Why “I have a few LAMYs” isn’t a record
For many collectors, the journey into the fountain pen hobby begins with a single reliable instrument. At that stage, memory is a perfectly adequate database. However, as the collection grows, a significant management problem emerges: the “mental map” of your inventory begins to fail.
This issue becomes particularly acute when a collector develops a preference for a specific brand or series. Simply knowing that you own “a few LAMY Safaris” is insufficient for effective collection management. When you have multiple pens of the same model—perhaps in different limited-edition colors or with various nib sizes—memory alone cannot track which pen is currently loaded with which ink, how that specific nib performs with a certain paper, or when it was last cleaned. Without a structured record, your collection transitions from an organized set of tools into a confusing inventory of similar-looking items.
As developers of recording tools, we view a collection not just as a set of objects, but as a data set that requires unique identifiers. To maintain a sustainable and enjoyable hobby, it is necessary to move beyond simple names and build a record that captures the specific technical and historical attributes of each pen.
Core pen fields
To solve the problem of collection ambiguity, we have identified several core fields that every fountain pen record should contain. These fields are designed to provide both high-level identification and granular detail for long-term tracking.
| Field | What it’s for |
|---|---|
| Maker | The manufacturer of the pen (e.g., Pilot, Sailor, Lamy). Essential for brand-based sorting and statistics. |
| Model | The specific series or edition name. This distinguishes between different tiers and designs within a brand. |
| Nib Size | The width of the nib (e.g., EF, F, M, B, Stub). This is the most critical technical spec for predicting ink performance. |
| Photo | A visual reference. A photo helps quickly identify the specific color or material of a pen in a list of similar models. |
| Notes | A free-text field for recording purchase dates, prices, sentimental value, or specific quirks of the pen. |
| Tags | Free-form labels used for custom grouping (e.g., “Daily Driver,” “Vintage,” “Work”). |
| Manual Sort Order | Allows you to override alphabetical or chronological lists to prioritize your favorite pens at the top. |
Why nib size deserves its own field
In a well-designed management system, nib size is not just a secondary detail; it is a primary data point that deserves its own dedicated field. This is because the nib is the primary interface between the ink and the paper, and its size directly dictates the visual outcome of your writing.
Recording the nib size (EF, F, M, B, etc.) alongside the pen makes it possible to recall exactly why a specific “Pairing Note” was successful. For instance, a highly shading ink might look spectacular in a Broad (B) nib but appear flat or overly dark in an Extra Fine (EF) nib. By maintaining nib size as a separate, searchable field, you can filter your collection to find the right tool for a specific ink’s characteristics. This technical accuracy is what allows a collector to replicate a perfect writing experience months or even years later.
Organizing pens with tags
While “Maker” and “Model” provide a rigid hierarchical structure, they often fail to capture the functional reality of how a collector uses their pens. This is where tags provide essential flexibility.
Tags are free-form labels that allow for a “many-to-many” organizational relationship. Unlike a single “series” field, where a pen can only belong to one category, tags allow a single pen to belong to multiple groups simultaneously. For example, a single fountain pen could be tagged as both “Blue Ink Only” and “Office Use.”
This flexible grouping is invaluable for various usage contexts:
- Contextual Groups: Tagging pens as “Work,” “Journaling,” or “Sketching.”
- Collection Themes: Grouping items by “Vintage,” “Limited Edition,” or “Pocket Pens.”
- Maintenance Status: Labels such as “Needs Tuning” or “Gold Nib.”
By using tags, a collector can transcend the manufacturer’s naming conventions and organize their tools according to their own personal logic.
Photos and sharing
A visual record is often the fastest way to navigate a large collection. In a digital tracking system, pen photos should be easy to add and versatile to use. We believe it is essential to allow users to either take a photo directly with their camera for immediate logging or choose a high-quality image from their photo library.
Beyond personal inventory management, these records also serve a social function. A pen record can be transformed into a shareable card, which neatly formats the maker, model, nib size, and photo into a single image ready for social media or community forums. In our design, the free tier of the tool includes a watermark on these shared cards to support ongoing development, while the Pro version removes this watermark for a cleaner, professional look.
How Inkcho handles this
We built Inkcho specifically to implement this data-driven approach to fountain pen management. The app includes all the core fields mentioned above—Maker, Model, Nib Size, Photo, Notes, Tags, and Manual Sort Order—within its “Pen Detail” and “Pen List” screens.
Key features of the Inkcho pen management system include:
- Pen List Navigation: View your pens at a glance, including a color chip representing the currently loaded ink.
- Manual Reordering: Use the “Reorderable” list feature to drag and drop your pens into any order you prefer.
- Flexible Tagging: Add as many custom tags as you like to any pen, even in the free tier.
- Free and Pro Tiers: The free tier allows you to manage up to 5 pens with full access to tagging, photos, and sharing features. For collectors with larger inventories, the Pro version (¥980 one-time purchase) removes all registration limits.
To ensure your data remains accessible, Inkcho also provides free CSV and ZIP (including photos) export and import for all users, regardless of their plan.
You can download Inkcho on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/inkcho/id6763183078.
Summary
Building a useful fountain pen record requires more than just listing a name; it requires capturing the technical specifications and organizational tags that make each tool unique. By consistently tracking fields like nib size and using flexible tags, you transform a simple list into a powerful management system that supports your hobby for years to come.
For a broader look at how different tools compare for managing your collection, see our hub article: Notebook, Spreadsheet, or App? How to Track Your Fountain Pens and Inks
This article organizes information from a recording and organizing perspective. If you notice an error or outdated information, please contact us. Last verified: August 2026
