Bertram's Inkwell — Attraction in North Bethesda

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...

This is a wonderful little store with all your writing instrument essentials. They have a very wide variety of pens and pencils from which to choose, and that's not even getting into the shelves of accessories, ink, notebooks, and greeting cards that are also available.

They also provide ink samples so you can look through all the colors and see how they look on paper without having to bother a member of their staff.

Their staff is exceedingly helpful. They have been very patient with me wanting to test ink not available on the sample cards and testing various nibs, as well as explaining price points and differences between pens. They're really friendly, too, which is always a plus, and are stationary enthusiasts themselves, so they know what they're talking about.

My favorite part is the sales and deals. They routinely have 3/$20 Diamine ink sales, and their pens often go on sale, as well. And the staff are proactive about explaining sales and discounts, so it's not like you have to remember to ask for a promotion or have some kind of app you need to check. They take care of everything for you.

This is one of my favorite spots in Rockville. If you like stationary or know someone who does, look no further! Sure, you might be able to get a better price on Amazon or JetPens depending on the occasion, but with Bertram's well-stocked inventory and expert staff, you can be sure you'll walk out of the store with the exact items you need that very same day. The same can't be said for...

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...