeInIndia #Made_in_India

#FPLovers #swadeshi, #Vocal4local, #aatmnirbhar, #bharat