Show Notes
In this episode, Matthew Chen, a renowned nib grinder, shares his journey into the world of fountain pens and nib grinding. He discusses his early experiences with pens, the evolution of his craft, and the unique techniques he learned from masters like Nagahara. Matthew also delves into his passion for photography, the quirky trend of placing pens in food, and the busy life of a nib grinder attending numerous pen shows. He emphasizes the importance of customer interaction and the personalized service he offers, including mail-in nib services.
Show Links https://www.mattsnibworks.com https://www.instagram.com/pactagon/
Takeaways Matthew Chen is a nib grinder known for his specialty grinds. He started using fountain pens in 2015 and quickly became interested in nib work. Matthew learned from nib grinding masters, including Nagahara. He enjoys photography and often captures moments at pen shows. The trend of placing pens in food started as a humorous meme. Matthew travels extensively for pen shows, attending around 20 events a year. He emphasizes the importance of customer interaction at shows. Mail-in nib services are available for those unable to attend shows. Matthew prefers a steady and manageable business approach. He values continuous improvement in his craft.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Matthew Chen and His Work 12:01 The Journey into Nib Grinding 23:47 Understanding Nib Grinds and Customer Experience 24:13 Understanding Nib Grinds and Writing Styles 26:38 Choosing the Right Nib Size for Grinds 29:28 Nib Quality and Tuning Challenges 32:09 The Art of Photography and Nib Grinding 37:25 The Trend of Pens in Food 39:14 Matthew's Busy Pen Show Schedule 43:58 Future Plans for Matthew's Nibworks
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