Swans are very nice pens (I have two), and that one looks like it has a lovely flex nib. Beautiful gifts, Jon!

The mechanical pencil is a beaut too. I don't think of myself as a pencil person either, but I have to admit I do like mechanical pencils a lot. I keep two at my computer desk and use them daily when jotting down quick notes. Fountain pens don't lend themselves as well to that task. I keep one in the pen cup in the kitchen for the same reason. And then I have several at my writing desk for ruling lines, balancing my checkbook register... always a pleasure to use.