Tom was inspired to start his Studio after watching his wife using an inferior plastic calligraphy pen. He wanted to create something that would equal the beauty of her work, and used his background in product design to come up with a pen she would treasure. “So many pens are made from cheap materials that look good but don't stand the test of time,” he says. “I wanted to make a pen that did both.”
Six months after creating that first handmade pen, Tom’s Studio was born – and his pens are now sold to customers around the world. The Original Flourish is Tom’s beginner-friendly starter pen. It comes in two variants, straight and oblique, and we’ve tested the oblique version below. Read on to find out why it’s our new favourite calligraphy tool.
Jump straight to:
- Summary
- How we tested
- Tom’s Studio Original Flourish Oblique Calligraphy Pen review
- Where to buy Tom’s Studio Original Flourish Oblique Calligraphy Pen
- About our tester
- Our verdict: should you buy Tom’s Studio Original Flourish Oblique Calligraphy Pen
- Looking for more?
Summary
The Tom’s Studio Original Flourish Oblique Calligraphy Pen is an elegant, thoughtfully crafted tool that's lovely to work with and well worth the investment.
- Buy now from Tom’s Studio.
How we tested
We tested the Flourish Oblique Calligraphy Pen by setting it up following the instructions on the Tom’s Studio website.
To evaluate the performance of the pen we tested it with Tom’s Studio’s Jet Black Calligraphy Ink and two different nibs (the Leonardt G and Nikko G), using Rhodia paper and plain card. We followed their Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy worksheets to create our lettering.
Tom’s Studio Original Flourish Oblique Calligraphy Pen review
Key features
- Length: 145mm
- Weight: 20g
- Made from Anodised Aluminium (with brass flange)
Ease of use – 4.5/5
Setting up the pen for first use is quick and easy – simply twist the brass nut to insert the nib. A visual guide on the Tom’s Studio website shows you how to get the perfect fit. The holder is universal so will work with any nib, and the ones I tried inserted easily and were held tightly in place.
The pen can be set up for right- or left-handed use by inserting a 1.5mm allen key into the top screw, unscrewing, and gently twisting the flange. You can also use the same technique to change the angle of the nib to suit your writing style and the type of nib you’re using.
While some pens offer both straight and oblique holders on the same tool, this one only has the oblique – for a straight version you'd have to buy the Original Flourish Straight separately. Tom' Studio's new Bloom pen, which includes both options, is a better choice for calligraphers who prefer versatility.
Adding ink to the nib is also straightforward – just dip the tip into a small, decanted pot of ink. I used Tom’s Calligraphy ink for this review, which comes with a handy pipette under the lid, so I also had the option of dropping the ink straight onto the tip. For anyone prone to inky fingers, this (mostly) mess-free method may be preferable.
Ergonomics and aesthetics – 4/5
Unlike more recent Tom’s Studio calligraphy pens, the Original Flourish only comes in one colour – but it is a stylish one. The matte black finish looks sleek and elegant, and has a silky feel in the hand. It also contrasts beautifully with the shiny brass nib holder.
Switching between this and my usual plastic pen, I found the difference in weight was noticeable. This is a solid, substantial pen that feels like it will stand the test of time.
The pen shaft itself is slender and gently tapered. I found it comfortable for extended use, though some calligraphers may find that their grip is improved by the curved body of Tom’s Studio’s other pens, such as the Carrot and new-style Flourish.
Performance – 5/5
The Original Flourish is a really enjoyable pen to use. My experience is mostly with straight pens, but I found the transition to an oblique pen much easier than expected. With this type of holder, the nib is held at an angle, giving you the classic calligraphy slant without having to adjust your grip. This can be a particular advantage for right-handers, who often have to rotate their paper or adjust their posture to get the correct angle.
Being able to change the angle of the holder to suit the nib I was using was a particularly handy feature. I find my Nikko G can be scratchy on the upstroke, but simply altering the angle gave a smoother result. Whatever nib you're using, with a bit of trial and error you can find the perfect set-up to suit your writing style.
I also found that the weight of the body helped with stability compared to a plastic pen. It enabled me to create smoother lines, especially during warm-up practices, and made it easier to write thick, sumptuous downstrokes. The Leonardt G nib in particular seemed to benefit from the extra weight.
Value for money – 5/5
At £39 the Original Flourish is an investment compared to many entry-level pens, but with its luxury feel and considered design, I feel it represents good value for money.
Tom himself believes his pens will stand the test of time. "It's my hope that you'll be passing your pen down the generations, and that your grandchildren will get the same pleasure from using their Tom's Studio pen as you do," he says.
Whether my Flourish will become an heirloom of course remains to be seen, but based on the quality of the build and the materials I have high expectations.
Where to buy Tom’s Studio Original Flourish Oblique Calligraphy Pen
- Buy now from Tom’s Studio.
About our tester
Sarah fell in love with calligraphy after taking a workshop in 2018 and has been working on her hand lettering (in between all her other hobbies!) ever since. She uses a mix of brush and dip pens, and loves to create fancy envelopes for her friends and family.
Our verdict: should you buy Tom’s Studio Original Flourish Oblique Calligraphy Pen?
Yes! This pen would make a thoughtful gift for any calligrapher. Beginners will find it a big step up from entry-level plastic pens, while more experienced artists will enjoy the adaptability of the holder and the luxurious look and feel of the design.
Created to last, this is a calligraphy tool that you'll come back to again and again. It's well-priced, beautiful to look at and a delight to use.
Looking for more pens?
Upgrade your everyday writing tools with the Tom's Studio Lumos Pro, an innovative refillable fineliner.
