Wonderful video, Chris! Im so glad you are loving your pens. Im certainly enjoying mine. This 500 is a dream come true. I haven't put it down yet. Cherrs to you and our incredible trade!! !!!Seymour!!!
I bought quite a few Esterbrook Oversize Esties this year. Great pens! Fun special editions that came out too. I'm hoping to see new creations in the year to come.
On thing I appreciated with the modern Esterbrook was the adapter that allows you to use vintage nibs. I didn't know there was a squirrel ink out there. I might have to buy a bottle!
The adapter costs more than most vintage Esterbrook pens with a nib. The size of vintage nibs is small compared to the Jowo No.6, doesn't look appropriate . For me, no reason to buy this pen & adapter. Happy New year.
@WaskiSquirrel, If you look at comments to your "Pens in Use - June 11", I had asked "when are we going to see Squirrel Dark Grey ink ?" and you had replied "Sadly, nobody has expressed a desire to start an ink my honor...". Here's an Ink maker who decided to honour you without giving a credit (leave alone royalty) to you 😉
I've wanted this pen for a while but the price always put me off. $200 is a lot for a steel nib pen and Karas Kustoms or Edison offer great pens with similar writing experiences for less. I still want this pen but I don't know when I'll finally pull the trigger. Thanks for the review!
The last four Estie pens (Nouveau Bleu, Sunflower, Pink Sands and Scarlet) to my eyes, look too cool to resist. I reckon you ought to go for it and get an Estie. If not with the MV nib adapter, then maybe with either the Journaler or the Scribe nibs instead as the default nib with the pen.
Very good review. Like the "seal" in the cap. Good idea. I wonder if the pen can have the barrel bottle filled as the barrel is one piece. With the O ring on the section, maybe it can.
I have commented in the past in other review videos on the modern Esterbrook Estie. And I’ve explicitly stated before my criticisms of the design, marketing and especially the out-of-whack pricing of the‘reborn’ Estie pen. Still, despite my many misgivings, I had later bought three new Esties by the modern, reborn brand. Including this honeycomb (Oversize) Estie. I’ve also bought the newest superb Scarlet. Oversize. The other is the lovely Ebony Oversize w/silver trim and the Journaler nib I’ve occasionally said how standard Jowo nibs are alright, but just bore me with their ubiquity and writing uniformity which don’t appeal to me much anymore. So, one main reason I bought my three Esties was to be able to use any among my many vintage Esterbrook steel nibs, using the M-V nib adapter ($40), something that ought to have been included free. I still think the Estie is blatantly overpriced. But I’ve found that the pens are actually very well made, too. And extremely comfortable to use and dependable writing instruments. It doesn’t hurt that a few of the Esties look very attractive to me. The nib adapter, and the option of using vintage nibs, the Journaler nib etc… clinched it for me. I’d maybe have never bought this pen if Jowo was the default and sole nib option. I’m very happy with my modern Esties. I still think, though, that Esterbrook needs to seriously rethink their pricing strategy. For starters, giving away the MV nib adapter free and maybe a vintage nib with it would be a fairer deal if the price stayed the same. Chris, I’m glad you have and enjoy your own modern Estie. Cool review, as usual.
Agreed. Some sellers may include a vintage nib with adapter, but one of the common "boring" nibs, like 1555. I do not see a price reduction or other incentives. Kenro is selling enough at current prices. Have a Joyous New Year filled with many pens.
@@chrisrap52 ..True. Ha, despite my initial dissing of the pens, I eventually bought three of them. Oversized ones, at that. And I quite love them all. So, I’m not complaining any more. Wishing you a fantastic holiday season and New Year, too. And oh, I did buy many pens through this year. Not one regret with a single purchase. Also, I do try to use as many of my pens as often as I possibly can.
@@williamcatalano1762 …I have sixteen of the vintage Estie nibs. I had most of them since a long time ago (when I was in college). The rest I bought off eBay and at Anderson Pens in recent years.
Found these 2 interesting pens that you might like to review next year (I am definitely interested in a vac filler): Asvine V169 (Much cheaper on Ebay than Aliexpress) and Majohn A1 (pre sale only so far and it is a knockoff of Pilot VP).
Thanks for the suggestion but... Two pens I will pass on. Not a fan of VP, no interest in similar pen. Metal overlay, metal section not what I want. I have my vitage Waterman's to enjoy a great metal overlay. Happy New Year.
A lovely pen, I especially appreciate the threads and cap mechanism. I agree that the price is way to high- I always consider the country of origin because of cost of manufacture and taxes. Otherwise, i feel that most pens do not get a fair shake. In my opinion this would be a fair deal for a luxury pen at half the price, and an traditional esterbrook value at 1/4.
I was able to purchase a new one from a respected retailer for $200. It is in the mail, so we will see whether I think the price point is acceptable. I have purchased an Italian brand fountain pen with a steel nib at almost the same price point, and I did not rate the pen as highly as I had hoped. (It was a piston filler; Narwhal is as well, but as the pen improves, their price point also increases). I saw some oversized Esterbrooks for $300 or more. I was not interested! Thanks for the review, since I generally value your reviews as by far the most helpful! KW
@@sajjadhusain4146 Yes.. Hope you’re cherishing your new 88.. At least I’m cherishing mine ! Before you raise your eyebrows, let me clarify that it’s not Aurora 88 or Opus 88, but it is Parker 88.. I recently got this Ballpen - Fountain pen set. I’m in love with this gorgeous Laque Ivory pen set whose broad nib is buttery smooth !
@@sathishrao7926 …Wow, Sathish, I don’t think I had heard of the Parker 88 before. So, for a second you really did startle me about the 88. As a crazy fanboy and buyer of the Aurora 88, I swear that for a second I did think you sprang a shock by buying an Aurora 88. Didn’t recall the Opus 88 before I saw you mention it. Anyway, the laque finish is always so attractive. And you talk of a broad nib on it. Win-win all the way. Rejoice with your new pretty Parker pens. Will you use the ballpen? The only ballpen I very occasionally use is my pair of Retro 51s and a premium Pilot model. But rarely. There’s a Parker Jotter XL ballpen model - same classic design as the old Jotter, but slightly longer and thicker. And oh yes, I bought my tenth Aurora 88. Loving it a lot. But buying no more. That’s a serious promise to self. I could have bought a second car instead of buying ten 88s. But I love my pens more than any car.
@@sajjadhusain4146 Having upgraded to a premium motorcycle and premium car recently, I can’t think of splurging on premium pens like Aurora 88 - A $200 Pilot VP has been my most expensive pen till date ! I’ve more than a dozen ballpoint pens which came with their Fountain pen counterparts, but (unfortunately) I don’t use them. Have a great time ahead with your new prized possession and happy new year in advance !
Wonderful video, Chris! Im so glad you are loving your pens. Im certainly enjoying mine. This 500 is a dream come true. I haven't put it down yet.
Cherrs to you and our incredible trade!!
!!!Seymour!!!
Thank you. Seymour says "Hi'"
As usual, an excellent detailed review! Again, wishing you and yours a very Happy and Healthy New Year ... cheers!
Happy NEW YEAR Chris, Thanks for the video. I look forward to more! Barb
I bought quite a few Esterbrook Oversize Esties this year. Great pens! Fun special editions that came out too. I'm hoping to see new creations in the year to come.
Very nice, Chris. The resin is beautiful.
Yes, but beauty is only one aspect on a pen. A good one as we see it all the time. Have a joyous New year.
I have an Estie in seaglass with a journalling nib. I love it.
On thing I appreciated with the modern Esterbrook was the adapter that allows you to use vintage nibs.
I didn't know there was a squirrel ink out there. I might have to buy a bottle!
The adapter costs more than most vintage Esterbrook pens with a nib. The size of vintage nibs is small compared to the Jowo No.6, doesn't look appropriate . For me, no reason to buy this pen & adapter. Happy New year.
@WaskiSquirrel, If you look at comments to your "Pens in Use - June 11", I had asked "when are we going to see Squirrel Dark Grey ink ?" and you had replied "Sadly, nobody has expressed a desire to start an ink my honor...". Here's an Ink maker who decided to honour you without giving a credit (leave alone royalty) to you 😉
This ink is a Fox Squirrel, not a typical combo (Fox eats Squirrel) & not a Waski...
@@sathishrao7926 Funny! Of course, having lived in the area where the inkmaker is located, I know what the actual reference is...
I've wanted this pen for a while but the price always put me off. $200 is a lot for a steel nib pen and Karas Kustoms or Edison offer great pens with similar writing experiences for less. I still want this pen but I don't know when I'll finally pull the trigger. Thanks for the review!
The last four Estie pens (Nouveau Bleu, Sunflower, Pink Sands and Scarlet) to my eyes, look too cool to resist. I reckon you ought to go for it and get an Estie. If not with the MV nib adapter, then maybe with either the Journaler or the Scribe nibs instead as the default nib with the pen.
Very good review. Like the "seal" in the cap. Good idea. I wonder if the pen can have the barrel bottle filled as the barrel is one piece. With the O ring on the section, maybe it can.
I would not ED this pen. Plated Metal bits in section can corrode quickly. The regular size should be a good ED.
I have commented in the past in other review videos on the modern Esterbrook Estie. And I’ve explicitly stated before my criticisms of the design, marketing and especially the out-of-whack pricing of the‘reborn’ Estie pen. Still, despite my many misgivings, I had later bought three new Esties by the modern, reborn brand. Including this honeycomb (Oversize) Estie. I’ve also bought the newest superb Scarlet. Oversize. The other is the lovely Ebony Oversize w/silver trim and the Journaler nib
I’ve occasionally said how standard Jowo nibs are alright, but just bore me with their ubiquity and writing uniformity which don’t appeal to me much anymore. So, one main reason I bought my three Esties was to be able to use any among my many vintage Esterbrook steel nibs, using the M-V nib adapter ($40), something that ought to have been included free.
I still think the Estie is blatantly overpriced. But I’ve found that the pens are actually very well made, too. And extremely comfortable to use and dependable writing instruments. It doesn’t hurt that a few of the Esties look very attractive to me. The nib adapter, and the option of using vintage nibs, the Journaler nib etc… clinched it for me. I’d maybe have never bought this pen if Jowo was the default and sole nib option. I’m very happy with my modern Esties. I still think, though, that Esterbrook needs to seriously rethink their pricing strategy. For starters, giving away the MV nib adapter free and maybe a vintage nib with it would be a fairer deal if the price stayed the same.
Chris, I’m glad you have and enjoy your own modern Estie. Cool review, as usual.
Agreed. Some sellers may include a vintage nib with adapter, but one of the common "boring" nibs, like 1555. I do not see a price reduction or other incentives. Kenro is selling enough at current prices. Have a Joyous New Year filled with many pens.
@@chrisrap52 ..True. Ha, despite my initial dissing of the pens, I eventually bought three of them. Oversized ones, at that. And I quite love them all. So, I’m not complaining any more.
Wishing you a fantastic holiday season and New Year, too.
And oh, I did buy many pens through this year. Not one regret with a single purchase. Also, I do try to use as many of my pens as often as I possibly can.
Where did you get the vintage nibs from? O did you already have them from previous older Esterbrook pens?
@@williamcatalano1762 …I have sixteen of the vintage Estie nibs. I had most of
them since a long time ago (when I was in college). The rest I bought off eBay and at Anderson Pens in recent years.
@@sajjadhusain4146 You can find decent vintage flex nibs then for these newer pens? Do you need the older feeds too?
Found these 2 interesting pens that you might like to review next year (I am definitely interested in a vac filler): Asvine V169 (Much cheaper on Ebay than Aliexpress) and Majohn A1 (pre sale only so far and it is a knockoff of Pilot VP).
Thanks for the suggestion but... Two pens I will pass on. Not a fan of VP, no interest in similar pen. Metal overlay, metal section not what I want. I have my vitage Waterman's to enjoy a great metal overlay. Happy New Year.
A lovely pen, I especially appreciate the threads and cap mechanism. I agree that the price is way to high- I always consider the country of origin because of cost of manufacture and taxes. Otherwise, i feel that most pens do not get a fair shake. In my opinion this would be a fair deal for a luxury pen at half the price, and an traditional esterbrook value at 1/4.
I was able to purchase a new one from a respected retailer for $200. It is in the mail, so we will see whether I think the price point is acceptable. I have purchased an Italian brand fountain pen with a steel nib at almost the same price point, and I did not rate the pen as highly as I had hoped. (It was a piston filler; Narwhal is as well, but as the pen improves, their price point also increases). I saw some oversized Esterbrooks for $300 or more. I was not interested! Thanks for the review, since I generally value your reviews as by far the most helpful! KW
All is well except the price ! Maybe a pen for 'Esterbrook patrons' !
Like me! 😋
@@sajjadhusain4146 Yes..
Hope you’re cherishing your new 88.. At least I’m cherishing mine !
Before you raise your eyebrows, let me clarify that it’s not Aurora 88 or Opus 88, but it is Parker 88.. I recently got this Ballpen - Fountain pen set. I’m in love with this gorgeous Laque Ivory pen set whose broad nib is buttery smooth !
@@sathishrao7926 …Wow, Sathish, I don’t think I had heard of the Parker 88 before. So, for a second you really did startle me about the 88. As a crazy fanboy and buyer of the Aurora 88, I swear that for a second I did think you sprang a shock by buying an Aurora 88. Didn’t recall the Opus 88 before I saw you mention it.
Anyway, the laque finish is always so attractive. And you talk of a broad nib on it. Win-win all the way. Rejoice with your new pretty Parker pens. Will you use the ballpen? The only ballpen I very occasionally use is my pair of Retro 51s and a premium Pilot model. But rarely. There’s a Parker Jotter XL ballpen model - same classic design as the old Jotter, but slightly longer and thicker.
And oh yes, I bought my tenth Aurora 88. Loving it a lot. But buying no more. That’s a serious promise to self. I could have bought a second car instead of buying ten 88s. But I love my pens more than any car.
@@sajjadhusain4146 Having upgraded to a premium motorcycle and premium car recently, I can’t think of splurging on premium pens like Aurora 88 - A $200 Pilot VP has been my most expensive pen till date !
I’ve more than a dozen ballpoint pens which came with their Fountain pen counterparts, but (unfortunately) I don’t use them.
Have a great time ahead with your new prized possession and happy new year in advance !
I asked myself - 'Do I need another Jowo nib holder?' - an expensive or overpriced one! I don't think there is anything very unique about this pen.
Unique no, but very well made. Sometimes that is good enough.
Exactly what Chris said. Mirrors my feelings about the pen.