i just wanted a good looking fountain pen to write and now my head is stuffed with different nibs, inks, refill systems and quality pens. great; you got me addicted.
There's a lot to take in for sure. But that's one of the great joys of the hobby, finding out which nib/filling mechanism/ink works best for you! - Colin
I'm getting adicted, too. I live in Chile (South America) and fountain pens are unknown ancient tool that nobody under 40's know. So I have to import some. The best deal for me is ebay and chinese stuff (american, japanese and european are forbidden because delivery is bigger than original price). My choice: Jinhao X750 (US$ 2.58 and free delivery) Thank you, Brian.
It doesn't have to be expensive! $5 for a Platinum Preppy (www.gouletpens.com/platinum-preppy-fountain-pens/c/280) and you're off and writing. :) - Colin
Could be worse.....it costs me 5$ every time I pull the trigger on my newest gun and the last outing cost 500$ just for the 1 rifle......this one is a walk in the park in comparison lol
In my experience I wish I tried the pilot metro first. I spent a bit of money on safaris and converters and thought it was amazing, spent 15 on a pilot metro and the fine is right where I wanted for my thickness from the start. The pilot never skips and writes beautiful
I got into fountain pens with my father. He had this huge love for ink and paper and art and he passed it to me. Now that he is gone, every time I get a new pen or that I use a pen that feels particularly good and think about him. It was our thing.
I'm raising my hand here to say that I learned to write with a fountain pen in grade school, and as a result my handwriting is only legible when I write with a fountain pen. My father who died at the age of 96 three years ago was an engineer with exquisite lettering skills. He gifted me with his gold-nibbed Pelikan he learned to write with in grade school in the 1920s. That joined my collection of Waterman, Visconti and Mont Blanc fountain pens. And yes, I love the Lami Safari and have several.
@@rockyroadmagic4152 You probably just need to practice, my hand writing improved in the sense that it's smaller, just need to get used to holding the pen differently.
I looked everywhere online for a simple "best pens for newbies" thing. I'm so glad I found this. I bought a crappy one for 20 bucks (a stupid splurge; I normally research brands before buying) and it's not very good at all... Thank you so much for taking the time to make this, and realizing that most newcomers have no idea the sheer amount of things they don't know.
Instead of using a converter, you can buy a syringe needle and use that to refill any type of cartridge. This saves a ton of money if you have multiple pens. The only down side is that you can't leave something like that laying around if you have kids or pets.
+Guy Who Passed Flatus During Interview At least you'd be an responsible junkie ;P I wouldn't think too much about it people actually use syringes for a lot of different things :)
In France, we learn how to write when we are 6 and we have to learn with a fountain pen. We are allowed to write with other pens like ball pens only around 10.
wow, that is really cool. here in India we are made to write with pencils till 7-8 then we have to switch to gel pens/ ball pens but i always liked my father's fountain pen and not knowing how to use one i broke it . I guess I am now mature enough to use fountain pens now :P
I'm in France, came here when I was 9, were leaving soon, I'm. Not sure if your lying, or it just doesent apply in Brittany, you don't want to live here, trust me, a lot of the English here are assholes, and a lot of the French (in schools) hate English, thank god we only stayed for 2 years, I'm so happy we're moving soon!
Well in Germany the Lamy costs between 12€ -20€ and when school starts again it's always on sale for 9,99€ (or 10$) It is considered a school standard and one of the cheapest options here. We learn to write with fountain pens only at first and can't use anything else for school work till much later. My Lamy Safari and Joy survived more than 10 years of daily use and the first steps of me writing at 6 years old. They are easy to clean and indestructible :D
Funny. Maybe the school I went to was unusual, but I was not allowed to use a pen until around age 13 or so. Even then, nobody uses fountain pens. Glad to see that what I believed to be a dead technology is still alive and well elsewhere!
My dad is an artist, and taught my sisters and I how to do lettering with a speedball pen and bottle ink. I so loved the feel of writing with these pens. Starting in the 6th grade, I began buying Sheaffer cartridge pens, and although they were really cheap, they also felt great to write with! I would go through several every school year, because people just loved to borrow them, and "accidentally" fail to return them. After years of writing with these pens, it took me forever to learn to write with a ballpoint pen! It didn't feel right, and for some reason I would get that ballpoint ink all over my hands. Gel pens are better than ballpoints, but I'm going back to a fountain pen. Thanks for the helpful video!
When I was 8, we had to write with a pen in school. I think we still have to in Belgium. But you have now pens that have ballpoint point. In high school you can choose. We also have a tradition around new year, we have to write a letter for our parents en grandparents, we wrote those with a fountain pen. Anyway i grow up with fountain pens and i'm happy about it :)
I was an exchange student in Belgium where I was introduced to using a fountain pen. Once you get used to a fountain pen, it's hard to go back to a ball point or rollerball. The fountain pen is great if you write by hand a lot - which I do for a living. The pen is larger in circumference so your hand has more to grasp which is more comfortable to the hand so it doesn't cramp up when writing for a long period. It also flows more easily. The ink flows out of the pen, rather than the writer pushing down on the paper to get the ink to flow. This means that there is less stress on your hand. Also, most fountain pen ink cleans up fairly easily, whereas ball point pen ink almost doesn't come out and ruins clothes, etc.
I am half Russian, half Slovenian who immigrated to Brussels when I was 4. I was, and still am in the english section (hence me speaking english). My parents made me learn to write on a fountain pen, and I am happy about it.
I got my first fountain pen today. I follow BohoBerry and Pretty Pink and Paper and they recommended the Pilot Metropolitan. I have done a little writing today and love it! I got the fine nib. It writes so smooth. It feels like an elegant tool to use in writing. I am enjoying your fountain pen 101 videos.
I started of with the Lamy CP1 a couple months ago, and I have to say that I am absolutely in love with it. Growing up I hated writing and reading, and if I could I would rather type everything out. The second I got a hold of my first fountain pen, the Lamy CP1, I felt like I have been missing out on so much. Really has a big impact on my life and I can't stop writing from sheer enjoyment. My next goal is broaden my collection with Pelikan M1000, Sailor KOP, and maybe the Montblanc 149 used on ebay, but all in all I just want to thank you, sbrebrown, and FPGeeks for making all these videos. Really appreciate you guys!
I LOVE the Pilot Varsity pens! I get them in a dozen box on Amazon and use them all the time for just about anything. And their colors (I've only used one color so don't quote me too much) are great. I'm a bit purple obsessed, and their purple pens are top notch! The ink flow is smooth and pigmented, and yeah, if you're not too careful, the ink can get everywhere if you rub your finger over the nib by accident, but I'm fine with some splotches here and there. I've had so many people ask about these pens and I've given a few away since they seem like a novelty where I live. I'd love to try some of the pens he's describing, since they seem like lovely writing options, but the Pilot Varsity's will always be my first!
I already have two Metropolitans, and about to get a Kakuno and a Jinhao x750! Always come back to this video, love how well-spoken and straight forward this video is (-:
I'm 82 years old and I've always use a fountain pen I never use a ballpoint pen I remember when they first came out how exotic they were but I've never used one I've used fountain pens all my life I would just love them have a few not a lot but I enjoy the most of all
I've always had Lamy safaris and have called it my workhorse pen even before I heard it being referred to as such... that's just me speaking for its quality. among the 5 recommendations it also looks the best to my mind! it just stands out with the design.
If you're talking Lamy, then it'd be the medium nib (also my favourite!). I found this forum and if you scroll down a few posts there is a handy graphic: www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/216085-lamy-safari-nib-widths/. I'd say a fountain pen is good for just about anything that any old pen can do, but it feels different (smooth and with some weight to it) and the effect is different, and that's why I like them.
I recently started watching these videos because I was looking for a new fountain pen. Learned to write with a Lamy ABC when I was 6. Switched over to a Lamy Nexx when I was 14 (yes the abc lasted me 8 years, I literally flattened out the nib), wrote with that one until I was 17, switched to Parker Vector but lost that one and I switched to ballpoints for a year. Now I finally have a fountain pen again and I'm happy to be back with Lamy (Al Star this time). To me it's crazy to see that some people didn't grow up with fountain pens but also that some people actually have fountain pens as a hobby because it has always been such a constant thing in my life.
Yeah, I've heard that a lot from other international customers. But I did receive a handwritten note from an elementary school class here in the US as their teacher was teaching them about fountain pens. - Colin
Fellow Austrian here. Interesting - in my experience, most (well, literally everyone I know) change to ballpoints as soon as they enter middle/high school.
Hey Brian! I just wanted to say thank you so much! I wanted to try fountain pens but was really intimidated by all the brands, nibs, inks, converters, and papers. I watched through your series on suggested pens, pen maintenance, re-filling ink, suggested inks, nib info, and suggested papers. I am super happy now with my Lamy All-Star, Clair Fontaine Paper, and Noodler's Black Australian Rose to get me started. I was following along with your video on how to treat a Lamy straight out of the box and filling a converter. I love how it writes! I got the fine nib and it's beautifully smooth and has a delicate line that makes my hard won flourished cursive look even better. You are a godsend!
That's awesome to hear. I know getting into fountain pens is definitely overwhelming with all the different options, but once you're in, trying all the different brands of pens/ink/paper is one of the joys of the hobby (at least to me!), finding what works best with your writing style. Great picks to start with though, love Black Swan in Australian Roses! - Colin
Started out using a Lamy Safari in the 1980s and am still using them. I received a Mont Blanc as a parting gift when I left a company I had worked at for a long time, picked up a nice Pelican with a gold nib, and tried others, all of which I used it for a while, then went back to the Safari. I like the EF nib and like how it writes fast; it's good for scribbling in a journal or taking notes at a meeting. My only complaint is that after about 10 years of constant use, the cap didn't fit as securely as when it was new. I now have a half dozen or so both plastic ones and metallic ones and highly recommend them.
I noticed when you were describing the Metropolitan, you said it only comes in Fine and Medium. For $9 more, you can get a Pilot Plumix and put its nib on the Metropolitan. It's actually my favourite nib because it's a 1.0mm Italic and so is finer than most italic nibs. I bought my first Prera before an italic nib was available and so I put a Plumix nib on it as well. The Pilot G78 Broad is actually a fine, smooth stub that also fits on these Pilot pens. Thanks, Brian, for all the informative videos.
I appreciate the work that went into your presentation. I started my journey in the FP world with a Lamy Vista and have added 2 safaris and a couple Platinum preppies that are daily use pens for me. Due to my having to sign carbonless copies, sometimes 4 sheets thick I also carry a Pilot G2 pen but the FPs are my go to. I had a rebirth in then about 5 years ago after remembering I used them in grammar school into junior high. What a breath of fresh air to reawaken the love of writing.
Good list of starter pens, I went with the Pilot Metropolitan. I thought about going with the Lamy Safari but the shape didn't match my grip. Might still pick one up to try and correct my grip.
I started doing work that requires intense handwriting, and ballpoints would fatigue my hand super fast. I went from a Platinum Preppy (loved it!) straight to the Lamy Safari, couldn't be happier. Truly an excellent workhorse pen. The Preppy held it's own but with the amount of writing I have to do for work, the Safari was worth every penny. I got it on Amazon for $25 with 5 extra cartridges included. Definitely going the converter route when I inevitably burn through the included cartridges.
I am so thankful that you are doing these tutorials and they're very helpful and informative in fact I didn't even know that I had the varsity pilot pen that I picked up on Saturday so happy just to get a fountain pen that I didn't care and the more I'm learning from you guys the better so thank you for making these videos. The first time I ever picked up a feather pen it felt like it was made for my hand and fountain pens feel the same way I've always been awkward with pens but these are the only ones that feel right so thank you and keep up the great work your videos are turning to be more informative than the other ones that I'm finding out there
I’ve been using Safari’s for years now, using several each year as the colours change. For me, the two standouts are the three italic nibs, (stub as you refer to them) and the best one for me is the 1.5, which I’d not too broad. The other thing is with a 1ml syringe and a blunt needle, you can actually keep refilling the std: Lamy cartridges. Here in Australia, a box of five (@1ml each) will cost you $8 and a 50ml bottle $25. It’s a no brainer. - it applies to other brands too, Pelikan universal small carts: (@.6ml) are $6 for six, or a 62ml bottle is $12. It also allows you to use a huge range of inks and colours from Robert Auster or Van Diemens ink, both local Aussie brands as well as Pilot, Mont Blanc, Pelikan and others.
Pilot prera and lamy safari were my favourite newbie pens. The pilot prera with a med nib is still one of my favourites for everyday use. Seems smoother gliding and nicer lines compared to the similarly priced safari with a similar sized nib. Other benefit with pilot is you have more options for finer lines since a lamy EF is not far off from a M nib pilot.
I know you are still doing work for your shop, but it's rather impressive how good you are at putting yourself in the shoes of someone who is just getting interested in pens and writing. Not many can do that.
Heh, I found a really cheap Berol handwriting for kids fountain pen, which writes better and more reliably than the Lammy in my experience, but was really uncomfortable. Shoved it in the drill and sanded it a bunch and now its a really comfy universal and durable fountain pen I got for $5!
So glad you recommended the Pilot Varsity! You don't need to know a single thing about fountain pens to use it. No dealing with cartridges that may be international, may be proprietary. No dealing with filling mechanisms. Just grab it and start writing I started my switch to fountain pens after hearing about how much plastic is wasted in things like floss dispensers, straws, tampons, etc. I go through pens quickly and started looking for something more sustainable, but quickly realized how expensive fountain pens can get! My school bookstore only had a few choice and I ended up with a Zebra V-301, which was terrible. It was the Pilot Varsity that convinced me that fountain pens are actually superior to ballpoint pens. After going through two or three I "graduated" to a Kaweco Sport and now I have the Twsbi Eco demonstrator and love it!.
You're absolutely right! The Varsity is my go-to recommendation for all newbies trying to get into fountain pens for the reasons you described. It's no nonsense & easy to use. - Colin
The beginning of this video made me forget I was here to learn about pens but instead had stumbled into some self-help group. Great info, thank you! Could be improved by seeing the pens in action, that's kinda the money shot.
Bought a pilot metropolitan 4 years back, used it in college, finished countless papers, assignments, filled countless notebooks with class notes. One of the things about fountain pens is that a good quality pen ( anything above 10-15$ ) is that they are incredibly well made and are made to last for several years, maybe even decades if you don't lose or drop them. These nibs are also surprisingly well made at this price. When u write as much and as often as I do for several years the tipping on these nibs get polished by the paper and the pen actually gets much smoother over time. Just ordered a lamy safari charcoal last night, don't know if it will be smoother than my pilot metropolitan, but I'm planning to retire the pilot from my main duty pen, will fill it with fancy colored inks like lapis bard blue lagoon and will put black ink (Parker quink black is what I have been using for years) in the lamy and use it for everyday college use.
I started with the twsbi 580 diamond EF nib, it's a demonstrator and a very nice pen to look at and on top of that the customer service was real good and fast. The Lamy Safari (I just got my first one which is the Limited Edition Black) is a must have cos it's an all around good writer and solid build.
Just got my Charcoal Lamy Safari in the mail today ! Going to get some ink tomorrow. First fountain pen, Cant wait ! I'll be writing all weekend !!! :-) Got it for 22 $ Canadian on Amazon with the converter ! Pretty good deall i'd say.
In regard to your comments about the fineness of the fine nib for the Pilot Metro; Japanese nibs, in general, are ground to the grade below, so, for example, a medium fine Japanese nib would be the equivalent of a fine nib from any(?) other country
Interesting to see your newbie picks. Glad the Lamy was there, I started with a Safari. Great pen, plus the Lamy ink is fairly reasonably priced and in my opinion, a good quality ink.
I started with several vintage fountain pens I found in my folk's barn when I was a teen (they were left by the previous owner) so I got introduced to a gold point early on. I'm still sad that, what with going to college, and the rest of life after that, those old pens got lost. I have had a stroke, which impacted my writing hand, so I really started looking for a fountain pen to avoid the hand strain from ballpoint pens, and found a vintage dimestore Arnold lever fill. It's not exactly pretty (the chrome rusted on the outside, but it came from a display case of the original dime store and had never been used. Works great for an 89¢ original price pen! I have several of the Jinhao pens, the same ones that you mentioned, and I really like the size of the 159, because it's like giving a primary crayon to a kindergarten kid. Perfect for me to be able to keep hold of! It is a heavy beast, but it writes extremely well for an under $10 pen. Will I ever get more expensive pens? Sure, but I am now on a fixed income, so I will have to save up. Montblanc pens are probably never going to be in my collection, because of this. Nice review of the variety available for affordable prices!
@@brette6117 It's possible. After the stroke, my handwriting was about that of an early elementary child starting into cursive. It's back to my almost copperplate again. Took effort, and finding a pen that works for you. I've seen that the heavier pens are pretty good for hand issues, if they don't tire you out. Why I tend to do most of my letter writing with my Jinhao 159. At the girth and weight (about 50 grams!), it's easier for me to hang on to, and even the Jinhao nib is a pleasure for me to use. (I also have a wide range of pens, both light and thin, as well, though many of them that I regularly use are a bit girthy and have a bit of heft. (Doesn't mean that my vintage Esterbrook pens get ignored, though. 😉)
I've been using cheap fountain and dip calligraphy pens but never knew there were other enthusiast like myself about ink, pens and writing. I love this channel and look forward to seeing all the videos. Thank you for enlightening me on all the options out there.The Pilot Metro is something Im looking into. I have a Jinhao x250 the Pilot Varsity and some Manuscript calligraphy pens too.
Your series is just what I was looking for! I was taught how to write with cartridge pens more than 50 years ago. Now that I'm coming back home, I hope I don't have to relearn everything. I'm starting out with a JinHao 250 and a JinHao 450.
Great video! I've always loved using these kind of pens but I've had a heck of a time keeping the ink flow going. I've used them to do fancy writing but not for a lot of years. I'm getting back into my art again & looking to do both ink & watercolor drawings. So thanks for the great info videos I've been watching!
I grew up with Lamy (in Germany) and I love them so much. I would recommend getting the Al-Star line instead of the Safari line though, because the Al-Stars are made of aluminum and the others of plastic. Plus, at least here in Germany, the price point is not that different (~20€ for Safari and ~25€ for Al-Star) and both have beautiful colors.
New to fountain pens! Just bought the Fountain Pen First-Timer Package Set for my little brother who is studying law, and the Pilot Parallel Pen Hand Lettering Calligraphy Set for my mom who loves writing. I hope to bring you more business! Please keep sharing the knowledge!
Quick question: In some videos, you recommend buying a carrying case/storage pouch for pens, but do you have pens that can be slipped into jeans pockets without fear of ink leakage?
The pen that set off my fountain pen addiction is the Pilot Kakuno I picked up while I was in Japan this past spring! It's very affordable (I think it was ¥1000, which is like ten bucks or so), comes in a lot of different colours, many of which are very cute and feminine (big plus for me) so they're friendly and approachable, and it's lightweight for my small hands. I have really enjoyed doing extensive writing with that pen and have since bought two more in different colours (as well as a Prera, because I am now hooked on the idea of fountain pens!) I also dropped one nib-first on tile floor straight out of the package (ahh!) but it still writes fine! So I know they're durable. That plus its low price means I'm not afraid to take one around with me wherever I go, which has really improved my productivity because no matter where I am, I look forward to writing. I am having a love affair with those pens and I want one in every colour now, ha ha ha! It's specifically marketed as a beginner pen with little design features to help you write properly with it, so I think it definitely deserves a spot on a beginner list!
Alienne4 Yeah, the kakuno is pretty cool. I haven't used one myself yet, they're still yet to be released in the US. That's great to hear you're loving it so much, I've heard nothing but good things. -Brian Goulet
My first fountain pen was a Parker Vector in black with brushed stainless. I have had that pen since I was 9 and well I'm a bit older with more expensive tastes now but still a great pen. I bought my Lamy from a store and haggled in the converter (still paid $40CAD mind you). Bulletproof workhorse pen I use in the machine shop all day long and 100% worth the extra coin.
Just started a month ago writing with a fountain pen. I was recommended by a local shop the Safari Extra-Fine (because of my writing size) and I love it. I think as beginner, it's given me a very positive experience and I would recommend it to others so they can also enjoy fountain pens. I was happy to see it on here as a recommendation for newbies! :)
Great info Brian! I've been wondering where to start my teenage daughters and I now have some excellent ideas! I've just moved up to a TWSBI 580 and surly didn't want to start there with teenagers that would loose their heads if they weren't attached! Love your videos and am super impressed with your company! Thanks for your thoughts!
I grew up watching a CRT and using fountain pens. I was born in 2004, but my parents and my Russian classes made me use a fountain pen, and my grandparents refused to buy a flatscreen becuase it was a waste of money. I have since moved to ballpoint pens, but decided to buy a TWSBI Go and a bottle of Waterman Serenity Blue ink. Thanks for inspiring me to return to these amazing pieces of stationery.
Great review. The Lamy Safari is my absolute favorite. I've got many pens that are much more expensive, but I always find myself back to one of my dozen Lamys. They clean up great, seldom clog, the adapter is good for most needs and on. Fountain Pens are really great for work because I've never had one disappear! They're thoughtful, fun, and personal. Plus a plug for Brian and Goulet Pens Co., they are the best.
I have the Pilot Metropolitan in both the medium and fine nibs. I love them both but, yes, the fine is definitely my preferred pen. The only drawback I found with it is that the squeeze converter doesn't fit very snug and I had it leak ink. (Fortunately, I caught it in time and I was able to clean the pen immediately with some soapy water). Solved that problem by buying a couple of con-50 converters that work flawlessly. Now I use the squeeze converter for cleaning the pen between refills.
I watched this video over two years ago when looking to get into fountain pens and I am happy to say that my Pilot Metropolitan is still serving me very well despite me having owned it since December 2016. I use it daily and the flow is still perfect. I bought the clear twist converter for it and I use it with Diamine Majestic Purple and Diamine Sargasso Sea. They all work very well with it. I've dropped it a few times and it fortunately only has some cosmetic issues on the barrel. I HIGHLY recommend the Pilot Metropolitan.
I like ou!!!! its een almost 20 rs since last I owned a fountain pen but I wish I had searched UA-cam to find you FIRST!!! totally fantastic info even in 2019 . info that newbies can understand but not making someone with new experince feel stupid. New subbie!!!
...It always seems kind of strange for me to see such a dedication to fountain pens, but hey, that's your choice. Well, I'm french, and was raised in a education that tells you to use one during primary/middle school for french classes, so using fountain pens is kind of normal, if you like them. I used to write with a Waterman Graduate (13€), that was quite heavy, with a fine nib and I liked it, but it kind of strained my hand in the long run. However, I now use a Parker Vector (10€), which is lightweight and great for speed writing and taking notes. Plus, the nib is REALLY smooth (medium).
DarkMangaIza Thanks for sharing your experience! Here in the US students haven't been using fountain pens in school for at least 30 years, so for people like me who discover them in their mid-twenties (or later) it's a really exciting experience. I'm 5-years in and still get real excited about them, clearly! -Brian Goulet
Interesting..when I was in school in India, we were mandated to use fountain pens from Standard 5th - Standard 9th. Starting standard 10th, we were allowed to use ball pens etc. Their reasoning was that fountain pens help with the handwriting of middle school students.
I loved the video. I started out writing cursive (not printing) using fountain pens for doing homework from kindergarten to 5th grade. As a result, I have several handwriting styles, depending on my mood. I LOVE the feel and look of fountain pen writing...it's definitely a different and cool experience from using pencils and ballpoint pens. It may account fort my pen-aholism. LOL
I really like that for fountain pens there aren't new model each year like buying a smartphone or gadgets. 7 years old video can still relevant and useful today.
Personally, if the clear stuff isn't faceted or curved really well it looks like shit. TWSBI shapes their pens pretty well and I love their look but the cheap pens I see at school look like literal shit.
My first fountain pen was a Parker 51 set that had a mechanical pencil too. It was a really cool green and I loved it. That was about 60+ years ago and I wish I had that Parker today. Although, my Pelikan m805 is a reasonable substitute. lol I watched this video because I want to introduce my granddaughters to fountain pens, journaling, and elegant writing. I watched your video on the Jin Hao and I thing I'm going to start them with that pen. Thanks for all you do for this community. Your videos are interesting and instructional. Ciao
So if I'm buying a fountain pen for the first time, what's everything that I need to buy in order to be able to write with it? Do I need to all this converter and ink cartridge and stuff; will a pen I buy have ink already or not?
It really depends on the pen. It'll say in the product description if comes with a cartridge or converter. If it comes with a cartridge, you'll be good to go to start writing. If just a converter, you'll need to buy ink as well. - Colin
I have to give 3 hour exams, so I am looking for a pen that isn't too bulky and can be handled easily for fast writing. Also I'd prefer a pen that doesn't tire my hand out, but really my main concern is speed because I'm gonna be using the pen for Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Bio exams which demand your hand to be as fast as your mind... Any help would be appreciated.
I got carried away and purchased as many as 15 different fountain pens. I have enjoyed using most of them. Do I walk around with a fountain pen in my pocket? Nope. For most applications, I’d much rather have a roller gel pen that I can toss around anywhere I go. I have one in my car and one on my desk for signing checks and that’s all I need. 😆 So much for a fountain pen being an everyday workhorse. I do however love to write with a fountain pen.... takes me back to my childhood. I do not regret my purchases. 🙂👍
This video has convinced me to get into the world of fountain pens, I am set on getting a Lamy Safari, along with converter so I can use an ink bottle. Thanks! This has really helped me in the right direction.
The thing with entry level pens (the Platinum Preppies and Pilot Varsities in particular) is that they have a little bit of a quality control variable with the nibs, so some of them write dryer, some wetter, some are scratchier and some are smoother than others, even if they're the exact same model. You can also buy a pen tuning kit (Goulet sells one for $32ish) to try to tweak the nibs to your liking. And of course the paper used will make a big difference, and if you decide to try other inks that have different properties that'll make a difference too. Since all of that would make a considerable difference, I can see why Brain would skip on those things, especially when he's trying to fit them into a small easy to watch video for beginners.
Thanks for posting! Nice video. I've been writing with a fountain pen for several years. I mostly use it for work and my diary. I can't do any fancy calligraphy, but I love the way that it feels in my hand and it makes cursive writing fun! I personally prefer cartridges, but I can also understand why people like having an ink well or a converter. I like your recommendations, and I would agree completely that a nice solid introductory fountain pen costs around $20 to $30. If I was a student at school or in college again I would get a Lamy with cartridges. You will surprise your teachers and professors with your penmanship!
i just wanted a good looking fountain pen to write and now my head is stuffed with different nibs, inks, refill systems and quality pens. great; you got me addicted.
There's a lot to take in for sure. But that's one of the great joys of the hobby, finding out which nib/filling mechanism/ink works best for you! - Colin
+Wind Element Hear, hear! I am so hooked on pens...
I'm getting adicted, too. I live in Chile (South America) and fountain pens are unknown ancient tool that nobody under 40's know. So I have to import some. The best deal for me is ebay and chinese stuff (american, japanese and european are forbidden because delivery is bigger than original price).
My choice: Jinhao X750 (US$ 2.58 and free delivery)
Thank you, Brian.
Jorge Jiménez everyone knows where 🇨🇱 is!
Welcome to the world of fountain pens. It's a lot of fun to learn more about them and the preferences you develop over time.
Great. Now I have a new expensive hobby that I dont know why I want to get into.
It doesn't have to be expensive! $5 for a Platinum Preppy (www.gouletpens.com/platinum-preppy-fountain-pens/c/280) and you're off and writing. :) - Colin
damn it me too
Could be worse.....it costs me 5$ every time I pull the trigger on my newest gun and the last outing cost 500$ just for the 1 rifle......this one is a walk in the park in comparison lol
Try getting into watches... Or boats
In my experience I wish I tried the pilot metro first. I spent a bit of money on safaris and converters and thought it was amazing, spent 15 on a pilot metro and the fine is right where I wanted for my thickness from the start. The pilot never skips and writes beautiful
I bought my first Lamy Safary 26 years ago, I was 13 and I am still using it! It is working as good as ever and it is worth the money.
I'm 19 and the safari will be my first fountain pen
I got my first in my twenties, and it must be close to 20 years old.
In school, ther were the Lamy kids and the Pelikan kids.
Do you sill have it
любая ручка столько прослужит
This video is actually really funny when I think about it
"It's a $3 pen. I would say it looks more like a $7 pen, but not a $50 pen"
It is exclusive!
made me laugh
Sanic if jerry Seinfeld had to describe that pen that'd be how he did it
I'm gonnna be honest I just bought 10 different pens for $25... including the pilot metropolitan, they all look nice and l have some good gifts.
It's actually prophetic, for the price just doubled ! Here in Paris, it now costs a little more than 7€... Good thing it's refillable !
I got into fountain pens with my father. He had this huge love for ink and paper and art and he passed it to me. Now that he is gone, every time I get a new pen or that I use a pen that feels particularly good and think about him. It was our thing.
I'm raising my hand here to say that I learned to write with a fountain pen in grade school, and as a result my handwriting is only legible when I write with a fountain pen. My father who died at the age of 96 three years ago was an engineer with exquisite lettering skills. He gifted me with his gold-nibbed Pelikan he learned to write with in grade school in the 1920s. That joined my collection of Waterman, Visconti and Mont Blanc fountain pens. And yes, I love the Lami Safari and have several.
Oh my! Your father must be a really kind and great person.
Yeah I've been using a fountain pen for about half a year now and my handwriting is so much worse with normal pens and pencils
@@rockyroadmagic4152 You probably just need to practice, my hand writing improved in the sense that it's smaller, just need to get used to holding the pen differently.
I bought a Lamy Safari when I was 14. Now I am 26 and that pen is still with me and functioning perfectly. Totally recommended.
I was one of the Pelikan kids in school. From age 7 to 17, I always used a Pelikan pen. Then I switched to ballpoint.
I looked everywhere online for a simple "best pens for newbies" thing. I'm so glad I found this. I bought a crappy one for 20 bucks (a stupid splurge; I normally research brands before buying) and it's not very good at all... Thank you so much for taking the time to make this, and realizing that most newcomers have no idea the sheer amount of things they don't know.
What did u buy
Instead of using a converter, you can buy a syringe needle and use that to refill any type of cartridge. This saves a ton of money if you have multiple pens. The only down side is that you can't leave something like that laying around if you have kids or pets.
Shawn Smith So true, Shawn! You can definitely refill a cartridge and that opens up the ink possibilities. :) -Margaret
+Guy Who Passed Flatus During Interview At least you'd be an responsible junkie ;P
I wouldn't think too much about it people actually use syringes for a lot of different things :)
You can also use an eye dropper
+The Goulet Pen Company what is the black Rhodia notebook seen when showing off the pens?
dude do you know such a thing called a "drawer"?? you can keep your syringe in that
This video is the reason why I brought my first fountain pen
You guys made it so user/newbie friendly
In France, we learn how to write when we are 6 and we have to learn with a fountain pen. We are allowed to write with other pens like ball pens only around 10.
I would've loved to grow up in France xD
wow, that is really cool. here in India we are made to write with pencils till 7-8 then we have to switch to gel pens/ ball pens but i always liked my father's fountain pen and not knowing how to use one i broke it . I guess I am now mature enough to use fountain pens now :P
I'm in France, came here when I was 9, were leaving soon, I'm. Not sure if your lying, or it just doesent apply in Brittany, you don't want to live here, trust me, a lot of the English here are assholes, and a lot of the French (in schools) hate English, thank god we only stayed for 2 years, I'm so happy we're moving soon!
-BluJellyfish - Well I didn't really expect that, but it's good that you're moving!
The account That isnt used
yeah it is! we didnt expect it either LOL
I started out with pilot metropolitan!!
Anna Baker same
Hobbyist which hero?
I started with the Pilot Prera
Me too.. in Medium. So glad I did.. Now will probably add a fine nib. Gorgeous pen, writes really smooth. Got me into FP writing :)
I started with a dollar store pen. Apparently a Wing Sung fountain pen.
Well in Germany the Lamy costs between 12€ -20€ and when school starts again it's always on sale for 9,99€ (or 10$) It is considered a school standard and one of the cheapest options here. We learn to write with fountain pens only at first and can't use anything else for school work till much later. My Lamy Safari and Joy survived more than 10 years of daily use and the first steps of me writing at 6 years old. They are easy to clean and indestructible :D
Funny. Maybe the school I went to was unusual, but I was not allowed to use a pen until around age 13 or so. Even then, nobody uses fountain pens. Glad to see that what I believed to be a dead technology is still alive and well elsewhere!
Interesting. I attended the last 3rd and 4th grades of primary school in Germany and I had Pelican. But then again, that was almost three decades ago.
I actually managed to break mine, though break isn't necessarily the right word. The ink always leaks Nd I just had it for 5 years or so...
0:20 through 0:41makes me feel like he's telling me I should try drugs
+Jacob Powell if there's any confusion, you definitely should not try drugs. -Brian Goulet
+The Goulet Pen Company haha
Lol true 😂😂
lloolllll
+Jacob Powell I wanted to say that he sounds like welcoming someone in a AA program ! lol !!
My dad is an artist, and taught my sisters and I how to do lettering with a speedball pen and bottle ink. I so loved the feel of writing with these pens. Starting in the 6th grade, I began buying Sheaffer cartridge pens, and although they were really cheap, they also felt great to write with! I would go through several every school year, because people just loved to borrow them, and "accidentally" fail to return them. After years of writing with these pens, it took me forever to learn to write with a ballpoint pen! It didn't feel right, and for some reason I would get that ballpoint ink all over my hands. Gel pens are better than ballpoints, but I'm going back to a fountain pen. Thanks for the helpful video!
Kathy Dowdle Glad it helped :) I agree -- rollerballs are nice, but there's nothing like a smooth writing fountain pen! -Margaret
who else is watching this in 2019? and also thanks man you are helping me ease into the fountain pen world and I am planning to get the metropolitan
so I'm an outsider to this pen... enthusiast? hobby and while interesting it's also a little crazy
Yeah, it can be pretty overwhelming at first, so let me know if you have any particular questions. - Colin
@Shannon Kaufman glad you liked the pen :)
I was also instantly hooked when i tried one!
LOVE my Lamy Safari. Been using it almost daily since I bought it 4-5 years ago. Still works as if it were new.
When I was 8, we had to write with a pen in school. I think we still have to in Belgium. But you have now pens that have ballpoint point. In high school you can choose. We also have a tradition around new year, we have to write a letter for our parents en grandparents, we wrote those with a fountain pen. Anyway i grow up with fountain pens and i'm happy about it :)
cool!
epatant
I was an exchange student in Belgium where I was introduced to using a fountain pen. Once you get used to a fountain pen, it's hard to go back to a ball point or rollerball.
The fountain pen is great if you write by hand a lot - which I do for a living.
The pen is larger in circumference so your hand has more to grasp which is more comfortable to the hand so it doesn't cramp up when writing for a long period.
It also flows more easily. The ink flows out of the pen, rather than the writer pushing down on the paper to get the ink to flow. This means that there is less stress on your hand.
Also, most fountain pen ink cleans up fairly easily, whereas ball point pen ink almost doesn't come out and ruins clothes, etc.
I am half Russian, half Slovenian who immigrated to Brussels when I was 4. I was, and still am in the english section (hence me speaking english). My parents made me learn to write on a fountain pen, and I am happy about it.
I'm years late to watching this video but it just strengthened my resolve to enter the world of fountain pens-
I got my first fountain pen today. I follow BohoBerry and Pretty Pink and Paper and they recommended the Pilot Metropolitan. I have done a little writing today and love it! I got the fine nib. It writes so smooth. It feels like an elegant tool to use in writing. I am enjoying your fountain pen 101 videos.
+Linda Eller, Ed.D. Welcome to the Fountain Pen world! Let us know if you have any questions. - Colin
I started of with the Lamy CP1 a couple months ago, and I have to say that I am absolutely in love with it. Growing up I hated writing and reading, and if I could I would rather type everything out. The second I got a hold of my first fountain pen, the Lamy CP1, I felt like I have been missing out on so much. Really has a big impact on my life and I can't stop writing from sheer enjoyment. My next goal is broaden my collection with Pelikan M1000, Sailor KOP, and maybe the Montblanc 149 used on ebay, but all in all I just want to thank you, sbrebrown, and FPGeeks for making all these videos. Really appreciate you guys!
I LOVE the Pilot Varsity pens! I get them in a dozen box on Amazon and use them all the time for just about anything. And their colors (I've only used one color so don't quote me too much) are great. I'm a bit purple obsessed, and their purple pens are top notch! The ink flow is smooth and pigmented, and yeah, if you're not too careful, the ink can get everywhere if you rub your finger over the nib by accident, but I'm fine with some splotches here and there. I've had so many people ask about these pens and I've given a few away since they seem like a novelty where I live. I'd love to try some of the pens he's describing, since they seem like lovely writing options, but the Pilot Varsity's will always be my first!
I already have two Metropolitans, and about to get a Kakuno and a Jinhao x750! Always come back to this video, love how well-spoken and straight forward this video is (-:
I got my 7-pack of Pilot Varsity pens two days ago and I am in love!
I'm 82 years old and I've always use a fountain pen I never use a ballpoint pen I remember when they first came out how exotic they were but I've never used one I've used fountain pens all my life I would just love them have a few not a lot but I enjoy the most of all
I've always had Lamy safaris and have called it my workhorse pen even before I heard it being referred to as such... that's just me speaking for its quality. among the 5 recommendations it also looks the best to my mind! it just stands out with the design.
Charmaine Eng what nib is most like a .7mm led pencil
also are fountain pens good for school work and just normal printing
If you're talking Lamy, then it'd be the medium nib (also my favourite!). I found this forum and if you scroll down a few posts there is a handy graphic: www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/216085-lamy-safari-nib-widths/.
I'd say a fountain pen is good for just about anything that any old pen can do, but it feels different (smooth and with some weight to it) and the effect is different, and that's why I like them.
Charmaine Eng thank you
Charmaine Eng j
I recently started watching these videos because I was looking for a new fountain pen. Learned to write with a Lamy ABC when I was 6. Switched over to a Lamy Nexx when I was 14 (yes the abc lasted me 8 years, I literally flattened out the nib), wrote with that one until I was 17, switched to Parker Vector but lost that one and I switched to ballpoints for a year. Now I finally have a fountain pen again and I'm happy to be back with Lamy (Al Star this time). To me it's crazy to see that some people didn't grow up with fountain pens but also that some people actually have fountain pens as a hobby because it has always been such a constant thing in my life.
Here in Austria in primary school nearly every child uses a fountain pen with cartridges and most of them still use them in "high school".
Yeah, I've heard that a lot from other international customers. But I did receive a handwritten note from an elementary school class here in the US as their teacher was teaching them about fountain pens. - Colin
Fellow Austrian here. Interesting - in my experience, most (well, literally everyone I know) change to ballpoints as soon as they enter middle/high school.
Hey Brian! I just wanted to say thank you so much! I wanted to try fountain pens but was really intimidated by all the brands, nibs, inks, converters, and papers. I watched through your series on suggested pens, pen maintenance, re-filling ink, suggested inks, nib info, and suggested papers. I am super happy now with my Lamy All-Star, Clair Fontaine Paper, and Noodler's Black Australian Rose to get me started. I was following along with your video on how to treat a Lamy straight out of the box and filling a converter. I love how it writes! I got the fine nib and it's beautifully smooth and has a delicate line that makes my hard won flourished cursive look even better. You are a godsend!
That's awesome to hear. I know getting into fountain pens is definitely overwhelming with all the different options, but once you're in, trying all the different brands of pens/ink/paper is one of the joys of the hobby (at least to me!), finding what works best with your writing style. Great picks to start with though, love Black Swan in Australian Roses! - Colin
IMO... The varsity is way better than the preppy. Smoother, and the ink color is outstanding compared to the default preppy ink.
Started out using a Lamy Safari in the 1980s and am still using them. I received a Mont Blanc as a parting gift when I left a company I had worked at for a long time, picked up a nice Pelican with a gold nib, and tried others, all of which I used it for a while, then went back to the Safari. I like the EF nib and like how it writes fast; it's good for scribbling in a journal or taking notes at a meeting. My only complaint is that after about 10 years of constant use, the cap didn't fit as securely as when it was new. I now have a half dozen or so both plastic ones and metallic ones and highly recommend them.
I noticed when you were describing the Metropolitan, you said it only comes in Fine and Medium. For $9 more, you can get a Pilot Plumix and put its nib on the Metropolitan. It's actually my favourite nib because it's a 1.0mm Italic and so is finer than most italic nibs. I bought my first Prera before an italic nib was available and so I put a Plumix nib on it as well. The Pilot G78 Broad is actually a fine, smooth stub that also fits on these Pilot pens.
Thanks, Brian, for all the informative videos.
I appreciate the work that went into your presentation. I started my journey in the FP world with a Lamy Vista and have added 2 safaris and a couple Platinum preppies that are daily use pens for me. Due to my having to sign carbonless copies, sometimes 4 sheets thick I also carry a Pilot G2 pen but the FPs are my go to. I had a rebirth in then about 5 years ago after remembering I used them in grammar school into junior high. What a breath of fresh air to reawaken the love of writing.
Good list of starter pens, I went with the Pilot Metropolitan. I thought about going with the Lamy Safari but the shape didn't match my grip. Might still pick one up to try and correct my grip.
I started doing work that requires intense handwriting, and ballpoints would fatigue my hand super fast. I went from a Platinum Preppy (loved it!) straight to the Lamy Safari, couldn't be happier. Truly an excellent workhorse pen. The Preppy held it's own but with the amount of writing I have to do for work, the Safari was worth every penny. I got it on Amazon for $25 with 5 extra cartridges included. Definitely going the converter route when I inevitably burn through the included cartridges.
I love LAMY Safaris. I've been writing with LAMY since I was in elementary and those things are absolutely indestructible ❤
No they're not. Dare I show you the pic of a Lamy Safari getting Anne Franked??
@@Harlem55 your Safari died of typhus?
@@paraboo8994 No you idiot...the death of anne frank's beloved pen was via fire.
@@Harlem55 that was poorly and confusingly worded on your part then, but sure, a plastic pen won't do well in fire.
@@paraboo8994 Not for anyone that ACTUALLY READ Diary of a young girl : Anne Frank (the definitive edition). Its ACTUALLY IN THERE.
I am so thankful that you are doing these tutorials and they're very helpful and informative in fact I didn't even know that I had the varsity pilot pen that I picked up on Saturday so happy just to get a fountain pen that I didn't care and the more I'm learning from you guys the better so thank you for making these videos. The first time I ever picked up a feather pen it felt like it was made for my hand and fountain pens feel the same way I've always been awkward with pens but these are the only ones that feel right so thank you and keep up the great work your videos are turning to be more informative than the other ones that I'm finding out there
I've been absolutely loving your videos! Thanks for this!
I’ve been using Safari’s for years now, using several each year as the colours change. For me, the two standouts are the three italic nibs, (stub as you refer to them) and the best one for me is the 1.5, which I’d not too broad.
The other thing is with a 1ml syringe and a blunt needle, you can actually keep refilling the std: Lamy cartridges. Here in Australia, a box of five (@1ml each) will cost you $8 and a 50ml bottle $25. It’s a no brainer. - it applies to other brands too, Pelikan universal small carts: (@.6ml) are $6 for six, or a 62ml bottle is $12.
It also allows you to use a huge range of inks and colours from Robert Auster or Van Diemens ink, both local Aussie brands as well as Pilot, Mont Blanc, Pelikan and others.
Pilot prera and lamy safari were my favourite newbie pens. The pilot prera with a med nib is still one of my favourites for everyday use. Seems smoother gliding and nicer lines compared to the similarly priced safari with a similar sized nib. Other benefit with pilot is you have more options for finer lines since a lamy EF is not far off from a M nib pilot.
I know you are still doing work for your shop, but it's rather impressive how good you are at putting yourself in the shoes of someone who is just getting interested in pens and writing.
Not many can do that.
He kinda sounds like Steve Carell at times. Interesting!
Awesome video, btw. Very informative.
Michael Scott is telling you about pens
oh god i cant unhear it now
LlamasOnJUPITER right!!! 😂😂😂😂
Heh, I found a really cheap Berol handwriting for kids fountain pen, which writes better and more reliably than the Lammy in my experience, but was really uncomfortable. Shoved it in the drill and sanded it a bunch and now its a really comfy universal and durable fountain pen I got for $5!
LAMY>> Quiet expensive>> Kinda reasonable because of outstanding quality!
So glad you recommended the Pilot Varsity! You don't need to know a single thing about fountain pens to use it. No dealing with cartridges that may be international, may be proprietary. No dealing with filling mechanisms. Just grab it and start writing
I started my switch to fountain pens after hearing about how much plastic is wasted in things like floss dispensers, straws, tampons, etc. I go through pens quickly and started looking for something more sustainable, but quickly realized how expensive fountain pens can get! My school bookstore only had a few choice and I ended up with a Zebra V-301, which was terrible. It was the Pilot Varsity that convinced me that fountain pens are actually superior to ballpoint pens. After going through two or three I "graduated" to a Kaweco Sport and now I have the Twsbi Eco demonstrator and love it!.
You're absolutely right! The Varsity is my go-to recommendation for all newbies trying to get into fountain pens for the reasons you described. It's no nonsense & easy to use. - Colin
The beginning of this video made me forget I was here to learn about pens but instead had stumbled into some self-help group. Great info, thank you! Could be improved by seeing the pens in action, that's kinda the money shot.
Bought a pilot metropolitan 4 years back, used it in college, finished countless papers, assignments, filled countless notebooks with class notes. One of the things about fountain pens is that a good quality pen ( anything above 10-15$ ) is that they are incredibly well made and are made to last for several years, maybe even decades if you don't lose or drop them. These nibs are also surprisingly well made at this price. When u write as much and as often as I do for several years the tipping on these nibs get polished by the paper and the pen actually gets much smoother over time. Just ordered a lamy safari charcoal last night, don't know if it will be smoother than my pilot metropolitan, but I'm planning to retire the pilot from my main duty pen, will fill it with fancy colored inks like lapis bard blue lagoon and will put black ink (Parker quink black is what I have been using for years) in the lamy and use it for everyday college use.
varsity is the best disposable. it writes great.
(i did hack mine open)
I started with the twsbi 580 diamond EF nib, it's a demonstrator and a very nice pen to look at and on top of that the customer service was real good and fast.
The Lamy Safari (I just got my first one which is the Limited Edition Black) is a must have cos it's an all around good writer and solid build.
Just got my Charcoal Lamy Safari in the mail today ! Going to get some ink tomorrow.
First fountain pen, Cant wait ! I'll be writing all weekend !!! :-)
Got it for 22 $ Canadian on Amazon with the converter ! Pretty good deall i'd say.
+Patrick Murphy Great price. Are you sure it's the real thing?
not so sure anymore. someone sent me an article explaining how to identify if its a knockoff. i'm loking into it...
not so sure anymore. someone sent me an article explaining how to identify if its a knockoff. i'm looking into it...
not so sure anymore. someone sent me an article explaining how to identify if its a knockoff. i'm looking into it...
Keep us posted. Hopefully you just got an amazing price on the pen.
I've got two of the five: a Pilot Metropolitan and a Lamy Safari. I enjoy writing with them.
In regard to your comments about the fineness of the fine nib for the Pilot Metro; Japanese nibs, in general, are ground to the grade below, so, for example, a medium fine Japanese nib would be the equivalent of a fine nib from any(?) other country
Interesting to see your newbie picks. Glad the Lamy was there, I started with a Safari. Great pen, plus the Lamy ink is fairly reasonably priced and in my opinion, a good quality ink.
I started with several vintage fountain pens I found in my folk's barn when I was a teen (they were left by the previous owner) so I got introduced to a gold point early on. I'm still sad that, what with going to college, and the rest of life after that, those old pens got lost.
I have had a stroke, which impacted my writing hand, so I really started looking for a fountain pen to avoid the hand strain from ballpoint pens, and found a vintage dimestore Arnold lever fill. It's not exactly pretty (the chrome rusted on the outside, but it came from a display case of the original dime store and had never been used. Works great for an 89¢ original price pen!
I have several of the Jinhao pens, the same ones that you mentioned, and I really like the size of the 159, because it's like giving a primary crayon to a kindergarten kid. Perfect for me to be able to keep hold of! It is a heavy beast, but it writes extremely well for an under $10 pen.
Will I ever get more expensive pens? Sure, but I am now on a fixed income, so I will have to save up. Montblanc pens are probably never going to be in my collection, because of this. Nice review of the variety available for affordable prices!
@@brette6117 It's possible. After the stroke, my handwriting was about that of an early elementary child starting into cursive. It's back to my almost copperplate again. Took effort, and finding a pen that works for you. I've seen that the heavier pens are pretty good for hand issues, if they don't tire you out. Why I tend to do most of my letter writing with my Jinhao 159. At the girth and weight (about 50 grams!), it's easier for me to hang on to, and even the Jinhao nib is a pleasure for me to use. (I also have a wide range of pens, both light and thin, as well, though many of them that I regularly use are a bit girthy and have a bit of heft. (Doesn't mean that my vintage Esterbrook pens get ignored, though. 😉)
I've been using cheap fountain and dip calligraphy pens but never knew there were other enthusiast like myself about ink, pens and writing. I love this channel and look forward to seeing all the videos. Thank you for enlightening me on all the options out there.The Pilot Metro is something Im looking into. I have a Jinhao x250 the Pilot Varsity and some Manuscript calligraphy pens too.
Brian, love the small frame at the back of this set of yours! "work hard, be honest, be flexible"
Your series is just what I was looking for! I was taught how to write with cartridge pens more than 50 years ago. Now that I'm coming back home, I hope I don't have to relearn everything. I'm starting out with a JinHao 250 and a JinHao 450.
Nice video. Good cadence and nice blend of b-roll. Like the way you balance the pros and the cons.
Great video! I've always loved using these kind of pens but I've had a heck of a time keeping the ink flow going. I've used them to do fancy writing but not for a lot of years. I'm getting back into my art again & looking to do both ink & watercolor drawings. So thanks for the great info videos I've been watching!
When I was at school in the mid-1960's we started off with a dip pen. My memories of cheap fountain pens were of ink stained fingers.
And paper. Ever drawn a line with a ruler?
I grew up with Lamy (in Germany) and I love them so much. I would recommend getting the Al-Star line instead of the Safari line though, because the Al-Stars are made of aluminum and the others of plastic. Plus, at least here in Germany, the price point is not that different (~20€ for Safari and ~25€ for Al-Star) and both have beautiful colors.
Great. I love my platin preppy. Mostly because it has a fine nib. I need to order more, and also a fine job for my x450 and Safari.
The Lamy is a very good option, my favorite however is the Parker
what about the muji fountain pen? I think it's pretty good and it's also under $20
New to fountain pens! Just bought the Fountain Pen First-Timer Package Set for my little brother who is studying law, and the Pilot Parallel Pen Hand Lettering Calligraphy Set for my mom who loves writing. I hope to bring you more business! Please keep sharing the knowledge!
Awesome! Thanks for spreading the word to your brother :) -Brian
Quick question:
In some videos, you recommend buying a carrying case/storage pouch for pens, but do you have pens that can be slipped into jeans pockets without fear of ink leakage?
Good question! I just oxiclean soaked a shirt with a huge ink stain. Amazingly it all came out, but it's always a bummer to deal w stains.
The pen that set off my fountain pen addiction is the Pilot Kakuno I picked up while I was in Japan this past spring! It's very affordable (I think it was ¥1000, which is like ten bucks or so), comes in a lot of different colours, many of which are very cute and feminine (big plus for me) so they're friendly and approachable, and it's lightweight for my small hands. I have really enjoyed doing extensive writing with that pen and have since bought two more in different colours (as well as a Prera, because I am now hooked on the idea of fountain pens!) I also dropped one nib-first on tile floor straight out of the package (ahh!) but it still writes fine! So I know they're durable. That plus its low price means I'm not afraid to take one around with me wherever I go, which has really improved my productivity because no matter where I am, I look forward to writing. I am having a love affair with those pens and I want one in every colour now, ha ha ha! It's specifically marketed as a beginner pen with little design features to help you write properly with it, so I think it definitely deserves a spot on a beginner list!
Alienne4 Yeah, the kakuno is pretty cool. I haven't used one myself yet, they're still yet to be released in the US. That's great to hear you're loving it so much, I've heard nothing but good things. -Brian Goulet
Lol fountain pens and feather quills are my favorite thing to collect
My first fountain pen was a Parker Vector in black with brushed stainless. I have had that pen since I was 9 and well I'm a bit older with more expensive tastes now but still a great pen. I bought my Lamy from a store and haggled in the converter (still paid $40CAD mind you). Bulletproof workhorse pen I use in the machine shop all day long and 100% worth the extra coin.
Paul Burberry I've heard others first used a Parker Vector as well. I find my Lamy is a workhorse too! :) -Margaret
Great video! I learned to write with the Varsity. Great pen.
Just started a month ago writing with a fountain pen. I was recommended by a local shop the Safari Extra-Fine (because of my writing size) and I love it. I think as beginner, it's given me a very positive experience and I would recommend it to others so they can also enjoy fountain pens. I was happy to see it on here as a recommendation for newbies! :)
Berco It's a great first fountain pen! :) -Margaret
Great info Brian! I've been wondering where to start my teenage daughters and I now have some excellent ideas! I've just moved up to a TWSBI 580 and surly didn't want to start there with teenagers that would loose their heads if they weren't attached! Love your videos and am super impressed with your company! Thanks for your thoughts!
That's awesome you're trying to get your teenagers involved! Do you have a pen you're leaning towards? The Platinum Preppy would be my pick. - Colin
I grew up watching a CRT and using fountain pens. I was born in 2004, but my parents and my Russian classes made me use a fountain pen, and my grandparents refused to buy a flatscreen becuase it was a waste of money. I have since moved to ballpoint pens, but decided to buy a TWSBI Go and a bottle of Waterman Serenity Blue ink. Thanks for inspiring me to return to these amazing pieces of stationery.
"I was a new user, and we've all been there." Man, you make it sound so serious LOL! Very helpful video though.
Great review. The Lamy Safari is my absolute favorite. I've got many pens that are much more expensive, but I always find myself back to one of my dozen Lamys. They clean up great, seldom clog, the adapter is good for most needs and on. Fountain Pens are really great for work because I've never had one disappear! They're thoughtful, fun, and personal.
Plus a plug for Brian and Goulet Pens Co., they are the best.
Yeah, the LAMY Safari is pretty no-nonsense. Writes when you need it to & writes well. Love mine! - Colin
I just ordered the pilot metropolitan from you guys!
+Long Nguyen Sweet! It's one of the pens I use almost everyday :) -Margaret
I have the Pilot Metropolitan in both the medium and fine nibs. I love them both but, yes, the fine is definitely my preferred pen. The only drawback I found with it is that the squeeze converter doesn't fit very snug and I had it leak ink. (Fortunately, I caught it in time and I was able to clean the pen immediately with some soapy water). Solved that problem by buying a couple of con-50 converters that work flawlessly. Now I use the squeeze converter for cleaning the pen between refills.
I love my pilot metropolitan
I watched this video over two years ago when looking to get into fountain pens and I am happy to say that my Pilot Metropolitan is still serving me very well despite me having owned it since December 2016. I use it daily and the flow is still perfect. I bought the clear twist converter for it and I use it with Diamine Majestic Purple and Diamine Sargasso Sea. They all work very well with it. I've dropped it a few times and it fortunately only has some cosmetic issues on the barrel. I HIGHLY recommend the Pilot Metropolitan.
Glad to hear your Metro is still going strong! One of my favorite pens in my collection. - Colin
my first fountain pen was the jinhao 250 and I got it for $1
XD
Mine was a 750 actually four of them for $20 but it included it ink ^_^
Me too.
No wait. I forgot about the Hiro 907.
I like ou!!!! its een almost 20 rs since last I owned a fountain pen but I wish I had searched UA-cam to find you FIRST!!! totally fantastic info even in 2019 . info that newbies can understand but not making someone with new experince feel stupid. New subbie!!!
...It always seems kind of strange for me to see such a dedication to fountain pens, but hey, that's your choice. Well, I'm french, and was raised in a education that tells you to use one during primary/middle school for french classes, so using fountain pens is kind of normal, if you like them. I used to write with a Waterman Graduate (13€), that was quite heavy, with a fine nib and I liked it, but it kind of strained my hand in the long run. However, I now use a Parker Vector (10€), which is lightweight and great for speed writing and taking notes. Plus, the nib is REALLY smooth (medium).
DarkMangaIza Thanks for sharing your experience! Here in the US students haven't been using fountain pens in school for at least 30 years, so for people like me who discover them in their mid-twenties (or later) it's a really exciting experience. I'm 5-years in and still get real excited about them, clearly! -Brian Goulet
DarkMangaIza Oooh I will have to look those pens up, thanks friend!
Well said. My dad collected high-end pens for years. The Parker Vector was the only modest pen he ever wrote with regularly.
Medium? mine was a fine parker vector
Interesting..when I was in school in India, we were mandated to use fountain pens from Standard 5th - Standard 9th. Starting standard 10th, we were allowed to use ball pens etc. Their reasoning was that fountain pens help with the handwriting of middle school students.
I like your demeanour... You're so cool, calm and straight to the point
Have a Preppy. Love it!
is it smooth
to write with
Gillean X Rice
That's good.
Gillean X Rice
The pen.
Gillean X Rice
It's good.
I loved the video. I started out writing cursive (not printing) using fountain pens for doing homework from kindergarten to 5th grade. As a result, I have several handwriting styles, depending on my mood. I LOVE the feel and look of fountain pen writing...it's definitely a different and cool experience from using pencils and ballpoint pens. It may account fort my pen-aholism. LOL
Lamy Vista is my favorite.
TechnoToast Oh yeah, definitely. That's just a clear Safari :) -Brian Goulet
The Goulet Pen Company I feel honored that you replied to me.
Fell in love with my Lamy Vista. That "technical like" look get me.
I really like that for fountain pens there aren't new model each year like buying a smartphone or gadgets.
7 years old video can still relevant and useful today.
i hate the look of clear pens or ones with to much designs on them, they just look cheap in my opinion
To each their own! Clear demonstrator pens are a big hit with some people who want to be able to see their ink. - Colin
Personally, if the clear stuff isn't faceted or curved really well it looks like shit. TWSBI shapes their pens pretty well and I love their look but the cheap pens I see at school look like literal shit.
My first fountain pen was a Parker 51 set that had a mechanical pencil too. It was a really cool green and I loved it. That was about 60+ years ago and I wish I had that Parker today. Although, my Pelikan m805 is a reasonable substitute. lol I watched this video because I want to introduce my granddaughters to fountain pens, journaling, and elegant writing. I watched your video on the Jin Hao and I thing I'm going to start them with that pen. Thanks for all you do for this community. Your videos are interesting and instructional. Ciao
So if I'm buying a fountain pen for the first time, what's everything that I need to buy in order to be able to write with it? Do I need to all this converter and ink cartridge and stuff; will a pen I buy have ink already or not?
It really depends on the pen. It'll say in the product description if comes with a cartridge or converter. If it comes with a cartridge, you'll be good to go to start writing. If just a converter, you'll need to buy ink as well. - Colin
I have to give 3 hour exams, so I am looking for a pen that isn't too bulky and can be handled easily for fast writing. Also I'd prefer a pen that doesn't tire my hand out, but really my main concern is speed because I'm gonna be using the pen for Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Bio exams which demand your hand to be as fast as your mind... Any help would be appreciated.
The Varsity is a great starter, my set was given to me for Christmas 2018, all are still going strong!
Which is a good piston fill pen for newbies? Or is that an oxymoron?
TWSBI Eco would be a great option, for under $30 it's top notch. (www.gouletpens.com/twsbi-eco/c/364) - Colin
@@Gouletpens About twice that much in the UK, sadly.
I got carried away and purchased as many as 15 different fountain pens. I have enjoyed using most of them. Do I walk around with a fountain pen in my pocket? Nope. For most applications, I’d much rather have a roller gel pen that I can toss around anywhere I go. I have one in my car and one on my desk for signing checks and that’s all I need. 😆 So much for a fountain pen being an everyday workhorse.
I do however love to write with a fountain pen.... takes me back to my childhood. I do not regret my purchases. 🙂👍
Thank you so much!!!
This video has convinced me to get into the world of fountain pens, I am set on getting a Lamy Safari, along with converter so I can use an ink bottle. Thanks! This has really helped me in the right direction.
That's awesome to hear! The Safari is a great pen as well, I use one on a daily basis. - Colin
You should display their performance, just talking makes this vid really boring.
cristhian serna The issue is that the big difference is the feel, not the appearance. Still, it would be nice if he talked more about feel.
The thing with entry level pens (the Platinum Preppies and Pilot Varsities in particular) is that they have a little bit of a quality control variable with the nibs, so some of them write dryer, some wetter, some are scratchier and some are smoother than others, even if they're the exact same model. You can also buy a pen tuning kit (Goulet sells one for $32ish) to try to tweak the nibs to your liking. And of course the paper used will make a big difference, and if you decide to try other inks that have different properties that'll make a difference too. Since all of that would make a considerable difference, I can see why Brain would skip on those things, especially when he's trying to fit them into a small easy to watch video for beginners.
Thanks for posting! Nice video. I've been writing with a fountain pen for several years. I mostly use it for work and my diary. I can't do any fancy calligraphy, but I love the way that it feels in my hand and it makes cursive writing fun! I personally prefer cartridges, but I can also understand why people like having an ink well or a converter. I like your recommendations, and I would agree completely that a nice solid introductory fountain pen costs around $20 to $30. If I was a student at school or in college again I would get a Lamy with cartridges. You will surprise your teachers and professors with your penmanship!
I got the Pilot Metropolitan today without watching this video XD
Sans how is it??
I have one and its scratchy
great video! it’s super clear and has me excited to get into these pens!