Triangle Pen Show checklist

Because I realized I couldn’t find the nibs I wanted ground and had a mini panic attack in the middle of the night so you don’t have to

I’m a bit late for the pen show season; I’m sure a few of you have already gone to at least one and had an awesome time. Me, this is my first time this season, and my first time at the Triangle Pen Show. I’m not new to pen shows, though. My “home” pen show is the Orlando Pen Show¹, I’ve gone every year since it started, and I sure as heck will be there this year, unless I experience an inkcident and my pens riot against me and stab me to death.

The Triangle Pen Show² is an annual show based in Raleigh, NC, and this year you can visit them on June 6th, 7th, and 8th, although they close down at 4 PM on Sunday. Still, plenty of time for a weekend getaway, if you ask me.

For those of you who have yet to go to a pen show, I wanted to tell you you’re missing out, as they generally tend to be the heaven on earth for pen enthusiasts. However, it’s super easy to get lost and thus anxiety ridden, if you’re not prepared. Hence, checklist!

What you need is to figure out accommodation if you’re out of town; thankfully, I’m meeting some friends there, so I won’t have to worry about that. Plane tickets — I swear to heck, if Spirit says my small backpack is too big for a personal item, I shall riot — or a car or your own legs if you happen to live close by. Make sure to hydrate, too. It’s easy to forget that when you’re surrounded by the world’s most amazing tools.

Now, my strong suggestion would be to set a budget and stick to it. I won’t, but you should. With the number of vendors, patrons, visitors, ink options, seminars, nibmeisters and other, similar stuff, losing one’s grip on their wallet is easier than dropping a banana on the floor and no one wants that. Some people suggest bringing only cash, so you physically cannot spend more.

Generally, though, the most important thing is to wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking and standing a lot. Then, bring the pens you want worked on; try to sign up in advance for nib work so you don’t miss out on that; have a general idea what you want to buy (I always suggest pens by independent makers, as other things you can buy from your favorite retailers); and, if you’re traveling by plane, please bring ziplocks for your inks and don’t get too many. Don’t ask me how I know.

What I’m bringing is:

1. A Platinum 3776 with the worst B nib that ever nibbed (as mentioned in the previous post, go read it if you haven’t already);

2. A few other pens that I may have a nibmeister look at;

3. A vintage Parker because I am a swine and don’t like vintage pens so maybe someone will teach me how to like it;

4. Wife, so someone can carry extra bags and take photos of my face to compare it to that of a kid in a candy store;

5. Ziplocks/paper towels for the inevitable ink bottles that will not fit my backpack but I am willing to take that risk.

Your checklist may look different, but what it HAS to have is: 6. have fun. It’s all about fun.

World’s worst gold nib before becoming awesome.

Today’s post is shorter than my usual ones as, you know, I’m also trying not to freak out before my plane ride, but tune in next week when I’ll talk about how the show went.

Side note: my plane leaves today, and I will be super upset if the pen I bought arrives after I’m gone. Tracking shows it’s out for delivery. Wish me luck. You may ask why I bought a pen before a pen show and let me tell you, thank heck it was only one.

Another side note: if you’re coming to Triangle or Orlando Pen Shows, please say hi. I love talking pens in person almost as much as gushing about them online.

Which pen show are you going to this year?

1. Check em out here: https://orlandopenshow.com

2. Triangle Pen Show info: https://trianglepenshow.com