My *HONEST* Opinions of the Esterbrook Estie Botanical Garden (Unboxing, Writing Sample, and Review)
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 9 фев 2024
- Discount Codes and Links:
•My Planner Sticker Shop on Etsy: 2SadDumplingsCo
2saddumplingsco.etsy.com
•Atlas Stationers: Enter my code (DUMPLING10) at checkout for 10% off your purchase. (Exclusions apply). www.atlasstationers.com/Stati...
•Pen Boutique: Enter my code (STATIONERYDUMPLING6) [code has been recently adjusted]
at checkout for 5% off your purchase.
www.penboutique.com/STATIONER...
•The Flower Letters: Enter my code (STATIONERYDUMPLING) at checkout for 15% off your purchase.
theflowerletters.com/STATIONE...
•40 Free Etsy Listings for New Shop Owners:
etsy.me/3UqmnS1
•Follow me on Instagram/ Pinterest/ TikTok: StationeryDumpling
💌 Biz Email: stationerydumpling@gmail.com
Please like, share, comment, and subscribe if you like my content! :)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Video Description:
I unboxed this pen in July of 2023, and am now posting the video to discuss my first impressions and my review, half a year later!
Mentioned in Video:
Supplies:
✿Dominant Industry Christmas Red
cultpens.com/en-us/products/d...
✿ Esterbrook Estie Botanical Garden Palladium Trim (Atlas Stationers) www.atlasstationers.com/produ...
✿ Esterbrook Estie Botanical Garden Palladium Trim (Pen Boutique) collabs.shop/qhlxg5
✿ Hobonichi HON A6 Tomitaro Makino: Yamazakura amzn.to/482m5Ee
✿ Ink Bottle Stickers 2saddumplingsco.etsy.com/list...
✿ Ink Bottle Stickers 2saddumplingsco.etsy.com/list...
✿ New Pen Day Stickers 2saddumplingsco.etsy.com/list...
✿ New Ink Day Stickers 2saddumplingsco.etsy.com/list...
✿ Currently Inked Stickers 2saddumplingsco.etsy.com/list...
-------------------------------------------------------------
#fountainpen #stationery #Hobonichihon #scrapbooking #inkswatch #inkswatching #artsupplies #journalsetup #journaling #esterbrookestie #esterbrook #fountainpenink #inkjournal #inkcatalog #travelersnotebook #fountainpenaddict
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[DISCLAIMER: All items in this video were purchased by me unless stated otherwise. These are my own open and honest opinions. All links are affiliate links unless otherwise stated. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.] 
Хобби
This might be my favorite pen of all time... ruclips.net/video/yIUJ5-UW2iE/видео.html
Try taking out the converter before unscrewing the nib unit.
Thank you. I have tried it without the converter in the past and still couldn't get it off. The attempt in this video was just a quick example.
I really appreciate your honest opinions. I purchased the Raven after all the hype last autumn and was so disappointed. But I do like the look of the Botanical Garden.
Oh wow! That must've been bad, then! I hadn't heard anyone say anything about disliking the Raven. It makes me feel better to see comments on this video that people are sharing their real and relatable experiences. Thank you for watching! I hope you are able to find another pen you love ❤️
For what it's worth my Estie Honeycomb has no smell and I am sensitive too!
I recently bought my first Esterbrook, an Estie Honeycomb Oversize. I tried the nib at the store, it was a broad, and it wasn't writing well, the pen was a demo and had been used so I don't know if the nib was the issue or if there was dried ink in it. The store owner offered me to switch the nib and she put a 1.1 stub in it. WOW, just wow, that nib is juicy yet provide nice sharp variation while still feeling smooth. Needless to say I brought it own with that nib. The regular size Estie does feel light, the Oversize in my opinion feels and weight just perfect. I have many gold nibs (including 2 stubs) and a few steel nib pens (TWSBI, Kaweco, Lamy) and this is my favorite stubs of all my stubs and my best writing steel nib. I'm really sorry that you do not appreciate yours more since they are on the expensive side for steel nib pens. My first choice would have been the Botanical Garden Oversize but I have to agree with you, in person it needs a LOT of light to look like the pictures we see online. The Honeycomb however I feel is at least as stunning in person if not more than in pictures. Thanks again for the review.
P.S. Mine didn't smell at all, you were truly unlucky :(
P.S. 2! When I unscrew my nibs unit I always use a large rubber band to hold onto the nib and feel to protect them.
Oh wow! I usually associate broad nibs with instant good writers because it tends to lay down so much ink. It's interesting that the comments on this video all seem to be all over the place, so I wonder if there's inconsistency behind Esterbrook's nibs. Sounds like if you get a dud, you really dislike it, and if you get a good one, you really love it!! I'm so glad you found one that works really well for you. That gives me hope. I have a 1.1 stub in my TWSBI eco, I found I don't enjoy it as much as I thought I would because it kinda drags. But now I'm intrigued to try more. Curious to know if it's my writing angle, or the nib itself. Do you think it would be similar to the 1.1 stub in the Estie? I guess they're both Jowo nibs(?), but the feeds are different? 🧐 I contemplated the oversize because I saw a good deal on it, but ended up on the regular size. It is nice that they provide both! The Honeycomb is sooo pretty, I'm happy to hear it is consistent w. the photos ☺️ Thank you for the rubber band tip! I will keep it in mind if I want to try again sometime. Thank you for sharing your experience. 💛
@neryDumpling Third attempt to reply, (youtube does not like links I think). I attempted to post a picture of a stub/italic comparison but I guess the reply will have to make do without!
In general italic nibs are sharper than stubs. Italics usually tends to be notated by their width aka . With a bit of practise you can learn to not rotate your nib while writing, making the use of an italic nib much more comfy. That said, the sharper the italic/stub the more line variation you will get. In my experience the Lamy 1.5, while wet is the sharpest feeling one, then the Lamy 1.1, followed by the TWSBI 1.1 the Estie and finally the smoothest is the Lamy 2000 . But as you can see that Lamy 2000 is so wet (plus rounder) than there is almost no line variations...
To answer more directly the comfort of writing (aka the least drag) will be the opposite of the line variation you get typically. In this list I would say the Estie is slightly more comfortable than the TWSBI Vac700R 1.1 (which I find comfy too!) Take into account the fact that the Vac700R has a #6 nib aka larger than the ECO...
@@AMusset wow, thank you for the descriptive comparison! I think I’ll have to test some in person before making a purchase tho. As of right now, I actually like no line variation (unless it’s a flex nib, I like that) and no drag so… 😅 maybe If I learn to not rotate like you said, I would appreciate them more!
@@StationeryDumpling ...unless it's a flex nib.... Funny coincidence I am supposed to receive the Estie fine-flex today and have a vintage Esterbrook 9048 in the mail somewhere. If you have an Estie you'll need to get the MV Adapter to use vintage nibs.
@@AMusset ooh that sounds like fun 😁
This was very helpful thank you!
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching 🩷
I thought I was the only one disappointed with their Estie. I bought the Botanical Gardens this year. I inked it up with Sailor Ink Studio 531, and it was hard starting so much. Down strokes were hit and miss. I was so sad! The instant feeling of, do I even want to buy more pens? I tried adjusting the nib myself and then inked it up with Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo and it had not no hard starts. Might need to keep adjusting the nib though, has some hard edges now. but at least it writes every time, but I don't want to have to always use Tsuki-yo with it. That's boring. I did consider buying a jowo nib to replace. Mine also has a slight smell. The only other pen I have that smells like that is my Leonardo Ginger, which is a similar material, so maybe it has something to do with the way the material is made. No other pens smell like that. Thanks for sharing your honest opinion.
Wow, we had such similar experiences!! I'm glad I posted this video because I was really thinking I was the only one disappointed with my Estie, too, lol. Thank you for sharing your experience. It does get a little disheartening when you put money into a pen and it doesn't instantly give you the desired outcome upon unboxing. I hope we can both find ink and nib adjustment combos that work for us with these pens! 💛
I bought the Estie in Seaglass with gold trims and i was blown away how beutiful it looked (and still is). But it wrote awful! The nib was so stiff and so scratchy that it almost rip the paper. But the webshop i bought it from was amazing and they quickly contacted Esterbrook and they send me a new nib.I was so happy to finally use my new pen. But i was so dissapointed. The nib is stiff and not smoth at all and it's dry writer even with Pilot Iroshizuku ink in it. I got an medium nib.
I own 3 Platinum 3776 and the have a lot of feedback and stiff nibs even when they are gold nibs. But the Estie is only stiff and awful. Even my cheap Kaweco plastic sport has better nibs. I paid 179 euro!! But i got lucky because the nib was very easy to shift. I really hope you can love your pen alot - i can not! Thank you for a great video :)
oh wow! I'm so sorry you're not enjoying your pen. It truly does make me sad when money is put in and you expect a delightful writing instrument, only to be disappointed. I too found it dry with Iroshizuku ink, which in my opinion is THE best, wettest ink for pens!! It is strange that the Dominant Industry ink I have in it is what made me enjoy it more. Perhaps it is getting better the longer I write with it?? Thank you for watching and sharing your experience. I'm glad I'm not alone!
Before trying to change out the nib you need to remove the catridge or cartridge converter. I have swapped out Estie nibs because I wanted a different nib size. Its easy. I have not had any issues swapping nibs. As I said you first need to remove the cartridge/cartridge converter.
I have tried it in the past without the cartridge converter. This was just a quick demonstration in the video that it would not budge.
I love my Estie, it writes smoothly and is pretty, but I don't think I'll ever buy another one. I heard so many mixed reviews like yours😞 I'm surprised I got a good one because I'm usually the unlucky person that ends up getting the defect of every brand😅I feel like the Estie is too expensive for what it is at the end of the day, a steel nib. It's pretty, but too pricey for what it is. Mine didn't smell like burn acrylic, maybe it's cus it's an older model, but ew! Ugh I'm so sorry, I hate pen disappointments. I had quite a few last year and it honestly stopped me from buying pens for a bit
Ooof that's rough that you get so many defects! 🥲 I'm so happy to hear you love your Estie tho. I agree it is quite pricey for a steel nib. If it wrote just as nicely as my gold nibs, I'd probably think differently, but as of right now, it does not. I am starting to know what you mean about pen disappointments deterring you from buying pens for a bit. I think I'm starting to hit that same sentiment. I kinda want to try the pens first before investing in them online...
All of my Esterbrooks (esties) have twist off nibs. I don't want you to break your nib, but I can't imaging that it is fixed on your pen.
Thank you. I'll take that into account if I want to try removing it again!
Sorry you don't love your Estie. I have 4 with plans to get the all white one that's coming out this year. I absolutely love the model.
Oooh the white one is SO beautiful. I'm glad they are working well for you!! 🤍
To remove a threaded nib unit, you have to hold onto the nib unit in one hand, and the grip section in the other hand. You can't remove the nib unit from the section if you hold onto the body of the pen rather than the section. As you saw, that will just separate the grip section from the body of the pen, and it won't affect the nib unit at all. I usually do it this way: separate the section and the pen body. Remove the converter from the back of the nib unit. Then I loosen the nib unit slightly by holding the section still and twisting the nib unit (carefully, holding onto both the nib and feed like you did). Once the nib unit is a little loose, I hold that still and twist the grip section instead. I don't have any particular reason for doing it this way, it just feels like it reduces stress on the nib and feed, if that makes sense. Disclaimer: I have never owned an Estie pen, so it's possible that yours came with a nib unit that was just screwed into the section too tightly. Also, it just occurred to me that the nib unit might be cross-threaded in the section. That would make it really hard to remove. In any case, I have been using fountain pens since the late 90s, and I have a large number of pens that use the Jowo nib units, primarily from Edison, Franklin Christoph, and Carolina Pen Co. (Jonathan Brooks). They all work the same way, and I can swap nibs across brands. If you absolutely cannot get the nib unit out of the section, I would contact Atlas and see if they can fix it for you - or if they can get Esterbrook to fix it for you. You shouldn't have to put up with a pen that doesn't work properly!
P.S. I also meant to say: I really appreciated your honest review! I have been looking at the Nouveau Blue Estie for quite awhile, but I've been hesitant to purchase it because I keep seeing mixed reviews about the brand.
For the time being, I have concluded to just not mess with the nib and feed for a bit haha. But if I want to one day, I will surely apply your recommended method, along with all the other tips in this comment section! I am so grateful for everyone's opinions, feedback, and advice. It did not really occur to me to reach out to Atlas or Esterbrook, given that it has been a few months, but I do suppose that is the purpose of having reputable retailers and a warranty, right? Thank you so much for your recommendations. As for the Nouveau Blue, it does look like a truly beautiful pen. Maybe you can test it in person and decide from there! It's starting to sound like it's a different experience for each pen produced...
@@StationeryDumpling In addition to my comment above, I also posted a second comment about a video demonstration. I included the link even though I was worried RUclips would delete the comment because of the link..and they did exactly that. So the link was to a video on the Goldspot Pens YT channel. The title of the video is "Quick Pen Tips #6: How to Swap a #6 Size Jowo Nib." It's 5 years old, but the information hasn't changed.
Also: yes, fountain pens are expensive, so that's why we have reputable details, warranties, and the ability to have either the retailer or the manufacturer make something right with a pen that isn't working properly. I had a Kaweco Brass Sport for about a year, then out of the blue the cap would not stay posted. I would press it onto the back of the pen, and it would actually pop back off again. So strange. I've never had that happen with any of my other Sport pens. I contacted JetPens (where I purchased it) and they immediately sent me a new pen with a postage-paid envelope to return the defective one. Either Atlas or Esterbrook should help you with your pen! I would be surprised if either of them refused to help you. I've spoken with the Kenro Industries (owner of the Esterbrook brand, among others), and they are super nice. I'm sure they would help you! It'd be one thing if it were a $25 plastic Sport, or a $13 Pilot Kakuno, but the Estie is what, $175? Sorry to go on and on, LOL. It just makes me really sad when someone has a beautiful pen and can't even use it!
oooh I just watched the video you suggested! It didn't occur to me I could try pulling just the nib and feed out if I can't untwist the whole section. Thank you! And yes, I don't know why I hesitate to reach out to shop owners, manufacturers, and such. I think it's because I feel like it will upset them somehow or I won't be given a solution or they'll think it's just a "me" problem. Most if not all of the shop keepers in this community seem to be very willing to help, so I should take that offer up more often than I do. I actually have a Sailor pen right now that I've been contemplating sending back to get fixed. Thanks for the encouragement. Appreciate you sharing your experience with me!! @@arguchik
I'd rather collect the vintage Esterbrooks. Nevertheless, the Raven photos really captivated me. What held me back was that I prefer the finest EF nibs and that limits things to the Japanese brands. Glad I never got the Raven - that money is better spent on Pilots or Platinums, and you have a much better assurance of getting a great nib. I also think the markings on the Estie nib are ugly, and detract from the lovely colors in the acrylic (?) body.
Had a smelly pen once - at least it was cheap. I threw it out years later, because the smell (Horrible!) never went away, and the pen even made other things stored with it stink.
Given that the Chinese are currently making very inexpensive pens that write well - some of these other companies need to up their game, considerably. At the $200 and below price range, most of us are users, not mere collectors. Performance matters!
I get the impression that the vintage Esterbrooks are better than the modern ones. I don't own any, so I can't say for sure. I do agree at the moment, I'd prefer to buy a Pilot or Platinum. Consistency in nib quality should be a really important component for these companies! Hopefully they can make adjustments to ensure quality in the future. I really, really hope this smell goes away and doesn't contaminate the surrounding items! 😱
You must have a lots of experience with the vintage Esterbrook nibs then ;) Have you tried the 2048/9048 flex nibs? If so how flexibles are they compared to modern flex nibs if you tried any?
My first Estie was a Petrified Forest 1.1 stub and would not write, it was terrible. I contacted Esterbrook and they sent a new nib. Only 2 days delivery to Canada! Thank goodness I never had the smell as I'm super sensitive. I was a bit disappointed by the colours of Botanical Garden, I also expected brighter colours, but that one wrote no problem with notoriously dry FWP shimmer ink. So far, loving my Esties!
That's amazing that you were able to get a new nib! I'm so glad to hear you're enjoying your Esties. 💛
Out of curiosity, how many FWP inks have you tried? Are they all dry? I have a few and those I have do be on the dry side of things....
I just fell back in the hobby, so not that many. I have mostly FWP inks. Currently inked in M and B nibs, I have Buttered Popcorn, Sunlit Jade, Chrystal Blue Legacy, Goose Poupon, Algonquin Maple, Cabernet on the Lake, Spruce Country Post and 3 Steamboats. No problems with any, but 3 Steamboats is a little too pale for me. I hope that helps you.
@@AMusset I personally think the lighter tone inks are dry, but the darker ones are pretty wet. Madame Mulberry is incredibly dry for me. Misguided Mistletoe, Atlas Iron Ore, and Tumbling Time Blue are really good. Probably a medium-wetness. Those are all on the darker side.
@@StationeryDumpling Ah yes I think you are right, my lighter FWP inks are all dryer! Thank you!
My nib was difficult to take out, turns out the o ring on the nib unit had slipped down, I am pretty sure seemownay had the same problem with one of hers. I got my nib unit out and each time I do it now I make sure that the o ring is at the top and I have had no problems since. Take the converter out before you twist the nib unit off.
There was no smell to mine and I have the same model as you purchased September last year.
oh wow! is there a way to know where the o-ring is at prior to pulling it out?
@@StationeryDumpling no I am afraid there is no way of knowing until you unscrew the nib unit. It should be right at the top but mine originally wasn't, I now make sure it always is. It did take quite a bit of firm turning the first time and I was scared of damaging the nib but I thought oh well if I do the standard estie nib units aren't all that expensive but it was absolutely fine. You might find it easier if you hold the nib with something to give you extra purchase or put on some rubber gloves.
@@Tamara-pens noted, thank you!!
This review makes me wonder if I should remove the Esterbrooks from my wishlist. Not only because of your writing experience but also the metal against plastic that you mentioned. 🤔
My suggestion would be to try one in person if you can. There’s enough people who love their Estie that I think it’s worth trying one out. :)
🩷👍
I didn’t like the fine nib and kind of had a problem with the journaled nib, but I put a plain medium Jowo #6 nib in there and it is great now
I'm glad you found a solution that fits you!
Did you screw the new Jowo #6 nib or you disassembled the feed and nib from the nib holder? In other words, are Jowo #6 screw-in nib unit standard?
I also wanted the ability to swap nibs in my Esties and had trouble removing the nib unit from one at first -- coincidentally, also the Botanical Garden. I waited till I cleaned the pen of ink and tried again and got it twisted out. I wrapped a small kitchen gripper around the nib and feed and held it tight between thinb and forefinger to keep everything stable. Then I applied a firm but gentle twisting motion by twisting the pen body (I consider the grip section part of the body in this case -- grasp the pen in the best place) while holding the nib unit still. I went very slowly, applying even pressure, but could feel the nib unit get unstuck at some point and start twisting free. I was so relieved! Now, after that first try, the nib unit comes out easily. I like the Esties I have, but I've only purchased them with the specialty grind nibs, which are more convenient for me than connecting with a nibmeister. Generally speaking, I agree they are overpriced for what they are... although I think your estimate of a $100 threshold for a gold nib is a bit low.
Ooh that gives me hope! I'm glad to hear it gets easier to unscrew once you get past the initial. You're right. I was able to get a few of my gold nib pens in that range, but now I realize that with the price increases over the last two years from Japanese brands, it is becoming harder to find.
@@StationeryDumpling Bike tire tubing also helps. I had the opportunity to see and handle the Estie and the Estie OS in different colorways at a pen show. The OS was a good fit for my preferences. The Bleu Nouveau is a colorway I like a lot (combos of blues and browns together are my jam). I was interested in the specialty nibs. Unfortunately, there was some miscommunication and the seller sold two of the specialty nibs I'd asked ahead of time for them to bring to someone else. In the end, I decided on a Needlepoint. This nib size requires a very light hand and is sensitive to high writing angles. Above 45 degrees the nib can catch on the paper.
Until I watched your review it had never even occurred to me to smell the cap, but I can confirm the smell is strong and quite chemical. It doesn't stop me from loving my pen. I've been eyeing Diamondcast models. But we'll need to see.
If you're looking for quality handmade pens using a wide variety of materials, check out Mr. Cypress from Taiwan. Some of their models allow you to choose between Jowo and Bock, others include Schmidt. The prices range from next level to fairly expensive.
@@yuklimka7251 that’s too bad that you couldn’t get the specialty nibs you originally wanted! Hope the needlepoint is good to you tho. Thank you for the Mr. Cypress suggestion! I’ll check it out 👌
@@StationeryDumpling Yeah, I was a bit disappointed, but I can still buy the nibs separately. Regarding Mr. Cypress, they have an ultem pen. Look for the Urban Elf series and then for PEI as the material. Usuually you can choose between Jowo and Bock nibs, sometimes Schmidt in available. And their in-house nibs are pleasant to write with.
Seemownay contacted Esterbrook and they recommend you wear plastic gloves, hold the nib, and twist the body. Some people let it soak in warm water first. Hope you either learn to love it or find someone to swap the other colourway with you! I have two Esties that I bought off BST and I have supernose. I don't smell the burnt resin smell, so it does go away.
Thanks for the advice!! If I ever want to try again, I will try soaking it in warm water. I'm so glad you enjoy yours and am looking forward to the smell going away for sure 🙂
i threw away two great pens from ffountain pen revolution because the resin they used produved the rancid butter/ vomit odor. i could take acrylic that's slightly burnt. a day in the car window in the heat should cure it, or melt it. idk which. but it won't cure vomit scents
😱 rancid butter vomit sounds awful!! yikes!! I may have to try setting it out in the sunlight next to a window 😁👍
Great video! I'm not a massive fan of Esterbrook either. So far, my favorite is my Sailor Northern Lights I just got.
Thank you for watching :) Oh nice! That looks like a great pen!
So sorry you had such an unpleasant experience with your pen, such things suck. I love my Esties because they feel so comfortable in my hand and for me the price is justified by the quality of the pen body. But then mine never smelled funny, that would also turn me off.
It totally sucks when a nib that is supposed to be able to unscrew is so stuck in the grip section that you cannot get it out. I have one of those in a Leonardo Momento Zero and have destroyed one feed when I tried to get the nib unit unscrewed. The seller did replace that feed, but while I can theoretically pull the nib out with force, it is basically stuck to that grip unit and I definitely do not love that pen as much as I normally would. And i also tried gloves etc.to get the nib unscrewed. You should probably hold the nib unit left and right of the nib and not one finger on the nib and one on the feed, because that is how I bent the fins of my feed.
I do find the Estie to be a comfortable weight, which is why it's such a bummer that I don't love it fully! Oh wow, that is scary about your Leonardo feed! Good to know because I've been thinking about getting one of those next... If I ever want to try removing the nib again, I will take your advice into account for gripping the nib. Thank you! 🙏
Benu pens have spoiled me. They have the smoothest steel nibs.
They really do! I love my Talisman 💕