Kaweco DIY Sport 2026 Glow Edition: Building My Own Fountain Pen
What if you could build your own fountain pen?
That’s exactly what I got to do at Shorthand in Los Angeles with the Kaweco DIY SPORT Glow, a limited-edition, glow-in-the-dark version of the iconic Kaweco Sport for 2026.
For this special Kaweco DIY experience, select stationery stores around the world host pop-up events where the popular SPORT comes as individual pieces for you to assemble yourself. I stopped by Shorthand’s Larchmont location on the first day of the event, put mine together and here’s a look at the experience and the finished pen.
A Little About Kaweco and the Sport
If you're new to Kaweco, the German brand has been making writing instruments since 1883. Kaweco is particularly known for its compact pens and distinctive octagonal designs, with the Kaweco Sport being one of its most recognizable models.
The original Sport dates back to 1911, when it was designed as a compact pocket pen. The modern Kaweco Sport has kept that same small, portable format and has become a favorite among fountain pen and stationery enthusiasts.
The DIY version takes that familiar design and turns it into a little hands-on experience and surprisingly my first Kaweco fountain pen!
Watch Me Build the Kaweco DIY Sport Glow
Kaweco Sport DIY Glow in daylight ✨ and glowing in the dark
The Kaweco DIY Sport Glow
Instead of buying an already assembled Kaweco Sport, the DIY Sport comes as individual components that you put together yourself. The pen consists of seven main pieces in a new color way each year. They are currently on their 3rd installment and you can see the previous colorways here: DIY Experience Kaweco
The 2026 Kaweco DIY Sport Glow has a translucent jade green body that glows in the dark after being charged with natural or UV light. It comes with silver trim and your choice of fountain pen nib in Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, or Broad.
I'll be doing a more in-depth review of the pen later, but for now, I was mostly interested in the experience of actually putting one together.
Building It at Shorthand in Los Angeles
I went to the Kaweco DIY event at Shorthand in Larchmont Village, one of my favorite stationery shops in Los Angeles. The store carries everything from fountain pens and fountain pen inks to journals, pencils, paper, and desk goods, and everything is organized by color, which makes browsing a joy.
I went on the first day because the pervious week at their Highland Park location, they sold out within the first 12 hours. So I wasn't taking any chances with the Larchmont experience.
The actual building experience was casual and easy. One person could assemble a pen at a time while a Shorthand team member walked you through the process and helped along the way. Once all the pieces were together, I had my first Kaweco SPORT!
Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely! The Kaweco Sport is already a fun little fountain pen, but getting to assemble one yourself makes it feel a little more special. It's a simple hands-on stationery experience, and the glow-in-the-dark green is just fun.
If you're in Los Angeles and love fountain pens or stationery, I'd keep an eye on Shorthand's events. It's a great place to browse for pens, paper, journals, and other creative desk supplies.
And now I have a tiny glowing fountain for on the go journaling and i’m so excited to have it in my fountain pen collection.
