It’s a very slippery slope. One day you buy a cheap fountain pen just to try it out. Then you start getting curious about different pens, nibs, inks and paper combinations. Next you know, you stop buying groceries just to save for your grail pen. 🤭🤣
Amen!! Lol I remember buying my first Waterman!!! Later I ran over it and buried in my gravel road-and it still worked!! Yah dahhh! Can’t get better than that....then I got two of those elusive and famous Parker’s...THEN I saw the Japanese retractable! Unfortunately, the price was totally exorbitant!! But then Pilot Namiki made an affordable pen!!!! And I love them!! I have 6!!! Lol But I don’t crave any more!! To me, fiddling with a pen cap would ruin my experience!! So, check them out! I can’t say enough good things about them!! I even have a Radon one. I think that’s what it’s called-the black with the mother of Pearl inlays. Now that one costs around $800!! I’m ecstatic that I grabbed it when I did!! Now I pretty much only use them when I write! Many people have admired my handwriting so maybe what he says is true!!’ I carry 4 around me at all times!! Now my quandary is what new ink to try!! I like so many!!! AND YHEY HAVE SCRNTED INK TOO! I am lost....
My grief counsellor suggested that I write letters to my late husband as a way of working through the mental health issues I have following his passing. I started writing on a cheap A4 pad with a biro but, for some reason, I wanted my letters to him to be a bit more special, more personal. I came across one of your videos quite by chance and, after watching a couple of dozen of them, thought that it might be nice if I wrote my letters to him with a fountain pen and beautiful ink rather than a cheap old biro. That was a couple of weeks ago and I now own 6 pens, 11 bottles of different coloured inks and I use them for everything. It actually raises my spirits when I sit down with my quality writing paper, choose which pen and ink I want to use that day and write a letter to my husband. It's a part of my day that I look forward to now instead of dreading it. So, thank you. You've brought a little bit of joy back into my life, all because I found a random video on a subject I'd never thought about before, and decided to hit play. It's strange how such a small thing can have such a big effect.
I find that fountain pens help with my mental health. I use them to track my thoughts. I was depressed for over 10 years and lost interest. I soon realized that fountain pens help alot. It even helped me develop concepts for my series.
I suffer with anxiety and I find that writing or doodling with a fountain pen really helps. It's something about watching the ink as it flows onto the paper and dries. It just makes the world go away. It's my version of meditation.
And it is a marvelous form of meditation! I do not doodle much, but I slowly work my way through the alphabet, caps and small case letters, to enjoy the ink flow - and practice my penmanship. I am in my 70's, and I have been doing this form of meditation for decades. It has kept me sane - uh, well, ... mostly sane - through many an adverse situation. Do you think we might call is "ink spot meditation?"
I love the attention I get when I write with it. They think I’m some kind of sophisticated gentleman when in reality, I’m just some regular bloke who is obsessed with stationery.
I got my first fountain pen about 40 years ago because I am notoriously cheap. I used that Parker 45 and a bottle of Sheaffer black ink to take notes all through high school and college (BTW, I still have that Parker 45, though the ink is long gone). Years later, I had a career opportunity to move my family from the USA to Germany, and my boys were required to use fountain pens in school; they started with cheap Pelikan's, then "moved up" to Lamy Safari's. My time living in Germany prompted me to turn fountain pens into a hobby (as opposed to a cheap way to take notes). I used a Lamy Safari as my EDK pen, but also purchased a Waterman, then a Montblanc for business use. Looking for something to keep me occupied during the pandemic, I've gone "off the deep end" and added multiple pens from each of the following brands to my collection: TWSBI, Pilot, Platinum, Sailor, Kaweco, Opus88, Monteverde, Wing Sung, Jinhao, and probably several others I'm forgetting... I'm contributing to Brian's children's college fund!
I neglected to mention that in addition to living as an ex-pat in Baden-Wurttemberg for 3 years, my family emigrated to the "new world" from Swabia around 300 years ago (so it's in my nature to be frugal)...
@@ZadenZane Yea, discontinued in 2007. That's long enough ago that prices are becoming unreasonable. But there are few clones out there; the Moonman 80 they say is virtually identical to the Parker 45, to the point of parts being interchangeable. Should be like 20 bucks online.
Your experience echoes my own. At age eight, 1958, I learned to use fountain pens. The whole way through U.S. public school and college, I used Scheaffer school pens or Parker 45's. I also had a Parker 51 I lifted from my father. It was my "good pen" that I used only at home. (I also still have my original FP's.) Then, the U.S. Army posted me to (West) Berlin. Surrounded by German FP culture, I blossomed as a FP user and collector. It is many years later, and I still love FP's.
My husband is dyslexic and I bought him a Lamy 2000 rollerball last Christmas to give him something pleasant to write with when he had to and to not make the experience so daunting for him. Over the year my fountain pens have been going missing and I found a stash of them in his possession - busted!! So this Christmas he has got a Lamy 2000 fountain pen all wrapped up and under the tree. If it gives him confidence, I am all for every last penny I have spent on it.
I love all these reasons. I'll also add (as a subset) that I got back into fountain pens because I could no longer write quickly or for any extended period of time with a regular ballpoint without experiencing painful hand cramping. Fountain pens to the rescue!!
Whilst agreeing with most of your reasons, the main reason I started with fountain pens was because my arthritis had gotten so bad that writing with anything else wasn't working very well. The other reasons came after I found that the fountain pens helped so much with the hand pain, and that I could write normally again!
Thank you for saying this. My mom has really bad arthritis and cried when she couldn’t write any more. I bought her a fountain pen and she cried again with happy tears.
@@jasondaniel918 thank you! Yes, it is a wonderful thing to be able to write again, as it's a passion of mine. My wallet isn't too fond of all the wonderful pens and inks I've found though!
Absolutely a passion..the feeling of pen touching paper can only be felt..heavenly feeling.. Only con is that one can write with only one fountain pen at a time 😜
The mental health aspect- yes! The fact that writing with a fountain pen (and fun ink) turns my words into art, despite my poor handwriting, is such a creative boost.
My handwriting's pretty sure and a fountain pen definitely improves it. Especially one with a broad nib. The great thing about the internet is that those nib variations you would read about in the little booklet that came with the pen are readily available these days. Back in the 80s and 90s when I bought most of my old pens I don't remember anything coming with any nib except "medium"... Apart from an old Parker 51 I used to have with an incredibly broad nib. That was wonderful. Until a certain family member put it through the washing machine.🤪
4 years ago, the initial reason why I picked up fountain pen was either to learn English cursive writing or Chinese calligraphy. Thinking Chinese calligraphy was much harder then I decided to got for a fountain pen. My first pen was…unconventionally the Lamy Logo. I prefer writing with a fountain pen over taking notes on the phone is because writing things down makes you remember more.
Wow, my first fountain pen about 2 years ago was also Lamy Logo (I'm using it with a converter), EF and F nibs are a bit too broad for me, but I'm still using and loving this pen a lot; although my favourite is Pilot Custom 823, which I don't carry around very much (safer to keep it at home:)); whereas Lamy Logo - durable and just a great pen. It surprises me that Lamy Logo is not more popular, I think it looks a lot better than other entry-level Lamy fountain pens:) Kaweco AL Sport with a Fine nib is also great I think!
@@silverteinbas9485 yes I agree with you. Initially I didn’t want to go for safari as it looks “cheap”. Initially I didn’t try the nib but actually after using for a period of time, i actually love it. It may be abit thin for me in terms of diameter but still nice
Agree with all what has been said. Would add three aspects for me : - fun to play with during boring meetings - The most precious ones (at least those with gold nib) get close to a jewel. Men aren’t allowed that many aside watches - A portable piece of personal history. I have gone through so many things with my older pens, when I use them, they remind me of my personal life events.
I grew up (in the ‘60s and ‘70s) seeing my father, a minister, use his Sheaffer fountain pen to log his sermons, write notes and letters, etc., so I was enamored with them from an early age. Although my first fountain pen was the Lamy Safari about 20 years ago, I eventually found a black Sheaffer Prelude with a gold cap and trim that most closely resembled my father’s. As he aged, he shifted to Cross ballpoints and lost track of his Sheaffer, but his spectacularly exacting penmanship and that old Sheaffer bred in me a love for and a fascination with these writing instruments.
The point I liked more was the mental health. I feel like that when I write with fountain pens. And the others were great too. Some of them were unexpected.
I will add that it is so FUN!!! The collecting, the experimenting, the community, and the appreciation of finely crafted writing instruments. It’s all so fascinating and fun!
As a pen and ink illustrator of over 50 years and an avid fountain pen user - I Thank you so much for reminding me of these points. I've been enjoying your video content for several years.
Honestly it's just super enjoyable and fun. That's the only reason I need!!! Now the mental health bit is very true as well and I love you talking about it.
I have always been attracted to fountain pens for esthetic reasons, but have recently become aware of two other facets of my love for them. One is my German heritage. When I write with my fountain pens (yes, most are Lamys) I reconnect with my loving ancestors. There are few other things that bring me into their personal lives in quite that way. The second is similar to some other comments. I have severe arthritis in my hands and cannot write with a ballpoint for any length of time due to the pain. Fountain pens are a blessed relief. Brian- yo should consider working with occupational therapists- I believe the fountain pen can be a tool for many to regain a facility with writing they may have lost due to disease (like arthritis_ or trauma)
Definitely the environmental impact! I use dip pens as my regular everyday pens, have a glass pen to use for highlighting, and just got a fountain pen i can put red ink in for editing. Am definitely trying to never buy disposable pens again, got to cut down on single use plastics as much as possible! Love you guys!
I started using fountian pens in school, and kept using them on and off for many years. As I try to eliminate plastic from my life and create less waste, they have become more important.
Fountain pens serve to protect and preserve the analog soul. They help people to keep records of their lives and their experiences through writing. Every fountain pen tells a story. Thank you, Brian, for choosing to establish The Goulet Pen Company. Take care.
I have always been a notoriously light writer with pencil. I’m a student, so I take a lot of my notes with a fountain pen because I need to write quickly and need it to be dark enough to refer to later. That lack of pressure and the smoothness of writing are so helpful to me
SO glad I found the Goulet Pen Company. As a retired English teacher, I taught writing and took care to try do it with the right [write?] touch so that students who hated it would love it. I'm a writer and an author and I know that it's one of the most intimate endeavors a person can undertake... one that "word processing" doesn't 'get' at all. Right. Doesn't get it right at all. Or write. At all. Your "romantic" approach to writing with fountain pens gets it right... takes the creative process to the proper level of aesthetic consideration, especially in the age of "word processing" (which makes me think of putting words into a grinder so to make unidentifiable patties out of them and serve them for lunch on a bun...). Okay. I'm done. Thanks Goulet Pen Co. for letting us go back to the future when we write... and feel like a bit of an artist as we do it. Can't wait to receive the two starter kits... and the look on my sons' faces when they unwrap them Christmas morning... And a very Merry Christmas to you and yours...
That's the sort of question I get all the time. Why do you like to wear a suit? Why do you buy expensive shoes? Why do you wet shave? Why do you like expensive watches? Why do you invest in that "old" stuff? Usually asked by people who go through expensive phones and cheap shoes that don't last a decent amount of time. They, usually, prefer things that are basically trash or just about turn into trash.
Brian has a very engaging personality in front of the camera. His well modulated voice comes across as genuine and caring. He never does the "big sell", so he is non threatening, and he's occasionally even funny! Why would you not watch him to the end. He's fun and informative.
It's actually been proven that you're more likely to remember something if you write it down rather than typing it out on a keyboard/screen, so the mental health benefit he talks about is a genuine aspect of writing with a pen & paper.
As a ex-serviceman it was suggested to start to write to help my ptsd, a way to get things out of my head. After 20+ plus years of using ballpoint pens I for some reason bought a Lamy all-star, and fell in love with the experience of using it to write. it has been a great help to me .
The only reasons I still buy fountain pens are because I know I need, want and greatly love writing with them. FPs have been a part of my life ever since I was only 8 years old. We never left each other during the following decades. 🙂 I can relate to all of the reasons cited in this video. But I’d say that if the only inks available today were still just the handful or more of the conventional colors, I’d still be buying as many and enjoying writing with fountain pens just the same. It’s because as much as I like (and have bought) many inks over the years, I’m still far more of a fountain pen enthusiast than I am of inks.
I started using fountain pen some 5 years ago. Found one Pelikan with B nib in my uncle forgoten bag. That evening I discovered that I forgot learned cursive writing from elementary school. I was ashamed. Also that evening I've decided I'll change that. I started to work on myself. Handwriting was step one. Few days later muscle memory returned learned cursive writing but it was still very ugly. Also I had problem with letters 'o', 'a', 'e' because I write tiny letters and in that time I didn't know anything about nibs and their sizes. That was the moment when I decided to google fountain pens and search youtube. You poped up and your videos were window in fountain pen world. With your channel I discovered how big this wold is and how big industry is behind it. Thank you Brian. Also I think your video was the one which helped me to choose right nib for my handwriting. Now I'm most comfortable with F nib. Didn't try EF nib yet. In five years I become owner of 9 fountainpens. I would like to buy Penkala fountain pen as my No.10 as I am from Croatia. I'm glad you still have energy for making videos for this channel. It's fun to learn with you. Thank you. P.S. Writing with fountain pen helped me with a lot of things from your list in this video. I could write a lot about it. Practise brain is maybe most important because computers, tablets and mobile phones degrade us to fast.
I purchased edison collier last month and was surprised by the packing that was done to keep the pen safe. And a hand written note and lollypop was a kind gesture. Thank you goulet pens. You have earned a lifetime customer (me).
It has positively impacted my mental health with journaling, and negatively impacted my mental health by making me obsessed with fountain pens and finding ways to purchase more fountain pens.
Last time I ‘seriously’ used fountain pens was during my school days in the 80s before ball-point pens invaded the market and brought Fountain pens to a near extinction here in India.. A few decades later, I’ve resumed fountain pen use and I’ve become a Fountain pen shopaholic/addict by purchasing about 20 modern and vintage pens in a year ! I can certainly claim that this new ‘addiction’ has brought a certain excitement in my life during this period of pandemic and ‘home confinement’ !
Sathish, I had not guessed that you’ve actually bought that many pens over the past year. As somebody who has owned and used fountain pens for almost 40 years now, I’ll admit that I’ve bough nearly as many pens during the last 5 years as I had over the previous 35. 😀 And I will also agree that acquiring many lovely (modern or vintage) pens in recent times, particularly during this depressing pandemic, has been quite the genuinely enjoyable experience I’ve also had. Best of luck collecting and owning many more next year.
@@sathishrao7926 …Oh yes, although not really a buying spree, I had bought 8 pens last year. Another 8 pens again this year. There’s a ninth one, another Aurora 88 (my tenth) due to come before Christmas, hopefully. And then, I’ll stop for a long while, again *hopefully* 😋
@@sajjadhusain4146 Congratulations on your 10th Aurora 88 ( which alone is worth about 10 pens I bought this year !). Hope you'll get it before Christmas !
@@sathishrao7926 …You may even be right. The Aurora 88s are notoriously expensive. I’ve spent a fortune on them. And sacrificed on other desired purchases. It’s my favorite fountain pen of all time. I’ m waiting for the 88 Triboliti ( a clear demo with excellently done brown trims and a uniquely gorgeous brown 18k nib).
Just bought a starter kit from your store. Fell in love with the Pilot Metropolitan. Looks professional and it rekindle my love for writing once again.
An architecture professor at Oklahoma State is passionate about fountain pens. Since we all liked him, most of us bought one as well. There's no other writing instrument like them. Using one shows you're serious and intentional enough about what you put on paper that you need to use the best tool possible.
I inherited my Dad’s Parker Special 51 desk pen. From, I think, the 60’s. Beautiful pen. Still writes wonderfully. Think of him every time I ink it up and that is what started my love of fountain pens.
I have interested in fountain pen since i was in primary school mostly because how it looks, i always watch my teacher closely as she write with it while she's grinning and smiling to me. I finally manage to bought it a couple of months ago, i was shocked by how smooth it was. Now i whenever i go, i always bring a fountain pen and a notebook. It's crazy how i used to be a type who's lazy to take notes from lecture, into someone that always find a reasons everytime just so i can write
I got into fountian pens after sustaining a sever tendon injury to my right wrist from drumline in high school. When I write with a pencil or ball point I just get horrible pain. Fountian pens completely elevate that problem.
Excellent subject, Brian. Thanks. I agree with all of your comments and experienced them all. My personal return to Fountain Pens was more a connection with a familiar past (my own as well as previous generations). Returning to a pre- throwaway society mentality was a bonus. I used them throughout Junior High School, too many decades ago. I didn't expect the "mental health" side effect, but I had heard that FP's can help delay or ward off Alzheimer's (at least one member of our family passed away recently because of that nasty disease). My guess is the mental improvement is a result of the analog, tactile (hand/eye/brain coordination) and memory enhancing aspect. I am now a believer! Holding a beautiful instrument that writes better than any other instrument makes it even more fun. You missed one element that was an unexpected pleasure -- the community of fountain pen, ink and paper enthusiasts along with a LOT of exceptionally helpful and entertaining videos from a lot of folks of all nationalities and age groups. I found you, Brian, because of a comment someone left on Amazon years ago and I have never regretted it! Thank you Brian for changing a single purchase into a journey with many purchases and experimentation -- and a very pleasant one at that.
I'm just staring down the FP rabbit hole, and your channel is perfect. I placed an order on your website last night. The analog, ritual and heirloom aspects of the FP are what have drawn me to in. BP pens lack soul and add to the landfills. The same thing happened six years ago with wet shaving. That was a fun rabbit hole too, and I've never regretted it.
Brian, Brian, Brian… wow… we so love you. You are an indelible treasure and a living wellspring of why I (and many others) have confirmation as to “why fountain pens”? Thank you without end and our gratitude, never enough, for all you do seen and unseen. I and mine send so much warmth, love, kindness to you and yours… Please, stay safe. And again, thank you.
I love Goulet Pens and their quality that they offer! I love my pens from you guys! I love my pens! And I use them regularly! Not all of them in the same day and not all of them at the same time…which is another reason that I love them. I get to have a different and fun experience of writing with each one of those pens.
I got a fountain pen because I thought they were interesting. Using a large variety of inks made my notes look better (i previously only used blue and black ballpoint ink) I have to say, they are absolutely fabulous to write with. My hand no longer gets cramps during long writing sessions. And as a side effect, it's given me a small status symbol.
"Oh, you have a nice/beautiful handwriting!" never ceases to give you a nice feeling. My grandma told me how my grandpa's beautiful handwriting was part of why she fell in love with him. One reason that's missing: Buying it as a present. It's an unusual, yet for cultured people meaningful present. And you can easily scale the price range. Even a nice 20-50 bucks fountain pen can be a nice present, in particular for beginners, due to its unusual nature, and for people who know more about them, you can go up in price, so they get a pen they can use specifically for special occasions, i.e. the "signing contracts"-pen, the "writing birthday wishes"-pen, etc.
For those with OCD, be aware that fountain pens, if you love them, can become incorporated with perfectionist themes. That being said, fountain pens help tremendously with my anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more! They also make me excited to take all these notes I have to for grad school!
Because fountain pens rule. Writing is a great left brain-right brain exercise. It literally integrates both sides of our brains. So important for critical thinking, creativity and reasoning skills. Plus, everything you said💜💙💚
I write all my manuscripts by hand, and Fps have helped a lot! I have 5 or 6 inked up every day, and every day I switch inks so I can see my progress visually. And ink colors! I love them all!
I got a fountain pen just out of curiosity! I was in a discord server talking with people from Europe (I’m American) and they were talking about fountain pens. The reason I *keep* using a fountain pen is it makes writing way more comfortable for me. I can actually hand write as opposed to having to type notes because my hand is way more comfortable. Currently own a TWSBI Eco, a Sheaffer VFM, and a Pilot Custom 74!
Because THEY ARE AWESOME!!! In all seriousness when you try one and you use it properly they are very addicting and amazing. I use them exclusively now
Let's be honest. Another reason is simple vanity. I did tell myself a fountain pen requires less pressure and so your hand won't cramp; which is in fact true, and it has helped me a lot all these years. But also I wanted to be a fountain pen person, I'm not going to deny that was part of it. :)
I find using a fountain pen has a great meditational aspect. Especially if I'm just practicing penmanship. Focusing on your writing is not so different than focusing on your breathing.
How I was introduced to a fountain was when I was in New Orleans and I was looking for a journal and a pen to write poetry. I chose a fountain pen because I didn’t want to create a lot of waste and have something that really made me feel pretty inside.
I got into fountain pens after I got into bullet journaling, because writing became my main way to cope with both organizing and having control of my life but also venting and becoming aware of thoughts and feelings and doing self-care when things get bad in the head. And I wrote so much using a ball-point pen that my right wrist was over-strained and a fountain pen was the kind of pen I could use without having to apply pressure on the paper, so it's almost the only kind of pen I use now. I also love the feel and the aesthetics! and seeing the ink inside a demonstrator pen. and the sound of the lid. And my handwriting is completely different now, in a good way.
I got inspired by your videos into making of the pen itself and am loving it . Was a wood turner in the past and now completely into pen making both kits and bespoke . It’s so addictive.
I was in an accident and injured my hands. When I went back to college. The amount of writing was hurting my hands so much that I had to find a better way. While I did eventually find a ballpoint pen that served the purpose. I did also end up diving into fountain pens. They are much easier for me to write with, so long as the dimensions are right for me. I use fountain pens whenever and wherever I can.
Other reasons, because you area a collector and or you like nicer things, more rare things, hard to find things, well machined things...like vintage watches....because you appreciate certain artifacts over regular, common ones...
I'd say "all of the above" in terms of my own experience with fountain pens, which goes back close to 55 years, but got serious over the last 25 years. The writing experience reigns #1-with-a-bullet, as nothing - not high-end ballpoint, nor rollerball - matches the experience of putting nib to paper. Along the way, I've learned to discern nib quality (people still argue steel-versus-gold, but I'm goldie all the way now), as well as that vexing question of "how many?" (My own answer: three. A pair of Pilot Custom 823s and a Pilot Vanishing Point, and I'm one *seriously* happy camper.) Something you can be passionate/enthusiastic about is (usually) beneficial to ones mental/emotional health as well. All in all, fabulous video!
I am late to the party but would love to add my story. My job has me writing a lot, and the pens provided started causing my hands to cramp; even the warning signs of carpal tunnel. I picked up a Pilot Varsity because I heard techniques for fountain pens called for a “lighter touch and softer grip.” I have since added a few more to my collection (including some vintage Sheaffer found in my father in laws storage) and have not looked back. My hands don’t cramp and I LOVE my writing experience. Thank you for the share and aiding in my experience along the way. Sincerely, 8 pens, 3 ink bottles, and a wishlist
I got my first fountain pen, a Lamy Safari Model when I was in kindergarten over 25yrs ago! Here I am in my early 30s and I have several dozen fountain pens, quills, and NUMEROUS other writing utensils. The fountain pen variations are my favorite, and bring me joy in writing or general note taking. We can't leave out the stationary aspect of it... the quantity of paper options that I have amassed over the last decade is absurd in some ways. I'm not a paper snob by any means, but I definitely have my preferred choices. Currently I'm using a Cross Bailey in gloss black, loaded with Noodler's Golden Brown and a Moleskine Pocket Notebook in classic tone with college ruled pages. Oooh and the next rabbit hole while we're at it!... Traveler's Company Midori journals... there are many, but the styling of the Midori is just a mental bliss of personalized perfection. The analog version of a perfectly setup Android phone. It has the features and "settings"/layout I want, the input type/fountain pen that I prefer, and the look/ink that I like. With the well aged personality of honest use. Keep up the great content, and superb supplies. I need a solid place to come back for more ink and nibs as needed, and I recommend many to your site for their own habit forming ways to begin!
Using a fountain pen for normal day to day writing is kind of like using an analog wrist watch in the smart phone age. Maybe it isn't the most efficient or practical thing, but when have humans ever been their happiest by being efficient and practical? The intimacy of *My* pen over *a* pen is comforting in a way similar to watching old recordings of family vacations.
Thank you very much Force :) As always great content. I have been meaning to look into this game for a while, I have had it on my Xbox' hard drive for a while. This video has me itching to get started with it. I was wrongly still under the impression that the game was lacking like when it was released. I really enjoy your content, thank you :)
Joy. It feels so good to write with a good fountain pen. It makes you want to write, and to take notes, and to keep a journal, and to ... you enjoy writing. I'm not talking about a cheapo. Buy a pen that dazzles you. One that you love to look at. One which flows smoothly. Even if you only use a black or blue ink (and there are so many colors available to you), a beautiful fountain pen can be a catharsis. It sounds dopey, but that is what it is for me.
I came into this hobby via the environmental route. I had a rollerball pen that I used for years. I love it and still use it, but the refill cartridge's did not last very long with how much writing I would do with it. In an effort to use less cartridges and try to get more ink, I looked into the refillable route. I ultimately found fountain pens and took a stab at them. 3 years and wayyy too many pens than I care to admit later, I am not looking back. Great Video, Brian! All the best, -Luis
I have agree with the mental health aspect ( I agree with the whole video, but that point in particular.) I started turning pens on a lathe in 2017. Attacking a piece of exotic wood spinning at 1600 rpm's with a sharp chisel is SO relaxing. Being able to write with something I've also made (for the most part) is very satisfying. I buy my inks and nibs from Goulet. Stub nibs have improved my handwriting to no end! Thats the thing - there are so many enjoyable roads the fountain pen experience can take to on. Thanks!
This makes sense. The reason being is that when you write with a fountain pen, it's a form of meditation because you're more purposeful in your writing, you're more in the moment and therefore have more satisfaction in the experience. This helps a great deal with mental health.
As someone into drawing, I got myself into fountain pens slowly and alone. I started with dip pens (age 13), then went to Parallel Pens (age 20), then a $1 Daiso pen I did a lot of experiments and "broke" the feed sometimes (age 25), and finally decided to use fountain pens to write so I got a 0.2 Preppy (age 27) because I know I like really thin lines. Now I also have a Lamy Safari and a Pilot Penmanship. I actually would like a fountain pen that accepted nib change to dip pen's nibs since I have a few. But what I wanted to say is: if you are going to keep changing color like every time you go write something different, it might be better to use dip pens. About the longevity of pens, my Preppy has been with me for 3 years now and received ink I mixed myself several times (never actual fountain pen ink, but I'm careful to use mostly dye-based inks). I barely clean it (only when it starts to write poorly which is rare) because I like to see the degrade in writing when I change ink and the pen is well. That's a cheaper pen usually recommended just for beginners. Many consider the Preppy to be semi-disposable and I can see it easily last 10 or 20 more years. So they really are more environmentally friendly.
I find it super interesting that you have to have a way into using fountain pens. I went to school in Germany and it was basically a rule to have a fountain pen, at least for the first couple of years of school. So, mostly everyone had one at least at some point.
Because they are so much fun!!!! Everyone who sees me writing with a fountain pen wants one. I met someone in the airport and we became friends over my fountain pen. Now his daughter has developed my obsession 😜
Been using fountain pens since elementary school. Its a must have pen for 1st grade penmanship all through the 6th grade to do tests. My first is a Hero 616 which is a parker 51 chinese knock off. Still use it and collecting more ink than pens. Inks are the rabbit hole I couldn't resist to try or sample. Most of my pens are pilots, but went to order lamy safari last year, with another chinese fountain pens rabbit hole is where I'm at.
Brian, Thank you for another wonderful info-video. I agree with all of the reasons you presented for writing with a fountain pen. Several years ago, I was looking for something distinctive, unique and watched one of your videos. I purchased my first (and all since) fountain pen from you and enjoy the feeling/comfort/enjoyment of writing. I also enjoy the inquisitive looks from others when in a meeting, I pull out my fountain pen, unscrew the cap, and write notes, while everyone else is clicking their ballpoint pen. It is a definitive feel good moment.
I've been using fountain pens for over 40 years now, and initially the reason was to be able to take notes in school without getting writer's cramp. I stuck with them and still love them today. It's also interesting to me to see how many different colours of inks are available, since I only used blue, black and blue-black back in the day. I still use those classic colour inks most of the time, but I've since added some grey and teal inks to my collection.
Fountain pens are as close to magic wands as you can get. They are fiddly tools that come in a nice box that if you buy the right one and the right ink using them is like magic. The fun is trying pens like Harry Potter at Ollivanders and seeing what they can do. Fountain pens feel good to use and feel good to own and are waaaay cheaper than a sports car. They will also take your doodling to the next level, especially if you get one with a flexible or semi flexible nib that gives the line some life. There is a reason cartoonists/illustrators like Sergio Aragones (Pelikan) and Mattias Adolfsson (Pilot Falcon) use fountain pens.
I am new to using fountain pens, I must say I now have several. They may be classed as OLD FASHIONED but I still use a straight razor( cut throught) and still use pocket watch which is 132yrs old. Keep the videos coming. Many thanx
I agree with the mental health and journaling thing wholeheartedly. I feel a bit different from the “crowd” and feel individualized by being a fp user.
I purchased my first fountain pen when I was 25 from Goulet Pens. The Conklin Nighthawk II. I will always remember this pen. I got it for the looks honestly speaking but it really did catch my heart the more and more I wrote with it. I since then gave it to a close friend of mine since they are into journal writing and they have loved it ever since and won't use anything else but this pen. Fountain pens have really given me more motivation to write more everyday in my own journal. That one pen is now up to 30 pens. They're also fun to fill and try different inks. Especially if you're an artist, I recently started drawing with them with watercolour paper and it outlines beautifully and the inks really work well as water paints, they blend so well. Definitely recommend at least trying out the Platinum Preppy, can't go wrong with them. A great starter pen.
Yep. I got interested in fountain pen because of a pen geek I happened to meet while traveling. At first I was only humoring him as he infodumped and showed off his pen collection, but then I tried one of his pens and... well it turned out he was on to something. He gave me a pink Platinum Preppy with sparkly pink ink, which I was 100% all about. Then we went to Gouletpens and browed all the inks and fancy pens, and before I knew it, several hours had passed and I had a full cart. Turns out the rabbit hole went way deeper than I ever expected. If only I had better handwriting...
I would like to make an addition to the point #1: if you write a lot, you simply get less tired if you use a fountain pen, as no pressure has to be applied. For a long writing sessions it is a crucial advantage. So my change to FP was purely due to technical reasons: it was easier to write lectures at Uni. And then, after I graduated and started earning money: I found myself on the slippery slope of FP as hobby :)
Am I the only man who gets an elevated sense of self-importance when I hand someone a check and tell them, “You’re going to have to let the ink dry, I use a fountain pen?”
I got my first fountain pen aged 9 (1965, Grade 4?). Once we wrote nicely in pencil we were allowed to write in fountain pen. I have been transfixed by them ever since.
![Kodak Black - Sharp Vibes [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/oEV0OoLJeIs/mqdefault.jpg)
It’s a very slippery slope. One day you buy a cheap fountain pen just to try it out. Then you start getting curious about different pens, nibs, inks and paper combinations. Next you know, you stop buying groceries just to save for your grail pen. 🤭🤣
I stopped short of groceries !! 😂😂
Thanks for the warning. I still have yet to try a cheap one to try, but probably will within a month
True
Amen!! Lol I remember buying my first Waterman!!! Later I ran over it and buried in my gravel road-and it still worked!! Yah dahhh! Can’t get better than that....then I got two of those elusive and famous Parker’s...THEN I saw the Japanese retractable! Unfortunately, the price was totally exorbitant!!
But then Pilot Namiki made an affordable pen!!!! And I love them!! I have 6!!! Lol
But I don’t crave any more!! To me, fiddling with a pen cap would ruin my experience!! So, check them out! I can’t say enough good things about them!! I even have a Radon one. I think that’s what it’s called-the black with the mother of Pearl inlays. Now that one costs around $800!! I’m ecstatic that I grabbed it when I did!!
Now I pretty much only use them when I write! Many people have admired my handwriting so maybe what he says is true!!’ I carry 4 around me at all times!!
Now my quandary is what new ink to try!! I like so many!!! AND YHEY HAVE SCRNTED INK TOO! I am lost....
I've reached that point 😂
My grief counsellor suggested that I write letters to my late husband as a way of working through the mental health issues I have following his passing. I started writing on a cheap A4 pad with a biro but, for some reason, I wanted my letters to him to be a bit more special, more personal. I came across one of your videos quite by chance and, after watching a couple of dozen of them, thought that it might be nice if I wrote my letters to him with a fountain pen and beautiful ink rather than a cheap old biro. That was a couple of weeks ago and I now own 6 pens, 11 bottles of different coloured inks and I use them for everything. It actually raises my spirits when I sit down with my quality writing paper, choose which pen and ink I want to use that day and write a letter to my husband. It's a part of my day that I look forward to now instead of dreading it. So, thank you. You've brought a little bit of joy back into my life, all because I found a random video on a subject I'd never thought about before, and decided to hit play. It's strange how such a small thing can have such a big effect.
That's a touching story. All the best to you, Alison.
I find that fountain pens help with my mental health. I use them to track my thoughts. I was depressed for over 10 years and lost interest. I soon realized that fountain pens help alot. It even helped me develop concepts for my series.
I suffer with anxiety and I find that writing or doodling with a fountain pen really helps. It's something about watching the ink as it flows onto the paper and dries. It just makes the world go away. It's my version of meditation.
Same!!
It IS relaxing to use pne
So I am not the only one who does this! xD
And it is a marvelous form of meditation! I do not doodle much, but I slowly work my way through the alphabet, caps and small case letters, to enjoy the ink flow - and practice my penmanship. I am in my 70's, and I have been doing this form of meditation for decades. It has kept me sane - uh, well, ... mostly sane - through many an adverse situation. Do you think we might call is "ink spot meditation?"
A good article to read that explains this aspect of writing.. naturalsociety.com/how-cursive-writing-affects-brain-development/
I love the attention I get when I write with it. They think I’m some kind of sophisticated gentleman when in reality, I’m just some regular bloke who is obsessed with stationery.
You're not alone! - Drew
I got my first fountain pen about 40 years ago because I am notoriously cheap. I used that Parker 45 and a bottle of Sheaffer black ink to take notes all through high school and college (BTW, I still have that Parker 45, though the ink is long gone). Years later, I had a career opportunity to move my family from the USA to Germany, and my boys were required to use fountain pens in school; they started with cheap Pelikan's, then "moved up" to Lamy Safari's. My time living in Germany prompted me to turn fountain pens into a hobby (as opposed to a cheap way to take notes). I used a Lamy Safari as my EDK pen, but also purchased a Waterman, then a Montblanc for business use. Looking for something to keep me occupied during the pandemic, I've gone "off the deep end" and added multiple pens from each of the following brands to my collection: TWSBI, Pilot, Platinum, Sailor, Kaweco, Opus88, Monteverde, Wing Sung, Jinhao, and probably several others I'm forgetting... I'm contributing to Brian's children's college fund!
I neglected to mention that in addition to living as an ex-pat in Baden-Wurttemberg for 3 years, my family emigrated to the "new world" from Swabia around 300 years ago (so it's in my nature to be frugal)...
No Lamy 2000? :)
I used to have a Parker 45. Looked around for a new one, but they don't seem to make them anymore.
@@ZadenZane Yea, discontinued in 2007. That's long enough ago that prices are becoming unreasonable. But there are few clones out there; the Moonman 80 they say is virtually identical to the Parker 45, to the point of parts being interchangeable. Should be like 20 bucks online.
Your experience echoes my own. At age eight, 1958, I learned to use fountain pens. The whole way through U.S. public school and college, I used Scheaffer school pens or Parker 45's. I also had a Parker 51 I lifted from my father. It was my "good pen" that I used only at home. (I also still have my original FP's.) Then, the U.S. Army posted me to (West) Berlin. Surrounded by German FP culture, I blossomed as a FP user and collector. It is many years later, and I still love FP's.
My husband is dyslexic and I bought him a Lamy 2000 rollerball last Christmas to give him something pleasant to write with when he had to and to not make the experience so daunting for him. Over the year my fountain pens have been going missing and I found a stash of them in his possession - busted!! So this Christmas he has got a Lamy 2000 fountain pen all wrapped up and under the tree. If it gives him confidence, I am all for every last penny I have spent on it.
What a wonderful story! :)
I love all these reasons. I'll also add (as a subset) that I got back into fountain pens because I could no longer write quickly or for any extended period of time with a regular ballpoint without experiencing painful hand cramping. Fountain pens to the rescue!!
Many of us old guys echo your sentiments.
Whilst agreeing with most of your reasons, the main reason I started with fountain pens was because my arthritis had gotten so bad that writing with anything else wasn't working very well. The other reasons came after I found that the fountain pens helped so much with the hand pain, and that I could write normally again!
Thank you for saying this. My mom has really bad arthritis and cried when she couldn’t write any more. I bought her a fountain pen and she cried again with happy tears.
Yessssss!!! 💜
Congrats! I celebrate your discovery. It is a wonderful thing, isn't it?
@@jasondaniel918 thank you! Yes, it is a wonderful thing to be able to write again, as it's a passion of mine. My wallet isn't too fond of all the wonderful pens and inks I've found though!
Me too! Only for me it was Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and I kept dislocating fingers during college essays.
Absolutely a passion..the feeling of pen touching paper can only be felt..heavenly feeling..
Only con is that one can write with only one fountain pen at a time 😜
Well said! - Drew
I actually enjoy writing with a real fountain pen. I don't like ballpoint pens at all!
Alas! Ambidexterity eludes me also. I know your pain.
The mental health aspect- yes! The fact that writing with a fountain pen (and fun ink) turns my words into art, despite my poor handwriting, is such a creative boost.
Absolutely, same experience. :)
I actually find the cleaning process to be meditative as well! So yeah def agree with the mental health aspect
@@ianposh4852 Good point, I didn't think about that. :)
My handwriting's pretty sure and a fountain pen definitely improves it. Especially one with a broad nib. The great thing about the internet is that those nib variations you would read about in the little booklet that came with the pen are readily available these days. Back in the 80s and 90s when I bought most of my old pens I don't remember anything coming with any nib except "medium"...
Apart from an old Parker 51 I used to have with an incredibly broad nib. That was wonderful. Until a certain family member put it through the washing machine.🤪
4 years ago, the initial reason why I picked up fountain pen was either to learn English cursive writing or Chinese calligraphy. Thinking Chinese calligraphy was much harder then I decided to got for a fountain pen. My first pen was…unconventionally the Lamy Logo. I prefer writing with a fountain pen over taking notes on the phone is because writing things down makes you remember more.
Helps you remember things - Good point!
Wow, my first fountain pen about 2 years ago was also Lamy Logo (I'm using it with a converter), EF and F nibs are a bit too broad for me, but I'm still using and loving this pen a lot; although my favourite is Pilot Custom 823, which I don't carry around very much (safer to keep it at home:)); whereas Lamy Logo - durable and just a great pen. It surprises me that Lamy Logo is not more popular, I think it looks a lot better than other entry-level Lamy fountain pens:)
Kaweco AL Sport with a Fine nib is also great I think!
@@silverteinbas9485 yes I agree with you. Initially I didn’t want to go for safari as it looks “cheap”. Initially I didn’t try the nib but actually after using for a period of time, i actually love it. It may be abit thin for me in terms of diameter but still nice
As somewhat of a traditionalist, I just find writing with fountain pens both classic and fun.
Agree with all what has been said.
Would add three aspects for me :
- fun to play with during boring meetings
- The most precious ones (at least those with gold nib) get close to a jewel. Men aren’t allowed that many aside watches
- A portable piece of personal history. I have gone through so many things with my older pens, when I use them, they remind me of my personal life events.
I honestly never thought of the "personal history" aspect. By golly, you're right. Maybe that is way my FP's are so danged precious to me.
I grew up (in the ‘60s and ‘70s) seeing my father, a minister, use his Sheaffer fountain pen to log his sermons, write notes and letters, etc., so I was enamored with them from an early age. Although my first fountain pen was the Lamy Safari about 20 years ago, I eventually found a black Sheaffer Prelude with a gold cap and trim that most closely resembled my father’s. As he aged, he shifted to Cross ballpoints and lost track of his Sheaffer, but his spectacularly exacting penmanship and that old Sheaffer bred in me a love for and a fascination with these writing instruments.
Lovely reminiscence❤
The point I liked more was the mental health. I feel like that when I write with fountain pens. And the others were great too. Some of them were unexpected.
Mary, thank you for emphasizing that point. I agree.
They also start conversations with people who are intrigued which must benefit mental health! All good 😁
I will add that it is so FUN!!! The collecting, the experimenting, the community, and the appreciation of finely crafted writing instruments. It’s all so fascinating and fun!
As a pen and ink illustrator of over 50 years and an avid fountain pen user - I Thank you so much for reminding me of these points. I've been enjoying your video content for several years.
Thanks for watching! - Drew
That pic of you with your collection! Life goals.
Honestly it's just super enjoyable and fun. That's the only reason I need!!!
Now the mental health bit is very true as well and I love you talking about it.
I thought that was a great point as well! - Drew
I have always been attracted to fountain pens for esthetic reasons, but have recently become aware of two other facets of my love for them.
One is my German heritage. When I write with my fountain pens (yes, most are Lamys) I reconnect with my loving ancestors. There are few other things that bring me into their personal lives in quite that way.
The second is similar to some other comments. I have severe arthritis in my hands and cannot write with a ballpoint for any length of time due to the pain. Fountain pens are a blessed relief.
Brian- yo should consider working with occupational therapists- I believe the fountain pen can be a tool for many to regain a facility with writing they may have lost due to disease (like arthritis_ or trauma)
And they are great for sketching and drawing! My favorite for Urban Sketching!
Definitely the environmental impact! I use dip pens as my regular everyday pens, have a glass pen to use for highlighting, and just got a fountain pen i can put red ink in for editing. Am definitely trying to never buy disposable pens again, got to cut down on single use plastics as much as possible! Love you guys!
I started using fountian pens in school, and kept using them on and off for many years. As I try to eliminate plastic from my life and create less waste, they have become more important.
another great reason to use them - sustainability, not using disposable, plastic sh1t
Fountain pens serve to protect and preserve the analog soul. They help people to keep records of their lives and their experiences through writing. Every fountain pen tells a story. Thank you, Brian, for choosing to establish The Goulet Pen Company. Take care.
I have always been a notoriously light writer with pencil. I’m a student, so I take a lot of my notes with a fountain pen because I need to write quickly and need it to be dark enough to refer to later. That lack of pressure and the smoothness of writing are so helpful to me
SO glad I found the Goulet Pen Company. As a retired English teacher, I taught writing and took care to try do it with the right [write?] touch so that students who hated it would love it. I'm a writer and an author and I know that it's one of the most intimate endeavors a person can undertake... one that "word processing" doesn't 'get' at all. Right. Doesn't get it right at all. Or write. At all. Your "romantic" approach to writing with fountain pens gets it right... takes the creative process to the proper level of aesthetic consideration, especially in the age of "word processing" (which makes me think of putting words into a grinder so to make unidentifiable patties out of them and serve them for lunch on a bun...). Okay. I'm done. Thanks Goulet Pen Co. for letting us go back to the future when we write... and feel like a bit of an artist as we do it. Can't wait to receive the two starter kits... and the look on my sons' faces when they unwrap them Christmas morning... And a very Merry Christmas to you and yours...
That's the sort of question I get all the time. Why do you like to wear a suit? Why do you buy expensive shoes? Why do you wet shave? Why do you like expensive watches? Why do you invest in that "old" stuff? Usually asked by people who go through expensive phones and cheap shoes that don't last a decent amount of time. They, usually, prefer things that are basically trash or just about turn into trash.
Why the tf did I watch the whole thing I'm already 4 pens deep
LOL it’s sooo easy to do.
Brian has a very engaging personality in front of the camera. His well modulated voice comes across as genuine and caring. He never does the "big sell", so he is non threatening, and he's occasionally even funny!
Why would you not watch him to the end. He's fun and informative.
LOL this might be my favorite comment! - Drew
Oh and I agree. I'm way more than 4 pens deep 🤦 and really didn't need any more reasons😊 Mental health got me!
Don't feel bad. Every fountain pen user is an addict. :)
It's actually been proven that you're more likely to remember something if you write it down rather than typing it out on a keyboard/screen, so the mental health benefit he talks about is a genuine aspect of writing with a pen & paper.
God bless you Brian. So well said, I'll send everyone to watch this. Blessings and joy to you All. Namaste 🙏
As a ex-serviceman it was suggested to start to write to help my ptsd, a way to get things out of my head. After 20+ plus years of using ballpoint pens I for some reason bought a Lamy all-star, and fell in love with the experience of using it to write. it has been a great help to me .
The only reasons I still buy fountain pens are because I know I need, want and greatly love writing with them. FPs have been a part of my life ever since I was only 8 years old. We never left each other during the following decades. 🙂
I can relate to all of the reasons cited in this video. But I’d say that if the only inks available today were still just the handful or more of the conventional colors, I’d still be buying as many and enjoying writing with fountain pens just the same. It’s because as much as I like (and have bought) many inks over the years, I’m still far more of a fountain pen enthusiast than I am of inks.
I started using fountain pen some 5 years ago. Found one Pelikan with B nib in my uncle forgoten bag. That evening I discovered that I forgot learned cursive writing from elementary school. I was ashamed. Also that evening I've decided I'll change that. I started to work on myself. Handwriting was step one. Few days later muscle memory returned learned cursive writing but it was still very ugly. Also I had problem with letters 'o', 'a', 'e' because I write tiny letters and in that time I didn't know anything about nibs and their sizes. That was the moment when I decided to google fountain pens and search youtube. You poped up and your videos were window in fountain pen world. With your channel I discovered how big this wold is and how big industry is behind it. Thank you Brian. Also I think your video was the one which helped me to choose right nib for my handwriting. Now I'm most comfortable with F nib. Didn't try EF nib yet. In five years I become owner of 9 fountainpens. I would like to buy Penkala fountain pen as my No.10 as I am from Croatia. I'm glad you still have energy for making videos for this channel. It's fun to learn with you. Thank you. P.S. Writing with fountain pen helped me with a lot of things from your list in this video. I could write a lot about it. Practise brain is maybe most important because computers, tablets and mobile phones degrade us to fast.
I purchased edison collier last month and was surprised by the packing that was done to keep the pen safe.
And a hand written note and lollypop was a kind gesture.
Thank you goulet pens. You have earned a lifetime customer (me).
Thanks so much for the support! - Drew
It has positively impacted my mental health with journaling, and negatively impacted my mental health by making me obsessed with fountain pens and finding ways to purchase more fountain pens.
No one introduced me to the fountain pen. The fountain pen introduced itself to me. Last week I bought one and I love it!
Last time I ‘seriously’ used fountain pens was during my school days in the 80s before ball-point pens invaded the market and brought Fountain pens to a near extinction here in India..
A few decades later, I’ve resumed fountain pen use and I’ve become a Fountain pen shopaholic/addict by purchasing about 20 modern and vintage pens in a year ! I can certainly claim that this new ‘addiction’ has brought a certain excitement in my life during this period of pandemic and ‘home confinement’ !
Sathish, I had not guessed that you’ve actually bought that many pens over the past year. As somebody who has owned and used fountain pens for almost 40 years now, I’ll admit that I’ve bough nearly as many pens during the last 5 years as I had over the previous 35. 😀
And I will also agree that acquiring many lovely (modern or vintage) pens in recent times, particularly during this depressing pandemic, has been quite the genuinely enjoyable experience I’ve also had. Best of luck collecting and owning many more next year.
@@sajjadhusain4146 Thank you Sajjad and I wish you the same !
Glad to know that you too are on a purchase spree during these testing times !
@@sathishrao7926 …Oh yes, although not really a buying spree, I had bought 8 pens last year. Another 8 pens again this year. There’s a ninth one, another Aurora 88 (my tenth) due to come before Christmas, hopefully. And then, I’ll stop for a long while, again *hopefully* 😋
@@sajjadhusain4146 Congratulations on your 10th Aurora 88 ( which alone is worth about 10 pens I bought this year !). Hope you'll get it before Christmas !
@@sathishrao7926 …You may even be right. The Aurora 88s are notoriously expensive. I’ve spent a fortune on them. And sacrificed on other desired purchases. It’s my favorite fountain pen of all time. I’ m waiting for the 88 Triboliti ( a clear demo with excellently done brown trims and a uniquely gorgeous brown 18k nib).
Just bought a starter kit from your store. Fell in love with the Pilot Metropolitan. Looks professional and it rekindle my love for writing once again.
An architecture professor at Oklahoma State is passionate about fountain pens. Since we all liked him, most of us bought one as well. There's no other writing instrument like them. Using one shows you're serious and intentional enough about what you put on paper that you need to use the best tool possible.
I inherited my Dad’s Parker Special 51 desk pen. From, I think, the 60’s. Beautiful pen. Still writes wonderfully. Think of him every time I ink it up and that is what started my love of fountain pens.
Lovely memory!💜♥️💚
I have interested in fountain pen since i was in primary school mostly because how it looks, i always watch my teacher closely as she write with it while she's grinning and smiling to me. I finally manage to bought it a couple of months ago, i was shocked by how smooth it was. Now i whenever i go, i always bring a fountain pen and a notebook. It's crazy how i used to be a type who's lazy to take notes from lecture, into someone that always find a reasons everytime just so i can write
I got into fountian pens after sustaining a sever tendon injury to my right wrist from drumline in high school. When I write with a pencil or ball point I just get horrible pain. Fountian pens completely elevate that problem.
Excellent subject, Brian. Thanks. I agree with all of your comments and experienced them all. My personal return to Fountain Pens was more a connection with a familiar past (my own as well as previous generations). Returning to a pre- throwaway society mentality was a bonus. I used them throughout Junior High School, too many decades ago.
I didn't expect the "mental health" side effect, but I had heard that FP's can help delay or ward off Alzheimer's (at least one member of our family passed away recently because of that nasty disease). My guess is the mental improvement is a result of the analog, tactile (hand/eye/brain coordination) and memory enhancing aspect. I am now a believer! Holding a beautiful instrument that writes better than any other instrument makes it even more fun.
You missed one element that was an unexpected pleasure -- the community of fountain pen, ink and paper enthusiasts along with a LOT of exceptionally helpful and entertaining videos from a lot of folks of all nationalities and age groups. I found you, Brian, because of a comment someone left on Amazon years ago and I have never regretted it!
Thank you Brian for changing a single purchase into a journey with many purchases and experimentation -- and a very pleasant one at that.
I'm 25 about to use my first fountain pen ever in 2 days. It's a Pilot Varsity. But I'm definitely going to get more. I'm excited
How exciting! Have fun! - Drew
I'm just staring down the FP rabbit hole, and your channel is perfect. I placed an order on your website last night.
The analog, ritual and heirloom aspects of the FP are what have drawn me to in. BP pens lack soul and add to the landfills. The same thing happened six years ago with wet shaving. That was a fun rabbit hole too, and I've never regretted it.
A rarity: a genuinely intelligent video.
Brian, Brian, Brian… wow… we so love you. You are an indelible treasure and a living wellspring of why I (and many others) have confirmation as to “why fountain pens”? Thank you without end and our gratitude, never enough, for all you do seen and unseen. I and mine send so much warmth, love, kindness to you and yours… Please, stay safe. And again, thank you.
I'll pass along the kind words! Thanks so much for your continued support! - Drew
I love Goulet Pens and their quality that they offer! I love my pens from you guys! I love my pens! And I use them regularly! Not all of them in the same day and not all of them at the same time…which is another reason that I love them.
I get to have a different and fun experience of writing with each one of those pens.
Thanks for the support, Adam! - Drew
I got a fountain pen because I thought they were interesting.
Using a large variety of inks made my notes look better (i previously only used blue and black ballpoint ink)
I have to say, they are absolutely fabulous to write with. My hand no longer gets cramps during long writing sessions.
And as a side effect, it's given me a small status symbol.
I'm going to probably share this video with most of the people I know, it is a great resource to help convert people.
Thanks, Alex! - Drew
Thank you for talking openly about mental health. I‘ve been watching your channel for a few years now, and I like the personal touch.
"Oh, you have a nice/beautiful handwriting!" never ceases to give you a nice feeling. My grandma told me how my grandpa's beautiful handwriting was part of why she fell in love with him.
One reason that's missing: Buying it as a present. It's an unusual, yet for cultured people meaningful present. And you can easily scale the price range. Even a nice 20-50 bucks fountain pen can be a nice present, in particular for beginners, due to its unusual nature, and for people who know more about them, you can go up in price, so they get a pen they can use specifically for special occasions, i.e. the "signing contracts"-pen, the "writing birthday wishes"-pen, etc.
Another reason is that the pen community is actually great! :)
For those with OCD, be aware that fountain pens, if you love them, can become incorporated with perfectionist themes. That being said, fountain pens help tremendously with my anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more! They also make me excited to take all these notes I have to for grad school!
Because fountain pens rule. Writing is a great left brain-right brain exercise. It literally integrates both sides of our brains. So important for critical thinking, creativity and reasoning skills. Plus, everything you said💜💙💚
I write all my manuscripts by hand, and Fps have helped a lot! I have 5 or 6 inked up every day, and every day I switch inks so I can see my progress visually.
And ink colors! I love them all!
I got a fountain pen just out of curiosity! I was in a discord server talking with people from Europe (I’m American) and they were talking about fountain pens. The reason I *keep* using a fountain pen is it makes writing way more comfortable for me. I can actually hand write as opposed to having to type notes because my hand is way more comfortable. Currently own a TWSBI Eco, a Sheaffer VFM, and a Pilot Custom 74!
Because THEY ARE AWESOME!!! In all seriousness when you try one and you use it properly they are very addicting and amazing. I use them exclusively now
Let's be honest. Another reason is simple vanity. I did tell myself a fountain pen requires less pressure and so your hand won't cramp; which is in fact true, and it has helped me a lot all these years. But also I wanted to be a fountain pen person, I'm not going to deny that was part of it. :)
I find using a fountain pen has a great meditational aspect. Especially if I'm just practicing penmanship. Focusing on your writing is not so different than focusing on your breathing.
How I was introduced to a fountain was when I was in New Orleans and I was looking for a journal and a pen to write poetry. I chose a fountain pen because I didn’t want to create a lot of waste and have something that really made me feel pretty inside.
I got into fountain pens after I got into bullet journaling, because writing became my main way to cope with both organizing and having control of my life but also venting and becoming aware of thoughts and feelings and doing self-care when things get bad in the head. And I wrote so much using a ball-point pen that my right wrist was over-strained and a fountain pen was the kind of pen I could use without having to apply pressure on the paper, so it's almost the only kind of pen I use now. I also love the feel and the aesthetics! and seeing the ink inside a demonstrator pen. and the sound of the lid. And my handwriting is completely different now, in a good way.
I got inspired by your videos into making of the pen itself and am loving it . Was a wood turner in the past and now completely into pen making both kits and bespoke . It’s so addictive.
I was in an accident and injured my hands. When I went back to college. The amount of writing was hurting my hands so much that I had to find a better way. While I did eventually find a ballpoint pen that served the purpose. I did also end up diving into fountain pens. They are much easier for me to write with, so long as the dimensions are right for me. I use fountain pens whenever and wherever I can.
Other reasons, because you area a collector and or you like nicer things, more rare things, hard to find things, well machined things...like vintage watches....because you appreciate certain artifacts over regular, common ones...
I absolutely love writing with a fountain pen! Got one for my graduation from my parents. Loving that Lego Saturn V on your desk also!!!
I'd say "all of the above" in terms of my own experience with fountain pens, which goes back close to 55 years, but got serious over the last 25 years. The writing experience reigns #1-with-a-bullet, as nothing - not high-end ballpoint, nor rollerball - matches the experience of putting nib to paper. Along the way, I've learned to discern nib quality (people still argue steel-versus-gold, but I'm goldie all the way now), as well as that vexing question of "how many?" (My own answer: three. A pair of Pilot Custom 823s and a Pilot Vanishing Point, and I'm one *seriously* happy camper.) Something you can be passionate/enthusiastic about is (usually) beneficial to ones mental/emotional health as well. All in all, fabulous video!
I am late to the party but would love to add my story. My job has me writing a lot, and the pens provided started causing my hands to cramp; even the warning signs of carpal tunnel. I picked up a Pilot Varsity because I heard techniques for fountain pens called for a “lighter touch and softer grip.” I have since added a few more to my collection (including some vintage Sheaffer found in my father in laws storage) and have not looked back. My hands don’t cramp and I LOVE my writing experience. Thank you for the share and aiding in my experience along the way.
Sincerely,
8 pens, 3 ink bottles, and a wishlist
I got my first fountain pen, a Lamy Safari Model when I was in kindergarten over 25yrs ago! Here I am in my early 30s and I have several dozen fountain pens, quills, and NUMEROUS other writing utensils.
The fountain pen variations are my favorite, and bring me joy in writing or general note taking.
We can't leave out the stationary aspect of it... the quantity of paper options that I have amassed over the last decade is absurd in some ways. I'm not a paper snob by any means, but I definitely have my preferred choices.
Currently I'm using a Cross Bailey in gloss black, loaded with Noodler's Golden Brown and a Moleskine Pocket Notebook in classic tone with college ruled pages.
Oooh and the next rabbit hole while we're at it!... Traveler's Company Midori journals... there are many, but the styling of the Midori is just a mental bliss of personalized perfection.
The analog version of a perfectly setup Android phone.
It has the features and "settings"/layout I want, the input type/fountain pen that I prefer, and the look/ink that I like.
With the well aged personality of honest use.
Keep up the great content, and superb supplies. I need a solid place to come back for more ink and nibs as needed, and I recommend many to your site for their own habit forming ways to begin!
Using a fountain pen for normal day to day writing is kind of like using an analog wrist watch in the smart phone age. Maybe it isn't the most efficient or practical thing, but when have humans ever been their happiest by being efficient and practical?
The intimacy of *My* pen over *a* pen is comforting in a way similar to watching old recordings of family vacations.
Got my first FP at age 49. Love it. Mental health improving is a surprising aspect for me.
Thank you very much Force :) As always great content. I have been meaning to look into this game for a while, I have had it on my Xbox' hard drive for a while. This video has me itching to get started with it. I was wrongly still under the impression that the game was lacking like when it was released.
I really enjoy your content, thank you :)
Joy. It feels so good to write with a good fountain pen. It makes you want to write, and to take notes, and to keep a journal, and to ... you enjoy writing. I'm not talking about a cheapo. Buy a pen that dazzles you. One that you love to look at. One which flows smoothly. Even if you only use a black or blue ink (and there are so many colors available to you), a beautiful fountain pen can be a catharsis. It sounds dopey, but that is what it is for me.
I came into this hobby via the environmental route. I had a rollerball pen that I used for years. I love it and still use it, but the refill cartridge's did not last very long with how much writing I would do with it. In an effort to use less cartridges and try to get more ink, I looked into the refillable route. I ultimately found fountain pens and took a stab at them. 3 years and wayyy too many pens than I care to admit later, I am not looking back.
Great Video, Brian!
All the best,
-Luis
I have agree with the mental health aspect ( I agree with the whole video, but that point in particular.) I started turning pens on a lathe in 2017. Attacking a piece of exotic wood spinning at 1600 rpm's with a sharp chisel is SO relaxing. Being able to write with something I've also made (for the most part) is very satisfying. I buy my inks and nibs from Goulet. Stub nibs have improved my handwriting to no end! Thats the thing - there are so many enjoyable roads the fountain pen experience can take to on. Thanks!
This makes sense. The reason being is that when you write with a fountain pen, it's a form of meditation because you're more purposeful in your writing, you're more in the moment and therefore have more satisfaction in the experience. This helps a great deal with mental health.
As someone into drawing, I got myself into fountain pens slowly and alone. I started with dip pens (age 13), then went to Parallel Pens (age 20), then a $1 Daiso pen I did a lot of experiments and "broke" the feed sometimes (age 25), and finally decided to use fountain pens to write so I got a 0.2 Preppy (age 27) because I know I like really thin lines. Now I also have a Lamy Safari and a Pilot Penmanship. I actually would like a fountain pen that accepted nib change to dip pen's nibs since I have a few. But what I wanted to say is: if you are going to keep changing color like every time you go write something different, it might be better to use dip pens. About the longevity of pens, my Preppy has been with me for 3 years now and received ink I mixed myself several times (never actual fountain pen ink, but I'm careful to use mostly dye-based inks). I barely clean it (only when it starts to write poorly which is rare) because I like to see the degrade in writing when I change ink and the pen is well. That's a cheaper pen usually recommended just for beginners. Many consider the Preppy to be semi-disposable and I can see it easily last 10 or 20 more years. So they really are more environmentally friendly.
This was a great video, eloquently and elegantly summing up many of the reasons fountain pens are such a pleasure to own and use.
You guys have really stepped up your production game! Keep up the great work guys!
I find it super interesting that you have to have a way into using fountain pens. I went to school in Germany and it was basically a rule to have a fountain pen, at least for the first couple of years of school. So, mostly everyone had one at least at some point.
Well, that's not the case outside Germany, however I see it as a good decision. How many people stick to fp after using them because of a rule?
Lovely compilation of reasons. Couldn't agree more! :)
Because they are so much fun!!!! Everyone who sees me writing with a fountain pen wants one. I met someone in the airport and we became friends over my fountain pen. Now his daughter has developed my obsession 😜
And you are still my favorite pen guy on RUclips💕
I love fountain pen for my nostalgia along with all those mentioned points
Been using fountain pens since elementary school. Its a must have pen for 1st grade penmanship all through the 6th grade to do tests. My first is a Hero 616 which is a parker 51 chinese knock off. Still use it and collecting more ink than pens. Inks are the rabbit hole I couldn't resist to try or sample. Most of my pens are pilots, but went to order lamy safari last year, with another chinese fountain pens rabbit hole is where I'm at.
Brian, Thank you for another wonderful info-video. I agree with all of the reasons you presented for writing with a fountain pen. Several years ago, I was looking for something distinctive, unique and watched one of your videos. I purchased my first (and all since) fountain pen from you and enjoy the feeling/comfort/enjoyment of writing. I also enjoy the inquisitive looks from others when in a meeting, I pull out my fountain pen, unscrew the cap, and write notes, while everyone else is clicking their ballpoint pen. It is a definitive feel good moment.
I've been using fountain pens for over 40 years now, and initially the reason was to be able to take notes in school without getting writer's cramp. I stuck with them and still love them today. It's also interesting to me to see how many different colours of inks are available, since I only used blue, black and blue-black back in the day. I still use those classic colour inks most of the time, but I've since added some grey and teal inks to my collection.
Fountain pens are as close to magic wands as you can get. They are fiddly tools that come in a nice box that if you buy the right one and the right ink using them is like magic. The fun is trying pens like Harry Potter at Ollivanders and seeing what they can do. Fountain pens feel good to use and feel good to own and are waaaay cheaper than a sports car.
They will also take your doodling to the next level, especially if you get one with a flexible or semi flexible nib that gives the line some life. There is a reason cartoonists/illustrators like Sergio Aragones (Pelikan) and Mattias Adolfsson (Pilot Falcon) use fountain pens.
Well said, Dale! - Drew
I am new to using fountain pens, I must say I now have several. They may be classed as OLD FASHIONED but I still use a straight razor( cut throught) and still use pocket watch which is 132yrs old. Keep the videos coming. Many thanx
I agree with the mental health and journaling thing wholeheartedly.
I feel a bit different from the “crowd” and feel individualized by being a fp user.
I purchased my first fountain pen when I was 25 from Goulet Pens. The Conklin Nighthawk II. I will always remember this pen. I got it for the looks honestly speaking but it really did catch my heart the more and more I wrote with it. I since then gave it to a close friend of mine since they are into journal writing and they have loved it ever since and won't use anything else but this pen. Fountain pens have really given me more motivation to write more everyday in my own journal. That one pen is now up to 30 pens. They're also fun to fill and try different inks. Especially if you're an artist, I recently started drawing with them with watercolour paper and it outlines beautifully and the inks really work well as water paints, they blend so well. Definitely recommend at least trying out the Platinum Preppy, can't go wrong with them. A great starter pen.
I enjoyed your low-key explanation, rationale, reasoning for using a fountain pen -thanks
Yep. I got interested in fountain pen because of a pen geek I happened to meet while traveling. At first I was only humoring him as he infodumped and showed off his pen collection, but then I tried one of his pens and... well it turned out he was on to something. He gave me a pink Platinum Preppy with sparkly pink ink, which I was 100% all about. Then we went to Gouletpens and browed all the inks and fancy pens, and before I knew it, several hours had passed and I had a full cart. Turns out the rabbit hole went way deeper than I ever expected. If only I had better handwriting...
fountain pens are a joy to use. I wish you the best with your store!
I would like to make an addition to the point #1: if you write a lot, you simply get less tired if you use a fountain pen, as no pressure has to be applied. For a long writing sessions it is a crucial advantage. So my change to FP was purely due to technical reasons: it was easier to write lectures at Uni. And then, after I graduated and started earning money: I found myself on the slippery slope of FP as hobby :)
All great reasons, Brian. You nailed it!
@8:29 - yes, I'm in. Been playing with calligraphy pens for a while - I think this is next. Thanks.
Am I the only man who gets an elevated sense of self-importance when I hand someone a check and tell them, “You’re going to have to let the ink dry, I use a fountain pen?”
Out of billions of people, you absolutely are the only one.
Great video! Some honest opinions and viewpoints!
I got my first fountain pen aged 9 (1965, Grade 4?). Once we wrote nicely in pencil we were allowed to write in fountain pen. I have been transfixed by them ever since.
Fountain pens are like life partners, you try a few, you find one you like, and it never lets you down.