This was a thoroughly enjoyable and informative review. I'm an old guy, and have been buying pens since the late 1970s, so I have many makes and models, which I've spent a lot of money on. Below is some of my comments: Re: Lamy nibs: If you like the color of your Safari, but don't like the nib, spring for a new nib. You can also buy Lamy 14K gold nibs. Z57 nib: Black surrounds the gold slit. Z55: Silver surrounds gold slit. I have some Kaweco Sports in both AL and plastic, but my favorite is a Kaweco Dia2, which is a retro-style full-sized fountain pen. I stopped putting clips on the Sports because I always carry them in a trouser or coat pocket; no need for a clip. I also have a Lamy Joy with the 1.5 italic. It is a calligraphy pen, but I think of it more as a desk pen of the type made by Sheaffer, Esterbrook, Wearever, and other brands in the 20s through the 60s, when long desk pens were fashionable. Benu: I have about five of them, and I enjoy them. Unfortunately, at this time, all the nibs, clips, and other metal furnishings are silver-colored. The thing I like least about the Benus is the number of turns it takes to get the caps off. Visconti: I have three: The Bronze age, a Medici, and a Mythos. The latter has a good steel nib, but the former two have palladium 23K nibs, which I had to send to a nibsmith. Visconti has had a poor reputation for its nibs in the past, but have currently stopped using palladium and are making its nibs from gold on the high end models. Japanese brands: I have Pilot, Sailor, Platinum, Nakaya, and Wancher pens. I think that the Japanese pens are generally of superior quality. Lamy 2000 vs Pilot VP: My fingers tend to slide down the 2000s but not the VPs that I have, nor the Decimo (which I favor over both of the others). Plus, you can get the entire nib/cartidge/converter assemblies are interchangeable and can be ordered separately. In the past I have paid for some Chinese brands that were inexpensive and consequently of poor quality, but lately I've been attracted to a good quality brand named Hongdian. I'm well pleased with the Hongdian N8 "Maple Leaf" for under $40 total, and the Hongdian N7 "Peacock" for essentially the same price. The former is cartridge/converter, and the latter, piston-fill.
THANK YOU! I really love your fountain pen collections. They are all not expensive, nor cheap. My favourite ones too are Pilot and Sailor. Take care and love your collections.
Great collection with some wonderful stories! I had around 10 fountain pens 20 years ago and had no idea there were online sources for purchasing them besides one or two shops that had catalogues. I discovered through UA-cam videos about journals and planners that the fountain pen world was far bigger than I thought! I now have over 150 pens in all kinds of price ranges, most of them under $50. I have a huge variety of brands, sizes, finishes, etc. and, like you, they have helped me keep a journal habit that has been beneficial to me in so many ways. I am very content with what I have and don't really have any grail pen, although I might spring for a Pelikan 600 as a reward when I retire in 2 years. I also don't have any Sailors yet--can't choose a color because there are too many to chose from!
Just stumbled onto your channel. Your camera presence is excellent and it is a breath of fresh air to hear an articulate content provider. I also have a Sailor pen from the Shikiori collection..the Jade with purple finials..my first 21k gold nib. My collection numbers about 23 pens total and will probably not grow too much as I'm no longer working. But, I love them all. Agree about the Pilot Prera...was my work pen! I lean toward fine to extra fine nibs as I write very small. I had to laugh when I heard your comments about your Visconti pen...have heard similar comments from others about the brand. Thanks for the great content!
Now that was a lot of fun to watch! Talk about a collection...I can hardly believe how quickly you've accumulated so many great models Tata! I'm on my second cup of tea while I watch your rundown. This has been time well spent, thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for watching! I ramped up really fast. I've been pacing myself better these past couple of months. Enjoying it all too much to stop! lol!
I have YOU to blame Lori. I have been bitten by the fountain pen bug thanks to you! I'm constantly on the h-u-n-t now wherever I go. I could lose my mind and my 401k! I look forward/dread these videos cause I know that I'm going to see something that I have to get..I used to have SO many different collections going on, but now this is it! And all the gorgeous glass ink bottles! Want to come up with a way to displace. Loves to you, family and hugs to your papa.
This comment made me laugh Sarah! "I could lose my mind and my 401K!" You are too funny! What have you bought since this post?? I love to hear what people are excited about!
I follow your other channel and decided to check this one out. I have to say I have a pen fetish, but not fountain pens. And now I see why-wowzer those prices on some of them! Plus I have a large handwriting, so I don't think it would be very pretty in fountain pen version and I do not like fat barreled pens! But I wanted to say, when I got to the end of this video, I was aware that your Dad had died so hearing your story about the white pen that reminds you of him.... I had to get a tissue. That was so special, and I know you will cherish that pen forever. My Dad died over 20 years ago, and it does get easier, but even today, I can cry like a baby when something hits me just right. Or maybe wrong. But those are sweet memories. I'm so glad you have that pen to keep forever and smile when you use it. God bless you! I love this channel almost as much as your reseller channel. I will just live vicariously through your fountain pen fetish and watch your collection grow!
What a touching story about your Visconti Homo sapiens! It is really gorgeous but I love the connection you have with it. GREAT COLLECTION! I have my eye on that Jinhao set now, even though I have that x159 in navy blue - I love all those colors!! ACK! Why do I need them! I do not. but it's okay! LOL My pen purchase this month was the Franklin Christoph Model 31 Omnis and it is SUPER. So happy with it. I definitely will be buying more FC pens in the future.
The Jinhao set is a fun, inexpensive splurge! I'm going to check out the FC model you bought. I always love to explore new pens!! Thanks for watching! Enjoy your new pen!
I stumbled on your channel yesterday and so far I am really enjoying them. I just started out on my fountain pen journey, one I never imagined I be on. So, I bought a Pilot kakuno and now I'm ready for an entry level adult pen. I've taken notes from you and on the search for my next new pen. Thanks for the video. I'm learning so much!
So happy that you mentioned the Pilot Prera! I don’t spend more than fifty to seventy five bucks for plastic bodies but I will for metal/aluminum. I love my Lamy Safari, I’ve been collecting their year release for years now and the Kaweco Sports. However, The Kaweco Sport AL are truly tempting and I love them. Another favorite, Platinum Procyon-you can putty away for three to six months and pick it up and start writing. I only have three pricey pens of which I find it to be so beautiful the Platinum Procyon Luster Maki-E. Photos don’t do it justice.
I’m like you, I need my pens and inks to at least coordinate, so I use white as my neutral pen color and I love it! The ballpoint your MIL got you is so very pretty! My mother in law is a total sweetheart, too, very lucky to have her!❤❤ I love your fountain pen content, I’ll be here fridays 😂🎉❤That Homo Sapiens was meant to be. Best wishes to your father ❤
Great video! I am also in the fountain pen collection hobby and I am taking notes from your collection. You really have a perfect handwritting for fountain pens! I do not write cursive so I always think I am not doing those fountain pen justice... thanks!
Wow! I am impressed! Like you, I recently got into fountain pens. I asked for one for Christmas from my husband. I was researching what was the best fountain pens for the price. I ordered a cheap pen on Amazon just so I could see if it is something I would actually enjoy and use. My son ended up buying me a bamboo fountain pen with gold hardware. He does woodworking on the side and it made sense he would buy me a wooden one. I really like the one I ordered myself, and the one he bought me was a medium nib, I learned I don’t like that much ink flow. And then I started buying more, fine nibs and extra fine nibbed pens. Fine is my sweet spot. Since my first purchase in early December, I probably have close to 30 pens myself and it’s only March! I bought 4 pens for my birthday, it was a few days ago, and I haven’t inked any of them yet. I really need to get on that. I started ordering ink, lots of ink and then found I can get samples for less money and try inks before I decide if I want to spend the money on a bottle. So much learning! And it all brings me joy! Thank you for sharing your collection! I just found your channel too.
Welcome Valerie! This is such a fun hobby. It's exciting to explore different pens/nibs and inks! The possibilities are endless, which is how I get myself into trouble! lol!!
Someone was bit by the bug! I know I'm late to your party, but I've just started collecting as well. I've fallen in love with Japanese pens. I have grabbed tons of Pilots, Platinums, and Sailor pens. I need to stop before i go broke! Thanks for the fun video.
Thank you for the amazing video. I hope your dad is still with you. I hope he still smiles. How well dose a Kaweco Bass travel? If i had one in my pocket and lived a rough and tumble life, when I go to write with it, would ink be everywhere, or would the pen behave itself? Thank you so much!
Such a great story about your father, the Homo Sapiens in Ash White, and your family's Italian roots. I have the Bronze edition filled with Diamine "Autumn Oak," and can relate to your appreciation for this pen. Keep up the good work, and sending love to your courageous dad.
I sanded my scratchy pen on very fine sandpaper and now it's ok. Just writes a bit thicker lines. Maybe this is something for your scratching Lamy :-)
the Iced Caramel Latte is beautiful! However, I think the Benu logo and the clip should have been brown for contrast? idk but the gold clip would have been pretty too!
Any warm colored clip except a steel one would have done. That just is a terrible decision on their part. I think a gold clip would have worked perfectly.
I enjoyed your video very much. I am currently writing with a turquoise Lamy Safari. I enjoy fountain pens and inks very much. I am considering collecting them. If you could only have five pens which ones would you choose? What are the best fountain pens under fifty dollars ? Do you recommend a system for testing fountain pens? Is there any paper work that goes along with purchasing an expensive fountain pen? I look forward to your next vi deos
I also didn’t like the feedback on the Sailor PGS I tried it for about a year on and off and I just perfer a smooth nib. Even perfer my steel nibs or cheap Jinnah over the sailor gold nib. So I decided to use micromesh on it because it is a pretty pen and was not cheap! And now I really like it. I didn’t smooth it out a ton so it still has some feed back but nothing like it was and now I’m happy to write with it! I hesitated because I knew I wouldn’t be able to reverse the smoothing if I didn’t like it but I’m glad I did it.
Great video! I could totally relate when you said that you were embarrassed to say how many pens you had in a short time. Love your collection and the story about your dad and your pen was so touching.
I think I am sub number 3k. 🎉 Congrats! I loved your video and just wanted to say - don’t wait on the Kaweco Student 20’s Jazz pen purchase. I have the orange and just bought the brown (both in Fine) and I am in LOVE!
Welcome Karen! Thank you so much for being my 3K sub! Yay!! I just saw that Appelboom has the jazz pen for just $60. I may go order it right now! lol!!
Nice review and collection! After ~ 6 months of use, my Pilot Metro is “broken in” and is now my go to pen. I filled it with Iroshizuku ink and it’s very smooth with a M nib. It writes better than my Heritage 92. I have Oxblood in my X159 with a F nib and it’s flawless. I’m tempted to pick up a few other 159s, hoping they will perform as well. Sailor looks like a slippery slope!
Watch that Leonardo rabbit hole; it's an easy one to fall into. I started collecting at the end of Sept 2022 as well and have 6 Leonardos. I have to actively talk myself out of the new ones I keep seeing released. :) I just got an Esterbrook Estie yesterday and I can see that may end up a new rabbit hole as well. Beautiful collection you've got!! Thank you for sharing.
I greatly enjoyed your video, especially the story of your Visconti Homo Sapiens. You should definitely try out a Lamy 2000; it is my favorite pen. I like it more than all of the Sailors and Platinums I have tried and most of the Pilots. In the video, you randomly mentioned that the Pilot Vanishing Point is probably one of your top 5 pens. If you had to make an actual top 5, what would it be at this point in time?
I have this in my cart on Endless pens right now!! I was planning to buy it in NY at their store, but the price is better online, so I might go for it! I appreciate your insight! A top five pen video would be fun!!
The missing or skipping when you write ✍️ could be oil from your hand. I have trouble with oily hands so I use a blotter, peace of paper. I have a laminator machine, so I laminate a couple different sizes. Hope this was helpful.
Thank you for sharing your collection with us and your story about your dad, what a special pen! Also, I bet Herbin 1670 Caroube De Chypre would coordinate really nicely with your Amber 823 I just inked a pen up with a sample of it I got from Goulet and now I have to buy a bottle because I love it.
omg Bob Slate! I loved them. I moved out to Northampton and you'd think we would have a similar stationer but sadly don't. Just subscribed! You have a lovely collection, I'm interested to see how it evolves.
OMG I had the same problem with the Lamy in Creme. 😔 I was so turned off by this pen, might try another with a black nib to see if it changes my perspective. Mmh after watching your video I’m thinking about the Lamy Joy in strawberry 🍓 😊
Majohn T2 with Monteverde Sapphire. Simple, functional, affordable in this horrific economy. Good find on the Homo Sapiens, and how you were able to customize it so meaningfully.
Loved this video and your enthusiasm. I recently got into fountain pens and feel that it’s not so easy here in the UK to find good priced higher end pens. I love the Kaweco and TWSBI, I have a Jinhao and one sailor and a couple of Lamys too….. Altogether I have 16…so far. Maybe my next one will also be the Kaweco Student 20 Jazz. Your story about your white pen made me cry… sending all good vibes to you and your Dad x
First, I’m also in MA! I just got the Sailor Manyo Nuts pen and love it! I really want a Leonardo Momento Zero Grande and am also inspired by Karyna. I also want a Benu and you inspired me to look into the Platinum Shape of Heart. I think I would like the white one
Hello! I live about an hour outside of Boston. My name is Sara. I just discovered both of your UA-cam channels. I also have a channel, if you want to check it out. I was wondering, since you are both in MA, if you would like to get together sometime to try out each other’s pens and share fountain pen information. My daughter and I have 136 pens in our combined collections, so we might have some you would like to try, like the Lamy 2000 mentioned in this video. In case you didn’t know, there is a group called Boston Pen People that meets every month or two, if you prefer larger gatherings of pen people, or the three of us could just meet at a restaurant or something. Please let me know if you are interested in a UA-cam comment so that I see it (I only check my UA-cam emails if I am expecting a message). Thanks for the videos!
BTW, Lori, I know your friend Tabatha from gym! Maybe she will vouch for me that I am not a bad person, but of course she only knows me from gym and I haven’t been back since COVID, yet. I am nice though! (:
I'm just reading this now! I'm sorry it has been a crazy month. I can't believe you know Tab!! I love her! We were just together last week. A get together sounds like fun. I'm just not sure when I can sneak away with my new puppy!
Hi Lori! New sub as of today…found your channel because I have my first Hobonichi Cousin for almost a week and my Hobo. Weeks for almost two months now. And I am embarking my search for my first fountain pen…don’t know where to start but I am excited to learn about pens. Wow! Finding your channel is so wonderful…I loved Longaberger Baskets but could not afford them in college…and I have loved Pizelles since I was little. So am I excited to learn a lot from your channel. My Dad passed away from Cancer also and he loved Boston…so one day I will visit Boston. Hope you are doing well! Thank you for starting this channel and sharing videos with us!
@@timewithtata8004 Hi Lori! No I have not bought one yet…too many pens to choose! But I want my first pen to be a special one. So I am still watching videos and reading reviews but I really like that one you showed with the two hearts. I will definitely let you know once I pick my first pen out. Take care!
@@timewithtata8004 Hi Lori! I wanted to send you a message. Today I bought my first fountain pen…Sailor Shikori from the Fairytale Series the Grateful Crane in Medium nib. I bought it brand new from EBay but it’s coming from Japan and I need to wait for it to clear customs and all that jazz. I’m so excited. I really wanted that Esterbrook Esti Candy fountain pen the LTd. Ed. but this company is new in Florida so I don’t know if they are for real on this particular pen. I’m on my way to build my collection…but I am pacing myself but I will as many inks as you do have pens…so many pretty inks! Thanks for sharing your love of fountain pens! Take care!
Hi Lori! Hope you had a great Mother’s Day! My fountain pen journey is taking off this month…I ordered the Visconti “Venus” as my second pen…still a lot to learn about fountain pens and fancy inks but I am having fun as well as learning a lot about the hobby. And meeting people who have the same journey. Thank you for all your videos! Take Care.
Great video and you made me feel so much better about my rapidly growing pen collection that just stared in November 😂 I think I’m a little behind you in quantity but I’m working hard to catch up! I agree with you whole heartedly about the prera, so under appreciated. I got mine with the CM nib which took me down the rabbit hole of custom nib grinds and now I have 4 additional pens that had medium or broad nibs ground to smooth cursive italic all because of the little prera. My latest favorite is a Franklin-Christoff Model 2 Intrinsic with Medium cursive italic custom grind by master Nagahara. I love it more than any of my gold nib pens! I’m you find yourself writing bout your pen and ink selection in your morning pages? I find myself writing bout them and then how I need to stop focusing on the pen and just write my thoughts but my thoughts tend to float back to the pen. 😅
I need to try a cursive italic nib. I have two pens that need work, and I'm considering getting a custom grind on one or both. Also...you are definitely not alone in this addiction, lol!
Thanks for showing your pens! I think Jinhao and Majohn have their place in any collection. They‘re cheap enough to be edc pens. I don‘t throw my 1000$+ pens into my bag.
❤Your collection. Your penmanship is outstanding. Rare for collectors, especially men to have good handwriting. I’m thinking about collecting but my minimum purchases would be $5000 USD or more on high end pens. I’m guaranteed not to have a huge collection 😂This is the way
I have the Lamy 2000M or metal with an OM nib. Writing wise it's great, you've heard that. It's a heavier pen compared to the makralon version, so if you like heavy pens, you might like this better. Looks wise, I love it. It look cool, sleek and cold. Reminds of a profile of a great white shark, so I call that pen "Jaws" I was dead set again the 2000 or any Lamy pens. I hate the Safari with a passion, but I heard they write well, so I finally settled on the Studio. @Doodlebud did a video mentioning it was the best engineered pen he'd seen, and that got me interested in the 2000. I didn't want the makralon though. It's ubiquitous, and as it ages the makralon becomes shiny in some spots, but when I saw the metal version. Oooooooh- eeeeeee. Plus with 2000 you can get replacement nibs. I am not out for buying the same model with a different nib if I can get replacement nibs, and since Lamy is the only company that provides stock BB, OB, OBB nibs without a premium **cough*** Montblanc, and why Pelikan stopped making those nibs, I don't know, it's a good thing for me. Alright well if you don't like shiny pens, forget this one. I really should wait until the end of the video to make comments. :)
I have the Lamy 2000 ballpoint. I enjoy it, but do wish it had more weight to it. I will definitely look out for a Lamy 2000 with a metal finish in the future. Thanks for the tip.
My midrange vintage Pelikan and Montblanc pens don't write as smoothly as my LAMY, Kakuno, Kaweco Perkeo, and TWSBI pens! My husband loves Stipulas (around $600). They do write very smoothly, but I love my cheap pens!
Ooh, tough call. I enjoy the colors of the Kaweco, but the Prera is so good too!! I say go with the style you like. They are both good writers. Pilot of course has finer nibs overall so if you like a broader writer you might favor the Kaweco.
I’ve shopped at Appelboom a few times in Boston. Nice store and people, but I always get the wrong box for the pens I buy. Might by same brand, but all the labeling is different. Kinda irksome because one pen I didn’t know what it was exactly and had to search online for it. Pen was on display, but boxes were stored elsewhere.
That's unfortunate. I would love to visit this spring. Maybe they are just getting settled??? I don't know. I do LOVE my Leonardo. Even with the booklet, like you mentioned. The box isn't the correct one for the Furore. The booklet doesn't fit inside even though it's a Leonardo box. Small detail but getting all the right stuff is nice. Thanks for watching Kristen!
Hello, I am an artist and I am looking for a fountain pen to work on my illustrations, with a soft nib (medium), and colored inks that are resistant to light and over time, what would you advise for a budget between 80 and 200 euros? Thank
Hi Matt. I don't have much experience with art quality ink. My Pilot Vanishing point is such a smooth medium nib. It's my everyday writer. It's hard to recommend b/c everyone has such unique taste. You might want to try some pens under $40 to get a feel for what you like. Maybe a twsbi eco or Kaweco sport. I'd love to know what you end up getting! Thanks for watching!
I am in a pickle trying to find places to get cartridges … and I found this: FOUNTAIN PEN PATRON OF ART HOMAGE TO MOCTEZUMA I LIMITED EDITION 888 Full price for $9,300.00 - and then - PATRON OF ART HOMAGE TO HADRIAN LIMITED EDITION 76 FOUNTAIN PEN Full price for $36,500.00 … and WRITERS EDITION HOMAGE TO ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON LIMITED EDITION 94 FOUNTAIN PEN Full price for $38,000.00 … but of the pens,!this shocked me the most … I mean … they’re more than cars! But my dream car is a Bentley, so perhaps I’d decorate with: MASTERS OF ART HOMAGE TO VINCENT VAN GOGH LIMITED EDITION 8 FOUNTAIN PEN Full price for $168,000.00 😱🤯💚
Yeah you got the pen bug bite and the only cure for it is a 0 bank account balance and declining credit cards. Sorry to hear about your dad I will keep him in my prayers. I like large pens and large ink capacity so my grail is the Opus 88 Omar Welcome to the my fountain pen habit broke me club.
What is it about fountain pens that just seems to people go on a buying spree? There are many things that many people collect, now granted some of those are more expensive, but it's not like a fountain pen is cheap. Even a $10 is $10. Can't you get a box of pens for $10? I don't know anymore because I can't remember when I last bought a box of pens. Something about fountain pens just has us in a craze.
Thanks so much for watching! Let me know what fountain pen is on the top of your wishlist in the comments!
Where are your affiliate links? Make some money on these. ❤
On the top of my wishlist is the new Esterbrook Botanical Garden pen!! Its absolutely gorgeous!
@@PennyandRosePaperie that’s a wonderful pen!
I love the story behind the pen you chose with your Dad in mind 💓
This was a thoroughly enjoyable and informative review. I'm an old guy, and have been buying pens since the late 1970s, so I have many makes and models, which I've spent a lot of money on. Below is some of my comments:
Re: Lamy nibs: If you like the color of your Safari, but don't like the nib, spring for a new nib. You can also buy Lamy 14K gold nibs. Z57 nib: Black surrounds the gold slit. Z55: Silver surrounds gold slit.
I have some Kaweco Sports in both AL and plastic, but my favorite is a Kaweco Dia2, which is a retro-style full-sized fountain pen. I stopped putting clips on the Sports because I always carry them in a trouser or coat pocket; no need for a clip. I also have a Lamy Joy with the 1.5 italic. It is a calligraphy pen, but I think of it more as a desk pen of the type made by Sheaffer, Esterbrook, Wearever, and other brands in the 20s through the 60s, when long desk pens were fashionable.
Benu: I have about five of them, and I enjoy them. Unfortunately, at this time, all the nibs, clips, and other metal furnishings are silver-colored. The thing I like least about the Benus is the number of turns it takes to get the caps off.
Visconti: I have three: The Bronze age, a Medici, and a Mythos. The latter has a good steel nib, but the former two have palladium 23K nibs, which I had to send to a nibsmith. Visconti has had a poor reputation for its nibs in the past, but have currently stopped using palladium and are making its nibs from gold on the high end models.
Japanese brands: I have Pilot, Sailor, Platinum, Nakaya, and Wancher pens. I think that the Japanese pens are generally of superior quality.
Lamy 2000 vs Pilot VP: My fingers tend to slide down the 2000s but not the VPs that I have, nor the Decimo (which I favor over both of the others). Plus, you can get the entire nib/cartidge/converter assemblies are interchangeable and can be ordered separately.
In the past I have paid for some Chinese brands that were inexpensive and consequently of poor quality, but lately I've been attracted to a good quality brand named Hongdian. I'm well pleased with the Hongdian N8 "Maple Leaf" for under $40 total, and the Hongdian N7 "Peacock" for essentially the same price. The former is cartridge/converter, and the latter, piston-fill.
THANK YOU! I really love your fountain pen collections. They are all not expensive, nor cheap. My favourite ones too are Pilot and Sailor. Take care and love your collections.
Thanks so much! I do enjoy a wide range of pens. This has just been such a fun hobby for me!
Wonderful video, I appreciate that you share your thoughts about each of your pens. The story about your father was very touching. Subscribed !
Great collection with some wonderful stories! I had around 10 fountain pens 20 years ago and had no idea there were online sources for purchasing them besides one or two shops that had catalogues. I discovered through UA-cam videos about journals and planners that the fountain pen world was far bigger than I thought! I now have over 150 pens in all kinds of price ranges, most of them under $50. I have a huge variety of brands, sizes, finishes, etc. and, like you, they have helped me keep a journal habit that has been beneficial to me in so many ways. I am very content with what I have and don't really have any grail pen, although I might spring for a Pelikan 600 as a reward when I retire in 2 years. I also don't have any Sailors yet--can't choose a color because there are too many to chose from!
Just stumbled onto your channel. Your camera presence is excellent and it is a breath of fresh air to hear an articulate content provider. I also have a Sailor pen from the Shikiori collection..the Jade with purple finials..my first 21k gold nib. My collection numbers about 23 pens total and will probably not grow too much as I'm no longer working. But, I love them all. Agree about the Pilot Prera...was my work pen! I lean toward fine to extra fine nibs as I write very small. I had to laugh when I heard your comments about your Visconti pen...have heard similar comments from others about the brand. Thanks for the great content!
Now that was a lot of fun to watch! Talk about a collection...I can hardly believe how quickly you've accumulated so many great models Tata! I'm on my second cup of tea while I watch your rundown. This has been time well spent, thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for watching! I ramped up really fast. I've been pacing myself better these past couple of months. Enjoying it all too much to stop! lol!
I have YOU to blame Lori. I have been bitten by the fountain pen bug thanks to you! I'm constantly on the h-u-n-t now wherever I go. I could lose my mind and my 401k! I look forward/dread these videos cause I know that I'm going to see something that I have to get..I used to have SO many different collections going on, but now this is it! And all the gorgeous glass ink bottles! Want to come up with a way to displace. Loves to you, family and hugs to your papa.
This comment made me laugh Sarah! "I could lose my mind and my 401K!" You are too funny! What have you bought since this post?? I love to hear what people are excited about!
I follow your other channel and decided to check this one out. I have to say I have a pen fetish, but not fountain pens. And now I see why-wowzer those prices on some of them! Plus I have a large handwriting, so I don't think it would be very pretty in fountain pen version and I do not like fat barreled pens!
But I wanted to say, when I got to the end of this video, I was aware that your Dad had died so hearing your story about the white pen that reminds you of him.... I had to get a tissue. That was so special, and I know you will cherish that pen forever. My Dad died over 20 years ago, and it does get easier, but even today, I can cry like a baby when something hits me just right. Or maybe wrong. But those are sweet memories. I'm so glad you have that pen to keep forever and smile when you use it. God bless you! I love this channel almost as much as your reseller channel. I will just live vicariously through your fountain pen fetish and watch your collection grow!
You truly make the best videos! Such a pleasure to watch and learn. Your story about your dad and the pen was so touching. Thank you for sharing ❤
Thank you so much Susan. 💕
What a touching story about your Visconti Homo sapiens! It is really gorgeous but I love the connection you have with it. GREAT COLLECTION! I have my eye on that Jinhao set now, even though I have that x159 in navy blue - I love all those colors!! ACK! Why do I need them! I do not. but it's okay! LOL My pen purchase this month was the Franklin Christoph Model 31 Omnis and it is SUPER. So happy with it. I definitely will be buying more FC pens in the future.
The Jinhao set is a fun, inexpensive splurge! I'm going to check out the FC model you bought. I always love to explore new pens!! Thanks for watching! Enjoy your new pen!
I really adore Frank Christoph Model 31. I have it in Smoke & Ice. The Omnis is very handsome. Which nib size did you go with? Happy writing!
@@Topscura I got a broad steel nib Because I just didn't know where to start on all those options.
I stumbled on your channel yesterday and so far I am really enjoying them. I just started out on my fountain pen journey, one I never imagined I be on. So, I bought a Pilot kakuno and now I'm ready for an entry level adult pen. I've taken notes from you and on the search for my next new pen. Thanks for the video. I'm learning so much!
So happy that you mentioned the Pilot Prera! I don’t spend more than fifty to seventy five bucks for plastic bodies but I will for metal/aluminum. I love my Lamy Safari, I’ve been collecting their year release for years now and the Kaweco Sports. However, The Kaweco Sport AL are truly tempting and I love them. Another favorite, Platinum Procyon-you can putty away for three to six months and pick it up and start writing. I only have three pricey pens of which I find it to be so beautiful the Platinum Procyon Luster Maki-E. Photos don’t do it justice.
I love this. I’m literally just starting my collection. The story of the pen for your dad 🥹❤️❤️❤️
Such a beautiful collection. I wonder if you’ve any plans to include Pelikans to your collection?
Fun collection. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
I’m like you, I need my pens and inks to at least coordinate, so I use white as my neutral pen color and I love it! The ballpoint your MIL got you is so very pretty! My mother in law is a total sweetheart, too, very lucky to have her!❤❤ I love your fountain pen content, I’ll be here fridays 😂🎉❤That Homo Sapiens was meant to be. Best wishes to your father ❤
Thanks so much!! We are lucky to have such great MILs! I need to get my Friday schedule ready to go!!
"i am not in the market for a montblanc" 😆pretty funny to watch this video after your orlando pen show video
My how things have changed!! 😂
Good that you shared. Time stamps would make it better for people who just want to know about some specific pens. Thanks for your words.
So happy you loved all my pen gifts…. Love you ❤❤ grammy. (praying for Fra…)
Love you too Grammy!! I love my pens!!! xoxoxo
Great video. Thanks for sharing. So sorry to hear about your dad. On top of my wish list is the Pilot custom 823
Great video! I am also in the fountain pen collection hobby and I am taking notes from your collection. You really have a perfect handwritting for fountain pens! I do not write cursive so I always think I am not doing those fountain pen justice... thanks!
Love your videos! It’s such a fun rabbit hole to travel down! Where did you get your pen drawer liners?
Wow! I am impressed! Like you, I recently got into fountain pens. I asked for one for Christmas from my husband. I was researching what was the best fountain pens for the price. I ordered a cheap pen on Amazon just so I could see if it is something I would actually enjoy and use. My son ended up buying me a bamboo fountain pen with gold hardware. He does woodworking on the side and it made sense he would buy me a wooden one. I really like the one I ordered myself, and the one he bought me was a medium nib, I learned I don’t like that much ink flow. And then I started buying more, fine nibs and extra fine nibbed pens. Fine is my sweet spot. Since my first purchase in early December, I probably have close to 30 pens myself and it’s only March! I bought 4 pens for my birthday, it was a few days ago, and I haven’t inked any of them yet. I really need to get on that. I started ordering ink, lots of ink and then found I can get samples for less money and try inks before I decide if I want to spend the money on a bottle. So much learning! And it all brings me joy! Thank you for sharing your collection! I just found your channel too.
Welcome Valerie! This is such a fun hobby. It's exciting to explore different pens/nibs and inks! The possibilities are endless, which is how I get myself into trouble! lol!!
Someone was bit by the bug! I know I'm late to your party, but I've just started collecting as well. I've fallen in love with Japanese pens. I have grabbed tons of Pilots, Platinums, and Sailor pens. I need to stop before i go broke! Thanks for the fun video.
Thank you for the amazing video. I hope your dad is still with you. I hope he still smiles. How well dose a Kaweco Bass travel? If i had one in my pocket and lived a rough and tumble life, when I go to write with it, would ink be everywhere, or would the pen behave itself? Thank you so much!
I would love to see a dedicated video about your Sailor pens. writing samples, nib sizes, etc.
On the day I got to Sicily in January of 2022, i was staying at a hotel just east of Etna, and the was a small eruption that evening. Beautiful!
Such a great story about your father, the Homo Sapiens in Ash White, and your family's Italian roots. I have the Bronze edition filled with Diamine "Autumn Oak," and can relate to your appreciation for this pen. Keep up the good work, and sending love to your courageous dad.
Thank you Ladd. The Bronze edition with Autumn Oak must be a beautiful combination!
Love your energy. Really fun video.
Thank you!
Hi, i have been watching this video, more than 5 times! ( i think)...i love your story upon purchasing the pens you acquired. Keep it up!
Thank you so much!!
And here I am with my Meisterstück Montblanc and a starwalker rollerpen...haha..ok, need to catch up with some new adds to the collection :)
Thanks for watching!
I sanded my scratchy pen on very fine sandpaper and now it's ok. Just writes a bit thicker lines. Maybe this is something for your scratching Lamy :-)
the Iced Caramel Latte is beautiful! However, I think the Benu logo and the clip should have been brown for contrast? idk but the gold clip would have been pretty too!
Ooh, brown would look really sharp!!
@@timewithtata8004 right? The gold would look great too ngl but a matte brown clip and logo would be so nice as well
Any warm colored clip except a steel one would have done. That just is a terrible decision on their part. I think a gold clip would have worked perfectly.
I,m from pa. I've been to Bob Slates... you are so lucky to have so much in your area!
It's a great store! Hope you can visit again soon. xo
You have a great collection ⭐ Visconti Homosapiens pen's story is so meaningful 🦀🥹
Thank you!
I enjoyed your video very much. I am currently writing with a turquoise Lamy Safari. I enjoy fountain pens and inks very much. I am considering collecting them. If you could only have five pens which ones would you choose? What are the best fountain pens under fifty dollars ? Do you recommend a system for testing fountain pens? Is there any paper work that goes along with purchasing an expensive fountain pen? I look forward to your next vi deos
Your Homo Sapiens is so cool I only hope to someday get one, plus your story about your dad was really nice.
I also didn’t like the feedback on the Sailor PGS I tried it for about a year on and off and I just perfer a smooth nib. Even perfer my steel nibs or cheap Jinnah over the sailor gold nib. So I decided to use micromesh on it because it is a pretty pen and was not cheap! And now I really like it. I didn’t smooth it out a ton so it still has some feed back but nothing like it was and now I’m happy to write with it! I hesitated because I knew I wouldn’t be able to reverse the smoothing if I didn’t like it but I’m glad I did it.
Great video! I could totally relate when you said that you were embarrassed to say how many pens you had in a short time. Love your collection and the story about your dad and your pen was so touching.
Thanks so much! It's been so much fun diving into this hobby! xo
I think I am sub number 3k. 🎉 Congrats! I loved your video and just wanted to say - don’t wait on the Kaweco Student 20’s Jazz pen purchase. I have the orange and just bought the brown (both in Fine) and I am in LOVE!
Welcome Karen! Thank you so much for being my 3K sub! Yay!! I just saw that Appelboom has the jazz pen for just $60. I may go order it right now! lol!!
Nice review and collection! After ~ 6 months of use, my Pilot Metro is “broken in” and is now my go to pen. I filled it with Iroshizuku ink and it’s very smooth with a M nib. It writes better than my Heritage 92. I have Oxblood in my X159 with a F nib and it’s flawless. I’m tempted to pick up a few other 159s, hoping they will perform as well. Sailor looks like a slippery slope!
I'm enjoying my X159 pens. They are such a great value! Can't go wrong with Oxblood! Thanks for watching!
Watch that Leonardo rabbit hole; it's an easy one to fall into. I started collecting at the end of Sept 2022 as well and have 6 Leonardos. I have to actively talk myself out of the new ones I keep seeing released. :) I just got an Esterbrook Estie yesterday and I can see that may end up a new rabbit hole as well. Beautiful collection you've got!! Thank you for sharing.
Oh those Leonardos are so beautiful!! Do you have a favorite?? I find I am always reaching for my Leonardo these days!
Great video. I am thinking of getting the Inktober calendar this year :) Are you still doing morning pages?
I greatly enjoyed your video, especially the story of your Visconti Homo Sapiens.
You should definitely try out a Lamy 2000; it is my favorite pen. I like it more than all of the Sailors and Platinums I have tried and most of the Pilots.
In the video, you randomly mentioned that the Pilot Vanishing Point is probably one of your top 5 pens. If you had to make an actual top 5, what would it be at this point in time?
I have this in my cart on Endless pens right now!! I was planning to buy it in NY at their store, but the price is better online, so I might go for it! I appreciate your insight! A top five pen video would be fun!!
@@timewithtata8004 Wait for Memorial Day or 4th of July sales. Endless Pens almost always has the 2000 and you can get it around $100ish, max $120.
Pilot quality… never disappointing! Kaweco are like candies… u take one after the other….
Pilot is so consistent!
The missing or skipping when you write ✍️ could be oil from your hand. I have trouble with oily hands so I use a blotter, peace of paper. I have a laminator machine, so I laminate a couple different sizes. Hope this was helpful.
Thank you for sharing your collection with us and your story about your dad, what a special pen!
Also, I bet Herbin 1670 Caroube De Chypre would coordinate really nicely with your Amber 823 I just inked a pen up with a sample of it I got from Goulet and now I have to buy a bottle because I love it.
omg Bob Slate! I loved them. I moved out to Northampton and you'd think we would have a similar stationer but sadly don't. Just subscribed! You have a lovely collection, I'm interested to see how it evolves.
Have you tried the micro mesh pen tuning pads. Really changes some pen nibs for the better
I absolutely enjoyed this video❤
Thank you so much!!
OMG I had the same problem with the Lamy in Creme. 😔 I was so turned off by this pen, might try another with a black nib to see if it changes my perspective. Mmh after watching your video I’m thinking about the Lamy Joy in strawberry 🍓 😊
I love the Lamy Joy! Did you end up getting it?
Majohn T2 with Monteverde Sapphire. Simple, functional, affordable in this horrific economy.
Good find on the Homo Sapiens, and how you were able to customize it so meaningfully.
I'll look into those! Thank you!
Loved this video and your enthusiasm. I recently got into fountain pens and feel that it’s not so easy here in the UK to find good priced higher end pens. I love the Kaweco and TWSBI, I have a Jinhao and one sailor and a couple of Lamys too….. Altogether I have 16…so far. Maybe my next one will also be the Kaweco Student 20 Jazz. Your story about your white pen made me cry… sending all good vibes to you and your Dad x
Thank you Jean! I still have my eye on that Student pen!! Your collection sounds beautiful!
Love your collection! The Sailor Winter Rain PGS pen and that series is pricier bc they are 21k nibs (as opposed to the usual 14k) 😊
Thank you!! I didn't realize that until I read your comment. Clearly that was an impulse buy! It's a beautiful writer!
First, I’m also in MA! I just got the Sailor Manyo Nuts pen and love it! I really want a Leonardo Momento Zero Grande and am also inspired by Karyna. I also want a Benu and you inspired me to look into the Platinum Shape of Heart. I think I would like the white one
Hello! I live about an hour outside of Boston. My name is Sara. I just discovered both of your UA-cam channels. I also have a channel, if you want to check it out. I was wondering, since you are both in MA, if you would like to get together sometime to try out each other’s pens and share fountain pen information. My daughter and I have 136 pens in our combined collections, so we might have some you would like to try, like the Lamy 2000 mentioned in this video. In case you didn’t know, there is a group called Boston Pen People that meets every month or two, if you prefer larger gatherings of pen people, or the three of us could just meet at a restaurant or something. Please let me know if you are interested in a UA-cam comment so that I see it (I only check my UA-cam emails if I am expecting a message). Thanks for the videos!
BTW, Lori, I know your friend Tabatha from gym! Maybe she will vouch for me that I am not a bad person, but of course she only knows me from gym and I haven’t been back since COVID, yet. I am nice though! (:
@@fountainpeninsanity3344 I am already subscribed to your channel :)
@@thejoyinpensandpaper890 That’s great! Thanks!
I'm just reading this now! I'm sorry it has been a crazy month. I can't believe you know Tab!! I love her! We were just together last week. A get together sounds like fun. I'm just not sure when I can sneak away with my new puppy!
Hi Lori! New sub as of today…found your channel because I have my first Hobonichi Cousin for almost a week and my Hobo. Weeks for almost two months now. And I am embarking my search for my first fountain pen…don’t know where to start but I am excited to learn about pens. Wow! Finding your channel is so wonderful…I loved Longaberger Baskets but could not afford them in college…and I have loved Pizelles since I was little. So am I excited to learn a lot from your channel. My Dad passed away from Cancer also and he loved Boston…so one day I will visit Boston. Hope you are doing well! Thank you for starting this channel and sharing videos with us!
Thank you so much for this kind message Arlene. Did you end up getting a fountain pen? I'd love to hear what you chose!
@@timewithtata8004 Hi Lori! No I have not bought one yet…too many pens to choose! But I want my first pen to be a special one. So I am still watching videos and reading reviews but I really like that one you showed with the two hearts. I will definitely let you know once I pick my first pen out. Take care!
@@timewithtata8004 Hi Lori! I wanted to send you a message. Today I bought my first fountain pen…Sailor Shikori from the Fairytale Series the Grateful Crane in Medium nib. I bought it brand new from EBay but it’s coming from Japan and I need to wait for it to clear customs and all that jazz. I’m so excited. I really wanted that Esterbrook Esti Candy fountain pen the LTd. Ed. but this company is new in Florida so I don’t know if they are for real on this particular pen. I’m on my way to build my collection…but I am pacing myself but I will as many inks as you do have pens…so many pretty inks! Thanks for sharing your love of fountain pens! Take care!
Hi Lori! Hope you had a great Mother’s Day! My fountain pen journey is taking off this month…I ordered the Visconti “Venus” as my second pen…still a lot to learn about fountain pens and fancy inks but I am having fun as well as learning a lot about the hobby. And meeting people who have the same journey. Thank you for all your videos! Take Care.
Great video and you made me feel so much better about my rapidly growing pen collection that just stared in November 😂 I think I’m a little behind you in quantity but I’m working hard to catch up! I agree with you whole heartedly about the prera, so under appreciated. I got mine with the CM nib which took me down the rabbit hole of custom nib grinds and now I have 4 additional pens that had medium or broad nibs ground to smooth cursive italic all because of the little prera. My latest favorite is a Franklin-Christoff Model 2 Intrinsic with Medium cursive italic custom grind by master Nagahara. I love it more than any of my gold nib pens! I’m you find yourself writing bout your pen and ink selection in your morning pages? I find myself writing bout them and then how I need to stop focusing on the pen and just write my thoughts but my thoughts tend to float back to the pen. 😅
I need to try a cursive italic nib. I have two pens that need work, and I'm considering getting a custom grind on one or both. Also...you are definitely not alone in this addiction, lol!
My mother-in-law also offered me a Swarovski rollerball a few Christmas ago 😄
It's such a nice pen!
I hope your Dad recovers, and has the best days ahead of him. If you're of Florentine background, Visconti is based out of Firenze.
Thanks for showing your pens! I think Jinhao and Majohn have their place in any collection. They‘re cheap enough to be edc pens. I don‘t throw my 1000$+ pens into my bag.
Thank you! Yes, it's nice to have pens that you don't have to stress about when you're on the go!
Jinhao X159 lime green is my favourite! But I’m a newby. 💚
I think the X159 pen is great! So happy you're enjoying it!
❤Your collection. Your penmanship is outstanding. Rare for collectors, especially men to have good handwriting. I’m thinking about collecting but my minimum purchases would be $5000 USD or more on high end pens. I’m guaranteed not to have a huge collection 😂This is the way
Thanks so much! Sounds like you are going for the grail pens right out of the gate!! Lmk what you decide to get!
I have the Lamy 2000M or metal with an OM nib. Writing wise it's great, you've heard that. It's a heavier pen compared to the makralon version, so if you like heavy pens, you might like this better. Looks wise, I love it. It look cool, sleek and cold. Reminds of a profile of a great white shark, so I call that pen "Jaws"
I was dead set again the 2000 or any Lamy pens. I hate the Safari with a passion, but I heard they write well, so I finally settled on the Studio. @Doodlebud did a video mentioning it was the best engineered pen he'd seen, and that got me interested in the 2000. I didn't want the makralon though. It's ubiquitous, and as it ages the makralon becomes shiny in some spots, but when I saw the metal version. Oooooooh- eeeeeee. Plus with 2000 you can get replacement nibs. I am not out for buying the same model with a different nib if I can get replacement nibs, and since Lamy is the only company that provides stock BB, OB, OBB nibs without a premium **cough*** Montblanc, and why Pelikan stopped making those nibs, I don't know, it's a good thing for me.
Alright well if you don't like shiny pens, forget this one. I really should wait until the end of the video to make comments. :)
I have the Lamy 2000 ballpoint. I enjoy it, but do wish it had more weight to it. I will definitely look out for a Lamy 2000 with a metal finish in the future. Thanks for the tip.
My midrange vintage Pelikan and Montblanc pens don't write as smoothly as my LAMY, Kakuno, Kaweco Perkeo, and TWSBI pens! My husband loves Stipulas (around $600). They do write very smoothly, but I love my cheap pens!
I've learned quickly that High dollar amounts don't always equal a great writing experience. I love the whole range!!
Prayers for you and your dad +++
Thank you so much Cathie. xo
Does the white homo sapiens stain when filling ink on the section?
Great collection, is pilot prera better than kaweco sport?
Ooh, tough call. I enjoy the colors of the Kaweco, but the Prera is so good too!! I say go with the style you like. They are both good writers. Pilot of course has finer nibs overall so if you like a broader writer you might favor the Kaweco.
What size nib is your TWSBI Rose Gold pen?
It's a fine nib. I'm ordering a medium next!
Can't wait to watch.. but first, coffee..
Always coffee first! lol!!
Can you write for each one?
You were meant to have that incredible pen❤
Always honored when you watch my pen content. Love you!! I hope you and your girl are having the best time!!
I’ve shopped at Appelboom a few times in Boston. Nice store and people, but I always get the wrong box for the pens I buy. Might by same brand, but all the labeling is different. Kinda irksome because one pen I didn’t know what it was exactly and had to search online for it. Pen was on display, but boxes were stored elsewhere.
That's unfortunate. I would love to visit this spring. Maybe they are just getting settled??? I don't know. I do LOVE my Leonardo. Even with the booklet, like you mentioned. The box isn't the correct one for the Furore. The booklet doesn't fit inside even though it's a Leonardo box. Small detail but getting all the right stuff is nice. Thanks for watching Kristen!
Hello, I am an artist and I am looking for a fountain pen to work on my illustrations, with a soft nib (medium), and colored inks that are resistant to light and over time, what would you advise for a budget between 80 and 200 euros? Thank
Hi Matt. I don't have much experience with art quality ink. My Pilot Vanishing point is such a smooth medium nib. It's my everyday writer. It's hard to recommend b/c everyone has such unique taste. You might want to try some pens under $40 to get a feel for what you like. Maybe a twsbi eco or Kaweco sport. I'd love to know what you end up getting! Thanks for watching!
@@timewithtata8004 I bought an indigraph
Lamy Safari is great, want to try Twsbi Eco
I think you'll love the Eco! Thanks for watching!
"and it's white..." lol
I am in a pickle trying to find places to get cartridges … and I found this: FOUNTAIN PEN PATRON OF ART HOMAGE TO MOCTEZUMA I LIMITED EDITION 888
Full price for
$9,300.00 - and then - PATRON OF ART HOMAGE TO HADRIAN LIMITED EDITION 76 FOUNTAIN PEN
Full price for
$36,500.00 … and WRITERS EDITION HOMAGE TO ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON LIMITED EDITION 94 FOUNTAIN PEN
Full price for
$38,000.00 … but of the pens,!this shocked me the most … I mean … they’re more than cars! But my dream car is a Bentley, so perhaps I’d decorate with:
MASTERS OF ART HOMAGE TO VINCENT VAN GOGH LIMITED EDITION 8 FOUNTAIN PEN
Full price for
$168,000.00 😱🤯💚
FYI, 'Krebs' is the German word for 'crab' and 'cancer' (both the zodiac sign and the disease).
👌👌👌😍😍🌈
Yeah you got the pen bug bite and the only cure for it is a 0 bank account balance and declining credit cards.
Sorry to hear about your dad I will keep him in my prayers.
I like large pens and large ink capacity so my grail is the Opus 88 Omar
Welcome to the my fountain pen habit broke me club.
What is it about fountain pens that just seems to people go on a buying spree? There are many things that many people collect, now granted some of those are more expensive, but it's not like a fountain pen is cheap. Even a $10 is $10. Can't you get a box of pens for $10? I don't know anymore because I can't remember when I last bought a box of pens. Something about fountain pens just has us in a craze.
You very nice.❤❤❤❤❤
You are so kind. Thank you!
Your husband is so sweet
Please don’t wave the pens around so fast…. Maybe give us a close up shot with the pen laying down.