The Pleasure of Writing

Web order. Price was EXCELLENT. The only glitch was that the item I ordered, which the site said was in stock, wasn't actually (the pen was in stock, but not the nib size I thought that I wanted). But someone from the shop quickly emailed me, and we determined that an alternate nib size was in stock, so we modified my order. Shipping was extremely fast! Though there was no promised time, given the fact that they're on the CA coast and I'm on the east coast, it came at least a day quicker than I expected! Very nicely and securely packed, and they even wrapped the box in a nice light wrapping paper with their logo on it. A very nice touch of class! The actual item box was shrink wrapped, so I knew that I was getting a factory sealed item. And when all is said and done, I'm quite happy with the nib I got! I was originally going to try a medium, but ended up getting my usual fine, which is great!

Very friendly and welcoming. Wendy was very knowledgeable about all makes and models on hand in the store. Helped me find the perfect pen, even patiently showing me different colors/patterns of same model. It’s rare to come across a brick and mortar pen store, let alone one with such a wide variety of fountain pens/stationary from various makers (at all price points). Well done! Worth a visit if ever in this beautiful area.

Lovely shop and great service! The gentleman operating the store is quite knowledgeable about writing instruments. I purchased a bottle of Edelstein Collection ink. It's a small shop but there is plenty of merchandise, a generous selection of Rhodia note pads, writing instruments of all sorts from ballpoints to fountain pens at many different price points from $20- $9,000. There are even supplies for wax seals for those fancy letters/invitations! If you like quality writing instruments, this shop is a must!

I've visited the shop in Carmel on a few occasions in the past, but I never purchased anything until recently, when I bought an Esterbrook Estie fountain pen that was sold out in most places. Support by email was fantastic, and even when I had to switch an order from pickup to shipping, they were helpful and friendly and extremely fast.

The pen arrived within a day (we live a few hours away), and it was perfect. The website could be a little clearer about what's in stock and which nib sizes are available in some cases, but the email support is good enough to completely make up for any awkwardness on the site itself. With most pen shops, I've had to wait 24-48 hours to get a reply (which is entirely reasonable), but The Pleasure of Writing was considerably faster every time I wrote.

I love to visit Bittner the Pleasure of Writing whenever I'm in Carmel. While it's a fairly small shop, it has an extensive inventory of fine writing tools. They sell some really beautiful pieces. Many of the items are expensive, but there is something for everyone. They also have an assortment of notebooks and stationery. Highly recommended for those who love writing or for a unique gift.

If you’re interested in fine writing instruments Bittner in Carmel is truly the place for that. The quality and service is second to none ! They have a fantastic inventory of all the finest brands and the establishment is so charming.
I bought my first one about 6 years ago and I still enjoy it like I did when I got it 😊.
I purchased several S.T Dupont pens and I truly love them so much every time I use them . Ask for Helmut he is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Great Place!

I wish I could give this place 10 stars! They were incredible. They have everything a fountain pen aficionado needs: fountain pens for a variety of budgets, bottled ink, ink cartridges, and fountain pen friendly journals. Don’t love fountain pens? That’s okay! Many of their fountain pens also have a rollerball counterpart. I was also impressed by the owner’s passion for these pens and his willingness to teach others. Plus, the inventory at Bittner’s is clearly updated on a regular basis. They have several limited edition pieces which only recently came out in their shop. Seriously, if you’re visiting Carmel and you’re passing by this shop, take a moment to look around and try out a few fountain pens. I promise that you won’t regret it!

If you love writing instruments and you love Carmel, you need to visit Bittner the Pleasure of Writing. Quaint shop in a beautiful city. They offer all price points of fountain pens, paper, ink, wax seals, and more and more. Very helpful employees and the owner Detlef Bittner has a vast wealth of knowledge to share. I never miss a visit when I am in town.

Very nice pen store. Stop in an look around they have a large variety. They also have pens that can cater to any budget. They have very inexpensive pens all the way up to thousands of dollars. Selection of very unique pens as well. Staff was very helpful to me and helped me pick out the perfect pen for work. Very small shop and it can be a little crowded at times. I went to the website before going in so I could focus on a few I wanted to look at. Also feel free to tell them what your needs are and they can suggest a handful that will work for you. They also carry stationary, including cards, paper, journals, and notepads to name a few. Definitely worth checking out. Not many stores like Bittner left anymore.

Perhaps the pinnacle of stationery stores in the entire Monterey county, the selection of utensils, inks and notebooks / writing pads here is up to standards beyond most stationery stores in the country, with particular focus on high end fountain pens and writing utensils, the kind of items one would invest in. The kind of pens one'll use for decades onward, the kind of pens one'll pass on to one's descendants even. A mecca for pen collectors willing to expand their collection, as well as inquire on the knowledgeable staff's recommendations and options.

They don't have much focus on vintage items, but much of the collection has a timeless quality.
Of note are the special offers they have, as well as replacement fountain pen nibs they either have in storage or can find and have delivered promptly.

They do not offer art supplies; The focus of this establishment is for the writer, not the visual artist.

Overall, a phenomenal choice for those looking for both a writing utensil for life, as well as those searching for a gift fit for someone special with a penchant for the written word.
I hope to return in the future.

Lovely Store, Selection, and Staff. Purchased a beautiful Platinum Kanazawa Leaf pen and a fabulous blue ink that is exclusive to this store today. It was a bit of a drive to get there, but I look forward to seeing these gentlemen again the next time I visit Carmel.

This little store is situated at the start of Ocean Ave when you first enter Carmel-by-the-Sea. Though small, it is chocked full of writing implements and things to write on. If you're a fountain pen or a notebook fan, then you can really geek out on this place. They are also very knowledgeable about the different types of notebooks (e.g., how they are bound, materials such as leather, etc) and the pens. I wanted to buy a pen but the cheapest one was $125 and the one they recommended was $850. Definitely not for the faint of heart. Still, I splurged on a leather-bound diary for $90. It is made of very high-quality material and something I will cherish for the rest of my days, especially when I become an old man, reading what I wrote decades ago back in 2019.

What a pleasing experience. I needed a pen that could withstand the brutal, rigorous environment of my work, and this place delivered! I was introduced to an American made brand that had an extremely durable machined body and used Fisher Space Pen pressurised refills. Unlike other high end pen shops I've been to, this place did not try to sell me something I did not need, but was honest and forthright about the pros and cons of each pen I was interested in. The Tuffwriter pen we ultimately chose is an extremely nice pen for those that need durability over fashion. However, I did upsell myself and get the flamed copper version of the Tuffwriter pen I was shown. It's friggin pretty. I couldn't help it! I also grabbed the new Fisher Stowaway for kicks. I've been wanting one! Great service, and an outstanding selection of fine writing instruments and supplies.

This place is great. If you are a fountain pen hobbyist you will truly appreciate the stock in this store. Everything from lamy al stars to $1000 montblancs, and a nice little ink collection.

I have recently started purchasing hard to find pens from Bittner. I live in Oklahoma so only talked to the staff and owner by phone. Very personal and customer service driven. My loyalty for future purchases is set with Bittner.

Bittner Pen is owned by Detlef Bittner. If you are a pen lover, a visit to his shop should be on your bucket list. It is in one of the most beautiful places on earth and Detlef stocks those tiny, extravagant works of art that normally you see only in photos. After you get your jewel of a pen, there are other great shops & restaurants nearby and the beach is a short walk down the street.

I'm writing this review today to thank Detlef for organizing the annual San Francisco International Pen show. 2014 was a great event and he sold me an Omas limited edition fountain pen at as good a price as available anywhere--even online. Can't beat that. I get regular marketing e-mails from Bittner and I actually enjoy them! They contain great photos of new and limited edition pens.

Highly recommended!

I was in desperate need of ink for my favorite special Pilot fountainpen, and they had 5 colors in stock! This is the only place, that I've found, in the area dedicated to the art of penmanship and fine writing. Come see their amazing collection!

This store is every journal persons dream! The pens, the notebooks! Everything!! It felt like I was a hogwarts student choosing her journal aka her wand but oh such a great store walked out with two journals

Personalized service.
When ordering business cards for my company I only use Bittner.
They get my order correct each time on the first shot and there is the added dash of snobbery lent to telling people I had my cards designed in Carmel, CA.
Have done business with since 2002.

R/
Carlo

The restaurant was recommended by a couple we met at Albatross Winery. The hostess there echoed the recommendation. It was a little difficult to find because it’s located off the street. It’s service as well as the food is absolutely wonderful!! We highly recommend this restaurant. It was a highlight of our day!!