Baltimore Washington International Pen Show 2022 (Part Two)
Looking at the Baltimore Washington International Pen Show 2022 coming up in just a few short days, I can’t wait to see all my pen friends again! After last week’s blog about the upcoming show (see it here), I realized that I mentioned how there will be a wide range of vendors from the world over. Yet, I did not fully explain exactly how massive of a draw this is. We have more than 90 different vendors attending the show. Many vendors you’ve seen over the years, while for some this is their first time selling at a pen show. How exciting is that?! It’s what we all want: new, different, and varied.
First of all, it would take way too long to go into detail for each and every one of the 90+ vendors attending the Baltimore Washington International Pen Show 2022. However, I will highlight a few vendors from different categories that you’ll find at our show. I apologize in advance for any names I don’t specifically mention as you’re all important to me and to the show, and I consider many of you as friends.
As you probably already expect, we have nibmeisters and pen repair of all kinds attending. In addition, you’ve probably guessed the next two categories: new pens and vintage pens. You’ll see retailers as well as individual pen makers alongside larger-scale pen companies.
There’s also wonderful outliers of the show, that fit into their own category. For example, we are happy to welcome back Baltimore’s own Jinji Chocolates to the show. Don’t forget to visit the Share The Wealth table and donate pens, inks, paper, etc. to a great cause. Penquisition is a local company in Maryland that makes pen accessories (i.e. pen stands, pen holders, pen rests, and more). Odyssey Notebooks is also a specialty notebook company based here in Maryland to look forward to. Continuing with Garny & Co. who makes quality leather goods. Last but not least, I’m always proud to see Tyler of Organics Studios Ink. His ink is incredible and fun.
Notably, the nibmeisters and pen repair category includes: Richard Binder, Indy-Pen-Dance (Mike & Linda Kennedy), Nib Tailor, J.J. Lax Pen, All In The Nib, Custom Nib Studio, and our (Bertram’s Inkwell’s) own in-house nib-meister Jack Hairston.
As for the New Pen category, an extra special mention to those coming from outside of the U.S., thus supporting the “International” part of our show’s namesake. Starting with Hiren of Magna Carta, he’s bringing new pens as well as unique nibs and feeds. Frank of Narwhal is showing off his sea-themed pens. These are quickly becoming fan-favorites.
Staying with New Pens, we look forward to also seeing Ryan Krusac of RKS Studios pens with his custom pens. You should check out all the wild materials he uses. Jonathon Brooks of Carolina Pen Company shows many wonderful specialty resins and custom pens. Michael of Coles of London will represent Visconti and S.T. Dupont pens, lighters, watches, and accessories. Franklin-Christoph will line their tables with many wonderful, colorful pens, paper, accessories, and more. Cary (aka Fountain Pen Day) of Kenro Industries will represent Aurora, Montegrappa, Esterbrook, Otto Hutt, and more. Also, see Cary hanging around after the show on Saturday night for Pen Shows After Dark.
But wait, there’s still more New Pen vendors to look forward to. Hugh & Karol are founders of Kanilea Pen Co. If you’re a fan of Hawaii themed things like they are, you’ll be sure to love these pens. No pen show would be complete without the one and only Ken Jones Extraordinaire of Yafa Pen Co. He’s representing Stipula, Monteverde, Conklin, Diplomat, Marlen, Maoira, Nettuno, Pineider, Yookers, and Private Reserve. Sean of Pilot Pen is a brand we’re all familiar with. I’m sure most of us at least have a Vanishing Point in our collection, right? But they have so much more to offer, and Pilot pens are made with incredible quality and craftsmanship. Richard of Richard L. Greenwald LLC is a genius custom pen maker, inventor of special plastics, resins, custom tools, importer of Schmidt refills and pen parts, and so much more.
One of the best-dressed people in the pen industry, David Oscarson, is always quick with a smile and a friendly greeting. His pens are awesome too, to say the least. The attention to detail in the baked enamel and engraved metal is always impressive.
Ian Schon of Schon Design is bringing his pocket-sized pens for your enjoyment. Lauren Elliott, our favorite pilot, is also “flying” into the pen show with her custom made Lucky Star Pen Co. pens. Brian Weaver of Iron Feather Creative makes some cool looking custom pens as well. Alan Shaw of Shaw Pens is definitely inspiring with his wonderful hand-made pens. Definitely also check out Shu-Jen of Taccia Pen with an incredible array of writing instruments ranging from lower to higher end pieces. Their fountain pens are wonderful to write with (to say the least).
In the world of Vintage Pens, these are some of the names to look for: The Write Shoppe, Hirsch Davis, Nik Pang (also does the most amazing calligraphy), Paul Ketchpaw, John Veley, Jim Carpenito, David Silber, Paul Erano (also of the Black Pen Society – be sure to smoke a cigar with him after the show), Joe Engel, Tadas Osmolskis, Barry Gabay, Terry Mawhorter, Carl Seidl, David Isaacson, and Gerry Berg.
Last, but not least, we have plenty of retail stores attending the show for your enjoyment. Jimmy of Total Office Products brings a wide range of limited edition pens. Michael of Dromgoole’s Pens is bringing a bit of everything with him. Alan of Crazy Alan’s Emporium is always a delight. Mario Campa’s Toys From The Attic are fun to play with. Not to mention his special “brew”, which I’m looking forward to getting a bottle of (hint, hint: it’s scotch). Frank of Federalist Pens & Paper is around with a great variety of products for you as well. Rounding off with Bill Weakley of Power Pens, if you’re lucky he’ll impart some humor on you as well as sell you some pens.
As I mentioned, there’s even more people selling at the show. All things considered, we are looking at this #BWIPS2022 packed with seminars, opportunities to buy, sell, trade new and vintage pens, as well as all the after-show activities. I can’t wait until Friday when I get to see you all there!