Keeping your edge.

Searching for the Pen Ultimate

WHO? Dennis Tanimoto

WHAT? President and CEO 

WHERE? Hawaii Credit Union League, Honolulu

WHEN? Since 1992

Q: What sparked your interest in collecting writing instruments?

A: I purchased my first Montblanc fountain pen more than 20 years ago from a jeweler in Honolulu who did not sell ink for the pen. He recommended that I go to the Honolulu Pen Shop to get the appropriate ink. Once I got to the pen shop, I was fascinated by the variety of inventory. What started as a single purchase of ink quickly blossomed into an obsession to learn more about collectible pens.

Q: Where do you look for special pens?

A: I frequent specialty pen shops, pen shows conducted in major cities across the nation, antique shops, and various Internet sites, including eBay. I particularly like a shop in Palo Alto, California, called Signatore. The Fountain Pen Hospital in New York City not only has a fine selection of pens, but it has an intensive care unit for writing instruments if you have a pen that is at death's door. A monthly magazine, Pen World, is one of the best means of keeping up with the latest in writing instruments.

Q: How do you select the pens that you'll purchase?

A: I generally collect three categories of pens: 1) vintage, which I try not to use because of their age and fragility; 2) working pens, which I use and rotate from time to time; and 3) limited editions, which are worth more if unused and in the original packaging. I store them all in large, leather pen cases when not in use. I have never sold or traded any of the 200-plus pens in my collection.

Each has its own special characteristics. Pelikan pens have gold nibs that are more flexible than others, so they write extremely well, while Michel Perchin pens are some of the most beautiful pens made. For the ability to retain value, I'd select a vintage or limited edition pen from Montblanc, because more people are familiar with that brand.

Q: When and why do you continue to pursue this interest?

A: When I'm traveling, I typically check out the yellow pages for a pen shop. In smaller cities, VII also check for antique shops, stationers, art supply stores, or even sometimes luggage shops that may have inventories of pens. In addition to the challenge of finding deals on pens of interest, searching for and acquiring additions to my collection provide a meaningful diversion from stresses of the workplace. Also, a fine writing instrument offers a tactile sense of quality, professionalism, and uniqueness in this age of email and electronic communication.