Responding to Drew Brown and his 10 pens

[@March22012]

I am completely uninterested in reducing my collection. Each pen gives me great pleasure and they don’t take nearly as much room as my books. I can ink up an old pen and it’s like a brand new experience all over again. Why would I deny myself that in-house pleasure? Especially as my world begins to shrink. Save the pens!

[@DWhoLover]

My take on Drew’s video: No one actually needs fountain pens. Not 10, not any. I collect because I enjoy them. It’s never going to be about need anyway, so I own the amount that brings me joy, and that’s more than 10.

[@rgcainmd]

Right on!

[@oscarmedina1597]

I must agree with many of the comments here; I have absolutely zero interest in reducing my pen collection- let alone by someone else’s arbitrarily-defined categories. It’s my collection, and I don’t have to justify it to anyone. What matters is that I enjoy all of it.

[@Gouletpens]

Remember - I also said at the beginning of that video that "There is no reason that you should take anything I say in this video any more seriously than you would a rambling, incoherent yelp review about gas station pizza." 😉 - Drew

[@PensandTea]

Hey I wrote that rambling, incoherent yelp review about gas station pizza 😆😆😆😆so I take it very seriously lol

[@arnaupuig5097]

​@@PensandTea
Carey!!!!!
How are you?
What is your job? ???

[@denniskirschbaum9109]

Why do you feel you need to go down to ten pens? What is magic about ten? Don't do it! Keep all the pens you love. It's not like collecting automobiles; they don't take up that much room. If you love it, keep it!

[@NuryPPanaligan]

Need is different from want. You only NEED 1 pen, not even a fountain pen. 1 isn't a typo. But it's fine to want and own 200 fountain pens if that makes you happy.

[@arguchik]

I'm going to join the choir in saying that it's not necessary to part with any pen (or any item) that you love and enjoy using. I recently had the experience of losing three of my favorite Kaweco Sport pens. They were in a Galen Leather molded leather case designed for Sport pens. I moved to a new place and the case with all 3 pens got lost. They weren't basic plastic Sports, unfortunately. They were: Brass Sport, AL Sport raw aluminum, and an Art Sport in metallic green from a few years ago (it's gorgeous). It's been almost 3 weeks now, and they haven't turned up. As I have gotten used to the idea that they are irretrievably lost, I've been thinking about whether and how to replace them, and I realized that the only one I would replace is the AL Sport raw aluminum. I would love to be able to also replace the Art Sport, but I'm quite certain that I won't be able to find one at a price that I can afford. The new Art Sports are pretty, but none of them really "speak" to me. I love the aesthetics of the Brass Sport, but I think it's too heavy. The AL Sport is the most recent acquisition of the three, and it immediately claimed the spot of "favorite Sport pen." And now...I wouldn't have considered getting rid of either the Brass Sport or the Art Sport, but now that they're gone I don't feel a strong need to replace them. So I think it's fine to think about which pens you truly love, vs. which you are holding onto out of inertia. By all means sell off any that fall into the latter category. But if you truly love more than ten pens, keep them!

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

I feel zero inclination to reduce my pen collection. I'm happy having a gazillion pens inked at once of all types and sizes.

[@sahrandipity]

I love Drew Brown and I get why he makes his hot takes on stuff, since it's great reassurance to the people who want to be part of the fountain pen world but can't afford to keep a Brian Goulet size collection. I love that he does stuff that makes fountain pens feel more accessible to everyone! But!! That doesn't mean he's trying to convert everyone to limiting themselves, and last time I checked he had way more than ten pens himself... So I'm getting all kinds of feelings right now because I have the same kind of love for some of the pens I've got that don't constantly get inked up and used. I mean, yes, try to keep it real in terms of storage and spending, but don't go denying yourself the joy your pens bring you just because it feels excessive to some other people out there! I don't even think Drew would condone you holding yourself to ten pens if it was going to make you sad to get rid of the rest! He literally just bought himself a 40 pen case recently! His 3 pen system is about not wanting to clean them all the time, not about not wanting to own as few pens as possible. I'm sorry for getting so involved.. I've kinda come to the hobby straight out of denying myself joy, so I maybe get a little upset when I worry other people are doing it to themselves... I'll stop now. Lol

[@helenskibinski9742]

Why not just limit yourself to ten pens a month but switch to a different 10 the next month? That way, you'll rotate through the collection and have enough variety so that you don't get bored and start buying new/more pens. You can also decide if there are pens that you've fallen out of love with or straight up don't like and just sell those.

[@aprils.]

This is an excellent idea!

[@wildwolf3343]

I really enjoyed this video Kerry, and I enjoyed Drews' also. My "hot take" is that you should keep more than ten pens, especially if you love them and use them! I say this as someone who owns 9 fountain pens: 4 of them are favourites. I think I will stop at 15 or so. I've been quite lucky really. It's hard to decide what to buy when you can't get your hands on a pen first. How about adding some more categories, i.e. "Parker Pens", Christmas Pen, Harvest Pen, Birthday Pen, Summer Pen, Moving Home pen :-) These are critical categories that Drew forgot about.....

[@ichirofakename]

For drawing, I insist on having a very wide selection of different nibs - 13 actually. I can't get below that number. As I use many colors in one drawing, it would be convenient to have multiples of each nib, say 3. That puts me at 39, max. Currently I have 50, so it is definitely time to stop buying and start purging.

[@jayebird1070]

The AstroGem Midas is also one I'm thinking about. I love how easy it is to swap my Benu nibs between each-other depending on what ink I want in which pen...
And while I understand people wanting to put up guardrails for their pen collections, 10 seems an artificially low number if you love the pens you have. We lived overseas for several years, and put most of our stuff in storage. Did I manage with the select goods we took with us? Absolutely. But I was also so so happy to get back to our furniture, art work, blankets, photos, the rest of my yarn collection, etc... that we had left behind for those years.

[@s.n.11]

I honestly don't understand the appeal of having less fountain pens. It blows away the "collectionism" part of it. I don't only use fp, I collect them. I like them all that's why I bought them in the first place.😊
By the way, just curious about your current Kaweco sports/al-sports collection. We haven't seen those babies in a while.

[@rgcainmd]

Yes, as a Kaweco Sport nut, I’d love to see your current Sport lineup!

[@billclockwell]

The "only keep three pens inked up at a time" rule has always eluded me, as a student I always have 4 pens in blue, black, red and green inks on me for note taking and often a violet one too, and a stub for fancy, so thats like 6 pen I use daily, but pretty soon I'll stop being a student for I guess have to remember that next year

[@martham9980]

I don’t think Drew was saying anyone should whittle down their collection, but rather that a new collector could build out a fine set with one pen from each category.

[@ChrisGVE]

I own way too many pens and ink bottles, to the point where it’s irrational (400+ pens, ~500 inks), but I would not get rid of most of them. I’d be ok with some really cheapos from China (probably around 100-150) but otherwise as I try to rotate them 1) I use them 2) they all give me satisfaction. Now I’m finalizing the purchase of a grail of grail pen (ref penultimate Dave for the definition), I’m probably not going to buy any more pen this year to avoid risking my marriage:) my 2 cents about your dilemma though is that I don’t get how you can put pens like the metropolitan or pocket pens in the same bucket as your more special ones like Pelikan, aurora, Visconti, Platinum, and also Benu since you love them so much seeing all your videos (btw I have bought Benus because, or rather thanks to you). My comment is not about price or snobbism for gold nibs, just that some pens are in a different league either in quality (or satisfaction when using them) or emotion attached to them. I’d rather abstain from buying more than just selling pens on an arbitrary number. But that’s my own personal view only and I wouldn’t judge or criticize anyone thinking differently.
I’m really glad you are back making videos! It’s a pleasure to see you again and enjoy your good humor. I hope things are getting better with your cat!
Chris

[@psa7211]

I just don't get the reasom to keep yourself to 10 pens. If you love it keep it. If you don't love it down the road sell it. You love pens, why sell them. Why stress yourself trying to keep yourself to 10? You have collected treasures, why force yourself to 10. I get setting a goal of 10 for a month. 10 for 6 may be a real challenge. For Drew who works at a pen company it is easier, he sees and has access to hurndreds, so personally having 10 is different than for most. I love fountain pens and have btw 30 and 40. I probably could part with a few, but not 20 or 30 of them. I want more, but am more selective than when I started.

[@aprils.]

I am really good at keeping my numbers manageable, but I would strongly discourage you from forcibly removing pens from your collection if you have a genuine attachment to them. If you feel like you have excess, then you at least subconsciously know which ones should be on the chopping block. Don’t force yourself to stick to some arbitrary number just because it sounds like a good idea in the moment. At the very least, gather up and count each of your most beloved pens. Then, base your number on that - and make sure you have reasonable existing space for each of them.

[@denniskirschbaum9109]

Someone may have had a lot of caffeinated tea with their pens today! High energy!

[@karmesindryade]

I have only sold some (very expensive) pens around 20 years ago when I needed the money. I love all of my pens and use them all (approx. 15-20 are always inked and if one runs dry it is cleaned and replaced ba another one - except 5 pens which are always inked and always with the same ink). There are maybe 2 or 3 pens which I would sell if someone asked me (because they are not my favourites) but I have no intention to reduce my collection. But I can understand that someone wants to focus only on their favourites. Anyway - everyone needs a TWSBI Swipe!!! At least one - I love this pen.

[@NighthawkEnforcer]

I have to say I don’t agree with the 10 pen theory. The fact is if we had to, we could get by with 1 pen and it would be ok. But the beauty is I don’t have to. Adding another pen to the collection in a way that doesn’t put financial burden on me or my ability to provide for my family is something I’m happy to do. So no. I wouldn’t reduce my collection to 10 pens or less. I won’t go into debt to get a new pen, but I won’t stop buying pens I like and can afford. I’m waiting for the new Pilot 823 with the signature nib as we speak!!

[@courtneyruss9122]

My position in this is going to be similar to others. You do you. You don’t need any fountain pens, you shouldn’t need to reduce your collection. My fountain pen collection is large but probably much smaller than some. I enjoy all the pens I own and if things change I will trade, sell, or give the pen away.
There seems to be a push for you need this or you need to do this when it comes to things like this which nobody needs to get started in period. It’s a hobby and like all of my other hobbies it’s simply something I want to do but will never need to do.
I did enjoy seeing what pens seem to be your most favorite which I believe would be the more appropriate theme.

[@karenkhadaganepstein8719]

Please do the Benu nib comparison - it would be cool to see. Also, if you hit the six months, then sell half of the unused pens. That's probably a less intimidating ideal and will give lots of folks new pens for the holidays.

[@AlejandroPato-Fuego]

Oh it was drew brown. I thought we were talking about dr brown. Does drew hone all his collectible items to 10? I bet not. I bet he has more than 10 action figures or 10 wacky tee shirts or 10 videos games

[@artpherr]

Can't wait to hear how the experiment went!!

[@jadenlightnight7695]

Hi just recently found ur channel. And I just bought a sheaffer fp. I've had a few b4. But this I'd the 1st 1 I actually bought to start my collection. I find it may take a me a while b4 I build up my collection after this 1st 1 tho. But I'm very excited about this new hobby. & want to learn more about fps & writing in general. ✍️

[@tinadroldan]

Yes i want to see the comparison of the Benu nibs pretty please

[@joanwerthman4116]

Okay, here’s my gut reaction:
1. The tenth pen should be your grail pen or if that’s out of reach, an art pen. That’s to say the pen which amounts to a work of art. Something in urushi, perhaps.
2. I enjoyed Drew’s video in terms of these amount to what you need for a full fountain pen experience. It reminded me of an article I got in Google about how you need to experience an ultra fine, which is not scratchy if it’s made properly. That’s what got me into fine nibs when I tend towards medium and broad to show off more ink.
3. Ultimately, it’s a hobby which is there to make you happy. So consider this an experiment to find if and how limiting yourself makes you happy. I think your old standard of finding good homes for pens you don’t use enough makes more sense, especially when space is limited. But this challenge sounds like an excellent way to find out your true favorites.
At the least, it should be an excellent adventure for you.

[@mellow-jello]

Kerry, you can make it to the 6 month challenge, which November 5th, but November 1st will be Fountain Pen Day. So the tough times will be ahead of you, if you decide to take the plunge of culling your collection to a dozen pens. Wish you luck nonetheless.

[@rgcainmd]

Regarding keeping only 10 pens after your 30-day experiment: DON’T DO IT!!! I don’t personally know you, but I sincerely doubt you’d be happy with only ten pens. I’m certain you would regret selling the rest.

[@jolienkrispijn]

This is a fun video, Kerry! Thanks :)
As for the Kaweko's that are sold out in most places, I think art from the heart in the UK have some. They may not ship to Canada, but I assume someone in the UK is willing to help you with that (I don't live in the UK, so can't help, sorry about that. But I've visited the store because I was there last weekend.

[@debpaynepurnell6131]

I picked my top 10 pens, but noticed that Sailor didn't make it.

[@JosephDickson]

I could do three:
- TWSBI Eco grey ink, journaling and sketching
- Kaweko Sport Black Ink, pocket and travel
- Pilot Custom 823 Blue Black Ink, writing and journaling

[@kanorah]

I think this is a funny conversation. My current diplomat magnum, narwhal original+, twsbi 580 and 5 ecos is the most pens I've owned at once in 4 decades.

[@NotesFromPastAmy]

What an interesting challenge. I will not be joining because this is the hot take from his video that I disagreed most with -a 10 pen collection would not be enjoyable for me. i appreciated that his list was half about the pens bodies and half about the nibs, but I need flex nib options when I use a flex pen (like three flex nibs inked with different colors). The same goes for fine nibs. I also enjoy specialty grinds so I would need at least a 20 pen collection (I think I have about 25) to keep the hobby enjoyable and not quit writing due to lack of variety in my writing instruments. I keep all my pens inked all the time
That said, I hope this challenge provides you with some good content and you learn something from it. I look forward to seeing what you put in spot number ten!

[@joistevens4454]

It’s funny that this popped up because I was just doing a currently inked for May in my notebook and I thought this is stupid, I have almost 18 pens inked! I say almost, because I have a pen on the way😂
I think I need a nib size in every pen. And then how do I narrow down my ink choices. But this is helping me to make some decisions. I bought a pen roll so that I can put the empties in there. so far it’s sitting totally empty. Six months is a long time 😮 for only 9/10 pens!

[@wildlyimaginable]

Girl that would be a resounding NO for me, especially when you ended with your challenge, after 6 months of using only 10 pens, keep those 10 and sell the rest at that point??? Oooh, I’m having withdrawal systems just thinking about it. On the other hand, I do like the list and think it would be fun to see what pens I would chose for each category but…..……yeh no, they will all staying with me. Also my only impulse purchase was a pen I said I would never own cause i felt the brand was too glitzy for me……my BENU Earl Grey. 😍 Thinking of it, I might had that to the list this Qu, what was an impulse purchase that, in the end, I was completely satisfied with? Yup, my BEEG.

[@carolyncoppola974]

Hmm, I’ve been trying to downsize my 27 pens for a while now. Now I’m being challenged to 10. 😮 That’s not even fair considering I still have another 5 or so on my wish list! 🤭. But I did narrow down this list and will try to see how much will power I have. I’m going to watch Drew’s video and have some fun with this and see how far I get! As usual - great video! Thanks again! God bless you!

[@cd3694]

I’m not sure why you feel you need to limit yourself to 10 pens. You have a great collection, enjoy it.

[@nccastro653]

My girlfriend tells me that all the time.
After 1 pen. It’s a collection. Be free. Enjoy it.
Don’t restrain yourself.
I guess the necessity comes from the need to justify spending money on something that is quite “useless” after a certain amount.
Do I write with all my pens?
No.
Do I have perfect pens ?
Plenty. From all prices. To montblanc to pilot metropolitans or jinhaos.
Do I want more pens ?
Yes😂

[@StaticCling99]

Yeah, I mean overwhelm is a thing, but if the idea of getting rid of the more treasured items to fit essentially a contrived game makes you unhappy, why do it? Cull the ones you care less for instead, if the collection feels out of hand.

[@profaltman]

Maybe someone said this above but you should link to Drew’s video in your head notes, both for convenience of listeners and because he inspired your post. No? Thanks for the content!

[@RobRutherford]

Sticking with 10 pens or even 1 pen is fine for some people. Personally I don't see the need for placing arbitrary limits, but everyone's situation and style is different. Enjoy your pens, get an acrylic pen rack to keep them out where you can see them.

[@amyfeigt6715]

I'm currently getting ready to fly home to visit family for a week & a half & i'm having trouble limiting myself to only 10 pens for my trip!...lol. I have 5 alone that I only use daily for work, so that would limit me to only 5 pens for "fun"...lol.

[@MrG0CE]

COULD U PLEASE, WHENEVER U CAN REVIEW THE FPR 14K ULTRAFLEX NIB?
THE JAIPUR V2 BLACK MATTE EBONITE LOOKS GREAT BTW ;)

[@justanotherdropwmatt1290]

I would take this the otherway. 10 is the minimum. I would compare each new pen to the archatypes that these are placed in. Then if a new pen does not compare, that becomes the next pen to sell. For me I try to buy pens that are unique in experience. (Smoothest nib, writes well on regular paper, lays down shading/shimmer good exc.) Then I recentlt bought a bunch of different notebooks. Different pens do better on difderent paper. Also I have a dragon notebook that has only had dragon pens written in it. Do you find pens tiring now? I would find different ways to utilize what you have. But cheers two trying a different way of thinking.

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

diamine writer's blood is one of my most favorite inks too! I also love a smooth and wet EF/F!!

[@richardharker2775]

I get the feeling your pens are like bicycles are to cyclists in that they become part of the family and are hard to let go. However I can understand that each have a personality suitable to a particular job whether practical or emotional.
I'm thinking of taking up ink writing but finding the plethora of pens and ink to be daunting for choice. Worse still in the current market is a lack of finding a place where I can test any pens since online has dramatically taken over retail shops and communication is usually an email if they bother to return your query. I worry a wrong choice may turn me off.
If you have an emotional attachment to your pens why let them go. They take up very little room.
I liked you video by the way, most enjoyable with a cup of hot, sweet tea.

[@mbsheisey]

I'm watching your video and agree with everybody else. You don't NEED any fountain pens. Needing and collecting are two different things. I agree with you about the TWISBI Swipe. I love the TWISBI Echo so I thought I would try the Swipe. The darn thing kept rolling off the table because of that accursed clip (or lack thereof). However, I am getting it out today and try again.

[@themisterchristie]

I think I could break down to 10 pens only, but I'm not sure of 1 from each various category. My 10 from my collection would be:
Pilot Elite
Platinum Pocket Pen
Sailor Mini Pocket Pen
Kaweco Sport
Jinhao x750 with the Fine Goulet Flex Nib
Jinhao 80 (a bash about pen)
Sheaffer Imperial II Touchdown
Platinum Preppy (bash about and capacity as it's eye-droppered)
Jinhao 100 Centenial Mini
Eclipse Vis-O-Ray (oldest pen in my collection with a nice red + pink celuloid)

[@liza5532]

Well I do think his categories might need tweaking. I'm new at this but I've seen so many people have a collection within their collection so isn't that a thing? One of every color of Kaweco sports for example or I did a handful of Jinhau 82s just to mix them up. To me they are one thing, but if I would only pick one, it probably would be whatever held the Writer's Blood.

[@tbayless8324]

Np Kaweco's not a fan, suggestion buy some Jinhao 82 mini's They feel better holding them and the Fude nib they offer, so much fun.

[@liza5532]

@@tbayless8324 yeah, I've noticed there isn't a lot of talk about Fudè nibs yet with the pen store podcasters. That should be on some category, right?

[@tbayless8324]

@@liza5532 I suppose. It's more for Japanese.. Chinese characters
It is that you can write fine to very Broad with those nibs. Cuts down on having more pens out for me at least

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

I, too, was captivated by the Benu AstroGem Midas! I pre-ordered it and I'm awaiting its arrival!

[@ricfraser7436]

I at one point tried to whistle down my collection down to 12 but I found I really enjoy the one I have and I don't see myself selling any soon

[@gynechiatrist]

An interesting topic. Again, I have never made it all the way through any of your videos. “but I digress” more than I can endure.

[@nourin_siddique]

I would say sell pens you don't like anymore. Like maybe kaweco sports?? But don't sell all. Looking at them is also part of the beauty

[@AlejandroPato-Fuego]

I don’t understand. Yes anyone could live with 10 pens but why? Why would you do that? Do you have too many books? Why don’t you sell all but 30 of your books? Maybe because you like having them they give you joy. Same with the pens. At least with the books you could maybe visit a few in the library. I get the use only 10 pens for 30 days or a set period of time. You might gain an appreciation of your other pens. Oh well it is an interesting concept but one I would not entertain. Yes I need to sell some pens but not the ones I love or to get down to an arbitrary small number. All good great video. Thanks for being a singing fountain pen knucklehead.

[@glennkelley6096]

Need can be determined mathematically as A+B=C .
A, the number of pens you own.
B,1
C,the number you need

[@johntaylor8817]

Hi. I went from over 100 pens to 5 pens, it was a Revelation.🤗 cheers from Australia.🦘

[@McAmeron089III]

I think the Kaweco ART Sport you referred to is called "Hickory Brown".
Never want to be without my Dark Bleu Demo,Jinhao Shark pen(s). Nor the Yellow (Lemon Shark).

[@karenholden4740]

This is awesome video thanks!

[@sruckel]

I have about 12 favorite pens, but have a number that are good, but some I need to sell. Where do you sell your pens?

[@cazkiwinz4300]

Hmmmm…. I have to buy 3 more pens to get to a 10 collection 🤔🤔🤔

[@ladyamalthea85]

I enjoyed Drew's video, I get his perspective but there's no way I'll stick to 10. I'm only a few months into the hobby and already own 8.

[@rgcainmd]

Arrggghhhh! Remove the darned sticker from your Pilot Custom 912!

[@IreneFaivre]

Noooo!!!! You CAN NOT sell your other Benu Euphorias! Those are you. I can 't afford a Benu Euphoria...well, actually I'm just to cheap, but I still enjoy them vicariously through your experiences. Not the Euphorias! No No No!!!

[@kevinlandon7578]

I reject outright the concept of limiting oneself to only 10 fountain pens. I could not limit my list to only 10 flagship/grail pens. Let anyone have as many or as few pens as they wish.

[@oyo74]

"You don't need more than 10 Pens" Hu ?! How dare you! 😄 10 is more or less my monthly pens in rotation. Just enjoy your pens.

[@elude3808]

It's a good idea to let go of pens when having too many (if you are not a collector). I'm doing the same with other things I own...

[@Goldilockszone123]

I believe Drew has around 80 fountain pens

[@archivist17]

Calm down, people, the FBI are not going to swoop and prise your excess pens from your cold, dead, hands! 😂 It's just a fun intellectual exercise, for goodness sake 🙄

[@impish22]

thanks for sharing

[@kiraniumbra]

Yay!

[@davegoodridge8352]

Fountain Pens are like potato chips.

[@johnadams8701]

Oh, reason not the need. King Lear

[@PenFriends]

He’s not wrong though. You don’t neeeeed more than 10 pens, you may want more ? But actually need?

[@kevinfitzgerald626]

I own so many pens.

[@miahoover9225]

That sounds painful. Keep 30 pens. They don't take up much room.

[@kitgenz1114]

I think this video started a whole "fountain pen shaming" controversy response on RUclips. The responses are baffling (as are some of the comments here). People are so offended by your own personal experiment with your collection. Although I'm not sure it was this video but I can't seem to find any other video that was the nexus of those responses.

[@petrisz]

18:13 😱😱

[@ttjnaaa]

Is that. An asparagus microphone? A mic. Attached to an asparagus. ?

[@ttjnaaa]

Upon closer inspection it could also be a Harry Potter wand.

[@rv6847]

I really want to see an asparagus microphone now! 😂 It would make a great running gag. This week, an asparagus, next week a tomato,...

[@ChrisBliss-ln1cq]

Last!😅

[@crapaudpoilu4333]

I don't understand the choice of "ten" pens, at all. Why not choose 12 a sacred number, or 13 a prime number, or whatever holy number according to your religion or philosophy. Where is the magic in this number 10. And 20, most of us, human beings, have got 20 fingers, haven't we ? Traditionally there were 12 pennies in a shilling and 20 shillings made a pound, wasn't that kind of magical ? Let's leave the dull decimal system and go back to the magic.
...And it'll allow you to keep more pens 😆

[@MrG0CE]

1ST !!!

[@tangohotellima1895]

Beautiful library! But question: why is this channel not named "Pens and Coffee"? 🫠

[@joanwerthman4116]

Originally she reviewed teas as well. It was the first part of her early videos.

[@tangohotellima1895]

@@joanwerthman4116 Ah, thanks! Senior knowledge is gold!🙏🏻