When my friend’s mother died, 10 years after his father died (a CEO of a company mining salt) we cleaned out the house. We filled dozens of large bags and during helping out I found an interesting looking fountain pen, red/brownish body with golden tip, very simple, and I thought it looked really nice and special. I handed it over to my friend who grabbed it and threw it into a trash bag together with hundreds of other markers, pens and office supplies. I haven’t stopped thinking about this innocent looking pen with its golden tip ever since. Just now I stumbled upon this video and finally can say, uh, what a bad decision, the fountain pen that went into the trash looked exactly like this Namiki Royal. RIP
Many of these are good buys and some of my own favorites. I got the chance to try the $2000 Namiki at a pen show and was VERY glad I didn't like it....but now the $700 Ishime is on my wish list and I didn't know that existed before. That's like saving $1300, right?
JESUS CHRIST died for us on a cross for our sins. 3 days after his death he resurrected and was, is, and will be The LIVING GOD. Repent from your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior in a prayer and also ask for the HOLY SPIRIT to come into you in that same prayer as well and have FAITH in JESUS CHRIST. You could come to Jesus Christ as you are, but once you accept Him, you have to become new, change, and be born again, and also turn away from your wicked ways. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. God Bless You. The Bible is the true word of God. Please read the Bible and you will see Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Praise only be to GOD. Give your life to CHRIST. JESUS CHRIST IS COMING SOON FOR HIS CHURCH.
JESUS CHRIST died for us on a cross for our sins. 3 days after his death he resurrected and was, is, and will be The LIVING GOD. Repent from your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior in a prayer and also ask for the HOLY SPIRIT to come into you in that same prayer as well and have FAITH in JESUS CHRIST. You could come to Jesus Christ as you are, but once you accept Him, you have to become new, change, and be born again, and also turn away from your wicked ways. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. God Bless You. The Bible is the true word of God. Please read the Bible and you will see Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Praise only be to GOD. Give your life to CHRIST. JESUS CHRIST IS COMING SOON FOR HIS CHURCH.
You should follow the lead of the automotive manufactures who list their sales figures by make and models, not colors. and list the top selling pens also by make and models, all regardless of color or nib combinations. It's not a fair comparison to compare pens that only come in one or two colors with models that have over a dozen colors, etc. You get my point. Thanks, it was still an interesting little video and made me click.
The only one on the list I own is the Lamy Vista. I bought it as a way to say thank you for all the free content you produce for us! I tend to get my pens in EF/F, but for the Vista I got B, and I finally see what all the fuss about shading is. 😊🖋 Thanks for scheduling this video to drop on Friday, to fill the void of the missing pencast 😅I hope you're all having a lovely time off. See you next week!
+1 for the Vista. I got it with a medium nib 'cause I found the fine on my Lamy Safari to be a bit too scratchy. Vista is now my favorite fountain pen.
I've wanted to buy a broad nib Lamy also to see what the fuss is about regarding broad pens, and I was initially leaning toward another AL-Star, but I might get the vista instead because I love demonstrators
My TWSBI DIAMOND 580ALR arrived a couple of weeks ago and I'm loving it. I'm using Diamine's Ancient Copper. I didn't buy the pen because i was a fan of fountain pens. It was recommended to me by my doctor because im developing arthritis in my wrist, and I do a lot of writing. Unlike his usual advice i actually followed through lol. Went through a few hiccups with cheap nasty pens but then discovered your videos on the 580. Life is so much easier now.
Thanks for the video bro I need one of those because I like to sketch and I need to update my skills and tools so that I can improve my skills So thanks
I own a few Pilots and Sailors, as well as pens from several other major brands as well. And absolutely the Diplomat Magnum punches WAY above its price point. I currently own two, and though very light, they don't feel flimsy or cheap. And they write way better than they have any right to considering their price point.
Thanks for showcasing my 3 favorite pens of all time - the Lamy 2000, any Sailor with their amazing gold nibs, and, of course, the Pilot 823. May I say that you have demonstrated the epitome of great taste lol 😹.
Great list! Happy to see two favorites of mine here, past (Lamy 2000) and present (Pilot Custom 823…so nice that I now somehow have two). Also putting in a good word for Visconti's Homo Sapiens Bronze Age, which I enjoyed writing with on occasion.
You said the NAMIKI YUKARI ROYALE is made of hard rubber so it isn’t heavy. However, the “body material” is “lacquered metal” according to your site. Is it possible you were thinking of the NAMIKI EMPEROR with the “body material” of ebonite? Great video as always.
I feel there should be a disclaimer, and that is that you guys don't sell Mont Blanc pens. I remember a podcast you's did years ago explaining the commitments you'd have to do to carry Mont Blanc and that's why you don't which I understand...but I would be very curious if you DID carry Mont Blanc pens if they would make this list and which ones.
I'm really suprised to not see any Faber Castell, Parker, or Waterman's mentioned. Though I'm a bit bias towards them. My first fountain was a Graf Von Faber Castel and my pen store sells mostly French and German pens. I was dlighted to see some pilot's in the store today though.
This was fun, Drew - and thanks for leaving the tongue-twisted elements in the video! I really want a Namiki Urushi pen. Alas, I will never be able to justify and will probably never even hold one! You mentioned some great pens currently sitting idle in my remuda. I need to finish the ink in my inked-up pens and revisit them - especially my Custom 823!
I'm really happy with my 845. I bought it used with a custom naginata grind that feels (surprisingly?) like a Sailor. For my personal preferences that's like hitting the jackpot!
@@玉琳柯 I haven't tried the 845, but I actually have a Naginata Togi (architect / zoom style) nib in my Sailor 1911 large (from the Goulets of course!). It is truly fantastic in my opinion! Jackpot indeed! :D
well, one of those videos that i have paused many times, watched again and again and filled my card along the way... down the rabbit hole. Evil for my vallet but so good for my soul. Thanks Drew, I filled up my stack of affordable pens for my nieces and friends to do some nerdy fountain pen testing, to find everyone the right pen the might not need but need to own. :) pen match making at its best
This was really interesting.. I would love to know how popular the different nib widths are at each price point too (e.g. fine nibs being more popular in the
Interesting, but probably less useful because it was done by color. Lumping all the colorways into one category and picking the pen which falls under the umbrella model would've been more useful.
It's not easy to find pens with bold nib options. I followed your advice and ordered the Diplomat Magnum. Sorry to say, it is a huge disappointment. The grip section has ridges that make it very uncomfortable to hold, much less write with. The pen body is weirdly shaped with a narrow end. But since I post my pens, that shouldn't make a difference. Except when you post this pen, it become back heavy. As to the nib, I didn't notice any bounce. Even in a nib it makes noise when it writes like feedback. This purchase was a complete loss in my book. I'm glad I didn't spend much money on the pen. I still love Goulet Pens; just hate this pen.
I bought a Shark for my 10 year old because he wanted to try out fountain pens - it is a surprisingly good writer and I will use it. The Lamy Vista Black is also a great pen - it is my daily writer.
I had the exact Diplomat fountain pen, same color, from Goulet. All my pens come from Goulet. But this Diplomat nib actually got bent and then fell out! :D I think it's just cheaper to buy a new one, but I'm surprised that the nib was so loosy goosey.
Some great pens on this list! Out of all my pens I use my lamy vista and sailor fude pen for urban sketching, pilot decimo for daily journalling. Love my twsbi eco for the tank size but would love a fude nib for it, cant seem to get one...
I had no idea the Diplomat Magnum had a secret bounce to it. I just like the look of the pen and have been eying it as of late. Now, I'm eying it even harder.
Nice video. Just a small correction. The Namiki Yukari Royale is brass not hard rubber. The Bigger Namiki Emperor is hard rubber and lighter than the significant smaller Royale.
Thanks for making this video Drew! It helps this pen newbie navigate all the brands without being too overwhelmed. And now i am wondering if Goulet Pens would maybe hopefully in the future have a rewards program for loyal buyers. Being into this hobby 4 months and not knowing where to start have been making purchases here and there and facing back order issues and aka ways that famous phrase “sold out” and running into a lot of sites that don’t have descriptions on the product. Then the Pen Heaven angels introduce Goulet Pens and has about just everything but I would like to see more stationery options for single sheets of paper for letter writing. As a former banker and now as a nurse want to shop on website as quick as possible since I don’t have much time as I work 6 days a week. But I make the time to watch the Pencast…😊because it helps educate me. Just some friendly suggestions. Have a great weekend!
Shark: check Magnum: check Vista: not yet :( (but my charcoal safari from y'all brought me through some 100 rhodia webnotebooks over the course of 2.5 years) 580 iris: this is in the running for which trim i'll get when i inevitably get a 580, but we shall see 2000: check 823: check homo sapiens: one day? maybe?? yukari royale: please cross your fingers for me, guys!
I know its probably not objectively the best pen in regards to performance/quality/nib, etc, but I splurged on a Benu Euphoria in Iced Caramel Latte and every time I look at it I get this silly little smile. Sometimes there's a pen in a specific little niche that just absolutely hits the mark for a specific person. (That and the Lamy Safari. I just absolutely adore the Safari for every day carrying around and my Benu for when I want to feel more fancy.)
My mom surprised me with a Diplomat Magnum in that very color which pairs perfectly with the Organic Studio's Nitrogen ink. They were meant for each other.
I love "Nitro" sheen in a pen of similar color but it's a "Divine Levine" V169 (sounds better than Asvine) LOVE Drew's top seller list, and will buy something again soon to support our FAVE pen friends. BUT, under $10 I would put the Jinhao 82 which has converter and is awesomely priced in a plethora of color combos. Next would be my lovely White Tiger Pilot Metro, and believe it or not I acquired a NEW Pilot e95 (authentic not fake) with gold nib for under $100!! AND, found a Visconti Eco-logic Rembrandt Gray (M), hope that's not mushy. It's on its way for my Bday 😄 I'm yet to spend over $100 on an FP during my current 2022/23 frenzy as I learn which pens have M/F nib -- in some that's a Fine but Pilot M in steel is perfect, the gold would have been better in Fine. Still LEARNING! Write on Drew & crew 🖋
You once helped me when you were in customer service, I’d ordered a Lamy 2000 w a medium nib, but we were in full pandemic mode and the mail was wonky.. my pen didn’t arrive in a timely manner and I was worried it has gotten lost. You assured me things would be okay, as it was covered if lost, but also that it was probably on its way. Being my first big pen purchase, you also assured me that the M nib was a great choice😎✌🏽😎 you were absolutely correct.. now own I the rollerball and pencil to match. I also had the nib ground to a CI by a famous nib grinder at a pen show late last year. It’s still such a great pen to write with, even more fun w the custom grind. I fill it w Diamine Monboddos Hat 😁😀😁 Thanks for the help Drew! You’re a dude.
The only one on this list I would be interested in is the Pilot mainly because it has the vintage shape and filling system I like. If I’m looking to spend up to $500 on a pen, though, I’m just going to get one of the jumbo Sheaffer PFM pens I saw at the St. Louis Pen Show.
The Bronze Age has been my go-to pen ever since I got it, and I absolutely love it. It's bittersweet though, since I don't see the reason to get anything else. (besides the Starlight and the Il Magnifico I'm currently eyeing...)
I realized that some of the most expensive fountain pens on the Goulet Pen site are pens from Japan specifically those that are the maki-e types. Buying one of each of the 25 most expensive fountain pens on their site would equate to $211,295 USD which already included tax.
I can’t even begin to agree with you on these choices, but your opinion is your opinion. I think everybody is going to have their favorite in all of those different categories. None of these are very good looking except the Amber and gold pen. I really put 50% into looks and style, and then of course the other 50% into workability and writing pleasure, which encompasses many many facets if writing. ✍️. Smoothness is one. I cant take any scratchiness. I personally like a fine nib. I cant stand to look at blotchy paper, or large ink soaked lines. The nib needs to be bendable, and of good metal so it lasts a very long time, like gold, but not too high solid gold, ir it will bathroom! Too soft. One of my favorite nibs was the older Cross 14k solid gold nibs from the 1980’s i believe it was. It had just the right bend-ability. And to show you how good they were, just look at how many are still on the market. It was backed up by some of the smartest pen people in the industry. More later :)
Best fun as heck mid video blooper I have seen in a while! LMAO! Thanks man! Great pens 🖊️ Sir! Thanks again for the great tier list review! Best wishes to you and your family. ✌️🇺🇸
Hey Brian & Drew, does the website have an option to sort inks by how acid free (or safe for keepsakes) they are? If not, would you consider it? Or maybe just make a list of 10 "best" acid free inks? Thanks!
I have been eyeing the iris twsbi for so long!! Patiently waiting for goulet to ship to quebec so i can buy it from the shop who introduced it to me hahah
Pilot Custom 823 can easily be bought in the under $250 category and it's actually better than any pen you can get at any price. Yes I've had and tried many at higher prices.
I am so glad that we got an entertaining video this week. I can't wait to get a homosapien. Never thought I'd spend that kind of money but one day probably
My favorite part of all your videos is your shirts. OK, actually it is probably a tie between your presentation and the shirts. Goulet Pens is the best!
Thanks for the compilation and statistics, Drew. Let‘s see - I have the Vista, the TWSBI, the Lamy 2K, the 823, and the Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age. What does that tell us? 😅
For me, the "Luxury zone" start just above 22$ Canadian, shipping included (under 18$ us). There is so many great Chinese pen under 20$ shipping included, on Aliexpress. Sure, there is also a lot of crap, but if you watch real honest review on RUclips (who don't sell pen for living), you will find the gems and avoid most of the crap. I've bought a 3$ us (ship incl.) FP made of solid brass and real wood in an adorable pocket size. It's my daily driver, even if I own a real MontBlanc (gift from my father). I'm also waiting for a x159 for about 9$ cdn (6$ Us, ship incl).
Which pen would you suggest for someone who has been using fountain pens for approximately 3-5 years? I'm looking for an intermediate pen that offers the best value for money.
it would have been interesting to see which pen would have made the cut in each range had the criterion been sales numbers of each pen model regardless of their color.
I would like to see this list with models consolidated i.e. All TWISBI 580s regardless of color. I am also curious as to are the most popular nib sizes.
Diplomat pens are great, no matter the price range! I personally don’t get all the hype over TWSBIs or Lamy pens, but hey, that’s MO! Can’t beat a Pilot pen, either. Too bad Pineider didn’t make their Pineider Full Metal Jacket pen one that they make year to year.
I thought the Namiki Yukari Royale had a metal (brass?) body?(think you said it was ebonite: to be honest, prefer lighter bodied pens so if it’s ebonite that suits me!:)
Lacquered ebonite was the traditional material Namiki used, which is still used today in their Emporer and Aya pens, but you are correct that the Yukari Royale is a brass pen with urushi lacquer.
Me too. I absolutely love the art on several of the Yukari Royale pens but except for my Al-Star metal body pens feel too heavy for my liking. That keeps me from drooling enough to reach into my savings, lol.
@@Gouletpens Drew, do yo think Pilot might consider an ebonite bodied Yukari Royale?(they do both metal and resin bodied Pilot Falcons, obviously I’ve got the resin Falcon and it’s one of my favourites - would happily buy either a resin or ebonite Royale:)
One thing you cannot do with a Mont Blanc (+1000$ us) that you can do with a X-159 (6$ Us, ship incl): Drop it on the floor and take another one from your drawer without a drop of sweat. (unless you own your private Yacht and jet)
I would like to hear more on nibs, which are the most important part of the fountain pen. As far as the best ink goes, I vote for Lamy by far. Design and looks goes to the Cross Peerless and Townsend Fountain Pens. They are very stylish, but i would opt for a better nib, or look for the Cross 14k solid gold nibs from the 80’s. So design=Cross, Ink=Lamy, but I’m still up in the air about the best nib. I like fine, but everyone has their own favorite.
You may not be able to answer this question, but I am curious. What was the fastest pen to sell out of the specialty/one-off pens you guys have done? Days, hours, minutes, seconds maybe? I would be curious to know how fast, and what the pen was
I'm sorry but the Yukari Royale is not made of hard rubber as was stated in the video. The Emperor is ebonite but the Yukari Royale is brass under the urushi.
Around 15 years ago I discovered Jinhao dragon fountain pens. I couldn't resist them and have quite a variety in pen sizes and nibs. My fave is the Dragon Descendant in copper... a gorgeous pen with beautiful nib. Back then the higher priced ones came in amazing wooden boxes. I display on my bookshelves.
My favourite is the Jinhao 5000 since its not as textured as the dragon pen but it still has a dragon and oh so beautiful, the only downside is how heavy it is when posted
I was trying to guess along with the video and hoped for the Lamy Safari to win its range but at least it was still a Lamy that won. I also thought the Sailor 1911 King of Pens Ebonite would top the >$1000 range. This was a fun video and I'm hoping to get my 1st Urushi soon or the elusive Brown Lamy 2000.
Hi guys, hoping Goulet or anyone else can help me out. I am an occasional fountain pen user - just for signing documents really. I sign and witness client's documents and scan them to send to brokers and banks. So I want a good strong black. The trouble is my pens clog up after no use for a few days. What is the best ink for that purpose. Also, does the pen make a difference in this regard?
The fact they do not sell Montblanc makes some of these lists surreal. I don’t have a scientific study on hand but as an avid collector, there is no way that Visconti HS is the leading grail pen over the 149. I do agree with everything he says about the Urushi.
I wanted to buy the jinhao shark just for funs but it's one of my favorites now lol it's impossible to look at it and not feel joy. I got EF replacement nibs for mine and they are still not fine enough for me, but I forgive it because it's fun and writes well :) My favorite will likely always be the Preppy. I also really like the kakuno but it doesn't seal as well as shark and Preppy. Preppy being the best seal of all
When my friend’s mother died, 10 years after his father died (a CEO of a company mining salt) we cleaned out the house. We filled dozens of large bags and during helping out I found an interesting looking fountain pen, red/brownish body with golden tip, very simple, and I thought it looked really nice and special. I handed it over to my friend who grabbed it and threw it into a trash bag together with hundreds of other markers, pens and office supplies. I haven’t stopped thinking about this innocent looking pen with its golden tip ever since. Just now I stumbled upon this video and finally can say, uh, what a bad decision, the fountain pen that went into the trash looked exactly like this Namiki Royal. RIP
I think I want to work for Goulet. This kind of info scratches all the itches.
I been wishing on the stars that I could work with those guys they're all so awesome
If you decided to open a branch in Indonesia, I will send you my CV.
Many of these are good buys and some of my own favorites.
I got the chance to try the $2000 Namiki at a pen show and was VERY glad I didn't like it....but now the $700 Ishime is on my wish list and I didn't know that existed before. That's like saving $1300, right?
Girl math much?😅😂
@@anshumansahoo4869 yep it's girl math. This is my logic when I am at a sale 😂
@@anshumansahoo4869 I mean, yes and no? Fountain pen math > girl math
Worth the watch just for the @9:32 "Egg Shail" blooper :)
Which accent was that? Southern?
not a clue@@ostensibly531
JESUS CHRIST died for us on a cross for our sins. 3 days after his death he resurrected and was, is, and will be The LIVING GOD. Repent from your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior in a prayer and also ask for the HOLY SPIRIT to come into you in that same prayer as well and have FAITH in JESUS CHRIST. You could come to Jesus Christ as you are, but once you accept Him, you have to become new, change, and be born again, and also turn away from your wicked ways. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. God Bless You. The Bible is the true word of God. Please read the Bible and you will see Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Praise only be to GOD. Give your life to CHRIST. JESUS CHRIST IS COMING SOON FOR HIS CHURCH.
"The best fountain pen is the one in your hand the most often." - Me
Exactly!
“The best fountain pen is the one in your hand” - Me
“the best fountain pen is.”-moi
JESUS CHRIST died for us on a cross for our sins. 3 days after his death he resurrected and was, is, and will be The LIVING GOD. Repent from your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior in a prayer and also ask for the HOLY SPIRIT to come into you in that same prayer as well and have FAITH in JESUS CHRIST. You could come to Jesus Christ as you are, but once you accept Him, you have to become new, change, and be born again, and also turn away from your wicked ways. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. God Bless You. The Bible is the true word of God. Please read the Bible and you will see Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Praise only be to GOD. Give your life to CHRIST. JESUS CHRIST IS COMING SOON FOR HIS CHURCH.
@@ZyroPapuchon18 cool
You should follow the lead of the automotive manufactures who list their sales figures by make and models, not colors. and list the top selling pens also by make and models, all regardless of color or nib combinations. It's not a fair comparison to compare pens that only come in one or two colors with models that have over a dozen colors, etc. You get my point. Thanks, it was still an interesting little video and made me click.
That's something I considered, but eventually decided I wanted to highlight a more specific pen, which provided me with more talking points. - Drew
The only one on the list I own is the Lamy Vista. I bought it as a way to say thank you for all the free content you produce for us! I tend to get my pens in EF/F, but for the Vista I got B, and I finally see what all the fuss about shading is. 😊🖋 Thanks for scheduling this video to drop on Friday, to fill the void of the missing pencast 😅I hope you're all having a lovely time off. See you next week!
+1 for the Vista. I got it with a medium nib 'cause I found the fine on my Lamy Safari to be a bit too scratchy. Vista is now my favorite fountain pen.
I've wanted to buy a broad nib Lamy also to see what the fuss is about regarding broad pens, and I was initially leaning toward another AL-Star, but I might get the vista instead because I love demonstrators
IYKYK is my favorite class of any kind of gear. The understated, non-flashy stuff that people who know what they're doing respect.
My TWSBI DIAMOND 580ALR arrived a couple of weeks ago and I'm loving it. I'm using Diamine's Ancient Copper. I didn't buy the pen because i was a fan of fountain pens. It was recommended to me by my doctor because im developing arthritis in my wrist, and I do a lot of writing. Unlike his usual advice i actually followed through lol. Went through a few hiccups with cheap nasty pens but then discovered your videos on the 580. Life is so much easier now.
I feel like these videos keep my mental health in the green zone.. thank you.
Thanks for joining me! - Drew
Thanks for the video bro
I need one of those because I like to sketch and I need to update my skills and tools so that I can improve my skills
So thanks
Diplomat Magnum and Traveler are so underrated. Get them before you start collecting Pilots and Sailors.
I own a few Pilots and Sailors, as well as pens from several other major brands as well. And absolutely the Diplomat Magnum punches WAY above its price point. I currently own two, and though very light, they don't feel flimsy or cheap. And they write way better than they have any right to considering their price point.
Thank you for this break down on how they are different. I really appreciate it!
No Pencast today, but still a reference to the Lamy 2000. Now I'm ready for the weekend 😄
Thanks for showcasing my 3 favorite pens of all time - the Lamy 2000, any Sailor with their amazing gold nibs, and, of course, the Pilot 823. May I say that you have demonstrated the epitome of great taste lol 😹.
i will say the nib units they use on the sharks, that they also use in their p51 clones, are very very good. nice smooth wet nibs.
9:34 is best part of this video. I'm glad I wasn't actively sipping my coffee.
Great list! Happy to see two favorites of mine here, past (Lamy 2000) and present (Pilot Custom 823…so nice that I now somehow have two). Also putting in a good word for Visconti's Homo Sapiens Bronze Age, which I enjoyed writing with on occasion.
You said the NAMIKI YUKARI ROYALE is made of hard rubber so it isn’t heavy. However, the “body material” is “lacquered metal” according to your site. Is it possible you were thinking of the NAMIKI EMPEROR with the “body material” of ebonite? Great video as always.
You are correct! I was wrong on that one - thanks for calling me out! - Drew
the lava was the selling point for me, and its hella big and feels solid. my favorite pens are the twsbi mini or vac mini
All I learned from this video is you guys need to sell or carry more Pelikan's : (. Insane they aren't on this list.
Yeah Pelikans are definitely not popular at our store. - Drew
I feel there should be a disclaimer, and that is that you guys don't sell Mont Blanc pens. I remember a podcast you's did years ago explaining the commitments you'd have to do to carry Mont Blanc and that's why you don't which I understand...but I would be very curious if you DID carry Mont Blanc pens if they would make this list and which ones.
Good idea for a video, thank you Drew. BTW, your Gomer Pyle impression is spot on!
Haha thank you! - Drew
I always buy my pens from goulet because I think the little stickers they put in the box are cute
And I got a tootsie roll pop in mine too
I'm really suprised to not see any Faber Castell, Parker, or Waterman's mentioned. Though I'm a bit bias towards them. My first fountain was a Graf Von Faber Castel and my pen store sells mostly French and German pens. I was dlighted to see some pilot's in the store today though.
This was fun, Drew - and thanks for leaving the tongue-twisted elements in the video! I really want a Namiki Urushi pen. Alas, I will never be able to justify and will probably never even hold one! You mentioned some great pens currently sitting idle in my remuda. I need to finish the ink in my inked-up pens and revisit them - especially my Custom 823!
I'm really happy with my 845. I bought it used with a custom naginata grind that feels (surprisingly?) like a Sailor. For my personal preferences that's like hitting the jackpot!
@@玉琳柯 I haven't tried the 845, but I actually have a Naginata Togi (architect / zoom style) nib in my Sailor 1911 large (from the Goulets of course!). It is truly fantastic in my opinion! Jackpot indeed! :D
well, one of those videos that i have paused many times, watched again and again and filled my card along the way... down the rabbit hole. Evil for my vallet but so good for my soul. Thanks Drew, I filled up my stack of affordable pens for my nieces and friends to do some nerdy fountain pen testing, to find everyone the right pen the might not need but need to own. :) pen match making at its best
6:19 😮💨 love that design. Up there with the Honeycomb/Gold Estie
7:40 that is just gorgeous
This was really interesting..
I would love to know how popular the different nib widths are at each price point too (e.g. fine nibs being more popular in the
I love his shirt. And as someone who used fountain pens as a student I didn’t even know there was a price range above $50 😅
Love your energy, enthusiasm, diction and expert knowledge
Thanks for taking the time to share those kind words! it means a lot! - Drew
Interesting, but probably less useful because it was done by color. Lumping all the colorways into one category and picking the pen which falls under the umbrella model would've been more useful.
i adore the jinhao shark!!! it writes so well nut just for the price but even compared to my pricier pens!
Nut just? Cracked shell? 🖌
@@LANCSKID had me a little typo there 🫡
It's not easy to find pens with bold nib options. I followed your advice and ordered the Diplomat Magnum. Sorry to say, it is a huge disappointment. The grip section has ridges that make it very uncomfortable to hold, much less write with. The pen body is weirdly shaped with a narrow end. But since I post my pens, that shouldn't make a difference. Except when you post this pen, it become back heavy. As to the nib, I didn't notice any bounce. Even in a nib it makes noise when it writes like feedback. This purchase was a complete loss in my book. I'm glad I didn't spend much money on the pen. I still love Goulet Pens; just hate this pen.
I bought a Shark for my 10 year old because he wanted to try out fountain pens - it is a surprisingly good writer and I will use it. The Lamy Vista Black is also a great pen - it is my daily writer.
I had the exact Diplomat fountain pen, same color, from Goulet. All my pens come from Goulet. But this Diplomat nib actually got bent and then fell out! :D I think it's just cheaper to buy a new one, but I'm surprised that the nib was so loosy goosey.
Some great pens on this list! Out of all my pens I use my lamy vista and sailor fude pen for urban sketching, pilot decimo for daily journalling. Love my twsbi eco for the tank size but would love a fude nib for it, cant seem to get one...
I've used the same Osmiroid for the last 49 years, for sentimental reasons, but I must admit I've become a Kaweco fan boy, owning quite a few of them.
Very interesting and informative review.
I had no idea the Diplomat Magnum had a secret bounce to it. I just like the look of the pen and have been eying it as of late. Now, I'm eying it even harder.
Nice video. Just a small correction. The Namiki Yukari Royale is brass not hard rubber. The Bigger Namiki Emperor is hard rubber and lighter than the significant smaller Royale.
Very cool, interesting and important video!) thanks🤝🏻
Drew, that shirt is everything!
Haha thank you! - Drew
Vista black is my fav lamy and I have had it inked with black for drawing ! Didn’t even think twice when I jumped on it !
Thanks for making this video Drew! It helps this pen newbie navigate all the brands without being too overwhelmed. And now i am wondering if Goulet Pens would maybe hopefully in the future have a rewards program for loyal buyers. Being into this hobby 4 months and not knowing where to start have been making purchases here and there and facing back order issues and aka ways that famous phrase “sold out” and running into a lot of sites that don’t have descriptions on the product. Then the Pen Heaven angels introduce Goulet Pens and has about just everything but I would like to see more stationery options for single sheets of paper for letter writing. As a former banker and now as a nurse want to shop on website as quick as possible since I don’t have much time as I work 6 days a week. But I make the time to watch the Pencast…😊because it helps educate me. Just some friendly suggestions. Have a great weekend!
I think that's a great idea! We're looking into it! - Drew
@@Gouletpens Good Morning Drew! If you do, I hope I get a shout out if it happens. I’m watching old episodes now…Brian and Drew stay awesome!
My favorite pen is my Vintage Parker Duofold Centennial in Burgundy Marble. Love it.
Shark: check
Magnum: check
Vista: not yet :( (but my charcoal safari from y'all brought me through some 100 rhodia webnotebooks over the course of 2.5 years)
580 iris: this is in the running for which trim i'll get when i inevitably get a 580, but we shall see
2000: check
823: check
homo sapiens: one day? maybe??
yukari royale: please cross your fingers for me, guys!
I know its probably not objectively the best pen in regards to performance/quality/nib, etc, but I splurged on a Benu Euphoria in Iced Caramel Latte and every time I look at it I get this silly little smile. Sometimes there's a pen in a specific little niche that just absolutely hits the mark for a specific person.
(That and the Lamy Safari. I just absolutely adore the Safari for every day carrying around and my Benu for when I want to feel more fancy.)
My mom surprised me with a Diplomat Magnum in that very color which pairs perfectly with the Organic Studio's Nitrogen ink. They were meant for each other.
I love "Nitro" sheen in a pen of similar color but it's a "Divine Levine" V169 (sounds better than Asvine) LOVE Drew's top seller list, and will buy something again soon to support our FAVE pen friends. BUT, under $10 I would put the Jinhao 82 which has converter and is awesomely priced in a plethora of color combos. Next would be my lovely White Tiger Pilot Metro, and believe it or not I acquired a NEW Pilot e95 (authentic not fake) with gold nib for under $100!! AND, found a Visconti Eco-logic Rembrandt Gray (M), hope that's not mushy. It's on its way for my Bday 😄
I'm yet to spend over $100 on an FP during my current 2022/23 frenzy as I learn which pens have M/F nib -- in some that's a Fine but Pilot M in steel is perfect, the gold would have been better in Fine. Still LEARNING!
Write on Drew & crew 🖋
Yes! I have the Magnum in that color and Nitrogen is a dream combo
The Muji Aluminum pen is what I use. Albeit being my only pen, I wouldn't trade it for anything. It has my loyalty.
You once helped me when you were in customer service, I’d ordered a Lamy 2000 w a medium nib, but we were in full pandemic mode and the mail was wonky.. my pen didn’t arrive in a timely manner and I was worried it has gotten lost. You assured me things would be okay, as it was covered if lost, but also that it was probably on its way. Being my first big pen purchase, you also assured me that the M nib was a great choice😎✌🏽😎 you were absolutely correct.. now own I the rollerball and pencil to match. I also had the nib ground to a CI by a famous nib grinder at a pen show late last year. It’s still such a great pen to write with, even more fun w the custom grind. I fill it w Diamine Monboddos Hat 😁😀😁
Thanks for the help Drew! You’re a dude.
That's awesome! - Drew
Kakuno for life. Hilariously I neither own nor like any of the popular ones. Except Irushi but that's art more than pen.
Lovely video, Drew!! Thank you
The only one on this list I would be interested in is the Pilot mainly because it has the vintage shape and filling system I like. If I’m looking to spend up to $500 on a pen, though, I’m just going to get one of the jumbo Sheaffer PFM pens I saw at the St. Louis Pen Show.
The Bronze Age has been my go-to pen ever since I got it, and I absolutely love it.
It's bittersweet though, since I don't see the reason to get anything else.
(besides the Starlight and the Il Magnifico I'm currently eyeing...)
I realized that some of the most expensive fountain pens on the Goulet Pen site are pens from Japan specifically those that are the maki-e types. Buying one of each of the 25 most expensive fountain pens on their site would equate to $211,295 USD which already included tax.
I can’t even begin to agree with you on these choices, but your opinion is your opinion. I think everybody is going to have their favorite in all of those different categories. None of these are very good looking except the Amber and gold pen. I really put 50% into looks and style, and then of course the other 50% into workability and writing pleasure, which encompasses many many facets if writing. ✍️. Smoothness is one. I cant take any scratchiness. I personally like a fine nib. I cant stand to look at blotchy paper, or large ink soaked lines. The nib needs to be bendable, and of good metal so it lasts a very long time, like gold, but not too high solid gold, ir it will bathroom! Too soft. One of my favorite nibs was the older Cross 14k solid gold nibs from the 1980’s i believe it was. It had just the right bend-ability. And to show you how good they were, just look at how many are still on the market. It was backed up by some of the smartest pen people in the industry. More later :)
Trying to edit my mistakes, but it doesnt have an edit button ;/ sorry
This selection isn't actually my opinion, these are the best sellers at our store, so it's more of the opinions of the community in this case. - Drew
The magnum is very underrated
Best fun as heck mid video blooper I have seen in a while! LMAO! Thanks man! Great pens 🖊️ Sir! Thanks again for the great tier list review! Best wishes to you and your family. ✌️🇺🇸
What a fun video! Thanks Drew! But, I thought the Namiki Yukari Roayale is urushi over a metal body. Am I wrong? Thanks.
Hey Brian & Drew, does the website have an option to sort inks by how acid free (or safe for keepsakes) they are? If not, would you consider it? Or maybe just make a list of 10 "best" acid free inks? Thanks!
look up archival that might help?
What a great video! Thanks Drew!
I have been eyeing the iris twsbi for so long!! Patiently waiting for goulet to ship to quebec so i can buy it from the shop who introduced it to me hahah
Pilot Custom 823 can easily be bought in the under $250 category and it's actually better than any pen you can get at any price. Yes I've had and tried many at higher prices.
I am so glad that we got an entertaining video this week. I can't wait to get a homosapien. Never thought I'd spend that kind of money but one day probably
My favorite part of all your videos is your shirts. OK, actually it is probably a tie between your presentation and the shirts. Goulet Pens is the best!
I was surprised to see that the thumbnail is not just some random pens arranged nicely but actually features the pens that made the list.
Really nice.
Here because of the RUclips algorithm and learned some new stuff today!
Thanks for visiting! - Drew
Thanks for the compilation and statistics, Drew.
Let‘s see - I have the Vista, the TWSBI, the Lamy 2K, the 823, and the Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age. What does that tell us? 😅
For me, the "Luxury zone" start just above 22$ Canadian, shipping included (under 18$ us).
There is so many great Chinese pen under 20$ shipping included, on Aliexpress.
Sure, there is also a lot of crap, but if you watch real honest review on RUclips (who don't sell pen for living), you will find the gems and avoid most of the crap.
I've bought a 3$ us (ship incl.) FP made of solid brass and real wood in an adorable pocket size. It's my daily driver, even if I own a real MontBlanc (gift from my father).
I'm also waiting for a x159 for about 9$ cdn (6$ Us, ship incl).
Wow, I suppose I contributed to thw Diplomat Magnum 😂 just got mine in the mail on Wednesday.
Hello! LOVE you guys from goulet pens! ❤
Ok! Where do we start with a smooth writing feel, easy refillable with quality ink that stands out?
Which pen would you suggest for someone who has been using fountain pens for approximately 3-5 years? I'm looking for an intermediate pen that offers the best value for money.
The "less than" arrow is pointing in the wrong direction on the Jinhao Shark screen graphic.
Came here to say that!
it would have been interesting to see which pen would have made the cut in each range had the criterion been sales numbers of each pen model regardless of their color.
So devastating that TWSBI Eco was beaten out by Lamy 😢 and that Pilot was beaten by Lamy in the $100-250.
However LOVED this video
I would like to see this list with models consolidated i.e. All TWISBI 580s regardless of color. I am also curious as to are the most popular nib sizes.
Diplomat pens are great, no matter the price range! I personally don’t get all the hype over TWSBIs or Lamy pens, but hey, that’s MO! Can’t beat a Pilot pen, either. Too bad Pineider didn’t make their Pineider Full Metal Jacket pen one that they make year to year.
Agree re Lamy, just don't agree with my penmanship! Love pilot
I thought the Namiki Yukari Royale had a metal (brass?) body?(think you said it was ebonite: to be honest, prefer lighter bodied pens so if it’s ebonite that suits me!:)
Lacquered ebonite was the traditional material Namiki used, which is still used today in their Emporer and Aya pens, but you are correct that the Yukari Royale is a brass pen with urushi lacquer.
Me too. I absolutely love the art on several of the Yukari Royale pens but except for my Al-Star metal body pens feel too heavy for my liking. That keeps me from drooling enough to reach into my savings, lol.
Yup! I was totally wrong about that one. Oops! - Drew
@@Gouletpens Drew, do yo think Pilot might consider an ebonite bodied Yukari Royale?(they do both metal and resin bodied Pilot Falcons, obviously I’ve got the resin Falcon and it’s one of my favourites - would happily buy either a resin or ebonite Royale:)
One thing you cannot do with a Mont Blanc (+1000$ us) that you can do with a X-159 (6$ Us, ship incl):
Drop it on the floor and take another one from your drawer without a drop of sweat. (unless you own your private Yacht and jet)
I would like to hear more on nibs, which are the most important part of the fountain pen. As far as the best ink goes, I vote for Lamy by far. Design and looks goes to the Cross Peerless and Townsend Fountain Pens. They are very stylish, but i would opt for a better nib, or look for the Cross 14k solid gold nibs from the 80’s. So design=Cross, Ink=Lamy, but I’m still up in the air about the best nib. I like fine, but everyone has their own favorite.
You may not be able to answer this question, but I am curious. What was the fastest pen to sell out of the specialty/one-off pens you guys have done? Days, hours, minutes, seconds maybe? I would be curious to know how fast, and what the pen was
It might have been our first collaboration with Franklin-Christoph! That pen FLEW! I think it was 100 pens... gone in less than 30 minutes. - Drew
@@Gouletpens Wow! That’s awesome especially if it was the first one was them.
you have the mannerisms of suzanne from orange is the new back it's so great
Isn’t Yukari Royale base material brass ?
this is dragon pen slander, and i WILL NOT stand for it. i love that stupid pen so much~
I'm sorry but the Yukari Royale is not made of hard rubber as was stated in the video. The Emperor is ebonite but the Yukari Royale is brass under the urushi.
Hey, I just bought a Jinhao Dragon pen for my husband & it’s amazing 🎉!!! Thanks Goulet ❤
I love that very unique pen. Hope you and your husband enjoy yours.
Around 15 years ago I discovered Jinhao dragon fountain pens. I couldn't resist them and have quite a variety in pen sizes and nibs. My fave is the Dragon Descendant in copper... a gorgeous pen with beautiful nib. Back then the higher priced ones came in amazing wooden boxes. I display on my bookshelves.
My favourite is the Jinhao 5000 since its not as textured as the dragon pen but it still has a dragon and oh so beautiful, the only downside is how heavy it is when posted
isnt the yukari royale made of brass instead of ebonite, its actually heavier than the bigger emperor because of this
Great presentation. Very interesting. Thanks.
Thanks for joining me! - Drew
Did you watch Robin Hood recently? Loved the blooper! Thanks for leaving it in.
I wanted the lamy 2000 pencil but I did not like the feel of it compared to a rotring.
the material was not what I expected
Would be interesting to hear the most popular nib sizes of each top seller
The Shark is my personal favorite: the nib is really really nice. A reallllllllly nice nib. I love it. And I love my TWSBIs
I was trying to guess along with the video and hoped for the Lamy Safari to win its range but at least it was still a Lamy that won. I also thought the Sailor 1911 King of Pens Ebonite would top the >$1000 range.
This was a fun video and I'm hoping to get my 1st Urushi soon or the elusive Brown Lamy 2000.
I think I’ve progressed to the point that it’s embarrassing that I don’t yet own a Lamy 2000. One day…a Namiki pen will be mine.
Hi guys, hoping Goulet or anyone else can help me out. I am an occasional fountain pen user - just for signing documents really. I sign and witness client's documents and scan them to send to brokers and banks. So I want a good strong black. The trouble is my pens clog up after no use for a few days. What is the best ink for that purpose. Also, does the pen make a difference in this regard?
Ok, that exclusive lamy is sweet. You got me
The fact they do not sell Montblanc makes some of these lists surreal. I don’t have a scientific study on hand but as an avid collector, there is no way that Visconti HS is the leading grail pen over the 149. I do agree with everything he says about the Urushi.
Yeah if we were able to sell Montblanc it's hard to imagine the 149 not being the champ there. - Drew
@@Gouletpens Why don't you sell Montblanc? Would you have to be a watch dealer as well?
I wanted to buy the jinhao shark just for funs but it's one of my favorites now lol it's impossible to look at it and not feel joy. I got EF replacement nibs for mine and they are still not fine enough for me, but I forgive it because it's fun and writes well :) My favorite will likely always be the Preppy. I also really like the kakuno but it doesn't seal as well as shark and Preppy. Preppy being the best seal of all
Will you be doing this again but combining color options now that it’s been about a year? That would make it much more interesting!
That's not a bad idea! - Drew