BENU Brand Overview
When it comes to fountain pens, the words "classic," "subtle," and "professional" often come to mind. However, BENU fountain pens defy these traditional notions. Founded in 2016 by Alex Semanin and Kate Dmitrieva, BENU is a newcomer compared to century-old brands like Sailor, Pelikan, or Esterbrook. Driven by a passion for creativity and originality, Alex and Kate set out to revolutionize the fountain pen industry. With Alex's background in restoring renaissance-era paintings and designing watches, and Kate's expertise in marketing and operations, they brought their vision to life in the basement of a family country cottage in Moscow.
Their goal was simple: to produce pens with bold, innovative designs that pushed the boundaries of traditional pen aesthetics. Inspired by the Egyptian bird deity Bennu, closely associated with the Phoenix and symbolizing rebirth and positive change, they named their company BENU.
They have quickly gained popularity among fountain pen enthusiasts for their vibrant colors, bold designs, and unparalleled craftsmanship. With each new product, BENU ushered in a new era of vibrancy, boldness, and character in fountain pens, captivating the imagination of pen enthusiasts worldwide.
BENU Briolette
One of BENU’s first models is the Briolette, paying homage to Alex’s background in jewelry-making. These pens feature a body modeled after the distinctive triangular briolette cut and #5 size nibs made in Germany by Schmidt, where all BENU nibs are currently manufactured. The BENU Briolette boasts a noticeable step from the barrel to the grip, but for those who prefer a narrower grip, rejoice in the elongated grip section that won’t hinder your writing experience.
Some Briolette models include the term “Luminous” in their name, and it's not just for show – these pens actually glow in the dark. Aware that most people like to expose their glow-in-the-dark items to a light source, BENU has rigorously tested the resin to determine the exact temperature at which it starts to degrade, which is 50°C / 122°F. This meticulous attention to detail speaks volumes about Alex’s craftsmanship and his comprehensive involvement in every aspect of a pen’s creation, from concept to production.
If you’re interested in BENU’s sophisticated pen production process, you can visit their website that takes you on a step-by-step guide that provides insight into the thoughtful craftsmanship behind each pen.
BENU Talisman
Nothing about a BENU design is arbitrary; in fact, BENU designs can easily be compared to fireworks. At first glance, a BENU pen appears as a vibrant explosion of merging hues. But, quite like fireworks, behind the dazzling display of colors lies art, precision, and science. The BENU Talisman line epitomizes its namesake, drawing design inspiration from stories of stones, roots, flowers, and other natural resources believed throughout history to possess special properties.
But BENU goes beyond mere inspiration. To further enhance the meaning of each Talisman, they infuse a chosen element or plant itself into the pen's resin. Alex personally mixes these resins, resulting in creations featuring Mandrake, Edelweiss, Four-Leaf Clovers, and more, adding an extra touch of pizzazz to each pen. The Talisman features a larger #6 size nib, appealing to a broader audience.
BENU Euphoria
The BENU Euphoria is a model created to celebrate life’s simple joys. These slightly tapered pens also feature a #6 Schmidt nib and truly embodies happiness and creativity, which speaks to the role fountain pens themselves play in our lives today.
While the Talisman showcases BENU's intentionality, the Euphoria represents their free-spirited nature. Within this model, you'll find some of our Goulet-exclusive designs like Iced Caramel Latte, Earl Grey, and Neapolitan Ice Cream. Additionally, you'll discover designs inspired by poetry, exotic locales, holidays, and other small but impactful pleasures.
Other Pens
In addition to other pen models, what really sets BENU apart is their team of talented micro-painting artists. These skilled artisans have mastered the ability to hand-paint designs on pens year-round. From intricate patterns to playful themes, each piece reflects BENU's commitment to bold originality. And here's the kicker: you'd be hard-pressed to find another pen brand offering this level of artistry at such a steal!
Summary
Following the start of the Ukraine invasion, BENU relocated from Russia to Armenia in March 2022 and has been based in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, ever since. From there, they continue to innovate new models, designs, and foster new connections within the fountain pen community. Despite the change in environment, Alex and Kate remain fully dedicated to crafting pens that resonate with people. They actively listen to their retail partners and their customers, using their feedback to conceive new and often challenging themes to incorporate into their pens.
When it comes to fountain pens, BENU is like that quirky but amazing friend who always adds some liveliness to your day! Sure, their designs might initially catch you off guard with their in-your-face boldness, but that's what makes them so charming! Just like the vibrant personalities in our fountain pen community, BENU pens are diverse, full of love, and wonderfully eccentric.
If you're curious about BENU products, contact our Customer Care team who is always ready to help. Write on!
