My parents got me the Lamy dialog cc as a graduation gift and I have not wanted any other fountain pens after it. It is truly incredible and I love it so much
I went back to college at nearly 50 and treated myself to my first fountain pen. It's a Hongdian with a wood barrel and stainless steel accents and cap. The symbols for the Chinese zodiac are etched into the cap and it's beautiful! I use it daily and I've paired it with Hongdian black ink. It has a refillable piston cartridge. I love it so much that I want to try more pens and inks!
My first fountain pen was a Safari I asked my parents for in high school, around 25 years ago. I'd read an article in a catalog about how it was so sturdy you could run over it with a car and it would still work. As a clumsy high schooler struggling with handwriting, I figured it was my best shot. And I still have it! Right now it's on my desk with a cursive nib and a converter full of Colorverse Bow Shock.
The Kakumo in F & EF is the love of my life. There's nothing like a Pilot EF!!! Pilot F is exquisite, it is the finest of fine while still writing smooth.
When I could afford a fountain pen, I bought a Pilot Metropolitan at JetPens (your fountain pen videos are so addictive). Orange is my favorite color, so I bought the Orange Pop one. And I am so happy with it, I super recommend. After that, I also bought a Kakuno, Kaweco Sports and TWSBI ECO. Everyone of them is also amazing. A big shout out to Kakuno, because it is a GREAT PEN with a inexpensive price! Fountain pens are so much fun!
My first fountain pen was the Kaweco Skyline Sport in Macchiato. I remember thinking at the time, “I’m not going to get super involved with fountain pens, just this one is enough….I won’t need to worry about bottled ink and all the other accessories, cartridges are as far as I’m going.” Famous last words!! Many pens and bottles of ink later, how naive I was 😂
my first fountain pen was a pilot kakuno, extra fine nib, and i absolutely would recommend it for beginners. it's my favorite pen i've had thus far, and the simplicity of the pen design as well as the ease of holding it makes me enjoy it that much more -- as well as the little smiley face on it, of course! (fun fact -- i actually bought it at jetpens, and i'm glad to have discovered the pens through videos like these. it was one of videographer-san's videos that introduced me to the kakuno, funnily enough!)
Should've mentioned the Pilot explorer. Same performance as the Metro and Kakuno, but lighter than the Metro and more professional looking than the Kakuno. Platinum also makes some great pens that are an upgrade to the Preppy. The Prefounte and plaisir write the same as the Preppy, the prefounte comes in a nicer plastic body, while the Plaisir has an aluminum build. Both pens can use the Platinum converter, and the Prefounte can be eyedropper converted too! And if you want to use international cartridges, platinum offers an adapter for that, which no other brand does in this price point. It's amazing how Pilot and Platinum has something for everyone at this price point.
My first fountain pen as an adult was actually the Pilot Petit, yes, that tiny pen that gave me a lot of hand cramps because it was too tiny. Yet I found so much joy in trying to get it to work (because I got a pretty bad roll on the nib). Then I discovered Monami Ollika, and by then I was hooked buying pens that I liked the colour of the ink and now I am here. Ironically, my daily pens these days are anything but the Petit and the Monami (the latter has been phased out due to a decaying rubber). But they were cheap fountain pens and I am forever grateful for their beauty in my life.
My first fountain pen was my dad's Parker 51. My mom gave it to me after he died. I cleaned it, filled it and from the first stroke of pen on paper I was in love. The first pen I bought was a Parker IM. The second pen, a Lamy Safari, became my favorite. I absolutely fell in love with the nibs and quickly bought every size from EF to 1.9, as well as a few specialty nibs. What I love most about fountain pens next to the ease of writing with one is the infinite variety of tonal color combinations that exist in fountain pen ink.
My wife inherited her grandfather's Parker 51, which I sent off to the factory to be restored. I later bought my own 51 off of eBay. They are such wonderful, unassuming pens, whose hidden nib looks so unusual these days. Thanks for sharing your story!
My first fountain pen was a gray Esterbrook J, from no later than 1955, leading to a lifetime love of Esterbrook. Nib was their commonly used 2668 firm medium. My favorite gold nibbed fountain pen is the 1940s Wahl-Eversharp Skyline. Such a great writing pen!
I went from 0 fountain pens to a platinum preppy, jinhao 9019, lamy joy, Twisbi eco, and a bunch of notepads, inks and accessories. Don't do it like me guys. Start off small and really appreciate each pen to it's fullest! These types of videos helped me decide what I was looking for.
My first pen was a Metropolitan, and it was a gift! I also bought a Diplomat Magnum to try out, because it was inexpensive (less than $25) and fits standard international cartridges as well as having a piston converter included in the box. I still use the Metropolitan almost daily, and it's my go-to pen for carrying hither and yon. :)
My first fountain pen was the Pilot Varsity in the 1990s in 3 colors that was gifted to me by my husband. I loved how it wrote and bought a couple more. Today, I also use a TWSBI AL580 in lavender and golden colors but my favorite is a BENU that I was gifted to me by my daughter about 3 years ago. Still my favorite to write with!
Osmiroid italic calligraphy set since, 2001 then i foubt my mom's Osmiroid rolatip set except the pen and copperplate nib is missing. Have been using the sketch nib to write for nearly 10 years now
Of the models mentioned my first was a Kaweco Sport. Solid recommendation, though I also like to recommend the Kaweco Student to newbies. My first fountain pen was my grandfather's Sheaffer flat-top, which I restored myself. Then I added three vintage Esterbrook SJ pens to my little collection. 😄 The Kaweco was my first "new" fountain pen.
It was the all black LAMY Safari I got from a friend whose mom got it and wasn't using it. Was my gateway into using them more! Funny story about the Kaweco Sport is I have the converter for the pen, but it doesn't fit the pen (because it was a special edition i think)! So syringe and reused carteridge it is! Thanks for the video!
If you love experimenting with inks, you can't go wrong with Preppies. I always buy one with every new ink I get. They can be converted into eyedropper easily if you don't feel like paying another 5-6 dollars for a converter. I also love adorable Kakunos and my little sweetheart Lamy Safari.
My first fountain pens were purchased from jetpens only a few weeks ago! I was a little ambitious and picked up a kaweco student, sport, sport skyline, and perkeo. So far my sports are my favorites! I hope to get a Lamy Safari for my birthday
My first pen was a Lamy Safari, and it personally has been *wonderful* for me. My second one is about to be a TWSBI Eco, because I really like the piston fill mechanism on it and just how much ink it can hold. I daily journal, and have recently gotten into taking notes with my fountain pen too, so I drain ink out of my Safari like a little kid downs Pixy Stix.
My first was a handmade pen from a friend (he didn’t like how it turned out). My favorites now are my Sailors (one pricey and one not) and Kaweco sport. Looking forward to trying some others listed - thanks!
I think the 1st question you have to ask yourself: "Why do I want to try a fountain pen?" Depending on your answer, that dictates which fountain pen should be your starter one. To be a "negative Nancy" I will discuss the downsides of a couple of these pens. 1) The Pilot varsity puts down a lot of ink. So if you have small handwriting [like you like to use graph paper 5mm rule], then this may be to broad for you. 2) I find the Nibs in Kaweco products to be inconsistent, so I dont recommend them for newbies, since you dont know what a good or a bad nib is yet. 3) I did not care for the ergonomics of the Pilot Metropolitan 4) if your goal is to have less waste, and to refill your pen often, go with the Twsbi. Their nibs are pretty consistent, so if you are having trouble with the nib, it is probably your writing technique rather than the pen. You do need to also buy a bottle of ink, which can easily lead you down a rabbit hole, which is both a plus and a minus. 5) I have not tried the Platinum Preppy, but if you just want to "see how a fountain pen writes," and "what is all of the fuss" is about I would probably try the preppy first. What size to get? Well, if you like "wide rule paper" (paper with a rule of 7mm or more) get a broader nib. If you like a narrower rule (like college, graph (5mm) go with a Finer tip.
Yes, I very much agree with you on the Kaweco nibs based on my own experiences. I own 4 and each are different! Some are butter smooth, one in particular is quite ‘rough’ regardless of ink or paper type. It’s unfortunate. I’ve found Lamy Safari to be much more consistent.
I'm kind of a Preppy fangirl. They're wonderful for trying out pens because they're so cheap, high quality and low maintenance. They're nothing special if you're already well-acquainted with the hobby, but you can't deny their quality. They're great for sampling inks with.
I had an endless series of cheap Sheaffer pens from the drug store.I was more of a dip pen calligraphy kid, until I inheirited my grandfather's Parker (the huge one) that was not well maintained. My first purchase from Jetpens was a twsbi eco stub nib, read about them somewhere and your site came up first. Love love love you guys, and my twsbi collection has grown.
My first fountain pen was Platinum Preppy and it was the worst experience ever. I nearly quit fountain pens because of it. Months later, I got a TWSBI Eco and I now have a dozen fountain pens that are TWSBI and Kaweco. My collection is still growing with these 'beginner' fountain pens because I enjoy them and their price point. I also just purchased a Kakuno from you and am looking forward to it.
Thank you! I’ve been wrestling with the preppy for months. I am not a fan. I’m sure some of the problem is i didn’t realize what a pain the waterproof ink I bought could be, but independent of that the pens are so fragile. They seem cheap, but they crack so readily they ended up being an expensive choice
My first fountain pen was either the Pilot Metropolitan or the Lamy Safari (I legit can’t remember which one was first). I love anything from Lamy, Platinum, Kaweco, TWISBI, and Pilot whether it be the stereotypical beginner pens or more “enthusiast” level pens.
My first pen was a used Cross Townsend from an antique store that didn't work when I bought it, so learned all about repair and cleaning from the very beginning! Have to give another shout out to the Twisbi Eco tho, it's such a great pen! Mine has always been reliable, it holds a lot of ink, and has been a constant in my school bag unlike all of my other pens which rotate in an out of the bag
My first fountain pen was from Daiso! Super affordable but I didn’t know how to maintain the pen as a young teen. I got a Kakuno during college but wasn’t a fan of the M nib then stopped using it. Few years later, I wanted to get back into pens and got the TWSBI Eco in Yellow (EF), from JetPens ✨ Since then, I’ve gained two more TWSBIs. You could say I’m a fan 🫣
My first fountain pen was the pilot varsity. I got a pack of 7 colors from my college bookstore over 10 years ago. Recently, I got my first reusable fountain pens from you guys! The Lamy safari in violet blackberry EF and a clear pilot kakuno EF - with the appropriate converters and a bottle of diamine ink. I love them and look forward to buying more inks soon! Thanks JetPens... your videos were so helpful in helping me to decide where to start my fountain pen journey. 🙂
My first ever fountain pen is the Pilot Kakuno with an F nib and I still use it today. It feels so comfortable to use as well. My second one (which my cousin gave me) is a Kaweco Sport with an EF nib. I’m planning to get a third one soon - a TWISBI Eco (also in Fine, I find I prefer Fine over Extra Fine) but the sheer amount of colours available is making me overwhelmed haha. All my pens are filled with DeAtrementis Document Ink since I draw with them (except the Kaweco, I haven’t run out of cartridges yet) filled with a blunt syringe. This video is a great introductory video for my sister, who also wants to get into the fountain pen hobby! Thanks!
My first was the Lamy ABC, back in 3rd grade we germans had to use either a Lamy-Starter or Pelikan. My brother got the Pelikan 3 years later, but nowadays he doesn’t use fountain pens anymore. We both upgraded to Lamy Safari in 5th grade.
Preppy wa series was the thing that finally broke me after years of hearing how Preppys in general don't dry out and are cheap 😂😂 but also they were low maintenance. I'd definitely start out with something that makes it easy to refill and doesn't require much cleaning. Twsbi eco is gracious tho, cause it comes with tools and instructions.
i still use my very first platinum preppy from 2018! i love it so so much. i thought i lost it one time and retraced my steps all the way back to the cafe i was at the day before haha (not to worry ofc, i found it!)
I started using fountain pens while taking drawing classes with Sketchbook Skool. The Lamy Safari was very popular -- my fav is a medium nib lime green metallic one. The Platinum Carbon Desk Pen was also a fav because when filled with Platinum's permanent fast-drying carbon ink, you can draw and almost immediately watercolor over it. And the click-cap keeps the pen from drying out! The click-cap is also why I now have four Platinum Preppys filled with various colors of ink. Since I don't draw as much now, I appreciate not dealing with a dry Preppie when I do pick it up!
I started out with the Pilot Kakuno Medium, Fine, Extra Fine then went my way into Platinum Preppy Fine nib. Also, forgot to include the now discontinued model of the Pilot Petit fine nib I received from you guys as a giveaway. Recently made the leap into Platinum 3776 Century Fountain Pen Medium nib which I'm excited to be receiving from you guys soon! Been eyeing an ink that I've been wanting to try from Sailor that you guys do not carry debating whether to get from Japan.
Wow, that's a huge jump from Preppy to 3776! Good choice, hope you're loving it. Which ink are you interested in? We can forward your request to our buyers.
@@JetPens Forgot to mention thank you for looking into seeking if you guys could get the ink I’m interested in. I didn’t consider myself stationary lover but now that I think back I used be into gel pen and other stationary from my childhood days lol.
My first was a Papermate chrome with gold-plated nib, made in West Germany. Bought it at a store in county Cambridgeshire, England. I still have it and it still writes everytime I remove the cap and get started-never dry and always a smooth, wet line.
The LAMY Safari was the first fountain pen I was able to write with. But now that I've been using others with non-triangular grips I don't find the Safari comfortable anymore. I still like the yellow color though!
My first was a Kakuno with the Papa color/nib, it's very cute (I love the moustache dad face) but I quickly learned that like with ballpoint and gel pens, I'm not a fine tip girlie. Went for a medium Preppy and now I have way too many pens 😅 My cutest one is the Kaweco Collection Iridescent Pearl for sure. I keep it on display in a Harapeko whale shark pen stand.
Great picks for a beginner fountain pen user! My first fountain pens were a Platinum Preppy and a Sailor Fude de Mannen. I got both for sketching but now I am a collector of other beautiful fountain pens, for both drawing and writing :)
My first fountain pen was a no brand Chinese pen from a local stationery store and it wrote amazing for its prize (though it only lasted 6 months) I still use Chinese pens because they're so cheap though I have one Platinum 200 I got new old stock from a local seller (I got lucky and got one of the last of their stock)
When I first got started using fountain pens, I didn’t have the best experience using the platinum preppy. I used both Cartridges and bottle ink converter.
The Kaküno is such a great, underrated pen, w a con 70 it’s one of the best writers going.. I use them as my school pens.. when I teach. Love your vids so much, the music feels relaxing. I love the Eco.. I own several.. also a great school pen.. holds enough ink for a 10 week quarter.
No mention of Jinhao. All of them incredible, not just for the price (around $13) but incredible anyway. Come with a converter and choice of nib sizes. Not popular with some of the pen snobs, so often get ignored.
I start purchasing fountain pen this year, and the one i get is twsbi eco in creme rosegold one,and it is sooo good that i purchase another colour indigo bronze~ i use em mainly for sketching tho, not for writing cos i still have plenty of gel pens for writing
My first fountain pen was a Sheaffer calligraphy pen back in the 1980s; I still have and sometimes use it. My first EDC fountain pen was a Waterman Phileas in the 1990s, which I also still use. Even though my pens now include a couple of gold nibs, I still love using Preppies and now Varsities. I've been painting designs on them (sealed in clear nail polish topcoats) to make them look a bit more sophisticated. I convert Preppies (using O-rings and silicone grease) so that I can fill the barrels, and I look forward to hacking a Varsity so that I can refill it, thus saving it from the landfill.
My first fountain pen was a lamy safari, it was an impulse purchase. I simply loved it. A few months later I lost it 😢. Had to buy a new one. I was hooked. Love the quality of the lines made by the medium size nib.
My first fountain pen was a clear Safari pen (with the twist refill converter). It was a solid pen that always wrote well, and that I felt confident about letting get banged around in my bag. I upgraded to an all clear Twisbi Eco for the extra ink capacity. It has a similar aesthetic to the clear Safari. The writing experience is even a little smoother, and I still feel confident about throwing it into my bag - especially with the twist on cap. I miss the clip on the Safari, but its totally a worthwhile trade off for how much less I need to refill the Twisbi! For the price, I would totally skip the Safari and go straight for the Twisbi 👀
Honestly, out of all my fountain pens, the Platinum Preppy in a medium nib is still my favorite. I can't get over how smooth it writes from the get go. I like the Kaweco Frosted Sport collection in a double broad nib because I like thicker lines, but I still always tend to gravitate towards my Platinum Preppies.
TWSBI Eco is still my go-to, but I love my Kakuno, Kaweco Sport, and Platinum Prefounte, too. A note to people interested in starting with fountain pens and already checking out inks: if you're looking at glistening inks, I would not recommend extra fine nibs. Not only could there be poorer flow, but it's just not broad enough to show the beautiful variations in that glistening ink you love. Personally, I'd recommend medium or broad for that purpose. :)
My first "serious" fountain pen (aka not a disposable) was actually the Lamy ABC Lefty. It fits nicely in small to medium hands, has a comfortable grip, and isn't too light OR too heavy. It doesn't post, which is a downside, but once I bought a safari I realized I don't actually like how heavy it is while posted, so ultimately the biggest downside has been that the ABC is cartridge only. That said, it's so sturdy (because it's designed for younger children) that it's an EXCELLENT pen to carry in your everyday purse or backpack.
My first and only fountain pen for a long time was the Parker Vector! Then I picked up a Safari at a stationery warehouse sale. Now I own a LOT of different kinds, but my workhorses are the Pilot Kakuno and (surprise!) the new Parker Vector XL.
My first was a charcoal black Safari. I didn't like how quickly the converter dried up, so I bought a white Eco with rose gold trim, but ended up settling on a black Diamond 580 ALR. That's probably the last one I'll ever need.
First is the Lamy Safari that I've really been enjoying. I've got a Kaweco Brass Sport on the way this week! I'll probably buy another Safari in the Violet Blackberry before its gone.
My first fountain pen was the Platinum Preppy. Not my favorite once I got more into fountain pens, but it does the job. lol I think the fountain pen I'd recommend most to a beginner would be the TWSBI GO fountain pen. It has a decently large internal filling mechanism while being easier to grip (for fellow sweaty handed folk like me, hello LOL) and clean/maintain than the ECO in my personal opinion. Also, I don't fear dropping it like when I use an ECO pen lol Although, the ECO does come with tools that do help with maintenance for both styles of TWSBI pens. The wrench is a lifesaver when getting the internal metal ring of the GO off
I had a purple Lamy Safari :'( maybe it was The Dark Lilac collectible one... I got it around that time, but alas.I was trying to clean the nib and I "thought" i had broken the nib, but instead I managed to bust the lil window thingy thing. D: and now I don't think I can find a purple replacement!!!! I miss it. it was so good. But actually, rather than the Safari or Eco, I recommend the TWSBI Go for beginners because rather than any complicated, strange and unfamiliar ink loading mechanisms, the Go's spring-loaded suction is intuitive.
I’m not sure it would be an exact match to your previous pen but there is a Special Edition Lamy Safari in Violet Blackberry that might be close to what you had 😊
My first fountain pen was a Parker 25 I used in school during the 1980s, but it was only a year ago I got back into using them. I re-started with a handful of cheap Jinhao pens I picked up from Amazon, of which my favourite is the Jinhao 82. I have a Lamy Safari that I'm not really a fan of, but I recently picked up a TWSBI Eco and I absolutely love it. I'd love to get hold of a Pilot Metropolitan too, but unfortunately they are very expensive here (typically cost more than the TWSBI). If I'm going to spend that much on another pen, I think I'd rather get another TWSBI. With a stub nib next time. :D My top recommendation for a beginner's first pen is a Platinum Preppy.
My first one was the metropolitan, it was highly recommend( and it still is) nice pen but it was too heavy for my liking.. If i could go back, i would have gotten my kakunos, kaweco sport❤, or lamy instead
My first fountain pen was a LAMY abc. I was 9 years old when I first learned how to use it. I went straight from learning how to write with pencil to using a fountain pen (and writing in cursive). It was mandatory in my school until we entered high school (only then could we choose, before that it was prohibited, and if u didn't use a fountain pen they wouldn't grade your tests or would call your parents), and while the majority of my friends couldn't wait to switch to ballpoint pens, I could never. Nothing feels as good as writing with a fountain pen. In my heart LAMY will always be king.
I have a Kawweco Perkeo and a Kaweco Student Fountain pen. I found that the international standard converters are not compatible with the Perkeo, so I bought one Kaweco converter. Because I didn't have another Kaweco converter, I tried to use the one from the Perkeo in the Student Fountain Pen and it wouldn't go in snuggly. It kept coming out. That also happened when I bought a mini Kaweco converter for my Kaweco Sport. What's going on with the Kaweco converters? I feel that it's hit or miss when I buy them. As much as I love the feel of the Student Fountain Pen, I'm ready to swear off Kawecos.
That's so strange; we've heard that the converters are pretty tight so you do have to use a bit of force to get them in. But yes, it's not worth the hassle when there are so many other choices out there!
In terms of ink flow as I've used lamy, platinum and pilot are best , the true shade of diamine scarlet, asa blue and chocolate appeared perfectly witn these three brands.
I've tried most of the pens in your video, and I'm definitely team Lamy Safari with an extra fine nib. Smooth writer, great colors and comfortable to write with for long writing sessions. A fun and functional choice.
absolutely OBSESSED with my Preppy. I haven't tried it for drawing yet because it's perfect for writing and I feel So Smug And Fancy using it to sign stuff at appointments instead of shitty ballpoints afdmkgcsvhv
My first purchase of a fountain pen after I retired was a pair of smiling nibs with no name - now I know who they are! I’ve gifted one and kept one. And now I have all your other options except TWSB… I’ll have to gift another pen away to include that one since I determined that my pen collection must stay at 12.
i love the preppy a lot! but i do have to admit that they are not as durable as id like them to be sadly, ive broken two of them by just dropping them on the floor! 😅
Hı from Türkiye.. I am happy to inform you about the Istanbul "Pen Fest" event, held at Çırağan Palace on 9-10 November 2024, where all pen lovers and companies in the world will meet. Thank you for the video.❤❤
Still havent jumped into the fountain pen life, got to jetpens looking for brushpens and never left lmao. If I had to pick one tho, it would probably the Safari, too iconic!
Firt thing I bought was the one with the cat nib I think I let it fall too many times, when I grab it to write it always leaks rip. But the converter was a game changer especially if it exists for felt pens too?? Best thing ever
Have you tried fountain pens before? If so, let us know your favorites in the comments!
My parents got me the Lamy dialog cc as a graduation gift and I have not wanted any other fountain pens after it. It is truly incredible and I love it so much
I went back to college at nearly 50 and treated myself to my first fountain pen. It's a Hongdian with a wood barrel and stainless steel accents and cap. The symbols for the Chinese zodiac are etched into the cap and it's beautiful! I use it daily and I've paired it with Hongdian black ink. It has a refillable piston cartridge. I love it so much that I want to try more pens and inks!
Platinum preppy is a great pen! I have several of them always inked.
Safari LAMY is my favorite. Sturdy and responsive to my tight grip, and also to the angle between paper and pen.
Lamy All Star
My first fountain pen was a Safari I asked my parents for in high school, around 25 years ago. I'd read an article in a catalog about how it was so sturdy you could run over it with a car and it would still work. As a clumsy high schooler struggling with handwriting, I figured it was my best shot.
And I still have it! Right now it's on my desk with a cursive nib and a converter full of Colorverse Bow Shock.
can I ask what model for that pen that you have, so I can have a piece of history in my hand.
@@zero00tolerancelamy safari
The safari is the plastic one @@zero00tolerance
Random tip: Before buying, try using something with a triangular grip vs. a round grip to see if you vastly prefer one over the other.
The Kakumo in F & EF is the love of my life. There's nothing like a Pilot EF!!! Pilot F is exquisite, it is the finest of fine while still writing smooth.
When I could afford a fountain pen, I bought a Pilot Metropolitan at JetPens (your fountain pen videos are so addictive). Orange is my favorite color, so I bought the Orange Pop one. And I am so happy with it, I super recommend. After that, I also bought a Kakuno, Kaweco Sports and TWSBI ECO. Everyone of them is also amazing. A big shout out to Kakuno, because it is a GREAT PEN with a inexpensive price! Fountain pens are so much fun!
My first fountain pen was the Kaweco Skyline Sport in Macchiato. I remember thinking at the time, “I’m not going to get super involved with fountain pens, just this one is enough….I won’t need to worry about bottled ink and all the other accessories, cartridges are as far as I’m going.” Famous last words!! Many pens and bottles of ink later, how naive I was 😂
my first fountain pen was a pilot kakuno, extra fine nib, and i absolutely would recommend it for beginners. it's my favorite pen i've had thus far, and the simplicity of the pen design as well as the ease of holding it makes me enjoy it that much more -- as well as the little smiley face on it, of course!
(fun fact -- i actually bought it at jetpens, and i'm glad to have discovered the pens through videos like these. it was one of videographer-san's videos that introduced me to the kakuno, funnily enough!)
Should've mentioned the Pilot explorer. Same performance as the Metro and Kakuno, but lighter than the Metro and more professional looking than the Kakuno.
Platinum also makes some great pens that are an upgrade to the Preppy. The Prefounte and plaisir write the same as the Preppy, the prefounte comes in a nicer plastic body, while the Plaisir has an aluminum build. Both pens can use the Platinum converter, and the Prefounte can be eyedropper converted too! And if you want to use international cartridges, platinum offers an adapter for that, which no other brand does in this price point.
It's amazing how Pilot and Platinum has something for everyone at this price point.
Agree, there's a reason why Pilot and Platinum are included in the big 3 fountain pen makers of Japan!
Metropolitan met all my pen needs. I may be a simpleton when it comes to fountain pens, but the things just works.
And they are lovely.
My first fountain pen as an adult was actually the Pilot Petit, yes, that tiny pen that gave me a lot of hand cramps because it was too tiny. Yet I found so much joy in trying to get it to work (because I got a pretty bad roll on the nib). Then I discovered Monami Ollika, and by then I was hooked buying pens that I liked the colour of the ink and now I am here. Ironically, my daily pens these days are anything but the Petit and the Monami (the latter has been phased out due to a decaying rubber). But they were cheap fountain pens and I am forever grateful for their beauty in my life.
My first fountain pen was my dad's Parker 51. My mom gave it to me after he died. I cleaned it, filled it and from the first stroke of pen on paper I was in love. The first pen I bought was a Parker IM. The second pen, a Lamy Safari, became my favorite. I absolutely fell in love with the nibs and quickly bought every size from EF to 1.9, as well as a few specialty nibs. What I love most about fountain pens next to the ease of writing with one is the infinite variety of tonal color combinations that exist in fountain pen ink.
My wife inherited her grandfather's Parker 51, which I sent off to the factory to be restored. I later bought my own 51 off of eBay. They are such wonderful, unassuming pens, whose hidden nib looks so unusual these days. Thanks for sharing your story!
My first fountain pen was a gray Esterbrook J, from no later than 1955, leading to a lifetime love of Esterbrook. Nib was their commonly used 2668 firm medium.
My favorite gold nibbed fountain pen is the 1940s Wahl-Eversharp Skyline. Such a great writing pen!
I went from 0 fountain pens to a platinum preppy, jinhao 9019, lamy joy, Twisbi eco, and a bunch of notepads, inks and accessories. Don't do it like me guys. Start off small and really appreciate each pen to it's fullest! These types of videos helped me decide what I was looking for.
instructions unclear, wallet empty
😂😂😂😂
I see you've met me.
That's basically me😭
You mean its very clear what the outcome would be 😂
My first pen was a Metropolitan, and it was a gift! I also bought a Diplomat Magnum to try out, because it was inexpensive (less than $25) and fits standard international cartridges as well as having a piston converter included in the box. I still use the Metropolitan almost daily, and it's my go-to pen for carrying hither and yon. :)
My first fountain pen was the Pilot Varsity in the 1990s in 3 colors that was gifted to me by my husband. I loved how it wrote and bought a couple more. Today, I also use a TWSBI AL580 in lavender and golden colors but my favorite is a BENU that I was gifted to me by my daughter about 3 years ago. Still my favorite to write with!
Osmiroid italic calligraphy set since, 2001 then i foubt my mom's Osmiroid rolatip set except the pen and copperplate nib is missing. Have been using the sketch nib to write for nearly 10 years now
I’ve only had the Varsity but would love to try more!
Of the models mentioned my first was a Kaweco Sport. Solid recommendation, though I also like to recommend the Kaweco Student to newbies. My first fountain pen was my grandfather's Sheaffer flat-top, which I restored myself. Then I added three vintage Esterbrook SJ pens to my little collection. 😄 The Kaweco was my first "new" fountain pen.
It was the all black LAMY Safari I got from a friend whose mom got it and wasn't using it. Was my gateway into using them more!
Funny story about the Kaweco Sport is I have the converter for the pen, but it doesn't fit the pen (because it was a special edition i think)! So syringe and reused carteridge it is!
Thanks for the video!
If you love experimenting with inks, you can't go wrong with Preppies. I always buy one with every new ink I get. They can be converted into eyedropper easily if you don't feel like paying another 5-6 dollars for a converter. I also love adorable Kakunos and my little sweetheart Lamy Safari.
The cartridges are also easily refilled with a blunt-needle syringe.
My first fountain pens were purchased from jetpens only a few weeks ago! I was a little ambitious and picked up a kaweco student, sport, sport skyline, and perkeo. So far my sports are my favorites! I hope to get a Lamy Safari for my birthday
Metropolitan italic made me fall in love and considering its price and build, it’s hard to find a pen like that.
My 1st was a LAMY Safari. I am holding out for the TWSBI Caffe!!! Can't wait for that to be available
My first pen was a Lamy Safari, and it personally has been *wonderful* for me. My second one is about to be a TWSBI Eco, because I really like the piston fill mechanism on it and just how much ink it can hold. I daily journal, and have recently gotten into taking notes with my fountain pen too, so I drain ink out of my Safari like a little kid downs Pixy Stix.
My first was a handmade pen from a friend (he didn’t like how it turned out). My favorites now are my Sailors (one pricey and one not) and Kaweco sport. Looking forward to trying some others listed - thanks!
I think the 1st question you have to ask yourself:
"Why do I want to try a fountain pen?"
Depending on your answer, that dictates which fountain pen should be your starter one.
To be a "negative Nancy" I will discuss the downsides of a couple of these pens.
1) The Pilot varsity puts down a lot of ink. So if you have small handwriting [like you like to use graph paper 5mm rule], then this may be to broad for you.
2) I find the Nibs in Kaweco products to be inconsistent, so I dont recommend them for newbies, since you dont know what a good or a bad nib is yet.
3) I did not care for the ergonomics of the Pilot Metropolitan
4) if your goal is to have less waste, and to refill your pen often, go with the Twsbi. Their nibs are pretty consistent, so if you are having trouble with the nib, it is probably your writing technique rather than the pen. You do need to also buy a bottle of ink, which can easily lead you down a rabbit hole, which is both a plus and a minus.
5) I have not tried the Platinum Preppy, but if you just want to "see how a fountain pen writes," and "what is all of the fuss" is about I would probably try the preppy first. What size to get? Well, if you like "wide rule paper" (paper with a rule of 7mm or more) get a broader nib. If you like a narrower rule (like college, graph (5mm) go with a Finer tip.
Yes, I very much agree with you on the Kaweco nibs based on my own experiences. I own 4 and each are different! Some are butter smooth, one in particular is quite ‘rough’ regardless of ink or paper type. It’s unfortunate. I’ve found Lamy Safari to be much more consistent.
I'm kind of a Preppy fangirl. They're wonderful for trying out pens because they're so cheap, high quality and low maintenance. They're nothing special if you're already well-acquainted with the hobby, but you can't deny their quality. They're great for sampling inks with.
I had an endless series of cheap Sheaffer pens from the drug store.I was more of a dip pen calligraphy kid, until I inheirited my grandfather's Parker (the huge one) that was not well maintained. My first purchase from Jetpens was a twsbi eco stub nib, read about them somewhere and your site came up first. Love love love you guys, and my twsbi collection has grown.
My first fountain pen was Platinum Preppy and it was the worst experience ever. I nearly quit fountain pens because of it. Months later, I got a TWSBI Eco and I now have a dozen fountain pens that are TWSBI and Kaweco. My collection is still growing with these 'beginner' fountain pens because I enjoy them and their price point. I also just purchased a Kakuno from you and am looking forward to it.
Thank you! I’ve been wrestling with the preppy for months. I am not a fan. I’m sure some of the problem is i didn’t realize what a pain the waterproof ink I bought could be, but independent of that the pens are so fragile. They seem cheap, but they crack so readily they ended up being an expensive choice
My first fountain pen was either the Pilot Metropolitan or the Lamy Safari (I legit can’t remember which one was first). I love anything from Lamy, Platinum, Kaweco, TWISBI, and Pilot whether it be the stereotypical beginner pens or more “enthusiast” level pens.
All great brands! :)
My first pen was a used Cross Townsend from an antique store that didn't work when I bought it, so learned all about repair and cleaning from the very beginning!
Have to give another shout out to the Twisbi Eco tho, it's such a great pen! Mine has always been reliable, it holds a lot of ink, and has been a constant in my school bag unlike all of my other pens which rotate in an out of the bag
My first fountain pen was from Daiso! Super affordable but I didn’t know how to maintain the pen as a young teen. I got a Kakuno during college but wasn’t a fan of the M nib then stopped using it. Few years later, I wanted to get back into pens and got the TWSBI Eco in Yellow (EF), from JetPens ✨ Since then, I’ve gained two more TWSBIs. You could say I’m a fan 🫣
Disposable preppy set was my first
Preppies are the best!
Platinum Plaisir could been in this list as a comparison and alternative to Pilot Metropolitan.
My first pen was 1960s Parker Jotter. My favorite is my 1972 London made Parker Slimfold with gold nib.
I just (last week) bought a vintage Slimfold and it's absolutely glorious.
My first fountain pen was the pilot varsity. I got a pack of 7 colors from my college bookstore over 10 years ago. Recently, I got my first reusable fountain pens from you guys! The Lamy safari in violet blackberry EF and a clear pilot kakuno EF - with the appropriate converters and a bottle of diamine ink. I love them and look forward to buying more inks soon! Thanks JetPens... your videos were so helpful in helping me to decide where to start my fountain pen journey. 🙂
My first ever fountain pen is the Pilot Kakuno with an F nib and I still use it today. It feels so comfortable to use as well. My second one (which my cousin gave me) is a Kaweco Sport with an EF nib. I’m planning to get a third one soon - a TWISBI Eco (also in Fine, I find I prefer Fine over Extra Fine) but the sheer amount of colours available is making me overwhelmed haha. All my pens are filled with DeAtrementis Document Ink since I draw with them (except the Kaweco, I haven’t run out of cartridges yet) filled with a blunt syringe.
This video is a great introductory video for my sister, who also wants to get into the fountain pen hobby! Thanks!
My first was the Lamy ABC, back in 3rd grade we germans had to use either a Lamy-Starter or Pelikan. My brother got the Pelikan 3 years later, but nowadays he doesn’t use fountain pens anymore. We both upgraded to Lamy Safari in 5th grade.
Preppy wa series was the thing that finally broke me after years of hearing how Preppys in general don't dry out and are cheap 😂😂 but also they were low maintenance. I'd definitely start out with something that makes it easy to refill and doesn't require much cleaning. Twsbi eco is gracious tho, cause it comes with tools and instructions.
My first fountain pen was the pilot kakuno in EF. It's a great pen.
i still use my very first platinum preppy from 2018! i love it so so much. i thought i lost it one time and retraced my steps all the way back to the cafe i was at the day before haha (not to worry ofc, i found it!)
You had me at $6 😅I love my Kakuno M and I'm thinking of getting their F one too. It's so nice to write with.
My first was a Pilot Varsity and now I daily a forest green Kaweco Sport and love it.
I love my Preppy
I started using fountain pens while taking drawing classes with Sketchbook Skool. The Lamy Safari was very popular -- my fav is a medium nib lime green metallic one. The Platinum Carbon Desk Pen was also a fav because when filled with Platinum's permanent fast-drying carbon ink, you can draw and almost immediately watercolor over it. And the click-cap keeps the pen from drying out! The click-cap is also why I now have four Platinum Preppys filled with various colors of ink. Since I don't draw as much now, I appreciate not dealing with a dry Preppie when I do pick it up!
There's also chinese brands like Jinhao, Hongdian or Majohn which have a ton of good fountain pens in the $2-$20 price range
Chinese brands are good, but those brands will not be in jetpens videos since they didn't sell that
No offense to China, but I'd rather support some other economy whenever feasible.
I started out with the Pilot Kakuno Medium, Fine, Extra Fine then went my way into Platinum Preppy Fine nib. Also, forgot to include the now discontinued model of the Pilot Petit fine nib I received from you guys as a giveaway. Recently made the leap into Platinum 3776 Century Fountain Pen Medium nib which I'm excited to be receiving from you guys soon! Been eyeing an ink that I've been wanting to try from Sailor that you guys do not carry debating whether to get from Japan.
Wow, that's a huge jump from Preppy to 3776! Good choice, hope you're loving it. Which ink are you interested in? We can forward your request to our buyers.
@@JetPens Forgot to mention thank you for looking into seeking if you guys could get the ink I’m interested in.
I didn’t consider myself stationary lover but now that I think back I used be into gel pen and other stationary from my childhood days lol.
My first fountain pen was the Lamy in a charcoal grey color. But I love Kaweco Sports, now!
Can't go wrong with either!
My first was a Papermate chrome with gold-plated nib, made in West Germany. Bought it at a store in county Cambridgeshire, England. I still have it and it still writes everytime I remove the cap and get started-never dry and always a smooth, wet line.
I'd recommend the twsbi GO over the eco, it's even easier to use.
The LAMY Safari was the first fountain pen I was able to write with. But now that I've been using others with non-triangular grips I don't find the Safari comfortable anymore. I still like the yellow color though!
Yes, that yellow is so iconic!
My first was a Kakuno with the Papa color/nib, it's very cute (I love the moustache dad face) but I quickly learned that like with ballpoint and gel pens, I'm not a fine tip girlie. Went for a medium Preppy and now I have way too many pens 😅 My cutest one is the Kaweco Collection Iridescent Pearl for sure. I keep it on display in a Harapeko whale shark pen stand.
Great picks for a beginner fountain pen user! My first fountain pens were a Platinum Preppy and a Sailor Fude de Mannen. I got both for sketching but now I am a collector of other beautiful fountain pens, for both drawing and writing :)
My first fountain pen was a no brand Chinese pen from a local stationery store and it wrote amazing for its prize (though it only lasted 6 months)
I still use Chinese pens because they're so cheap though I have one Platinum 200 I got new old stock from a local seller (I got lucky and got one of the last of their stock)
One pen that is very often overlooked, the platinum plaisir. Not my favorite, but I still find it better that the safari or metropolitan.
When I first got started using fountain pens, I didn’t have the best experience using the platinum preppy. I used both Cartridges and bottle ink converter.
The Kaküno is such a great, underrated pen, w a con 70 it’s one of the best writers going.. I use them as my school pens.. when I teach. Love your vids so much, the music feels relaxing.
I love the Eco.. I own several.. also a great school pen.. holds enough ink for a 10 week quarter.
No mention of Jinhao. All of them incredible, not just for the price (around $13) but incredible anyway. Come with a converter and choice of nib sizes. Not popular with some of the pen snobs, so often get ignored.
Yes, they are good, but sometimes I get the ones that are scratchy and hard on starting. They need to do more on the QC.
JetPens doesn't sell any Chinese brands, that I can tell. I for one am fine with that.
I start purchasing fountain pen this year, and the one i get is twsbi eco in creme rosegold one,and it is sooo good that i purchase another colour indigo bronze~ i use em mainly for sketching tho, not for writing cos i still have plenty of gel pens for writing
My first fountain pen was a Sheaffer calligraphy pen back in the 1980s; I still have and sometimes use it. My first EDC fountain pen was a Waterman Phileas in the 1990s, which I also still use. Even though my pens now include a couple of gold nibs, I still love using Preppies and now Varsities. I've been painting designs on them (sealed in clear nail polish topcoats) to make them look a bit more sophisticated. I convert Preppies (using O-rings and silicone grease) so that I can fill the barrels, and I look forward to hacking a Varsity so that I can refill it, thus saving it from the landfill.
My first fountain pen was a lamy safari, it was an impulse purchase. I simply loved it. A few months later I lost it 😢. Had to buy a new one. I was hooked. Love the quality of the lines made by the medium size nib.
My first fountain pen was… interesting, the Pilot V-pen was a random 3AM Amazon purchase, but they are quite reliable and fuss-free 😂❤
"random 3AM purchase" I relate to this so much...
My first fountain pen was a clear Safari pen (with the twist refill converter). It was a solid pen that always wrote well, and that I felt confident about letting get banged around in my bag.
I upgraded to an all clear Twisbi Eco for the extra ink capacity. It has a similar aesthetic to the clear Safari. The writing experience is even a little smoother, and I still feel confident about throwing it into my bag - especially with the twist on cap.
I miss the clip on the Safari, but its totally a worthwhile trade off for how much less I need to refill the Twisbi!
For the price, I would totally skip the Safari and go straight for the Twisbi 👀
Honestly, out of all my fountain pens, the Platinum Preppy in a medium nib is still my favorite. I can't get over how smooth it writes from the get go. I like the Kaweco Frosted Sport collection in a double broad nib because I like thicker lines, but I still always tend to gravitate towards my Platinum Preppies.
I wish they looked better
First pen was Lamy AL star, second was the Kewaco sport, third was Metro and the fourth was the sailor
TWSBI Eco is still my go-to, but I love my Kakuno, Kaweco Sport, and Platinum Prefounte, too.
A note to people interested in starting with fountain pens and already checking out inks: if you're looking at glistening inks, I would not recommend extra fine nibs. Not only could there be poorer flow, but it's just not broad enough to show the beautiful variations in that glistening ink you love. Personally, I'd recommend medium or broad for that purpose. :)
Great tip!
but what if your handwriting suits FINE nibs? I've been wanting some sheen inks, but I don't know if they will still kind of look good with a fine.
My first "serious" fountain pen (aka not a disposable) was actually the Lamy ABC Lefty. It fits nicely in small to medium hands, has a comfortable grip, and isn't too light OR too heavy. It doesn't post, which is a downside, but once I bought a safari I realized I don't actually like how heavy it is while posted, so ultimately the biggest downside has been that the ABC is cartridge only. That said, it's so sturdy (because it's designed for younger children) that it's an EXCELLENT pen to carry in your everyday purse or backpack.
My first and only fountain pen for a long time was the Parker Vector! Then I picked up a Safari at a stationery warehouse sale. Now I own a LOT of different kinds, but my workhorses are the Pilot Kakuno and (surprise!) the new Parker Vector XL.
My first was a charcoal black Safari. I didn't like how quickly the converter dried up, so I bought a white Eco with rose gold trim, but ended up settling on a black Diamond 580 ALR. That's probably the last one I'll ever need.
As a lefty I love my Safari with the left nib. I love my Twisbi too because it holds so much ink
I looooove diamine inks, never have I found any lacking 🫶🫶🫶
my first is a pilot explorer, it's awesome
First is the Lamy Safari that I've really been enjoying. I've got a Kaweco Brass Sport on the way this week! I'll probably buy another Safari in the Violet Blackberry before its gone.
My first fountain pen was the Platinum Preppy. Not my favorite once I got more into fountain pens, but it does the job. lol
I think the fountain pen I'd recommend most to a beginner would be the TWSBI GO fountain pen. It has a decently large internal filling mechanism while being easier to grip (for fellow sweaty handed folk like me, hello LOL) and clean/maintain than the ECO in my personal opinion. Also, I don't fear dropping it like when I use an ECO pen lol
Although, the ECO does come with tools that do help with maintenance for both styles of TWSBI pens. The wrench is a lifesaver when getting the internal metal ring of the GO off
I had a purple Lamy Safari :'( maybe it was The Dark Lilac collectible one... I got it around that time, but alas.I was trying to clean the nib and I "thought" i had broken the nib, but instead I managed to bust the lil window thingy thing. D:
and now I don't think I can find a purple replacement!!!! I miss it. it was so good.
But actually, rather than the Safari or Eco, I recommend the TWSBI Go for beginners because rather than any complicated, strange and unfamiliar ink loading mechanisms, the Go's spring-loaded suction is intuitive.
I’m not sure it would be an exact match to your previous pen but there is a Special Edition Lamy Safari in Violet Blackberry that might be close to what you had 😊
@@nikianncooper yeah I saw it, and it's not even close T_T I like it, but I guess I'll have to settle for a different color :'( oh well.
@@vrixphillips ahh, that’s a shame 😔 it’s hard when it’s a favourite but hopefully you’ll find other pens you’ll love just as much.
My first was the Metropolitan.
Now I have a Pilot Vanishing Point which I love.
I love my pink Kakuno, the soft color is perfect for my aesthetic, and the chunkier body is more comfortable in my hand.
Pilot Petit fan, here. It was my first and pretty great for the price!
My first fountain pen was a Parker 25 I used in school during the 1980s, but it was only a year ago I got back into using them. I re-started with a handful of cheap Jinhao pens I picked up from Amazon, of which my favourite is the Jinhao 82. I have a Lamy Safari that I'm not really a fan of, but I recently picked up a TWSBI Eco and I absolutely love it. I'd love to get hold of a Pilot Metropolitan too, but unfortunately they are very expensive here (typically cost more than the TWSBI). If I'm going to spend that much on another pen, I think I'd rather get another TWSBI. With a stub nib next time. :D My top recommendation for a beginner's first pen is a Platinum Preppy.
My first one was a jinhao (sp 😬) still use it today
My first one was the metropolitan, it was highly recommend( and it still is) nice pen but it was too heavy for my liking.. If i could go back, i would have gotten my kakunos, kaweco sport❤, or lamy instead
My first fountain pen was a Shaeffer.
My first fountain pen was a LAMY abc. I was 9 years old when I first learned how to use it. I went straight from learning how to write with pencil to using a fountain pen (and writing in cursive). It was mandatory in my school until we entered high school (only then could we choose, before that it was prohibited, and if u didn't use a fountain pen they wouldn't grade your tests or would call your parents), and while the majority of my friends couldn't wait to switch to ballpoint pens, I could never. Nothing feels as good as writing with a fountain pen. In my heart LAMY will always be king.
The lamy All star is just amazing I love it so much I own 1 for each ink type
I have a Kawweco Perkeo and a Kaweco Student Fountain pen. I found that the international standard converters are not compatible with the Perkeo, so I bought one Kaweco converter. Because I didn't have another Kaweco converter, I tried to use the one from the Perkeo in the Student Fountain Pen and it wouldn't go in snuggly. It kept coming out. That also happened when I bought a mini Kaweco converter for my Kaweco Sport. What's going on with the Kaweco converters? I feel that it's hit or miss when I buy them. As much as I love the feel of the Student Fountain Pen, I'm ready to swear off Kawecos.
That's so strange; we've heard that the converters are pretty tight so you do have to use a bit of force to get them in. But yes, it's not worth the hassle when there are so many other choices out there!
Yall somehow got me into journaling a month ago
Now i already bought the platinum preppy
In terms of ink flow as I've used lamy, platinum and pilot are best , the true shade of diamine scarlet, asa blue and chocolate appeared perfectly witn these three brands.
my first pen was a Twsbi Go, but I would always recommend the Platinum Preppy above it
Pilot Prera. Best one I could have picked. My favorites now are Lamy Safari and Benu Euphoria.
I've tried most of the pens in your video, and I'm definitely team Lamy Safari with an extra fine nib. Smooth writer, great colors and comfortable to write with for long writing sessions. A fun and functional choice.
Really all very nice >>>>>> Thank you .
I started with a Twsbi eco. Amazing pen. Finished two bottles of Pilot Kon-Peki with it.
absolutely OBSESSED with my Preppy. I haven't tried it for drawing yet because it's perfect for writing and I feel So Smug And Fancy using it to sign stuff at appointments instead of shitty ballpoints afdmkgcsvhv
My first purchase of a fountain pen after I retired was a pair of smiling nibs with no name - now I know who they are! I’ve gifted one and kept one. And now I have all your other options except TWSB… I’ll have to gift another pen away to include that one since I determined that my pen collection must stay at 12.
i love the preppy a lot! but i do have to admit that they are not as durable as id like them to be sadly, ive broken two of them by just dropping them on the floor! 😅
Hı from Türkiye.. I am happy to inform you about the Istanbul "Pen Fest" event, held at Çırağan Palace on 9-10 November 2024, where all pen lovers and companies in the world will meet. Thank you for the video.❤❤
I love them all! Metropolitan, Lamy and TWSBI are my go to
Still havent jumped into the fountain pen life, got to jetpens looking for brushpens and never left lmao. If I had to pick one tho, it would probably the Safari, too iconic!
Firt thing I bought was the one with the cat nib I think I let it fall too many times, when I grab it to write it always leaks rip. But the converter was a game changer especially if it exists for felt pens too?? Best thing ever
What about pilot explorer?