A guide to the world's best pens

It is a useful weapon in war and peace, has often changed the course of history and turns sophomores into philosophers. A pen has the power to fuel imagination like none other and creates and destroys destinies with one single flourish. Most pen brands are more than 75 years old, so building a vintage pen collection isn't tedious. My period pens include the Sheaffer 25 with the lever-filling mechanism patented in the 20s; and the Parker 51 which introduced sturdiness into precious pieces in the 40s and gained a coveted place in New York's Museum of Modern Art.

Today, novelty and exclusivity lies in concept pens. If Switzerland's renowned jeweller Edouard Jud engraved Lord Shiva's cosmic energy on a Caran d'Ache writing instrument, Japan's maki-e artist Koshen Oshita unleashed Ganesha's good luck onto a Sailor limited edition. Italian manufacturer OMAS is better known for its statement pens, often inspired by symbols of luxury. Commemorating the bicentennial year of the famous French champagne Perrier Jouet, the body mimics the bubbly's translucent green bottle.

Another asset from the OMAS workshop is the Aventador with carbon fibre and hexagonal rings modelled on Lamborghini's fastest car.

Diversify your collection in terms of aesthetic appeal and incorporate pens crafted from wood, steel, precious stone, exotic resin and jewels. The nibs should range from bold to calligraphic ones. I recommend Sailor's specialty nibs like Zoom, Concorde and the Fude. Your pens should be put to rest in a pen chest, with their nibs flushed out and facing upwards.

For smooth writing, stick to the same brand for ink and prevent scratches by keeping pens in velvet pouches. A connoisseur's collection is incomplete without Sailor's King of Pen and the Iconic 149 from Montblanc. The Olympio from St Dupont, Pilot's Vanishing Point and Millenium from Fisher Space Pen Co. are also worth collecting.