The Nib Section

By The Nib Section

What's The Nib Section about?

Roundtable discussion podcast about fountain pens, ink and the people who go crazy for them, from Fountain Pens Oceania. New episodes every fortnight.

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The Nib Section episodes:

06.06.2021
78 - Ink-Filling Systems
If you’ve ever wanted a comprehensive history of fountain pen filling systems...this is not that. However, Sharyn and Di are joined by Tom May to discuss overall trends in ink-filling systems from the early 20th century to today, the potential...
05.09.2021
77 - Our Stationery Startup
This episode, we pose a hypothetical: if we could design and make our own stationery product, what would it be? This episode features Sharyn (@sharynzha) and Diana (@thegrynne). FORMAT 00:10—Intro Episode 76 - Brad Dowdy, Professional Pen Addict Exploring the world of socially responsible stationery...
04.25.2021
76 - Brad Dowdy, Professional Pen Addict
The guest this episode is the OG pen addict himself, Brad Dowdy. He chats with Diana about his blog, his podcast, and the joys and travails and responsibilities of being able to make a livelihood out of what you love. This...
04.11.2021
75 - Recent Acquisitions (April 2021 Edition)
Our semi-regular report on recent acquisitions, including Pilot Decimos, Folio Notebooks from Musubi, the Montblanc Happy Holidays Special Edition, and playful stacked nibs. This episode features Sharyn (@sharynzha) and Diana (@thegrynne). FORMAT 01:36—WWAWW Sharyn: ST Dupont Large Palladium Diamond Head w/ Montblanc Unicef Blue Diana:...
03.25.2021
74 - Collectors Series Part 8: Max Penabler
A tireless penabler, Max is a fixture of the Melbourne “fountain pen posse” and owner of Fountain Pen Supplies. Diana interviews Max for the Collectors Series. This episode features Diana (@thegrynne), with guest Max (@crabbocrew) of Fountain Pen Supplies. FORMAT 00:44—Interview: Max aka...
03.14.2021
73 - Your Pelikan Opinions Are Valid
To share their thoughts on Pelikan as a fountain pen brand, we have on this episode 3 loyal fans and 1 naysayer. Because all opinions are valid! This episode features Sharyn (@sharynzha), Leo (@inquisitivequill), Tav (@nunc_est_scribendi) and Diana (@thegrynne). FORMAT 02:24—WWAWW Leo: Pilot Justus...
02.25.2021
72 - Journaling for Productivity
Fountain pens and journals go together like bangers and mash. In this episode, Sharyn and Di go through their most used journaling systems, from their non-artistic bullet journals to their ink journals. This episode features Sharyn (@sharynzha) and Diana (@thegrynne). FORMAT 01:03—WWAWW Sharyn: TWSBI...
02.12.2021
71 - Gem on a Nib
Di and Sharyn attend their first pen event of the year and bring the goss on the new Montblanc releases of 2021. This episode features Sharyn (@sharynzha) and Diana (@thegrynne). FORMAT 00:50—WWAWW Diana: Nakaya Piccolo Cigar Toki-iro Fuji SF w/ Diamine Handel Sharyn: Nakaya Piccolo...
12.25.2020
70 - End-of-year Q&A
2020 is nearly over and not a moment too soon! We answer all your burning questions in this Q&A episode. This episode features Sharyn (@sharynzha), Tav (@nunc_est_scribendi), Brian (@briansaputro) and Diana (@thegrynne). FORMAT 04:46—WWAWW Sharyn: Sailor Fude de Mannen Tav: Montblanc Meisterstuck 144 Burgundy OBB...
12.10.2020
69 - The Fourth Dimension
This episode we discuss the effects of time on ink and pens, and the desirability of future-proofing them. This episode features Sharyn (@sharynzha), Tav (@nunc_est_scribendi) and Diana (@thegrynne). FORMAT 02:09—WWAWW Sharyn: Pilot Resin Falcon SM w/ Sailor Sakura-Mori Tav: Magna Carta Wave w/ Colorverse Quasar Diana:...
11.26.2020
68 - Esterbroook 3.0
We take a close look at the second attempt to revive a historic US pen brand, Esterbrook Pens, and review three pens from its current lineup. Tav and Di also chat to Ryan from Kenro Industries, the company which currently...
11.12.2020
67 - Pencil-like Feedback
Sharyn and Diana review the new Faber-Castell Hexo, and discuss Faber-Castell pens in general. We also interview Michael Karakatsanis of Faber-Castell Australia. This episode features Sharyn (@sharynzha) and Diana (@thegrynne). FORMAT 00:48—WWAWW Sharyn: Faber-Castell Hexo Rose M Diana: Faber-Castell Hexo Black F 04:35—Interview: Michael Karakatsanis Faber-Castell Australia IG:...
10.29.2020
66 - Mountain of Ink
Invoke her name three times and she will appear! Our favourite ink reviewer/blogger, Kelli from Mountain of Ink, is our guest this episode. This episode features Sharyn (@sharynzha) and Kelli (@mountainofink). FORMAT 00:52—Introduction: Kelli (Mountain of Ink) Mountain of Ink Noodler’s Ahab - The Goulet...
10.15.2020
65 - The Colour of C-sharp Minor
The special guest this episode is harpist, goldsmith, nib expert, and all round Renaissance woman, Anabelle Hiller. She talks to Diana about the journey to creating her masterpiece fountain pen, The Symphony. This episode features Diana (@thegrynne) and Anabelle (@stringsandpedals and...
10.01.2020
64 - A Preppy Went to Uni
After an unplanned hiatus, the Nib Section is back, baby! We review some new acquisitions, including the Platinum Curidas, and discuss recent developments in the fountain pen world, including the shake-up at Sailor. This episode features Sharyn (@sharynzha), Diana (@thegrynne) and...
03.19.2020
63 - Quarantine Diaries
First week of self isolation for us in Sydney! Already there is domestic strife brewing in the Sharyn and Sebbie household. Is this our new normal for the foreseeable future? How are two Australians and a Hongkonger keeping themselves happy...
03.05.2020
62 - Draw It Your Way
More and more people are using fountain pens not just to write with, but to draw and make art! Diana speaks to Teoh (Parkablogs) and Jaspreet (Jazzorilla) about what makes fountain pens such a flexible and personalisable tool for art-making. This...
02.20.2020
61 - Ocean of Ink
In a revisit of the topic of fountain pen ink, we discuss trends and innovations that we’ve seen in the last couple of years, and speculate on what the future could hold for the industry. Ana Csiky returns to fill...
02.06.2020
60 - Pen Friends
To kick off 2020, we shout out some of our favourite online content creators in the pen community, and share our wishlist of guests and collaborators. We also read some listener suggestions for topics to feature this year. This episode features...
12.19.2019
59 - End of Year Q&A (2019 Edition)
The hosts discuss their fountain pen highlights of the year, what they’re looking forward to in 2020, and answer some listener questions. This episode features Chuck (@entree3000_), Sharyn (@sharynzha), Brian (@briansaputro) and Diana (@thegrynne). FORMAT 01:11—WWAWW Diana: Nakaya Decapod Twist in Heki-tamenuri SM w/...
12.05.2019
58 - What Not To Buy A Fountain Pen Enthusiast
Less of a traditional holiday gift guide, and more an expository of the hosts’ philosophies when it comes to gift-giving. This episode features Chuck (@entree3000_), Sharyn (@sharynzha), Brian (@briansaputro) and Diana (@thegrynne). FORMAT 3:26—WWAWW Sharyn: Pilot Decimo Japan Special Edition 2019 Violet F w/...
11.21.2019
57 - Crossed (State) Lines
Our recording from during—and in the aftermath of—this year's Melbourne Pen Show. Diana also speaks to Patrick Santucci from Robert Oster Signature. This episode features Sharyn (@sharynzha), Kevin (@sentience), Mel (@the_fine_nib_chick) and Diana (@the_grynne). FORMAT 00:12—Introduction Melbourne Pen Show (@melbournepenshow) Robert Oster Signature Inks Graf von...
11.08.2019
56 - Inktober; Recent Acquisitions
The regular Sydney hosts are reunited (virtually, if not physically) for a catch up before they head out again to attend the Melbourne Pen Show. Chuck, Sharyn and Di recap their Inktober and NaNoWriMo experiences, before looking at some recent...
10.24.2019
55 - Care and Maintenance of Your Lamy 2000
The Melbourne crew are back this episode, as Mel and Kevin talk to Tom May about his work as Milligram’s official pen doctor for all LAMY and Kaweco pens. The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania You can...
10.10.2019
54 - Collectors Series Part 7: "Mass-Produced Curator"
Tom May, local “pen doctor” for Lamy and Milligram, and collector/connoisseur of all things analog, joins Mel and Kevin for a Collectors Series episode. The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania You can always email us at [email protected] Go...
09.26.2019
53 - The Other German Pen Brand
We went to the Sydney Pelikan Hub last week, but it was the event by the *other* German pen brand that gave us loads to talk about. The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania You can always email...
09.12.2019
52 - Audrey Matteson, Nib Doctor
Diana talks to Dr. Audrey Matteson of Franklin-Christoph about her journey from microbiologist and “fountain pen spouse” to FC’s in-house nib specialist. The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania You can always email us at [email protected] Go like us...
08.29.2019
51 - The Ones That Got Away (Sydney Pen Show Edition)
In our very first live show, recorded at the Sydney Pen Show 2019, we talk show highlights, hauls, and the ones that got away. The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania You can always email us at [email protected] Go...
08.15.2019
50 - Tuned to Order
We look at the phenomenon of the post-factory nib technician. Are they just meeting a need from customers who increasingly buy their fountain pens online? Or are nib technicians a stopgap for dealing with manufacturers with inadequate QC? The Nib Section...
08.01.2019
49 - A Truly Committed Filth Monster (2nd Anniversary Q&A Edition)
In this absolute bonanza of an episode, we answer all the listener questions we received and celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the podcast. The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania You can always email us at [email protected] Go like...
07.18.2019
48 - Colour Coordinating is a Superpower
How—if at all—do you colour coordinate pen and ink? The hosts discuss the satisfaction that comes with matching a pen with its perfectly paired ink colour, and all the quirks and self-imposed rules that guide our decisions. The Nib Section is...
07.04.2019
47 - Collectors Series Part 6: Leo Fok
Leo Fok, self-described “casual buyer of pens”, was in Sydney recently, and joined Diana, Sharyn et co. for a long, free-pouring lunch, where they eventually got around to talking about his collection and collecting habits. The Nib Section is the official...
06.20.2019
46 - Recent Acquisitions (June 2019 Edition)
We take the risk of trying things, so you don’t have to. Feat. Roterfaden Taschenbegleiters, Musubi journals, Visconti quill nibs, and Aurora flex nibs. The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania You can always email us at...
06.06.2019
45 - Write Therapy
Two friends and fountain pen nerds chat about writing and self care. The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania You can always email us at [email protected] Go like us on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram The...
05.23.2019
44 - Carry and Storage
We put the question to the community: what makes for the ideal carry and storage solutions for fountain pens? The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania You can always email us at [email protected] Go like us on...
05.09.2019
43 - Pet Peeves
We compiled and condensed all our pet peeves and unpopular opinions into one episode, because everyone needs to let off steam every once in a while. The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania You can always...
04.25.2019
42 - Ink Stories with Inkantadora
Ana Csiky (aka Inkantadora) is obsessed about ink - their physical properties, the histories and cultural meanings of colours, and how particular inks came to be. Diana talks to Ana about her expansive and fascinating Ink Stories project. The Nib...
04.11.2019
41 - Tokyo Pen Expedition (A Happy Cut of the Tine Edition)
Sharyn and Leo’s exploration into the Japanese pen scene continues. They sit down with Bruno Taut of Crónicas Estilográficas and Mr Iwase of Iwase Seisakusho to talk Kubo nibs, urushi and raden, and Japanese artisanal manufacturing. The Nib Section is...
03.28.2019
40 - Tokyo Pen Expedition (Decimania Edition)
The long-awaited Tokyo trip episode (part 1)! Sharyn and Leo attended the Maruzen Penfair and met many interesting people. The itinerary was grueling, but the stories they came back with were totally worth it. The Nib Section is the official...
03.14.2019
39 - Collectors Series Part 5: "Lamy Archaeology"
Mel talks to Kevin Yank about his Lamy Museum, and the relationship that Lamy the company has to its own long history and heritage. The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania You can always email us...
02.28.2019
38 - Fuzzy Feelings
Why do we get attached to our possessions? In this episode, we explore the emotion-riddled relationship between us and material objects, and what our fountain pens mean to us. The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania You...
02.14.2019
37 - Instant Fountain Pen Expert
We test our mettle against a *cough* somewhat *cough* dubious quiz, and discover who out of the hosts is the definitive “Instant Expert”. The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania You can always email us at [email protected] Go...
01.31.2019
36 - Hopes and Predictions for 2019
The Nib Section is back and kicking off the year with our hopes, anticipations and predictions for the fountain pen world in 2019! We also discuss the KonMari craze and how we plan to declutter our collections. (Please note: THIS...
12.20.2018
35 - End of Year Wrap...up 2018
In this...somewhat tipsy end-of-year episode (prerecorded in November), we answer your questions about our favourite nibs, most memorable fountain pen experiences, reflections on a year and a half of podcasting, and much more! Happy holidays to all our listeners! The Nib Section...
12.06.2018
34 - Trams, Rain and Avacado Lattes (Melbourne Pen Show 2018 Edition)
Welcome to the special Melbourne Pen Show edition of the podcast! The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain Pens Oceania You can always email us at [email protected] Go like us on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram The hosts were...
11.22.2018
33 - Holiday Gift Guide 2018; Pen Classics NZ
We bring you a mammoth gift guide episode for fountain pen lovers, concocted with the assistance of multiple bottles of sparkling wine and slabs of Haigh’s chocolate - plus a bonus interview with the owner of Pen Classics NZ, René...
11.08.2018
32 - Build Your Own Chimera
Our hosts have a lively discussion on the topic of chimeras - pens built out of parts that didn’t originally go together. Are chimeras an abomination? Or is a little “frankensteining” sometimes a necessity? What about when it’s done for...
10.25.2018
31 - Fountain Pen Paper
What is fountain pen friendly paper? Why do we need it? What does it mean when a paper is "acid-free"? We tackle the most overlooked item in the pen-ink-paper triumvirate with this primer and introduction to papers generic and premium. The...
10.11.2018
30 - The Hand Senses More Than the Eye Can See
The special guest this episode is Anabelle Hiller - harpist, goldsmith, and nib specialist for Appelboom in the Netherlands - who chats to Chuck about her nib work. We also discuss the Pilot 100th Anniversary LE’s, Sailor’s Naginata 3.0 nibs,...
09.27.2018
29 - Figboot on Pens
Diana talks to David Parker, aka reviewer extraordinaire Figboot on Pens, about how he built his YouTube channel and the thought he puts into making his videos fresh, original, and helpful. The Nib Section is the official podcast of Fountain...

What's The Nib Section about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Nib Section episodes:

78 - Ink-Filling Systems

77 - Our Stationery Startup

76 - Brad Dowdy, Professional Pen Addict

75 - Recent Acquisitions (April 2021 Edition)

74 - Collectors Series Part 8: Max Penabler

73 - Your Pelikan Opinions Are Valid

72 - Journaling for Productivity

71 - Gem on a Nib

70 - End-of-year Q&A

69 - The Fourth Dimension

68 - Esterbroook 3.0

67 - Pencil-like Feedback

66 - Mountain of Ink

65 - The Colour of C-sharp Minor

64 - A Preppy Went to Uni

63 - Quarantine Diaries

62 - Draw It Your Way

61 - Ocean of Ink

60 - Pen Friends

59 - End of Year Q&A (2019 Edition)

58 - What Not To Buy A Fountain Pen Enthusiast

57 - Crossed (State) Lines

56 - Inktober; Recent Acquisitions

55 - Care and Maintenance of Your Lamy 2000

54 - Collectors Series Part 7: "Mass-Produced Curator"

53 - The Other German Pen Brand

52 - Audrey Matteson, Nib Doctor

51 - The Ones That Got Away (Sydney Pen Show Edition)

50 - Tuned to Order

49 - A Truly Committed Filth Monster (2nd Anniversary Q&A Edition)

48 - Colour Coordinating is a Superpower

47 - Collectors Series Part 6: Leo Fok

46 - Recent Acquisitions (June 2019 Edition)

45 - Write Therapy

44 - Carry and Storage

43 - Pet Peeves

42 - Ink Stories with Inkantadora

41 - Tokyo Pen Expedition (A Happy Cut of the Tine Edition)

40 - Tokyo Pen Expedition (Decimania Edition)

39 - Collectors Series Part 5: "Lamy Archaeology"

38 - Fuzzy Feelings

37 - Instant Fountain Pen Expert

36 - Hopes and Predictions for 2019

35 - End of Year Wrap...up 2018

34 - Trams, Rain and Avacado Lattes (Melbourne Pen Show 2018 Edition)

33 - Holiday Gift Guide 2018; Pen Classics NZ

32 - Build Your Own Chimera

31 - Fountain Pen Paper

30 - The Hand Senses More Than the Eye Can See

29 - Figboot on Pens