Bertram's Inkwell

Fantastic selection of pens, ink, stationery, and assorted other related items. Mostly though, Bert and his staff are super friendly and helpful. I really enjoyed chatting with all of them. I’ve been in to shop here a few times. Each time, I find new interesting things.
You must stop by if you are a fountain pen nerd, or even the slightest bit curious. It’s a great place to pick up writing supplies for everyday use or special occasions.

Wheelchair accessible. COVID-19 compliant. Gorgeous store. Brilliant owner.

Because I knew I'd want to buy everything in the store I saved up for a year and was not disappointed. It was more than worth the long drive! I brought a huge box of all my pens and inks with me. Bert was more than generous with his time, with all my questions and weird ideas! He met my level of knowledge where I was and taught me all sorts of new ways to make decisions about owning and using fancy pens!

The store has all sorts of paper, stationery, pens, pencils, inks, and other writing implements at every price point. His prices are competitive with anything you can find online, but the experience of being in his store among great staff and customers alike puts the brick and mortar experience way over the top. Make a memory of the trip, stop at Dunkin' in the same plaza, grab lunch at Taipei Tokyo Cafe after you've shopped yourself out at Bert's.

Expertly intelligent in his craft, and an astute businessman, Bert is also sweet, kind, and he has a humanity to him that made me wish I lived closer, just to hang around more! The DC Metro Pen Club speaks highly of him and now I know why. Go find out for yourself. Bring your dreams, your questions, and your piggy bank. When you get home to unpack your treasures, I hope you'll write many beautiful things.

Bert helped me out with my fountain pen and was an absolute gentleman. The shop is fantastic and Bert knows his stuff. Highly recommend!

Online/first-time customer here - blown away by this shop. Long story short, I placed a very last-minute order to have a pen overnighted to me, and Bert called to go over some details prior to shipping. I offhandedly mentioned I was trying to replace a pen I'd ordered elsewhere that never arrived, for a pen party with my friend that weekend. He said he'd throw in some "swag" for us - I was thinking, cool, a couple ink samples or whatnot, but no. He sent a complete pen testing kit - syringes, bulb fillers, pen flush, cleaning cloths, (nice) notebooks - one set for me and one for my friend. Astounding thoughtfulness and kindness (oh yeah, and the pen was awesome too)! Not only saved our pen day, but took it to the next level. This will be my first stop for pen shopping needs from now on.

I cannot express how much fun I had with the gentlemen at Bertram's. Bert himself and Al primarily helped me, and both were delightful and knowledgeable. I'm ashamed that I didn't get the name of the gentleman who asked me if I'd like coffee when he dashed out for Dunkin Donuts. So much kindness and flair from all.

David Silber, a vintage pen restorer and seller, was setup with a table full of the most fascinating pens. He let me try over a dozen, I'm sure of it. I walked away from his table with 5 new friends.

In situations such as these, I sometimes wonder if I'll experience condescension. I'm a woman with a fair knowledge of fountain pens, but I definitely wanted and needed guidance. I never once felt awkward or met with anything other than exceptional, attentive service when necessary. Everyone inked up anything I wanted and let me scribble away for a couple of hours.

Bert switched around nibs for me in a new Regatta and let me know what sorts of rose gold nibs I could get for another pen I bought. He also special ordered me a Pilot Vanishing Point, and while it might be logical to send it directly to me, he's going to look at it first before sending it my way (I live in Colorado!).

Highly recommend.

Absolutely wonderful experience here. I’m fairly new to the hobby and even with a huge pen show happening the next day that they were getting ready for Bert himself was beyond kind and patient with me, explaining things as we went along and making recommendations.

I went in with some money saved up planning on buying my first high end pen. I explained this but rather than just selling me the $1000 pen that I know now was all wrong for me he listened and found me an $80 pen that’s absolutely wonderful. He also recommended paper that I never would have looked at but am now hooked on which was less costly than what I had originally picked up. I feel like I can trust the staff here to help me find what I need or will work best for me when it’s a fun purchase, they’re not the sort of people who will just sell you whatever makes them the most money.

When I do splurge on that big ticket pen I’ll be coming back to this store to do it. I don’t live in the area so I’m now shopping online and looking forward to my next visit. I can’t recommend this store enough. Everyone was beyond kind and knowledgeable. I felt like they took their jobs seriously and had a passion for what they do rather than seeing it as just a job. Bert, if you’re reading this, I found the business card with with the handwritten admission to the pen show in the bag with my pens and notebooks. I wasn’t able to go but your generosity and thoughtfulness was very much appreciated, thank you.

Bert and his staff are outstanding! They are always kind and helpful. They are very knowledgeable and will always help find the right pen, ink, and paper for you. They are active in the fountain pen community and often host events such as nibmeisters and vintage pen people usually on Saturdays. Their newsletter will let you know who and what events they will be hosting. Beyond fountain pens, they do have some roller balls and refills for non-fountain pens. Everyone in the fountain pen community I talk to loves Bertram's Inkwell.

Just got my Visconti back from a repair. Replaced the collar above the bib and all I paid for is postage! Even got some great recommendations on ink that will not react with the pen in future. Sticking with Visconti for pens and Bertam’s for purchasing.

Great store. Friendly, knowledgable staff. Well balanced selection of Fountain Pen friendly paper, inks and pens - all reasonably priced.

Not far from DC and well worth the time to stop by. The best of the four Fountain Pen stores in the DC area

Always incredibly helpful and patient. They take the time to talk to you and educate you. Highly recommend!

I love Bertram's! This is the ultimate pen/ink/stationery store where all of my fountain pen needs are satisfied. A few weeks ago Bert managed to fix up an old vintage ballpoint pen by finding an ink fill replacement and took the time to adjust it with numerous spring parts to make sure it would fit correctly. I love and appreciate how friendly and wonderful everyone is every time I stop in the store. Thank you!!!

Very cool store with a nice selection of pens, ink, and paper. The staff was excellent and they have vintage pen specialists sometimes. Definitely stop in if you like the art of writing or need a gift for someone who does.

Thank you for fixing my wedding gift like new, it means so much to me!

Greatest Pen Store in the world!!! Nothing and no where better.
Amazing care to detail and the customer experience. They are excited to allow you to enjoy the pen experience and buying a great writing tool. Bert, Jack, and Steve are super nice and eager to help.
They love pens and fine writing tools just like you.
And if you are just starting out with fine writing pens they are warm welcoming and extra attentive to make certain you are happy on your new journey that is most important for human existence next to love... WRITING!!! GO HERE BUY AND ENJOY!! AMERICAAAA!!!

What an unbelievably honest place! Sent my Montclanc The +- Little Prince pen to them for repair ( which by the way was truly a wonderful option to have) and within 24 hours he sent me a message saying there was nothing wrong with it....just operator error! lol
He could have easily charged me for whatever and I would have gladly paid it, but he truly was honest and I cant express how appreciative I am!
I cant wait to go and buy a new pen there one day when I get to Maryland and will happily give them my business. A+

I have been a customer of Bertram's Inkwell for about 35 years. It is by far the best pen store I've ever encountered. Bert's honest advice, knowledge, and service are beyond comparison. His pen events, including new pen fairs, vintage pen dealers, and nib repairers add to an already full service, wonderful experience. If you are into pens of every type, inks, and pen accessories, this is the go-to place.

Came here for the first time today. Wonderful conversation, great advice, and competitive prices make this store a must visit for the Montgomery county pen lover!

The attentive staff helped me choose the perfect products for myself and a gift for a friend. I have no problem recommending this store to anyone, especially beginners, who are getting into high quality pen ownership for the first time. They will always steer you in the right direction.

I somewhat stumbled upon this absolute gem of a store, not really knowing the just how amazing of a store Bertram’s Inkwell is. The first time leaving the store I was taken back by the sheer depth of knowledge & expertise pertaining all things Pens; from the various types of note pads, to the rich selection of quality ink, to the actual writing Instruments them selves, Ive never met any individual who knows more about pens than Bert along with his also amazingly helpful/knowledgeable employee, Tori, who helped me find two of my now favorite pens. Besides their experience and expertise on the subject of Pens (fountain, roller ball, gel, ball point, and even mechanical and traditional graphite pencils) they are so freaking friendly and accommodating. I never felt rushed or cold when being helped. If you go there you will not only be amazed by the immense and broad selection of pens, paper, and ink, you’ll also experience what exemplary customer service is. I felt regarded as a friend instead of a potential buyer, I never had the slightest feeling of pressure to purchase something even though I took an hour and a held of their time. Bertram's Inkwell has gained a customer for life.
I feel an obligation to write this review, to inform people of the wonderful experience that awaits them at this store. I don’t write many reviews, It’s just not something I do, but this shop, Bert, and his staff deserve this as well as all the stellar reviews that are to come.
THANK YOU BERT, THANK YOU TORI!
Thank you for yet another wonderful visit to your store.

I love shopping here, and even though I haven't visited their new store on the Pike, I have placed some online orders which always ship fast and are always correct. Bert is also a huge help if you ever email them about pens/ink/cartridges if you are ever looking for something specific. This is not my first stop stop for new stationary goods and new pens. Even as a moderate collector in a much more attainable price point I've never felt like they value me any less even though my pens are never over $40. I love being able to support small, while getting new desk supplies.

I bought my first "nice" pen from them 20 years ago, and the shopping experience is still just as good today. The owner is passionate about the products he sells and is very knowledgeable about each brand. I especially appreciate his willingness to spend time with each customer, helping pick the right item. There are some things you just can't get when shopping online.