Proud collector

A self-admitted obsessive collector, Kanoo started collecting pens since 1992, during his university days. Invariably, the first pen Kanoo bought was a Montblanc.

"There's something different about a Montblanc. It's the way the nib glides across the paper, the words flow and my thoughts and ideas become something personal and precious," he says.

Kanoo has no qualms about spending thousands of dirhams on pens, saying that "as part of exclusive 4810 Club,when it comes to the art of writing, the pen's performance is more important than its price".

However, he admits that he finds most of the pens too immaculate to ever use. "There are people who collect vintage cars and spend millions of dollars on them, without ever using those cars. All I do is collect writing instruments. It's just like any other hobby."

With a collection that boasts more than 50 pens, most of which being Montblanc, Kanoo hopes his pride and joy will one day be an heirloom to pass on to future generations.

And he collects pens not to use them but to keep them as a piece of art, to observe and preserve.
"Most people collect pens because they like writing with them. I collect pens because of their aesthetic value,
their design and look," he says.

When Montblanc sent Kanoo a package informing him of their club and membership rules, he was suitably impressed. "It's definitely appealing, since there are special privileges which, as a member, I can enjoy, particularly the fact that Montblanc will track down the collector's pens which I would like to add to my collection, as well as give me a reasonable discount on the price."

What made Kanoo choose Montblanc as his favourite pen?
"The way it writes, more than anything else. The flow is smooth and there are no breaks in the ink flow. With a regular pen you need to enforce a certain amount of pressure, whereas with a Montblanc it's easy. Besides which, I find the grip is much better. As far as I'm concerned Montblanc are the premier pen manufacturers."

And he also believes that Montblanc pens sell themselves. "I have cousins who decide that they like my pens and just take it, which is okay with me as long as they don't take my collector's pens. One of my cousins, Khalid Kanoo, also collects pens but not to the degree I do."

"The Montblanc fountain pens are the best, especially when you're writing out impressive, fat cheques," jokes Kanoo, the man with an impressive hobby, impressive collection and a vivid sense of humour.