Pelikan Hub Experience & September 2019 Mail Haul: Pen & Notebook Reviews

September was a month of exciting discoveries for pen and stationery enthusiasts! This post recaps an unforgettable experience at my first Pelikan Hub, a gathering of fellow pen lovers where I discovered new nib preferences and solidified future pen purchases. The event yielded a delightful gift bag, including the stunning Pelikan Ink of the Year – Star Ruby, a truly luxurious addition to my collection.Beyond the Hub, my mail haul brought two highly anticipated pens: the Moonman C2 and the Levenson Sun, each offering a unique writing experience. I also received and reviewed several items from Locke B, including their impressive Traveler Field Journal and improved Tool Roll. This post summarizes my initial impressions of these items, with detailed reviews and comparisons coming soon in video format, including a comprehensive paper test. Stay tuned for more!

Pros And Cons

Livan Son
  • Gorgeous orange acrylic
  • Nice weight
  • Lovely section
  • Smooth writing experience
  • Generous and wet ink flow
  • Remarkable build quality
  • Feels good in the hand
Moonman C2
  • Writes well
  • Good ink capacity
  • Pronounced step-down on the section due to narrow section
Pelikan Edelstein Ink of the Year 2019 Star Ruby
  • Classy bottle
  • Lovely, rich pinky red color
Locke B Traveller Field Journal
  • Sturdy clip
  • Nice handle
  • Sturdy material
  • A5 size
  • Good pockets
  • Great pen loop
  • Can fit any A5 notebook

Read more: Top 10 Best Mail Sorters in 2019: A Comprehensive Review

Pelikan Hub Experience

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend my first local Pelikan Hub. It was amazing to finally meet fellow pen enthusiasts I've only interacted with online.

Close-up shot of various pens at the Pelikan Hub.
Close-up shot of various pens at the Pelikan Hub.

The event was a fantastic chance to see various pens up close, try different nib grinds, and discuss pen-related ideas with like-minded individuals.

The experience solidified some of my future pen purchases, especially regarding nib preferences and the direction of my Pelikan collection.

I received a lovely gift bag including the Ink of the Year – Star Ruby, and a notepad with exceptionally smooth paper.

Pelikan Ink of the Year: Star Ruby

The Pelikan Ink of the Year 2019, Star Ruby, arrived in elegant packaging, typical of Pelikan’s high-quality presentation.

The Pelikan Ink of the Year 2019 Star Ruby box.
The Pelikan Ink of the Year 2019 Star Ruby box.

The ink itself is a beautiful, rich pinky-red, somewhat similar to other inks like Momiji but with its own unique character.

Ink swatches of Pelikan Star Ruby on different paper types.
Ink swatches of Pelikan Star Ruby on different paper types.

Its performance on various papers is excellent, particularly showing its vibrancy on smooth, heavy-weight paper.

Close-up of the Star Ruby ink color.
Close-up of the Star Ruby ink color.

The color is luxurious and the rich tones makes it a delightful writing experience.

Smooth, heavy-weight paper showing the vibrant ink color.
Smooth, heavy-weight paper showing the vibrant ink color.

Mail Day: Moonman C2 & Levenson Sun

Two exciting pens arrived in the mail: the Moonman C2 and the Levenson Sun.

The Moonman C2 pen shown with its components.
The Moonman C2 pen shown with its components.

The Moonman C2, an eyedropper-filled pen, strongly resembles the Franklin-Christoph Pocket 66, though with subtle differences in design and nib.

The Levenson Sun pen shown with its packaging.
The Levenson Sun pen shown with its packaging.

The Levenson Sun, a vintage-style pen, impressed with its classy packaging and beautiful orange acrylic body.

Both pens offer unique writing experiences, highlighting their individual strengths and design aesthetics.

Pen Writing Samples and Comparison: Moonman C2 vs. Levenson Sun

The Moonman C2, with a steel fine nib, offers a smooth writing experience with slight feedback. Ink flow is generous, producing a nice line width.

Writing sample of the Moonman C2 pen.
Writing sample of the Moonman C2 pen.

However, the pronounced step-down on the section might be uncomfortable for some.

Close up of the Moonman C2 pen showing the step-down.
Close up of the Moonman C2 pen showing the step-down.

The Levenson Sun, with a medium nib, provides an incredibly smooth and wet writing experience, showcasing the superior quality of the nib and excellent ink flow.

Writing sample of the Levenson Sun pen.
Writing sample of the Levenson Sun pen.

The Levenson Sun is notably superior in terms of writing comfort and overall experience compared to the Moonman C2.

Close-up of the Levenson Sun pen highlighting its design.
Close-up of the Levenson Sun pen highlighting its design.

Locke B Field Journal and Tool Roll Review

Locke B, an offshoot of Bond Travel Gear, sent several items for review, including the Traveler Field Journal and Tool Roll.

The Locke B Traveler Field Journal.
The Locke B Traveler Field Journal.

The Field Journal features durable wax canvas material, a sturdy clip, and ample space for an A5 notebook.

The Locke B Field Journal in use at the Pelikan Hub.
The Locke B Field Journal in use at the Pelikan Hub.

The Tool Roll, an improvement over the previous Bond Travel Gear version, boasts tighter clips, silicone-free elastic loops, and additional pockets for increased functionality.

The Locke B Tool Roll opened, showing its interior.
The Locke B Tool Roll opened, showing its interior.

Both products showcase excellent build quality and thoughtful design, making them highly practical and useful for everyday carry.

Conclusion: September's Finds and Upcoming Videos

September was a month of exciting pen and stationery finds, highlighted by the Pelikan Hub experience, new pen acquisitions, and the discovery of Locke B's high-quality products.

The Levenson Sun stands out for its exceptional writing experience and beautiful design, making it a top pick.

Upcoming videos include detailed reviews of the Moonman C2, Levenson Sun, and Locke B items, along with a comprehensive paper comparison for fountain pen enthusiasts.

Stay tuned for more reviews, themed videos, and top-five lists coming soon!