not all inks. but some. abcdefg I know this is 1 year ago, but Teoh has a video on what's in his supply drawers. and there are so many-many fountain pens. Not sure if you will catch up to him. haha
Thanks for this video. I have three moderately priced ($180 to $280) fountain pens (Sailor, Pilot and Edison) and three inexpensive ones and I use one or two of them every day. Regarding the feel of writing, the expensive ones are only slightly better than the cheap ones. I suspect that the expensive ones will last longer than the cheap ones. In general the cheap ones skip sometimes whereas the expensive ones almost never do. The area in which I notice a real difference is when I put the pen down for a few minutes with the cap off; for the cheap ones I have to press hard and or shake them to get them started but the better ones almost never require this. I'm happy with all of the pens--even the cheap ones are worth having.
I bought a Parker Jotter Fountain pen 1983, it was expensive (not $500 but as a student in the 1980ies it was very expensive!). Having an expensive pen makes you think about it as a tool to take care of, you write with care, it is a statement that you actually care about writing, even a simple note. 35 years later, it lies on my desk now. I have written countless pages with it. I wasn't rich then, and I bought a very expensive "luxury" pen that has been a workhorse tool for 35 years. I have never bought anything more worth it. You can buy a very decent fountain pen for a few pizzas/hamburgers, under $100 you will certainly find a pen that fits your style and hand and lasts you a lifetime, but don't hesitate to spend way more if that is what gives you your feeling of luxury and gets you writing.
Great info on the Duke pen. I’m glad to know that the Duke works so well for drawing and for writing. I will have to get one now after watching this review. Thank you for the comparison.
I bought a Duke 209 on your recommendation a year or two ago and that was my first fountain pen. I love it and have since bought about 6 more different pens but none more expensive than my $29 Lamy Safari. They all work really well for me and I use them for writing at work and for sketching. I definitely look at function more than beauty or investment.
Really interesting video! It’s because of your videos that I ordered a Duke 209 Fude. It will be my first fountain pen and I’m really looking forward to drawing with it.
I would not entirely agree entirely with just the feel good factor about expensive pens, there's Alot more to it, but that also depends on useage. I'm an artist as well as a fountain pen collector, Though I don't use fountain pens for drawing for me pigma microns is like endgame 😂 I've tried Alot of stuff and nothing has been worth it as much as my pigma micron is so... But thing is, with expensive fountain pens you get different filling mechanisms, you get better nibs and even gold nibs, you get different materials and overall better build and longevity but honestly it ends at around $300 or VVVVEEERRRYYYY rarely $500 you get something new, After that you are basically paying for the feel good factor and probably the brand or the luxury of it. If you are drawing it always makes sense to get a cheaper pen because fibers get stuck in the nib, we can be harsh and it's not easy to always maintain the perfect writing angle and it can Damage the pen which is why I don't use my fountain pens for drawing. I only buy fountain pens or drawing pens. If you are writing then having s gold nib is different because it feels softer to write with and also smoother
I agree completely. In reviews it seems there is more trouble found with expensive pens, and the materials are often the same. I recently bought a Delike Alpha Traveller (brass) for $15 with a smooth Schmidt nib and glass converter. There are many more pleasant surprises than disappointments. I'll be giving the Duke 209 a look as well.
After having discovered in a storage box of mine a Sheaffer 800 "Dolphin Imperial" 1962-1964 pen of mine that I either bought or was given way back then but lost track of, I became interested again in fountain pens. About pens holding their value, I see that on eBay my pen which then cost about $8 now goes for about $60-80. I was so charmed with how well that pen writes that naturally I began cruising eBay to investigate old, fine pens. Consequently I impulse bought a Monteblanc Noblesse, which has a chip missing from the enamel, for $57. It was just a matter of the very elegant style. It does write like a charm. I have no regrets, even though I knew that inexpensive pens can work as well, but I have to now ban myself from eBay. About the nibs, gold vs. stainless steel, I have read that all of these pens have a bead of hard metal welded on the end, to make the point. Sometimes it's platinum-iridium. That would mean that the gold is irrelevant, just decorative.
Sensible review. I am using fountain pens since 1956. I have used Swan, Black Bird, Doric, Waterman, Parker, Sheaffer and other- English and American pens available in the 50s when they were not unconscionably pricey. In the late 50s-early 60s , I used Japanese Pilot pens, which were then very affordable. In the 80s I got Cross, Mont Blanc. In the 50s and 60s, the pens were actually used ( and lost!) Pens like Cross and MB with their gold nibs are just for show. I have bought any number of local Indian pens and they have all been good writers. I have fitted some of them with 14/18 ct nibs and they are fine. To talk in $ terms is senseless for us, with the given currency conversion rates: a US $ is about 75 Rupees. So even $5 pen is not a really 'cheap' pen for most middle class people in India., especially for students. That is why Chinese pens like Jinhao, Baoer, Hero priced around $5 have become very popular in India. Now, local pen companies are coming out with good pens at comparable prices! We have very good plastic student pens with cartridge/converter for less than a $, which write very well- as well as Platinum Preppy- I have both and I know. India has been famous for hand made ebonite pens, with many local makers in many areas. These pens are very good and the basic ED model is still very affordable. These are actually premium pens, though not glamorous. Fit a Jowo , Schmidt or Bock nib- they write as well as any $500 pen. The oldest ebonite pen with me is 30 years old. I still use it. Of course there is quality , workmanship, material in costlier pens. But beyond a point, it is all show business- mere brand name and image..[ Higher price is also a reflection of the higher cost of living in the countries where they are made, and is not necessarily indicative of much superior quality.] The higher the price, the more exclusive and limited the club of owners. This may give a psychological fillip to some people, but that is all about such pens. Some Japanese pens are of exceptional beauty and workmanship and they are really collectors' items. It is good that the really rich ( or the nouveau rich) spend such vast sums on such works of art, so that the arts and artists won't suffer! For most of us what really matters is a pen that writes well, which we can carry around without fear of loss. The $5 pen meets the test. So your review is good.
I bought a fountain pen once. I lent it to my friend from another class who had forgotten to bring his pen and when I went to collect it from him during break I found him playing pen fight with it. Said it's weight really gave him an advantage. He still thinks he broke it that day (it works fine :P) and he bought me expensive pencils all week. Wth I wanted to say was Nice video! Don't lend that pen out to your friends XD
Same story, pen fight with my fountain pen. Really angered me as to how ignorant and careless they could be with such a delicate thing. Never lent pens after it
@@thecatserole245 True, but the sight of my pen being hit around and making noises from the hits and occasionally also falling down from the table really rustled my jimmies inside :/
Interesting video, as always Teoh. Pens are my passion, but the price always keeps me a little when I want a "high-end"one. On the other hand, I often get pleasure with a very cheap pen whose quality is also good. But the look, the opportunity, and the use guide me sometimes. Thank you !
I'm glad you said there're nearly no differences practically for the 2 pens because i always prefer to buy something cheap which produce a good result I think. As you spoke, there's no definite answer for the choice. aside from the similar line they can produce, the craftsmanship and the appearance of a thing you appreciate worth the money also, although it's hard to define how much it should be.
Well, i think like in Watches, you have to appreciate the craftsmanship behind a patented 21k Gold Nib vs. a "basic" steel nib. Sailor has been producing some of the most astonishing nibs in the last decades. Also, while Steel will always remain in his shape and give you the same Writing Feeling, a Naginata-Togi Nib in Gold will adapt to your writing style with the time because of the peculiarities of the nib. The Sailor Nib will feel like something that is totally yours and that has lived througout the years with you. So there is lot of things to analyze when comparing the two pens. It's like in Watches... why do some Watches cost 5'000$ and some 50$? Because the whole process behind the making of a Manufacture Movement, the Materials that are used, how careful the Details are finished, make one watch way more valuable and complicated to create than the other. Even if at the end of the day... both are going to show the time. Thanks for this review anyhow and keep up the good work.
watches are gimmick for snobs. Atleast the top grade mechanical ones, when you do the math you end up paying 20bucks a month for a maintenance of a timepiece which is beyond pointless.
Good review for just writing a line. But, when you write the Chinese/Japanese characters, it makes a significant different. Because of different length of bent, also a different angle. Overall, for writing either Chinese/Japanese, I still prefer to use Sailor (good stainless pen is around US$10- from them) with very good ink flow. I bought the Baoer 388, it's cost $1.95- (now gets cheaper). It depends on a budget. Unless you are looking for gold Nib, these doesn't make much different these days.
Perfect. I agree 100%. If you want a pen to write with, $5 will get you some great pens. The fude nib may mask some of the Sailor's value. If you compared Ef or F the writing may be different. But certainly not 100x better. If you need cash, you could sell the Sailor for a few hundred. The Duke not so.
I have the Duke 209 and I can confirm that it is quite slippery. I think I'll sand mine too. As a note for future buyers, check the description because mine did not came with a converter. There's something strange with the fude nib: the flow is very wet, yet because of the paper texture, the lines are not perfectly straight (as we can see in the video for both pens). But I like it, it gives a lot of strength to the drawing I think
What a telling and useful comparison. The only expensive fountain pen that appeals to me is one with a cross music nib, because it looks like it does stuff that others don't. However the price is over 20 times my personal limit ($US 30).
Thanks for your review. I appreciate your honesty. I will never spend so much money for a pen in my life. I have an old Lamy Safari and asked a Sailor de Mannen Fude nib fountainpen (the cheap green one) for Xmas. That's all I need for a while ;-)
Really interesting video.. I’ve fallen in love with fountain pens and is just so amazing what is out there, to buy, and experience.. I am enjoying a LAMY Safari and pilot metro .. but when I look at these exquisite pens ( Visconti, etc) it is so tempting .. but you’re exactly right about the “ feel good” value . People ( including myself) are very seduced by that “luxurious “ feel of owning and using a more expensive fountain pen.. I’m fighting the temptation, as I just cannot justify buying such a high priced pen with my budget ... I also think that when we buy something so expensive, it sort of defeats the purpose( my purpose and personal goal) of getting out there and sketching !! I’d never use it outdoors and would think it too precious to really use it all the time .. thanks so much for all your informative and direct and honest videos.. I’ve learned so much from you , and have used your videos as guidance , when I’m deciding on a purchase ..
Gabriel Erosa not sure if you are asking me what I think of the lamy pen , or if you’re asking Teoh.. I love it .. very reasonable in price , and easy to change nibs and change inks with converter .. it feels very comfy to draw with...
@@teohyc My Duke fude pen does not reverse write. Is the Sailor better at reverse writing? That would be my reason for wanting the Sailor. Want to sell yours?
I was drifting to much into Yu-Gi-Oh and neglecting art when I saw this. Thank you for getting me to at least sketch. I was really doing awefully before this due to the lack of motivation. Keep it up
It's hard to describe the love of pens to someone who doesn't share the same feelings. Though I have some expensive fountain pens, I do agree that there are some needlessly expensive ones out there which I wouldn't buy. I have a $5 Scrikss fountain pen which I frequently use and it performs flawlessly. Actually even better than some expensive ones. As for very expensive ones, I am very tempted to get a S.T. Dupont Murder On The Orient Express and Orient Express Prestige Fountain Pen. I'll probably never get them, but would love to have them.
It was really nice to see this. I thought my less expensive pens wrote very well, that maybe I just wasn't experienced or skilled enough to be able to tell the difference... It's nice to know I don't need to invest a ton of money to get a pen that writes really nicely.
Amazing video, that really makes me want to go on amazon and get a pen with a nib like that! I have the problem that I am scared to take my expensive pens out to Uni in case I forget my pen case, my bag gets stolen while I am at the main train station etc. even tho my most expensive one is in comparison “only” 150€. I take my 40-50€ pens as well as my 5€ pens with me, my pen of choice is either the Lamy studio or a good working kaweco,and I found myself enjoying the middle-price category the most!
From my experience, writing/drawing on course paper can negate the quality of the fountain pen nib. I wonder if those two pens would have felt the same if you had written on some nice paper, such as Rhodia. The finest quality gold nib won't feel all that nice when writing on drawing paper.
I'd definetely buy a PS4 rather than a 500$ fountain pen XD Though the Duke looks interesting, might add that to my wish list. Sometimes more expensive fountain pens have more flexible nibs, but I wouldn't even try to flex a 500$ one. I don't think it matters much for a fude nib anyway since you get the line variation from the angle of the nib.
I guess for performance you might as well get the cheap one. I got a $50 Parker many years ago, as a bday present, but it is not used for drawing, only for writing.
I'd say that sometimes the difference is in the filling system, the quality control and the durability as well as (depending on which pens you are comparing) the nib feel. I've heard horror stories of some TWISBIs breaking by being dropped on even just carpet (though that's probably more the exception than the rule) while some slightly more expensive piston fillers (the Pelikan M200 specifically) have been taken to hell and back on occasion without breaking (actually found a very interesting review about that, if you're interested). With metal bodies this isn't as big of a problem, but I still wouldn't be quite sure about the snap-caps lasting to close-to-forever period some vintage pens have, some of mine have begun getting a bit wobbly after a few years. Filling systems, well, there aren't really any cheap ones (that aren't vintage and in need or restoration) with build in filling systems and the lower end pens may be, well, pretty bad in other aspects. Nib feel won't be an issue if you get it ground by a Nibmeister, unless we're talking about flex, but flex is mainly a thing in vintage pens anyways, though some modern ones do have a bit of it, but if you don't it can be a big difference (depending on your preferences of course).
Challenge for Teoh...compare a $5 Duke vs. a $500 fountain pen in the areas they are most used for. Writing. Just plain writing. Let's face it...most people don't use their valuable fountain pens for any kind of sketching, especially not street sketching. I do see your point, but I think it's a little self-defeating to compare the pens in an area that a $500 Sailor would almost never be used for.
its fude nib its not meant for regular writing anyways get naginata or sth. Now the paper here is watercolour so its ultra rough and you cant feel the perfect finishing on the nib like how you would feel on smooth paper.
I have a 1.1 mm Lamy Joy calligraphy pen from Jetpens for $30, and love it. Edit: Why do people buy expensive things? They've either been brainwashed into accepting the "you get what you pay for" fallacy or they have enough money to not care how much it costs.
Personally I wouldn’t pay more than 25€ for a pen especially if there is a cheap alternative like that Duke pen. I often say “Buying cheap is buying twice”, but for fountain pens I’ve found that even the cheap ones last a long time and have nice ink flow. With cameras I’ve gone the pricey route though, because in that case I will only have to replace it in about 30 years, if at all!
I actually just ordered a fude nib fountain pen on Amazon. But the Duke 209 is 18€ here, which is 20 US dollars. Nevertheless, I am very much looking forward to it! I watched your other video of the fude nib pens for a reference. And I as well ordered the sailor (the green one with the 55degree angle of the nib, although you didn’t like it too much, but Anne-Laure does. And that, in fact, was 7€ (8dollars) on german Amazon. A 500$ pen is definitely far off my possibilities. I also love Lamy. Great video!!! Thank you!!!
I like nice pens. But I'm like you: my nice pens rarely get out of the house. Even at home, I'm fearful of dropping some of them on my hard laminate floor. A decent, but lower cost pen is great because you don't have that fear of risk.
I bought a Platinum 3776 with a Soft nib so I can do some simple calligraphy and it is incredibly different from the cheap flex nibs for noodlers and such. More expensive pens do improve the writing experience but it depends on what nib you pick.
Great video! I have the cheap Sailor green one. Very pleased with it!
4 роки тому
I don't know about this kind of nibs. But for regular writing nibs the writing experience may definitely make a difference. The thing with the gold nibs is that they are more flexible even if its not a flex nib it can react differrently to your pressure. These are not to say that expensive pens are worth the money for everybody. Functionally you can write same text at the end of the day. They are more like luxury items like jewelry. But the build quality, material, quality assurance procedures definitely differ. Those effects the writing experience. But price mostly comes from the artistic value for most poeople. And sometimes interesting engineering gimmics like vacuum fillers. Nice review btw :)
I just ordered a Duke fountain pen with 2 nibs - excited to try the fude nib with my landscape sketches, thanks - $37 from Amazon including some black Noodler ink
Many times, it just makes people feel more important to use expensive stuff, especially if they have the money to ‘blow’ on stuff like that. It’s mostly an ego thing. I honestly don’t see the big deal over the whole gold appeal. I honestly like the look of the silver one better.
Some pens are works of art and I could pay for the workmanship and dedication and the enjoyment of the beauty of the pen - like Namiki Maki-e pens - if I won the lottery!!
There are some pens that are duplicates of the really expensive "designer" type pens that I buy off ebay that I put inks that I would not ever put in an expensive one because I love the way ink flows through it.
it's like question why would someone buy ferrari over skoda. they are both cars on four wheels, but not the same. i would buy it. i realy love fountain pens and i collect them. as you said it depends what you value in life. i don't drink, smoke or gamble so i can save some money on the side over year which i use to gift myself with one or two pens. some are cheap, some are expensive like every other thing in life. if you have money buy it, if not don't regret it's just a pen. or isn't? :P
Bojan Arambasic I’m not sure your analogy works. Ferrari will outperform Skoda. Expensive fountain pen will not outperform the cheap one. Your analogy works in regards to reliability. In my experience the cheaper mass produced pens are more reliable. Luxury fountain pens are unpredictable. Same is true for cars. Skoda is much more reliable than Ferrari.
Can lefty's write with these types of pens? Asking cause the design seems to favor a right hand that drags right, not a left hand dragging right. Does that still work or no??
I think its personal preferance but maybe a price in between, although the more expensive is going to last longer and perform better , I think quailty is probably best. unless an artist is a begenner there are budget Pens that are good too
I know this was made some time ago, so not expecting an answer, but I was wondering how not just the line quality but the overall feel differs between the visibly much wider and “chunkier” pen (is it actually heavier?) vs the $5 ?
The $500 pen feels lighter because the body is not metal. I also prefer the larger body which is more comfortable to hold. But for physical designs, there are many more affordable pens to choose. The main selling point here is the pen nib. This particular Sailor nib is smoother than the $5 one, feels great. But of course the pricing is expensive. I bought this before the shortage and if I sell it now I can even make a profit. But this is really difficult to find nowadays, especially the older designs.
im in uk rn and i went to sainsbury and i bought one that is 2 pounds and it came with 5 ink thing and its a good deal i also bought more of those ink thing for 1 pound it have 10 ink bottle thing
Knowing nothing about fountain pens before now I can't see why is ever need anything beyond the cheap one that works. It would be different if it didn't last or had major drawbacks.
Heh heh, people don’t want to know the truth. I’ve always wondered and I’m very happy to know that the drawing is equal. I couldn’t afford the expensive pen and don’t like the worry of loosing it. I have a nice Louis Vuitton purse and wallet for sale for the same reason. I like my tools to work well. I don’t care for status symbols.
I used to love fountain pens! Got tired of buying ink cartridges, but I remember I would do all my math homework in ink. Maybe I'll start using them again
I see you did review a $5 pen 2 years ago. the one i just told you about (separate video) is not a fude. and it will not get wider. so I like this option you are showing as a cheap one. You were talking about learning calligraphy at one time. Check out IAMPETH. I used to have copperplate nibs. and good old ones. but I lost a huge box of my good art supplies. If you really want to try calligraphy, look up copperplate and give it a try. If you see the Coca-Cola print, it's copperplate. They actually have an award for people who are great penman's and also include flourishing. Those people when they are granted, they actually make their own graduation form (i can't say the name, the one you hang on the wall)
I have 840 pens in my collection! The cheapest are Jinhoes on the bay, I have about 15 of them! The most expensive is a Visconti @ $2,300.00 that I have yet to use in the 7 years I have owned it.......I have about 20 of the Visconti’swith prices ranging from $95.00 up to that one I listed here........the nib is the 1st thing I qualify when selecting a new pen purchase. Then I look at the overall design, & finally the material the body of the pen is made with! I like my pens, thick or thin, short or tall, heavy or lite weight. I write and adapt to them all, Basically!
Teoh Yi Chie I not only count them, I have them all on a interesting Spreadsheet,. I do this so I don’t make mistakes and. Buy the same pens multiple x’s. I created these spreadsheets myself. I also have approximately 300 bottles of Inks.And about 250 sample bottles. Now I also have inkwells that go back into early 1800’s. Then. There is My book. Library of about 50 books from repairs, which I do, to collections. My collection spreads out to even more items.
Teoh Yi Chie i think “that pen” is a pen that cannot be found in any cheaper form (non gold) or expensive (gold) ! Im a sailor fan and looking forward to buy the new cross music nib (but its expensive 🥺):p
I like fountain pen they look good write good and sometimes it just feel good to be writing with one But I don't think I would ever buy such expensive pens not for myself atleast.
All of my fountain pens are in the $15-$25 dollar range. A little bit nicer and longer lasting than cheap ones from the dollar store, but still cheap enough to justify spending that kind of money
en verda he notado en las economicas hay unas que no son del todas buenas pero en su mayoria no , sobre todo para las personas que no tengan el dinero suficiente uno pude comprar varias de precios economicos y ver cuales salen buenas .
What has my life turned into? I'm watching a guy review pens at 3am.
You could always watch cat videoes :)
it's 3 mins to 3 am here as well.
3:08 a.m here
Lmfao same
02.54 here lol
I love that you reviewed two pens that you have used for a long time so that your comparison is genuine.
Sounds like an advert to buy $500 worth of Duke pens. Love your channel Teoh.
I think I might start a fountain pen collection
I have started using pens a lot now. Did you know pens ink are made of squid ink?
not all inks. but some. abcdefg I know this is 1 year ago, but Teoh has a video on what's in his supply drawers. and there are so many-many fountain pens. Not sure if you will catch up to him. haha
why even bother?
Of $5 pens? XD
Thanks for this video.
I have three moderately priced ($180 to $280) fountain pens (Sailor, Pilot and Edison) and three inexpensive ones and I use one or two of them every day. Regarding the feel of writing, the expensive ones are only slightly better than the cheap ones. I suspect that the expensive ones will last longer than the cheap ones. In general the cheap ones skip sometimes whereas the expensive ones almost never do.
The area in which I notice a real difference is when I put the pen down for a few minutes with the cap off; for the cheap ones I have to press hard and or shake them to get them started but the better ones almost never require this.
I'm happy with all of the pens--even the cheap ones are worth having.
For me, even the 5$ is expensive
I bought a Parker Jotter Fountain pen 1983, it was expensive (not $500 but as a student in the 1980ies it was very expensive!). Having an expensive pen makes you think about it as a tool to take care of, you write with care, it is a statement that you actually care about writing, even a simple note. 35 years later, it lies on my desk now. I have written countless pages with it. I wasn't rich then, and I bought a very expensive "luxury" pen that has been a workhorse tool for 35 years. I have never bought anything more worth it.
You can buy a very decent fountain pen for a few pizzas/hamburgers, under $100 you will certainly find a pen that fits your style and hand and lasts you a lifetime, but don't hesitate to spend way more if that is what gives you your feeling of luxury and gets you writing.
Great info on the Duke pen. I’m glad to know that the Duke works so well for drawing and for writing. I will have to get one now after watching this review. Thank you for the comparison.
I bought a Duke 209 on your recommendation a year or two ago and that was my first fountain pen. I love it and have since bought about 6 more different pens but none more expensive than my $29 Lamy Safari. They all work really well for me and I use them for writing at work and for sketching. I definitely look at function more than beauty or investment.
Really interesting video! It’s because of your videos that I ordered a Duke 209 Fude. It will be my first fountain pen and I’m really looking forward to drawing with it.
I would not entirely agree entirely with just the feel good factor about expensive pens, there's Alot more to it, but that also depends on useage. I'm an artist as well as a fountain pen collector, Though I don't use fountain pens for drawing for me pigma microns is like endgame 😂 I've tried Alot of stuff and nothing has been worth it as much as my pigma micron is so... But thing is, with expensive fountain pens you get different filling mechanisms, you get better nibs and even gold nibs, you get different materials and overall better build and longevity but honestly it ends at around $300 or VVVVEEERRRYYYY rarely $500 you get something new, After that you are basically paying for the feel good factor and probably the brand or the luxury of it. If you are drawing it always makes sense to get a cheaper pen because fibers get stuck in the nib, we can be harsh and it's not easy to always maintain the perfect writing angle and it can Damage the pen which is why I don't use my fountain pens for drawing. I only buy fountain pens or drawing pens. If you are writing then having s gold nib is different because it feels softer to write with and also smoother
I had a feeling they would perform the same.Thank you!
I agree completely. In reviews it seems there is more trouble found with expensive pens, and the materials are often the same. I recently bought a Delike Alpha Traveller (brass) for $15 with a smooth Schmidt nib and glass converter. There are many more pleasant surprises than disappointments. I'll be giving the Duke 209 a look as well.
After having discovered in a storage box of mine a Sheaffer 800 "Dolphin Imperial" 1962-1964 pen of mine that I either bought or was given way back then but lost track of, I became interested again in fountain pens. About pens holding their value, I see that on eBay my pen which then cost about $8 now goes for about $60-80.
I was so charmed with how well that pen writes that naturally I began cruising eBay to investigate old, fine pens. Consequently I impulse bought a Monteblanc Noblesse, which has a chip missing from the enamel, for $57. It was just a matter of the very elegant style. It does write like a charm. I have no regrets, even though I knew that inexpensive pens can work as well, but I have to now ban myself from eBay.
About the nibs, gold vs. stainless steel, I have read that all of these pens have a bead of hard metal welded on the end, to make the point. Sometimes it's platinum-iridium. That would mean that the gold is irrelevant, just decorative.
Idk why I searched "why fountain pens are expensive"
...
There are cheap ones too. Expensive ones are due to marketing
And they look much better!
Sensible review. I am using fountain pens since 1956. I have used Swan, Black Bird, Doric, Waterman, Parker, Sheaffer and other- English and American pens available in the 50s when they were not unconscionably pricey. In the late 50s-early 60s , I used Japanese Pilot pens, which were then very affordable. In the 80s I got Cross, Mont Blanc. In the 50s and 60s, the pens were actually used ( and lost!) Pens like Cross and MB with their gold nibs are just for show.
I have bought any number of local Indian pens and they have all been good writers. I have fitted some of them with 14/18 ct nibs and they are fine.
To talk in $ terms is senseless for us, with the given currency conversion rates: a US $ is about 75 Rupees. So even $5 pen is not a really 'cheap' pen for most middle class people in India., especially for students. That is why Chinese pens like Jinhao, Baoer, Hero priced around $5 have become very popular in India. Now, local pen companies are coming out with good pens at comparable prices! We have very good plastic student pens with cartridge/converter for less than a $, which write very well- as well as Platinum Preppy- I have both and I know.
India has been famous for hand made ebonite pens, with many local makers in many areas. These pens are very good and the basic ED model is still very affordable. These are actually premium pens, though not glamorous. Fit a Jowo , Schmidt or Bock nib- they write as well as any $500 pen. The oldest ebonite pen with me is 30 years old. I still use it.
Of course there is quality , workmanship, material in costlier pens. But beyond a point, it is all show business- mere brand name and image..[ Higher price is also a reflection of the higher cost of living in the countries where they are made, and is not necessarily indicative of much superior quality.] The higher the price, the more exclusive and limited the club of owners. This may give a psychological fillip to some people, but that is all about such pens. Some Japanese pens are of exceptional beauty and workmanship and they are really collectors' items. It is good that the really rich ( or the nouveau rich) spend such vast sums on such works of art, so that the arts and artists won't suffer!
For most of us what really matters is a pen that writes well, which we can carry around without fear of loss. The $5 pen meets the test. So your review is good.
I bought a fountain pen once. I lent it to my friend from another class who had forgotten to bring his pen and when I went to collect it from him during break I found him playing pen fight with it. Said it's weight really gave him an advantage. He still thinks he broke it that day (it works fine :P) and he bought me expensive pencils all week.
Wth I wanted to say was Nice video! Don't lend that pen out to your friends XD
Same story, pen fight with my fountain pen. Really angered me as to how ignorant and careless they could be with such a delicate thing. Never lent pens after it
@@Amer_S fountain pens are quite durable, they are made to last for years
@@thecatserole245 True, but the sight of my pen being hit around and making noises from the hits and occasionally also falling down from the table really rustled my jimmies inside :/
@@Amer_S Same, especially if the cap is loose.
Interesting video, as always Teoh. Pens are my passion, but the price always keeps me a little when I want a "high-end"one. On the other hand, I often get pleasure with a very cheap pen whose quality is also good. But the look, the opportunity, and the use guide me sometimes. Thank you !
I'm glad you said there're nearly no differences practically for the 2 pens because i always prefer to buy something cheap which produce a good result I think.
As you spoke, there's no definite answer for the choice. aside from the similar line they can produce, the craftsmanship and the appearance of a thing you appreciate worth the money also, although it's hard to define how much it should be.
I was looking for a fude fountain pen. I guess I just found one. Thank you!
Well, i think like in Watches, you have to appreciate the craftsmanship behind a patented 21k Gold Nib vs. a "basic" steel nib. Sailor has been producing some of the most astonishing nibs in the last decades. Also, while Steel will always remain in his shape and give you the same Writing Feeling, a Naginata-Togi Nib in Gold will adapt to your writing style with the time because of the peculiarities of the nib. The Sailor Nib will feel like something that is totally yours and that has lived througout the years with you. So there is lot of things to analyze when comparing the two pens.
It's like in Watches... why do some Watches cost 5'000$ and some 50$? Because the whole process behind the making of a Manufacture Movement, the Materials that are used, how careful the Details are finished, make one watch way more valuable and complicated to create than the other. Even if at the end of the day... both are going to show the time.
Thanks for this review anyhow and keep up the good work.
watches are gimmick for snobs. Atleast the top grade mechanical ones, when you do the math you end up paying 20bucks a month for a maintenance of a timepiece which is beyond pointless.
C- the fact that you mention 20bucks a month for the maintainance of a watch shows that you probably don’t know about mechanical watches.
@@SamuelNaldi What is there to know? .
Proud to see a fellow singaporean being good at youtube hats off for your effort man.👍👍
I told my mum i like drawing so she bought me isograph set with inks and a 14 ct gold fountain tip set, your videos are helping alot thanks
Good review for just writing a line. But, when you write the Chinese/Japanese characters, it makes a significant different. Because of different length of bent, also a different angle. Overall, for writing either Chinese/Japanese, I still prefer to use Sailor (good stainless pen is around US$10- from them) with very good ink flow. I bought the Baoer 388, it's cost $1.95- (now gets cheaper). It depends on a budget. Unless you are looking for gold Nib, these doesn't make much different these days.
Perfect. I agree 100%. If you want a pen to write with, $5 will get you some great pens. The fude nib may mask some of the Sailor's value. If you compared Ef or F the writing may be different. But certainly not 100x better. If you need cash, you could sell the Sailor for a few hundred. The Duke not so.
On the other hand, unless you were given them as a gift, you would have had a few hundred $ more in your pocket with the Duke...
I have the Duke 209 and I can confirm that it is quite slippery. I think I'll sand mine too. As a note for future buyers, check the description because mine did not came with a converter. There's something strange with the fude nib: the flow is very wet, yet because of the paper texture, the lines are not perfectly straight (as we can see in the video for both pens). But I like it, it gives a lot of strength to the drawing I think
A friend of mine let me use his Duke 209 in black and I found it a joy to write with and the barrel was not slippery at all.
What a telling and useful comparison.
The only expensive fountain pen that appeals to me is one with a cross music nib, because it looks like it does stuff that others don't. However the price is over 20 times my personal limit ($US 30).
The Sailor specialty nibs are even more expensive now as Sailor increased the prices by around US$150-200 in late 2018.
Thanks for your review. I appreciate your honesty. I will never spend so much money for a pen in my life. I have an old Lamy Safari and asked a Sailor de Mannen Fude nib fountainpen (the cheap green one) for Xmas. That's all I need for a while ;-)
Really interesting video.. I’ve fallen in love with fountain pens and is just so amazing what is out there, to buy, and experience.. I am enjoying a LAMY Safari and pilot metro .. but when I look at these exquisite pens ( Visconti, etc) it is so tempting .. but you’re exactly right about the “ feel good” value . People ( including myself) are very seduced by that “luxurious “ feel of owning and using a more expensive fountain pen.. I’m fighting the temptation, as I just cannot justify buying such a high priced pen with my budget ... I also think that when we buy something so expensive, it sort of defeats the purpose( my purpose and personal goal) of getting out there and sketching !! I’d never use it outdoors and would think it too precious to really use it all the time ..
thanks so much for all your informative and direct and honest videos.. I’ve learned so much from you , and have used your videos as guidance , when I’m deciding on a purchase ..
After owning these expensive pens, I realised I prefer cheaper or more moderately priced pens. After all, it's just a pen.
Yes, Lamy pens aren't the cheapest ones neither the most expensives, what do you think about them?
Thanks for your instructive video!
Gabriel Erosa not sure if you are asking me what I think of the lamy pen , or if you’re asking Teoh..
I love it .. very reasonable in price , and easy to change nibs and change inks with converter .. it feels very comfy to draw with...
Teoh Yi Chie I agree... :-)
Very fair and honest account of two pens that differ in price, not function and performance.
doubt, also its not a smooth paper like bristol so the nib cant show full capability
Thanks so much for this video. I am switching from ballpoint to fountain pen and have been very confused about what to buy. THANKS!!!
I would have liked if you flipped the pen over to demonstrate how thin the lines can write also
They are thin, hairline thin. But ink flow is not as good so you have to draw slowly
@@teohyc My Duke fude pen does not reverse write. Is the Sailor better at reverse writing? That would be my reason for wanting the Sailor. Want to sell yours?
Such a good video. It’s totally ok to buy both, just get what you can and start.
I was drifting to much into Yu-Gi-Oh and neglecting art when I saw this. Thank you for getting me to at least sketch. I was really doing awefully before this due to the lack of motivation. Keep it up
It's hard to describe the love of pens to someone who doesn't share the same feelings. Though I have some expensive fountain pens, I do agree that there are some needlessly expensive ones out there which I wouldn't buy. I have a $5 Scrikss fountain pen which I frequently use and it performs flawlessly. Actually even better than some expensive ones. As for very expensive ones, I am very tempted to get a
S.T. Dupont Murder On The Orient Express and Orient Express Prestige Fountain Pen. I'll probably never get them, but would love to have them.
It was really nice to see this. I thought my less expensive pens wrote very well, that maybe I just wasn't experienced or skilled enough to be able to tell the difference... It's nice to know I don't need to invest a ton of money to get a pen that writes really nicely.
Amazing video, that really makes me want to go on amazon and get a pen with a nib like that! I have the problem that I am scared to take my expensive pens out to Uni in case I forget my pen case, my bag gets stolen while I am at the main train station etc. even tho my most expensive one is in comparison “only” 150€. I take my 40-50€ pens as well as my 5€ pens with me, my pen of choice is either the Lamy studio or a good working kaweco,and I found myself enjoying the middle-price category the most!
Take the 495 dollars saved and buy paper, ink, paints, brushes and books, then take a homeless person to lunch all week long with the rest.
Bent nib isn't a problem it's a feature
~me
Os for The looks man! Why people buy expensive watches
From my experience, writing/drawing on course paper can negate the quality of the fountain pen nib. I wonder if those two pens would have felt the same if you had written on some nice paper, such as Rhodia. The finest quality gold nib won't feel all that nice when writing on drawing paper.
The same with isographs ,you can even destroy the tipping that way
I'd definetely buy a PS4 rather than a 500$ fountain pen XD Though the Duke looks interesting, might add that to my wish list. Sometimes more expensive fountain pens have more flexible nibs, but I wouldn't even try to flex a 500$ one. I don't think it matters much for a fude nib anyway since you get the line variation from the angle of the nib.
I would buy the cheap one. They have about the same line quality and like you said, I would not have to worry about losing, or dropping it.
I guess for performance you might as well get the cheap one. I got a $50 Parker many years ago, as a bday present, but it is not used for drawing, only for writing.
I'd say that sometimes the difference is in the filling system, the quality control and the durability as well as (depending on which pens you are comparing) the nib feel.
I've heard horror stories of some TWISBIs breaking by being dropped on even just carpet (though that's probably more the exception than the rule) while some slightly more expensive piston fillers (the Pelikan M200 specifically) have been taken to hell and back on occasion without breaking (actually found a very interesting review about that, if you're interested). With metal bodies this isn't as big of a problem, but I still wouldn't be quite sure about the snap-caps lasting to close-to-forever period some vintage pens have, some of mine have begun getting a bit wobbly after a few years.
Filling systems, well, there aren't really any cheap ones (that aren't vintage and in need or restoration) with build in filling systems and the lower end pens may be, well, pretty bad in other aspects.
Nib feel won't be an issue if you get it ground by a Nibmeister, unless we're talking about flex, but flex is mainly a thing in vintage pens anyways, though some modern ones do have a bit of it, but if you don't it can be a big difference (depending on your preferences of course).
Challenge for Teoh...compare a $5 Duke vs. a $500 fountain pen in the areas they are most used for. Writing. Just plain writing. Let's face it...most people don't use their valuable fountain pens for any kind of sketching, especially not street sketching. I do see your point, but I think it's a little self-defeating to compare the pens in an area that a $500 Sailor would almost never be used for.
its fude nib its not meant for regular writing anyways get naginata or sth. Now the paper here is watercolour so its ultra rough and you cant feel the perfect finishing on the nib like how you would feel on smooth paper.
I have a 1.1 mm Lamy Joy calligraphy pen from Jetpens for $30, and love it. Edit: Why do people buy expensive things? They've either been brainwashed into accepting the "you get what you pay for" fallacy or they have enough money to not care how much it costs.
Why is this 1911 so expensive, because of the fude nib? I got my 1911 Large for 1/4
Personally I wouldn’t pay more than 25€ for a pen especially if there is a cheap alternative like that Duke pen. I often say “Buying cheap is buying twice”, but for fountain pens I’ve found that even the cheap ones last a long time and have nice ink flow. With cameras I’ve gone the pricey route though, because in that case I will only have to replace it in about 30 years, if at all!
I actually just ordered a fude nib fountain pen on Amazon. But the Duke 209 is 18€ here, which is 20 US dollars. Nevertheless, I am very much looking forward to it! I watched your other video of the fude nib pens for a reference. And I as well ordered the sailor (the green one with the 55degree angle of the nib, although you didn’t like it too much, but Anne-Laure does. And that, in fact, was 7€ (8dollars) on german Amazon. A 500$ pen is definitely far off my possibilities. I also love Lamy. Great video!!! Thank you!!!
I like nice pens. But I'm like you: my nice pens rarely get out of the house. Even at home, I'm fearful of dropping some of them on my hard laminate floor. A decent, but lower cost pen is great because you don't have that fear of risk.
@Йцукен Фывович That is a good point. Gold is a bit more forgiving. Of course, as you say, they are not often damaged.
Great and useful commentary! Thank you!
I bought a Platinum 3776 with a Soft nib so I can do some simple calligraphy and it is incredibly different from the cheap flex nibs for noodlers and such. More expensive pens do improve the writing experience but it depends on what nib you pick.
Great video! I guess fountain pens are like cameras. The best one is the one you use!
Does gold nib make difference than the stainless steel ?
Great video! I have the cheap Sailor green one. Very pleased with it!
I don't know about this kind of nibs. But for regular writing nibs the writing experience may definitely make a difference. The thing with the gold nibs is that they are more flexible even if its not a flex nib it can react differrently to your pressure.
These are not to say that expensive pens are worth the money for everybody. Functionally you can write same text at the end of the day. They are more like luxury items like jewelry.
But the build quality, material, quality assurance procedures definitely differ. Those effects the writing experience. But price mostly comes from the artistic value for most poeople. And sometimes interesting engineering gimmics like vacuum fillers.
Nice review btw :)
Until know, I never understood what fountain pens are, and why they have that tip design.
I just ordered a Duke fountain pen with 2 nibs - excited to try the fude nib with my landscape sketches, thanks - $37 from Amazon including some black Noodler ink
That's a good deal
Try Parker pens. I’ve got some and they’re well nice 👍
I was sad when I lost my Lamy Safari so I can't imagine losing a 500$ pen
My mom got me a fountain pen for 5 dollars but it looks like the 500 dollar one...
What is your favorite fountain pen? I have a few that dry up quickly if I don't use them constantly. I like the Duke very much. thanks.
My favourites are the speciality nib fountain pens.
Many times, it just makes people feel more important to use expensive stuff, especially if they have the money to ‘blow’ on stuff like that. It’s mostly an ego thing.
I honestly don’t see the big deal over the whole gold appeal. I honestly like the look of the silver one better.
forget the 500$ even the 5$ is very expensive for me ...
Dang $500 for a pen I could buy a lot of Palomino pencils with that
Some pens are works of art and I could pay for the workmanship and dedication and the enjoyment of the beauty of the pen - like Namiki Maki-e pens - if I won the lottery!!
Your hand was stressful when using the $ 500 pen :))) I stressed too when I touch expensive things. thanks for video
There are some pens that are duplicates of the really expensive "designer" type pens that I buy off ebay that I put inks that I would not ever put in an expensive one because I love the way ink flows through it.
Absolutely great video. Thank you.
it's like question why would someone buy ferrari over skoda. they are both cars on four wheels, but not the same. i would buy it. i realy love fountain pens and i collect them. as you said it depends what you value in life. i don't drink, smoke or gamble so i can save some money on the side over year which i use to gift myself with one or two pens. some are cheap, some are expensive like every other thing in life. if you have money buy it, if not don't regret it's just a pen. or isn't? :P
Bojan Arambasic I’m not sure your analogy works. Ferrari will outperform Skoda. Expensive fountain pen will not outperform the cheap one.
Your analogy works in regards to reliability. In my experience the cheaper mass produced pens are more reliable. Luxury fountain pens are unpredictable. Same is true for cars. Skoda is much more reliable than Ferrari.
Hi Teoh! Only for sketching purposes, what fountain pen would you recommend for a lefty? Thanks, keep the videos coming :D
I like your drawing style. :D
Can lefty's write with these types of pens? Asking cause the design seems to favor a right hand that drags right, not a left hand dragging right. Does that still work or no??
I don’t write with left hand so I’m not too sure about that
Well. Good review for the final result. But you ignored some factors including the feeling during the writing process.
I think its personal preferance but maybe a price in between, although the more expensive is going to last longer and perform better , I think quailty is probably best. unless an artist is a begenner there are budget Pens that are good too
A very wise signature sir
The only way I may spend a lot on a pen, is after winning the mega millions lottery.
I don't like expensive tools because I feel bad if I loose them or break them. I always try to get something of a good quality for affordable price.
Wow awesome review !
I know this was made some time ago, so not expecting an answer, but I was wondering how not just the line quality but the overall feel differs between the visibly much wider and “chunkier” pen (is it actually heavier?) vs the $5 ?
The $500 pen feels lighter because the body is not metal. I also prefer the larger body which is more comfortable to hold. But for physical designs, there are many more affordable pens to choose. The main selling point here is the pen nib.
This particular Sailor nib is smoother than the $5 one, feels great. But of course the pricing is expensive. I bought this before the shortage and if I sell it now I can even make a profit. But this is really difficult to find nowadays, especially the older designs.
Do you use waterproof ink ? If yes, do you have any issues with dried ink and flow behaviour after using the fountain pens a while ?
I do. See my ink recommendations here www.parkablogs.com/content/waterproof-fountain-pen-inks-drawing
im in uk rn and i went to sainsbury and i bought one that is 2 pounds and it came with 5 ink thing and its a good deal i also bought more of those ink thing for 1 pound it have 10 ink bottle thing
I got the same Duke pen as you!
Knowing nothing about fountain pens before now I can't see why is ever need anything beyond the cheap one that works. It would be different if it didn't last or had major drawbacks.
Heh heh, people don’t want to know the truth. I’ve always wondered and I’m very happy to know that the drawing is equal. I couldn’t afford the expensive pen and don’t like the worry of loosing it. I have a nice Louis Vuitton purse and wallet for sale for the same reason. I like my tools to work well. I don’t care for status symbols.
I've bought my fountain pen for about 2$ and it works fine for me
I used to love fountain pens! Got tired of buying ink cartridges, but I remember I would do all my math homework in ink. Maybe I'll start using them again
Get a converter or wash and refill your empty cartridges with a syringe.
lol nobody uses cartridges in expensive fountain pens
I see you did review a $5 pen 2 years ago. the one i just told you about (separate video) is not a fude. and it will not get wider. so I like this option you are showing as a cheap one. You were talking about learning calligraphy at one time. Check out IAMPETH. I used to have copperplate nibs. and good old ones. but I lost a huge box of my good art supplies. If you really want to try calligraphy, look up copperplate and give it a try. If you see the Coca-Cola print, it's copperplate. They actually have an award for people who are great penman's and also include flourishing. Those people when they are granted, they actually make their own graduation form (i can't say the name, the one you hang on the wall)
I really like the fine smaller one, because you can probably fit it in when your out :D
What do you guys prefer?
I have 840 pens in my collection! The cheapest are Jinhoes on the bay, I have about 15 of them! The most expensive is a Visconti @ $2,300.00 that I have yet to use in the 7 years I have owned it.......I have about 20 of the Visconti’swith prices ranging from $95.00 up to that one I listed here........the nib is the 1st thing I qualify when selecting a new pen purchase. Then I look at the overall design, & finally the material the body of the pen is made with! I like my pens, thick or thin, short or tall, heavy or lite weight. I write and adapt to them all, Basically!
That's a lot of pens. I'm surprised you count them all
Teoh Yi Chie I not only count them, I have them all on a interesting Spreadsheet,. I do this so I don’t make mistakes and. Buy the same pens multiple x’s. I created these spreadsheets myself. I also have approximately 300 bottles of Inks.And about 250 sample bottles. Now I also have inkwells that go back into early 1800’s. Then. There is
My book. Library of about 50 books from repairs, which I do, to collections. My collection spreads out to even more items.
hi Teoh nice videos as usual ! was going to ask if you still have the sailor cross music nib ! or the cross .
I still have that pen
Teoh Yi Chie i think “that pen” is a pen that cannot be found in any cheaper form (non gold) or expensive (gold) ! Im a sailor fan and looking forward to buy the new cross music nib (but its expensive 🥺):p
I like fountain pen they look good write good and sometimes it just feel good to be writing with one
But I don't think I would ever buy such expensive pens not for myself atleast.
All of my fountain pens are in the $15-$25 dollar range. A little bit nicer and longer lasting than cheap ones from the dollar store, but still cheap enough to justify spending that kind of money
Wow. I would think 21k gold would be too soft to make a pen nib!
The sketch is great i like it somuch
en verda he notado en las economicas hay unas que no son del todas buenas pero en su mayoria no , sobre todo para las personas que no tengan el dinero suficiente uno pude comprar varias de precios economicos y ver cuales salen buenas .
can u do a review of the mungyo watercolors? they seem to be quite popular
I but in Japan a cheap one from Sailor, less than 2000 Yen and I am very satisfied.
Those lines are totally $500 worth. Great investment.