A wonderful heartwarming walk through the stages that all pen affectionados, me included, have struggled with. A combination of greed and the elusive effort to fill a hole in the soul. Pens won't do the fulfillment, but they sure add fun to the equation. Think realistically, how many of these pens will you ignore if you only had the three or four grail pens. None, I suspect! It is all about the variety and the seeking of that elusive emotional thrill. I am certain that your journey will not come with a quick solution. I have only seen Matt Armstrong of the Pen Habit have the courage and wisdom to say ENOUGH PENS and walk away with his existing stash.
Good old Matt Armstrong, my favourite reviewers. I believe that he is the one that called the Delta Dolce Vita the Halloween pen. I would love to see him do a video just to see where he is at.
@@fountainpentherapy He's a perfect example of how not to be a fountain pen enthusiast. He wasted all his money on grail pens to realize that none of them will fulfill his true wishes. He got burnt out and rage quit because he spent so much. He was buying more than he was using. I would quit too if I were him. Remember that there is no such thing as a "Grail Pen". Just get a few pens that each have their purpose. I only have 7 so far. My most expensive was the sailor 1911, even though I love this pen. I still know that it's outrageously priced. I would suggest people to get the pens they like already and send them to a nibmeister to get the nib the way they want. For me my favorite writer is a TWSBI diamond 580 ALR with a custom fitted architect nib. This blows everything I have used out of the water. I would advise people to either get a Chinese pen that's priced $15-$75 or buy a TWSBI diamond 580 models as you can easily maintain and swap nibs on the fly. You can also custom fit any #5 nib into it. That's how I get my architect nib.
@@fountainpentherapyunless you are seeking different nibs rather than pens. Most pens are very similar. That's why I recommend Jinhao TWSBI and Wing sung.
Fascinating episode, Vincenzo. It helps me confront my own discomforts with collecting. In my case, fountain pen therapy comes from tinkering the pens, make them perform and look as I want, bind my own notebooks and tune the colors of my inks. My ultimate grail is the writing, the sketches, and all those tools and techniques that are summoned to stain the paper with ideas.
@@MitchellJBridges …just by mixing them and sometimes adding some water to dilute them. Be careful, however, adding water makes ink feel counter-intuitively more dry
The grail pen is the one that came from a loved on or the one that has been there with you through many of life's experiences. The one that means a lot to you, for in this world nothing has value except for the value we give it.
Your correct. My grail is already here. It's my TWSBI diamond 580 ALR. I even found a great nib for it which is a custom architect nib I fitted into it. This pen means alot to me as It's the one I gravitated towards the most.
My first pen, a Lamy Studio imperialblue is my grail! It was the entry into the filler world, now 4 years later there have become some more, but this studio is actually always filled and never has to suspend 🤗
Thank you Vincent. This video should be required viewing after you purchase (or receive) your first FP. One of the best, most honest videos I've seen on the subject.
Excellent video and subject for contemplation. I don't think of my Chinese pens as being a compromise, or something I settled for. They're a part of my pen journey. At this time, I don't have a Grail pen in mind. I have a Pelikan M800 that fills that niche. The comments; here; are very insightful, almost philosophical you might say.
Thank you for your interesting comments. I also think that the Chinese fountain pen should be considered as a creation inspired by some models. In that respect, they bring also a valuable contribution to the design and to the functionality of the fountain pens they were inspired by. I also think that the word "clone" is not appropriate, as a clone is made of some genetic material of the original body. The Chinese fountain pens, although they look like some pens of well known brands, they are made of affordable materials and, usually, have stainless steel or iraurita nibs. So, we would be closer to the truth if we would call them copies, or replica. There I think it would be good to mention the statement of a philosopher, saying that a copy has more value than the original. And that is because to make a copy of a masterpiece, you need, apart from talent, discipline, determination and understanding, while with the master the voice of talent and inspiration guided her/his creation! Well, excuse me of being intrusive, but I liked much your comments.
Another fantastic video. I really enjoy your honesty and how you approach this popular topic. I struggle with looking at my collection, adding up the cost, and thinking there’s 5 grail pens in there if I only knew then what I know now. I’ve just decided it’s time to join the hunt for my first grail pen. This is a timely video for me.
Fantastic comments. I never thought of myself as a collector of fountain pens, but I have about 40 limited edition pens. I love having two pens working per week; clean them and pull out two different pens. I'm after 4 more pens (of course more after that), but I'm going after the look and the nib experience. I saw a great RUclips video on 2023 fountain pens and hit save to Watchlater before bed and my wife was "Why" I told her they are great, after watching for awhile the "Tops" come off and and you get to see the "Nibs"; she rolled her eyes and said "whatever" I need to watch more of your videos
I know what you mean. I still haven't succeeded in getting my wife to watch one entire video I made. On the other hand she got me the MB 146 and the 149 . Cheers.
I greatly enjoyed this video. You have a way of storytelling with something that many people would consider to be mundane, but for all of us who have been on similar journeys, is very near dear to our own hearts. I believe that I just received my "exit pen" a few days ago with receipt of a Sailor Pro Gear. I'm a big fan of Japanese nibs & am a self-appointed 'Pilot fan-girl' but I wanted to compare with a Platinum & a Sailor to see what was different between them. I work from home, so all of my pens are purely for my own enjoyment. I have different "sets" of pens, my retractable fountain pens (both Pilot & Majohn) are my workhorses which stay at my desk. There are my vintage pens which get used primarily for correspondence. Then there are all of the varied "fun" pens, both higher end (but seldom full-price!) & inexpensive but fantastic pens (looking at you, Hongdian!) that I use for Journaling, for writing my work-in-progress novel or just for the fun of doodling with interesting inks. I've reached the point where I'm happy with my collection as it stands. I have even gifted a few to our grown children if they had the interest and that is a big part of enjoying this hobby, seeing others enjoy them as well.
Ah, Vincenzo, you are wrestling with the DILEMMA. Is it a hobby of writing, or collecting? Often we start out with it as a hobby of WRITING, but then it switches over to a hobby of COLLECTING. Of course, the world plays into that switch- the next one is the best- we won't be happy until-... if I could ONLY get (insert name of pen)... We choose to do what we want it to be. I have a collection (not nearly as big as yours), and I remind myself often to ENJOY what I have, to take pleasure in the use of the pens I have. I have found that when I take pleasure in the AQUIRING, I don't ever take pleasure in the things that I have. I too want to get the next grail pen (the 823, or the M800 or the M1000, or whatever comes next), but I also need to remember the joy I get from writing with the ones I HAVE. I'm not saying which decision is right for you- if you have the money, you are free to spend it as you wish. But for me, I regularly need to remember how I've been blessed so far, and be able to enjoy what I have, being thankful for the experiences I can get from that. All the best in your journey to discover what your goal is in this hobby.
After many years of collecting I can honestly say that this year is the first year that I am actually focusing on writing. So maybe the exit plan will work. At least for a while. LOL
Vincenzo, Bravo sir! One hell of a show. I myself am on that road, and have realized I think I need to exit sooner that completing grail hunting phase.
Outstanding video. You presented a succinct argument that took us on a journey or should I say allowed us to experience our journey from the outside in, giving us a momentary pause. Will there ever really be a final grail pen? We may slow down buying them for months even years until that next beauty cross our vision and the cycle repeats.
Thank you Vincenzo! You don't know how much of the content, the language, the reactions and if I may say the emotions corelate to our own experiences! It's almost our thoughts and joyrneys that you rightfully echo! Right from my school days to many many years now and after so many Holy Grail acquusitions this is one hobby which is the most satisfying. Being an ardent God believer, I also believe HE has blessed me and maybe all of us. We need to give back to the Pen community and let me congratulate you on a job you are doing excellently. We will try and give back too in our oen ways. Keep uolp the passion and wish you more pens and "pentiful" thoughts(deliberately left the L out)
Bravo. Great Video. sometimes I get cheap pens I should not have ordered. they are not very good. But sometimes there is a cheap pen that is as enjoyable as those 8 times the cost. I got a cheap kanwriite on ebay with a broad flexible nib that is fantastic. On fpen Revolution they have flex with medium but not broad. It’s the flex broad nib with side cut outs and beefy tipping that is awesome. Again Loved the video
Excellent and outstanding video. It's different from others exploring the mind of a pen collector's dilemma and achieving the unattainable. Thoroughly enjoyed your walkthrough the fountain pen journey.
Hahahaha...Vincenzo you just did described more or less what I living right now. It starts when you try to reach for the perfect writing instrument that transmitts a writing pleasure, successfull achivements and were you feel also content because you have something that not everybody has (if your fountain pen is rare). I think the approach to enjoy what you have is very good, because at on time it was your favorite pen. And wrinting with it again could flame that love for wrinting with it again. Ciao
Fantastic episode. I have bought/got quite too many last year being my Diamond Jubilee Birthday. I have already been in the exit plan. Wish to enjoy the pens I have one fourth of your collection but being out of my love for the time being. Wish to live and pamper them. Hope that materializes.
Hi Vincenzo : I stumbled upon your video by accident . But what a joy ! I am very familiar with SBRE Brown & Hemingway Jones wonderful pen reviews , but yours Sir is a tale with which I , like many others are very familiar with having taken a similar path myself. Truly sometimes “it is better to travel than arrive”. Best wishes and thank you, David
Your experience echoes mine in a lot of ways. My first vintage grail quest was for a blue Parker 51 with OBB stub nib....six Parker 51s later, I finally found one but now have several 51s that get ignored. Same thing happened when searching for my vintage German flexy stub grail. The lesson I learned is to just save up for the grail pen and don't compromise on getting things that look similar along the way to try to satiate the desire.
Thank you for this very interesting video. He helped me a lot to realize that the most fascinating thing for me was the hunt for a new pen, and I also have a lot of them: 35! And it's time to finally start actually using them!
Its a great exit plan for when you sense your spending is getting out of control. Over time you also realize that your tastes and perceptions change and its like buying a new pen. I think I will do a series about the forgotten or resurrected pens.
@@fountainpentherapy Great idea! Some of the pens in my collection have turned out to be better than I thought over time. Asvine and Hongdian still have better nibs than the pens of recognized brands that I considered grails. Funny thing :-)
Exquisite description, so resonant. I finally bought my M1000 a couple of weeks ago on top of a 100+ collection of 2nd tier and entry-level pens gradually acquired and I know the grail roll has started. I think the reason is that previously I’d just seen the flagship pens as simply big for their own sake (I bought an M800 some years ago) but now I get what they can offer I expect a KoP, a 149, a Bronze Age, an 823, a Custom Urushi will be mine too one day. Then I’m heading to Arco, probably.
No i do not. By the way stay tuned for my Ultimate Fountain Pen Vacation video where I visited more than a dozen Italian stores. It will be a 3 part series.
Excellent. Expecting futur episodes about *The Grail nib*, not the same court case. You made me remember Mr Pelahale (?), the best fountain pen youtuber ten years ago. Unfortunately, his videos, autentic exquisite doctoral theses, are no longer online.
I smiled as I watched this journey, I feel as if in many respects as though we have been on the same train journey, perhaps sitting in different cars but definitely making the same stops along a very similar route. The world of customs made pens is perhaps something you tried and disliked and then again perhaps though I am a decade younger perhaps I got on the train sooner and made a few stops before you. The custom made pens (or extreme low production pens) I found Dr. Ken Cavers sources unique materials and will turn a pen now and again when not being a MB physician, the Bexley Jitterbug prototype, the limited production Toronto Scriptus pen and of course the Franklin Christoph, Black Pen Society Knights pen that Scott and Paul Erano colluded on. Safe travels on the Fountain Pen Express! Thanks for the high quality video and reviews. Mags/YXE
Vincenzo, great video! I cannot wait for Part 2. I am really trying to take to heart the advice to enjoy the great pens I already have, many of which have not gotten the love they deserve.
Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. Loved this and Pt 2 as well. Thanks for introducing me to all those reasonably priced alternatives. Am I wrong or have you really shown us that there are alot of wonderful Chinese pen alternatives?!
Very interesting, sincere video! Your quest, at first look, seems to be kinda pyramidal, at least more than mine. On the expensive side, I own Montblancs, Pelikans and so forth. They are equally grail pens as some of my $3 Jinhaos, yes: for me, a grail pen is a pen that writes exactly as I like. I cherish all those pen equally. On watching your video till the end, I feel we converge: you mention your journey is about using and valuing as many pens as you can in your collection. No doubt we share the same passion . I'm very whimsical with my numerous pens and I use them randomly. My only rule is I must deserve each pen I have currently in use (that's to say I must have written many pages for a certain time). Looking forward to Part II. Cheers.
You are SO right. I have a Visconti Homo sapiens, Bronze Age, a Conway Stewart Churchill, a sailor Pirates life for Me, a Visconti Mirage. My next pen is a Namibia Urushi Emperor in vermillion. Of course my Goal is a Mont Blanc 149 in Fine. I know your pain. Im 70 and have been writing with fountain pens since 1973. Im on a limited income so it will be a while, but the package int he mail is worth it all.
That, Vincenzo sir, was epic. I loved the intro, and then was thoroughly fascinated by your quest for your grail pens! You told your story with such honesty and humility. Your channel is fantastic and I'm so looking forward to Part 2!
It's an interesting video essay, and I look forward to Part 2. Some of the pens that are compromises in your book (MB 146, Pelikan M800), can be a better fit ergonomically. Buying pre-owned is a win-win imo because the seller de-stashes and the buyer saves money. Newbies don't have the knowledge or experience to zoom in on a grail pen. They may not be sure if fountain pens are for them in the first place. Their preferences are evolving, plus there's likely to be an initial sticker shock. And as you said, not everyone can or even wants to spend the money on one or more grail pens. Pen peace is achievable.
Great insite into the grail pen rabbit hole,fortunately my grail pen exit strategy was made for me,I retired last September so the earning power & funds stopped grail pens.So I’m enjoying all the pens I own,plus rediscovering some that have been neglected.Keep the videos coming love it👌
Fantastic! You know in doing the series I rediscovered so many pens. I think I will do a series focusing on those re-discoveries. And trust me, they were numerous.
I almost felt like a therapist listening to a patient on the couch there. Although not a grail pen hunter in the sense laid out in the first part I have become more of what Vincenzo is alluding to at the end. I have a nephew who has just gotten into fountain pens and I have been going through my collection and doing a lot of cleaning and tuning so that I can pass over some pens that give a wonderful writing experience but did not break the bank. Some of the pens were just a few dollars while a few are much more pricey or no longer available. A Rotring 600 has become his go to pen (you can leave it for 18 months and it will write immediately) and he has parked his Kaweco Sport and replaced it with a Minka cigar shaped pocket pen. I have spent a bit of my spare time pulling nibs and feeds and getting a pen that was hit and miss to perform reliably has been enjoyable so I am looking forward to the next phase of what you do in what I would call your search for the optimum writing experience. Remember, Indiana Jones did choose a wooden cup!
Almost exactly my experience regarding grail pens and I’m in the exit phase now but I’m torn between the Pelikan m1000 and Montblanc 149. My exit plan is 3-4 pens in total and the two that I have now are a Montblanc 146 my wife gave me for our first anniversary in 1989 and a Pilot Silvern that I purchased directly from Japan.
I very much enjoyed this and your very detailed journey. For many years I did not have a grail pen, I was merely collecting based on aesthetic's or mechanical aspects of the pen amongst other things. It was not until a few years ago that I identified three pens which, and you are right here about it being subjective, I considered to be my Grail pens. There were only three and the three have remained unchanged. The three pens are: the Conid bulk filler, Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze age and the Pelikan M1000. That is not to say that I haven't bought other expensive pens, because I most certainly have. So for me it isn't necessarily the ability to afford pens, because I can, but the ability to commit to spending that money on something simply because I want it, not because I need it. To date I have only bought one of the three, the Visconti. Out of the three there is one that was always going to be the endgame and that was the M1000 and I cannot bring myself to buy one. Recently my mother passed away and I inherited a small amount of money, purchasing the M1000 would make perfect sense as my mother knew I collected pens and would doubtless be pleased that I had spent some of the money on a pen I had always yearned for. But here is the difficulty, apart from the fact that the M1000 is no longer translucent! buying that pen would potentially be the end of my journey, because my Grail pens will never change and so I continue to fight with myself over the decision to buy or not. :)
I know exactly what you mean. But the Pelikan M1000 is a very special pen. It may very well become my exit pen. For now i am simply travelling with my exit plan. Enjoy what I have.
Ok I would like to suggest buying a Scribo with the nib you think will work for you the best, and putting this nib in your Halloween Delta. You will have what is essentially a Delta nib in your Delta pen. Of course it won’t be your last Grail Pen.
Hello Mr. V! Have really enjoyed your two-part series on grail pens! Watched the second one first, and finished up with this one. Want to relate how I got my first "grail" pen. Funny thing is it wasn't one of the pens I really wanted! I watched the same video as you from Mr. Jones, where he unboxes the Pelikan M1000. I'm practically drooling, and think, WOW! That is some pen! Then my practical mind takes over and says, "you know, that is a pretty big pen, and you have small hands, and it is VERY expensive!" Then I remembered the MANY comments on the M800, and how great a pen that was, and I thought, "well that would really probably fit my hand better, and it is a lot cheaper.: So, I go looking and see one and it is STILL plenty expensive. This was back in March/April and my birthday is coming up (June), and I was thinking. . .well. . .so I popped for it. I couldn't wait until the week after next when my birthday is, so I had to ink it up and try it! It is SO nice and writes like nothing else in my collection! VERY pleased and feel I have scratched the itch as far as Pelikan pens go. Been rationing it until my birthday in a couple weeks. Then I am going to open and enjoy the heck out of it!! In any event, I DO want a Pilot 823, but the colors don't do it for me! I wish they would do a transparent BLUE one, that would make it a grail pen for me then. Not really interested in the Custom Urushi, but have a BIG PEN on the way! The only other "grail" pen for me is a vintage Parker Vacumatic with double jewels and the lock-down filler in the Maxima size. This pen will probably cost me as much as the Pelilkan,, when I finally find the right one. To be sure I can sure enjoy these different and inexpensive Chinese pens! Anyway, THANKS for you interesting videos!
Hello Vincenzo, thank you for your content. Your journey through the World of writing instruments is wellknown to me. Than I had a key moment to get out of the circle buying pens. I saw reviews of the Lanbitou 3059 and bought one for testing to build my own opinion. At the moment I had that pen in my hand I knew: this is my "grail". Since that day I only use the 3059 meanwhile for months. A second was orderd but never used. Am I clean now?
Great video Vincenzo, lots of shrinks have tried to explain the phenomenon of collecting and from what I remember there is not a single formula that covers every type. One thing is given, this is a pattern of behaviour that has remained with us since pre-historic times. I can recommend two books on the subject, one is by Paul Getty himself, On the Pleasures of Collecting, and another one with the title Collecting, an Unruly Passion, plus several others on the Italian Renaissance pattern of collecting objets d'Arts, etc. I declare myself to be one, have already amassed more than 1,000 books, half of which are about Italian painting, and am now into fountain pens. I slightly disagree with the phase description believing, at least in my case, to allow the passion ebb and flow according to circumstance and desire, but never lose interest, so that the flame is always lit.
I recognize these stages, as I’ve been through them with watches and various other things. I’m currently going through it with what I’d currently consider the pinnacle of all pinnacles for me: the Namiki Yukari Royale Frog. I doubt I’d ever be able to justify the Emperor as I find any nibs larger than the Sailor KOP nibs to be way too comical. I think the hunt is driven by the desire to go for quality and prestige above quantity and convenience. And those end up being the items we wish to pass on as part of our legacy, the items that captured some defining essence of the lives we lived.
To be honest I too said that of the 149. But it is a very nice writing instrument. Maybe its because it was a gift from my wife. One thing is for sure all these so-called grail pens are over priced.
At 70, I let go of all but five pens, all of which I use weekly, three of which I think of as grail. Now, at 82, I will allow myself a final pen… my true Grail pen for my 83rd birthday - and because I do see that I can use six without neglect to any. I hope to find it - or at least try it - at the San Francisco pen show in late August. And the Six will be it. No way to tell you how good that feels… just six. All the others that have passed through my ownership? Hopefully they are in appreciative hands.
Your apparent dilemma is shown in the 1971 film "Carnal Knowledge", dealing in part with the search for a grail of sorts, the inability to treasure what one has, and how it erodes men throughout their lives. Stars Jack Nicholson, Ann-Margret, Art Garfunkel, Rita Moreno, Candice Bergen. Written by Jules Feiffer.
What would people be without myths and legends? People have always wanted to believe. It's just part of human nature. Congratulations Vincenzo, you have created with this video an excellent observation on a philosophical and psychological basis. Chapeau! And I was delighted seeing so many intelligent comments. Dr Brown is right. Though I have only a small collection of 140+ FP's I didn't look or touch them on a regular base. I will start to do that soon. Regarding my grail pen, the Pelikan M 1000 is just out of reach as I'm too much down to earth allowing myself to spend that amount of money. Montblanc's don't attract me anymore, I got a 146, 25 years ago at a price of DM 350 at that time and its original nib isn't in good shape anymore (my mistake due to a lot of unnecessary tinkering). Most new european/american/tawanese pens are in my book overprized. I find it hard to find a new and charming pen at a fair price.
@@fountainpentherapy Most of my pens are Chinese. Some are really well made, great writing instruments, most are average, a few are just crap and I bother myself that I've bought them. From time to time I'm looking at non-chinese FP's, watching reviews and so on but most of the time when looking at the price tags everything in me cries: "Rip off, overprized, keep your stuff" and the like. My latest happy purchase was the Delta Dolce Vita mid size 2023 which I bought from a great Dealer in Firenze at EUR 180 and now a Pilot E95s at 98 Dollars (compared to "normal" retail of USD 144 a bargain). My hunting is very much driven by pricing. Call me a beancounter but I'm reluctant to throw my money at other people pointlessly... As somebody said: "People always know the price of something, but they rarely know the value."
Enjoyed this entire video! I think I've reached the point of acquiring my last grail pen: an Omas Paragon in scarlet red celluloid with an absolutely perfect juicy broad nib. I splurged on it to celebrate completing my PhD and really think I'm done grail hunting. I've already acquired the standard grail pens that interested me (Nayaka urushi, M800, MB 146, Waterman 52 wet noodle, etc.) and really feel satisfied. My fingers are short, so the M800 was a better grail for me than the M1000. Likewise, the MB 146 fit me better than the 149 (which felt uncomfortable with that thick section). I like glassy smooth gushers, so I gave up on Sailor after a couple pens (all of which I had to get smoothed by a nibmeister because I hate that "pencil feedback"). That being said....I think you should try a classic urushi pen like Nakaya just to enjoy that wonderful material that feels warm in the hand.
Its sound like you have reached the exit with all those interesting pens. For the time being, I will do my best to respect the exit plan. But just this afternoon I was tempted by another Aurora pen the optima which in my mind is a grail pen. I am resisting.
In my opinion, this video is worth hundreds of others reviews, comparisons, etc on RUclips pen community. I am at loss of words to describe my impressions of watching. Thank you so much for this journey🥹
My opinion is that this phenomenon has two distinct audiences - one, the collector, for whom grail pens are those that help to complete a collection. That's common to all collecting I suspect. Two, that the FP hobby, like with others, has perpetuated the myth that enthusiasts should seek ever more expensive pens in the mistaken belief that they are either better than cheaper pens (functionally they are not), or will lend the owner some status based on exclusivity (it won't).
The exit plan is when you die or when you leave the hobby. Don’t waste your hard earned $ on cheap, Chinese or Indian imitation, but save it for the grail pen. If not you will always be chasing the real stuff. I won maybe 10% of your collection , but have of those are grails that I have collected over 50 years. I really enjoy your videos and your delivery.. Cheers, Vicente!
I thought it was interesting when you talked about the alternatives that you bought to satisfy your desire or see if you'd like the real deal. It's something I don't quite understand because I only buy a pen if I really want it. I typically only want limited editions, so if I'm priced out, I don't buy anything. I also don't really understand when you talk about finding the pinnacle writing experience. Perhaps this is due to me not owning a gold nib pen. I love all my steel nib pens. They write differently, but I like them all. The only pen I have double of is the Benu Euphoria. I guess I would consider my Benu Euphoria Snowstream Express to be a grail because of the price, rarity, and artistic value. I saw it, and I had to have it regardless of price. Every time I use it, I think of the polar express, the joys of Christmas, and happy memories. I have watched grail videos, and I really don't feel a pull towards any of them. Perhaps I should want them, but I don't. They look too boring for me visually. For me to buy a pen, it has to have something my current collection doesn't have. I like that the Montblanc jungle eyes has matching cufflinks, etc, but I'm also not a fan of its aesthetics. I think my grail would be something that I have custom made with matching jewelry.
As a reminder to everyone here... There is no nuch thing as the 'Grail Pen". It doesn't exist. It's a unhealthy addiction. As rong as the pen suits your needs and looks food doing it that's all that counts. Yor instance I own a diamond 580 ALR in purple. It contains a custom fitted architect ✒️. It's my most favorite nib. I'm also a big fan of very wet pens. If the pen writes well and is comfortable and not an eye sore that's all that matters. Some of the best pens I own are below $50. I love my wooden Jinhao pen. And if someone really likes a pen with a statement with a massive nib look no further than tde Jinhao 9091 Dadao.
I am just trying to have some fun with a great hobby. But I respect your opinion. In fact, checks out my next video on Grail pen alternatives. Essentially we are saying the same thing. We can enjoy cheaper or more affordable pens just as much as expensive pens.
Fun video ... a bit too dramatic and over analytic, but fun. However, I get it as a fountain pen enthusiast. I'm not a collector, but I've exclusively used fountain pens since college (1991>) so my baseline is maybe more practical. My grail pen must be 1) durable, 2) with an outstanding nib (no steel or titanium), 3) easily serviceable, 4) beautiful, and 5) be a piston filler. I've had lots of cheaper fountain pens and it's been narrowed down to LAMY 2000, Montblanc 146, and ... yes .... my favorite, the Montblanc 149. All of them daily users. (To the people: Please boycott Chinese rip-offs and just buy the real thing)
That only applies to the original dolce vita. That pen remains imbedded in my soul for ever. One day it may become a reality. But for the time being there will be no hunt . If stumbles in my hand so be it. I am counting on my wife again! LOL
Enjoying what you already have is the best, when we want something we don't have it means we're in debt, we have to pay for that, and if we never stop wanting for something more then we are forever in debt.
I really enjoyed this! Thanks!
A wonderful heartwarming walk through the stages that all pen affectionados, me included, have struggled with. A combination of greed and the elusive effort to fill a hole in the soul. Pens won't do the fulfillment, but they sure add fun to the equation. Think realistically, how many of these pens will you ignore if you only had the three or four grail pens. None, I suspect! It is all about the variety and the seeking of that elusive emotional thrill. I am certain that your journey will not come with a quick solution. I have only seen Matt Armstrong of the Pen Habit have the courage and wisdom to say ENOUGH PENS and walk away with his existing stash.
Good old Matt Armstrong, my favourite reviewers. I believe that he is the one that called the Delta Dolce Vita the Halloween pen. I would love to see him do a video just to see where he is at.
@@fountainpentherapy He's a perfect example of how not to be a fountain pen enthusiast. He wasted all his money on grail pens to realize that none of them will fulfill his true wishes. He got burnt out and rage quit because he spent so much. He was buying more than he was using. I would quit too if I were him.
Remember that there is no such thing as a "Grail Pen". Just get a few pens that each have their purpose. I only have 7 so far.
My most expensive was the sailor 1911, even though I love this pen. I still know that it's outrageously priced.
I would suggest people to get the pens they like already and send them to a nibmeister to get the nib the way they want.
For me my favorite writer is a TWSBI diamond 580 ALR with a custom fitted architect nib. This blows everything I have used out of the water. I would advise people to either get a Chinese pen that's priced $15-$75 or buy a TWSBI diamond 580 models as you can easily maintain and swap nibs on the fly. You can also custom fit any #5 nib into it. That's how I get my architect nib.
That's the point I was trying to get across in Part 2 on grail pen alternatives.
Thanks for sharing.
An endless quest for an illusion. Perhaps the defnition of an obsession! Thank you.
To me its fountain pen therapy that takes me away from my daily grind, but yes there is always that element of obsession.
"Grail pens are an illusion" They don't exist in this realm.
@@fountainpentherapyunless you are seeking different nibs rather than pens. Most pens are very similar. That's why I recommend Jinhao TWSBI and Wing sung.
Mine are not illusions but at their price they certainly are illusive, and I agree that they may indeed not be necessary.
Fascinating episode, Vincenzo. It helps me confront my own discomforts with collecting. In my case, fountain pen therapy comes from tinkering the pens, make them perform and look as I want, bind my own notebooks and tune the colors of my inks. My ultimate grail is the writing, the sketches, and all those tools and techniques that are summoned to stain the paper with ideas.
I think that will all be part of my exit plan. For as long as it lasts.
How do you tune the colors of inks?
@@MitchellJBridges …just by mixing them and sometimes adding some water to dilute them. Be careful, however, adding water makes ink feel counter-intuitively more dry
Awesome intro!!! I can watch the intro all day. Much thanks.
Glad you like it!
The grail pen is the one that came from a loved on or the one that has been there with you through many of life's experiences. The one that means a lot to you, for in this world nothing has value except for the value we give it.
Well said. Thanks for sharing that.
@@fountainpentherapy You are most welcome. Thank you for your video.
Your correct. My grail is already here. It's my TWSBI diamond 580 ALR. I even found a great nib for it which is a custom architect nib I fitted into it. This pen means alot to me as It's the one I gravitated towards the most.
My first pen, a Lamy Studio imperialblue is my grail! It was the entry into the filler world, now 4 years later there have become some more, but this studio is actually always filled and never has to suspend 🤗
Thank you Vincent. This video should be required viewing after you purchase (or receive) your first FP. One of the best, most honest videos I've seen on the subject.
Thank you my friend. Greatly appreciated.
Excellent video and subject for contemplation. I don't think of my Chinese pens as being a compromise, or something I settled for. They're a part of my pen journey. At this time, I don't have a Grail pen in mind. I have a Pelikan M800 that fills that niche. The comments; here; are very insightful, almost philosophical you might say.
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your interesting comments. I also think that the Chinese fountain pen should be considered as a creation inspired by some models. In that respect, they bring also a valuable contribution to the design and to the functionality of the fountain pens they were inspired by.
I also think that the word "clone" is not appropriate, as a clone is made of some genetic material of the original body.
The Chinese fountain pens, although they look like some pens of well known brands, they are made of affordable materials and, usually, have stainless steel or iraurita nibs.
So, we would be closer to the truth if we would call them copies, or replica.
There I think it would be good to mention the statement of a philosopher, saying that a copy has more value than the original.
And that is because to make a copy of a masterpiece, you need, apart from talent, discipline, determination and understanding, while with the master the voice of talent and inspiration guided her/his creation!
Well, excuse me of being intrusive, but I liked much your comments.
Truth is all you really need is something that works for you. If it writes the way you like it and it looks good doing it who cares.
Your video is so expertly crafted, thoughtful and interesting, I had to watch again after I finished. Captivated by your words.
Thank you
Another fantastic video. I really enjoy your honesty and how you approach this popular topic. I struggle with looking at my collection, adding up the cost, and thinking there’s 5 grail pens in there if I only knew then what I know now. I’ve just decided it’s time to join the hunt for my first grail pen. This is a timely video for me.
Thanks for sharing!!
Happiness is not to have what I want but to want what I have. Good Luck!
The exit plan!!!!
Fantastic comments. I never thought of myself as a collector of fountain pens, but I have about 40 limited edition pens. I love having two pens working per week; clean them and pull out two different pens. I'm after 4 more pens (of course more after that), but I'm going after the look and the nib experience. I saw a great RUclips video on 2023 fountain pens and hit save to Watchlater before bed and my wife was "Why" I told her they are great, after watching for awhile the "Tops" come off and and you get to see the "Nibs"; she rolled her eyes and said "whatever"
I need to watch more of your videos
I know what you mean. I still haven't succeeded in getting my wife to watch one entire video I made. On the other hand she got me the MB 146 and the 149 .
Cheers.
I greatly enjoyed this video. You have a way of storytelling with something that many people would consider to be mundane, but for all of us who have been on similar journeys, is very near dear to our own hearts. I believe that I just received my "exit pen" a few days ago with receipt of a Sailor Pro Gear. I'm a big fan of Japanese nibs & am a self-appointed 'Pilot fan-girl' but I wanted to compare with a Platinum & a Sailor to see what was different between them. I work from home, so all of my pens are purely for my own enjoyment. I have different "sets" of pens, my retractable fountain pens (both Pilot & Majohn) are my workhorses which stay at my desk. There are my vintage pens which get used primarily for correspondence. Then there are all of the varied "fun" pens, both higher end (but seldom full-price!) & inexpensive but fantastic pens (looking at you, Hongdian!) that I use for Journaling, for writing my work-in-progress novel or just for the fun of doodling with interesting inks. I've reached the point where I'm happy with my collection as it stands. I have even gifted a few to our grown children if they had the interest and that is a big part of enjoying this hobby, seeing others enjoy them as well.
Thank you for sharing
Thank you Vincenzo, I really enjoyed this! I wish I could give two thumbs up! 👍👍♥♥
Wow, thank you
Ah, Vincenzo, you are wrestling with the DILEMMA. Is it a hobby of writing, or collecting? Often we start out with it as a hobby of WRITING, but then it switches over to a hobby of COLLECTING. Of course, the world plays into that switch- the next one is the best- we won't be happy until-... if I could ONLY get (insert name of pen)... We choose to do what we want it to be. I have a collection (not nearly as big as yours), and I remind myself often to ENJOY what I have, to take pleasure in the use of the pens I have. I have found that when I take pleasure in the AQUIRING, I don't ever take pleasure in the things that I have. I too want to get the next grail pen (the 823, or the M800 or the M1000, or whatever comes next), but I also need to remember the joy I get from writing with the ones I HAVE. I'm not saying which decision is right for you- if you have the money, you are free to spend it as you wish. But for me, I regularly need to remember how I've been blessed so far, and be able to enjoy what I have, being thankful for the experiences I can get from that. All the best in your journey to discover what your goal is in this hobby.
After many years of collecting I can honestly say that this year is the first year that I am actually focusing on writing. So maybe the exit plan will work. At least for a while. LOL
Vincenzo, Bravo sir! One hell of a show. I myself am on that road, and have realized I think I need to exit sooner that completing grail hunting phase.
Thanks for sharing.
Real good video Vincenzo. Beautifully told .Long but good.Well done.:)
Thanks for watching
Great intro !!!! Great show, thanks for posting
Glad you enjoyed it
Excellent, thoughtful hour! Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and looking forward to Part 2 : )
Thank you so much!
Outstanding video. You presented a succinct argument that took us on a journey or should I say allowed us to experience our journey from the outside in, giving us a momentary pause. Will there ever really be a final grail pen? We may slow down buying them for months even years until that next beauty cross our vision and the cycle repeats.
Indeed that elusive exit pen.
Thank you Vincenzo! You don't know how much of the content, the language, the reactions and if I may say the emotions corelate to our own experiences! It's almost our thoughts and joyrneys that you rightfully echo! Right from my school days to many many years now and after so many Holy Grail acquusitions this is one hobby which is the most satisfying. Being an ardent God believer, I also believe HE has blessed me and maybe all of us. We need to give back to the Pen community and let me congratulate you on a job you are doing excellently. We will try and give back too in our oen ways. Keep uolp the passion and wish you more pens and "pentiful" thoughts(deliberately left the L out)
Thank you for your very kind comments.
Bravo. Great Video. sometimes I get cheap pens I should not have ordered. they are not very good. But sometimes there is a cheap pen that is as enjoyable as those 8 times the cost. I got a cheap kanwriite on ebay with a broad flexible nib that is fantastic. On fpen Revolution they have flex with medium but not broad. It’s the flex broad nib with side cut outs and beefy tipping that is awesome. Again Loved the video
Thanks for sharing!
1st time finding your channel, enjoyed very much!
Welcome aboard!
Excellent and outstanding video. It's different from others exploring the mind of a pen collector's dilemma and achieving the unattainable. Thoroughly enjoyed your walkthrough the fountain pen journey.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Came across this channel recently. Very underrated channel. Keep up the phenomenal work. !
Much appreciated!
Hahahaha...Vincenzo you just did described more or less what I living right now. It starts when you try to reach for the perfect writing instrument that transmitts a writing pleasure, successfull achivements and were you feel also content because you have something that not everybody has (if your fountain pen is rare). I think the approach to enjoy what you have is very good, because at on time it was your favorite pen. And wrinting with it again could flame that love for wrinting with it again. Ciao
So true!
Fantastic episode.
I have bought/got quite too many last year being my Diamond Jubilee Birthday.
I have already been in the exit plan. Wish to enjoy the pens I have one fourth of your collection but being out of my love for the time being.
Wish to live and pamper them. Hope that materializes.
Thanks for sharing!
Amazing video. Such a sobering glimpse in the mirror at myself and… yikes… my future self.
Thanks for watching
Hi Vincenzo : I stumbled upon your video by accident . But what a joy ! I am very familiar with SBRE Brown & Hemingway Jones wonderful pen reviews , but yours Sir is a tale with which I , like many others are very familiar with having taken a similar path myself. Truly sometimes “it is better to travel than arrive”. Best wishes and thank you, David
Thanks for watching and sharing!
Great advice and a fascinating account of your quest and where it has taken you.
Thank you kindly
Your experience echoes mine in a lot of ways. My first vintage grail quest was for a blue Parker 51 with OBB stub nib....six Parker 51s later, I finally found one but now have several 51s that get ignored. Same thing happened when searching for my vintage German flexy stub grail. The lesson I learned is to just save up for the grail pen and don't compromise on getting things that look similar along the way to try to satiate the desire.
Easier said than done.
Vincenzo, thank you for this. Appreciate it so much.
My pleasure.
Oh my… thank you so much for this beauty!!!
You are so welcome!
V, One word: OUTSTANDING
Thank you!
Thank you for this very interesting video. He helped me a lot to realize that the most fascinating thing for me was the hunt for a new pen, and I also have a lot of them: 35! And it's time to finally start actually using them!
Its a great exit plan for when you sense your spending is getting out of control. Over time you also realize that your tastes and perceptions change and its like buying a new pen.
I think I will do a series about the forgotten or resurrected pens.
@@fountainpentherapy Great idea! Some of the pens in my collection have turned out to be better than I thought over time. Asvine and Hongdian still have better nibs than the pens of recognized brands that I considered grails. Funny thing :-)
Exquisite description, so resonant. I finally bought my M1000 a couple of weeks ago on top of a 100+ collection of 2nd tier and entry-level pens gradually acquired and I know the grail roll has started. I think the reason is that previously I’d just seen the flagship pens as simply big for their own sake (I bought an M800 some years ago) but now I get what they can offer I expect a KoP, a 149, a Bronze Age, an 823, a Custom Urushi will be mine too one day. Then I’m heading to Arco, probably.
No i do not. By the way stay tuned for my Ultimate Fountain Pen Vacation video where I visited more than a dozen Italian stores. It will be a 3 part series.
Spot on Sir.
Thank you kindly
Awesome video! The best I've since on this topic ever. Keep up the good work.
Wow, thanks!
Excellent. Expecting futur episodes about *The Grail nib*, not the same court case.
You made me remember Mr Pelahale (?), the best fountain pen youtuber ten years ago. Unfortunately, his videos, autentic exquisite doctoral theses, are no longer online.
Grail nibs: already in the pipeline.
The intro gives me goosebumps
Glad you like it.
I smiled as I watched this journey, I feel as if in many respects as though we have been on the same train journey, perhaps sitting in different cars but definitely making the same stops along a very similar route. The world of customs made pens is perhaps something you tried and disliked and then again perhaps though I am a decade younger perhaps I got on the train sooner and made a few stops before you. The custom made pens (or extreme low production pens) I found Dr. Ken Cavers sources unique materials and will turn a pen now and again when not being a MB physician, the Bexley Jitterbug prototype, the limited production Toronto Scriptus pen and of course the Franklin Christoph, Black Pen Society Knights pen that Scott and Paul Erano colluded on. Safe travels on the Fountain Pen Express! Thanks for the high quality video and reviews. Mags/YXE
Thank you so much for sharing.
Vincenzo, great video! I cannot wait for Part 2. I am really trying to take to heart the advice to enjoy the great pens I already have, many of which have not gotten the love they deserve.
Glad it was helpful!
Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. Loved this and Pt 2 as well. Thanks for introducing me to all those reasonably priced alternatives. Am
I wrong or have you really shown us that there are alot of wonderful Chinese pen alternatives?!
Glad you enjoyed it! Absolutely. The quality has improved enormously. And now with No 8 size nibs they have turned it up even further.
Very interesting, sincere video! Your quest, at first look, seems to be kinda pyramidal, at least more than mine. On the expensive side, I own Montblancs, Pelikans and so forth. They are equally grail pens as some of my $3 Jinhaos, yes: for me, a grail pen is a pen that writes exactly as I like. I cherish all those pen equally. On watching your video till the end, I feel we converge: you mention your journey is about using and valuing as many pens as you can in your collection. No doubt we share the same passion . I'm very whimsical with my numerous pens and I use them randomly. My only rule is I must deserve each pen I have currently in use (that's to say I must have written many pages for a certain time). Looking forward to Part II. Cheers.
Working on it as I write this.
You are SO right. I have a Visconti Homo sapiens, Bronze Age, a Conway Stewart Churchill, a sailor Pirates life for Me, a Visconti Mirage. My next pen is a Namibia Urushi Emperor in vermillion. Of course my Goal is a Mont Blanc 149 in Fine. I know your pain. Im 70 and have been writing with fountain pens since 1973. Im on a limited income so it will be a while, but the package int he mail is worth it all.
LOL, I think you have a handful with the pens you just mentioned. Enjoy.
That, Vincenzo sir, was epic. I loved the intro, and then was thoroughly fascinated by your quest for your grail pens! You told your story with such honesty and humility. Your channel is fantastic and I'm so looking forward to Part 2!
Glad you enjoyed it!
3 minutes in and already love the video 👌🏾
Enjoy!
I really enjoyed the video. Thank you. Greetings from the Netherlands.
It's an interesting video essay, and I look forward to Part 2. Some of the pens that are compromises in your book (MB 146, Pelikan M800), can be a better fit ergonomically. Buying pre-owned is a win-win imo because the seller de-stashes and the buyer saves money.
Newbies don't have the knowledge or experience to zoom in on a grail pen. They may not be sure if fountain pens are for them in the first place. Their preferences are evolving, plus there's likely to be an initial sticker shock. And as you said, not everyone can or even wants to spend the money on one or more grail pens. Pen peace is achievable.
Thanks for sharing
Great insite into the grail pen rabbit hole,fortunately my grail pen exit strategy was made for me,I retired last September so the earning power & funds stopped grail pens.So I’m enjoying all the pens I own,plus rediscovering some that have been neglected.Keep the videos coming love it👌
Fantastic! You know in doing the series I rediscovered so many pens. I think I will do a series focusing on those re-discoveries. And trust me, they were numerous.
I talked about this a little bit in my 8 Pen Questions video! It's such a weird concept to me!
I will take a look at your video. It always fascinates me how many different ways we can view this concept.
I almost felt like a therapist listening to a patient on the couch there. Although not a grail pen hunter in the sense laid out in the first part I have become more of what Vincenzo is alluding to at the end. I have a nephew who has just gotten into fountain pens and I have been going through my collection and doing a lot of cleaning and tuning so that I can pass over some pens that give a wonderful writing experience but did not break the bank. Some of the pens were just a few dollars while a few are much more pricey or no longer available. A Rotring 600 has become his go to pen (you can leave it for 18 months and it will write immediately) and he has parked his Kaweco Sport and replaced it with a Minka cigar shaped pocket pen. I have spent a bit of my spare time pulling nibs and feeds and getting a pen that was hit and miss to perform reliably has been enjoyable so I am looking forward to the next phase of what you do in what I would call your search for the optimum writing experience. Remember, Indiana Jones did choose a wooden cup!
Whatever happens, the key for me is fountain pen therapy and I will let it guide me.
Almost exactly my experience regarding grail pens and I’m in the exit phase now but I’m torn between the Pelikan m1000 and Montblanc 149. My exit plan is 3-4 pens in total and the two that I have now are a Montblanc 146 my wife gave me for our first anniversary in 1989 and a Pilot Silvern that I purchased directly from Japan.
Pelikan M1000 would be my choice.
I very much enjoyed this and your very detailed journey. For many years I did not have a grail pen, I was merely collecting based on aesthetic's or mechanical aspects of the pen amongst other things. It was not until a few years ago that I identified three pens which, and you are right here about it being subjective, I considered to be my Grail pens. There were only three and the three have remained unchanged. The three pens are: the Conid bulk filler, Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze age and the Pelikan M1000. That is not to say that I haven't bought other expensive pens, because I most certainly have. So for me it isn't necessarily the ability to afford pens, because I can, but the ability to commit to spending that money on something simply because I want it, not because I need it. To date I have only bought one of the three, the Visconti. Out of the three there is one that was always going to be the endgame and that was the M1000 and I cannot bring myself to buy one. Recently my mother passed away and I inherited a small amount of money, purchasing the M1000 would make perfect sense as my mother knew I collected pens and would doubtless be pleased that I had spent some of the money on a pen I had always yearned for. But here is the difficulty, apart from the fact that the M1000 is no longer translucent! buying that pen would potentially be the end of my journey, because my Grail pens will never change and so I continue to fight with myself over the decision to buy or not. :)
I know exactly what you mean. But the Pelikan M1000 is a very special pen. It may very well become my exit pen. For now i am simply travelling with my exit plan. Enjoy what I have.
Ok I would like to suggest buying a Scribo with the nib you think will work for you the best, and putting this nib in your Halloween Delta. You will have what is essentially a Delta nib in your Delta pen. Of course it won’t be your last Grail Pen.
Well perhaps I’m wrong and you really have your grail pen. Good luck. You and Dr Brown do have a point
Please don't tempt me. That Scribo brand has been in my rear view mirror for months, maybe years. I did buy their inks.
Hello Mr. V! Have really enjoyed your two-part series on grail pens! Watched the second one first, and finished up with this one. Want to relate how I got my first "grail" pen. Funny thing is it wasn't one of the pens I really wanted! I watched the same video as you from Mr. Jones, where he unboxes the Pelikan M1000. I'm practically drooling, and think, WOW! That is some pen! Then my practical mind takes over and says, "you know, that is a pretty big pen, and you have small hands, and it is VERY expensive!" Then I remembered the MANY comments on the M800, and how great a pen that was, and I thought, "well that would really probably fit my hand better, and it is a lot cheaper.: So, I go looking and see one and it is STILL plenty expensive. This was back in March/April and my birthday is coming up (June), and I was thinking. . .well. . .so I popped for it. I couldn't wait until the week after next when my birthday is, so I had to ink it up and try it! It is SO nice and writes like nothing else in my collection! VERY pleased and feel I have scratched the itch as far as Pelikan pens go. Been rationing it until my birthday in a couple weeks. Then I am going to open and enjoy the heck out of it!! In any event, I DO want a Pilot 823, but the colors don't do it for me! I wish they would do a transparent BLUE one, that would make it a grail pen for me then. Not really interested in the Custom Urushi, but have a BIG PEN on the way! The only other "grail" pen for me is a vintage Parker Vacumatic with double jewels and the lock-down filler in the Maxima size. This pen will probably cost me as much as the Pelilkan,, when I finally find the right one. To be sure I can sure enjoy these different and inexpensive Chinese pens! Anyway, THANKS for you interesting videos!
That M1000 is the most intimidating pen in my collection. Its perfection and glide is overwhelming
Hello Vincenzo, thank you for your content.
Your journey through the World of writing instruments is wellknown to me. Than I had a key moment to get out of the circle buying pens. I saw reviews of the Lanbitou 3059 and bought one for testing to build my own opinion. At the moment I had that pen in my hand I knew: this is my "grail". Since that day I only use the 3059 meanwhile for months. A second was orderd but never used.
Am I clean now?
Thanks for sharing
Great video Vincenzo, lots of shrinks have tried to explain the phenomenon of collecting and from what I remember there is not a single formula that covers every type. One thing is given, this is a pattern of behaviour that has remained with us since pre-historic times. I can recommend two books on the subject, one is by Paul Getty himself, On the Pleasures of Collecting, and another one with the title Collecting, an Unruly Passion, plus several others on the Italian Renaissance pattern of collecting objets d'Arts, etc.
I declare myself to be one, have already amassed more than 1,000 books, half of which are about Italian painting, and am now into fountain pens. I slightly disagree with the phase description believing, at least in my case, to allow the passion ebb and flow according to circumstance and desire, but never lose interest, so that the flame is always lit.
thanks for sharing
I recognize these stages, as I’ve been through them with watches and various other things. I’m currently going through it with what I’d currently consider the pinnacle of all pinnacles for me: the Namiki Yukari Royale Frog. I doubt I’d ever be able to justify the Emperor as I find any nibs larger than the Sailor KOP nibs to be way too comical.
I think the hunt is driven by the desire to go for quality and prestige above quantity and convenience. And those end up being the items we wish to pass on as part of our legacy, the items that captured some defining essence of the lives we lived.
Its different for all of us. One thing is for sure when I use my Pelikan m1000 it intimidates me. Its too perfect.
I guess my grails are more vintage: Pilot Myu, Crosshatch, etc. I have zero interest in a Montblanc 149,which is what one would call a "cliche".
To be honest I too said that of the 149. But it is a very nice writing instrument. Maybe its because it was a gift from my wife. One thing is for sure all these so-called grail pens are over priced.
Wonderful video, much to contemplate and apply. Was that Pelikan an m800 or m1000?
An M1000
At 70, I let go of all but five pens, all of which I use weekly, three of which I think of as grail. Now, at 82, I will allow myself a final pen… my true Grail pen for my 83rd birthday - and because I do see that I can use six without neglect to any. I hope to find it - or at least try it - at the San Francisco pen show in late August. And the Six will be it. No way to tell you how good that feels… just six. All the others that have passed through my ownership? Hopefully they are in appreciative hands.
The wonderful exit pen. Ah yes!
Your apparent dilemma is shown in the 1971 film "Carnal Knowledge", dealing in part with the search for a grail of sorts, the inability to treasure what one has, and how it erodes men throughout their lives. Stars Jack Nicholson, Ann-Margret, Art Garfunkel, Rita Moreno, Candice Bergen. Written by Jules Feiffer.
That is an old flick. Honestly I can't recall what it is all about. Thanks for sharing.
What would people be without myths and legends? People have always wanted to believe. It's just part of human nature. Congratulations Vincenzo, you have created with this video an excellent observation on a philosophical and psychological basis. Chapeau! And I was delighted seeing so many intelligent comments. Dr Brown is right. Though I have only a small collection of 140+ FP's I didn't look or touch them on a regular base. I will start to do that soon. Regarding my grail pen, the Pelikan M 1000 is just out of reach as I'm too much down to earth allowing myself to spend that amount of money. Montblanc's don't attract me anymore, I got a 146, 25 years ago at a price of DM 350 at that time and its original nib isn't in good shape anymore (my mistake due to a lot of unnecessary tinkering). Most new european/american/tawanese pens are in my book overprized. I find it hard to find a new and charming pen at a fair price.
If you haven't already , you must try those Chinese pens
@@fountainpentherapy Most of my pens are Chinese. Some are really well made, great writing instruments, most are average, a few are just crap and I bother myself that I've bought them. From time to time I'm looking at non-chinese FP's, watching reviews and so on but most of the time when looking at the price tags everything in me cries: "Rip off, overprized, keep your stuff" and the like. My latest happy purchase was the Delta Dolce Vita mid size 2023 which I bought from a great Dealer in Firenze at EUR 180 and now a Pilot E95s at 98 Dollars (compared to "normal" retail of USD 144 a bargain). My hunting is very much driven by pricing. Call me a beancounter but I'm reluctant to throw my money at other people pointlessly... As somebody said: "People always know the price of something, but they rarely know the value."
Enjoyed this entire video! I think I've reached the point of acquiring my last grail pen: an Omas Paragon in scarlet red celluloid with an absolutely perfect juicy broad nib. I splurged on it to celebrate completing my PhD and really think I'm done grail hunting. I've already acquired the standard grail pens that interested me (Nayaka urushi, M800, MB 146, Waterman 52 wet noodle, etc.) and really feel satisfied. My fingers are short, so the M800 was a better grail for me than the M1000. Likewise, the MB 146 fit me better than the 149 (which felt uncomfortable with that thick section). I like glassy smooth gushers, so I gave up on Sailor after a couple pens (all of which I had to get smoothed by a nibmeister because I hate that "pencil feedback"). That being said....I think you should try a classic urushi pen like Nakaya just to enjoy that wonderful material that feels warm in the hand.
Its sound like you have reached the exit with all those interesting pens. For the time being, I will do my best to respect the exit plan. But just this afternoon I was tempted by another Aurora pen the optima which in my mind is a grail pen. I am resisting.
In my opinion, this video is worth hundreds of others reviews, comparisons, etc on RUclips pen community.
I am at loss of words to describe my impressions of watching.
Thank you so much for this journey🥹
Thanks for sharing
My opinion is that this phenomenon has two distinct audiences - one, the collector, for whom grail pens are those that help to complete a collection. That's common to all collecting I suspect. Two, that the FP hobby, like with others, has perpetuated the myth that enthusiasts should seek ever more expensive pens in the mistaken belief that they are either better than cheaper pens (functionally they are not), or will lend the owner some status based on exclusivity (it won't).
For me its simply a lot of fun and it gives me the fountain pen therapy to get me away from my daily grind.
The exit plan is when you die or when you leave the hobby. Don’t waste your hard earned $ on cheap, Chinese or Indian imitation, but save it for the grail pen. If not you will always be chasing the real stuff. I won maybe 10% of your collection , but have of those are grails that I have collected over 50 years.
I really enjoy your videos and your delivery.. Cheers, Vicente!
Thanks for sharing
It’s not “The Knights of Templar” it’s “Knights Templar” because they were founded and based at a headquarters on the Temple Mount.
Correction duly noted.
a very interesting part 1 but I do think that having found a good writing Visconti bronze age you really should purchase it.
We shall see!
I thought it was interesting when you talked about the alternatives that you bought to satisfy your desire or see if you'd like the real deal. It's something I don't quite understand because I only buy a pen if I really want it. I typically only want limited editions, so if I'm priced out, I don't buy anything. I also don't really understand when you talk about finding the pinnacle writing experience. Perhaps this is due to me not owning a gold nib pen. I love all my steel nib pens. They write differently, but I like them all. The only pen I have double of is the Benu Euphoria. I guess I would consider my Benu Euphoria Snowstream Express to be a grail because of the price, rarity, and artistic value. I saw it, and I had to have it regardless of price. Every time I use it, I think of the polar express, the joys of Christmas, and happy memories. I have watched grail videos, and I really don't feel a pull towards any of them. Perhaps I should want them, but I don't. They look too boring for me visually. For me to buy a pen, it has to have something my current collection doesn't have. I like that the Montblanc jungle eyes has matching cufflinks, etc, but I'm also not a fan of its aesthetics. I think my grail would be something that I have custom made with matching jewelry.
Thanks for sharing. The beauty of this hobby is that the surjective elements vary from person to person.
The Holy Trinity of pens: The Montblanc 149, The Visconti Homosapiens, and .....?
Pelikan M1000
As a reminder to everyone here...
There is no nuch thing as the 'Grail Pen". It doesn't exist.
It's a unhealthy addiction. As rong as the pen suits your needs and looks food doing it that's all that counts.
Yor instance I own a diamond 580 ALR in purple. It contains a custom fitted architect ✒️. It's my most favorite nib.
I'm also a big fan of very wet pens. If the pen writes well and is comfortable and not an eye sore that's all that matters.
Some of the best pens I own are below $50. I love my wooden Jinhao pen. And if someone really likes a pen with a statement with a massive nib look no further than tde Jinhao 9091 Dadao.
I am just trying to have some fun with a great hobby. But I respect your opinion. In fact, checks out my next video on Grail pen alternatives. Essentially we are saying the same thing. We can enjoy cheaper or more affordable pens just as much as expensive pens.
Fun video ... a bit too dramatic and over analytic, but fun. However, I get it as a fountain pen enthusiast. I'm not a collector, but I've exclusively used fountain pens since college (1991>) so my baseline is maybe more practical. My grail pen must be 1) durable, 2) with an outstanding nib (no steel or titanium), 3) easily serviceable, 4) beautiful, and 5) be a piston filler. I've had lots of cheaper fountain pens and it's been narrowed down to LAMY 2000, Montblanc 146, and ... yes .... my favorite, the Montblanc 149. All of them daily users. (To the people: Please boycott Chinese rip-offs and just buy the real thing)
This stuff is for collector fanatics like myself. Practical users will stay away from all of this for sure.
Thanks for sharing.
New tag: #GrailPenAlternatives.
Stay tuned.
Sig Vincenzo, I am sure, as you think and write, you would want to write with an original.
That only applies to the original dolce vita. That pen remains imbedded in my soul for ever. One day it may become a reality. But for the time being there will be no hunt . If stumbles in my hand so be it. I am counting on my wife again! LOL
Enjoying what you already have is the best, when we want something we don't have it means we're in debt, we have to pay for that, and if we never stop wanting for something more then we are forever in debt.
Unless you have money.
@@ichirofakenameI'm sorry, infinite money is the best then
@@invisibleshit8479Infinity is a conceot hard to grasp.😄
The exit plan is the key.