I really appreciate that you keep your videos short, yet pack a lot of useful information into each of them. I seldom have time to listen to hour plus presentations and have little patience for listening to chatter that is irrelevant to me. I also know from experience that it is a lot easier to ramble on for a long time than it is to prepare something that is concise and informative, so thanks for making that effort. My question: what fountain pen brands consistently produce pens that write as they should right out of the box? Relatedly: is it unreasonable of me to expect any pen costing, say, $75 or more to perform well immediately?
The Pilot con 40 converter makes it a good one for shimmer ink because of the ball bearings. It’s similar to nail polish. Also, to keep the shimmer from settling, gently shake the pen like it’s a fidget pen. Or, just use a dip pen.
Can you discuss different nibs such as italic, architecture, fine-medium, etc.? Also, the differences between nibs made in different places, Japanese nibs, German nibs, etc.? I've always wondered.... Thank you - always enjoy your videos.
My pleasure! That's a tough one. There are so many beautiful colors out there. I can't pick just one! At the moment, I'm enjoying the shimmer inks that were part of the Diamine Inkvent Green edition, particularly Dusted Truffle. link - goldspot.com/products/diamine-inkvent-green-edition-shimmer-bottled-ink-in-dusted-truffle-50-ml
I love how (noncanonically I think for myself) Sailor probably went like 'hey so you like these colors from our competitors and imitators, so we're bringing it to you legit!', instead of throwing a hissy fit :D I feel a little bad for owning a little too many original Sailor pens honestly, so its advisable if you feel like slimming down from Jinhao 82/992 hoard to choose one legit color and nib, they now provide(keep one copy for carry)
Thanks Tom for another great video. I’m excited about the new Sailor 1911s! My Q is: which ink do you almost always come back again and again when testing new pens?
Thank you Tom, always great content. My question is how clean is clean when cleaning pens - should the nib always run clear? There are times when I think a pen is totally but then still leaves a tint of the former ink on a paper towel when dried.
Which "well behaved" ink would you recommend I should use to test my new pens? I mean to see how wet and smooth the nib is. I use Clairefontaine paper, and never know if it's the nib or the ink that is a bit on dry side. 😅 Thank you! ❤
The inkvents are such a neat way to get to try lots of different colors I hope they do another this year, so I can try one. My question: What to do with a pen that’s not writing? I have a fountain pen that wrote ok at first (Noodlers sunrise ink) and now it won’t write at all. A couple of words then stops. It has fresh ink in it, and I cleaned it heavy, and tried water to see if that would help. I don’t know if it’s dry or what. I have had it for only two months give or take. It only sat about a day without use.
Thanks for your question. I'm sorry to read you are having trouble with your fountain pen. I made a video to help troubleshoot - ruclips.net/video/CydUDpr3s2U/видео.html
Thanks, Tom, for the clear and articulate video. There are so many varieties of ink available now, with so many features. Some claim to clean the pen while you write, others say they protect the pen, lubricate the pen, etc. To what degree, if any, might these factors interact badly with one another and/or with the pen? I'm wondering about vac fillers, pens with plungers, vintage pens that have an ink sac.
Hi Tom! Do you have any suggestions for an ink I can use with a steel-nibbed dip pen? I got one as a gift recently. Thanks for all the informative videos!
I have been enjoying your new video format lately and find that it is informative and succinct. I have been mainly using Noodler's bulletproof inks and DeAtrementis Document inks because I like inks that at least resist exposure to water or spilled coffee. lol. How do the Diamine inks perform when exposed to water? Are they still legible or do they get washed away? Thanks.
Sometimes it’s best to use a pencil - either mechanical or wooden - rather than a pen. Which pencils do you recommend? Thanks for another great episode, Tom!
Question: Would you recommend using an ultrasonic cleaner to get shimmers out? Is there a disadvantage to using them frequently? ❤🎉Thanks for this informative review. I had both my children listen because they never believed me when I told them these shimmer inks are off limits!!! 😂😅
We use the ultrasonic here in the office for heavy clogs or pens that don't completely rinse out after repeated flushes. I don't see any disadvantage to using the ultrasonic regularly. I would just make sure the pen and nib are not sitting in the ultrasonic for days at a time.
Another great video, Tom! For vintage pens, are there other inks you would recommend to use other than the standard Waterman Serenity Blue or Mysterious Blue as “safe” in use with a vintage fountain pen?
I would definitely trust Waterman inks the most. I would also trust my vintage pens with either Sailor or Robert Oster inks (except super-saturated sheening inks or shimmer inks).
What are the differences among the Sailor Pro Gear, Pro Gear Slim, Pro Gear Realo, and any other Pro Gear models that might be out there? I’ve also heard there is a difference between Sailor’s ‘old’ and ‘new’ nibs. Any details you might share in this regard will be much appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Tom! Thanks for an interesting video! My question is why do you think the titanium nibs are the quite high in the popularity just after stainless steel and gold materials? And what are characteristics of a titanium nib?
I’ve been wanting to get into shimmer ink, but I’m not sure which one to start with, there are so many. Which shimmer inks do you recommend for a beginner?
Question: How careful does one have to be putting nibs/converters/syringes into bottles of ink with regard to contamination? Besides rinsing/cleaning, is there way to safely sanitize items being placed in the ink bottle? Is it at all necessary?
What is the best multipen? I've become obsessed with the Lamy 2000 multipen, now I wanna know more about them: what's the smoothest one? which one has the most colors?
Thank you again for the great video! So for my question, it is one that continues to plague me when I consider purchasing a new fountain pen. What are the defining characteristics of the Jowo nib versus the Bock nib? Are there differences in the way they write and what are they? Are there some fountain pen brands that use only one or other? Thanks again, Tom!
The answer to your question has a lot of nuance. Not all Bock nibs are the same, nor are all Jowo nibs the same. Some brands might even use both manufacturers for different models. I think it might be best answered in it's own video.
Thanks Tom. Here's a question for you. Why does different paper stock show off the properties of ink so differently. Even the same brand can vary greatly. What gives?
Are there ballpoint/rollerball/mechanical pencils from some of these brands we know and love for their fountain pens? Lamy, pilot, kaweco, etc. I am getting my back-to-school list put together early this year and would love to know what goldspot recommends!
Learning about shimmer inks sparked a question about "sheening" inks in my head - how do you properly/safely use sheening inks in fountain pens? For example, I put Birmingham Pen Co Emerald Fusion in a Pelikan M200 Golden Beryl with high hopes of a beautiful pen/ink combo that wasn't so matchy-matchy. But the ink did not flow well out of the EF nib. Do you have any ideas of what went wrong? Should I choose a different brand of pen or a larger nib writing size? Or perhaps the ink itself was the issue?
Super-sheening inks sometimes have flow issues where the ink is so over saturated that it dries out in the nib quicker than most inks. There are products like Vanness' white lightning, that help the ink flow better when using drier inks.
Could you explain the differences between Pilot's size nibs? #10 vs. #15 vs. others? How do they compare to the more common #5 and #6 nibs? Is there a conversion rubric?
I'm pleased with my Caran de Ache cherry blossom set, but I'm a bit puzzled by the package. It doesn't seem to be up to Caran de Ache packaging standard. Are they cutting back?
What would you recommend for a first-time gold nib fountain pen? Up until now, I have been using steal nibs. (Also, is there a reason to get a "gold plated" nib, or are you paying more money for nothing?) Thanks!
Generally, a gold-plated stainless steel nib should cost the same as a "naked" stainless steel nib. For a first-time gold nib, I'd check out a Pilot Custom 74, E95S, or a Lamy 2000.
Liked the video a lot, Tom. I do have a question. The Caran d'Ache 849 is Avery nice and affordable pen. But the Goliath refill can be expensive. Does any one make a refill that'll work in the 849?
There are a few hacks to fit other brands of refills. The Gentleman Stationer has a good how-to article on this you can find here - www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2023/5/3/hacking-refills-alternatives-for-the-caran-dache-849-ballpoint
I have been voiding shimmer inks because of the horror stories I’ve read about cleaning. Now I have more than a couple of pens, I think I could dedicate one pen to shimmer inks. Two question- does any of the shimmer come off the page? And what would be a good starter shimmer ink? Something bright please.
Q: if I wanted to do a custom grind myself but have never done one before would you have any recommendations on ways of learning to do it? Or would you recommend doing it at all? Thanks!!
I've dabbled a bit myself, using RUclips videos as my resource for knowledge and then messing around with cheap nibs. It takes a lot of trial and error, patience, and a Dremel rotary tool. If you like tinkering, it's a fun way to appreciate the fountain pen hobby.
I'm still afraid to use certain inks in my pens and because whenever I use them, they kinda stain the area around the furthest back position of the piston. How does one clean behind that area in a pen/converter that can't be disassembled!
Q: I want to start learning calligraphy, and I'm wondering what you think are the best beginner tools for this and the choice of tools as you get better.
Continuing about shimmer inks - how do YOU agitate the shimmer ink bottle? I slowly rotate it a lot, until all particles are in suspension... I've been told it's not quite ok, as there would be too much shimmer when inking the pen... So what is "The Way"??
I love Retro 51 Tornados (yes Autumn Leaves is my favorite!) can you suggest a ballpoint refill for them that has good flow and several color choices? Of course I am looking for a matching purple…:)
Do you like the flow of the capless rollerball refill that comes with the pen? They now make a purple version of it you can find here - goldspot.com/products/retro-51-retractable-rollerball-refill-in-purple-for-tornado-pens
I have a couple of those in my Goldspot cart right now! :) I don’t write with black, and the R51 branded rollerball that comes with the R51s are too broad for me, but I will try the purple refills, maybe they are a bit finer?
Hi Tom, my nephew is starting school in august and I would like to buy him a fountain pen for school. What kind of fountain pen would you suggest for a seven year old? and what nib size is the best for a beginner? thank you
I haven't handled a "bulk filler" fountain pen before. I know they're quite popular with the brand CONID but I couldn't tell you why they would be more desirable than other filling mechanisms.
Platinum Pens and Sailor have the honors for "finest of the fine." A Sailor or Platinum EF nib is going to be finer than any other brand's extra fine point.
Hi Tom, somewhat of a fountain pen newbie here. I'm wondering what are the advantages and disadvantages between different nib materials? I've been eyeing some gold nib pens, but am wondering if the price difference between gold nibs and steel nibs are justified by the writing experience. Also rhodium plated nibs? How are they different?
![[Special Clip] ATEEZ(에이티즈) 홍중 'Why Do You Love'](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/I6XYXQKN_pY/mqdefault.jpg)
![Tee Grizzley - Detroit (Feat. 42 Dugg) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/aeKfTtt0x14/mqdefault.jpg)
I really appreciate that you keep your videos short, yet pack a lot of useful information into each of them. I seldom have time to listen to hour plus presentations and have little patience for listening to chatter that is irrelevant to me. I also know from experience that it is a lot easier to ramble on for a long time than it is to prepare something that is concise and informative, so thanks for making that effort. My question: what fountain pen brands consistently produce pens that write as they should right out of the box? Relatedly: is it unreasonable of me to expect any pen costing, say, $75 or more to perform well immediately?
Ah, Kris allowed you back! 😄
The Pilot con 40 converter makes it a good one for shimmer ink because of the ball bearings. It’s similar to nail polish. Also, to keep the shimmer from settling, gently shake the pen like it’s a fidget pen. Or, just use a dip pen.
Can you discuss different nibs such as italic, architecture, fine-medium, etc.? Also, the differences between nibs made in different places, Japanese nibs, German nibs, etc.? I've always wondered.... Thank you - always enjoy your videos.
Definitely agree with your pick of the 849 for smooth ballpoint writing!
Hey Tom, thanks for another great video! What is YOUR favorite shimmer ink?
My pleasure! That's a tough one. There are so many beautiful colors out there. I can't pick just one! At the moment, I'm enjoying the shimmer inks that were part of the Diamine Inkvent Green edition, particularly Dusted Truffle.
link - goldspot.com/products/diamine-inkvent-green-edition-shimmer-bottled-ink-in-dusted-truffle-50-ml
I love how (noncanonically I think for myself) Sailor probably went like 'hey so you like these colors from our competitors and imitators, so we're bringing it to you legit!', instead of throwing a hissy fit :D I feel a little bad for owning a little too many original Sailor pens honestly, so its advisable if you feel like slimming down from Jinhao 82/992 hoard to choose one legit color and nib, they now provide(keep one copy for carry)
"Dusting shimmer all over the page" I see this as a pro 😂🤩
Thanks Tom for another great video. I’m excited about the new Sailor 1911s! My Q is: which ink do you almost always come back again and again when testing new pens?
A soft bristled tooth brush works well to clean the feed of shimmer inks.
Thank you Tom, always great content. My question is how clean is clean when cleaning pens - should the nib always run clear? There are times when I think a pen is totally but then still leaves a tint of the former ink on a paper towel when dried.
Which "well behaved" ink would you recommend I should use to test my new pens?
I mean to see how wet and smooth the nib is.
I use Clairefontaine paper, and never know if it's the nib or the ink that is a bit on dry side. 😅
Thank you! ❤
Q: Do you match your ink with your pens? Or do you use ALL the inks with your pens?
The inkvents are such a neat way to get to try lots of different colors I hope they do another this year, so I can try one.
My question: What to do with a pen that’s not writing? I have a fountain pen that wrote ok at first (Noodlers sunrise ink) and now it won’t write at all. A couple of words then stops. It has fresh ink in it, and I cleaned it heavy, and tried water to see if that would help. I don’t know if it’s dry or what. I have had it for only two months give or take. It only sat about a day without use.
Thanks for your question. I'm sorry to read you are having trouble with your fountain pen.
I made a video to help troubleshoot - ruclips.net/video/CydUDpr3s2U/видео.html
I would like to know if you should base a pen purchase on favorite brand or have a variety? That dusted truffle is so pretty!
Thanks, Tom, for the clear and articulate video. There are so many varieties of ink available now, with so many features. Some claim to clean the pen while you write, others say they protect the pen, lubricate the pen, etc. To what degree, if any, might these factors interact badly with one another and/or with the pen? I'm wondering about vac fillers, pens with plungers, vintage pens that have an ink sac.
Also, thank you Tom for contributing to The Ink Guy's video on the excellent seal on the Platinum Curidas.
Hi Tom! Appreciate your videos. My question: How often should we clean our fountain pens once inked?
Hi Tom! Do you have any suggestions for an ink I can use with a steel-nibbed dip pen? I got one as a gift recently. Thanks for all the informative videos!
I have been enjoying your new video format lately and find that it is informative and succinct. I have been mainly using Noodler's bulletproof inks and DeAtrementis Document inks because I like inks that at least resist exposure to water or spilled coffee. lol. How do the Diamine inks perform when exposed to water? Are they still legible or do they get washed away? Thanks.
Sometimes it’s best to use a pencil - either mechanical or wooden - rather than a pen. Which pencils do you recommend? Thanks for another great episode, Tom!
Question: Would you recommend using an ultrasonic cleaner to get shimmers out? Is there a disadvantage to using them frequently? ❤🎉Thanks for this informative review. I had both my children listen because they never believed me when I told them these shimmer inks are off limits!!! 😂😅
We use the ultrasonic here in the office for heavy clogs or pens that don't completely rinse out after repeated flushes. I don't see any disadvantage to using the ultrasonic regularly. I would just make sure the pen and nib are not sitting in the ultrasonic for days at a time.
Yeah!!! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I was concerned but now I feel 💯x better
Another great video, Tom! For vintage pens, are there other inks you would recommend to use other than the standard Waterman Serenity Blue or Mysterious Blue as “safe” in use with a vintage fountain pen?
I would definitely trust Waterman inks the most. I would also trust my vintage pens with either Sailor or Robert Oster inks (except super-saturated sheening inks or shimmer inks).
What are the differences among the Sailor Pro Gear, Pro Gear Slim, Pro Gear Realo, and any other Pro Gear models that might be out there?
I’ve also heard there is a difference between Sailor’s ‘old’ and ‘new’ nibs. Any details you might share in this regard will be much appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Tom! Thanks for an interesting video! My question is why do you think the titanium nibs are the quite high in the popularity just after stainless steel and gold materials? And what are characteristics of a titanium nib?
I would love to share with more people my love for writing, so how can i convince my friends and family to get in the Fountain Pen hobby ?
Thanks. Enjoyed the review. As a beginner, what shimmer ink would be a good one for me to start using? Also, please explain what chameleon inks are.
I’ve been wanting to get into shimmer ink, but I’m not sure which one to start with, there are so many. Which shimmer inks do you recommend for a beginner?
Question: How careful does one have to be putting nibs/converters/syringes into bottles of ink with regard to contamination? Besides rinsing/cleaning, is there way to safely sanitize items being placed in the ink bottle? Is it at all necessary?
What is the best multipen? I've become obsessed with the Lamy 2000 multipen, now I wanna know more about them: what's the smoothest one? which one has the most colors?
Oooh, the Lamy 2000 4-color pen is an excellent one to start with. I don't know if I could recommend a better one!
Thank you again for the great video! So for my question, it is one that continues to plague me when I consider purchasing a new fountain pen. What are the defining characteristics of the Jowo nib versus the Bock nib? Are there differences in the way they write and what are they? Are there some fountain pen brands that use only one or other? Thanks again, Tom!
The answer to your question has a lot of nuance. Not all Bock nibs are the same, nor are all Jowo nibs the same. Some brands might even use both manufacturers for different models. I think it might be best answered in it's own video.
Thanks Tom. Here's a question for you. Why does different paper stock show off the properties of ink so differently. Even the same brand can vary greatly. What gives?
Are there ballpoint/rollerball/mechanical pencils from some of these brands we know and love for their fountain pens? Lamy, pilot, kaweco, etc. I am getting my back-to-school list put together early this year and would love to know what goldspot recommends!
Learning about shimmer inks sparked a question about "sheening" inks in my head - how do you properly/safely use sheening inks in fountain pens? For example, I put Birmingham Pen Co Emerald Fusion in a Pelikan M200 Golden Beryl with high hopes of a beautiful pen/ink combo that wasn't so matchy-matchy. But the ink did not flow well out of the EF nib. Do you have any ideas of what went wrong? Should I choose a different brand of pen or a larger nib writing size? Or perhaps the ink itself was the issue?
Super-sheening inks sometimes have flow issues where the ink is so over saturated that it dries out in the nib quicker than most inks. There are products like Vanness' white lightning, that help the ink flow better when using drier inks.
@@GoldspotPens thanks for the response! I'll be sure to check out some white lightning :)
Could you explain the differences between Pilot's size nibs? #10 vs. #15 vs. others? How do they compare to the more common #5 and #6 nibs? Is there a conversion rubric?
I'm pleased with my Caran de Ache cherry blossom set, but I'm a bit puzzled by the package. It doesn't seem to be up to Caran de Ache packaging standard. Are they cutting back?
What would you recommend for a first-time gold nib fountain pen? Up until now, I have been using steal nibs. (Also, is there a reason to get a "gold plated" nib, or are you paying more money for nothing?) Thanks!
Generally, a gold-plated stainless steel nib should cost the same as a "naked" stainless steel nib. For a first-time gold nib, I'd check out a Pilot Custom 74, E95S, or a Lamy 2000.
Liked the video a lot, Tom. I do have a question. The Caran d'Ache 849 is Avery nice and affordable pen. But the Goliath refill can be expensive. Does any one make a refill that'll work in the 849?
There are a few hacks to fit other brands of refills. The Gentleman Stationer has a good how-to article on this you can find here - www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2023/5/3/hacking-refills-alternatives-for-the-caran-dache-849-ballpoint
@@GoldspotPens thanks for the tip
I have been voiding shimmer inks because of the horror stories I’ve read about cleaning. Now I have more than a couple of pens, I think I could dedicate one pen to shimmer inks. Two question- does any of the shimmer come off the page? And what would be a good starter shimmer ink? Something bright please.
Q: if I wanted to do a custom grind myself but have never done one before would you have any recommendations on ways of learning to do it? Or would you recommend doing it at all? Thanks!!
I've dabbled a bit myself, using RUclips videos as my resource for knowledge and then messing around with cheap nibs. It takes a lot of trial and error, patience, and a Dremel rotary tool. If you like tinkering, it's a fun way to appreciate the fountain pen hobby.
I'm still afraid to use certain inks in my pens and because whenever I use them, they kinda stain the area around the furthest back position of the piston. How does one clean behind that area in a pen/converter that can't be disassembled!
Q: I want to start learning calligraphy, and I'm wondering what you think are the best beginner tools for this and the choice of tools as you get better.
This is a great resource to start with - goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/best-calligraphy-fountain-pens
Continuing about shimmer inks - how do YOU agitate the shimmer ink bottle? I slowly rotate it a lot, until all particles are in suspension... I've been told it's not quite ok, as there would be too much shimmer when inking the pen... So what is "The Way"??
To quote the poetry of OutKast, "shake it like a Polaroid picture."
Seriously, though, I would shake the bottle until there are no more deposits of shimmer particles settled at the bottom.
What do I need to know about iron gall inks?
I love Retro 51 Tornados (yes Autumn Leaves is my favorite!) can you suggest a ballpoint refill for them that has good flow and several color choices? Of course I am looking for a matching purple…:)
Do you like the flow of the capless rollerball refill that comes with the pen? They now make a purple version of it you can find here - goldspot.com/products/retro-51-retractable-rollerball-refill-in-purple-for-tornado-pens
I have a couple of those in my Goldspot cart right now! :) I don’t write with black, and the R51 branded rollerball that comes with the R51s are too broad for me, but I will try the purple refills, maybe they are a bit finer?
What is your favourite Diamine Inkvent green edition ink? I personally really like Olive Swirl.
I really enjoyed Dusted Truffle.
Which fountain pens or nib sizes are more shimmer ink friendly?
I use TWSBI GO for shimmer inks.
Do you know if they are planning inkvent calendar or has this run its natural course?
Yes, there shall be an Inkvent 2023. Coming this fall!
Hi Tom, my nephew is starting school in august and I would like to buy him a fountain pen for school. What kind of fountain pen would you suggest for a seven year old? and what nib size is the best for a beginner? thank you
I'd check out the Faber-Castell Grip or the Lamy Safari for starters. A fine nib should work well for either brand.
I still have NO idea what diamines "chameleon" designation means on their colors
Q: What is a "bulk filler" pen, and why would I want one? BTW, that gargantuan Safari on your set is fantastic! I wish you would sell them. ;)
I haven't handled a "bulk filler" fountain pen before. I know they're quite popular with the brand CONID but I couldn't tell you why they would be more desirable than other filling mechanisms.
Can you share about pen sleeves or cases for everyday carry to work or school? 1-3 fountain pens for me. I am looking for stylish and durable.
What pens have an especially fine extra fine? “The finest of the fine?”
Platinum Pens and Sailor have the honors for "finest of the fine." A Sailor or Platinum EF nib is going to be finer than any other brand's extra fine point.
The sailor compass already come in similar colors so I won't be buying them again just to get gold nibs.
Hi Tom, somewhat of a fountain pen newbie here. I'm wondering what are the advantages and disadvantages between different nib materials? I've been eyeing some gold nib pens, but am wondering if the price difference between gold nibs and steel nibs are justified by the writing experience. Also rhodium plated nibs? How are they different?
This is a VISUAL medium. Don't just park-n-bark.