Art and Earth Science by Grass
Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist Just when I thought Jinhao had squeezed every possible variation out of the X159, along comes the Jinhao X169. Released only in June 2026, the X169 is one of Jinhao’s newest oversized fountain pens—and at first glance, it looks very familiar. If you already know the X159, you might… Continue reading Jinhao X169: The New Pen in Town People Are Now Raving About and For Very Good Reasons
Finding a fountain pen that balances affordability, aesthetics, and smooth writing performance is always a win. At just $5 USD, the Jinhao 82 (2026 Limited Edition) in Translucent Pink manages to deliver on all three fronts far better than expected.Here is my breakdown of how this pen holds up in daily use. Design & AestheticThe… Continue reading A Pleasant Surprise: Reviewing the Jinhao 82 (2026 Limited Edition)
Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist Some fountain pens I bought because they write beautifully. Others I bought because they were made locally and I love to support local businesses. And then there are the pens I buy simply because they remind me of childhood favorites. For me, that pen has always been a BENU. If… Continue reading Strawberry and Chocolate in Fountain Pen Form: A Delicious Pairing of BENU Neapolitan Ice Cream and Kobe Chocolate Strawberry Ink
Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist One of the biggest misconceptions about fountain pens is that you need to spend hundreds of dollars to enjoy a great writing experience. While premium brands certainly have their charm, the truth is that some of the most enjoyable pens in my collection cost less than a family dinner… Continue reading My Personal List of 5 Amazing Fountain Pens That Cost Less Than $50 Each
Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist If you asked me a year ago whether I could attend a pen meet with only five fountain pens, I would have laughed nervously while quietly stuffing fifteen pens into my bag "just in case." Yet here I am. I'm attending a local pen meet later this month and,… Continue reading If I could bring just five pens on a pen meet, which ones would make the cut?
Pip: The Fabulous Scientist is where geology and fountain pens share a field notebook, and somehow that makes complete sense.Mara: Today we're covering a piece from fabulousgrass that sits right at the intersection of scientific practice and craft — how geologists have always written, sketched, and mapped by hand, and why that tradition still matters.Pip:… Continue reading Podcast Episode: Writing Like a Geologist: Field Notes, Maps, and the Fountain Pen Tradition
I've wanted Jacques Herbin's Emerald of Chivor ever since I fell down the fountain pen rabbit hole. You know how it goes. One minute you're buying a perfectly sensible fountain pen for note-taking. The next minute you're staring at ink swatches online at 2:00 in the morning, convincing yourself that your life would be significantly… Continue reading Jacques Herbin Emerald of Chivor: The Ink That Got Away (Until It Didn’t)
Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist Every fountain pen enthusiast eventually faces a tricky time when they think they have enough pens. I was in that phase when I first encountered the Majohn P140 more than a year ago while browsing Everything Calligraphy's Lazada store. I took one look at it and thought, "That's nice,… Continue reading Why the Majohn P140 is a Must-Have for Pen Collectors
Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist There are fountain pens that whisper sophistication. Then there are fountain pens that stride confidently into the room wearing a tailored suit, gold cufflinks, and enough presence to make your other pens question their life choices. The Majohn P139 Endurance belongs firmly to the second category. At first glance,… Continue reading The Majohn P139 Endurance: The Luxurious Pen for People on the Budget
Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist There comes a point in every fountain pen enthusiast’s life when you realize you may have accidentally developed a “type.” Some people collect understated black cigar-shaped pens. Some gravitate toward vintage flex nibs. Me? Apparently, I collect pens that shimmer, glow, shift colors dramatically, and look like they were… Continue reading Affordable Luxury: Asvine P20 Fountain Pen Overview
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