What is the Edison Brand?
Edison Pen Co. is a brand founded by Brian Gray in 2007, specializing in handcrafted, high-quality fountain pens. What started as a passion project in Brian's garage has become a respected company known for its craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Edison brand is characterized by its commitment to creating custom, made-to-order pens using various materials and designs. With a team of skilled artisans, including co-founder Andrea Gray, Edison Pen Co. has established itself as a boutique pen manufacturer that combines traditional penmaking techniques with modern aesthetics and functionality.
Edison Pens
Handmade in the USA by the Edison Pen Co., these pens are revered by writing enthusiasts for their attention to detail, aesthetic appeal, and flawless functionality. The Edison Pens collection offers a wide range of models, each tailored to meet the needs of writers who appreciate both form and function. This article explores the design, build quality, writing performance, uses, and maintenance of these pens, providing valuable insights for anyone considering adding an Edison fountain pen to their collection.
Design and Build Quality
Each pen is meticulously handcrafted in Ohio, USA, using premium materials such as acrylic resins, stainless steel, and 18kt gold nibs. The result is a writing tool that is not only functional but also visually stunning.
The design of Edison pens varies across models, offering unique styles to cater to different preferences. For instance, the Edison Menlo fountain pen boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic with a polished stainless steel nib, perfect for those who value contemporary design. On the other hand, the Edison Collier showcases a more robust build with its larger barrel and elegant finishes like Persimmon Swirl and Antique Marble, which highlight the beauty of acrylic resins. Meanwhile, the Edison Beaumont features captivating designs, such as the whimsical Unicorn and sophisticated Bordeaux Flake, with the option to upgrade to an 18kt gold nib for a more luxurious writing experience.
Regardless of the model, each Edison fountain pen is balanced and comfortable to hold, ensuring a pleasant writing experience for extended use. The craftsmanship extends to the smallest details, such as the intricate cap threading and perfectly aligned nibs, which make every Edison pen a reliable and durable writing tool.
Additionally, exclusive collaborations between Edison and retailers like Goldspot Pens have resulted in special edition pens such as the Blue Nebula LE and High Voltage Green, which are available in limited quantities.
Writing Performance
The writing performance of Edison fountain pens is where they truly shine. Known for their smooth, consistent ink flow, these pens are a favorite among professional writers, students, and enthusiasts. Most Edison models' high-quality stainless steel nibs offer precision and control, making them ideal for everyday writing and specialized tasks like calligraphy.
Edison pens are available in various nib sizes, including extra fine, fine, medium, and broad, allowing users to select the perfect nib for their writing style. Additionally, more specialized nibs like the stub italic and flexible nibs provide options for those who prefer a more personalized writing experience. These nibs are engineered to glide effortlessly across the paper, delivering an uninterrupted flow of ink that enhances the overall writing experience.
Certain models, such as the Edison Beaumont, offer the option of an 18kt gold nib for those seeking a premium writing experience. The gold nib provides even greater smoothness and flexibility, making it a favorite among collectors and connoisseurs.
Moreover, Edison pens are compatible with a wide range of high-quality inks, allowing writers to experiment with different colors and finishes. Whether you prefer traditional black or blue inks or more vibrant shades like green and purple, Edison fountain pens are designed to deliver excellent performance with any fountain pen ink.
Uses
Edison pens offer a perfect solution if you need a reliable pen for daily journaling, note-taking, or signing important documents. Their smooth writing performance and elegant design make them suitable for professional settings, academic work, and creative writing projects.
Edison pens' variety of nib sizes makes them ideal for artistic endeavors such as sketching or calligraphy. The stub italic and flexible nibs allow for expressive writing styles perfect for adding a personal touch to letters, invitations, and other special projects. The customization options available, including the choice of nib size and material, further enhance the versatility of these pens.
Additionally, Edison fountain pens make thoughtful and elegant gifts for special occasions, such as graduations, promotions, or holidays. The timeless appeal of these pens ensures recipients will cherish them for years.
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and performance of an Edison fountain pen. Like all fountain pens, Edisons require regular cleaning to prevent ink buildup and maintain smooth ink flow. It is recommended that the pen be cleaned every four to six weeks, depending on usage, by flushing the nib and converter with lukewarm water. This helps remove dried ink and keeps the writing performance at its best.
Regular cleaning becomes even more important for users who switch between ink colors frequently to prevent contamination. Edison pens are compatible with both cartridge and converter systems, making it easy to refill with the ink of your choice. High-quality ink is also recommended to ensure the best performance and avoid clogging.
In terms of storage, it is best to keep the pen capped when not in use to prevent the nib from drying out. If you plan to store the pen for an extended period, it’s advisable to empty the ink reservoir and clean the pen thoroughly before doing so.