Perkeos are a great knock-about ABS pen, and works well with a standard int'l converter. Essentio is a great gateway carbon fiber pen. I would add the Platinum Plaisir, as the construction & function is very affordable for journals & notebooks.
I have 100+ pens, all price ranges, and one of my absolute favorites is the Procyon. I have been singing its praises for the past 2 years and just bought my 4th one in the lovely rose gold. This is a must have!
Good list. I feel the same way about the Perkeo. Great starter/knock-about/student pen, and a better price than similar pens. I'd add the Platinum Plaisir as one that is often overlooked, but is a great pen for the price.
I feel like Waterman are the unsung heroes. Cheap, with nice colors, always reliable. Great stuff. I'm always tempted a bit by Prera, I have to say....
Good job-this is an important and often overlooked tier. My Waterman Phileas (I have 2) from the 90s also fall into this group (they were in the $39.95 range then). Definitely punching above their weight. Pens you're not afraid to take out in public.
I have Platinum Procyon F nib with Platinum Blue Black classic ink. It's very good for every day use. I will try Faber-Castell Essentio EF with Faber-Castell Royal Blue or Waterman Serenity Blue ink. Thanks for your precious info.
Love this Kaweco I can fill with lots of different colors on ink & color-coded by the various cap colors! Excellent carries for my art bag. Don’t care if they stain with some art inks and can switch the bodies & caps as needed! My dog managed to shorten a few bodies but the caps protected the nibs so they keep on chugging in my art bag!
I own a Faber-Castell Essentio - Matte fountain pen (F). Writes beautifully on printer paper and particularly I like the rubberized grip since my hands are a bit oily. The biggest downside is the weight of the pen since long writing sessions can cause hand pain and fatigue (I have small hands). The build quality is superb.
Agree with you on Taccia inks: Ao Blue has become a real favourite and I can’t say enough good things about my Pilot Prera’s (Platinum’s mixable Aurora blue is a winner too!)
For a pen to sit on my desk at work, I wanted something inexpensive. I wanted to use cartridges rather than deal with bottled ink at the office. I wanted the variety of international standard cartridges and the larger capacity of the international standard long cartridges. The Perkeo (at least a couple of years ago) was the only pen I found that ticked all those boxes. And I’ve been very happy with mine.
Great video! I enjoy my Perkeo, love my Prera (didn't realize they had a calligraphy nib) and my Hexo and Loom. It looks like the Essentio is a lot thinner than the Hexo. I also really dig my Taccia inks. I need to give Waterman a try.
@@rztour I have Tsuchi (Golden Wheat) and Murasaki (purple). They are pretty well behaved, clean out of my pens without any grief. I also have a Taccia Spectrum pen with a Sailor music nib which I really enjoy.
Good to know. Thanks. If purple is safe, then that’s a good sign regarding these inks. As much as I like that color, up until now I’ve stayed away from purple. I had a bad experience once with a Noodler’s burgundy sample, and realized I need to be more careful with my color selection.
Sigh, I am trying to keep my pen collection (up to 7 in a single year) to ones I will actually use rather than having a bunch of extras. This goal is so hard when there are so many interesting pens out there lol
I caught this video while surfing to find a new fountain pen to get for my birthday in a couple of weeks..... I had completely forgotten about the Platinum Procyon that I had in one of my cases, so you prompted me to pull it out and start using it again.... and I fell right back in love with it lol. I think that instead of looking for a new brand to try or getting one of a limited edition just because it's limited edition, I'm going to be getting another Procyon. Why mess with what I really enjoy using? and the new Luster colors are beautiful, I'm trying to decide between the rose gold and the black mist.... decisions, decisions... great video btw, appreciate your reviews. have a fantastic new year!
I have the Essentio in Aluminum Blue with an extra fine point nib and it writes great. I think it is one of the best valued pens that I have purchased and would recommend it to anyone. Tom, I wish you would have spent a little more time on the Waterman inks. To be frank, I've avoided the Waterman inks and I don't really know why.
The Pilot Justus 95 is a magnificent pen, can be found for about $350 AUS at the moment but is worth the rrp. I have some other moderately expensive pens that are good but not much better that much cheaper pens (though don’t regret buying them): The Justus is something special.
Very interesting video. But I am not surprised about Fischer pens because my experience is that they are not a very good writers, very dependent on how you hold the pen and how much pressure you apply while writing. Even using the refills in different body will not make much difference. Also tried to use it under low temperature and it wasn't very good either
That’s surprising as my experience has always been positive. I found the black medium to be a very smooth writer and am currently using Fisher turquoise which is fairly light but looks terrific to me. I will say that it does require a bit more pressure but the color is worth it. My guess is that with Fisher offering so many colors (9 or 10), it complicates the flow a little, depending on the color. I do also personally enjoy buying American made.
Ruth. I only use medium point ballpoint. Years ago I found I could use the Fisher refills in a wooden Oak ballpoint my daughter gave me so I purchased black. When it ran dry, I tried Turquoise and I love it! Medium point refills come in black, blue, red, turquoise, silver, purple, green, brown, and burgundy. And I think Fisher even has some of the Mediums in bold as well. I use fountain pens mostly, but when I need a ballpoint, I always reach for my trusty keepsake with Fisher turquoise. I know....it would have been easier to give you 3 or 4 colors, but you asked. Lol
@@rztour Easier? Not for me. THE REFILLS COME IN SILVER?! AND BURGUNDY?! This information may bring me back to ball points, not that I’ve entirely given them up. Where do you get your refills?
As an experiment, a year or so ago I tried combining Waterman inks and got some very interesting colors. I stopped because I was not sure this was wise even among the well-behaved Waterman line. Do you know whether it's safe to combine, say, Audacious Red with a little Intense Black? Tender Purple with Serenity Blue? Or other combos of this sort with Waterman?
Weak argument on the Kaweco btw... ink volume isn't a reason to buy a pen. Sure, large ink res. are nice... but personally find that this isn't a driving point...
You are wrong fisher did not build the pen for space nasa pick the pen because the refill build then fisher after it went up in space started marketing it as a space pen and no nasa did not dump money for R.& D of any pen and nasa did not endorse the pen it was just fisher. Now look at m&m candy if you was to look a nasa’s candy they have no m on them. And like the Omega speed master the crystal was plastic that is why it was picked. They was shopping for the best and safest equipment to use. And they payed retail for the pen at a store. The food was special ordered with no branding on them and if they got branded stuff it was grounded. But we all know that little candy. And why didn’t nasa use pencil like Russia carbon piece if the pencil could get in to the lungs of a human or into the computers that is why a pen was used and fisher had a pen that gravity did miss it up like gravity flow pens.
Perkeos are a great knock-about ABS pen, and works well with a standard int'l converter. Essentio is a great gateway carbon fiber pen. I would add the Platinum Plaisir, as the construction & function is very affordable for journals & notebooks.
This is a great ode to underrated pens. Love it!! Love the details for each brand, thank you.
I have 100+ pens, all price ranges, and one of my absolute favorites is the Procyon. I have been singing its praises for the past 2 years and just bought my 4th one in the lovely rose gold. This is a must have!
Dziekuje za dobrą i fachową recenzję 👍
Good list. I feel the same way about the Perkeo. Great starter/knock-about/student pen, and a better price than similar pens. I'd add the Platinum Plaisir as one that is often overlooked, but is a great pen for the price.
Great topic, helps us all to take a step back and look at things differently, thanks
Great job, Tom! Love underdogs, excellent insightful tips especially 3776 Procyon swap and preview of the new Luster.
I feel like Waterman are the unsung heroes. Cheap, with nice colors, always reliable. Great stuff. I'm always tempted a bit by Prera, I have to say....
Can´t get my waterman to work.
Have bought it after testing smooth writing but the pen is dry every week.
Filled with original waterman cartriges.
Good job-this is an important and often overlooked tier. My Waterman Phileas (I have 2) from the 90s also fall into this group (they were in the $39.95 range then). Definitely punching above their weight. Pens you're not afraid to take out in public.
Hi, Tom. Great shirt. Great topic, too.
Excellent video. I loved this concept
I have Platinum Procyon F nib with Platinum Blue Black classic ink. It's very good for every day use. I will try Faber-Castell Essentio EF with Faber-Castell Royal Blue or Waterman Serenity Blue ink.
Thanks for your precious info.
Love this Kaweco I can fill with lots of different colors on ink & color-coded by the various cap colors! Excellent carries for my art bag. Don’t care if they stain with some art inks and can switch the bodies & caps as needed! My dog managed to shorten a few bodies but the caps protected the nibs so they keep on chugging in my art bag!
I own a Faber-Castell Essentio - Matte fountain pen (F). Writes beautifully on printer paper and particularly I like the rubberized grip since my hands are a bit oily. The biggest downside is the weight of the pen since long writing sessions can cause hand pain and fatigue (I have small hands). The build quality is superb.
Agree with you on Taccia inks: Ao Blue has become a real favourite and I can’t say enough good things about my Pilot Prera’s (Platinum’s mixable Aurora blue is a winner too!)
For a pen to sit on my desk at work, I wanted something inexpensive. I wanted to use cartridges rather than deal with bottled ink at the office. I wanted the variety of international standard cartridges and the larger capacity of the international standard long cartridges. The Perkeo (at least a couple of years ago) was the only pen I found that ticked all those boxes. And I’ve been very happy with mine.
Great video! I enjoy my Perkeo, love my Prera (didn't realize they had a calligraphy nib) and my Hexo and Loom. It looks like the Essentio is a lot thinner than the Hexo. I also really dig my Taccia inks. I need to give Waterman a try.
Terri, Tom does not mention Taccia ink behavior. If you don’t mind, what colors have you used and do they clean out of your pens well?
@@rztour I have Tsuchi (Golden Wheat) and Murasaki (purple). They are pretty well behaved, clean out of my pens without any grief. I also have a Taccia Spectrum pen with a Sailor music nib which I really enjoy.
Good to know. Thanks. If purple is safe, then that’s a good sign regarding these inks. As much as I like that color, up until now I’ve stayed away from purple. I had a bad experience once with a Noodler’s burgundy sample, and realized I need to be more careful with my color selection.
Sigh, I am trying to keep my pen collection (up to 7 in a single year) to ones I will actually use rather than having a bunch of extras. This goal is so hard when there are so many interesting pens out there lol
That is a great way to approach the hobby and to make sure it doesn't get too out of control.
Definitely the Faber-Castell Essentio! I really enjoy mine.
I caught this video while surfing to find a new fountain pen to get for my birthday in a couple of weeks..... I had completely forgotten about the Platinum Procyon that I had in one of my cases, so you prompted me to pull it out and start using it again.... and I fell right back in love with it lol. I think that instead of looking for a new brand to try or getting one of a limited edition just because it's limited edition, I'm going to be getting another Procyon. Why mess with what I really enjoy using? and the new Luster colors are beautiful, I'm trying to decide between the rose gold and the black mist.... decisions, decisions... great video btw, appreciate your reviews. have a fantastic new year!
Love my rainbow space pen, engraved and all ❤
Waterman Inspired blue is 👍👍👍.
I have the Essentio in Aluminum Blue with an extra fine point nib and it writes great. I think it is one of the best valued pens that I have purchased and would recommend it to anyone.
Tom, I wish you would have spent a little more time on the Waterman inks. To be frank, I've avoided the Waterman inks and I don't really know why.
Fisher space pen has been around way before Seinfeld. It was designed to go to space in the 60's.
And it’s terrible too!, just like Seinfeld
Thanks great video..
Prera ftw...but not clear/demonstrater. Either bone white or slate blue opaque
I love my Procyon. I bought mine in Osaka to mark my first visit to Japan.
The Pilot Justus 95 is a magnificent pen, can be found for about $350 AUS at the moment but is worth the rrp. I have some other moderately expensive pens that are good but not much better that much cheaper pens (though don’t regret buying them): The Justus is something special.
Very interesting video. But I am not surprised about Fischer pens because my experience is that they are not a very good writers, very dependent on how you hold the pen and how much pressure you apply while writing. Even using the refills in different body will not make much difference. Also tried to use it under low temperature and it wasn't very good either
When I was in my teens a Fisher refill exploded in my pen without an apparent reason, what a mess it was!
That’s surprising as my experience has always been positive. I found the black medium to be a very smooth writer and am currently using Fisher turquoise which is fairly light but looks terrific to me. I will say that it does require a bit more pressure but the color is worth it. My guess is that with Fisher offering so many colors (9 or 10), it complicates the flow a little, depending on the color. I do also personally enjoy buying American made.
Ah, those wonderful Faber-Castell nibs...
Caran d'Ache Fountain pens (Ecridor, Leman, and Varius) ?
Nobody talks about them despite being great.
In what colours do the Fisher refills come?
Ruth. I only use medium point ballpoint. Years ago I found I could use the Fisher refills in a wooden Oak ballpoint my daughter gave me so I purchased black. When it ran dry, I tried Turquoise and I love it! Medium point refills come in black, blue, red, turquoise, silver, purple, green, brown, and burgundy. And I think Fisher even has some of the Mediums in bold as well. I use fountain pens mostly, but when I need a ballpoint, I always reach for my trusty keepsake with Fisher turquoise. I know....it would have been easier to give you 3 or 4 colors, but you asked. Lol
@@rztour Easier? Not for me. THE REFILLS COME IN SILVER?! AND BURGUNDY?! This information may bring me back to ball points, not that I’ve entirely given them up. Where do you get your refills?
You can get basic colors at staples, or there are more available on Amazon, which is how I got turquoise.
Platinum Cool, Balance, plt-5000.
As an experiment, a year or so ago I tried combining Waterman inks and got some very interesting colors. I stopped because I was not sure this was wise even among the well-behaved Waterman line. Do you know whether it's safe to combine, say, Audacious Red with a little Intense Black? Tender Purple with Serenity Blue? Or other combos of this sort with Waterman?
❤ 2x custom Fisher spscepens ✒ 🖊 🖋
A writen list of the pens would be or great help to non English speakers and add more clarity to your nice and helpful explanations. Thank you.
All the names of the pens (with links to more info) are in the description.
Weak argument on the Kaweco btw... ink volume isn't a reason to buy a pen. Sure, large ink res. are nice... but personally find that this isn't a driving point...
You are wrong fisher did not build the pen for space nasa pick the pen because the refill build then fisher after it went up in space started marketing it as a space pen and no nasa did not dump money for R.& D of any pen and nasa did not endorse the pen it was just fisher. Now look at m&m candy if you was to look a nasa’s candy they have no m on them. And like the Omega speed master the crystal was plastic that is why it was picked. They was shopping for the best and safest equipment to use. And they payed retail for the pen at a store. The food was special ordered with no branding on them and if they got branded stuff it was grounded. But we all know that little candy. And why didn’t nasa use pencil like Russia carbon piece if the pencil could get in to the lungs of a human or into the computers that is why a pen was used and fisher had a pen that gravity did miss it up like gravity flow pens.