Section markers: 0:39 Not trying before you buy 2:28 Buying a fountain pen for status 4:15 Thinking you need to buy the 'next step on the ladder' 6:23 The idea that there are some pens everyone 'must own' 8:37 Getting sucked into limited editions 9:42 Paying full price 12:50 Buying a pen that doesn't suit your intended use case (e.g. desk pen vs commuting vs travel) 14:08 Outtro
If you do a Part II video, same topic, another mistake--buying a fountain pen for which you have a strong liking even though it is outside your budget comfort zone, and then having buyer's remorse. The pen must feel good in the wallet before it can feel good in the hand. :)
I always tell people.. “DO IT.” You’ll financially recover. It’ll hurt for a few weeks but you’ll get the bills paid.. and then you got that pen forever.. OR, you can get the bills paid and not have the pen forever.
I live in rural North Dakota, close enough to the edge of the Earth that you can see it from here. My entire buying history is breaking rule #1! Still a nice list.
Nice! Is there often a difference between what you get as to what you were expecting? Have you ever taken a huge risk, big ticket price, and not received what you were expecting! (These are great questions for when we do our Live Show together!)
@@HemingwayJones I've had both good and bad surprises. A 1960s pen from behind the Iron Curtain was one of my all time best surprises. And I have one expensive modern pen that I really regret, though its nib is lovely in just about any other pen.
As a fine line guy, I was torn about buying a Lamy 2000 with a medium nib. Agonizing, should I get it or not, the pen with an M nib was my only option. Ultimately, I caved because the price was way more than right And when it arrived I inked it up, made a few quick strokes, then promptly put it away and never used it. Until, that is, guilt set in for buying a pen I didn't like and didn't use. So feeling obligated to at least give it a try, little by little the more I used it the more I liked it. I'm still a fine liner, but my medium nib Lamy 2000 is my starship pen, that special writer that lets me soar over the pages like no other pen I have. So, in my case sometimes a big mistake can eventually turn into a lucky break, even if I would never have guessed it at first.
Might I suggest an episode about the endless march of grail pens? When I started it was a Kaweco Sport. Then it was a Brass Sport. Then a Waterman Ideal. Then a Benu. Etc. etc. How many grails are there?!? It makes me think of a line from Buffy: "Turns out I suddenly find myself needing to know the plural of apocalypse." I'd love to hear about your own grail pen journey.
That is a very interesting idea and I definitely covered it here. I am wondering if this might make a good Live Show topic! Thanks so much for the suggestion!
Oh, guilty on all charges! I loved this video. I have committed these 'crimes of passion' with every hobby I've enjoyed in the decades I've breathed air. I'm a serial enthusiast and when I'm in, I'm in. However, in my defense, I know when I'm 'done', when enough is enough, and I DO love and enjoy all I collect, whatever that may be. With regard to writing instruments, each one has its personality and quirks, different tools for different jobs, and I love them all. From the cheap Kakuno kitchen pen in a cup on the counter to the Montblanc tucked in an Italian leather sleeve on my desk, I can appreciate each pen for its unique characteristics.
One thing I recommend is be careful of the sales person talking you out of a hearts desire. It’s one thing to be alerted to a pens issue but when a sales person tells me I won’t be happy with something I have my heart set on? Trust me, you’ll buy their recommend and in 3 months you’ll go back for what you really wanted. No sales person truly knows your own heart’s desires or can cross that item off your own bucket list. Best advice. Buy nothing that day and revisit that desire with all the information you acquired.
The first rule hit me DEEPLY because I live in a city that no longer has a good pen shop, so I have no choice but to order online and so far I’ve always been thrilled with my purchases! But I agree with you that trying before you buy, seeing it in person is the way to go. I think the online buying is the reason I don’t buy more than I do!
Hi Liz! I live outside of Boston and I can only think of two pen shops. We used to have so many! Cambridge had three or four, Boston a handful, Burlington 1. Now, I can think of 2 and the MB boutique, which I suppose makes 3. Thanks for commenting!
Yes, I'm so glad you pointed out that we don't have check off the "must own" list. As a vintage collector, I thought I needed to own a Parker 51... sure it's a good pen, but I enjoyed the 61 cartridge filler so much better and gave my 51s away. The Esterbrook J was the same way... I vastly preferred the Esterbrook Dollar pen.
Oh boy. This really spoke to me. We don't have any pen shops or shows in my province, which is also an island, so travel is prohibitive. So most of my pens I have bought online and due to reviews. The only ones I had an opportunity to try first were my early days Pilot Metropolitan, and a Diplomat Magnum I tried when I visited a great pen shop in Calgary. I had been craving an Aero but was pleased to discover that I liked the much cheaper Magnum a lot better, despite the Aero's delightful cap closure. The pen meet ups we have recently started having have been great. It has given me the opportunity to try several new to me pens. The "next step" pen is so real. My next pen will be a gold nibbed Pilot, but so many of them appeal to me. I'll have to take a trip to the mainland to try a variety out first. I laughed when you showed a Visconti when suggesting you should get a pen shop friend to test your planned purchase first. Viscontis have a reputation for being troublesome out of the box. It's a shame when the more expensive makers have such lacklustre quality control. As a Canadian, I am jealous of your exchange rate. Our shipping rates are terrible. Duty is charged for anything over $20, brokerage fees are made up by shipping companies and are absolutely highway robbery , and our exchange rate is always terrible. I try to buy Canadian as a result, but that does mean that most exclusives are out of reach. The second hand market has worked out for me, so far, but if I wanted a higher end pen I wouldn't trust it. Or Amazon, which seems to have declined to the point that you are more likely to get a knock-off or a broken, used returned item than what you ordered. Thanks, Hemingway! Another fun and thought-provoking vid.
Hello HJ. Interesting subject that most people will find helpful. My rule of thumb is to avoid impulse purchases. If I see something that is interesting, I wait and weigh the pros and cons of having something. So far, I have been able to follow my rule. Truth be told, it took me almost 3 months of looking at golf bags before I finally purchased THE one. Drove my brother - in - law insane, so win-win. Great job. Keep them coming. Your editing is really stellar.
I agree with your idea that curiosity drives my hobby. I like to get every nib size by a manufacturer. In the beginning I tried all the filling systems just as an education. Now I find cartridge/converters are my preference. Finish/appearance is a huge consideration. I have over 800 pens and, like my book collection, I'm very happy to add to them. Each is an experience.
I agree! You need to try many varieties to know what you enjoy and what works for you. I'm the same way - I just HAD to feel what it felt like to try pen 'x'. I rationally know I can't try (or buy) them all but I've filled my pen case with a sampling from many brands, with different nibs. It's fun, and learning is one of the best parts of a new hobby (for me, anyway).
Thank you for the great advice! I’ve fallen into at least 3 of the pitfalls…sometimes more than once. I wish I lived near a store that sells fountain pens. I have to purchase online and hope for the best! That’s one of the reasons I so appreciate your channel and honesty. It makes all the difference!
Thank you so much, ZGordon. That is so kind of you to say. I am happy to be here and to have you here on this journey with us. Personally, I break these guidelines all the time. I am “this close” to doing it again right now! (Over the Kaweco Sport Bronze!) Thanks so much!
I’ve bought a majority of my pens online and taken my chances. Very fortunately, excepting just a few over many years of buying pens I fancied, I’ve always been extremely satisfied with my pen purchases. This is not counting the very inexpensive Chinese pens - nearly all of which I’ve given away. I have also bought more than one pen of the same model in a different color/finish/nib size on several occasions. Excepting a few cases, I now think that was an unforced error I should not have committed. Not least because it cost me so much money buying the said pens.
Thanks for your excellent advice! Too bad it's too late... 🤣 I've committed almost all those, with fountain pens. Other fields, these and more. I'm a photographer who suffers dearly from GAS. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) Since rediscovering fountain pens, it's clear that this world is similarly afflicted. There's a subconscious driving belief: "If only I had a better camera, I'd take a better photo." Translating the analogy to pens: "If only I had a better pen, I'd write a better story." I call it subconscious because the conscious, thinking mind realizes how ridiculous that is.
You know, learning that lesson with a Ricoh in 1988 has been a steadying influence now that I've dived into the deep end with fountain pens! (Used them since 1969.)
I keep looking at pens recommended by artists. My thinking is, if only I had the right pen I would draw more/better, when my conscious mind knows all I need is a sharpened stick and a pot of ink. Everything else is just excuses.
Couldn't have said it better HJ. But sometimes when I get inspired by a fountain pen I have a bad habit of looking at it all the time and looking up all kinds of videos and after a few days it starts to itch, I can't resist buying one. I know I need to build some character to resist the temptations. But hey, it makes a person so happy and I enjoy it
@@HemingwayJones My dad used to wear a dickie, and he was the only person I've known who did so. I suspect he would have joined in on the adventure of fountain pens with me and my sister quite eagerly. He was a professor, and liked to look the part. He even took up pipe smoking for a while, for the aesthetic. He was also a sailor, among many other things, and real embraced the Greek fisherman look when he was out on the boat :D
I think I shall make this video a prerequisite prior to purchasing fountain pens! I have fallen into the "new color" trap/mistake many times ... a few times it was worth it like my Rose Gold and Black TWSBI Eco for instance and the purple transparent one for that matter ... but often I realize later how many of the same pen bodies I have and identical nibs. :) I become quite irritate with manufacturers who create frenzy with limited editions because that can lead to people (me) buying out of FOMO even when not 100% sure/ready. Just lately I've gotten better but this weekend a major release coming soon from a company I really like made me look but I have no plans to purchase. I'd rather get better at saving a good pen $ wallet so that when something comes up that I have planned for and wanted (at a decent price) I can be fully prepared. It's probably never going to be that I would stop adding to my hobby entirely although I am striving for longer and longer periods of not purchasing. :) Loved this video!!!!! Will watch again when tempted to buy a pen. LOL
Hello Chris! Thanks so much! I am so glad that you enjoyed it. I am tempted to pick up the Bronze Kaweco Sport myself, but I am fighting back! Now if something really resonates, I would be the last one to criticize anyone. Plus, I just put this out there for people to think about. I’ll celebrate a purchase with them anytime! Hope all is well!
I totally agree there is no pen "everyone" should own, this is too subjective a matter to have s single pen for all. However, if we wish to buy a pen online our only means of knowing what it's like to use is reading plenty of reviews.
One would need not more than 5-6 decent pens filled with different colored inks. But all the logic and rationale will get thrown out if we begin considering ourselves as ‘FP Collectors’.. “Hey, I’ve a Vintage Pilot Elite, but my collection will be incomplete if I don’t have Elite’s counterparts from Platinum & Sailor.. Let me hunt for these..” Still all is well as long as this hobby keeps us excited in our lives and we have a strict ‘self imposed’ spend limit ! Another mistake that we inadvertently do is to get in touch with many sellers and get subscribed to their ‘Sales broadcasts’ (Eg., through WhatsApp groups here in India). We keep getting new listings very often and we get tantalized to buy that beautiful pen which was never in our purchase list !
Great video. I’m glad I saw your Instagram story. I appreciate your pointing out that we don’t need to have a « must own » list. I made that mistake with guitars. I’ve since gifted or sold all but one guitar. I’m presently considering selling my last guitar due to antibiotic induced tendinitis of both my hands. Hence, the rebirth of my interest in fountain pens. My journey beyond my Pilot Varsity purchased in France, because I thought that notes about France needed a fountain pen. C’était tellement beau en terrasse avec un stylo-plume. Stylo-plume literally translates to feather pen. I find that lovely. I personally love the idea of owning previously used vintage pens. I find the idea romantic and fitting with my love of books, antique coins, antique maps, old watches, and old cemeteries. So thank you for bringing that idea and places to look for them. And, I confess to having committed error #1, all of my pens have been gifted or bought without trying them first. I’ve been fortunate so far. I’m sure I too will eventually commit the others as well. Or perhaps I’ve learned from my experience with my guitars. I can hope. Cheers et bon week-end!
Hi Kim! Thanks so much for following the Link over here. I appreciate it. I love how you look at the world. You know that I enjoy following those threads through space and time, history, heritage, connections. It’s the driving force of this channel. I also committed each of these. That’s how I know them. All the best and thanks!
I enjoyed this video; if I heed your words it will save me lots of money. I'm just starting out, and I've spent over a thousand bucks! I'll play your video again. Thanks...
Really good video. I am struggling about whether or not to buy more expensive pens, not so much like grail pens, but just a bit better, like having gold nibs. But if I do, then I am afraid my current budget pens will look to me blend and cheap, and I will lose the fun of using them. The thing is, even if there is a real scale in the relative values of fountain pens, even the cheapest of them is so much better than a regular ball point pen that it is still a great fun to use.
Hello My Friend and thanks for watching. I think you should try some gold nibs, to get a sense. I would think about picking up a Waterman Carene. You can get one of those second hand to save some money. Peyton Street Pens is a good source. Gold nibs have a quality and that is a beautiful and interesting one. I guess it’s all about Balance!
Brilliant points! I agree 100% with your thoughts on this. Having been in the fountain pen hobby for over 15 years I can absolutely relate. Great minds think alike :p
Great video. I am glad I watched it before buying my 102nd pen (I jest). I did not fall in a rabbit hole it’s more like a mine shaft. One thing that happened to me recently was purchasing a multi-colored resin pen the opus 88 Bela pen in red. The web site showed this beautiful pen with a distinct black color with swirling fire colors of red and yellow. It was awesome. When the pen arrived. There was no distinct black just all the colors swirled together and it looked more like Arizona or Utah mud. I returned it and was stuck with a store credit. I will never buy another swirl pen again on line. I lucked out with the narwhal explorer Los Angeles. The pen body was fine but the grip really did not match the rest of the pen. I would have returned that too but my fingers cover the grip when I write, so I could build a bridge and get over that obstacle.
FWIW, you don't need a Lamy 2K. It's pretty good, I know Brian Goulet is always gushing about them, but IMO it doesn't compare to a top end pen like a Pelikan M800 or a Montegrappa Celluloid. I think its hard to try pens, as most of us don't live near a physical store, and there are many pens online. Also, nibs vary all over the place, even within the same brand, and leave some room in your budget (and time) for a tuning by a pro, who will give you exactly what you like...
Great information. I thought that a fine nib and or extra fine nib was my esthetic after I had already purchased several of them,however, when I purchased my first broad nib I knew that was the sweet spot. I also adore stub nibs. I have a few double broad nibs. They are great.
Great tips! I bought a Lamy Safari as I had made out a check with one at a stamp store. I filled a bunch of them with shimmer inks. Not the best thing to do as the inks can clog the pen and are hard to clean out of the converters.
I love my Lamy Vista 😊and prefer medium and larger nibs which I've read/heard work better than F or EF for shimmer inks, but they're best for my writing style so that's just a bonus!
A few days ago I filled a 1.1 stub nib Safari with a sample of shimmer ink and it clogged almost immediately. Thankfully I had used a cartridge so it was a quick clean up. The people who stick with shimmer inks have far more patience than I do. Although I will say, the Robert Oster Grun Gilt I have in my B Kaweco Brass Sport must have super fine particles, because it has never given me any trouble (and it matches so well!).
Honestly, I am so guilty of buying without trying, but I did used to work at a pen counter and I have a pretty good idea what I like. If someone can't get to an in-person counter, I think it's almost as good to find a pen vendor with an agreeable return policy and just handle the pen for a day or two without inking it up. You can at least find out if it's comfortable for you to hold.
Another mistake: thinking that this pen will be my last... it will fill the remaining gap in my collection and that's it. It will fill the gap for few days (hours?!) then another gap will emerge somewhere
Very nice video sir, I thought ehh another video telling me about lamy and sailor but the things you told is for everyone, and I am from India so here even safari is costly for us, the thing I look for in pen before buying is if it is strong and no hard start, there are many pens that comes in less than a dollar price here and robust workhorse also no skipping and never go dry, from companies like flair and piere Cardin, you must try out if you haven't yet, also in preppy price I found a pen brand name click, they make wonderful pen, go for aristocrat model, you can't go wrong with it. 🙏 Thank you for the video
Thank you very much for the suggestion and thank you more for watching! I agree that skipping is to be avoided. I am so glad that you enjoyed this. I will seek out the pens you have mentioned. All the best!
I got a low end Lamy and Pilot fountain pen , and i think i like the pilot it’s fits my grip and the flow of ink is ok , i will not have a chance to test other FP because i’m far from a good FP stores and we don’t have stationery stores nearby . Thank for your great advise.
Thank you very much! The ones in my backgrounds are mine. If you see the ones on the shelf; those are my wife’s. They make a wonderful framework for conversation. They are fascinating. Thank you!
Been a while since I stopped by, was on a different platform for a few months to see what it is like without youtube. You make good points about the mistakes.
@@HemingwayJones Have fun pickin' n scribblin'! I think about what pens and inks Bob Dylan, Glen Frey/Don Henley, Lennon/McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon etc. wrote with and what their notebooks looked like. Cheers and more power to you!
What insightful caveats! I live rather far from any pen club, not to mention fine pen store, and so would find trying before buying a challenge. It helps some, if a pen has caught my eye, to check various reviews of the same pen. I have had to give up the idea that at last this one pen will be all I need! I would echo other reviewers who have warned us that getting the grail pen may be less satisfying than wanting the grail pen. For me, it was the Pelikan m805 Souverän Stresemann. Got it, like it; but . . . I have a Hongdian with a 14k No. 5 nib that feels better on the paper! It is best, if getting a once-in-a-lifetime-for-now pen to have another reason that will feel good after the initial glow and the buyers remorse fade. I can see getting as an investment in art for art's sake an urushi maki-e. I emphatically would write with it, but that would be the "bonus".
This was very well done and useful, as are all of your videos. I'll own that I'm proceeding today with mistakes 1, 3, and 4, but with intention. Have you ordered many pens that initially disappointed you, that you decided to keep regardless, and thank you then grew to love? This has been my experience with two recent pens (most recently, an Esterbrook, which has possibly gained favorite pen status). I'm lucky enough to live within driving distance of two excellent pen shows and a couple of pen stores, but I'm thinking about the many people who may not have a chance to experience a pen before purchasing.
Hello KL Brown, yes! All the time. Search my channel for my thoughts on the Montblanc 146! I was impressed, disappointed, hated it, now love it! (I need to make a follow up video!). I love Esterbrook. Lovely pens. Thanks for checking in!
I've used ball points forever. During wfh a couple of years ago a pal persuaded me that a fountain pen might provide a better writing experience, so i splurged $18 on a black Pilot Metroplitan after doing some extensive research online. What a pen! My handwriting improved and I actually found pleasure in writing up my notes for work. For the return to office I must admit shamefully that I did not think the torpedo shaped Metropolitan looked cool enough. After much deliberation I went for a $30 Pilot Prera. No pen will ever be more perfect for my writing style, I am overjoyed with it.
The Lamy 2000 is a complete bore and I get tired of hearing about it all the time. Pen retailers love to push those things in their "best of" videos. Same goes for the Safari, which works fine (outside of the crappy triangular section) but isn't compelling in any way. I'll take an ECO over one of those any day. I use one of those all time and they at least hold my interest. Possibly the best-bang-for-your-buck pens on the market and they always seem to work well. But when you want something more expensive or with more cache, that's what you want. Luxury items have their own appeal.
Thanks for releasing me from the feeling that because I've decided that I'm getting lower-end models from various brands that I'm not worthy. Seems like every penfluencer I watch has a Monblanc or VIsconti which I'm never going to be able to afford. Maybe someday I'll get a Pilot E95S....
Hello My Friend! I have high end and low end pens and I love them all equally. Your choices are completely worthy and you are very welcome here on this channel. Some of my favorite pens are affordable. A TWSBI Eco is about as great as any pen gets. Stop by again soon.
Great video Mr. Jones! There are a bunch of less expensive pens I love to use. I own several vintage Parker 21s that I use as daily writers. Kaweco Sport is another really good choice. Anybody can buy a great pen for $500, but it takes skill to get one under $50.
it’s unlikely a number of people can get to a shop or show. So I wouldn’t state it’s a mistake. Status is something you need to abide in certain scenarios, especially in business where you’re judged by your presentation. I think there are pens you should try, but owning I do agree.
Hello My Friend, Status in business is gained by doing, by accomplishing things. It’s not conferred by objects. This is the empty promise of advertising. Best!
@@HemingwayJones maybe so, but even so, there are expectations in certain walks of life where brands talk. Not to mention, a snow cap is widely known and is often easily recognised by others. It’s all rubbish, but sometimes reality vs what should be is two different things.
I bought a Pilot Custom 823 online. I’ve never seen a review that didn’t rave about it. But I hate it. It writes horribly. Generally I am a huge fan of Pilot pens, but the 823 was a huge disappointment.
Hi Andrew. I am sorry to hear this. I am wondering if you received a bad one. It really shouldn’t be a bad writing experience. Can you contact the store for a return?
Let's face facts. Fountain pens are like kittens. They are irresistibly cute and you cannot own just one. There is no logic to it or we would all be writing on our one $3 Preppy. Pen merchants depend on this impulse buying to put a roof over their heads. Hey, Some folks can't resist a a classic Jaguar or new shoes. At least our obsession will not fill our garage with a dirty oily hunk that will never get restored while our everyday driver is out rusting in the rain. The result..... Our friends receive wonderful hand written letters that do not depend on a screen or internet connection. Bottom Line--What's not to love?
I wish I lived somewhere with a real FP store to try IRL but closest one is 2 hours away so that's a future day trip. Everything local is office supply stuff it seems so mostly online it is. Thankfully we have helpful people like you to guide us!
Good points, although I'm proud to say that I don't know anyone who buys pens for status. (You may see more of that working in the banking industry.) Not one of my pen friends gives status a thought. I've made many of these mistakes, but my biggest weakness is probably the new colors and the special editions. I've never been one to "collect every color," but if a pen I like and have comes out in a new color that appeals to me, it's hard to resist. I'm looking at you, TWSBI.
Hello Marilyn! I get so tempted by TWSBI: jade, glow in the dark, saffron! As for the status thing. It’s not at the bank. I only have one fountain pen person in my professional orbit and that is my attorney. I often gift him my pens. He is a lovely guy, but the way, who loves vintage Cross Pens. The status things comes up on social media. This is where I see it the most and it is pervasive. I don’t think they we, in this orbit, engage in a lot of that. Search Montblanc pen even on RUclips and things will come up. All the best!
@@HemingwayJones Yes, I'm aware that Montblanc is a status brand. I'm not saying it isn't a factor overall; I was merely observing that I don't hang with that crowd. No RUclips searches necessary! P.S. -- I have too many TWSBI ECOs, but the Jade is probably my favorite so I have no regrets there. I'm now struggling with the new TWSBI MIni (a great pen IMO) in Grape.
My first fountain pens were a 149 and Pilot Custom Urushi. I guess I need to work my way backwards. I must say of all the pens I’ve tried, these are by far my favorite leading me to buy multiple of each. I must admit I absolutely love the way a Twsbi broad writes, so that will most likely be my next investment.
@@andrewscott9610 Hmmm, that does happen. I have a bunch of stuff here that I barely use. I will eventually use them for filming though. That does happen, My Friend.
@@HemingwayJones thanks for letting me know that I am not the only person that has bought something that they thought they would love only to not like it at all. I can’t even give the pen away because nobody else uses fountain pens I associate with.
Hi. Very informative show with some great advice. I am saving up for a Namiki Emperor and will not purchase the pen until I can feel one in my hand.🤗 Cheers
Hi HJ, a great video and I could think of several of my own examples for every category! Trying to be more considered in my collection and purchases ... but definitely not there yet!
Hello HJ!!! Well, I have made a couple of mistakes that you mention. Thankfully, I seem to have learnt from my mistakes. But, I bought the 2 Kaweco Brass Sport FPs after watching your videos. Thank you.
Those are great pens! Now there is the Bronze! That’s what’s tempting me. AdventureDenali has one and it glows in golden glory! Rationalization: it would be good for the channel!
I am sorry to start with this-I certainly do not wish to sound hostile or anything like-but the biggest mistake I would avoid for the possible part two is this horrid combination of a military sweater and gayish/girlish scarf. I repeat, I am sorry for this, but my eyes just kept bleeding the whole time. Otherwise, and more to the topic, I believe the most important thing that in the end makes up the criteria for what is a mistake and what is not is whether one regrets his choices afterwards. When there is no regret, even the most questionable choice can hardly be described as a mistake. An when you love your pens, even the seemingly bad buys don't need to be regretted-at the very least they are good lessons, and lessons we all need. … Hmm, now that I've read it it looks like I am trying to sound smarter than I am. Sorry again, for the third time. But I hope you understand what I mean. Greetings from Prague, Czechia.
@@HemingwayJones There is not one iota of homophobia in my comment. However I will respect your wish-your channel, your rules-and won't comment here again (unless I forget, which happens, but not often, so hopefully it won't happen here).
I think it is also important to consider why you are punching the pen. Are you really planning to write with it everyday. Are you “collecting” pens. Or are you just interested and want to try it out?
I learned that a friend’s boyfriend explored fountain pens while he was in college and still writes with them as a teacher. His favorite being a vanishing point or similar style (can’t recall exactly at the moment). I might have gushed about pens and inks after their knitting lesson because I don’t know many people that like fountain pens. He actually offered to let me borrow said pen to try it out if I wanted to as it is not currently being used. A vanishing point has always seemed like an interesting pen, just not one that I felt comfortable purchasing and even though I probably won’t buy it even if/when I try it for that reason at least I’ll get to know what the pen is like.
Hello Charlie, that sounds like a great plan, especially with that pen. It has a clip placement that is polarizing, as I am sure you know. I don’t mind it but many do.
I love my VP! It’s a great everyday pen and it works well for me in a M nib. I like the fact that you can swap out the entire nib and feed if you want to try a different nib size. Granted, that can be pricey, so I wouldn’t do that too much. Still, it does beat buying an entirely new VP. The only drawback to the VP is the ink capacity. I syringe fill, but it still doesn’t last very long. I’ve heard the advice to have a second VP inked and ready to go…but I’m trying to avoid that pit fall! 🤣
@@braggadocious I tested it out for a little over a week then returned it. It wasn’t as smooth a writer for me as I expected it to be and I actually had difficulty filling the pen with ink. (I tested two inks that I knew worked well in most pens without problems. I had no issues with the weight of the pen though I did notice it wanted to turn the nib sideways often enough that I had to really pay attention to how I held the pen. For now I don’t see myself owning one but perhaps if I tested one again in the future my thoughts might change.
こんにちは ♪ ・Hello Mr Hemingway. Many used fountain pens have molded nibs.Fountain pens that have been molded or adjusted A friend with someone else's face. When I buy an expensive fountain pen,I look for unadjusted fountain pens. Among second-hand fountain pens. Recently in Japan, there are many Visconti with the face of a pilot・.In recent Japan, there is a Visconti with a pelican face. In recent years, many Japanese have molded or adjusted the nibs of imported high-end fountain pens. And many people don't know how to write with a fountain pen. It saddens me that ignorant people turn fountain pens into ballpoint pens. i want an honest friend.私は、正直者の友達が欲しいです。
Thank you, My Friend. You make many excellent points. One must be very careful with used pens. Thanks so much for the comment. Stop by again soon and all the best.
And what makes you an expert on fountain pens? Too many clowns setting themselves up as experts. To each his own. I have used and collected fountain pens since I was twelve and I about to turn 78. Gratuitous advice I don't need .
Try working on your personality instead of your fountain pen hobby. Anyone who would be so deeply affected by this innocuous video has some serious issues.
![Yailin La Mas Viral, @kreizyk.official - Dale 2 (Remix) [Video Oficial]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/JaYHBzgqz94/mqdefault.jpg)
Section markers:
0:39 Not trying before you buy
2:28 Buying a fountain pen for status
4:15 Thinking you need to buy the 'next step on the ladder'
6:23 The idea that there are some pens everyone 'must own'
8:37 Getting sucked into limited editions
9:42 Paying full price
12:50 Buying a pen that doesn't suit your intended use case (e.g. desk pen vs commuting vs travel)
14:08 Outtro
Thank you!
Anybody who posts this always deserves a big thank-you from the rest of us.
This is Huge! Thank you!!!!!
I copied this to the video description. I don't know if it will work, but thank you so very much!!!!!
OK, so if it is in this format, RUclips will pick it up as chapters:
00:00 - Chapter/ Section Title
Yay! Thanks for helping make this channel better.
If you do a Part II video, same topic, another mistake--buying a fountain pen for which you have a strong liking even though it is outside your budget comfort zone, and then having buyer's remorse. The pen must feel good in the wallet before it can feel good in the hand. :)
That’s brilliant, Howard! Thank you! I often do part II.
Great idea. Been there, done that. It's a great way to learn a lesson, though.
Indeed! I've taken this principle to the max - & actually love my Zebra Fuente!
I always tell people.. “DO IT.” You’ll financially recover. It’ll hurt for a few weeks but you’ll get the bills paid.. and then you got that pen forever.. OR, you can get the bills paid and not have the pen forever.
I live in rural North Dakota, close enough to the edge of the Earth that you can see it from here. My entire buying history is breaking rule #1! Still a nice list.
Nice! Is there often a difference between what you get as to what you were expecting? Have you ever taken a huge risk, big ticket price, and not received what you were expecting! (These are great questions for when we do our Live Show together!)
@@HemingwayJones I've had both good and bad surprises. A 1960s pen from behind the Iron Curtain was one of my all time best surprises. And I have one expensive modern pen that I really regret, though its nib is lovely in just about any other pen.
Wonderful! I have an East German pen myself. All the best.
As a fine line guy, I was torn about buying a Lamy 2000 with a medium nib. Agonizing, should I get it or not, the pen with an M nib was my only option. Ultimately, I caved because the price was way more than right And when it arrived I inked it up, made a few quick strokes, then promptly put it away and never used it. Until, that is, guilt set in for buying a pen I didn't like and didn't use. So feeling obligated to at least give it a try, little by little the more I used it the more I liked it. I'm still a fine liner, but my medium nib Lamy 2000 is my starship pen, that special writer that lets me soar over the pages like no other pen I have. So, in my case sometimes a big mistake can eventually turn into a lucky break, even if I would never have guessed it at first.
That’s wonderful how your relationship revolved with that one. I love stories like this!
Might I suggest an episode about the endless march of grail pens? When I started it was a Kaweco Sport. Then it was a Brass Sport. Then a Waterman Ideal. Then a Benu. Etc. etc. How many grails are there?!? It makes me think of a line from Buffy: "Turns out I suddenly find myself needing to know the plural of apocalypse."
I'd love to hear about your own grail pen journey.
That is a very interesting idea and I definitely covered it here. I am wondering if this might make a good Live Show topic! Thanks so much for the suggestion!
Oh, guilty on all charges! I loved this video. I have committed these 'crimes of passion' with every hobby I've enjoyed in the decades I've breathed air. I'm a serial enthusiast and when I'm in, I'm in. However, in my defense, I know when I'm 'done', when enough is enough, and I DO love and enjoy all I collect, whatever that may be. With regard to writing instruments, each one has its personality and quirks, different tools for different jobs, and I love them all. From the cheap Kakuno kitchen pen in a cup on the counter to the Montblanc tucked in an Italian leather sleeve on my desk, I can appreciate each pen for its unique characteristics.
One thing I recommend is be careful of the sales person talking you out of a hearts desire. It’s one thing to be alerted to a pens issue but when a sales person tells me I won’t be happy with something I have my heart set on? Trust me, you’ll buy their recommend and in 3 months you’ll go back for what you really wanted. No sales person truly knows your own heart’s desires or can cross that item off your own bucket list. Best advice. Buy nothing that day and revisit that desire with all the information you acquired.
That’s good. Excellent suggestion. I should revisit this video for a follow up Thanks!
@@HemingwayJones Thank you for responding.
The first rule hit me DEEPLY because I live in a city that no longer has a good pen shop, so I have no choice but to order online and so far I’ve always been thrilled with my purchases! But I agree with you that trying before you buy, seeing it in person is the way to go. I think the online buying is the reason I don’t buy more than I do!
Hi Liz! I live outside of Boston and I can only think of two pen shops. We used to have so many! Cambridge had three or four, Boston a handful, Burlington 1. Now, I can think of 2 and the MB boutique, which I suppose makes 3. Thanks for commenting!
@@HemingwayJones don’t overlook the wonderful Paper Mouse in Newton!
Yes, I'm so glad you pointed out that we don't have check off the "must own" list. As a vintage collector, I thought I needed to own a Parker 51... sure it's a good pen, but I enjoyed the 61 cartridge filler so much better and gave my 51s away. The Esterbrook J was the same way... I vastly preferred the Esterbrook Dollar pen.
The Esterbrook Dollar pen is still my own firm favorite among vintage Esties.
Oh boy. This really spoke to me. We don't have any pen shops or shows in my province, which is also an island, so travel is prohibitive. So most of my pens I have bought online and due to reviews. The only ones I had an opportunity to try first were my early days Pilot Metropolitan, and a Diplomat Magnum I tried when I visited a great pen shop in Calgary. I had been craving an Aero but was pleased to discover that I liked the much cheaper Magnum a lot better, despite the Aero's delightful cap closure. The pen meet ups we have recently started having have been great. It has given me the opportunity to try several new to me pens. The "next step" pen is so real. My next pen will be a gold nibbed Pilot, but so many of them appeal to me. I'll have to take a trip to the mainland to try a variety out first. I laughed when you showed a Visconti when suggesting you should get a pen shop friend to test your planned purchase first. Viscontis have a reputation for being troublesome out of the box. It's a shame when the more expensive makers have such lacklustre quality control. As a Canadian, I am jealous of your exchange rate. Our shipping rates are terrible. Duty is charged for anything over $20, brokerage fees are made up by shipping companies and are absolutely highway robbery , and our exchange rate is always terrible. I try to buy Canadian as a result, but that does mean that most exclusives are out of reach. The second hand market has worked out for me, so far, but if I wanted a higher end pen I wouldn't trust it. Or Amazon, which seems to have declined to the point that you are more likely to get a knock-off or a broken, used returned item than what you ordered. Thanks, Hemingway! Another fun and thought-provoking vid.
Hello and thank you for such a kind and great comment.
Hello HJ. Interesting subject that most people will find helpful. My rule of thumb is to avoid impulse purchases. If I see something that is interesting, I wait and weigh the pros and cons of having something. So far, I have been able to follow my rule. Truth be told, it took me almost 3 months of looking at golf bags before I finally purchased THE one. Drove my brother - in - law insane, so win-win. Great job. Keep them coming. Your editing is really stellar.
Thank you, Richard! I appreciate that. I am striving to be a decent editor. All the best!
I agree with your idea that curiosity drives my hobby. I like to get every nib size by a manufacturer. In the beginning I tried all the filling systems just as an education. Now I find cartridge/converters are my preference. Finish/appearance is a huge consideration. I have over 800 pens and, like my book collection, I'm very happy to add to them. Each is an experience.
Well said, Robbin. Thank you!
Question, if you don't mind. Where in oblivion did you find the space to put 800 pens?
I agree! You need to try many varieties to know what you enjoy and what works for you. I'm the same way - I just HAD to feel what it felt like to try pen 'x'. I rationally know I can't try (or buy) them all but I've filled my pen case with a sampling from many brands, with different nibs. It's fun, and learning is one of the best parts of a new hobby (for me, anyway).
These lessons apply to all my hobbies. Thank you Hemingway Jones for continuing to provide the best fountain pen content on RUclips.
Thank you! I appreciate that very much!
You won me over. 😊 I subscribed and love the “homeless pen” idea. 👌😍
Thank you so much! I am happy to have you here.
My first fountain pen was in college at CalArts and I used it in music orchestration class. I loved it. 🎶
Excellent!
This video might be the most needed video on fountain pens 😅
Thank you! That’s very kind of you to say.
Thank you for the great advice! I’ve fallen into at least 3 of the pitfalls…sometimes more than once. I wish I lived near a store that sells fountain pens. I have to purchase online and hope for the best! That’s one of the reasons I so appreciate your channel and honesty. It makes all the difference!
Thank you so much, ZGordon. That is so kind of you to say. I am happy to be here and to have you here on this journey with us. Personally, I break these guidelines all the time. I am “this close” to doing it again right now! (Over the Kaweco Sport Bronze!) Thanks so much!
I’ve bought a majority of my pens online and taken my chances. Very fortunately, excepting just a few over many years of buying pens I fancied, I’ve always been extremely satisfied with my pen purchases. This is not counting the very inexpensive Chinese pens - nearly all of which I’ve given away.
I have also bought more than one pen of the same model in a different color/finish/nib size on several occasions. Excepting a few cases, I now think that was an unforced error I should not have committed. Not least because it cost me so much money buying the said pens.
Hello, My Friend, I have also made many mistakes. They are easy traps to fall into. Wish you all the best!
SAALAAM, sAJJAD-sAAB!!!!:):):)
@@Wolverine3660 Oh, Salaam to you, too! This took me totally by surprise. I’ve never had anybody greet me that way before on YT. And your name?
Thanks for your excellent advice! Too bad it's too late... 🤣
I've committed almost all those, with fountain pens. Other fields, these and more.
I'm a photographer who suffers dearly from GAS. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) Since rediscovering fountain pens, it's clear that this world is similarly afflicted. There's a subconscious driving belief: "If only I had a better camera, I'd take a better photo." Translating the analogy to pens: "If only I had a better pen, I'd write a better story."
I call it subconscious because the conscious, thinking mind realizes how ridiculous that is.
You know, learning that lesson with a Ricoh in 1988 has been a steadying influence now that I've dived into the deep end with fountain pens! (Used them since 1969.)
I keep looking at pens recommended by artists. My thinking is, if only I had the right pen I would draw more/better, when my conscious mind knows all I need is a sharpened stick and a pot of ink. Everything else is just excuses.
Couldn't have said it better HJ. But sometimes when I get inspired by a fountain pen I have a bad habit of looking at it all the time and looking up all kinds of videos and after a few days it starts to itch, I can't resist buying one. I know I need to build some character to resist the temptations. But hey, it makes a person so happy and I enjoy it
Hello Patrick! There are certainly much worse things than buying pens, My Friend. Wonderful to hear from you.
That is such a familiar feeling. I have a "needful things" folder in my photos on my phone, full of pens and inks.
I love a jaunty, little neckerchief!
Thank you! I was trying to balance the Commando Sweater with something softer. Inspired by Benoit Blanc. All the best.
The word that comes to mind is twee...
@@HemingwayJones My dad used to wear a dickie, and he was the only person I've known who did so. I suspect he would have joined in on the adventure of fountain pens with me and my sister quite eagerly. He was a professor, and liked to look the part. He even took up pipe smoking for a while, for the aesthetic. He was also a sailor, among many other things, and real embraced the Greek fisherman look when he was out on the boat :D
Knives Out was an awesome movie…😆
I think I shall make this video a prerequisite prior to purchasing fountain pens! I have fallen into the "new color" trap/mistake many times ... a few times it was worth it like my Rose Gold and Black TWSBI Eco for instance and the purple transparent one for that matter ... but often I realize later how many of the same pen bodies I have and identical nibs. :) I become quite irritate with manufacturers who create frenzy with limited editions because that can lead to people (me) buying out of FOMO even when not 100% sure/ready. Just lately I've gotten better but this weekend a major release coming soon from a company I really like made me look but I have no plans to purchase. I'd rather get better at saving a good pen $ wallet so that when something comes up that I have planned for and wanted (at a decent price) I can be fully prepared. It's probably never going to be that I would stop adding to my hobby entirely although I am striving for longer and longer periods of not purchasing. :) Loved this video!!!!! Will watch again when tempted to buy a pen. LOL
Hello Chris! Thanks so much! I am so glad that you enjoyed it. I am tempted to pick up the Bronze Kaweco Sport myself, but I am fighting back! Now if something really resonates, I would be the last one to criticize anyone. Plus, I just put this out there for people to think about. I’ll celebrate a purchase with them anytime! Hope all is well!
I totally agree there is no pen "everyone" should own, this is too subjective a matter to have s single pen for all. However, if we wish to buy a pen online our only means of knowing what it's like to use is reading plenty of reviews.
Hello Gihan! I hope that all is well and thanks for watching!
One would need not more than 5-6 decent pens filled with different colored inks. But all the logic and rationale will get thrown out if we begin considering ourselves as ‘FP Collectors’.. “Hey, I’ve a Vintage Pilot Elite, but my collection will be incomplete if I don’t have Elite’s counterparts from Platinum & Sailor.. Let me hunt for these..” Still all is well as long as this hobby keeps us excited in our lives and we have a strict ‘self imposed’ spend limit !
Another mistake that we inadvertently do is to get in touch with many sellers and get subscribed to their ‘Sales broadcasts’ (Eg., through WhatsApp groups here in India). We keep getting new listings very often and we get tantalized to buy that beautiful pen which was never in our purchase list !
Very great points, My Friend. Thank you. That endless flow of new pens, influencers, special editions never seem to stop.
Great video. I’m glad I saw your Instagram story. I appreciate your pointing out that we don’t need to have a « must own » list. I made that mistake with guitars. I’ve since gifted or sold all but one guitar. I’m presently considering selling my last guitar due to antibiotic induced tendinitis of both my hands. Hence, the rebirth of my interest in fountain pens. My journey beyond my Pilot Varsity purchased in France, because I thought that notes about France needed a fountain pen. C’était tellement beau en terrasse avec un stylo-plume. Stylo-plume literally translates to feather pen. I find that lovely.
I personally love the idea of owning previously used vintage pens. I find the idea romantic and fitting with my love of books, antique coins, antique maps, old watches, and old cemeteries. So thank you for bringing that idea and places to look for them.
And, I confess to having committed error #1, all of my pens have been gifted or bought without trying them first. I’ve been fortunate so far. I’m sure I too will eventually commit the others as well. Or perhaps I’ve learned from my experience with my guitars. I can hope. Cheers et bon week-end!
Hi Kim! Thanks so much for following the Link over here. I appreciate it. I love how you look at the world. You know that I enjoy following those threads through space and time, history, heritage, connections. It’s the driving force of this channel. I also committed each of these. That’s how I know them. All the best and thanks!
I enjoyed this video; if I heed your words it will save me lots of money. I'm just starting out, and I've spent over a thousand bucks! I'll play your video again. Thanks...
Thanks so much, Dan! I am happy to have you here.
Really good video.
I am struggling about whether or not to buy more expensive pens, not so much like grail pens, but just a bit better, like having gold nibs.
But if I do, then I am afraid my current budget pens will look to me blend and cheap, and I will lose the fun of using them. The thing is, even if there is a real scale in the relative values of fountain pens, even the cheapest of them is so much better than a regular ball point pen that it is still a great fun to use.
Hello My Friend and thanks for watching. I think you should try some gold nibs, to get a sense. I would think about picking up a Waterman Carene. You can get one of those second hand to save some money. Peyton Street Pens is a good source. Gold nibs have a quality and that is a beautiful and interesting one. I guess it’s all about Balance!
Good video. I just shared it with a Facebook pen group. 👍🏽
Thank you very very much! I appreciate it greatly! This is how the Channel grows. Thank you! 🙏
Brilliant points! I agree 100% with your thoughts on this. Having been in the fountain pen hobby for over 15 years I can absolutely relate. Great minds think alike :p
Thanks so much, My Friend! I am so glad that you agree and related. Stop by again soon. All the best!
Side note: this looks like the ideal way to hold a writing instrument...
Great video. I am glad I watched it before buying my 102nd pen (I jest). I did not fall in a rabbit hole it’s more like a mine shaft. One thing that happened to me recently was purchasing a multi-colored resin pen the opus 88 Bela pen in red. The web site showed this beautiful pen with a distinct black color with swirling fire colors of red and yellow. It was awesome. When the pen arrived. There was no distinct black just all the colors swirled together and it looked more like Arizona or Utah mud. I returned it and was stuck with a store credit. I will never buy another swirl pen again on line. I lucked out with the narwhal explorer Los Angeles. The pen body was fine but the grip really did not match the rest of the pen. I would have returned that too but my fingers cover the grip when I write, so I could build a bridge and get over that obstacle.
Thanks so much! I am glad you enjoyed it. I will add this one to the list for future videos. So sorry that happened to you. All the best!
FWIW, you don't need a Lamy 2K. It's pretty good, I know Brian Goulet is always gushing about them, but IMO it doesn't compare to a top end pen like a Pelikan M800 or a Montegrappa Celluloid. I think its hard to try pens, as most of us don't live near a physical store, and there are many pens online. Also, nibs vary all over the place, even within the same brand, and leave some room in your budget (and time) for a tuning by a pro, who will give you exactly what you like...
Well said! Thanks so much for watching.
I’ll add 1. DON’T buy from Amazon. Just sent back my 2nd faulty counterfeit (?) back this morning
So sorry! Amazon id a huge problem. So true.
Great information. I thought that a fine nib and or extra fine nib was my esthetic after I had already purchased several of them,however, when I purchased my first broad nib I knew that was the sweet spot. I also adore stub nibs. I have a few double broad nibs. They are great.
That is awesome. That is a fantastic evolution. Very nice to hear from you.
Great tips! I bought a Lamy Safari as I had made out a check with one at a stamp store. I filled a bunch of them with shimmer inks. Not the best thing to do as the inks can clog the pen and are hard to clean out of the converters.
HI Debby, I love the Safari! Great pen!
I love my Lamy Vista 😊and prefer medium and larger nibs which I've read/heard work better than F or EF for shimmer inks, but they're best for my writing style so that's just a bonus!
@@steffymuze I agree! I do try to get medium nibs as they show the shimmer. I’m a leftie and I use some of the leftie nibs which are mediums as well.
A few days ago I filled a 1.1 stub nib Safari with a sample of shimmer ink and it clogged almost immediately. Thankfully I had used a cartridge so it was a quick clean up. The people who stick with shimmer inks have far more patience than I do. Although I will say, the Robert Oster Grun Gilt I have in my B Kaweco Brass Sport must have super fine particles, because it has never given me any trouble (and it matches so well!).
Honestly, I am so guilty of buying without trying, but I did used to work at a pen counter and I have a pretty good idea what I like. If someone can't get to an in-person counter, I think it's almost as good to find a pen vendor with an agreeable return policy and just handle the pen for a day or two without inking it up. You can at least find out if it's comfortable for you to hold.
Hello Kari, absolutely excellent suggestion! Thanks.
Another mistake: thinking that this pen will be my last... it will fill the remaining gap in my collection and that's it.
It will fill the gap for few days (hours?!) then another gap will emerge somewhere
That is very true!
Very nice video sir, I thought ehh another video telling me about lamy and sailor but the things you told is for everyone, and I am from India so here even safari is costly for us, the thing I look for in pen before buying is if it is strong and no hard start, there are many pens that comes in less than a dollar price here and robust workhorse also no skipping and never go dry, from companies like flair and piere Cardin, you must try out if you haven't yet, also in preppy price I found a pen brand name click, they make wonderful pen, go for aristocrat model, you can't go wrong with it. 🙏 Thank you for the video
Thank you very much for the suggestion and thank you more for watching! I agree that skipping is to be avoided. I am so glad that you enjoyed this. I will seek out the pens you have mentioned. All the best!
I got a low end Lamy and Pilot fountain pen , and i think i like the pilot it’s fits my grip and the flow of ink is ok , i will not have a chance to test other FP because i’m far from a good FP stores and we don’t have stationery stores nearby . Thank for your great advise.
Good luck and all the best in your search. Stop by again soon.
As a secular tarot reader, I have to say I like your decks almost as much as your pens
Thank you very much! The ones in my backgrounds are mine. If you see the ones on the shelf; those are my wife’s. They make a wonderful framework for conversation. They are fascinating. Thank you!
Agreed but mind all that say in “your opinion”. Better don’t dogmatize about that. ¡ in my molesting opinión !
Thanks Jose!
Amazing video. I definitely am not taking full advantage of pen shows and perhaps meeting fountain pen people to try out each other's pens
Thanks so much, Kan! I am glad that you enjoyed it.
Amaaaaazing! This video opened my eyes, not only about fountain pens, but with many many things in life, including happiness itself! Bravo!
Thank you so much! I am so glad you enjoyed it. I hope you stop by again soon.
Been a while since I stopped by, was on a different platform for a few months to see what it is like without youtube. You make good points about the mistakes.
RUclips is the best of all platforms, in my humble opinion. You’ll miss a lot!
GAS - gear acquisition syndrome. Guitar players are guilty of this.
I play guitar as well, so there is that too! (I’ve been good!)
@@HemingwayJones Have fun pickin' n scribblin'! I think about what pens and inks Bob Dylan, Glen Frey/Don Henley, Lennon/McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon etc. wrote with and what their notebooks looked like. Cheers and more power to you!
Good advice! I’ve been fortunate so far. I wish I were closer to a store or a pen show.
Hello David! Thanks so much! I used to live walking distance to 2 pen shops and didn't realize how good I had it.
What insightful caveats! I live rather far from any pen club, not to mention fine pen store, and so would find trying before buying a challenge. It helps some, if a pen has caught my eye, to check various reviews of the same pen. I have had to give up the idea that at last this one pen will be all I need! I would echo other reviewers who have warned us that getting the grail pen may be less satisfying than wanting the grail pen. For me, it was the Pelikan m805 Souverän Stresemann. Got it, like it; but . . . I have a Hongdian with a 14k No. 5 nib that feels better on the paper! It is best, if getting a once-in-a-lifetime-for-now pen to have another reason that will feel good after the initial glow and the buyers remorse fade. I can see getting as an investment in art for art's sake an urushi maki-e. I emphatically would write with it, but that would be the "bonus".
Hello Rob, you make excellent points. Thanks for the comment. All the best!
This was very well done and useful, as are all of your videos. I'll own that I'm proceeding today with mistakes 1, 3, and 4, but with intention.
Have you ordered many pens that initially disappointed you, that you decided to keep regardless, and thank you then grew to love? This has been my experience with two recent pens (most recently, an Esterbrook, which has possibly gained favorite pen status).
I'm lucky enough to live within driving distance of two excellent pen shows and a couple of pen stores, but I'm thinking about the many people who may not have a chance to experience a pen before purchasing.
Hello KL Brown, yes! All the time. Search my channel for my thoughts on the Montblanc 146! I was impressed, disappointed, hated it, now love it! (I need to make a follow up video!).
I love Esterbrook. Lovely pens.
Thanks for checking in!
I've used ball points forever. During wfh a couple of years ago a pal persuaded me that a fountain pen might provide a better writing experience, so i splurged $18 on a black Pilot Metroplitan after doing some extensive research online. What a pen! My handwriting improved and I actually found pleasure in writing up my notes for work. For the return to office I must admit shamefully that I did not think the torpedo shaped Metropolitan looked cool enough. After much deliberation I went for a $30 Pilot Prera. No pen will ever be more perfect for my writing style, I am overjoyed with it.
Wonderful pen journey! Well chosen.
At 10:54. If you pay cash, all of a sudden the discounts increase.
That works. Thanks for the comment and for watching.
Nice shot of Intersections at the PEM!
Thanks very much!
The Lamy 2000 is a complete bore and I get tired of hearing about it all the time. Pen retailers love to push those things in their "best of" videos. Same goes for the Safari, which works fine (outside of the crappy triangular section) but isn't compelling in any way. I'll take an ECO over one of those any day. I use one of those all time and they at least hold my interest. Possibly the best-bang-for-your-buck pens on the market and they always seem to work well.
But when you want something more expensive or with more cache, that's what you want. Luxury items have their own appeal.
Thanks so much, John!
Thanks for releasing me from the feeling that because I've decided that I'm getting lower-end models from various brands that I'm not worthy. Seems like every penfluencer I watch has a Monblanc or VIsconti which I'm never going to be able to afford. Maybe someday I'll get a Pilot E95S....
Hello My Friend! I have high end and low end pens and I love them all equally. Your choices are completely worthy and you are very welcome here on this channel. Some of my favorite pens are affordable. A TWSBI Eco is about as great as any pen gets. Stop by again soon.
Great video Mr. Jones! There are a bunch of less expensive pens I love to use. I own several vintage Parker 21s that I use as daily writers. Kaweco Sport is another really good choice. Anybody can buy a great pen for $500, but it takes skill to get one under $50.
it’s unlikely a number of people can get to a shop or show. So I wouldn’t state it’s a mistake.
Status is something you need to abide in certain scenarios, especially in business where you’re judged by your presentation.
I think there are pens you should try, but owning I do agree.
Hello My Friend, Status in business is gained by doing, by accomplishing things. It’s not conferred by objects. This is the empty promise of advertising. Best!
@@HemingwayJones maybe so, but even so, there are expectations in certain walks of life where brands talk. Not to mention, a snow cap is widely known and is often easily recognised by others.
It’s all rubbish, but sometimes reality vs what should be is two different things.
May I ask what clip you have on your kawako brass
Hello! I don’t completely remember. I think it may be raw bronze from looking at photos. I think it’s a bit too red.
I bought a Pilot Custom 823 online. I’ve never seen a review that didn’t rave about it. But I hate it. It writes horribly. Generally I am a huge fan of Pilot pens, but the 823 was a huge disappointment.
Hi Andrew. I am sorry to hear this. I am wondering if you received a bad one. It really shouldn’t be a bad writing experience. Can you contact the store for a return?
@@HemingwayJones Thank you. I might try giving how it seems to be universally loved. Discovered your channel recently and very much enjoy it.
Thank you and thanks for watching! I hope it all works out. It should be a pleasant writing experience.
Let's face facts. Fountain pens are like kittens. They are irresistibly cute and you cannot own just one. There is no logic to it or we would all be writing on our one $3 Preppy. Pen merchants depend on this impulse buying to put a roof over their heads. Hey, Some folks can't resist a a classic
Jaguar or new shoes. At least our obsession will not fill our garage with a dirty oily hunk that will never get restored while our everyday driver is out rusting in the rain. The result..... Our friends receive wonderful hand written letters that do not depend on a screen or internet connection. Bottom Line--What's not to love?
I agree with everything you have written! Wonderful comment.
Late to this party, but Thankyou for stopping me going further down the Alice hole! So addictive. But a lovely hobby nevertheless. ❤
Thank you for watching!
@@HemingwayJones Thankyou for posting x
@@HemingwayJones would love the stationary stores you have in the US
Hello from Lithuania! Watching your channel with great interest for several months already. Very natural, friendly, no BS. Magnificent job! Thank you!
Thank you very much! That is very kind of you to say. Thank you! I am happy to have you here.
I wish I lived somewhere with a real FP store to try IRL but closest one is 2 hours away so that's a future day trip. Everything local is office supply stuff it seems so mostly online it is. Thankfully we have helpful people like you to guide us!
Thank you so much, Stephanie! You are too kind. All the best!
You could apply those exact same advises to basically any collection, watches by example.
Thank you for this video. In the past I have definitely fallen into some of these pitfalls. I have now found my pen that I always go to and love.
Thank you Tracey! I appreciate your watching.
excellent video!
Thanks very much!
Thank you again for all the time and effort you put into this fun presentation
RS. Canada
My pleasure! Thanks so much! I am glad you liked it.
Easy! 😬
Good points, although I'm proud to say that I don't know anyone who buys pens for status. (You may see more of that working in the banking industry.) Not one of my pen friends gives status a thought. I've made many of these mistakes, but my biggest weakness is probably the new colors and the special editions. I've never been one to "collect every color," but if a pen I like and have comes out in a new color that appeals to me, it's hard to resist. I'm looking at you, TWSBI.
Hello Marilyn! I get so tempted by TWSBI: jade, glow in the dark, saffron! As for the status thing. It’s not at the bank. I only have one fountain pen person in my professional orbit and that is my attorney. I often gift him my pens. He is a lovely guy, but the way, who loves vintage Cross Pens. The status things comes up on social media. This is where I see it the most and it is pervasive. I don’t think they we, in this orbit, engage in a lot of that. Search Montblanc pen even on RUclips and things will come up. All the best!
@@HemingwayJones Yes, I'm aware that Montblanc is a status brand. I'm not saying it isn't a factor overall; I was merely observing that I don't hang with that crowd. No RUclips searches necessary! P.S. -- I have too many TWSBI ECOs, but the Jade is probably my favorite so I have no regrets there. I'm now struggling with the new TWSBI MIni (a great pen IMO) in Grape.
I think that TWSBI pens are a gentle indulgence. And you get so much I return. Great choice.
My first fountain pens were a 149 and Pilot Custom Urushi. I guess I need to work my way backwards. I must say of all the pens I’ve tried, these are by far my favorite leading me to buy multiple of each. I must admit I absolutely love the way a Twsbi broad writes, so that will most likely be my next investment.
You have excellent taste.
Hey, Hem, just know that in your thumbnail, it showed 5! = 5x4x3x2x1 = 120 huge mistakes. Bill of goods are not all there, buddy lol.
Thanks so much. I’m not sure I am completely following this, but I get the maths. Thanks and thanks for watching.
I could have stopped with the Jinhao X159. But I had to buy the Lamy Sufari and the Waterman Carene!!
Which is your favorite of these?
@@HemingwayJones The Waterman Carene!!
The last one on your list that I bought myself that I wish I didn’t buy because I don’t have any use for is the Sailor 1911 with a ZOOM nib.
@@andrewscott9610 Hmmm, that does happen. I have a bunch of stuff here that I barely use. I will eventually use them for filming though. That does happen, My Friend.
@@HemingwayJones thanks for letting me know that I am not the only person that has bought something that they thought they would love only to not like it at all. I can’t even give the pen away because nobody else uses fountain pens I associate with.
Greetings, HJ,
This was all good, but all collectors simply Must Have a Hero Galbladder!
I need one of those! That I do not have!
Hi. Very informative show with some great advice. I am saving up for a Namiki Emperor and will not purchase the pen until I can feel one in my hand.🤗 Cheers
Thanks John! Nice to hear from you. I hope all is well! That is a wonderful pen. I will need to hear all about it.
Great advice … to this day my twisbi 580 is my most enjoyable and reliable pen.
The 580 is Classic! TWSBI is one of my favorite brands. They are absolutely brilliant. Thanks!
Hi HJ, a great video and I could think of several of my own examples for every category! Trying to be more considered in my collection and purchases ... but definitely not there yet!
Thanks so much James! I think that is a good plan. It’s fine to do these things. I do. It’s good to be aware of them. All the best.
I really like buying used pens from Pen Realm. Having the ability to have Kirk Speer tune your nib and get used savings is amazing.
Yes! Here, here! Pen Realm is awesome.
Wow HJ, I’m guilty of just about everything you stated !!!
Me too! Many times over and I will be again! That’s the fun of it! I hope that things are good for you, My Friend.
This is great advice. Don't let anybody else tell you what to like.
Exactly! Thank you.
How about nib material gold ir steel ? We Buy a gold nib instead a steel nib etc.
Excellent point and a whole video needs to be made on this!
I really want a dark lilac safari just not enough to pay a premium for one.
Good point! I didn’t even mention that the limited edition colors often cost more. Thanks!
Hello HJ!!! Well, I have made a couple of mistakes that you mention. Thankfully, I seem to have learnt from my mistakes. But, I bought the 2 Kaweco Brass Sport FPs after watching your videos. Thank you.
Those are great pens! Now there is the Bronze! That’s what’s tempting me. AdventureDenali has one and it glows in golden glory! Rationalization: it would be good for the channel!
@@HemingwayJones Oh boy, I hadn't considered how your channel would be an added justification. You are in dangerous waters!
What was the tortoise finish, lever-fill pen..who makes it?
The Mighty Conway Stewart Churchill Honey Noire!! One of my favorites!
Hello. What was the pen at 08:30? It looks beautiful!
Thank you! That is a Visconti Mythos!
I am sorry to start with this-I certainly do not wish to sound hostile or anything like-but the biggest mistake I would avoid for the possible part two is this horrid combination of a military sweater and gayish/girlish scarf. I repeat, I am sorry for this, but my eyes just kept bleeding the whole time.
Otherwise, and more to the topic, I believe the most important thing that in the end makes up the criteria for what is a mistake and what is not is whether one regrets his choices afterwards. When there is no regret, even the most questionable choice can hardly be described as a mistake. An when you love your pens, even the seemingly bad buys don't need to be regretted-at the very least they are good lessons, and lessons we all need. … Hmm, now that I've read it it looks like I am trying to sound smarter than I am. Sorry again, for the third time. But I hope you understand what I mean.
Greetings from Prague, Czechia.
There is no place for homophobia on this Channel. You are not welcome here.
@@HemingwayJones There is not one iota of homophobia in my comment. However I will respect your wish-your channel, your rules-and won't comment here again (unless I forget, which happens, but not often, so hopefully it won't happen here).
Hey, Hem, just know that in your thumbnail, it showed 5! = 5x4x3x2x1 = 120 huge mistakes. Bill of goods are not all there, buddy lol.
👌👌👌
I think it is also important to consider why you are punching the pen. Are you really planning to write with it everyday. Are you “collecting” pens. Or are you just interested and want to try it out?
That's a very good point! I know that you meant "purchasing," but "punching" a pen was a great visual! All the best, My Friend.
Very well said, Hemingway!
Thank you, Alliejay!
I learned that a friend’s boyfriend explored fountain pens while he was in college and still writes with them as a teacher. His favorite being a vanishing point or similar style (can’t recall exactly at the moment). I might have gushed about pens and inks after their knitting lesson because I don’t know many people that like fountain pens. He actually offered to let me borrow said pen to try it out if I wanted to as it is not currently being used. A vanishing point has always seemed like an interesting pen, just not one that I felt comfortable purchasing and even though I probably won’t buy it even if/when I try it for that reason at least I’ll get to know what the pen is like.
Hello Charlie, that sounds like a great plan, especially with that pen. It has a clip placement that is polarizing, as I am sure you know. I don’t mind it but many do.
Good Luck with it!
I love my VP! It’s a great everyday pen and it works well for me in a M nib. I like the fact that you can swap out the entire nib and feed if you want to try a different nib size. Granted, that can be pricey, so I wouldn’t do that too much. Still, it does beat buying an entirely new VP. The only drawback to the VP is the ink capacity. I syringe fill, but it still doesn’t last very long. I’ve heard the advice to have a second VP inked and ready to go…but I’m trying to avoid that pit fall! 🤣
@@braggadocious I tested it out for a little over a week then returned it. It wasn’t as smooth a writer for me as I expected it to be and I actually had difficulty filling the pen with ink. (I tested two inks that I knew worked well in most pens without problems. I had no issues with the weight of the pen though I did notice it wanted to turn the nib sideways often enough that I had to really pay attention to how I held the pen. For now I don’t see myself owning one but perhaps if I tested one again in the future my thoughts might change.
Some great tips, thanks!
Thank you, Kendall!
こんにちは ♪ ・Hello Mr Hemingway.
Many used fountain pens have molded nibs.Fountain pens that have been molded or adjusted
A friend with someone else's face.
When I buy an expensive fountain pen,I look for unadjusted fountain pens.
Among second-hand fountain pens.
Recently in Japan, there are many Visconti with the face of a pilot・.In recent Japan, there is a Visconti with a pelican face.
In recent years, many Japanese have molded or adjusted the nibs of imported high-end fountain pens.
And many people don't know how to write with a fountain pen.
It saddens me that ignorant people turn fountain pens into ballpoint pens.
i want an honest friend.私は、正直者の友達が欲しいです。
Thank you, My Friend. You make many excellent points. One must be very careful with used pens. Thanks so much for the comment. Stop by again soon and all the best.
And what makes you an expert on fountain pens? Too many clowns setting themselves up as experts. To each his own. I have used and collected fountain pens since I was twelve and I about to turn 78. Gratuitous advice I don't need .
Try working on your personality instead of your fountain pen hobby. Anyone who would be so deeply affected by this innocuous video has some serious issues.