I'm Japanese. I like fountain pen very much. It is difficult for me to understand English but I think that this video is very good. I am sorry that my English is not good.
I adore the Pilot E95s. It's my first gold nib and it's THE BEST if you hate posting in general, but are forced to do it when you use the pen on a train for example. This feels just perfect posted. And the vintage look just adds to my love for it.
Yeah, the E95s was my first gold nib pen as well (Brian isn't lying when he says its a GPC favorite). It does make you post, but looks so streamlined when it does that you want to do it! Love mine. - Colin
Like you, I love the Elite 95 S. It is my favorite pen for many reasons: lightweight, small in the pocket/large in the hand, the best nibs (!), great color scheme on the red/metal version. What a great design.
@@Mynimi94: My Pilots are both Elites because I got them from Japan, and they don't use the E95s designation there. One is the burgundy/silver version, and the other is all black. They look superb and are supremely easy to uncap and post. Posted, they are slightly longer than a Lamy Safari. I normally do not post my pens; these are the exception.
I have the Lamy 2000 and the Platinum 3776 Century and one thing that has really stood out is the durability of the former. I always disliked how pens made of resin will get scratched sooo easily even from normal use, but the lamy doesn't get those "micro scratches" that the resin pens do; if you're bothered by those like I am I extra recommend looking into the Lamy 2000. I had mine ground to a custom stub and it's pretty much the only pen I use now because it's also insanely smooth and just "soft" enough to sometimes show off the shading of the ink that makes it perfect for me. I've also dropped it twice and it STILL looks brand new (I SWEAR i'm not normally that clumsy -.-) so when they mention it's durable in the video I can personally attest to it..
Between Lamy 2000 and Platinum 3776, which one would you recommend. I would like to order one of them before black friday sales are over. Thanks in advance...
Yeah, it's a completely different animal than other Lamy offerings, but once you get the hang of it, and overcome the learning curve with it, it's a dream. - Colin
The sweet spot was the hardest to get used to. The only way to really overcome it is by constantly writing with it. In a way, it'll make you get used to how to hold it.
My first Gold nib Pen was a Parker Sonnet and from this list I own a Lamy 2000 which I love writing with. Very informative video and interesting list. Thx a lot!
I, for one, am very happy you are Pilot heavy because that's what I chose when getting into fountain pens. I'm so happy to feel I made good decisions when a FP newbie :) I first bought (over a couple of years) 4 Pilot VPs. Coming from a dip pen/calligraphy background, the click function was the deal maker, plus the wonderful nib quality. I bought a couple of custom italic nib units, then learned to grind my own for my needs. The interchangeable nib units are a big plus for me. If it wasn't super-convenient, I'd just use a dip pen. I'd love to see your thoughts on the rotring Art Pen. They are probably more geared to calligraphy, but the nibs write so smoothly, and are so forgiving, it might tempt some of your customers to try a true italic hand.
1:58 - Brian, in all respect, just to put it right: the Lamy 200 was in actual fact _not_ "their founding pen, when they started the company". By the 1966 introduction the 2000, which was a groundbreaking item both in terms of technology, materials used and product design, the company was in business for 36 years already and looked back on quite a few successfull - now thought after - pens like those of the Orthos, Artus, Pollux, 27 and 99 series.
The pilot falcon became my go to pen for illustration. The extra fine nib works well for scientific illustration. It also has enough line variance to adjust to different art styles. It is also so smooth!
Got the platinum century 3776 blue with EF nib. I take notes in my A6 Leuchtturm1917 dotted notebooks and it is absolutely perfect! Loves the stiffness and feedback of the nib!
I own three of these five pens and couldn't more highly recommend the custom 74. Granted, I use it a lot for flex nib calligraphy and it takes some practice to learn to flex it safely. But I love a pen that can go seamlessly between fancy writing and note taking. And... now I'm thinking of getting the falcon to round out my Pilot collection. My wallet curses you all, but I love you guys. Keep up the awesome work and great service.
If you're liking the line variation aspect, then the Falcon really is a no-brainer. One of the few soft/flex nibs I own that doesn't drive me crazy! - Colin
Thanks for this video! I was so excited when it popped up in my feed because I've been thinking about getting a big girl gold nib pen. The honorable mention has been in my wishlist for months!
Great list! I love the Pilot nibs in that price range. I purchased a Stargazer (M) from you guys a while ago as a travel/carry pen and am in love with it.
Sorry to be so offtopic but does any of you know a tool to get back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly forgot the login password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me
@Josue Knox Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and Im in the hacking process now. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
I just bought the Platinum 3776 black diamond as my first fountain pen. I also bought the 3776 Briarwood. I bought one fine and one medium. I only bought one converter to test it out before I bought the second converter. I cannot wait to try them out.
As an everyday student I use my pens everyday. Ive been using a TWSBI Eco and I love the smoothness, I plan on getting the platinum 3776 but not sure if I should get the SF or M nib
Goulet pens was not my first experience with writing pens. Cross had me way back in time. My dad supplied copper and brass for the company and I got some cool pens. Fast forward to now.Hooked! I love pens and what they do. Fountain Pens have history and the write so nice. Well, the top five shown here are great and I own two. The LAMY 2000 and the Pilot VP. Yes, I have others now because of the time span but to carry I still had my real pocket pens. If you have a chance to buy either, do it. I may look into the others as I save up. Which ever you choose just enjoy and have a great writing Xperience. Write On
My self-imposed price cap on pens is $200 and under, and in that price range, the Lamy 2000 dominates the list for me, it is the ideal combination of ink capacity, writing feel, durability, and subtle, understated design, I absolutely love the simple form-follows-function Bauhaus design The pen is an absolute sleeper, amazing writing experience, amazing German precision, from the subtle click of capping the pen, the spring loaded clip, the almost unnoticeable seams between the section and body, and between the body and piston filler cap, the L2K is worth every penny and definitely hits far above it's weight class I find that the L2K spoils me for any other "expensive" ($150-$200) pen, the others are either too gaudy (Montblanc style), or are lower capacity due to the screw converters (which often need to be purchased separately), at this price range, the pen should either come *with* the converter, or have some form of integrated ink storage, like a piston fill I don't want some gaudy eyesore that screams "look how much money I can waste on frivolous expenditures", I want something that is designed to *function* first, aesthetics are irrelevant, the subtler the better Even better, for me, is since I own a L2K, I feel no need for other, "fancier" pens, i'd be perfectly content with the L2K as my only gold-nib pen (well, perhaps one more EF L2K as a backup, two is one, one is none, and maybe another in a wider nib width for more expressive writing, but other than that, I'm good with just my L2K, and my Pilot Metro as my "daily driver" and loaner, as it also hits above it's weight class, and it's hard to kill a steel nib that said, I *do* find the Pilot Vanishing Point intriguing, but the converter feed is a minor negative point for me if you're on the fence at all about the L2K,don't be, do yourself a favour and buy yourself one, you won't regret it
I was hoping you'd mention the pilot E95S. I love pocket pens and the burgundy E95S is one of the prettiest pens I've ever seen. I'd like to get one for Christmas.
Once you get to the $500 price range, it's more aesthetic changes than writing improvements. Something like the Aurora Optima is a full-featured pen at $450. Visconti does have a lot of great pens like the Homo Sapiens or Divina. - Colin
Good call on those pens. I have two of your top five - the Lamy 2000 and the Platinum 3776, and they both definitely deserve their spots in your top five. I've also got your honorable mention, the Pilot Elite 95S, and it too is a great pen. My personal favorite nib of all time, is actually a discontinued one - the Platinum 3776 medium-fine. Their fine version on the newer 3776, is also very good though. Keep these videos coming!
3 thumbs up for the Decimo! I carry mine in my shirt pocket. Super convenient. My Falcon runs super wet and my lines are wide without flexing. Great lightweight feel, though.
@West2WesternGhats Hi These two pens belong to different styles . They differ in aesthetics. 1)Lamy 2000.: Hooded nib ,makrolon -sratch and stain free .Very durable . Cons: small nib ,the protruding fins of washer coming in contact with the grip while writing . Practically only 1 color option: the steel version and limited edition ones are too expensive. 3776 : #6 nib.The sealing mechanism prevents ink from drying.available in many colors Cons : Twist cap(for few).In itself very durable but less when compared to Makrolon
Very recently I got back into fountain pens in a very BIG way. Previously I got a beautiful Parker Sonnet for my 40th Birthday three years ago. Before that.... far too many years to count since I enjoyed using a fountain pen. And after my 40th, nothing really took off. But now I went a bit crazy in getting some inexpensive as well as higher priced fountain pens. I'm glad you included the Honorable Mention as I had never even heard of the Pilot E95S before. In fact, I've ended up buying all but two of the six pens on this list. Don't like a nib that is too soft. So the Falcon is out. And I think I might know why Platinum stopped including converters with their 3776. I've heard accounts of the stock converters having ink flow and reliability issues. Honestly, it's why I bought the Pilot Custom 74 and a Con-70 converter; instead of the 3776. Couple of weeks back, had ink issues with a medium nib Parker Vector. Happened twice, in a row. I don't mind ink flow issues in a cheap fountain pen, but that just shouldn't happen in one that costs $150+. Just don't want to risk it. Also, having been born into Communist Russia where the quality of domestically produced goods *when they actually were available at all* was very much substandard to the rest of the world. Thus, to me, a fountain pen with feedback or one that is quite "toothy"; equals cheap junk. Not saying that's what the 3776 is. But hard to get over that experience as a student.
Fair point. I've never had an issues with the Platinum converter, but it's possible it's come into play for some. The Con-70 is one of my favorite converters though, so I would lean towards the C74 as well. - Colin
NGMonocrom I got a Sonnet for graduation, over 45 years ago... Loved it!! Was stolen some years back & recently got back into f.pens, myself. Haven't acquired another Sonnet yet but have some nice pens. Even had one custom made. Anyway I've loved f pens since I was 11 or 12 & am in my 60' s now.
Great video! These are all great pens, I realy want the lamy 2000 now haha. If your on a serious budget you may want to look at getting a vintage gold nib fountain pen, no kidding I got all of mine for under 40 bucks, and all they needed was a sack which is like what 3 bucks? But I know this channel isn't for vintage pens but I just wanted to pint that out. Thanks :)
I've just purchased the vanishing point with the steel nib. A little more than half of the cost of gold nib vanishing point. If I like the pen, I'll get a gold nib assembly to plop into the body of the cheap one. Haha.
My mom gave me her Lamy 2000 from the 70's, a gift for her first communion, and when I went to fill it up... it disintegrated. Maybe it had been stored wher it shouldnt be or something, but the plastic had cracks all over, id didnt retain any ink, and it snapped on some parts. A real shame.
Liked them all, esp. the E95S for style and Lamy 2000 for its capacity. They say the E95S is retro japanese style but since most fountain pen styles don't seem to change much, it comes out looking a bit futuristic, tho not technically so like the Rotring Core.
Yeah, you really can't go wrong with any of the choices. I like the Decimo a lot, especially because the retractable nib is so unique, especially in this price point. - Colin
I'm a little surprised you included the Custom 74 in your list. My significant other picked one up a couple months ago and after seeing your mention, I decided to try it out. With Noodler's Apache Orange in both the 74 and the $15 Metropolitan for comparison, we found the two wrote almost identically. The 74 was just as stiff, rough writing, and had the same flex as the $15 Metro... Thinking I was insane (after all, a gold nib is, well, a gold nib), I picked up my Lamy Al-Star and tried it on the same paper - it glided like butter.
The Custom 74, while being a gold nib, isn't necessarily going to have a flexibility to it. In my experience, it had some springy-ness and give to it (more so than the Pilot steel nibs). That said, it should definitely have a smooth writing experience so it's possible the nib could use some tuning. Either the tines might be misaligned or using micro-mesh to smooth it out. - Colin
Thanks Brian. I was waiting for this video. I love the idea of a softer, springy nib. Might I make one suggestion? Find a left handed person to try the flex and variable line width with all these pens. Being left handed myself, I wonder if they behave the same as with a right handed person. I would really be disappointed if I purchased a gold nibbed pen and it will not work for lefties. Just a suggestion. (got a lefty in you office someplace?)
That's a pretty good idea! We actually have two lefties in our office now and we hope to do more leftie-focused content here soon, so that could be an option. Thanks for the feedback. - Colin
Great new Colin. I have found that you really have to find the perfect angle of paper, pen and hand to duplicate the effect of smooth 'thick, thin' stroke widths. It is a Right Handed World and we are just trying to live in it. Again, my thanks.
I have one or more each of the pens reviewed. Least favorite: Lamy 2000, because the grip section is too narrow & tapered. Most preferred: Namiki/Pilot Falcon, because it has the best nib response of any of the others. As to some of the comments by others: I buy my pens to use. I don't use pen pouches or "kimonos." It doesn't bother me if the barrels or caps get some minor scratches or dents (I never chew on them, though) as long as they continue to work well.
Hi Brian, I am a fan. I just watched this video on entry-level gold nabbed pens without looking at the photo first. I was pleasantly surprised to discover I owned every one of these pens. So, here's a request for future podcast. You know how you have a podcast about the 2nd level fountain pens? How about a podcast on the 2nd level gold nibbed pens? After you own these top 5 entry-level gold nibbed pens, what would be your suggestion for someone's next step up? Personally, I am only interested in how well the pen writes. I think at some level, you reach a point of diminishing returns and further expenditures of money don't create a better writing experience; they create greater works of art or pieces of jewelry. That's fine for those who want that. For me, it's all about the writing experience. I'd be interested in your thoughts on the 2nd level gold nibbed pens. Let's say that you're willing to put in another $50-$100 past these top 5 entry-level gold nibbed pens in this podcast - what would be your suggestion for that? Do you agree that there is some point at which additional money is not buying an enhanced writing experience but is (justifiably) buying a finer and more beautiful object? Again, I am a customer and I am a fan. I enjoy your thoughts and appreciate somebody having a passion and a vision and making it come to fruition. Good for you! Keep up the great work.
That's certainly a consideration. A video for next level gold nib pens. There aren't too many pens in that $250 range, they jump to $500+ so it'd be a difficult video to fill out. The next step gets into design and features of a pen more than the nib/writing performance. Something like the full featured Aurora Optima would be in there for sure. Or the classic Visconti Homo Sapiens. But the difference in writing performance isn't as much as the cost might indicate. The pens in this video can certainly stand up to them in that regard. - Colin
I like my 3776 and love my Sailor Pro Gear - just need a Pilot to complete the trio! It's really hard to make a decision with so many different models and nib options.
I'd definitely lean more towards the VP/Decimo. They offer something very unique at that price point that I think is interesting. As far as nib size goes, that's a different story. - Colin
Hi, can someone tell me why Gold nib though? I tried some steel nib pens a while ago (one Pineider, and another one I forgot the brand), and felt that they are just as smooth as gold nib pens. Am I the only one that feel that way?
Falcon is my dream right now. I like how the nib looks pointed and how it kind of has a bend on the nib. The pen itself looks very classic the way I like my pens. Unfortunately my parents are avid users of cheap ball pens and they don’t see the worth of spending as much money on fountain pens so I have to literally save up my change and buy them. I currently own a Sheaffer Agio. :(
Citizen Z the falcon does indeed possess an exquisite “beak” like nib. It reminds me of a falcon. You should check out the metal body falcon vs resin(plastic). I prefer the metal body.
That's interesting as the Custom 74 I've written with was super smooth. Nib size does factor in quite a bit, so the fine nib might give a bit more feedback. - Colin
Pilot 74 & Platinum 3776 are really great, however I prefer more classic look so my 74 is in all black version. Others pens with gold nibs? Lamy studio with 14k nib I think its bit more cheaper then 2000, or Sailor 1911 Standard. Despite its no longer manufactured I think getting Platinum PTL-5000 is still possible.
Yeah, those are all great options. Both the Lamy Studio and PTL-5000 were in our "Next Level" pens video (ua-cam.com/video/4sCG9pl4_vU/v-deo.html) - Colin
Right now I'm debating on purchasing either the Pilot decimo vanishing point, or the e95s. Which one do you think would work better for small hands, with a two fingered grip?
Smaller hands, I would go with the E95s. It's a great pocket pen with step far enough back that it shouldn't hinder your grip. The Decimo has the clip right where your grip would be and that can be an issue for some. - Colin
Nothing too thorough just yet, but Brian touches on it a bit in a previous Q&A slice (ua-cam.com/video/NZadEtUK_lw/v-deo.html) and we also have TWSBI 580 disassembling and reassembling videos that could be helpful for the Eco as well. - Colin
Both are really great pens. I think if you like a wetter, broader nib... then Pelikan is the choice. Finer (especially a Japanese fine), VP is perfect. - Colin
I bought a Sailor Naginata Togi when I was in Japan this summer, and I absolutely loved it. Any chance you will put it on your store? I hope others can get the experience writing with it.
Unfortunately not. We used to be able to sell Sailor pens but then our US distributor decided to drop us suddenly. Here's a blog if you want to read more about it: blog.gouletpens.com/2013/07/goulet-pens-being-dropped-by-sailor.html - Colin
All 6 of these are definitely our favorite options still. Not too many new gold nibs in this price range recently, but the PTL-5000A from Platinum (www.gouletpens.com/collections/platinum-ptl-5000a-fountain-pens ) is newly reintroduced and is the ultimate value gold nib at $64! - Colin
For my second gold nib, is it good to go for a custom heritage 91 pilot with a medium nib? and how about the writing, is it very buttery smooth and a little bit feedback?
Not too long ago I didn't think that the custom 74 was that impressive and just ignored it but after getting one I have fallen completely in love with it especially after I got some nice Red and Black notebooks to write in and now it is one of my go to pens. I just realised that I got my custom 74 for a really great price of $100 aud with the soft fine and my Platinum 3776 for an amazing price of $80 aud
Brian actually touches on this in a previous Q&A (ua-cam.com/video/nq_6Cv7NIFM/v-deo.html) at the 58:55 mark. He doesn't go into too much specifics, but a few brands in there if you're curious.- Colin
Great video, as always! However, I'd like to add something regarding flex videos that use the Pilot Falcon. The nibs used in these videos are often modified for extra flex (from what I've heard at least). If you were to push a stock Falcon nib that far, even with practice, you would spring the nib quite badly!
The Falcon for sure won't flex as much as the Noodler's Ahab (or other conventional flex pens) might. And trying to do so might spring the nib. But for our videos, we haven't used any modified nib on the Falcon, just the general soft nib that comes with it. You can get some good line variation, but your advice of being cautious about it is a good one! - Colin
Of course, I would never expect you to use anything that's not stock for a demonstration! I was talking about the part of "If you're watching videos online of people doing AMAZING writing with these pens, it can take you some practice to get you there." at the end of the Falcon-segment of the video. That might be interpreted as "if you practice enough, you can get the line variation seen in those videos", hence the warning :)
Do you have an opinion on Montblanc pens? I gave my father one 30 years ago, he has been deceased for 25. Anyway I want to get my 13 year old a fountain pen for Christmas.He is as fascinated with writing as my father was and I( I'm a calligrapher) I am probably going for 1or 2 or 3 of your first level suggestions! I am thrilled to have found your videos! I am also going to resurrect my father's 2 Montblanc pens
Our videos primarily focus on products that we carry, so that's why Montblanc isn't featured. But those pens have a track record of success, so I think if you can resurrect them, they should be wonderful writing instruments. - Colin
I would also add the Sailor 1911S to that list but I don't think you guys carry that one... but I could be wrong... and I'm afraid if I go check I'll buy something. Anyway, pretty close to perfect list I'd say. The L2K really is a helluva pen for the $$
Our Nib Nook (www.gouletpens.com/nib-nook) is a great resource for these types of questions as you can compare nibs to each other. The Lamy 2000 in F/EF are both very similar (neither of which is as fine as the Pilot nib), so I'd opt for the Fine nib option on the 2000. - Colin
I just want to give an update on 2 gold nibs pens I have used. I am a fan of LAMY 2000, but my pen leaks when I fill it full. The vanishing point is good too, but the writing tip or the writing through this pen is hard. VP has destroyed my handwriting.
Hi! I have been searching for an exclusive and classic luxury pen for a friend of mine who graduates medical school at the end of this year. I've been watching the videos on this channel, but I have a hard time to decide which one I should go for. I am thinking about something in this range of price (130-200). Is there any you could recommend for a gift? I've heard a lot about Mont Blanc, but I want to engrave the pen, and from what I have heard it's not possible on Mont Blanc pens. What do you think of Caran d'Ache?
If they're going to go into the medical field, the Pilot Vanishing Point is a great option because of the retractable nib allows for quick notes. It's not engrave-able, so that could be a deal breaker. I don't have much experience with Mont Blanc or Caran d'Ache as we aren't a retailer for their fountain pens, but I know Cross has a lot of pens in that price range that can be engraved. (www.cross.com/writing-instruments/shop-all-writing-instruments/by-writing-type/fountain-pens.aspx). - Colin
I want the Vanishing Point so bad! I write a lot with my career so my Lamy Safari has been fantastic for hand cramping, but because I'm on the go taking field notes click pens are best. Can't wait to order one some day. Any other click style pens out there or is this an exclusive mechanism to Pilot?
It's not proprietary to Pilot, but it's definitely the most affordable retractable nib option. Others run well over $500. Definitely worth the investment if you write that much, perfect for quick notes. - Colin
How do these pens rank in bounce? This property is the only reason I'd try my first gold nib. Although I've seen the Ahab's line variation, I've heard that you have to be pretty intentional to get any line variation. I write with a light hand so my concern is not feeling a difference. I'm not into calligraphy so I'm not concerned with achieving the largest line width without springing tines.
Out of these options, the Pilot Falcon (www.gouletpens.com/pilot-falcon/c/198) definitely has the softest nib for line variation. It's not quite a flex pen like the Ahab, but the nib is soft with bounce to it, so you should be able to get both a fine line & broad with just some pressure. - Colin
I'm just curious: Are Lamy Accent ( www.lamy.com/ger/b2c/accent/098_by ) and cp1 ( www.lamy.com/ger/b2c/cp_1/053 ) available in the US too? I personally like the Accent more than the 2000 and they are both in the same price range. Coming to higher writing: What about Lamy Imporium series ( www.lamy.com/ger/b2c/imporium/fh_tipt ), is it known?
Ah! The Lamy cp1 black edition. I didn't look at this price range on your website, sorry. Though this is my bread and butter pen for more than 30 years. It is very durable. In Germany, however, you can get a platinum edition with 14ct gold nib for 200€, too.
Irrelevant but you remind me so much the actor Tyler Hoechlin (the hairstyle, the smile, the eyes, the colours in general) - that being said, nice pens but on the pricey side! Which affordable pens would you recommend that are good quality, good writing expeience and with a flex nib?
HI. I live in India, and cannot afford the nice 150 dollar plus pens. I use a Lamy CP1. It is my daily writer and I just want to know if I can change the nib to a gold one? I already have the anodised fine nib but the original pen nib I had bought was broad, so I got it changed. I hope you can help me.
I'm pretty sure that most Lamy pens, definitely the CP1, have a replaceable nib that you can friction fit onto the feed. Lamy sells the z55, z56 and z57 nibs which are bicolour gold. Note that buying a gold nib from Lamy will run you anywhere from 85 to 95 euros ex. shipping, so they are not exactly cheap.
Thank you very much for the video, Brian. And have you tried any of the gold nib pens from Marlen? I ask because from what I have seen their busy and craftsmanship appears to be superlative, but there is not a lot of information on those pens or that brand anywhere, so I was wondering if you have experience with those. Thanks,
Haven't tried pens from Marlen, but they look really interesting! Looking online, it seems like all of them are steel nibs, some with a 24kt gold plating, but maybe I'm missing a certain pen model. Being an Italian brand, the nibs are most likely Bock or JoWo, so the writing experience could be similar to a Montegrappa or steel-nibbed Visconti. - Colin
@@Gouletpens Thank you very much for the reply. They offer gold nibs as well. Especially on special edition models, but your reply was very helpful. I am definitely going to get one with a 18k gold nib I have my eyes on. Best,
They don't offer them separately, unfortunately, so I don't know the cost. I want to say we'd looked into special ordering once or maybe just inquired, and it was something like 60% of the cost of the whole pen...so not very practical for us to try to offer. -Brian
I'm Japanese.
I like fountain pen very much.
It is difficult for me to understand English but I think that this video is very good.
I am sorry that my English is not good.
Thanks for watching! - Colin
Don't worry. I live in California and a good portion of the population doesn't speak any English at all.
心配しません。英語が良いです！
Yes in japan and korea they comonly use fountain pens
Your english seems perfectly fine to me. ;]
I adore the Pilot E95s. It's my first gold nib and it's THE BEST if you hate posting in general, but are forced to do it when you use the pen on a train for example. This feels just perfect posted. And the vintage look just adds to my love for it.
Yeah, the E95s was my first gold nib pen as well (Brian isn't lying when he says its a GPC favorite). It does make you post, but looks so streamlined when it does that you want to do it! Love mine. - Colin
Oh yes! It's such a beauty! And also one of the finest extra fines!
Like you, I love the Elite 95 S. It is my favorite pen for many reasons: lightweight, small in the pocket/large in the hand, the best nibs (!), great color scheme on the red/metal version. What a great design.
Mynimi94 I absolutely love vintage pens and vintage pen designs
@@Mynimi94: My Pilots are both Elites because I got them from Japan, and they don't use the E95s designation there. One is the burgundy/silver version, and the other is all black. They look superb and are supremely easy to uncap and post. Posted, they are slightly longer than a Lamy Safari. I normally do not post my pens; these are the exception.
pilot falcon looks awesome and it might be my first expensive pen.
It's my favorite pen so far. Saving up and taking a break to buy nicer and better pens.
The Lamy 2000 is just too good it might as well be an end-level workhorse gold nib pen.
I have the Lamy 2000 and the Platinum 3776 Century and one thing that has really stood out is the durability of the former.
I always disliked how pens made of resin will get scratched sooo easily even from normal use, but the lamy doesn't get those "micro scratches" that the resin pens do; if you're bothered by those like I am I extra recommend looking into the Lamy 2000.
I had mine ground to a custom stub and it's pretty much the only pen I use now because it's also insanely smooth and just "soft" enough to sometimes show off the shading of the ink that makes it perfect for me.
I've also dropped it twice and it STILL looks brand new (I SWEAR i'm not normally that clumsy -.-) so when they mention it's durable in the video I can personally attest to it..
Andre Hirthing
Brushed titanium pen body.
Well said. Lamy is great for everyday use and I too highly recommend them.
Between Lamy 2000 and Platinum 3776, which one would you recommend. I would like to order one of them before black friday sales are over. Thanks in advance...
Getting the e95S next month! My 1st gold nib pen and I'm very excited!
I have the fine E95S and it is buttery smooth, one of the smoothest pens I have. You'll love it. Excellent choice for your first gold nib.
Great video! I like how your pace is fast - you get to the point and lots of interesting info in a short vid.
Lamy 2000 was my first ever Gold Nib pen. As someone who started with the Lamy Safari, it's a lot to get used to!
Yeah, it's a completely different animal than other Lamy offerings, but once you get the hang of it, and overcome the learning curve with it, it's a dream. - Colin
The sweet spot was the hardest to get used to. The only way to really overcome it is by constantly writing with it. In a way, it'll make you get used to how to hold it.
Always such a pleasure to see your friendly face talking about my favorite subject 💝
My first Gold nib Pen was a Parker Sonnet and from this list I own a Lamy 2000 which I love writing with. Very informative video and interesting list. Thx a lot!
The 2000 is a beast
I love my Lamy 2000! Great feel, and great ink capacity!
I, for one, am very happy you are Pilot heavy because that's what I chose when getting into fountain pens. I'm so happy to feel I made good decisions when a FP newbie :) I first bought (over a couple of years) 4 Pilot VPs. Coming from a dip pen/calligraphy background, the click function was the deal maker, plus the wonderful nib quality. I bought a couple of custom italic nib units, then learned to grind my own for my needs. The interchangeable nib units are a big plus for me. If it wasn't super-convenient, I'd just use a dip pen. I'd love to see your thoughts on the rotring Art Pen. They are probably more geared to calligraphy, but the nibs write so smoothly, and are so forgiving, it might tempt some of your customers to try a true italic hand.
1:58 - Brian, in all respect, just to put it right: the Lamy 200 was in actual fact _not_ "their founding pen, when they started the company". By the 1966 introduction the 2000, which was a groundbreaking item both in terms of technology, materials used and product design, the company was in business for 36 years already and looked back on quite a few successfull - now thought after - pens like those of the Orthos, Artus, Pollux, 27 and 99 series.
Too bad they invented the 2000. Worst gold nib fountain pen in history. There isn't one thing good about it.
@@jamesaritchie1 Oof. Looks like someone had a bad experience. However the majority of the FP world disagrees with you.
LOVE the 3776
Love taking a few hits from my wax pen and watching these vids. These pens are beautiful
Loving the trucks behind you. I LOVE the E95S too. Great vid.
Prices have seriously changed in 5 years 😂
Love the Platinum 3776 in blue!
The pilot falcon became my go to pen for illustration. The extra fine nib works well for scientific illustration. It also has enough line variance to adjust to different art styles. It is also so smooth!
Got the platinum century 3776 blue with EF nib. I take notes in my A6 Leuchtturm1917 dotted notebooks and it is absolutely perfect! Loves the stiffness and feedback of the nib!
I have collected all of 3776 and I also love PTL 5000a. Thanks for these pens, I love to study more than any other time.
My first gold nib pen was a Platinum #3776 with Music Nib. I never expected myself to like it so much!
It's definitely one of the top options out there. Judging by the comments on this video, it's a bit underrated too! - Colin
Indeed. However, I haven't seen much comments on the Music Nib. Any comments?
Brian you are always so upbeat. Great Videos!
I own three of these five pens and couldn't more highly recommend the custom 74. Granted, I use it a lot for flex nib calligraphy and it takes some practice to learn to flex it safely. But I love a pen that can go seamlessly between fancy writing and note taking. And... now I'm thinking of getting the falcon to round out my Pilot collection. My wallet curses you all, but I love you guys. Keep up the awesome work and great service.
If you're liking the line variation aspect, then the Falcon really is a no-brainer. One of the few soft/flex nibs I own that doesn't drive me crazy! - Colin
74 and 3776 are soooo cool.
IKR I really like the look of the gold nib on the 3776. Definitely my grail pen for now!
I think I'm going to buy the platinum 3776 now in fine
Thanks for this video! I was so excited when it popped up in my feed because I've been thinking about getting a big girl gold nib pen. The honorable mention has been in my wishlist for months!
I have the E95s and can confirm it's an awesome pen. The design itself is so unique and it writes like a dream! - Colin
The Goulet Pen Company Hey Colin, I am interested in something that has a bit of line variation. Do you feel you're able to get that in the E95s?
It does have a softer nib, but if you want line variation, the Pilot Falcon is definitely the way to go. - Colin
Great list! I love the Pilot nibs in that price range. I purchased a Stargazer (M) from you guys a while ago as a travel/carry pen and am in love with it.
That's awesome. I never hear about the Stargazer, but it looks like a nice pen, so glad you're enjoying it! - Colin
"great for taking notes on the go" *clicks pen... draws figure 8s*
great notes
I'm sure there's someone out there....somewhere, who is practicing their cursive "s" and that VP would be very handy! ;) - Colin
OnionButtons ;)
Sorry to be so offtopic but does any of you know a tool to get back into an Instagram account..?
I stupidly forgot the login password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me
@Dean Jerome instablaster ;)
@Josue Knox Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and Im in the hacking process now.
I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
Definitely have a few of these and they are worth the extra.
I just bought the Platinum 3776 black diamond as my first fountain pen. I also bought the 3776 Briarwood. I bought one fine and one medium. I only bought one converter to test it out before I bought the second converter. I cannot wait to try them out.
Going big on the first fountain pen! It's a good choice, love the nib on the 3776. Let me know how you get on with it! :) - Colin
As an everyday student I use my pens everyday. Ive been using a TWSBI Eco and I love the smoothness, I plan on getting the platinum 3776 but not sure if I should get the SF or M nib
Nice.
Used to steel nibs.
Going to jump into the deep end of the Gold-Nib pool with a Pilot Metal Falcon SEF.
The metal Falcon is a much, much better pen than the plastic version. It's more than worth the price.
Platinum 3776 for a nib with flex, feedback and the E95S. VP and decimo very versatile. Pilot falcon metal version worth saving up for.
The Pilot E95s is really awesome. I love mine.
Goulet pens was not my first experience with writing pens. Cross had me way back in time. My dad supplied copper and brass for the company and I got some cool pens. Fast forward to now.Hooked! I love pens and what they do. Fountain Pens have history and the write so nice. Well, the top five shown here are great and I own two. The LAMY 2000 and the Pilot VP. Yes, I have others now because of the time span but to carry I still had my real pocket pens. If you have a chance to buy either, do it. I may look into the others as I save up. Which ever you choose just enjoy and have a great writing Xperience. Write On
My self-imposed price cap on pens is $200 and under, and in that price range, the Lamy 2000 dominates the list for me, it is the ideal combination of ink capacity, writing feel, durability, and subtle, understated design, I absolutely love the simple form-follows-function Bauhaus design
The pen is an absolute sleeper, amazing writing experience, amazing German precision, from the subtle click of capping the pen, the spring loaded clip, the almost unnoticeable seams between the section and body, and between the body and piston filler cap, the L2K is worth every penny and definitely hits far above it's weight class
I find that the L2K spoils me for any other "expensive" ($150-$200) pen, the others are either too gaudy (Montblanc style), or are lower capacity due to the screw converters (which often need to be purchased separately), at this price range, the pen should either come *with* the converter, or have some form of integrated ink storage, like a piston fill
I don't want some gaudy eyesore that screams "look how much money I can waste on frivolous expenditures", I want something that is designed to *function* first, aesthetics are irrelevant, the subtler the better
Even better, for me, is since I own a L2K, I feel no need for other, "fancier" pens, i'd be perfectly content with the L2K as my only gold-nib pen (well, perhaps one more EF L2K as a backup, two is one, one is none, and maybe another in a wider nib width for more expressive writing, but other than that, I'm good with just my L2K, and my Pilot Metro as my "daily driver" and loaner, as it also hits above it's weight class, and it's hard to kill a steel nib
that said, I *do* find the Pilot Vanishing Point intriguing, but the converter feed is a minor negative point for me
if you're on the fence at all about the L2K,don't be, do yourself a favour and buy yourself one, you won't regret it
I was hoping you'd mention the pilot E95S. I love pocket pens and the burgundy E95S is one of the prettiest pens I've ever seen. I'd like to get one for Christmas.
Yeah, he couldn't deny the E95s! Both me and our videographer Jenni have one and love it. It's such a unique design. - Colin
absolutely agree with the pens you have chosen!
Could you do a top 5 extreme level pen?
What's the threshold for that? Over $1000? Visconti and Namiki are the obvious answers there. :) - Colin
i meant over $500 or pens that are for people who are completely into fountain pens and want something beyond these entry level ones.
Once you get to the $500 price range, it's more aesthetic changes than writing improvements. Something like the Aurora Optima is a full-featured pen at $450. Visconti does have a lot of great pens like the Homo Sapiens or Divina. - Colin
HI IM NO ONE montblanc 149 for sure. Absolute classic (although you can't get it from Goulet)
I own a meisterstuck le grande platinum. A Pelikan m200. And a platinum 3776. The montblanc is my least favorite.
Good call on those pens. I have two of your top five - the Lamy 2000 and the Platinum 3776, and they both definitely deserve their spots in your top five. I've also got your honorable mention, the Pilot Elite 95S, and it too is a great pen. My personal favorite nib of all time, is actually a discontinued one - the Platinum 3776 medium-fine. Their fine version on the newer 3776, is also very good though. Keep these videos coming!
could you pls suggest one between platinum 3776 and Lamy 2000. I would like to make a purchase before black friday discounts end...thank you...
thx for the video. It helps narrow down the list.
3 thumbs up for the Decimo! I carry mine in my shirt pocket. Super convenient. My Falcon runs super wet and my lines are wide without flexing. Great lightweight feel, though.
I am happy that I have all of them (Have Pilot Custom 823 instead of custom 74)!
Between 3776 & Lamy2000, which one would you suggest..? I would like to make a purchase ...thank you in advance...
@West2WesternGhats
Hi
These two pens belong to different styles .
They differ in aesthetics.
1)Lamy 2000.: Hooded nib ,makrolon -sratch and stain free .Very durable .
Cons: small nib ,the protruding fins of washer coming in contact with the grip while writing .
Practically only 1 color option: the steel version and limited edition ones are too expensive.
3776 : #6 nib.The sealing mechanism prevents ink from drying.available in many colors
Cons : Twist cap(for few).In itself very durable but less when compared to Makrolon
Very recently I got back into fountain pens in a very BIG way. Previously I got a beautiful Parker Sonnet for my 40th Birthday three years ago. Before that.... far too many years to count since I enjoyed using a fountain pen. And after my 40th, nothing really took off. But now I went a bit crazy in getting some inexpensive as well as higher priced fountain pens. I'm glad you included the Honorable Mention as I had never even heard of the Pilot E95S before. In fact, I've ended up buying all but two of the six pens on this list. Don't like a nib that is too soft. So the Falcon is out. And I think I might know why Platinum stopped including converters with their 3776.
I've heard accounts of the stock converters having ink flow and reliability issues. Honestly, it's why I bought the Pilot Custom 74 and a Con-70 converter; instead of the 3776. Couple of weeks back, had ink issues with a medium nib Parker Vector. Happened twice, in a row. I don't mind ink flow issues in a cheap fountain pen, but that just shouldn't happen in one that costs $150+. Just don't want to risk it. Also, having been born into Communist Russia where the quality of domestically produced goods *when they actually were available at all* was very much substandard to the rest of the world. Thus, to me, a fountain pen with feedback or one that is quite "toothy"; equals cheap junk. Not saying that's what the 3776 is. But hard to get over that experience as a student.
Fair point. I've never had an issues with the Platinum converter, but it's possible it's come into play for some. The Con-70 is one of my favorite converters though, so I would lean towards the C74 as well. - Colin
NGMonocrom wow
NGMonocrom
I got a Sonnet for graduation, over 45 years ago... Loved it!! Was stolen some years back & recently got back into f.pens, myself. Haven't acquired another Sonnet yet but have some nice pens. Even had one custom made. Anyway I've loved f pens since I was 11 or 12 & am in my 60' s now.
Great video! These are all great pens, I realy want the lamy 2000 now haha. If your on a serious budget you may want to look at getting a vintage gold nib fountain pen, no kidding I got all of mine for under 40 bucks, and all they needed was a sack which is like what 3 bucks? But I know this channel isn't for vintage pens but I just wanted to pint that out. Thanks :)
Hi, where can we find vintage pens to buy, any suggestions.
I've just purchased the vanishing point with the steel nib. A little more than half of the cost of gold nib vanishing point. If I like the pen, I'll get a gold nib assembly to plop into the body of the cheap one. Haha.
My mom gave me her Lamy 2000 from the 70's, a gift for her first communion, and when I went to fill it up... it disintegrated. Maybe it had been stored wher it shouldnt be or something, but the plastic had cracks all over, id didnt retain any ink, and it snapped on some parts. A real shame.
Thanks for making this video
Liked them all, esp. the E95S for style and Lamy 2000 for its capacity. They say the E95S is retro japanese style but since most fountain pen styles don't seem to change much, it comes out looking a bit futuristic, tho not technically so like the Rotring Core.
I only see it as a retro/vintage pen. The burgundy/ivory one just reminds me of Mad Men. - Colin
I love my Decimo, my first gold nib pen. I'm tempted to get Custom 74.
The Decimo is one sharp pen, which color did you go with? Custom 74 is definitely Brian's favorite, so you're in good hands there. - Colin
The burgundy fine point inked up with the Iroshizuku Yama-Budo. It's lovely.
Sounds like a dream combo! :) - Colin
Ahh!! So many to choose from. I think I'm going for the vp decimo, since I have small hands. But...the custom 74 is also calling my name.
Yeah, you really can't go wrong with any of the choices. I like the Decimo a lot, especially because the retractable nib is so unique, especially in this price point. - Colin
I'm a little surprised you included the Custom 74 in your list. My significant other picked one up a couple months ago and after seeing your mention, I decided to try it out. With Noodler's Apache Orange in both the 74 and the $15 Metropolitan for comparison, we found the two wrote almost identically. The 74 was just as stiff, rough writing, and had the same flex as the $15 Metro...
Thinking I was insane (after all, a gold nib is, well, a gold nib), I picked up my Lamy Al-Star and tried it on the same paper - it glided like butter.
The Custom 74, while being a gold nib, isn't necessarily going to have a flexibility to it. In my experience, it had some springy-ness and give to it (more so than the Pilot steel nibs). That said, it should definitely have a smooth writing experience so it's possible the nib could use some tuning. Either the tines might be misaligned or using micro-mesh to smooth it out. - Colin
Great video! I don't know why but i really enjoy the top # videos ( top 5 or top 10 etc.) can't wait to see more in the future GPC!
Yeah, when we did our giveaway, we found out a lot of people liked them! We're hoping to do some more here soon. :) - Colin
very interested in your site for pens.... ive been using a Mont Blanc... a bit of variety is helpful... thx
Thanks Brian. I was waiting for this video. I love the idea of a softer, springy nib. Might I make one suggestion? Find a left handed person to try the flex and variable line width with all these pens. Being left handed myself, I wonder if they behave the same as with a right handed person. I would really be disappointed if I purchased a gold nibbed pen and it will not work for lefties. Just a suggestion. (got a lefty in you office someplace?)
That's a pretty good idea! We actually have two lefties in our office now and we hope to do more leftie-focused content here soon, so that could be an option. Thanks for the feedback. - Colin
Great new Colin. I have found that you really have to find the perfect angle of paper, pen and hand to duplicate the effect of smooth 'thick, thin' stroke widths. It is a Right Handed World and we are just trying to live in it. Again, my thanks.
I have one or more each of the pens reviewed. Least favorite: Lamy 2000, because the grip section is too narrow & tapered. Most preferred: Namiki/Pilot Falcon, because it has the best nib response of any of the others.
As to some of the comments by others: I buy my pens to use. I don't use pen pouches or "kimonos." It doesn't bother me if the barrels or caps get some minor scratches or dents (I never chew on them, though) as long as they continue to work well.
What about the sailor 1911? That's a great pen.
I was going to buy a Lamy 2000 but now I’m torn between that and the Falcon
Hi Brian,
I am a fan. I just watched this video on entry-level gold nabbed pens without looking at the photo first. I was pleasantly surprised to discover I owned every one of these pens.
So, here's a request for future podcast. You know how you have a podcast about the 2nd level fountain pens? How about a podcast on the 2nd level gold nibbed pens? After you own these top 5 entry-level gold nibbed pens, what would be your suggestion for someone's next step up?
Personally, I am only interested in how well the pen writes. I think at some level, you reach a point of diminishing returns and further expenditures of money don't create a better writing experience; they create greater works of art or pieces of jewelry. That's fine for those who want that.
For me, it's all about the writing experience. I'd be interested in your thoughts on the 2nd level gold nibbed pens.
Let's say that you're willing to put in another $50-$100 past these top 5 entry-level gold nibbed pens in this podcast - what would be your suggestion for that?
Do you agree that there is some point at which additional money is not buying an enhanced writing experience but is (justifiably) buying a finer and more beautiful object?
Again, I am a customer and I am a fan. I enjoy your thoughts and appreciate somebody having a passion and a vision and making it come to fruition. Good for you! Keep up the great work.
That's certainly a consideration. A video for next level gold nib pens. There aren't too many pens in that $250 range, they jump to $500+ so it'd be a difficult video to fill out. The next step gets into design and features of a pen more than the nib/writing performance. Something like the full featured Aurora Optima would be in there for sure. Or the classic Visconti Homo Sapiens. But the difference in writing performance isn't as much as the cost might indicate. The pens in this video can certainly stand up to them in that regard. - Colin
I would add the Sailor Sapporo too, it has the same nib of the Sailor Pro Gear at a much more affordable price. Great pen, my first gold nib!
Haven't tried it. I do have a Sailor Pro Gear, and a 1911L. I love both of them.
I like my 3776 and love my Sailor Pro Gear - just need a Pilot to complete the trio! It's really hard to make a decision with so many different models and nib options.
I'd definitely lean more towards the VP/Decimo. They offer something very unique at that price point that I think is interesting. As far as nib size goes, that's a different story. - Colin
Hi, can someone tell me why Gold nib though? I tried some steel nib pens a while ago (one Pineider, and another one I forgot the brand), and felt that they are just as smooth as gold nib pens. Am I the only one that feel that way?
Falcon is my dream right now. I like how the nib looks pointed and how it kind of has a bend on the nib. The pen itself looks very classic the way I like my pens. Unfortunately my parents are avid users of cheap ball pens and they don’t see the worth of spending as much money on fountain pens so I have to literally save up my change and buy them. I currently own a Sheaffer Agio. :(
Citizen Z the falcon does indeed possess an exquisite “beak” like nib. It reminds me of a falcon.
You should check out the metal body falcon vs resin(plastic). I prefer the metal body.
3776! The best!!!!!
And I have custom 74, too. But it is so scratchy......so sad.
agreed I have both and the 3776 is a much smoother nib.
That's interesting as the Custom 74 I've written with was super smooth. Nib size does factor in quite a bit, so the fine nib might give a bit more feedback. - Colin
Pilot 74 & Platinum 3776 are really great, however I prefer more classic look so my 74 is in all black version. Others pens with gold nibs? Lamy studio with 14k nib I think its bit more cheaper then 2000, or Sailor 1911 Standard. Despite its no longer manufactured I think getting Platinum PTL-5000 is still possible.
Yeah, those are all great options. Both the Lamy Studio and PTL-5000 were in our "Next Level" pens video (ua-cam.com/video/4sCG9pl4_vU/v-deo.html) - Colin
I noticed you never mentioned one of sailor pens
This video was focused on pens that we carry, but certainly there's some good options with Sailor. - Colin
Right now I'm debating on purchasing either the Pilot decimo vanishing point, or the e95s. Which one do you think would work better for small hands, with a two fingered grip?
Smaller hands, I would go with the E95s. It's a great pocket pen with step far enough back that it shouldn't hinder your grip. The Decimo has the clip right where your grip would be and that can be an issue for some. - Colin
do u guys have a video on cleaning and maintainin the twsbi eco? if not, can you make one? thanks
Nothing too thorough just yet, but Brian touches on it a bit in a previous Q&A slice (ua-cam.com/video/NZadEtUK_lw/v-deo.html) and we also have TWSBI 580 disassembling and reassembling videos that could be helpful for the Eco as well. - Colin
I'm considering between the vanishing point and m600
Both are really great pens. I think if you like a wetter, broader nib... then Pelikan is the choice. Finer (especially a Japanese fine), VP is perfect. - Colin
I bought a Sailor Naginata Togi when I was in Japan this summer, and I absolutely loved it. Any chance you will put it on your store? I hope others can get the experience writing with it.
Unfortunately not. We used to be able to sell Sailor pens but then our US distributor decided to drop us suddenly. Here's a blog if you want to read more about it: blog.gouletpens.com/2013/07/goulet-pens-being-dropped-by-sailor.html - Colin
wondering if there's been an update to this list now for 2019?
All 6 of these are definitely our favorite options still. Not too many new gold nibs in this price range recently, but the PTL-5000A from Platinum (www.gouletpens.com/collections/platinum-ptl-5000a-fountain-pens ) is newly reintroduced and is the ultimate value gold nib at $64! - Colin
What do u think of Parker pens , vector , frontier series
Angus Wills I really like the Frontier matte rollerball pen. I bought one for a close friend of mine. Looks and writes smooth.
For my second gold nib, is it good to go for a custom heritage 91 pilot with a medium nib? and how about the writing, is it very buttery smooth and a little bit feedback?
Not too long ago I didn't think that the custom 74 was that impressive and just ignored it but after getting one I have fallen completely in love with it especially after I got some nice Red and Black notebooks to write in and now it is one of my go to pens. I just realised that I got my custom 74 for a really great price of $100 aud with the soft fine and my Platinum 3776 for an amazing price of $80 aud
could you swap the nib on the E95S with the Falcon's, or would the nib being inset prevent that? I want the the body, but not the softness.
Colin , this is off topic, I've been trying to identify the watches you have been wearing in your videos...thanks
Brian actually touches on this in a previous Q&A (ua-cam.com/video/nq_6Cv7NIFM/v-deo.html) at the 58:55 mark. He doesn't go into too much specifics, but a few brands in there if you're curious.- Colin
How do the sailor gold nib pens (1911 or pro gear) compare to Platinum 3776?
Pilot falcon si soo freaking beautiful
Great video, as always! However, I'd like to add something regarding flex videos that use the Pilot Falcon. The nibs used in these videos are often modified for extra flex (from what I've heard at least). If you were to push a stock Falcon nib that far, even with practice, you would spring the nib quite badly!
The Falcon for sure won't flex as much as the Noodler's Ahab (or other conventional flex pens) might. And trying to do so might spring the nib. But for our videos, we haven't used any modified nib on the Falcon, just the general soft nib that comes with it. You can get some good line variation, but your advice of being cautious about it is a good one! - Colin
Of course, I would never expect you to use anything that's not stock for a demonstration! I was talking about the part of "If you're watching videos online of people doing AMAZING writing with these pens, it can take you some practice to get you there." at the end of the Falcon-segment of the video. That might be interpreted as "if you practice enough, you can get the line variation seen in those videos", hence the warning :)
If a nib has splay function then it should be physically confined to prevent plastic deformation.
Do you have an opinion on Montblanc pens? I gave my father one 30 years ago, he has been deceased for 25. Anyway I want to get my 13 year old a fountain pen for Christmas.He is as fascinated with writing as my father was and I( I'm a calligrapher) I am probably going for 1or 2 or 3 of your first level suggestions! I am thrilled to have found your videos!
I am also going to resurrect my father's 2 Montblanc pens
Our videos primarily focus on products that we carry, so that's why Montblanc isn't featured. But those pens have a track record of success, so I think if you can resurrect them, they should be wonderful writing instruments. - Colin
I would also add the Sailor 1911S to that list but I don't think you guys carry that one... but I could be wrong... and I'm afraid if I go check I'll buy something. Anyway, pretty close to perfect list I'd say. The L2K really is a helluva pen for the $$
Yeah, this list was only focused on the pens we carry, unfortunately Sailor is not one of them. But definitely a good option as well. - Colin
What about the Sailor 1911S or Sailor Pro Gear Sapporo?
I'm thinking of getting the Lamy 2000 in F or EF, still cant decide. I want something similar to my Pilot Custom 74 in Fine.
Our Nib Nook (www.gouletpens.com/nib-nook) is a great resource for these types of questions as you can compare nibs to each other. The Lamy 2000 in F/EF are both very similar (neither of which is as fine as the Pilot nib), so I'd opt for the Fine nib option on the 2000. - Colin
In my Opinion... Falcon and 2000 are Best
Just came here to mention the Pilot Celemo as an entry level option
I just want to give an update on 2 gold nibs pens I have used. I am a fan of LAMY 2000, but my pen leaks when I fill it full. The vanishing point is good too, but the writing tip or the writing through this pen is hard. VP has destroyed my handwriting.
are visconti nibs swappable and can you buy just a palladium dream touch nib directly from visconti?
Hi! I have been searching for an exclusive and classic luxury pen for a friend of mine who graduates medical school at the end of this year. I've been watching the videos on this channel, but I have a hard time to decide which one I should go for. I am thinking about something in this range of price (130-200). Is there any you could recommend for a gift? I've heard a lot about Mont Blanc, but I want to engrave the pen, and from what I have heard it's not possible on Mont Blanc pens. What do you think of Caran d'Ache?
If they're going to go into the medical field, the Pilot Vanishing Point is a great option because of the retractable nib allows for quick notes. It's not engrave-able, so that could be a deal breaker. I don't have much experience with Mont Blanc or Caran d'Ache as we aren't a retailer for their fountain pens, but I know Cross has a lot of pens in that price range that can be engraved. (www.cross.com/writing-instruments/shop-all-writing-instruments/by-writing-type/fountain-pens.aspx). - Colin
I want the Vanishing Point so bad! I write a lot with my career so my Lamy Safari has been fantastic for hand cramping, but because I'm on the go taking field notes click pens are best. Can't wait to order one some day. Any other click style pens out there or is this an exclusive mechanism to Pilot?
It's not proprietary to Pilot, but it's definitely the most affordable retractable nib option. Others run well over $500. Definitely worth the investment if you write that much, perfect for quick notes. - Colin
How do these pens rank in bounce? This property is the only reason I'd try my first gold nib. Although I've seen the Ahab's line variation, I've heard that you have to be pretty intentional to get any line variation. I write with a light hand so my concern is not feeling a difference. I'm not into calligraphy so I'm not concerned with achieving the largest line width without springing tines.
Out of these options, the Pilot Falcon (www.gouletpens.com/pilot-falcon/c/198) definitely has the softest nib for line variation. It's not quite a flex pen like the Ahab, but the nib is soft with bounce to it, so you should be able to get both a fine line & broad with just some pressure. - Colin
Platinum 3776 Century is best ASMR ever
I'm just curious: Are Lamy Accent ( www.lamy.com/ger/b2c/accent/098_by ) and cp1 ( www.lamy.com/ger/b2c/cp_1/053 ) available in the US too? I personally like the Accent more than the 2000 and they are both in the same price range. Coming to higher writing: What about Lamy Imporium series ( www.lamy.com/ger/b2c/imporium/fh_tipt ), is it known?
It doesn't look like the Accent or Imporium are available in the US. The CP1 is though (www.gouletpens.com/lamy-cp1/c/160). - Colin
Ah! The Lamy cp1 black edition. I didn't look at this price range on your website, sorry. Though this is my bread and butter pen for more than 30 years. It is very durable. In Germany, however, you can get a platinum edition with 14ct gold nib for 200€, too.
Irrelevant but you remind me so much the actor Tyler Hoechlin (the hairstyle, the smile, the eyes, the colours in general) - that being said, nice pens but on the pricey side! Which affordable pens would you recommend that are good quality, good writing expeience and with a flex nib?
HI. I live in India, and cannot afford the nice 150 dollar plus pens. I use a Lamy CP1. It is my daily writer and I just want to know if I can change the nib to a gold one? I already have the anodised fine nib but the original pen nib I had bought was broad, so I got it changed. I hope you can help me.
I'm pretty sure that most Lamy pens, definitely the CP1, have a replaceable nib that you can friction fit onto the feed. Lamy sells the z55, z56 and z57 nibs which are bicolour gold.
Note that buying a gold nib from Lamy will run you anywhere from 85 to 95 euros ex. shipping, so they are not exactly cheap.
Thank you very much for the video, Brian. And have you tried any of the gold nib pens from Marlen? I ask because from what I have seen their busy and craftsmanship appears to be superlative, but there is not a lot of information on those pens or that brand anywhere, so I was wondering if you have experience with those. Thanks,
Haven't tried pens from Marlen, but they look really interesting! Looking online, it seems like all of them are steel nibs, some with a 24kt gold plating, but maybe I'm missing a certain pen model. Being an Italian brand, the nibs are most likely Bock or JoWo, so the writing experience could be similar to a Montegrappa or steel-nibbed Visconti. - Colin
@@Gouletpens Thank you very much for the reply. They offer gold nibs as well. Especially on special edition models, but your reply was very helpful. I am definitely going to get one with a 18k gold nib I have my eyes on. Best,
What is the ink you used at 3:43?
That is J. Herbin Diabolo Menthe (www.gouletpens.com/jherbin-diabolo-menthe-30ml-bottled-fountain-pen-ink/p/H130-33). - Colin
The Goulet Pen Company Looks really nice, might be ordering a bottle!
What’s the nib size of the platinum 3776 shown in the video? Can someone help?
Looks like Fine for the pressure she is applying... but not 100% sure...
HI!!! Please make a video for entry level full flex pen.
Do you like Indigo (gold) better than the top five gold nib pens? THanks
Which one has the softer flex? The rhodium falcon or gold falcon
The writing experience should be the same. Both are 14kt gold nibs, it's just Rhodium plating to match the trim. - Colin
How much a new Pilot custom 92 nib cost and how much time would it take for the replacement?
They don't offer them separately, unfortunately, so I don't know the cost. I want to say we'd looked into special ordering once or maybe just inquired, and it was something like 60% of the cost of the whole pen...so not very practical for us to try to offer. -Brian
@@Gouletpens thanks Brian