After getting stuck at the post office because I accidentally put the wrong post code when I ordered this, I finally received the 743 with an FA nib.

The Pilot Elabo (or Pilot Falcon) was one of my first expensive pens and remains one of my faves, managing precise fine print with a bit of flair. But it’s really not intended for sustained line variation as the FA nib is, even if it almost gets just as wide.

Once upon an awful time when I had a stack of insurance paperwork to do every week, I thought about how I could make my life more interesting, and Googled fountain pens.

The first Pilot Metropolitan dropped on its nib within first 5 minutes of unravelling, but one TWSBI Eco led to a LAMY gold nib, and there was no turning back.

The unfortunate thing about this hobby is there’s always another tier, and purchases can come in all forms – informed, impulsive, in celebration or for comfort.

And just when you thought you’ve had enough, a beautiful picture or a well-worded post online can suddenly make you itch again.