+1 on ink syringes. I also appreciate a good desktop pen holder, like the ones from Dudek Modern Goods. Another item I find surprisingly useful is a shot glass or two. They're the perfect size to soak small parts that need cleaning. They're see-through and have a weighted bottom so they won't tip over.
Pretty much the same things on my desk, minus the wrap. I have several pens, but use only one. I write and use Gama Forever for everything. Being an eyedropper, I keep a length of clear .5inch plastic tubing. One end perfectly fits over the threads of the grip feed section. Bulb syringe, filled and stuck into the other end of the tubing, the perfect flush for nib and feed.
I NEVER use pen cases because they are too "fiddley." I want my pens to be available right away. My pens are purchased to be used, and if they rub together & get minor scratches it doesn't bother me. I use Q-tips and bulb syringes to clean my pens if they are cartridge/converter; you can trim the tip of a bulb syringe to make it fit into the section better, but I prefer to take an empty cartridge and cut it in half; Then you can put the open-ended cartridge into the pen, insert the syringe tip, and flush the section and force the water thru it. I save many empty cartridges and refill those before use with whatever color of ink I choose. I use 5 ml ink syringes to fill my empty cartridges AND converters. That way I avoid putting the nib/section into the ink. I use a straightened paper-clip with a hook in the end to pull the plastic discs from empty pilot cartridges so they don't impede filling. And finally, I use an Ink-Miser Ink-Shot inkwell to fill my non-cartridge/converter pens. I bought a black one before the clear version came out, which I think is the better choice. A caution: The Ink-Miser has a narrow base & is easy to knock over. I recommend using an empty ink bottle with a wide throat and base to place the miser in before using it.
I agree wholeheartedly with your favorite accessories but I would add brass sheets for sure for flossing or slightly enlarging the spaces between the tines for better in flow. Ink syringes are handy too but not totally essential. Thanks for all your reviews, I have watched everyone. I too am a tea drinker as well as a fountain pen addict.
Thanks for this top 5 - it's always good to see what other fountain pen enthusiasts consider to be essential items. Owning a bulb syringe is the one most important thing for any fountain pen user :)
All these are good. I would add ink syringes and the ink shot. The ink shot (Noodlers) is great for getting that last bit of ink from a bottle or sample vial. It goes easier if you use a syringe or pipette to transfer the ink. Pipettes can be had from places like Hobby Lobby. The ink syringe is also good for pressure washing places that are hard to reach with anything else, like the insides of piston convertors. I got mine from Amazon, only they don't call them ink syringes. They call them 10ml blunt tip syringes. I almost forgot my microfiber cloth. Among other things, I use it for a drop cloth when I'm cleaning pens. It is good, too, for wiping the nibs after filling them, or giving them the occasional polish.
My top 5 if I were to recommend to any fountain pen user and especially newbies: 1.Loupe (Goulet)**** Most important: misaligned tines are too common and too hard to fix with the naked eye. 2.Needle Syringes (Goulet) 3.Bulb syringe 4.Brass Sheets 5.Paper towels..... lots and lots lol I like feedback on a nib and if it is too much I usually use Sailor inks to lubricate it instead of using micromesh or mylar. The only time I need to use abrasives is for my Hero 616's.
I will never ever again put two pens rubbing against each other in a pencase in one slot unless there's some kind of separator in between the pens. I once damaged a vintage Osmiroid who's "gold" painted cap bands weared off because the pen next to it was a metal pen or had a metal cap band rubbing against it at exactly the same height. I have one three pens pen case without individual slots and I only use it to put for example three Platinum Preppies in. They are all plastic so they won´t damage each other. Just wanted to warn you so you won't regret using that beautiful penroll which in my opinion would be perfect if it had individual pen slots. After seeing the first four acessories I was expecting a syringe as the 5th item and not a pencase. I use a few of your items as well but not so much the Q-tips and I can't find the micromesh in my area but use a 10000 grid honing stone and chromium oxide on wood or leather for final smoothening.
And also my jeweller's loupe which I use for nibs as well as gems. Good fun. And though I seldom use it, blotting paper which you never need until you Really Need It.
I purchased an Allegory Goods pen wrap that I love. I can fit two TWSBI Classics in one slot but not really anything thicking in diameter. It has a flap like the one in this review. Very well constructed and so soft. I do have a Nock as my backup pen carrier.
Would love to see a demo with the micro-mesh! Thing I can't live without is my needle syringe for filling converters; it's much neater that way! CONGRATS on 5000+ subbies, BTW!
Thanks for this. I'm very pleased with a pen 'sheath' i made to fit A5 notebooks with sections for ruler, mechanical pencil, rubber, and 2 to 4 fountain pens. I made 1 in hot pink and 1 in brown to tone with or contrast with my notebook. However, I only have cheap pens at present, and am planning to get 1 or 2 higher grade pens. Thinking about Karas Kustoms ink (pretty indestructible so should be safe) or Pelikan 200 Smoky Quartz, cafe creme ... think they will merit something better. ! However ... I have a lot of leather, some vintage from a GLORIOUS bag I bought in 1974 for carrying my books from the Uni library. Also much lighter leather salvaged from sofa cushions ! I'll need to hand stitch though which can get pretty eccentric ! I tell you Kerry, without becoming a hoarder, never throw good stuff out! Much love
Awesome video/subject! I have some overlap with you on my current top 5 fountain pen accessories! Ink syringe, micro-mesh, Nock Sinclair pen case, Goulet grip, and Ink miser ink-shot inkwell.
A demo with the mico mesh & mylar paper would be awesome! And as far as top 5 would go mine are definitely an ink syringe (literally I can't live without it), my nock pen case, paper towels (lol!), silicone grease, and my loupe. Another awesome video by the way! :D
Your list is exactly like mine. I love my ink syringe. Admittedly I may have way too many TWSBIs but my ink syringe makes them into "eye dropper" pens. You can fill the ink reservoir with exact quantities of ink with the syringe and draw old ink when you want to change colors, and two or three full syringes of water will clean the ink reservoir in a jiffy. I only need the turning knob when I'm away from home.
Do you have any ink mix recipes that turned out really well? It would be a great video topic. I once mixed DA Document Yellow with Noodlers Walnut and it looked pretty good. Thanks for the entertaining videos and Happy New Year!
I am probably the "odd man (woman) out" here but because of my love for animals, I do not do "leather" as in the pen wrap you love in your video. I have several cloth/felt type wraps which work quite well also. Just wanted to throw in a different perspective for anyone who might feel the same as I do.
I can't find any micro mesh or mylar paper either. I wanted to order from Goulet but I'd have to sell an organ on the black market to be able to afford the shipping. Great video - btw, finding a 2 oz bulb syringe also proved impossible - had to pay top dollar for a small one and I'm so not happy with it. Love the qtip jar - would love to know where it came from. tfs.
Love you videos.. Thank you for sharing... I love the penwrap can you tell me where did you get it, would love to get one.. Thank you again.. Sending you love and blessings.. Edwina
I hate Micro Mash with a passion. Half the pens I get on eBay are ruined by it. If you smooth your nibs with it they all feel the same. So I don't see the point. Nothing is smoother than a ballpoint so if I want really smooth writing instrument I use one of those.
iTheGeek yes, I do. Or that they are polished to a flat surface that gives them mushy feel. Or sometimes polished at an angle that suits the person polishing the nib but not most other people.
+1 on ink syringes. I also appreciate a good desktop pen holder, like the ones from Dudek Modern Goods.
Another item I find surprisingly useful is a shot glass or two. They're the perfect size to soak small parts that need cleaning. They're see-through and have a weighted bottom so they won't tip over.
Pretty much the same things on my desk, minus the wrap. I have several pens, but use only one. I write and use Gama Forever for everything. Being an eyedropper, I keep a length of clear .5inch plastic tubing. One end perfectly fits over the threads of the grip feed section. Bulb syringe, filled and stuck into the other end of the tubing, the perfect flush for nib and feed.
I NEVER use pen cases because they are too "fiddley." I want my pens to be available right away. My pens are purchased to be used, and if they rub together & get minor scratches it doesn't bother me. I use Q-tips and bulb syringes to clean my pens if they are cartridge/converter; you can trim the tip of a bulb syringe to make it fit into the section better, but I prefer to take an empty cartridge and cut it in half; Then you can put the open-ended cartridge into the pen, insert the syringe tip, and flush the section and force the water thru it. I save many empty cartridges and refill those before use with whatever color of ink I choose. I use 5 ml ink syringes to fill my empty cartridges AND converters. That way I avoid putting the nib/section into the ink. I use a straightened paper-clip with a hook in the end to pull the plastic discs from empty pilot cartridges so they don't impede filling. And finally, I use an Ink-Miser Ink-Shot inkwell to fill my non-cartridge/converter pens. I bought a black one before the clear version came out, which I think is the better choice. A caution: The Ink-Miser has a narrow base & is easy to knock over. I recommend using an empty ink bottle with a wide throat and base to place the miser in before using it.
I agree wholeheartedly with your favorite accessories but I would add brass sheets for sure for flossing or slightly enlarging the spaces between the tines for better in flow. Ink syringes are handy too but not totally essential. Thanks for all your reviews, I have watched everyone. I too am a tea drinker as well as a fountain pen addict.
Thanks for this top 5 - it's always good to see what other fountain pen enthusiasts consider to be essential items.
Owning a bulb syringe is the one most important thing for any fountain pen user :)
All these are good. I would add ink syringes and the ink shot. The ink shot (Noodlers) is great for getting that last bit of ink from a bottle or sample vial. It goes easier if you use a syringe or pipette to transfer the ink. Pipettes can be had from places like Hobby Lobby.
The ink syringe is also good for pressure washing places that are hard to reach with anything else, like the insides of piston convertors. I got mine from Amazon, only they don't call them ink syringes. They call them 10ml blunt tip syringes.
I almost forgot my microfiber cloth. Among other things, I use it for a drop cloth when I'm cleaning pens. It is good, too, for wiping the nibs after filling them, or giving them the occasional polish.
Great job working with one hand! I looked up Standard and Strong. New wish list items!
My top 5 if I were to recommend to any fountain pen user and especially newbies:
1.Loupe (Goulet)**** Most important: misaligned tines are too common and too hard to fix with the naked eye.
2.Needle Syringes (Goulet)
3.Bulb syringe
4.Brass Sheets
5.Paper towels..... lots and lots lol
I like feedback on a nib and if it is too much I usually use Sailor inks to lubricate it instead of using micromesh or mylar. The only time I need to use abrasives is for my Hero 616's.
I will never ever again put two pens rubbing against each other in a pencase in one slot unless there's some kind of separator in between the pens. I once damaged a vintage Osmiroid who's "gold" painted cap bands weared off because the pen next to it was a metal pen or had a metal cap band rubbing against it at exactly the same height. I have one three pens pen case without individual slots and I only use it to put for example three Platinum Preppies in. They are all plastic so they won´t damage each other. Just wanted to warn you so you won't regret using that beautiful penroll which in my opinion would be perfect if it had individual pen slots. After seeing the first four acessories I was expecting a syringe as the 5th item and not a pencase. I use a few of your items as well but not so much the Q-tips and I can't find the micromesh in my area but use a 10000 grid honing stone and chromium oxide on wood or leather for final smoothening.
Yes, I winced when I saw the pen wrap with pairs of pens in a slot together. I could almost feel them grinding together. Ouch!
And also my jeweller's loupe which I use for nibs as well as gems. Good fun.
And though I seldom use it, blotting paper which you never need until you Really Need It.
I purchased an Allegory Goods pen wrap that I love. I can fit two TWSBI Classics in one slot but not really anything thicking in diameter. It has a flap like the one in this review. Very well constructed and so soft. I do have a Nock as my backup pen carrier.
Would love to see a demo with the micro-mesh! Thing I can't live without is my needle syringe for filling converters; it's much neater that way! CONGRATS on 5000+ subbies, BTW!
Bulb syringes are a must have
Thanks for this.
I'm very pleased with a pen 'sheath' i made to fit A5 notebooks with sections for ruler, mechanical pencil, rubber, and 2 to 4 fountain pens. I made 1 in hot pink and 1 in brown to tone with or contrast with my notebook. However, I only have cheap pens at present, and am planning to get 1 or 2 higher grade pens.
Thinking about Karas Kustoms ink (pretty indestructible so should be safe) or Pelikan 200 Smoky Quartz, cafe creme ... think they will merit something better.
! However ... I have a lot of leather, some vintage from a GLORIOUS bag I bought in 1974 for carrying my books from the Uni library. Also much lighter leather salvaged from sofa cushions ! I'll need to hand stitch though which can get pretty eccentric !
I tell you Kerry, without becoming a hoarder, never throw good stuff out!
Much love
I'm new albeit rather late to fountain pens as a hobby and I must say I'm loving your videos.
Awesome video/subject! I have some overlap with you on my current top 5 fountain pen accessories! Ink syringe, micro-mesh, Nock Sinclair pen case, Goulet grip, and Ink miser ink-shot inkwell.
Tuning the Nib- awesome
PS Well done on One Handed Filming !
Great review and very relevant, but your audio is hard to hear.
A demo with the mico mesh & mylar paper would be awesome!
And as far as top 5 would go mine are definitely an ink syringe (literally I can't live without it), my nock pen case, paper towels (lol!), silicone grease, and my loupe.
Another awesome video by the way! :D
Your list is exactly like mine. I love my ink syringe. Admittedly I may have way too many TWSBIs but my ink syringe makes them into "eye dropper" pens. You can fill the ink reservoir with exact quantities of ink with the syringe and draw old ink when you want to change colors, and two or three full syringes of water will clean the ink reservoir in a jiffy. I only need the turning knob when I'm away from home.
Too many TWSBIs?! I think not! ;)
+Loyd Phillips - if any of your twsbis are a burden to you, feel free to throw them my way I'm happy to be of assistance. :-)
I really like your videos, just getting into fountain pens, and find your videos very helpful and interesting.
Do you have any ink mix recipes that turned out really well? It would be a great video topic. I once mixed DA Document Yellow with Noodlers Walnut and it looked pretty good. Thanks for the entertaining videos and Happy New Year!
Agree w/ request below to see a demo of using the micro-mesh. I assume you use your normal grip and LIGHTLY, what, just write? Or rub back and forth?
I am probably the "odd man (woman) out" here but because of my love for animals, I do not do "leather" as in the pen wrap you love in your video. I have several cloth/felt type wraps which work quite well also. Just wanted to throw in a different perspective for anyone who might feel the same as I do.
I can't find any micro mesh or mylar paper either. I wanted to order from Goulet but I'd have to sell an organ on the black market to be able to afford the shipping. Great video - btw, finding a 2 oz bulb syringe also proved impossible - had to pay top dollar for a small one and I'm so not happy with it. Love the qtip jar - would love to know where it came from. tfs.
Nice video
Love you videos.. Thank you for sharing... I love the penwrap can you tell me where did you get it, would love to get one.. Thank you again.. Sending you love and blessings.. Edwina
Hi. I need a advice....
what type of pen and nib do I use in prescription writing?
Looking forward to that review and happy new year!
Go to amazon or ipenstore.com for the same supplies but cheaper.
I hate Micro Mash with a passion. Half the pens I get on eBay are ruined by it. If you smooth your nibs with it they all feel the same. So I don't see the point. Nothing is smoother than a ballpoint so if I want really smooth writing instrument I use one of those.
iTheGeek yes, I do. Or that they are polished to a flat surface that gives them mushy feel. Or sometimes polished at an angle that suits the person polishing the nib but not most other people.
That's it. I'm going to replace my f-pen container.
No se si tiene algún problema en el brazo izquierdo para no abrir una estilografica correctamente.
Está sosteniendo la cámara con su mano izquierda
Ahora me explico tanta dificultad de grabación.Pero no sera tan laborioso encontrar a un amigo que te grabe mientras trabajas.