BENU features a line of conceptual handmade writing instruments which play with streamline shapes, and an extensive palette of vivid colors. The Moscow-based company delivers its own interpretation of the modern writing experience. Inspired by the excited lifestyles of modern city dwellers, BENU has created pens for those who prefer a playful, stylish and fun design. BENU's fountain pens are handcrafted after the company's original designs. Each part of the pen is made in house, except for the nib units, ink cartridges, and converters. The BENU fountain pens are supplied with either stainless steel or gold-plated (depending on the model) stainless steel Schmidt nibs.
The Minima Collection features pens that are a bit smaller, and more compact. The shapes are cylindrical, with either facets, giving some texture to the body, while preventing rolling. The colors range from black with blue, red, and gold accents (that look brilliant with reflective light!) to a solid black, skull themed option, too! The collection includes fountain pens in different color combinations. It is pocket-sized at only 4.9" in length. The pens from this collection have streamlined, rounded or faceted bodies. The collection offers portable writing instruments to carry everywhere with the model's small size allowing the pens to fit conveniently in any pockets or bags. It features an acrylic resin body and decorative ring, and a screw on (cannot be posted) cap. It weighs 18 grams, and features a #5 stainless steel Schmidt nib. It can use standard short international cartridges (3.8cm) or a converter.
The Company
BENU is a young brand of writing instruments. Benu’s story began in January 2016 when the co-founders, Alex Semanin and Kate Dmitrieva, decided to join forces to set up а new creative concept. Right from the start, the aim was clear: to make writing instruments and desk accessories for these who prefer bright colors and new designs that are playful, stylish and fun.
Alex Semanin and Kate Dmitrieva first worked together in the fine watch industry where both of them launched multiple successful projects over last 10 years. Alex graduated from the St. Petersburg State University of Culture and Arts in 1996 and then spent over 10 years in the decorative arts and jewelry design and production. In 2007 Alex joined the largest Russian manufacture of jewelry watches and accessories as Chief Designer and in 2 years became the Director of Product Development and Innovation. Under Alex’s supervision the company successful launched several collections of gold & silver writing instrument, accessories and watches. Alex particularly enjoyed his involvement in pen design and production and decided to create his own line of writing instruments. At that moment, Kate was working as General Manager for a Russian company producing and marketing high-end mechanical watches and clocks. Being herself a great admirer of the art of creating fountain pens, in 2016 Kate decided to join Alex in creating and launching a new brand of writing pens and accessories.
The Brand
Benu – the ancient Egyptian deity linked with the sun, creation and rebirth. Periodically renewing itself like the sun, Benu is a symbol of constant changes, recurrence, renovations. The name reflects the company founder’s feelings about the history of writing instruments. Changing throughout centuries, in today’s digital world handwriting has become more of an art, than a communication tool. Pens are much less needed nowadays, as we have computers, tablets and smartphones. Yet interest in stylish writing instruments among trendsetters remains high. Moreover, an expensive and stylish pen becomes not only a tool, but also an important accessory. A beautiful pen is a status symbol that reflects the personal taste of its owner. The art of writing is reinvented and redefined again.
The Manufacture
BENU fountain pens are designed and handcrafted in the company’s ownArmenian-based production facilities. Each part of the pens is made in house, except for nibs, ink cartridges and convertors. All BENU fountain pens come with stainless steel or gold –plated stainless steel Schmidt nibs of EF, F, M and B sizes.
A broad and vivid color palette is the key characteristic of the BENU collection. The designers and artisans take great care to create materials of vibrant colors and diverse textures. Before being assembled each part is a subject to a series of technical, mechanical and visual inspections to verify its accuracy, durability and overall appearance. The assembly of the cap is the last step of production. To secure the locking of the pen’s cap the company employs the square thread. Thought very difficult to fabricate, this thread form has the lowest friction, which makes it the most efficient thread form known.
Before being dispatched from the workshop, the pens undergo a final quality control covering both visual and functional aspects. The company only allows pens that meet the highest quality requirements to be shipped to its customers.
