The Story Behind the Papersmiths Pen Collection: Designing the Perfect Writing Pen
Following on from the launch of our debut collection of notebooks, I thought it only right that our next product launch was something that could work with the notebook. So I've been beavering away on creating a set of writing instruments to join the shelves.
Why We Decided to Design Our Own Pen
My research into pens actually began back in 2013, when I first started sourcing them for Papersmiths. Every season I’d discover pens that looked beautiful, but fell short when it came to performance. A catchy nib or a leaky barrel could quickly ruin the experience.
Then there were pens that wrote like a dream - the result of decades of refinement - but they often looked dull, fussy, or uninspired. My goal has always been to find those rare writing tools that combine top form with top function.
Balancing Design, Comfort, and Performance
In creating our own Papersmiths writing pen, the same principles had to apply. We already have an impressive selection of world-class pens in-store, and I turned to these as part of my early research to determine what truly makes a great pen.
I wanted to design something that appeals to many - not just the few. A fountain pen might limit our audience, while a standard ballpoint can sometimes lack that satisfying ink flow.
Creating a Pen You’ll Love to Write With
Personally, I’ve always preferred a pen that writes smoothly, with ink that flows like a fountain pen even if it hasn’t got the nib. I wanted to create a pen I’d actually use every day - one I could genuinely champion.
Why We Chose a Hybrid Ink System
That’s why our debut design is a hybrid writing pen, combining the fluid ink flow of a fountain or rollerball with the everyday ease of a ballpoint.
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Follow Our Pen Design Journey
That’s it for now, but there’s plenty more to come as we move through the pen design and development process.
Ready to experience the Papersmiths writing pen for yourself?
Explore the full Papersmiths Pen Collection and find your new favourite writing companion
Following on from our notebook collection launch, our next step was to create a pen that complements your Papersmiths stationery.
