Sumi - The Flexible Fountain Pen - Waiting list

Thank you so much for supporting the first batch of Sumi Pens.  If you missed out please join my waiting list here:

"Game-changing!" Sumi - The Flexible Fountain Pen


Why isn’t there a fountain pen that writes like a calligraphy pen with no need to dip it in ink?  This is the question I asked myself three years ago. It seemed no one had a good answer so I set about answering it myself.  And after a pile of prototypes, failed experiments and a lot of head scratching, I’m very proud to introduce you to Sumi - The Flexible Fountain Pen!

"Tom has done it again! I mean...just look at it! This is his new fountain pen that has a flexible fine nib which means you can have your thick and thin lines without having to dip your pen in ink every so often!"

Hazel's Lettering (professional calligrapher)

The Sumi's secret ingredient is the custom, super-flexible nib which allows you to write as thin as 0.4mm, and up to 2.0mm when fully flexed. It’s also tipped with a German iridium tip for a smooth writing experience (no more scratching or ink splatters) and, unlike standard calligraphy nibs, it will last a lifetime.
 

It's springy, fun to use and incredibly addictive!

The Sumi pen comes with an ink converter (a fancy re-fillable ink cartridge) which means you can use the pen with 100s of different coloured fountain pen inks. I highly recommend using Diamine Inks as they’re lovely and juicy and even have a metallic colour range which shimmers in the light! 


READ ON IF YOU LIKE THE DETAILS...
Just as the function of the pen honours calligraphic heritage, the form is also inspired by a traditional quill and ink set. I’ve paired the design back and have also infused the aesthetics with a minimalist Japanese look (hence the name Sumi which means ‘ink’).  The making of the pen is a different story, and is firmly rooted in the 21st century. By using state of the art CNC watchmaker’s lathes I can create a supremely refined and well balanced pen.

A big question (which, as a designer I often grapple with) is this: ‘We are all individuals so why are the products we use on a daily basis so often utilitarian and say so little about us and our own individuality?” It’s the reason I wanted to create a pen which is as unique as its owner. So I spent a lot of time developing a new dyeing process taken from fine jewellery production techniques.  Every pen is individually dip-dyed by hand using this technique, making each one subtly unique.

Sumi - Flexible Fountain Pen, designed to celebrate creativity, craft and individuality. 

Good to know & FAQs:

  • The brass stand has been designed to be equally happy standing on your desk, or in your bag on the go.

  • The Sumi pen works beautifully with all Diamine Inks (including shimmer!) You can find them here).  Be sure not to use calligraphy specific ink as this can clog the pen.

  • Like a good pair of leather shoes the Sumi Pen will soften and become even more flexible with use. It will adapt to your style of writing and become unique to you.

  • It is designed to compliment your calligraphy pen and not replace it entirely. If you're looking for the maximum softness and flex please take a look at my Flourish Pens.

  • Measures 165mm with brass stand, 150mm without and weighs 67g with brass stand, 25g without.

  • Each pen is beautifully presented in a gold foiled gift box.

  • Every pen is machined from solid metals on a lathe used for making fine watch and aerospace grade components, so you can be sure your pen will write perfectly for years and years to come.

  • Brass naturally develops a patina over time and with use. You can choose to embrace this unique change or use the polish provided to bring it back to it's gleaming best.

  • Every Pen is dip dyed by hand so may have small speckles or colour variations; it's part of what makes your pen unique!