Welcome! to the home page of Pensations --
dealing in modern and vintage writing instruments,
and related items.

In Memoriam: Hal Arnold

The pen world lost one of their best repairers last winter when Hal Arnold died after a lengthy illness. I corresponded with Hal from time to time over the past 8 years and his letters were always refreshing. His view of life and his standards for behavior, whether repairing pens or dealing with people, were not welcomed by all. He truly believed that "good enugh" wasn't and strove to meet the highest standards of workmanship and friendship.

Hal was sometimes abrasive -- he had little patience for people who abused relationships or settled for doing less than their best. However, to those who tried to be the best they could be, he was a friend and support. I found him to be encouraging and warm even when demanding that something be done better. Many others also had this experience with Hal, but not everyone did. Those who found him gruff or unyielding need to understand that the standards he set for himself were higher than those he set for others. At times I felt that all he really required from others was that they be honest, trustworthy and loyal. Other shortcomings he could accept as long as you tried to excel and dealt with others in a truthful manner. Those who approached him with sincerity found him to be quite warm and generous.

Regardless of what anyone thought of his behavior and attitude, all agreed that he was one of the great pen restorers, especially when dealing with Parker Vacumatics. I'll think of him every time I see a Vac which needs loving work but I'll miss him most when I think of the letters which I won't receive and the conversations we can't have. Rest in peace, Hal.

Penmen Comic Strip

Click on the comic strip to visit Penmen.com for posters or to view past Penmen strips (featured in Pen World magazine).

Phenomenology & a Fountain Pen

"I say that my fountain-pen is black, and I see it as black under the sun's rays. But this blackness is less the sensible quality of blackness than a sombre power which radiates from the object, even when it is overlaid with reflected light, and it is visible only in the sense in which moral blackness is visible. The real colour persists beneath appearances as the background persists beneath the figure, that is, not as a seen or thought-of quality, but through a non-sensory presence. Physics and also psychology give an arbitrary definition of colour, which in reality fits only one of its modes of appearance and has for long obscured the rest."
Phenomenology of Perception, M. Merleau-Ponty, trans. Colin Smith

Click here for more quotes about pens and writing.

Customer Comments

I'm delighted to hear from cutomers -- e-mail me with your comments or suggestions; let me know what you think of the web site, the products, the prices or your experience with Pensations. Thank you for your business, and ejoy the pens!.

Customer Testimonials

I often receive feedback from customers and I enjoy reading these messages very much. I try to provide the best customer service combined with low prices, and customer feedback helps me know whether I'm reaching my goals. I have decided to share some of the messages I receive, and I've printed portions below. These are unsolicited comments, and no one received any type of compensation for the remarks or for the publication of the remarks.

"I am so impressed with the excellent and quick manner in which I received the pens I ordered. Your service is GREAT!" [D.H.]

"M.B. told me about you and even sent me one of your pens. I love it so much, I had to buy more. I'm so excited. Thanks for everything" [B.R.]

"Many thanks for your quick shipment and notification. Looking forward to our doing business again." [J.M.]

"Pensations is a WONDERFUL seller. I'm telling my friends, 'This is the place to buy your pens'" [P.T.]

"You are much more than a correct and agreeable seller -- you are A TRUE GENTLEMAN" [S.N.]

"... very friendly and you delivered as promised" [T.J.]

"I'm a repeat customer and I commend you as a conscientious seller" [C.S.]

"I will be back again -- you are 100% the best" [G.T.]

"Dealing with you is very nice, you provide quality products always" [P.B.]

Click here or on the "On-line Catalog" menu item on the left to view the catalog. Let me know what you think of the catalog and shopping cart system by e-mailing me at admin@pensations.com.

Pensations is located in beautiful and historic Danville, Kentucky. Danville offers a wealth of historical, educational and cultural institutions and activities. Danville is home to Centre College (site of the 2000 Vice Presidential debate), Pioneer Playhouse (now in its 58th year) and the Great American Brass Band Festival. For more information on Pensations and Danville, click here or on the "About Us" menu item in the left column.

We have a large inventory of writing instruments including limited editions, modern pens and vintage pens. We also sell ink and refills, and pen-related items including cases and stationery. View the on-line catalog to see items which interest you. E-mail us if you're interested in an item which is not listed.

We list resources for those interested in writing instruments, including books, contact information for pen companies and a list of pen-related web sites. The books page features selected books on writing instruments, penmanship, turning pens and other books of interest. From the book pages you can also search Amazon.com for books, CDs, videos, DVDs, tools, toys and other items.

Many people with an interest in fine writing instruments also have a desire to improve their handwriting. A resource which has been used successfully by many is Barbara Getty's Write Now: A Complete Self-Teaching Program for Better Handwriting (click on the title for additional information). Other useful books include Calligraphy Made Easy by Margaret Shepherd, and Italic Calligraphy and Handwriting: Exercises and Text by Lloyd Reynolds. Click on any of these book titles to see more information, or click here to visit our web page of books, including these and other titles brought to you in association with Amazon.com.

If you have an interest in vintage or modern writing instruments, you should join the Pen Collectors of America. Click here (or on the logo in the left column) for more information.

Despite the increased competition in the telecommunications industry, many people still pay high rates for long distance. Epifocus offers a variety of low-cost long distance calling plans and one of them will probably save you money. Click on the banner for more information.

Amazon.com has books, CDs, videos, DVDs, tools, toys and more.

Click the banner below to go to Amazon.com, or click here to search for books or to browse items within general categories.