That's a beautiful pen! I have the Penbbs 308 in black and silver. It's my "poor boy Montblanc". It's one of my favorites. Take care and have an awesome week.
The black is definitely stunning! I am hoping to get a 456 in a color I've been watching. I was pleased to see there were a few nib charms in penbbs store. I snagged a couple! I hope you have a fabulous week sir. Great to see you!
I purchased four Penbbs models (one was very recently and hasn't arrived yet). The only one I disliked totally is a Marshmallow. I had some concerns about the others, which I expressed on the Penbbs facebook group page in words and with some photos, too. Well, the moderator banished me for a 28-day "mute" period. I was told I was "trashing the brand." I didn't wait. I immediately left. You are a better and less thin-skinned Penbbs guide anyway. Now that you've come back and I've subscribed, I can asked questions without being shut up. (Right?)
LOL Absolutely, William. I never purchased a marshmallow. It is injection molded plastic with a tiny nib and it hasn't had any positive comments. There are a few Penbbs models I'm not fond of or happy with. The 309 has issues. My Year of the Ox seized up beyond fixing and the magnetic fillers are a bit ridiculous. But I love the brand none-the-less. The 456 is the best model of the entire line in my opinion.
1. Always a pleasure to see your enthusiasm, even if I don't share it. 2. The question is: how long will the paint last on the writing surface? If you experience a change in writing experience in the future that you attribute to wear, I would be interested to hear about it.
I've been writing with this pen for weeks. And exclusively this last week as I am travelling ATM. It is still black and still as smooth as glass. I'm not worried, as if and when the black comes off the contact point of the nib, I have no doubt it will be as smooth as my Galaxy 456.
Indeed interesting. I have two Faber-Castell E-Motions. One with a black nib. The black one has a lot more feedback due to the coating. Both are typically Faber super smooth.
It is interesting how a company can make 100's of amazing acrylic finishes and everyone complains there is no basic black. Or another company has just black/gold or black/rhodium and people complain there aren't 100's of colour options! Penbbs has them all and we want different trim. LOL
So Sir Doug- Beini at Penbbs should be sending you free pens by the boatload. You are a wonderful proponent of their products. I have some on the way- thanks to you . I finally bit the bullet, or should I say the nib. Thanks for making my Saturday morning- again! PS- love the new attitude- it is your damn channel so do what makes you happy!
Doug, I’m so glad you’re back. It left a big hole in my pen-loving heart when you signed off for a while. I picked up a Penbbs 456 a couple of weeks ago. Couldn’t find the black but I did get a deep blue one. I’m delighted to say it’s every bit as great as you indicated. It may not be as smooth as the black enameled nib, but it’s still glassy smooth and one of my favorite pens now. I’ll keep looking for a black, but this blue has grown on me. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for the tip on how to make a nib wetter! Can’t believe I couldn’t even work that out myself 🤦🏻♂️ It looks a superb pen with that black nib though. Great pen Doug! 🙏 Enjoy it more 😃
Delightful review. I wonder how long the enamel will last? Love your off hand delivery after the cut away to Larry with a pen stuck in his forehead - “Important safety tip - you may damage you nib. “
And a fourth reason.. 4. A certain segment of your viewership has developed a dependency on Rathbunaige - a powerful mood modifier. Not supplying regular dosages will cause [at least] unpleasant, and wholly unnecessary withdrawal symptoms.
Anybody ever tell you how welcoming your Big Ole Grin is?😆 And as to A... 2... 3... At three, I just about LOL'd my bipap mask off! I do so enjoy your reviews!!!
The 14k nib was available within the last 2 weeks, about £105 gbp including 20% VAT. I think it was only in their calligraphy grind. I think it also looked stamped, rather than the engraved one shown before.
I hope they make these nibs as separate units. With Jowo being more limited, goulet eventually no longer having black, and no more unique nibs from nemosine it is a market opportunity.
Great looking pen in my favorite/best value/most dependable fountain pen. I resisted buying one because I (feel) I have more pens than I need. But today I noticed that Penbbs came out with the 456 YEAR OF THE TIGER ... and I'm having a real bad case of FOMO.
I love your reviews. I’ve just started diving into the world of fountain pens, and WOW! Amazing! Can you guide me to where I can get a galaxy or black Penbbs 456?
You have to watch the official Penbbs store on Etsy closely. When they sell, they sell fast. Also, at higher prices, you can find them now and then on eBay and Aliexpress.
I agree Doug, gold trim in this black pen would have been an awesome combination, and with a Two-tone black and gold nib, just like what I seen other chinese pen companies (I think is Hong Dian). I always have some little issues with black coated nibs, I have them with my Lamy Safari and with my monteverde, and certainly is because the coating of the point of the nib, but it isn't so big of a deal. Thank you for the video. That was a terrific quote. 😎👍
Thanks, Jorge! I'm not worried about the black coming off the contact point of the nib. It will be just as smooth as my Galaxy 456 fine nib underneath.
Love the pen, love your review, and especially appreciate rule #3. :-) I have a Penbbs 500 arriving on Monday but may need to check out the 456 as well. Thanks Doug
Most elegant and classy pen is the one with Glossy black color and gold trims - I’m sure Pen BBS Engineering team has watched this video ! I’ve a couple of handmade pen-cases like the one you showed.. Flaw with such cases (which don’t have a flap to close the opening) is they’re perfect for ‘fat’ pens while medium sized and slim pens often slide out of the case (per my experience)
Thanks, Stefan. I enrolled in the Time/Life series when I was in college. They'd come once a month and you'd never know what artist you get except the first one, which I chose and was Van Gogh. I could afford to keep going through the series (university student and all) especially when I was getting Vermeer when I wanted Picasso, Gaugin, Dali, Manet etc etc.
@@InkquiringMinds I work at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. So having grown up with the books, I can now enjoy some of the real things at the office.
@@InkquiringMinds Received the Black Tortoise 456 today. While not having the similar nib - this is a two tone nib - it is excellent pen. The balance, weight and look is outstanding for this price point.
Tell you what Doug you must have been quicker on the draw than me as soon as they were on instagram i looked but no joy😥😥.Great review & you have just made missing one even worse 👍.
Edward, if you’re in the US, you can have mine for what I paid for it, plus shipping. Never inked, never used. It’s a truly elegant pen, but have plenty of other Penbbs 456 models.
@@bobjpage Thank very much thats most generous of you,but i live in the uk so the cost of shipping,import duties & vat would make it probative on cost.Once again many thanks.
There is another alternative. You buy a TWSBI 700R demonstrator (so you can see the ink level at all times) and a V20 portable mess free ink filler. The ink supply in the 700R should last you about 6-12 months. Still worried about running out, take the Mini-Vac which can be filled from the same refill V20 bottle that will last you another 6 months. Then there’s the Conklin All American demonstrator which can be used as an eye dropper. The Penobscot 456 looks like a good desk-study pen, I just have some concerns about its ruggedness after using my Year of the Ox.
The 456 doesn't like to be dropped. They break where the metal threads meet the barrel. But I'm traveling with both my Galaxy and my Black on Black and they are standing up to airplane travel well. I have a Pineider traveling ink well that works beautifully with the 456.
I have a few black pens but not all of them have black nibs. Looking forward to see if PenBBBS will sell the nibs separately as it looks and writes quite well.
Nice but could have been better all black or with gold trim. I have a black tortoise which to me looks exactly the same as black… I will pass on that one. Just got the 355 new Emerald Blue, it’s a nice resin new to PenBBS.
Well, well, despite Ambers and Galaxies.... it seems you have a secret weakness for classy looking pens after all, hehehehe. Really nice pen and great review as always. I'll endorse the petition for a black and gold trim 456 or 500 to match the 14k engraved nibs. BTW, I don't know the coating on those nibs.... but my Delike 2020 Bras pocket in black (with a black nib Ofc) has the more smooth nib "out of the box" I ever write with. KUDOS to Penbbs.
The basic black and silver/gold trim has a timeless class that can be very attractive in certain designs. A 308 with this black acrylic and gold trim and nib would be killer in my opinion.
Great review Doug but unfortunately the Penbbs 456-15 is now, nowhere to be found. I have checked all over the web and not one to be found. None, nada, zip zilch, rien. Once again I sit here with pen envy.
Kevin, if you’re in the US, you can have mine for what I paid for it plus shipping. Never inked, never used. It’s a truly elegant pen, but I enjoy my other Penbbs 456 models more.
@@bobjpage Wow Bob, that is awfully nice of you. I have 2 other 456 and they are some of my favorite Penbbs pens. I would definitely take you up on your offer and thanks for being so kind. Yes, I am in the US. New Jersey to be exact. How would you like the payment? Do you have a PayPal account?
They are certainly continuing to develop and do new and interesting things! These new gold nibs (the nicely engraved ones) should prove VERY interesting.
@@InkquiringMinds They look divine, as do the calligraphy nibs. Of course now I can't order any of it as they aren't shipping to US. Anyone know why? Or how long this should last. Probably the screwed up logistics/shipping right now, as with many other things, but it sucks as PenBBS goodness is now out of reach, and I keep missing good drops. :(
Melinda, if you’re in the US, you can have mine for what I paid for it plus shipping. Never inked, never used. It’s truly an elegant pen, but I enjoy my other Penbbs 456 models more.
I am always disappointed by PenBBS. They just don't know how to market their pens and their brand overall. They could easily compete with renown brands but instead they always come short. Instead of giving a boring name like "black", they could have easily create a theme around names like "Tuxedo", "Debonair", or an homage to movie stars like William Powell, etc. Nope. They sold a small batch without 99.9% of customers never knowing the pen even exists.
Well they are more fans than a brand, so they don't behave like a company, and only keep limited amount of capital in inventory, so that often means small batches.
Great review, you are the source for all things Pen BBS
Hahaaa yes🔥🔥👑👑
So glad you're back, my man. 😎
i'd love to see this with a gunmetal trim. or aion coated, with matching nib.
That would be cool!
For more questions please see rule #3. Great looking pen.
That's a beautiful pen! I have the Penbbs 308 in black and silver. It's my "poor boy Montblanc". It's one of my favorites. Take care and have an awesome week.
The black is definitely stunning! I am hoping to get a 456 in a color I've been watching. I was pleased to see there were a few nib charms in penbbs store. I snagged a couple! I hope you have a fabulous week sir. Great to see you!
Thanks, Jennifer!
OMG! Welcome back!
I purchased four Penbbs models (one was very recently and hasn't arrived yet). The only one I disliked totally is a Marshmallow. I had some concerns about the others, which I expressed on the Penbbs facebook group page in words and with some photos, too. Well, the moderator banished me for a 28-day "mute" period. I was told I was "trashing the brand." I didn't wait. I immediately left. You are a better and less thin-skinned Penbbs guide anyway. Now that you've come back and I've subscribed, I can asked questions without being shut up. (Right?)
LOL Absolutely, William. I never purchased a marshmallow. It is injection molded plastic with a tiny nib and it hasn't had any positive comments. There are a few Penbbs models I'm not fond of or happy with. The 309 has issues. My Year of the Ox seized up beyond fixing and the magnetic fillers are a bit ridiculous. But I love the brand none-the-less. The 456 is the best model of the entire line in my opinion.
It seems PenBBS listens, I would agree black, gold trim and nib would be very classy
Hey, Sean! Perhaps with a new Penbbs 14k nib it might look better!
@@InkquiringMinds That would be great. It is always annoying when the hardware and nib don't match colors.
I've used your 7 strokes to happiness technique and can attest that it really works. Thanks for the tip!
Shhh! Don't tell anyone!
Doug -- Another excellent review. Now, I must get one of these pens! Thank you.
That's a gorgeous pen. PENBBS nibs are almost all the time such smooth writers.
1. Always a pleasure to see your enthusiasm, even if I don't share it.
2. The question is: how long will the paint last on the writing surface? If you experience a change in writing experience in the future that you attribute to wear, I would be interested to hear about it.
I've been writing with this pen for weeks. And exclusively this last week as I am travelling ATM. It is still black and still as smooth as glass. I'm not worried, as if and when the black comes off the contact point of the nib, I have no doubt it will be as smooth as my Galaxy 456.
Indeed interesting. I have two Faber-Castell E-Motions. One with a black nib. The black one has a lot more feedback due to the coating. Both are typically Faber super smooth.
Thanks for the review, it's a great looking pen!
It really is! Thanks, Bill!
Lol Best ending ever and I'm like you constantly refreshing ;) I'm Ready.
Every Sunday morning! Beini is such a tease!
Lmao! 🤣🤣 “this is my channel and I’ll do what I want” !! You sir got my subscription. Keep up the awesome videos
Thanks, Tim! Welcome aboard!
Saw this pen when it was uploaded and went for another one and your review is making me rethink my decision. What a fun looking pen!
It is interesting how a company can make 100's of amazing acrylic finishes and everyone complains there is no basic black. Or another company has just black/gold or black/rhodium and people complain there aren't 100's of colour options! Penbbs has them all and we want different trim. LOL
So Sir Doug- Beini at Penbbs should be sending you free pens by the boatload. You are a wonderful proponent of their products. I have some on the way- thanks to you . I finally bit the bullet, or should I say the nib. Thanks for making my Saturday morning- again! PS- love the new attitude- it is your damn channel so do what makes you happy!
Not actually a new attitude.
LOL
Doug, I’m so glad you’re back. It left a big hole in my pen-loving heart when you signed off for a while.
I picked up a Penbbs 456 a couple of weeks ago. Couldn’t find the black but I did get a deep blue one. I’m delighted to say it’s every bit as great as you indicated. It may not be as smooth as the black enameled nib, but it’s still glassy smooth and one of my favorite pens now. I’ll keep looking for a black, but this blue has grown on me. Thanks for the review.
Thanks so much, Ray!
Great review thanks I enjoy each video
Loved it. You had me at “Shut up. This is my channel, and I’ll do whatever the F#@& I want.”
LOL!
Agreeing with Doug on this one! A Gold Nib on a Gold Trim Black 456 like this would be a MUST HAVE PEN! PenBBS, just take my money!!!
I keep waiting for hints about when these 14k calligraphy nibs will be on Etsy!
Thanks for the tip on how to make a nib wetter! Can’t believe I couldn’t even work that out myself 🤦🏻♂️ It looks a superb pen with that black nib though. Great pen Doug! 🙏 Enjoy it more 😃
It is one of my Top 10 of 2021!
Delightful review. I wonder how long the enamel will last? Love your off hand delivery after the cut away to Larry with a pen stuck in his forehead - “Important safety tip - you may damage you nib. “
So far so good. I've written it out of ink twice so far.
And a fourth reason..
4. A certain segment of your viewership has developed a dependency on Rathbunaige - a powerful mood modifier. Not supplying regular dosages will cause [at least] unpleasant, and wholly unnecessary withdrawal symptoms.
Love the stealthy look of that pen and the ink matches it incredibly.
I’ve been writing with it everyday for the last week I’ve been traveling. It is superb!
Anybody ever tell you how welcoming your Big Ole Grin is?😆
And as to A... 2... 3... At three, I just about LOL'd my bipap mask off!
I do so enjoy your reviews!!!
LMAO!
The 14k nib was available within the last 2 weeks, about £105 gbp including 20% VAT. I think it was only in their calligraphy grind. I think it also looked stamped, rather than the engraved one shown before.
Yes. The 14k was the standard engraving in Calligraphy No. 1. I’m waiting for the deeply engraved fish, flowers etc.
@@InkquiringMinds I'm looking forward to seeing the review ;)
@@InkquiringMinds Those look great. Will they ship by themselves, or only on the next annual pen one wonders.
I hope they make these nibs as separate units. With Jowo being more limited, goulet eventually no longer having black, and no more unique nibs from nemosine it is a market opportunity.
Great looking pen in my favorite/best value/most dependable fountain pen. I resisted buying one because I (feel) I have more pens than I need. But today I noticed that Penbbs came out with the 456 YEAR OF THE TIGER ... and I'm having a real bad case of FOMO.
correction what I saw was the 546 year of the tiger, looks like a different pen. I think it's a Piston Filler: now I'm definitely intrigued 🤔
It is a piston filler. I have ordered one but Beini is once again in lockdown so we won’t see it soon.
I love your reviews. I’ve just started diving into the world of fountain pens, and WOW! Amazing! Can you guide me to where I can get a galaxy or black Penbbs 456?
You have to watch the official Penbbs store on Etsy closely. When they sell, they sell fast. Also, at higher prices, you can find them now and then on eBay and Aliexpress.
I agree Doug, gold trim in this black pen would have been an awesome combination, and with a Two-tone black and gold nib, just like what I seen other chinese pen companies (I think is Hong Dian).
I always have some little issues with black coated nibs, I have them with my Lamy Safari and with my monteverde, and certainly is because the coating of the point of the nib, but it isn't so big of a deal.
Thank you for the video. That was a terrific quote. 😎👍
Thanks, Jorge! I'm not worried about the black coming off the contact point of the nib. It will be just as smooth as my Galaxy 456 fine nib underneath.
Love the pen, love your review, and especially appreciate rule #3. :-) I have a Penbbs 500 arriving on Monday but may need to check out the 456 as well. Thanks Doug
Glad it was helpful!
Black pens tend to be a bit blah but this one is classy. Just enough shine, just enough bling. Keeper.
👍
Most elegant and classy pen is the one with Glossy black color and gold trims - I’m sure Pen BBS Engineering team has watched this video !
I’ve a couple of handmade pen-cases like the one you showed.. Flaw with such cases (which don’t have a flap to close the opening) is they’re perfect for ‘fat’ pens while medium sized and slim pens often slide out of the case (per my experience)
You really think they are watching me? I'll have to wink at Beini next time. LOL
sigh. ordering now.... BTW, I grew up with those World of Artists books. Classics.
Thanks, Stefan. I enrolled in the Time/Life series when I was in college. They'd come once a month and you'd never know what artist you get except the first one, which I chose and was Van Gogh. I could afford to keep going through the series (university student and all) especially when I was getting Vermeer when I wanted Picasso, Gaugin, Dali, Manet etc etc.
@@InkquiringMinds I work at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. So having grown up with the books, I can now enjoy some of the real things at the office.
How wonderful to be surrounded by art everyday!
@@InkquiringMinds Received the Black Tortoise 456 today. While not having the similar nib - this is a two tone nib - it is excellent pen. The balance, weight and look is outstanding for this price point.
@@stefanwood2182 Yeah, the black tortoise is much more forgiving in the 456 because it is translucent. I have a 323 in black tortoise. Nice pen.
Tell you what Doug you must have been quicker on the draw than me as soon as they were on instagram i looked but no joy😥😥.Great review & you have just made missing one even worse 👍.
Awww! I’m so sorry. I pounced the moment I saw it.
Edward, if you’re in the US, you can have mine for what I paid for it, plus shipping. Never inked, never used. It’s a truly elegant pen, but have plenty of other Penbbs 456 models.
@@bobjpage Thank very much thats most generous of you,but i live in the uk so the cost of shipping,import duties & vat would make it probative on cost.Once again many thanks.
@@bobjpage If you still have this, I would love to buy it from you!
Thanks!
Thank YOU very much!!
There is another alternative. You buy a TWSBI 700R demonstrator (so you can see the ink level at all times) and a V20 portable mess free ink filler. The ink supply in the 700R should last you about 6-12 months. Still worried about running out, take the Mini-Vac which can be filled from the same refill V20 bottle that will last you another 6 months. Then there’s the Conklin All American demonstrator which can be used as an eye dropper. The Penobscot 456 looks like a good desk-study pen, I just have some concerns about its ruggedness after using my Year of the Ox.
The 456 doesn't like to be dropped. They break where the metal threads meet the barrel. But I'm traveling with both my Galaxy and my Black on Black and they are standing up to airplane travel well. I have a Pineider traveling ink well that works beautifully with the 456.
Love the pen, I bet this nib would look great on a trimless Tuzi :0
I have a few black pens but not all of them have black nibs. Looking forward to see if PenBBBS will sell the nibs separately as it looks and writes quite well.
Nice but could have been better all black or with gold trim. I have a black tortoise which to me looks exactly the same as black… I will pass on that one. Just got the 355 new Emerald Blue, it’s a nice resin new to PenBBS.
That's a real beauty! I'm now torn between the Galaxy and the Black (silver trim is always best, BTW ;) )
The silver trim seems to be a more modern trend. Those of us old schoolers tend to appreciate gold in trim and jewelry.
The enamel will wear off the nib writing tip with use. Will you revisit the pen when it does, please?
After almost a month of some very constant use... no wear yet. I will report if I experience it.
Sept 2021 where can i purchase the pocket inventery modular interchangeable nib and roller ball combo pen in Canada??? Louis Ottawa Canada
Well, well, despite Ambers and Galaxies.... it seems you have a secret weakness for classy looking pens after all, hehehehe. Really nice pen and great review as always. I'll endorse the petition for a black and gold trim 456 or 500 to match the 14k engraved nibs. BTW, I don't know the coating on those nibs.... but my Delike 2020 Bras pocket in black (with a black nib Ofc) has the more smooth nib "out of the box" I ever write with. KUDOS to Penbbs.
The basic black and silver/gold trim has a timeless class that can be very attractive in certain designs. A 308 with this black acrylic and gold trim and nib would be killer in my opinion.
@@InkquiringMinds 100% Agree
Great review Doug but unfortunately the Penbbs 456-15 is now, nowhere to be found. I have checked all over the web and not one to be found. None, nada, zip zilch, rien. Once again I sit here with pen envy.
Yeah. That’s why I mentioned it was unique and they didn’t make many of them. My guess is there are only 100.
@@InkquiringMinds Can you put in a request with beini to make some more for the rest of us poor slobs?
Kevin, if you’re in the US, you can have mine for what I paid for it plus shipping. Never inked, never used. It’s a truly elegant pen, but I enjoy my other Penbbs 456 models more.
@@bobjpage Wow Bob, that is awfully nice of you. I have 2 other 456 and they are some of my favorite Penbbs pens. I would definitely take you up on your offer and thanks for being so kind. Yes, I am in the US. New Jersey to be exact. How would you like the payment? Do you have a PayPal account?
LOL as if Beini listens to me!
PenBBS finally listened to you Doug! Do their products keep better and better, or is it just my imagination?
They are certainly continuing to develop and do new and interesting things! These new gold nibs (the nicely engraved ones) should prove VERY interesting.
@@InkquiringMinds They look divine, as do the calligraphy nibs. Of course now I can't order any of it as they aren't shipping to US. Anyone know why? Or how long this should last. Probably the screwed up logistics/shipping right now, as with many other things, but it sucks as PenBBS goodness is now out of reach, and I keep missing good drops. :(
I got money for one only. Which one should it be, Twsbi 580ALR vs Penbbs 456?
456!!
I tried to snag one too..... I was too late😕😕
Melinda, if you’re in the US, you can have mine for what I paid for it plus shipping. Never inked, never used. It’s truly an elegant pen, but I enjoy my other Penbbs 456 models more.
I am always disappointed by PenBBS. They just don't know how to market their pens and their brand overall. They could easily compete with renown brands but instead they always come short. Instead of giving a boring name like "black", they could have easily create a theme around names like "Tuxedo", "Debonair", or an homage to movie stars like William Powell, etc. Nope. They sold a small batch without 99.9% of customers never knowing the pen even exists.
Well they are more fans than a brand, so they don't behave like a company, and only keep limited amount of capital in inventory, so that often means small batches.