Pilot VP: retractable so instant access and no cap to futz with while adding a single word to an ongoing list in your pocket journal, the cart holds more ink than I could use in a day, it's XF gold nib has a beautiful bounce with the barrel weight and girth near perfect for my fingers, and the Japanese engineering is uniquely ingenious 😉
I have three VP's (2 Decimo, one VP) that I user every day at work, all day long. Keep refilling them and life is good (for variable values of good for being at work).
i have 2VP, 2 decimos. Decimo with EF nib is the pen that always sits on my desk. it is the absolute best pen available currently. there is a single thing pilot should make to transform the decimo into the perfect fountain pen: build a decimo with the LS mechanism. A silent smooth mechanism. that would be the best pen ever.
My current workhorse is my Sailor Tuzu. I'm still pretty new to the fountain pen game, so that may change in the future, but damn that pen sure does everything I want one to do.
Great video. For me, Pilot Capless without doubt. For work and EDC, is the best....Also some chinese options are good..cheaper and wonderful writing.....😊
Of your choices, the Jinhao 9019. Fits like a glove and that #8 is smooth...for 10$. I've been shocked at how good the Jinhao 9013 + M heartbeat nib is. (Also the best reverse writer I've ever tried.)
Love all 3 of my Jinhao9013s....but for an even finer line, I switched in a Hongdian soft EF nib....they write just a whisper away from a Pilot gold #5 F nib!!!!
I like your stuff Doodlebud, but I can't believe you didn't include any Platinum pens. I just uncapped a 3776 that has sat inked for more than 6 months without use and it wrote without any effort. That, to me, is what defines a workhorse pen - one that writes dependably, every time.
Oh that's good to know that the #3776s are like the Preppy in that regard! I have a Preppy as my "purse pen" right now, because I don't use the pens in my purse very often and I can rely on it to work every time I uncap it. I might have to add one of those to my list because I've been wanting a nicer Platinum pen as well as something as reliable as the Preppy!
A Wingsung 630 with a steel nib and translucent red barrel that just floats across the page. It was $22 USD on sale. I have one with a black translucent barrel that is just as good. I should grind one to an architect nib. Less than a turn to take off the cap. Square ends. Lays perfectly in my hand. Works every time. XXF in reverse. Thanks for the video, I wouldn't have thought of it that way. I work from home at my desk. There are so many great pens and so few that say this could be my workhorse forever when you reach for a pen first thing in the morning.
Mine is my Pelikan M205 demo. Fantastic workhorse. Massive ink capacity (love to see it sloshing around). Never dries out. Utterly reliable. Big Pelikan fan here.
Do you Chuck that pelikan into your bag or pocket? Just curious, because im about to buy my workhorse pen and im wondering if i should be afraid to use pelikans like that
The brushed finish on the pen is perfect too since it helps hide some of the wear & tear if it picks up a few scratches along the way. Just love that pen!
Glad you found your everyday workhorse. The 2000 is the one Lamy that I haven't tried. I just can't bring myself to spend the $$$ on a pen whose Manufacturer has a track record of QC that is worse than some of the better Chinese brands. If/when Lamy can start providing correctly ground and tuned steel nibs on their sub $100 pens I may consider them in the future. Maybe the new Japanese ownership will address this since they are traditionally excellent in this regard. Don't wanna end on a negative note, though. Your channel is just SO interesting. You address fountain pens in a way that no one else has even considered. Keep up the great work
The Lamy 2000 was the last pen I added to my collection due to its look, I was not a fan and I didn't understand why it was so popular. Now I do. Absolutely amazing writing experience. This nib actually makes my writing better than what it is. I don't know, it has an "oblique" feel to it. It's always ready to write, even when I come back to it after weeks, smooth, comfy. A really great buddy.
Love my Lamy 2K in EF for my everyday carry right now with Lennon Tool Bar Sesame Oil ink. Nice incognito fountain pen many people don't notice it, so it hopefully won't walk off. Love the snap cap, it's a beautiful writer... I also carry a Lamy Studio Rose Matte EF for grading papers (inked with pink ink) a Sailor Realo (Bungubox, Cinderella's Slipper & matching ink) in MF with light blue ink for grading if I want a different color. Great pen and love the Sailor Realo piston filler... My favorite EDC is my Visconti Homo Black Lava Sapiens Bronze Age EF fountain pen clipped to my side pants pocket (in my scrub pants). I teach high school Pre- Nursing classes & Anatomy classes. It was a surprise gift from my husband last month, and it's been in on me and in a pocket ever since I received it. Such a great workhorse for me inked with a mix of Pilot Iroshizuku inks that make a dupe Ina-Ho ink. A few people at work know about my HS Bronze Age FP and tease me about the Lava pen... Love your videos and I'm a big fan of your channel. Keep up the great content... I come to your channel for the great information you provide in my future pen purchases and just to see how technical and geeky you get with your pens. Your videos are always on my must watch list... I also look on your channel to see if you have reviewed a pen I am looking to purchase. Many of my FP purchases have based on your reviews, thank you so much for that... My next EDC to add to my list is a "Grail Pen" it's the Schon DSGN "Smolten" Ultem pen and hopefully it will be here this week.
My philosophy on pens ( and other sundry items) is that they are tools to be used, but not abused. The biggest challenge I have, and that I worry about the most is losing them. I find if I carry a more expensive pen I'm much more conscious of their whereabouts, than a super cheap pen. That said I rotate all of them as my mood dictates or needs change. My Pilot Vanishing Point, Kaweco AL Sport and Lamy 2000 rollerball get the most pocket time…super reliable. Great video..Cheers from Nova Scotia..MikeR.
When I wanted to know about this L2k workhorse of yours, your geek out video is the first one I came across. You definitely took the viewer under the hood. Chef’s Kiss. Nuff searched. Nuff learned. Nuff said.
I only have one fountain pen, but I bought it as a workhorse and it has treated me well: the Karas Kustoms Decograph (holiday edition with aluminum body/cap and blue-anodized aluminum accents). It came with a medium nib, which has been very nice, though I've considered purchasing a fine or extra fine to replace it.
“They” say that great minds think alike and I like your choices. In fact, the only 2 pens that I keep continuously inked are my Lamy 2000 (standard EF) and my MB 149 also EF. Inks are Pelikan Edelstein Tanzanite and Montblanc Midnight Blue respectively. The MB never leaves the house, but the L2K will go anywhere. Thanks for another thoughtful and thought provoking video. Yes, we do like it when you nerd out, too.
I love my Lamy 2000. Mine’s also extra fine, and it is wider than my other extra fines, but I like how it writes. I wouldn’t call it my main squeeze workhorse pen, though. That’s because I don’t want to carry it outside the house, as it’s costly to replace. My workhorse pen would be my TWSBI Diamond 580. I have this pen in all five widths, but my workhorse pens would be my extra fine, fine, and medium. They have a huge ink capacity, start right away, and the nibs write very smoothly. If I do lose one of them, it would cost less than $60 to replace.
Couldn’t agree more with the final three you showed here. The Pilot Custom 823 has a superb nib. Probably my favourite nib in my collection. The Diplomat Excellence A2 is a gift of a writer. Great nib, amazing weight. Love it. I am definitely in the team who love the Lamy 2000. I actually love the design. All of mine write like a dream, and the engineering is sublime. Another pen I would throw into my workhorse list is the Esterbrook Camden. Not everyones favourite…. But a steel nib that writes flawlessly and consistently. Cartridge/Converter which is super convenient. The metal versions are rugged, it’s a good size, and it feels great in my hand. Done reviews of all of them on my channel.
For me, a workhorse that is "ready for action" immediately must be a snap-on, so no messing around with screwing around. Safari is a good choice. I wish I had more snap-ons and fewer screwers in my collection, but I bought without foresight.
The lamy 2000 is a great pick. Personally, my pick is the lamy studio stainless steel (not the colored ones). It has a good rubber grip, scratching brushed stainless steel looks fine .The cap can securely clip to either side of the pen. It can be taken apart down to the feed, and it uses the standard lamy nibs. The nib issue you (and many) people have with the lamy 2000 is not an issue when you use a standard lamy nib. Plus, iif you want, you can just swap it out with a different one. The only thing I miss is the spring loaded clip.
A greenswirled Noodler’s Konrad is this week my workhorse pen. It’s shock, crush and bend resistant like no other plastic pen. I’ve been tinkering with it for years😄, and now it’s perfect.
Your video made me curious about the pen. When you mentioned the Makrolon material for the body my ears perked up. Went to get the Technical Data Sheets for the material. It is a polycarbonate glass reinforced, off the shelf they have 10%. This will help the impact and deflection, by being black the fibers aren't visible. Interesting brushed finish on the body applied after molding, it would be tough to remove from the cavities of the mold if tooled in the mold. As an EDC it is good for most people, those who work with benzenes, acetones, ethylenes a lot, isopropyls, and kerosene. Mostly mechanics, body men, or in my case plastics. This is not to slam this pen the material is very strong, this material is used in headlights. Other polycarbonate pens have the same limitations. That encompasses most clear pens and translucent pens. I have one ordered to get a closer look, the grind on the top of the nib is for fitment issues. I spent a lot of my career working for German companies, they love the technical bordering on too complicated sometimes. Great engineers.
Loved the video DB. I can see why you like the pen so much. I've somehow managed to collect 2 Makrolon models, 2 Stainless Steel models, and recently added the Pine model. As for a workhorse pen I haven't concentrated on just one, however, the pen I find myself using consistently these days is a Pilot Kakuno.
PS My nomination would be the Parker 51. It’s simple stylish. The nib writes every time. It has a snap cap. And it’s not too precious… certainly costs less than a Lamy 2000. By the way I would argue that the Platinum Plaisir and even the Preppy would meet all these criteria. They never dry out, are not precious, nibs are great, you can toss them anywhere. And the Plaisir looks pretty classy too. Especially to non ftn pen users observing me use it.
I can only agree with these experiences (see my comment). I think with horror of my experiences with various Lamy models, especially the high-priced ones. 🥵
Thank you for the information and experiences. For me, this Lamy 2000 fountain pen was the worst experience with my fountain pens! The ink flow kept drying up, even though I wanted/had to use the fountain pen a lot every day. For one of my birthdays, my secretaries gave me a simple Pelikan M200 fountain pen, nib size M, which served me well in all situations for years (and still does today, after 20 years). Of all the piston fountain pens, this was the best piece for everyday use. Some fountain pens from Watermann and Parker also worked much better than the Lamy 2000. Maybe I was just unlucky to own a "special" Lamy model, but other Lamy fountain pen models (from the more expensive series) didn't impress me either and often led to revisions by the manufacturer; but the practicality didn't get any better. In any case, I congratulate you on getting a good model from Lamy and being so satisfied. In the meantime, (simple) fountain pens have become mass-produced and disposable models.
Well, when I look at pens I have inked up continuously (refill, occasional cleaning but in regular use month after month for years), the Lamy 2000 is right there for all of the reasons you mention! It's not my favorite pen of all time but it is certainly a workhorse!
The best thing about the l2k is that it doesn't look too fancy so it doesn't attract too much attention. I love both the l2k and the 823 as everyday carry pens. The 823 holds enough ink to write a biography and have ink left to send some letters afterwards, always writes, and looks gorgeous
My current daily drivers are a Pelikan M200 and an Esterbrook Estie with the journaler nib. I just added an Opus 88 minty and it's rapidly becoming one of my favorites. I also have a VP and a Decimo that tend to sit on my desk a lot - if I'm walking to meetings one of the VPs is a must have.
Interesting Video! I do not need to leave my office with my fountain pens so my workhorese pen is a Pelikan M800 in black, that is the pen I use in front of my clients. It is stylish, not to ostentatious, looks "serious", hold a large amount of ink, it is just perfect for me!
To me, it's the Platinum Procyon. It's not for everyone, but I'm pretty happy with the alu-body and the springy steel nib! Great for writing Chinese characters especially, great for long note taking. Though I would fancy me a Lamy 2K stainless if I had the money.
I really loved my Turquoise Procyon....it was the same color as my favorite car, my 57 Chevy.....but when I wrote with it for more than a few minutes, the step up ridge after the threads really started to bother me....but I loved the F nib!!
Noo! Not the Lamy 2000. U r right on two points. It’s your work horse not mine. Some people hate the lamy 2000! Yes they do. I love my aero. U hate that pen. That’s the beauty of the hobby. It’s okay too disagree. I am going to try to pick up the a2 Friday. Love the video. Love your channel. I am your fan. Cheers
I don't have a lot of fountain pens, and most of them I've gotten after I lost my office job. However I used to use my Pilot Metropolitan at work when I DID have an office job. I often wished it had an ink window, but I liked everything else about it. Used it with a converter filled with Diamine Red Dragon (I had a lot of freedom with what kind kinds of colors I could use in that office as opposed to a lot of others).
The LAMY 2000 is absolutely a great workhorse! I managed to find one in EF for about half price secondhand & love it! However, even in the EF nib, it's still a tad broad for my "all purpose", my day-to-day, use everyday for work are my Pilot Vanishing Points (& Majohn A-1) as well as my Kaweco Piston filler.I can count on any of these to do what I need, when I need it.
My workhorse is Asvine P36 with Asvine EF nib. But your video here highlight one point, for quick jolting note down during meeting the number of turn to open and close cap really make difference. My other workhose is Pilot Prera with F nib, I love the click open and close the cap, sometime i mindlessly fidgeting open and close the cap.
I love the Prera with the CM nib!!! It is the smoothest, thinnest stub nib I have ever tried.And the snap cap is really nice.I wish Pilot would sell the steel CM nib separately, as I would love to have a slightly larger pen with that nib.
One of my favorites as well. For those who feel it’s too expensive as an EDC, the Jinhao 80 has very similar styling. Plus it’s a cartridge converter and accepts Lamy Safari style nibs.
My workhorse pen is the Hongdian M2 pocket pen. It's just slightly bigger than a Kaweco Sport, its all-metal so its durable and a nice weight, and its the perfect size to clip to an A6 notebook or TN Passport-size. And if I lose it (which I almost certainly will, sooner or later), it's under £20 to replace it. I could never afford a Lamy 2000 but if I did, and lost it, it would be devastating.
Really enjoyed this video! My favorite “workhorse pen” at present is the Gravitas Ultemate Vac Ultemate, EF gold nib. The EF was really wide/wet so I had it ground to be even finer and it is just an absolutely gorgeous pen, smooth writer, and can hold a ton of ink.
My workhorse pen for the past 6 years: Lamy Studio stainless Steel with ef nib. It’s goes wherever i go, feels indestructible. Cap still snaps, the clip looks funny but clips essily to anything, the grip section is grippy and i use it extensively every single day. And the ef nib paired with „scabiosa“ by rohrer&klingner makes a perfect match of fine line and extremely quick drying time. The lamy 2000 is a bit too narrow and i need to grip it a Little bit too hard so it gives me issues with my carpal tunnel. The studio is the sweet spot for me.
You’re absolutely right about the Lamiy 2000 being a great workhorse. However, I carry a Lamy Safari blackberry special edition with Waterman inspired blue at all times and a medium nib. I have two Lamy 2000s and I treasure them too much to gad about with them in my pocket, but I have four safari’s and they are much more easily replaced than a 2000
I’m a fan of the Pilot Prera. I teach and use it for grading tests or a TWSB ECO for grading essays. I prefer the prera though as I drop it and it keeps going
I do love my Lamy 2k, and it was one of my main carries back before my WFH days. But I think if I had to pick one, it’d be my Pilot VP. The quick draw aspect of it was always the most useful for taking notes on the go, and the metal body always felt super safe to knock around in my pocket or just clipped to a notebook or my lanyard. And with what is available now, I would probably go with a Majohn A1 or A2 if I was compelled to return to working in the warehouse.
My VPs tend to be workhorses about 30% of the time, but -- even though I don't like the thicker/single-color-clear-plastic body quite as much -- the UEF nib that doesn't scratch or run dry even with dryer inks (which my VP "special alloy" F nib does sometimes and my 14K EF Decimo does *most* of the time) -- I just end up reaching for the UEF Curidas 70% of the time
I love my twsbi as well, the capacity really last me a really really long time with nice flow even on ef nibs. But do you have any issue with flights, i want to take it inked up but im afraid the air pressure going to ruin it. Can you give me tips on how you stored yours during flight? Does only keeping it seealed and inked full helps?
@@grayautumnday I thankfully haven’t had any issues with drying, but then again I have a broad nib and a well tuned medium architect for my VP. The Curidas was tempting when it came out, but Platinum’s medium nibs are too fine for my personal preferences.
Yup VPs are fantastic! Love all of mine and the A1/A2 but I don't find them as comfortable for longer writing. Quick client notes are fantastic but if I'm at a conference and I'm writing more, especially quickly, my writing seems better with the L2K and my hand is more relaxed.
Enjoyed the video and I cannot fault your choice of workhorse pen. I have all of the ones you talked about and I do use my custom 823 more than my Lame 2000. I love the ink capacity and my 823 writes better. But! I wanted to run something by you that I just discovered last month via a RUclips video. It is a Chinese pen but is the best-writing Chinese pen I've every tried. It is the Asvine V200 with a Bock nib upgrade. Was $63 in Sep 2024. Large capacity vacuum filler and writes like a dream. Is cheap enough that I don't worry about damage or loss.
My favourite would be my Majohn A1 (because I consider my VP too expensive to take out of the house) but it's perfect for quick draw, one handed use and it's not the end of the world if it does go missing
A workhorse pen should have a nib that is easily swappable with the most common types (JoWo/Bock). I use a Namisu Nova Ti Pocket pen, it is a full size pen when posted, durable, easy to swap nibs, holds just enough ink in a short international cartridge, it's awesome and not too expensive either.
Great choice! My workhorse pen(s), in first to last order, are Lamy 2000 EF or F depending on which I grab first, Parker 51 vacuumatic 14 kt F, Parker 61 fine 14 kt, Lamy Studio EF, and Lamy Safari or AL EF. For me it comes down to what’s closest at hand that has ink in it, and the cap is a slip cap. Of all these it is usually my Lamy 2000 EF and then my Parker 51 (which I’ve had for a few years, that’s been well used). I think I got my Lamy in 1980.
Great video! Had a Lamy 2k for quite a few years (two, actually): nibs were a bit hit-or-miss, which was a bit frustrating, as I loved everything else about the pen. Tried an early-production Lamy Dialog 3, which ended badly, and drove me to try a Pilot Vanishing Point, which I *loved*, and led me to trying a Pilot Custom 74…long-story-short, I've been using a pair of Custom 823s for over a decade now, along with a VP, and they all get used *lots*, even though the 823s travel in a case most of the time, while the VP *does* get tucked in a shirt or jacket pocket. (The only pens that get clipped to a pants-pocket are a pair of Retro 51 rollers, but since I almost lost one while reaching for something else, even that's going to stop.)
My workhorse pens are an Ensso XS Minimalist and a Kaweco Brass Sport. I drop one of them in my pocket first thing in the morning. They are always ready to write.
A few workhorse pens for me… as a vet tech, I have to deal with animals scrabbling and scurrying a lot, so scratches on pens in the shirt pocket of my scrubs are almost inevitable. As we all do, I like to switch out my pens on an almost daily basis, but I have some regulars in my rotation. 1) Yes to the Lamy 2000, always a go to. Pre-weathered look, as you mentioned. It writes, and I find it pairs well with the MB Black Permanent (one of the truer blacks out there, great for official things like writen prescriptions, and waterproof/other bodily fluids-proof). 2) Pilot VP. The number of times I need to jot something down and only have one hand free, that pen has been everything I’ve ever needed. Nice enough that you wouldn’t hand it to someone asking to borrow your pen, but not so expensive/fancy that you are devastated by a little wear patina. Was my daily carry for 8 years. Only downside is the limited ink capacity, but I choose to look at that as an opportunity to swap colors twice a week. 3) Waterman Expert 3. Yes, a little on the fancy side, but it carries well in a shirt pocket, and it carries LOW (unlike the VP, with all that gold showing from the clip/section above the pocket edge)! Excellent for avoiding scratches, and the “flashiness” of the Essence du Bleu cap is nicely concealed with just a little black plastic sticking up. Also, a great example of a steel nib that writes as smoothly as many gold nibs. 4) Always, always, always some POS ballpoint or gel pen, exclusively for when coworkers ask to borrow a pen or clients need to sign a consent form. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve had to break out the loupe at the end of the day to repair or retune a nib after someone tried to write with my pen in reverse or sideways, and then just pressed down harder when the ink didn’t flow…
My ideal workhorse pen is anything from Platinum with a slip and seal cap as long as it is cartridge converter as If I am traveling with one, I always bring an extra cartridge. I like the Perpanep limited edition Preppy and the ice white Plasir
Agree with you on the choice of pen. I use one with an oblique broad nib and medium on the other. Diplomat Aeros like the Oxyd has a bit of heft. Pilot Fermo sits beside my 2000. That Lamy 2000 macralon pencil and multi coloured ballpoint complement the fountain pen nicely.
I don’t chuck any pen into my bag. I have 2 pen loops. One for my Midori MD fountain pen and the other for either one of my Pilots (912 or 74) or a Sailor PGS. Depending on my mood. Yes, I take my 14K nibs everywhere. I have them to use them. What if you lose it? I’d cry if I lost a Kaweco or Lamy too. Also my phone is more expensive and I take that with me everywhere too. 😏 If I had to pick one: Pilot Special edition. It looks like a 74 but with flat ends.
My workhorse is an Edison Collier. At $149 it’s can be used as a cartridge/converter filler or an eye dropper filler taking advantage of a huge reservoir.
At this moment I have three pens in my rotation, but since they don't get out of my house don't know if they count. Two of them are Aurora Hastils in Vermeil, Medium 14 kt nibs. Would not leave home with them. They are great writers though. The last one is a simple Parker 25 in black with a Fine nib. It requires a bit of pressure where the Hastils just leave ink in contact with paper, yet its writing experience is almost as good. Also I would not mind going out with it. So I guess Parker 25 is my answer, at least for now.
I'm really liking my Jinhao 100 Centennials as my workhorse pens. Always reliable, I'm happy with the EF nib, nice width, nice weight, writes quite nicely but I have yet to do any nib tweaking on it. It's cheap, so if I were to damage them or lose them, I'd be sad, but not out a lot of money.
Lamy 2000 is a very great pen. But my workhorse pen is Parker Sonnet cisele. Easy to clean, writes great, just the ink capacity is slightly too small. Another workhorse pen for me is Pelikan 400nn. Good ink capacity, nib writes great and I lover the look of it.😄
As mentioned in a comment on the Lochby video, my favorite workhorse pen is the Karas Kustom Ink V2 in tumbled aluminum finish (the "pre-scuffed" finish) with a brass section and a fine nib. I keep this pen inked with Noodler's Walnut (I always have several generic black standard international short cartridges in my bag just in case I'm on an extended business trip and run the converter out of ink).
The TWSBI Swipe has become my workhorse pen, I really feel like it has become for me the Bic Crystal of the fountain pens. I can throw it anywhere, it doesn't call much attention and it is flawless in writing and handling without breaking the bank. I would have never imagined that it would have replaced even the ECO as my workhorse when I bought it out of curiosity. Sometimes what you don't expect might give you a pleasant surprise and even modify your long established habits.
I have three workhorse pen with different inks. Lamy Al-star gray, Twsbi Eco purple and a Gray Custom 823. The custom 823 gets used a lot as I always ink it with pilot black. The twsbi eco gets Pilot kon-peki and the Lamy Al-star gets Lapis Bard Cranberry Sangeria. I write a lot everyday and love these three pens.
My personal pick would be either the Lamy Safari or the Platinum Preppy. (lamy 2000 is amazing but I don't think you'd "throw it in the bag" casually lol, Safari does fit that bill tho. The 2000 always stays at home)
Current workhorse would be the TWSBI Eco, as it has great price to performance so I have been getting practically all the colors and can match the ink to the pen. Been having some issues of the qc for the nib, so I’ve been touching them up with your vids playing in the background.
I think my criteria for a daily driver is a little less involved haha. My pen has to be reliable and durable. Thinking about options, I was left with the following: Platinum Procyon, Karas Fountain K and INK V2, Good Blue L130, Modern Fuel, and Ensso Titanium Piuma. If I could only pick one... probably the Modern Fuel. That thing has never once given me an issue, even leaving it capped and unused for months at a time. Another thought is that the one time I tried to carry only a fountain pen, I had a soft gold nib and had to write hard enough to go through carbon copy paper, so a ballpoint will always be on me. Usually a Karas Modal or a Machine Era Classic.
My Modern Fuel has been flawless as well. There are so many FANTASTIC workhorse pens out there which is great since there is something for everyone at all budgets. My $3 Zebra is a top workhorse pen and for that price blows my mind. I have the budget to pick up a L2K and not worry if it gets a little abuse so I go with that. Love how many dependable pens there are across such a wide price range and different designs so there's something for everyone
I have two, the "EDC" type pen would be my brass Kaweco Liliput that goes with me everywhere in pocket or bag, obviously indestructible and has just developed a patina over time. That's for stuff like notes, lists etc so I can ink it with anything I feel like. The pen that lives in my briefcase, with which I write things that others in my professional life will see, is a Waterman Hemisphere. In that I alternate between Rohrer & Klingner Verdigris and Diamine Majestic Blue, striking a balance by using colours that I like and aren't boring standard blue or black, but which wont make people think I'm weird where it really wouldn't be appropriate to use, for instance, a red sheening deep green with glitter in it.
Thanks for the video! Yes, the Lamy 2000 is one of my favorite workhorse pens. Like you, I tried the Jinhao 9019 and it's ok but doesn't write nearly as smoothly. I also have a couple of Sailor PGs that are workhorse pens as well because of the larger cartridges and smooth writing experience.
@@schawo2 The nibs are often not perfectly tuned when they are new. But they are very responsive to adjustments. I recall first time I tried one in a shop and really disliked it. Once I had the chance to write with a good one (green marble by the way), there was just no way back.
Hi DB! Have to say I'm one of the haters! They HAVE started making the pen in some different colors, which might entice me still. My go to pen is also from Lamy, but it's the Safari. I toss that thing around and in my pocket and it always writes unless it's out of ink. Plus safaris are colorful!
i got my first fountain pen. a Parker IM fountain pen. gotta say i love it, im unsure if its considered a good workhorse but im sure using it as one and it hasnt betrayed me at all. went through like 5 cartriges before i noticed any writing inconsistency, rinsed it with water and let it dry an hour or so, plugged a new cartrige in and it worked like new. ordered a piston converter that hasnt shown up yet, but can say i love this pen. getting the lamy safari next month to compare
Must be a bit chilly up there in North West Land Long sleeve shirt BTW : I did not take Chinese fountain pens seriously till I started to watch your episodes I now own 9 I enjoy them Thank you
My wife and I are travelling around Asia for 6 months avoiding winter back home in Canada. I had to make some hard choices on what pens I took. My Kaweco AC Sport is always in my pocket but I only use it if I'm out and about and need to make a quick note. The small ink capacity means I need to be frugal or buy some cartridges. I also have my Twsbi Eco and 2 Diamond 580's which were loaded to capacity before we left. Last is my Sailor Blaze, a special edition that I picked up in Japan last year and a full box of cartriges. The Sailor and the Twsbi's are all carried in my Galen Leather A5 zippered portfolio. I'm pretty sure I won't be using up all the ink in all the pens before we get home in April. I really do miss my Lamy 2000 and Pilot Custom 823 though. It was a hard choice to leave them behind but I chose the ink capacity of the Twsbi's as being the most practical for this trip.
My best EDC fountain pens in order of preference: Lank 2000,Visconti Homo Sapians Crystal Dream, and Pelikan m1000. I consider Montblo 149s nearly junk due to pool build quality, substandard parts (plastic vs. brass parts), and substandard writing experience.
For me, I think the best workhorse pen is the Lamy 2000. I have literally a couple hundreds pens, everything from $6 Jinhaos up to Pilot 823s, Montblanc 146/149, Pelikan M800/M1000, Sailor KOP, and everything in between. I have a bit of everything. While the Lamy 2000 isn’t the best writing pen I own, or the nicest, I find it is the most versatile and has a combination of features that no other pen has (snap cap, gold nib, piston, hooded nib… I’m aware of the vintage Aurora 88s, absolutely beautiful, I’ve had a few before, but too delicate and not as easily replaceable). The Lamy 2000 is both a nice pen, but not so nice that it’s the end of the world if scratched or lost/stolen. Id be upset if something happened to it as it’s not a cheap pen, but I’d buy another one and my life would go on. As a pen person, I want to carry and use a nice pen, so the inexpensive stuff (while I use and carry often) wouldn’t be my choice. Same with the really expensive stuff ($500+), I don’t want them to be damaged, lost, stolen, etc. Those stay at home, safe and sound. The Lamy 2000 falls in the middle ground territory, nice enough to use everyday, not so nice that it can’t be replaced. The Lamy 2000 is a perfect compromise. Additionally, I work in an office, so having a nice pen to use without being flashy its important. It’s a nice pen, but not so nice that it draws attention, and it’s always professional (I keep it permanently inked with Diamine Oxford Blue). It stays under the radar. Anyone who does notice it likely is into pens too, great conversation starter for those who are in the know.
Yup, I agree 100% with your comments. We both love it for all the same reasons. While there are MANY fantastic workhorse pens for way less money, the L2K just stands out for me and its perfect. The $3 Zebra pen comes to mind as an AMAZING workhorse pen and for $3 it can't be beat. But I just love the look and feel of the the L2K. Been so tempted multiple times to get a 2nd one purchased 2nd hand just to have it
Loved the design pattern on a Pen on your left hand pouch. 2nd pen with gold lines. Can you please give details or any video link for that. Or where can I buy that please ????
Your top pen is a good choice - but, honestly, for people on a budget, a plain old Lamy - in your favorite color - it really can’t be beat. You don’t have to spend big money to get a good quality pen….
Work horse for me means dependable but also not so expensive that I would be hesitant to take it out of the house. My best pens (especially vintage ones) live at home and never leave for fear of loss. Pilot 823, Sailor 1911L, Platinum 3773 and the like are too expensive to risk loss. Therefore I have given consideration to many mid-level pens that approximate that more luxury experience without the cost factor so that I don't think twice about putting them in my pocket or work bag. My best 5 workhorses: Pilot Lucina , Pilot Ecrino , Asvine V200 , Sheaffer No Nonsense , and Jinhao x450 (with replacement Jowo nib) .
I have 3 pens I use the most consistently that are incredibly reliable writers. Mine are the Platinum Preppy (although I'm now looking into upgrading to a 3376), a Pelikan M205, and my Pilot VP. Love all three of them, the Pelikan and the Preppy I've left inked up for several months at a time (accidentally left shimmer ink in the Pelikan) and both wrote perfectly after so much time had passed. Also love my Pilot Vanishing Point (I actually have the Fermo) just because of how convenient it is and how nice the nibs are. All three are great writers, though. I love my Sailor PGS pens but I find they dry out faster than some of my others. My Pelikan M405 is also a great pen, but the medium nib on mine writes identical to one of my 205s with a broad on it :/ maybe I'll like it more once I finally bite the bullet and get a new nib for it.
I used to hate on Benu, but I have to say my Benu Euphoria. That pen so unbelievably reliable and fun. The resin is very durable and the pen writes 100% of the time.
My workhorse is the Diplomat Ex. A2. Super reliable, metal, sturdy, slip cap, functional clip. Not too wet, not too dry. I have it with me and use it every single day. For "fancy" writing it feels a bit too workhorsy, though.It's not a pen you write poems with.
I don't know if I would have the heart to throw a 200$ pen in the bag. But, my definition of workhorse if different. I am someone who writes pretty fast, about 25-30 words a minute. I expect the pen to keep up. A Pilot Hi tech point was doing fine but, wasn't getting the desired speed. I can hit these speeds only with Metropolitan. Planning to try the Custom 724, so fingers crossed 🤞
I’m an Urban Sketcher and use Sailor de Mannen fude pen every, just throw it in the bottom of my purse. It writes every time and I enjoy the line variation of the fude nib The downside: the converter has small ink capacity. I need to refill every other day. Is there a larger converter available?
This is a tough decision. It has to be a pen that doesn't need refilling often and is comfortable in the hand for long writing sessions. My current workhorse pen has to be the Conklin All American Demonstrator. It can be a cartridge/converter or an eyedropper. It has an Omniflex nib which is not the greatest but I smoothed the tip and it works wonderfully, not for flex but regular writing. I even smoothed it for reverse writing. It lays a nice Medium Fine line and holds almost 5ml of ink. The Opus 88 Demo would be a close second.
I work in a skilled nursing facility and have tried several fountain pens over the last year. They have to hold a decent amount of ink and be able to tolerate being in and out of my scrub pocket all day, and the occasional drop (~2x/month). I tried the Curidas and Majohn retractable pens, but had problems with leaking with both 😢 The Lamy Vista did work good, but my current favorites are the Asvine V126s because of ink capacity, no fear of leaking, and durability when dropped! (And of course they stand out a bit more than some of the others, which leads to fun conversations!) 😊 I recently acquired a Lamy 2000 but have not been able to decide which ink to ink it up with and I'm nervous to use it at work lol, I'm afraid it might leak in my pocket. Has anybody else had experience with carrying this pen on person?
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Great video 👍🏼
My workhorse fountain pen was (and still) Parker 45 (fine nib).
Yes I'm old 😂, it's my go to pen since 1988.
Pilot VP: retractable so instant access and no cap to futz with while adding a single word to an ongoing list in your pocket journal, the cart holds more ink than I could use in a day, it's XF gold nib has a beautiful bounce with the barrel weight and girth near perfect for my fingers, and the Japanese engineering is uniquely ingenious 😉
Trying to decide between XF,F & medium. I have a prefrences for Japanese XF but I heard medium is more fun & bouncy
I have three VP's (2 Decimo, one VP) that I user every day at work, all day long. Keep refilling them and life is good (for variable values of good for being at work).
i have 2VP, 2 decimos. Decimo with EF nib is the pen that always sits on my desk. it is the absolute best pen available currently. there is a single thing pilot should make to transform the decimo into the perfect fountain pen: build a decimo with the LS mechanism. A silent smooth mechanism. that would be the best pen ever.
mine unfortunately is a very hard starter
My current workhorse is my Sailor Tuzu. I'm still pretty new to the fountain pen game, so that may change in the future, but damn that pen sure does everything I want one to do.
Great video. For me, Pilot Capless without doubt. For work and EDC, is the best....Also some chinese options are good..cheaper and wonderful writing.....😊
Of your choices, the Jinhao 9019. Fits like a glove and that #8 is smooth...for 10$. I've been shocked at how good the Jinhao 9013 + M heartbeat nib is. (Also the best reverse writer I've ever tried.)
Love all 3 of my Jinhao9013s....but for an even finer line, I switched in a Hongdian soft EF nib....they write just a whisper away from a Pilot gold #5 F nib!!!!
For me it's the Pilot Vanishing Points, or to throw in a bag the Majohn A1 with a Pilot medium nib. Love the video!
@@n2htt Great Workhorse pens 👍
I like your stuff Doodlebud, but I can't believe you didn't include any Platinum pens. I just uncapped a 3776 that has sat inked for more than 6 months without use and it wrote without any effort. That, to me, is what defines a workhorse pen - one that writes dependably, every time.
Oh that's good to know that the #3776s are like the Preppy in that regard! I have a Preppy as my "purse pen" right now, because I don't use the pens in my purse very often and I can rely on it to work every time I uncap it. I might have to add one of those to my list because I've been wanting a nicer Platinum pen as well as something as reliable as the Preppy!
Totally agree! I've had my 3776 (fine nib) for 5 years, have used it regularly for work and personal journaling, and never had a single issue with it.
I'll be the first to admit - I collect pens and ink and other things, but my handwriting can only be read by a few.
Off the used market got a Sheaffer Targa with inlaid Fine Steel nib - now THAT’s a Workhorse!
Sheaffer steel nibs are strong!! I have an Award
I just bought a Schaefer targa, too
A Wingsung 630 with a steel nib and translucent red barrel that just floats across the page. It was $22 USD on sale. I have one with a black translucent barrel that is just as good. I should grind one to an architect nib. Less than a turn to take off the cap. Square ends. Lays perfectly in my hand. Works every time. XXF in reverse. Thanks for the video, I wouldn't have thought of it that way. I work from home at my desk. There are so many great pens and so few that say this could be my workhorse forever when you reach for a pen first thing in the morning.
Mine is my Pelikan M205 demo. Fantastic workhorse. Massive ink capacity (love to see it sloshing around). Never dries out. Utterly reliable. Big Pelikan fan here.
Im a big Pelikan fanboy also
Do you Chuck that pelikan into your bag or pocket? Just curious, because im about to buy my workhorse pen and im wondering if i should be afraid to use pelikans like that
my pick is my moonman a1 in fine. Cheap, writes well and incredibly convenient. i’ll just throw it in my bag and bring it everywhere
Wasn’t surprised 😜 I saw how much you love this one in your nerd-out video:) and you’ve always hailed it 👍🏽 Enjoyed this video! Thank you
The brushed finish on the pen is perfect too since it helps hide some of the wear & tear if it picks up a few scratches along the way. Just love that pen!
Glad you found your everyday workhorse.
The 2000 is the one Lamy that I haven't tried. I just can't bring myself to spend the $$$ on a pen whose Manufacturer has a track record of QC that is worse than some of the better Chinese brands. If/when Lamy can start providing correctly ground and tuned steel nibs on their sub $100 pens I may consider them in the future. Maybe the new Japanese ownership will address this since they are traditionally excellent in this regard.
Don't wanna end on a negative note, though. Your channel is just SO interesting. You address fountain pens in a way that no one else has even considered. Keep up the great work
Jinhao 80 with Lamy Medium nib is my GoTo EDC pen
The Lamy 2000 was the last pen I added to my collection due to its look, I was not a fan and I didn't understand why it was so popular. Now I do.
Absolutely amazing writing experience. This nib actually makes my writing better than what it is. I don't know, it has an "oblique" feel to it. It's always ready to write, even when I come back to it after weeks, smooth, comfy. A really great buddy.
Agree, that's why I love a Lamy and a stub, gives my handwriting a flourish that doesn't exist with other pens.
Love my Lamy 2K in EF for my everyday carry right now with Lennon Tool Bar Sesame Oil ink. Nice incognito fountain pen many people don't notice it, so it hopefully won't walk off. Love the snap cap, it's a beautiful writer...
I also carry a Lamy Studio Rose Matte EF for grading papers (inked with pink ink) a Sailor Realo (Bungubox, Cinderella's Slipper & matching ink) in MF with light blue ink for grading if I want a different color. Great pen and love the Sailor Realo piston filler...
My favorite EDC is my Visconti Homo Black Lava Sapiens Bronze Age EF fountain pen clipped to my side pants pocket (in my scrub pants). I teach high school Pre- Nursing classes & Anatomy classes. It was a surprise gift from my husband last month, and it's been in on me and in a pocket ever since I received it. Such a great workhorse for me inked with a mix of Pilot Iroshizuku inks that make a dupe Ina-Ho ink. A few people at work know about my HS Bronze Age FP and tease me about the Lava pen...
Love your videos and I'm a big fan of your channel. Keep up the great content... I come to your channel for the great information you provide in my future pen purchases and just to see how technical and geeky you get with your pens. Your videos are always on my must watch list... I also look on your channel to see if you have reviewed a pen I am looking to purchase.
Many of my FP purchases have based on your reviews, thank you so much for that...
My next EDC to add to my list is a "Grail Pen" it's the Schon DSGN "Smolten" Ultem pen and hopefully it will be here this week.
Great to hear my vids help you with your pen purchases
My philosophy on pens ( and other sundry items) is that they are tools to be used, but not abused. The biggest challenge I have, and that I worry about the most is losing them. I find if I carry a more expensive pen I'm much more conscious of their whereabouts, than a super cheap pen. That said I rotate all of them as my mood dictates or needs change. My Pilot Vanishing Point, Kaweco AL Sport and Lamy 2000 rollerball get the most pocket time…super reliable. Great video..Cheers from Nova Scotia..MikeR.
When I wanted to know about this L2k workhorse of yours, your geek out video is the first one I came across. You definitely took the viewer under the hood. Chef’s Kiss. Nuff searched. Nuff learned. Nuff said.
This is a nice video with plenty of great practical advice. Thank you
RS. Canada
I only have one fountain pen, but I bought it as a workhorse and it has treated me well: the Karas Kustoms Decograph (holiday edition with aluminum body/cap and blue-anodized aluminum accents). It came with a medium nib, which has been very nice, though I've considered purchasing a fine or extra fine to replace it.
“They” say that great minds think alike and I like your choices. In fact, the only 2 pens that I keep continuously inked are my Lamy 2000 (standard EF) and my MB 149 also EF. Inks are Pelikan Edelstein Tanzanite and Montblanc Midnight Blue respectively. The MB never leaves the house, but the L2K will go anywhere. Thanks for another thoughtful and thought provoking video. Yes, we do like it when you nerd out, too.
Nerds can help but to nerd out!
I love my Lamy 2000. Mine’s also extra fine, and it is wider than my other extra fines, but I like how it writes. I wouldn’t call it my main squeeze workhorse pen, though. That’s because I don’t want to carry it outside the house, as it’s costly to replace. My workhorse pen would be my TWSBI Diamond 580. I have this pen in all five widths, but my workhorse pens would be my extra fine, fine, and medium. They have a huge ink capacity, start right away, and the nibs write very smoothly. If I do lose one of them, it would cost less than $60 to replace.
Couldn’t agree more with the final three you showed here. The Pilot Custom 823 has a superb nib. Probably my favourite nib in my collection. The Diplomat Excellence A2 is a gift of a writer. Great nib, amazing weight. Love it. I am definitely in the team who love the Lamy 2000. I actually love the design. All of mine write like a dream, and the engineering is sublime. Another pen I would throw into my workhorse list is the Esterbrook Camden. Not everyones favourite…. But a steel nib that writes flawlessly and consistently. Cartridge/Converter which is super convenient. The metal versions are rugged, it’s a good size, and it feels great in my hand. Done reviews of all of them on my channel.
For me, a workhorse that is "ready for action" immediately must be a snap-on, so no messing around with screwing around. Safari is a good choice. I wish I had more snap-ons and fewer screwers in my collection, but I bought without foresight.
The lamy 2000 is a great pick.
Personally, my pick is the lamy studio stainless steel (not the colored ones). It has a good rubber grip, scratching brushed stainless steel looks fine .The cap can securely clip to either side of the pen. It can be taken apart down to the feed, and it uses the standard lamy nibs. The nib issue you (and many) people have with the lamy 2000 is not an issue when you use a standard lamy nib. Plus, iif you want, you can just swap it out with a different one.
The only thing I miss is the spring loaded clip.
Studio is a great pen 👍
A greenswirled Noodler’s Konrad is this week my workhorse pen. It’s shock, crush and bend resistant like no other plastic pen. I’ve been tinkering with it for years😄, and now it’s perfect.
They typically do take some tinkering but once you get it sorted out the work pretty well
Your video made me curious about the pen. When you mentioned the Makrolon material for the body my ears perked up.
Went to get the Technical Data Sheets for the material. It is a polycarbonate glass reinforced, off the shelf they have 10%. This will help the impact and deflection, by being black the fibers aren't visible. Interesting brushed finish on the body applied after molding, it would be tough to remove from the cavities of the mold if tooled in the mold. As an EDC it is good for most people, those who work with benzenes, acetones, ethylenes a lot, isopropyls, and kerosene. Mostly mechanics, body men, or in my case plastics.
This is not to slam this pen the material is very strong, this material is used in headlights. Other polycarbonate pens have the same limitations. That encompasses most clear pens and translucent pens.
I have one ordered to get a closer look, the grind on the top of the nib is for fitment issues. I spent a lot of my career working for German companies, they love the technical bordering on too complicated sometimes. Great engineers.
Loved the video DB. I can see why you like the pen so much. I've somehow managed to collect 2 Makrolon models, 2 Stainless Steel models, and recently added the Pine model. As for a workhorse pen I haven't concentrated on just one, however, the pen I find myself using consistently these days is a Pilot Kakuno.
Love the 2000. One of the first pens I acquired, and still a favorite EDC and the benchmark for other pens.
PS My nomination would be the Parker 51. It’s simple stylish. The nib writes every time. It has a snap cap. And it’s not too precious… certainly costs less than a Lamy 2000. By the way I would argue that the Platinum Plaisir and even the Preppy would meet all these criteria. They never dry out, are not precious, nibs are great, you can toss them anywhere. And the Plaisir looks pretty classy too. Especially to non ftn pen users observing me use it.
I can only agree with these experiences (see my comment). I think with horror of my experiences with various Lamy models, especially the high-priced ones. 🥵
Thank you for the information and experiences. For me, this Lamy 2000 fountain pen was the worst experience with my fountain pens! The ink flow kept drying up, even though I wanted/had to use the fountain pen a lot every day. For one of my birthdays, my secretaries gave me a simple Pelikan M200 fountain pen, nib size M, which served me well in all situations for years (and still does today, after 20 years). Of all the piston fountain pens, this was the best piece for everyday use. Some fountain pens from Watermann and Parker also worked much better than the Lamy 2000. Maybe I was just unlucky to own a "special" Lamy model, but other Lamy fountain pen models (from the more expensive series) didn't impress me either and often led to revisions by the manufacturer; but the practicality didn't get any better. In any case, I congratulate you on getting a good model from Lamy and being so satisfied.
In the meantime, (simple) fountain pens have become mass-produced and disposable models.
Well, when I look at pens I have inked up continuously (refill, occasional cleaning but in regular use month after month for years), the Lamy 2000 is right there for all of the reasons you mention! It's not my favorite pen of all time but it is certainly a workhorse!
The best thing about the l2k is that it doesn't look too fancy so it doesn't attract too much attention. I love both the l2k and the 823 as everyday carry pens. The 823 holds enough ink to write a biography and have ink left to send some letters afterwards, always writes, and looks gorgeous
My current daily drivers are a Pelikan M200 and an Esterbrook Estie with the journaler nib. I just added an Opus 88 minty and it's rapidly becoming one of my favorites. I also have a VP and a Decimo that tend to sit on my desk a lot - if I'm walking to meetings one of the VPs is a must have.
Interesting Video!
I do not need to leave my office with my fountain pens so my workhorese pen is a Pelikan M800 in black, that is the pen I use in front of my clients. It is stylish, not to ostentatious, looks "serious", hold a large amount of ink, it is just perfect for me!
To me, it's the Platinum Procyon. It's not for everyone, but I'm pretty happy with the alu-body and the springy steel nib! Great for writing Chinese characters especially, great for long note taking. Though I would fancy me a Lamy 2K stainless if I had the money.
I'm kind of a fan of how Platinum pens write though
I really loved my Turquoise Procyon....it was the same color as my favorite car, my 57 Chevy.....but when I wrote with it for more than a few minutes, the step up ridge after the threads really started to bother me....but I loved the F nib!!
Noo! Not the Lamy 2000. U r right on two points. It’s your work horse not mine. Some people hate the lamy 2000! Yes they do. I love my aero. U hate that pen. That’s the beauty of the hobby. It’s okay too disagree. I am going to try to pick up the a2 Friday. Love the video. Love your channel. I am your fan. Cheers
Yup lots of great pens out there for people to find the right one for them at a price they can afford
Love my A2 ...with an EF steel nib.....sooooooo nice!!!!
My 2000 was my fourth pen and I regret it. There are things to love about it but I like half my HongDian pistons more
I don't have a lot of fountain pens, and most of them I've gotten after I lost my office job. However I used to use my Pilot Metropolitan at work when I DID have an office job. I often wished it had an ink window, but I liked everything else about it. Used it with a converter filled with Diamine Red Dragon (I had a lot of freedom with what kind kinds of colors I could use in that office as opposed to a lot of others).
My favorites are always Lamy Safaris. But not special editions. I leave those at home.
The LAMY 2000 is absolutely a great workhorse! I managed to find one in EF for about half price secondhand & love it! However, even in the EF nib, it's still a tad broad for my "all purpose", my day-to-day, use everyday for work are my Pilot Vanishing Points (& Majohn A-1) as well as my Kaweco Piston filler.I can count on any of these to do what I need, when I need it.
Lately it’s my Sailor Pro Gear the nib has a lot of feedback but my writing looks amazing when I write with it
My workhorse is Asvine P36 with Asvine EF nib. But your video here highlight one point, for quick jolting note down during meeting the number of turn to open and close cap really make difference.
My other workhose is Pilot Prera with F nib, I love the click open and close the cap, sometime i mindlessly fidgeting open and close the cap.
I love the Prera with the CM nib!!! It is the smoothest, thinnest stub nib I have ever tried.And the snap cap is really nice.I wish Pilot would sell the steel CM nib separately, as I would love to have a slightly larger pen with that nib.
One of my favorites as well. For those who feel it’s too expensive as an EDC, the Jinhao 80 has very similar styling. Plus it’s a cartridge converter and accepts Lamy Safari style nibs.
My workhorse pen is the Hongdian M2 pocket pen. It's just slightly bigger than a Kaweco Sport, its all-metal so its durable and a nice weight, and its the perfect size to clip to an A6 notebook or TN Passport-size. And if I lose it (which I almost certainly will, sooner or later), it's under £20 to replace it. I could never afford a Lamy 2000 but if I did, and lost it, it would be devastating.
I just got one of these, and so far I’m loving it. 😊
Really enjoyed this video! My favorite “workhorse pen” at present is the Gravitas Ultemate Vac Ultemate, EF gold nib. The EF was really wide/wet so I had it ground to be even finer and it is just an absolutely gorgeous pen, smooth writer, and can hold a ton of ink.
My workhorse pen for the past 6 years: Lamy Studio stainless Steel with ef nib.
It’s goes wherever i go, feels indestructible. Cap still snaps, the clip looks funny but clips essily to anything, the grip section is grippy and i use it extensively every single day. And the ef nib paired with „scabiosa“ by rohrer&klingner makes a perfect match of fine line and extremely quick drying time.
The lamy 2000 is a bit too narrow and i need to grip it a Little bit too hard so it gives me issues with my carpal tunnel. The studio is the sweet spot for me.
And it’s fairly cheap at least here in germany. I often see it for 25-30 € on amazon.
You’re absolutely right about the Lamiy 2000 being a great workhorse. However, I carry a Lamy Safari blackberry special edition with Waterman inspired blue at all times and a medium nib. I have two Lamy 2000s and I treasure them too much to gad about with them in my pocket, but I have four safari’s and they are much more easily replaced than a 2000
I’m a fan of the Pilot Prera. I teach and use it for grading tests or a TWSB ECO for grading essays. I prefer the prera though as I drop it and it keeps going
I do love my Lamy 2k, and it was one of my main carries back before my WFH days. But I think if I had to pick one, it’d be my Pilot VP. The quick draw aspect of it was always the most useful for taking notes on the go, and the metal body always felt super safe to knock around in my pocket or just clipped to a notebook or my lanyard. And with what is available now, I would probably go with a Majohn A1 or A2 if I was compelled to return to working in the warehouse.
My VPs tend to be workhorses about 30% of the time, but -- even though I don't like the thicker/single-color-clear-plastic body quite as much -- the UEF nib that doesn't scratch or run dry even with dryer inks (which my VP "special alloy" F nib does sometimes and my 14K EF Decimo does *most* of the time) -- I just end up reaching for the UEF Curidas 70% of the time
I love my twsbi as well, the capacity really last me a really really long time with nice flow even on ef nibs. But do you have any issue with flights, i want to take it inked up but im afraid the air pressure going to ruin it. Can you give me tips on how you stored yours during flight? Does only keeping it seealed and inked full helps?
@@grayautumnday I thankfully haven’t had any issues with drying, but then again I have a broad nib and a well tuned medium architect for my VP. The Curidas was tempting when it came out, but Platinum’s medium nibs are too fine for my personal preferences.
Yup VPs are fantastic! Love all of mine and the A1/A2 but I don't find them as comfortable for longer writing. Quick client notes are fantastic but if I'm at a conference and I'm writing more, especially quickly, my writing seems better with the L2K and my hand is more relaxed.
Enjoyed the video and I cannot fault your choice of workhorse pen. I have all of the ones you talked about and I do use my custom 823 more than my Lame 2000. I love the ink capacity and my 823 writes better. But! I wanted to run something by you that I just discovered last month via a RUclips video. It is a Chinese pen but is the best-writing Chinese pen I've every tried. It is the Asvine V200 with a Bock nib upgrade. Was $63 in Sep 2024. Large capacity vacuum filler and writes like a dream. Is cheap enough that I don't worry about damage or loss.
@@GordonTillmanTexas I have 2 of them and have done reviews on both 😉
My favourite would be my Majohn A1 (because I consider my VP too expensive to take out of the house) but it's perfect for quick draw, one handed use and it's not the end of the world if it does go missing
A workhorse pen should have a nib that is easily swappable with the most common types (JoWo/Bock). I use a Namisu Nova Ti Pocket pen, it is a full size pen when posted, durable, easy to swap nibs, holds just enough ink in a short international cartridge, it's awesome and not too expensive either.
Great choice! My workhorse pen(s), in first to last order, are Lamy 2000 EF or F depending on which I grab first, Parker 51 vacuumatic 14 kt F, Parker 61 fine 14 kt, Lamy Studio EF, and Lamy Safari or AL EF. For me it comes down to what’s closest at hand that has ink in it, and the cap is a slip cap. Of all these it is usually my Lamy 2000 EF and then my Parker 51 (which I’ve had for a few years, that’s been well used). I think I got my Lamy in 1980.
Great video! Had a Lamy 2k for quite a few years (two, actually): nibs were a bit hit-or-miss, which was a bit frustrating, as I loved everything else about the pen. Tried an early-production Lamy Dialog 3, which ended badly, and drove me to try a Pilot Vanishing Point, which I *loved*, and led me to trying a Pilot Custom 74…long-story-short, I've been using a pair of Custom 823s for over a decade now, along with a VP, and they all get used *lots*, even though the 823s travel in a case most of the time, while the VP *does* get tucked in a shirt or jacket pocket. (The only pens that get clipped to a pants-pocket are a pair of Retro 51 rollers, but since I almost lost one while reaching for something else, even that's going to stop.)
My workhorse pens are an Ensso XS Minimalist and a Kaweco Brass Sport. I drop one of them in my pocket first thing in the morning. They are always ready to write.
A few workhorse pens for me… as a vet tech, I have to deal with animals scrabbling and scurrying a lot, so scratches on pens in the shirt pocket of my scrubs are almost inevitable. As we all do, I like to switch out my pens on an almost daily basis, but I have some regulars in my rotation.
1) Yes to the Lamy 2000, always a go to. Pre-weathered look, as you mentioned. It writes, and I find it pairs well with the MB Black Permanent (one of the truer blacks out there, great for official things like writen prescriptions, and waterproof/other bodily fluids-proof).
2) Pilot VP. The number of times I need to jot something down and only have one hand free, that pen has been everything I’ve ever needed. Nice enough that you wouldn’t hand it to someone asking to borrow your pen, but not so expensive/fancy that you are devastated by a little wear patina. Was my daily carry for 8 years. Only downside is the limited ink capacity, but I choose to look at that as an opportunity to swap colors twice a week.
3) Waterman Expert 3. Yes, a little on the fancy side, but it carries well in a shirt pocket, and it carries LOW (unlike the VP, with all that gold showing from the clip/section above the pocket edge)! Excellent for avoiding scratches, and the “flashiness” of the Essence du Bleu cap is nicely concealed with just a little black plastic sticking up. Also, a great example of a steel nib that writes as smoothly as many gold nibs.
4) Always, always, always some POS ballpoint or gel pen, exclusively for when coworkers ask to borrow a pen or clients need to sign a consent form. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve had to break out the loupe at the end of the day to repair or retune a nib after someone tried to write with my pen in reverse or sideways, and then just pressed down harder when the ink didn’t flow…
My ideal workhorse pen is anything from Platinum with a slip and seal cap as long as it is cartridge converter as If I am traveling with one, I always bring an extra cartridge. I like the Perpanep limited edition Preppy and the ice white Plasir
yes, my stationery collection is white and silver pens
Agree with you on the choice of pen. I use one with an oblique broad nib and medium on the other. Diplomat Aeros like the Oxyd has a bit of heft. Pilot Fermo sits beside my 2000. That Lamy 2000 macralon pencil and multi coloured ballpoint complement the fountain pen nicely.
I don’t chuck any pen into my bag. I have 2 pen loops. One for my Midori MD fountain pen and the other for either one of my Pilots (912 or 74) or a Sailor PGS. Depending on my mood.
Yes, I take my 14K nibs everywhere. I have them to use them.
What if you lose it? I’d cry if I lost a Kaweco or Lamy too. Also my phone is more expensive and I take that with me everywhere too. 😏 If I had to pick one: Pilot Special edition. It looks like a 74 but with flat ends.
My workhorse is an Edison Collier. At $149 it’s can be used as a cartridge/converter filler or an eye dropper filler taking advantage of a huge reservoir.
At this moment I have three pens in my rotation, but since they don't get out of my house don't know if they count.
Two of them are Aurora Hastils in Vermeil, Medium 14 kt nibs. Would not leave home with them. They are great writers though.
The last one is a simple Parker 25 in black with a Fine nib. It requires a bit of pressure where the Hastils just leave ink in contact with paper, yet its writing experience is almost as good. Also I would not mind going out with it. So I guess Parker 25 is my answer, at least for now.
I'm really liking my Jinhao 100 Centennials as my workhorse pens. Always reliable, I'm happy with the EF nib, nice width, nice weight, writes quite nicely but I have yet to do any nib tweaking on it. It's cheap, so if I were to damage them or lose them, I'd be sad, but not out a lot of money.
Lamy 2000 is a very great pen. But my workhorse pen is Parker Sonnet cisele. Easy to clean, writes great, just the ink capacity is slightly too small. Another workhorse pen for me is Pelikan 400nn. Good ink capacity, nib writes great and I lover the look of it.😄
As mentioned in a comment on the Lochby video, my favorite workhorse pen is the Karas Kustom Ink V2 in tumbled aluminum finish (the "pre-scuffed" finish) with a brass section and a fine nib. I keep this pen inked with Noodler's Walnut (I always have several generic black standard international short cartridges in my bag just in case I'm on an extended business trip and run the converter out of ink).
The TWSBI Swipe has become my workhorse pen, I really feel like it has become for me the Bic Crystal of the fountain pens. I can throw it anywhere, it doesn't call much attention and it is flawless in writing and handling without breaking the bank. I would have never imagined that it would have replaced even the ECO as my workhorse when I bought it out of curiosity. Sometimes what you don't expect might give you a pleasant surprise and even modify your long established habits.
I second this! 🙌
I have three workhorse pen with different inks. Lamy Al-star gray, Twsbi Eco purple and a Gray Custom 823. The custom 823 gets used a lot as I always ink it with pilot black. The twsbi eco gets Pilot kon-peki and the Lamy Al-star gets Lapis Bard Cranberry Sangeria. I write a lot everyday and love these three pens.
My personal pick would be either the Lamy Safari or the Platinum Preppy.
(lamy 2000 is amazing but I don't think you'd "throw it in the bag" casually lol, Safari does fit that bill tho. The 2000 always stays at home)
Current workhorse would be the TWSBI Eco, as it has great price to performance so I have been getting practically all the colors and can match the ink to the pen. Been having some issues of the qc for the nib, so I’ve been touching them up with your vids playing in the background.
I think my criteria for a daily driver is a little less involved haha. My pen has to be reliable and durable. Thinking about options, I was left with the following: Platinum Procyon, Karas Fountain K and INK V2, Good Blue L130, Modern Fuel, and Ensso Titanium Piuma. If I could only pick one... probably the Modern Fuel. That thing has never once given me an issue, even leaving it capped and unused for months at a time.
Another thought is that the one time I tried to carry only a fountain pen, I had a soft gold nib and had to write hard enough to go through carbon copy paper, so a ballpoint will always be on me. Usually a Karas Modal or a Machine Era Classic.
My Modern Fuel has been flawless as well. There are so many FANTASTIC workhorse pens out there which is great since there is something for everyone at all budgets. My $3 Zebra is a top workhorse pen and for that price blows my mind. I have the budget to pick up a L2K and not worry if it gets a little abuse so I go with that. Love how many dependable pens there are across such a wide price range and different designs so there's something for everyone
I have two, the "EDC" type pen would be my brass Kaweco Liliput that goes with me everywhere in pocket or bag, obviously indestructible and has just developed a patina over time. That's for stuff like notes, lists etc so I can ink it with anything I feel like. The pen that lives in my briefcase, with which I write things that others in my professional life will see, is a Waterman Hemisphere. In that I alternate between Rohrer & Klingner Verdigris and Diamine Majestic Blue, striking a balance by using colours that I like and aren't boring standard blue or black, but which wont make people think I'm weird where it really wouldn't be appropriate to use, for instance, a red sheening deep green with glitter in it.
I resisted the Lamy 2000 for years, but succumbed. My only gripe is that I wish the ink window were a tiny bit larger. Other than that - chefs kiss.
Yeah a slightly bigger window would make it easier to check the ink level. But I know the design is all about minimalism so that's what they went for
@@Doodlebud totally -- it's a 'me problem'. They aced the aesthetic.🌟
For me it’s the Jinhao 82 Acrylic and the Kaweco Sport Bronze.
For me: Pilot Custom 74 Broad, and Jinhao 9016 transparent with my super-duper custom ground unmarked Oblique Broad nib
Thanks for the video! Yes, the Lamy 2000 is one of my favorite workhorse pens. Like you, I tried the Jinhao 9019 and it's ok but doesn't write nearly as smoothly. I also have a couple of Sailor PGs that are workhorse pens as well because of the larger cartridges and smooth writing experience.
I was writing with my Lamy 2000 and stopped writing and gave you a thumbs up on the reveal.
For me Pelikan M200/205 wins it. Minimal maintenance, nice bouncy steel nib, light, small, not expensive, and writes every time you want it.
Pelikan pens fantastic! I really want to try a M200 as I've heard only great things about those bouncy steel nibs
@@Doodlebud I'm not that happy with my "green marble" M200. The nib is bouncy, but I don't like the heavy, pencil like feedback.
@@schawo2mine is buttery smooth. It’s an M nib. I’ve tried other expensive pens, M200 is the best to date
Couldn’t agree more. I love mine so much.
@@schawo2 The nibs are often not perfectly tuned when they are new. But they are very responsive to adjustments. I recall first time I tried one in a shop and really disliked it. Once I had the chance to write with a good one (green marble by the way), there was just no way back.
Hi DB! Have to say I'm one of the haters! They HAVE started making the pen in some different colors, which might entice me still. My go to pen is also from Lamy, but it's the Safari. I toss that thing around and in my pocket and it always writes unless it's out of ink. Plus safaris are colorful!
Can't go wrong with the Safari
i got my first fountain pen. a Parker IM fountain pen. gotta say i love it, im unsure if its considered a good workhorse but im sure using it as one and it hasnt betrayed me at all. went through like 5 cartriges before i noticed any writing inconsistency, rinsed it with water and let it dry an hour or so, plugged a new cartrige in and it worked like new. ordered a piston converter that hasnt shown up yet, but can say i love this pen.
getting the lamy safari next month to compare
Must be a bit chilly up there in North West Land
Long sleeve shirt
BTW : I did not take Chinese fountain pens seriously till I started to watch your episodes
I now own 9
I enjoy them
Thank you
It's that time of the year. About 10 deg C today (50 F)
My wife and I are travelling around Asia for 6 months avoiding winter back home in Canada. I had to make some hard choices on what pens I took. My Kaweco AC Sport is always in my pocket but I only use it if I'm out and about and need to make a quick note. The small ink capacity means I need to be frugal or buy some cartridges. I also have my Twsbi Eco and 2 Diamond 580's which were loaded to capacity before we left. Last is my Sailor Blaze, a special edition that I picked up in Japan last year and a full box of cartriges. The Sailor and the Twsbi's are all carried in my Galen Leather A5 zippered portfolio. I'm pretty sure I won't be using up all the ink in all the pens before we get home in April. I really do miss my Lamy 2000 and Pilot Custom 823 though. It was a hard choice to leave them behind but I chose the ink capacity of the Twsbi's as being the most practical for this trip.
My best EDC fountain pens in order of preference: Lank 2000,Visconti Homo Sapians Crystal Dream, and Pelikan m1000. I consider Montblo 149s nearly junk due to pool build quality, substandard parts (plastic vs. brass parts), and substandard writing experience.
Awesome choice! Same for me. Mine has a BB nib-love it.
For me, I think the best workhorse pen is the Lamy 2000. I have literally a couple hundreds pens, everything from $6 Jinhaos up to Pilot 823s, Montblanc 146/149, Pelikan M800/M1000, Sailor KOP, and everything in between. I have a bit of everything. While the Lamy 2000 isn’t the best writing pen I own, or the nicest, I find it is the most versatile and has a combination of features that no other pen has (snap cap, gold nib, piston, hooded nib… I’m aware of the vintage Aurora 88s, absolutely beautiful, I’ve had a few before, but too delicate and not as easily replaceable).
The Lamy 2000 is both a nice pen, but not so nice that it’s the end of the world if scratched or lost/stolen. Id be upset if something happened to it as it’s not a cheap pen, but I’d buy another one and my life would go on.
As a pen person, I want to carry and use a nice pen, so the inexpensive stuff (while I use and carry often) wouldn’t be my choice. Same with the really expensive stuff ($500+), I don’t want them to be damaged, lost, stolen, etc. Those stay at home, safe and sound. The Lamy 2000 falls in the middle ground territory, nice enough to use everyday, not so nice that it can’t be replaced. The Lamy 2000 is a perfect compromise.
Additionally, I work in an office, so having a nice pen to use without being flashy its important. It’s a nice pen, but not so nice that it draws attention, and it’s always professional (I keep it permanently inked with Diamine Oxford Blue). It stays under the radar. Anyone who does notice it likely is into pens too, great conversation starter for those who are in the know.
Yup, I agree 100% with your comments. We both love it for all the same reasons. While there are MANY fantastic workhorse pens for way less money, the L2K just stands out for me and its perfect. The $3 Zebra pen comes to mind as an AMAZING workhorse pen and for $3 it can't be beat. But I just love the look and feel of the the L2K. Been so tempted multiple times to get a 2nd one purchased 2nd hand just to have it
Loved the design pattern on a Pen on your left hand pouch. 2nd pen with gold lines. Can you please give details or any video link for that. Or where can I buy that please ????
This one?
ruclips.net/video/a2M4qoQv9XM/видео.html
@@Doodlebud not in this video
Pouch under your left hand and 2nd pen from Left side
@satbirjoura can you timestamp when in the video
@@Doodlebud very start
I thought that it would have been the Faber Castell e-motion all black 😮
Its a great pen but I go for the L2K more often
YES! DB, nerd out all you like! 👍❤
Jinhao 80 here, with a Yiren EF nib. Inexpensive as they come.
Your top pen is a good choice - but, honestly, for people on a budget, a plain old Lamy - in your favorite color - it really can’t be beat. You don’t have to spend big money to get a good quality pen….
100% agree; I haven’t tried anything north of 200 yet but my Lamy Al stars and safaris are the only ones I stayed with past 3 months.
Work horse for me means dependable but also not so expensive that I would be hesitant to take it out of the house. My best pens (especially vintage ones) live at home and never leave for fear of loss. Pilot 823, Sailor 1911L, Platinum 3773 and the like are too expensive to risk loss. Therefore I have given consideration to many mid-level pens that approximate that more luxury experience without the cost factor so that I don't think twice about putting them in my pocket or work bag. My best 5 workhorses: Pilot Lucina , Pilot Ecrino , Asvine V200 , Sheaffer No Nonsense , and Jinhao x450 (with replacement Jowo nib) .
I have 3 pens I use the most consistently that are incredibly reliable writers. Mine are the Platinum Preppy (although I'm now looking into upgrading to a 3376), a Pelikan M205, and my Pilot VP. Love all three of them, the Pelikan and the Preppy I've left inked up for several months at a time (accidentally left shimmer ink in the Pelikan) and both wrote perfectly after so much time had passed. Also love my Pilot Vanishing Point (I actually have the Fermo) just because of how convenient it is and how nice the nibs are. All three are great writers, though. I love my Sailor PGS pens but I find they dry out faster than some of my others. My Pelikan M405 is also a great pen, but the medium nib on mine writes identical to one of my 205s with a broad on it :/ maybe I'll like it more once I finally bite the bullet and get a new nib for it.
I agree, those are all great pens😁
TWSBI Eco for me!! 🖤
It's a great pen 🖋️👍
Glad your thumb is healing up!
I used to hate on Benu, but I have to say my Benu Euphoria. That pen so unbelievably reliable and fun. The resin is very durable and the pen writes 100% of the time.
I am fearless with my Safari's in fine......FINALLY someone who prints in all caps (big and little)....I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE IN THE WORLD 😂😂😂
My workhorse is the Diplomat Ex. A2. Super reliable, metal, sturdy, slip cap, functional clip. Not too wet, not too dry. I have it with me and use it every single day.
For "fancy" writing it feels a bit too workhorsy, though.It's not a pen you write poems with.
Great choice
I don't know if I would have the heart to throw a 200$ pen in the bag. But, my definition of workhorse if different. I am someone who writes pretty fast, about 25-30 words a minute. I expect the pen to keep up. A Pilot Hi tech point was doing fine but, wasn't getting the desired speed.
I can hit these speeds only with Metropolitan. Planning to try the Custom 724, so fingers crossed 🤞
I’m an Urban Sketcher and use Sailor de Mannen fude pen every, just throw it in the bottom of my purse. It writes every time and I enjoy the line variation of the fude nib
The downside: the converter has small ink capacity. I need to refill every other day. Is there a larger converter available?
As far as I know thats the only converter they have
This is a tough decision. It has to be a pen that doesn't need refilling often and is comfortable in the hand for long writing sessions.
My current workhorse pen has to be the Conklin All American Demonstrator. It can be a cartridge/converter or an eyedropper. It has an Omniflex nib which is not the greatest but I smoothed the tip and it works wonderfully, not for flex but regular writing. I even smoothed it for reverse writing. It lays a nice Medium Fine line and holds almost 5ml of ink.
The Opus 88 Demo would be a close second.
I work in a skilled nursing facility and have tried several fountain pens over the last year. They have to hold a decent amount of ink and be able to tolerate being in and out of my scrub pocket all day, and the occasional drop (~2x/month). I tried the Curidas and Majohn retractable pens, but had problems with leaking with both 😢 The Lamy Vista did work good, but my current favorites are the Asvine V126s because of ink capacity, no fear of leaking, and durability when dropped! (And of course they stand out a bit more than some of the others, which leads to fun conversations!) 😊 I recently acquired a Lamy 2000 but have not been able to decide which ink to ink it up with and I'm nervous to use it at work lol, I'm afraid it might leak in my pocket. Has anybody else had experience with carrying this pen on person?