I Love Penbbs: A Review of a Fountain Pen Company
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- Опубліковано 30 лип 2024
- This is not a fountain pen review, but a review of an entire fountain pen company; Penbbs.
Join me as I give details about the history of this enigmatic Chinese fountain pen company with the amazing number of pen models, filling systems and an incredible array of finishes and colours. Please feel free to use the timestamps provided below to skip to various parts of the video.
If you like this video, don't forget to like and subscribe and hit that bell to be notified when I post new videos! You can click below to subscribe.
PenBBS Resource Guide - All models and colours (From Taste the Rainbow Facebook):
tinyurl.com/y7mz4eq2
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Timestamps:
Start 0:00
History of PenBBS 2:08
Tour of PenBBS Models 8:56
My PenBBS Fountain Pen Collection 14:12
Let’s connect:
Instagram - douglasrathbun
Twitter - @djrathbun
Email - djrathbun@gmail.com
"Peace of Mind" by Boston
Concerto No. 3 in F major, Op. 8, RV 293, "Spring" by Antonio Vivaldi, in HD quality!
- Classical music piece performed by: John Harrison - Violin / Robert Turizziani - Conductor / Wichita State University Chamber Players
- Music licensed by: John Harrison
- Music license: CC BY-SA 1.0 - Навчання та стиль
Wow! You ARE a fan of PenBBS! I only learned about them because I was shopping around on Etsy. They certainly are a fun company. Thanks for the history lesson!
Thank you, Inky.Rocks! And yes, I am! :)
Interesting what models you do not have? Do you have a goal to have 1 of each? My understanding is that PenBBS does not own any manufacturing, they use the huge pen making industry in China. I am amazed at the consistent quality they maintain. Having spent some time with manufacturers making products for us, maintaining consistent quality is very difficult. They deserve kudos for that along with everything else. Good summary. You found a great source.
Thank you, chris! There are a number of models I don't have. The 309, the double ended pen, the 267 and the 352 just to start. I think I learned about the outsourcing of the manufacture of the Penbbs models from one of your early Penbbs videos. I am amazed at the variety of models, the variety of stunning finishes and the number of new designs and filling systems coming out of this company. I think they are hugely under-priced. I was looking at a Pilot Prera yesterday (virtually with the idea of perhaps getting one) and I can't rationalize spending that kind of money on an injection molded , #5 size steel nibbed fountain pen. I could get three 308's for that price.
@@InkquiringMinds I agree that PenBBS design & quality spoil us. 469 is the double-ended pen, wonder why 469? What I find surprising is no pen maker outside of China can come close for many x the cost. Monman & Fuliwen are in the ballpark but still lack having that quality level across their line. Any interest in their inks?
@@chrisrap52 LOL @ 469. What are some sources for the Penbbs inks?
@@InkquiringMinds vanness1938.com/collections/penbbs-ink is the one I use in US. Very large selection on TaobaoFocus, price per bottle low but need to order 4 or 5 as shipping is expensive. buy.tbfocus.com/seller.php?id=long37penbbs
@@chrisrap52 Thanks for this Chris! As usual, you are the font of all fountain pen wisdom!
I for one am not sure why anyone would give you a thumbs down. No matter which pen brands you like or dislike, you always do a thorough review. And that is the main point of your channel, to review. Thank you for the time you put into making these videos. Much appreciated!
I appreciate that!
Enjoy this video very much. When I see the Shui Yao nib, I realized it is not engraved with just any birds, it is the Mandarin Duck, one of the most iconic simbles in Chinese Art and literture. It is the love birds. I send you the information through email, hope you like it.
Thanks, Daniel. It wouldn't have happened without your excellent information. And thanks, again, for that cool information about the Shui Yao logo of the two "birds" actually being Mandarin Ducks! Very symbolic!
Wow Doug, great video! I appreciate all the research that went into this project and I always enjoy the documentary bits that you include in your videos.
Thanks, Kathy. I trimmed the video from about 45 minutes to 30! LOL Lots of virtual cuttings on the floor.
Great work on your research Doug; you really did hit the gold mine. I only have one PenBBS pen at present, but sure enjoy seeing your collection.
Very nice job, Doug. Your enthusiasm for the brand shines through clearly. This is a great overview for people new to the brand who can take it as a springboard to then watch your in-depth review of the various models.
Thank you, Yuklim!
Outstanding review Douglas! You showed some new versions I need to add to my collection.
You should!
Fantastic video and information. Hard to choose a favorite pen of the bunch. So many beautiful choices.
I like Penbbs, too. Thanks for all the previous reviews including this background info.
Thanks, won!
What a treat! Thank for this.
Thank you, Harry!
Enjoyed the paean to PENBBS. Thanks, Doug. An impressive array of pen options over a short time.
Thank you, David!
Thanks Doug, good info and tour of your penbbs pens. I am a fan of Penbbs too.
Thank you, Beemrb1 Beemrb!
Very cool song and great review! I love PenBBS as well. Nice and smooth nibs as well as cool designs.
Couldn't agree more! Thank you, Cooper!
so dedicated! loved all the information
Glad you liked it!! Thank you, Enteleqia!
Thanks a lot for your thorough and entertaining reviews, Doug!
My pleasure!
@@InkquiringMinds Thanks, sir!
I knew of Waverly nibs, but your demonstrations of these nibs on Penbbs pens were very interesting. I decided to purchase my first Penbbs pen [either 355, or 456] based on your excellent reviews.
Thanks again, and keep up the great work 👏👍
Informative and entertaining. Thanks, Doug, I've learned a lot, and you've got me thinking about my next pen...
Glad to hear it! Thank you, archivist17!
I really enjoyed your video. You have a gorgeous selection of fountain pens...I'm drooling! Thanks and Regards! Mike.
Thank you very much, Mike!
Thank you for the history lesson and video! I have been wanting a PenBBS pen for a while. Ordered a 308 and 456 today. Just have to wait now.
Hope you enjoy it, Scott! That's terrific. They are the two most popular pen models. The 456 is an easier pen to swap nib on. The 308 has a very short clearance inside the cap. It is possible, but you have to be very careful.
Wow , you 've been busy . Lots of info in that video , I like it . Thank you
Thanks, Luc! Yeah, this one was a marathon. I had just received a ton of information from Daniel and had been wanting to do this video for a while. So, I basically started in the morning and finished about 2am!
Greetings from Australia. I'm becoming a fan of your channel.
Great video. I've learned something.
My first Chinese pen recently was a Jinhao.
I am still waiting for my second Chinese pen which is a Hong Dian magpie (inlaid) which with import duty cost me $44 AUS.
But now you've sold me on this brand. I'll be checking them out and adding to my collection.
Since I caught the fountain pen bug I've bought Australian and we have some fab pen makers here.
Keep your videos coming. I love them.
Welcome aboard! Thank you, Scouzeboy!
Well done Doug. PenBBS makes great pens no doubt. 456 is my fav.
Thank you, JP G! Me too! The 500 has a slight edge at the moment on the 456 for me.
I just have one penbbs, the 309-26s, it's a good pen... I have been thinking on buying another one but unfortunately the pandemic happened. Now the pandemic had slowed down things in my country too so, it will take some time for acquiring another one, but the silver lining is that I have time to watch more UA-cam videos for some penbbs enthusiasts like you, Doug. Thanks for the video (love letter 😂) and the information.
I hope you and your loved ones stay enjoying fountain pens safe and healthy 🖖.
Thanks as always, Jorge! Same to you and yours! :)
I see your love for penbbs in this video. I love them too. This video helps me a lot. Thank you.
I'm so glad! Thank you, 꺄륵:3!
I was planning to buy a pen from them specifically the 456. I can say I'm going to buy it now. Keep up the great work love your videos
Awesome! Thank you!
Great solos. Encore. That amber cat pen is so cute.
Thank you, Alvaro! It is funny I like the amber is a cat pen with the paws on the nib, but I don't like the Penbbs model with the cat roll stop.
Very cool! And, I'm old enough to remember (even though I forgot about) bulletin board systems (BBS), as well my grammar school desks that had an inkwell hole in them. And, those wooden shaft dip pens!
Thank you, Dave! I remember the desks with the holes for the inkwells, but I never used them.
Love the video using your scores,from England
Thank you, John Doe!
Thanks for the info and great review! I bought one of these from Goldspot without knowing too much about them, and I really like it. Didn’t know about the Etsy shop, but I checked it out and now have a 323 Aluminium Alloy on its way. Thanks for the enabling!
Great to hear! Thank you, Laura!
Great video. Just discovered you a week ago but (kind of) thought you were a Mfg shill for China BECAUSE of the brand I hadn't heard of (penbbs), bc they were so polished and well articulated (figured they had hired you, sorry), bc I only use/collect the known brands. I only watched 2-3 vids of interest. But I just viewed your "History of PENBBS" vid.... I'm sold. 👍👍LOVED your comment to some particular "hater" which was fantastic.
I've subscribed and will digest your FP vids this month.
PS Ordered 4 penbbs / moonman pens this evening for inspection.
Thanks for your efforts and comprehensive FP FP info. 👍
Excellent and welcome aboard! I'll give a shout out for Penbbs as often as I can as I think it is the best fountain pen for the buck out there.
Good job and great fun!
Thanks, Joel! :)
Interesting company. I have 323 Aluminium and this is my grail pen - I find it perfect. I use it everyday and didn't found any negative. Except that F nib was too thick (0.7mm) - I grinded it a little bit. I ordered new 323 with EF nib - hope it will write thin out-of-the-box. Other models didn't convinced me yet, but maybe someday I will order 380 or 480. I like simple forms.
Thanks for sharing!
really good overview ,thankyou !
Thank you, MultiEbbot!
Thank you, Doug, great video! I like PenBBS also they make great pens. I don't quite have the collection of you or Chris for that matter but I do have a few models and finishes. The 323 is though my favorite by a long way. The shape is pleasing and as you said they are so comfortable to write with. Also, I loved the film clips you insert in 'Ghost Blisters' & 'The producers' I believe, made me laugh.
Thank you for all the info, truth be told I thought it was all Bobby's doing.
Bobby IS a mover and a shaker! LOL Thanks, matt!
@@InkquiringMinds What is his actual connection to penBBS? , he is obviously either invested or connected (my guess is both) heavily in the company. I also think he has fingers in many pies (if that translates), he as sold, I believe, Moonman and other brands also.
Cheers for the reply Doug I appreciate that.
matthew Beddow I don’t think he’s connected in any way with PenBBS. He is a retailer on eBay and actually has never stocked PenBBS. Esybuy and Kong’s own PenBBS Shop on eBay do that.
@@InkquiringMinds Ok Doug, thank you for the info. You and your loved ones Stay safe & Healthy.
I live in Puerto Rico, and I have been waiting for my Penbbs 308. Hopefully lives up to expectation. I am excited to find how the nib writes.
Thanks, terrific info. Like the looks of that 323, so simple, no clip but reeaally don’t need it. I’m still waiting for the 267 amber as a cat that I ordered March 1st, but am within the window of predicted delivery. So no complaints here. It might not arrive till mid May. I also like the price point with penbbs. Nice not having to spend a fortune for a nice writing, beautiful pen.
Thank you, Kathy! Waiting is part of the game with Chinese pens! Antici... pation!
Great video!
Thank you, luca!
Great review on the history of PenBBS, thanks to you I got introduced to their products. I love my Tuzi! and my 456. Just want to know, where did you find that wonderful roll stop for the Amber is a Cat 323? Gotta get one for my 323. Keep up the good work!
Thanks,, pete! That Tuzi 456 must be amazing! Kudos for capturing it! I just browse eBay for adjustable costume jewelry. Most are like a buck. This one was $4 I think.
I adore my 267... I’ve ordered another in green leaves but my jasper with emerald of chivor is perfect
Thanks, Rose!
Good one Dough👍
Thank you, Pramodh!
Very interesting video! Maybe you can make an update in the near future? I was wondering why penbbs made the same model twice with different names, the 266 and the 308.
The 266 had the cap threads at the top of the section near the nib, where the 308 as a redesign that put the cap threads where they are now, at the bottom of the section. They just never changed the tooling on the cap band.
My first PenBBS pen actually has that nib you mentioned. With the the gold around the outside. It's a 308 in galaxy. The nib was called a duo-colour F nib #3 (I suppose this is what to look for if wanting one of these nibs yourself). The pen itself has silver trim. I purchased it last year around this time. At first I didn't like it, too fine for me, but I've come to actually quite enjoy using this pen.
I have 3 of the 456 model. I'm just a sucker for the shape of it and the filling mechanism. I actually have another on the way. My only issue is that one of my pens needs some adjustment on the nib, it's kind of crappy compared to the rest. In fact, the Aurora is my favorite pen, especially when inked with J. Herbin Emeraud De Chivor. I haven't decided if I want to try other models yet but I do really like them. Thank for the video, it's highly informative.
Thank you, A Little Bit of A Lot! I did a recent poll in the Facebook Penbbs group and 456 was the most popular model by far.
Thanks for this great video Douglas. I'm considering getting a Penbbs but I'm having trouble deciding which one. Do you prefer the Waverly nibs?
Thank you, Stephen! The Waverly nibs are a unique experience. I've never been fond of fine nibs, but this nib is fine at a high angle and medium at a lower angle. Plus the feeling on the page is like a tiny paint brush. Now that I've been using these nibs, everything else is disappointing.
You play guitar very well.. ¿Are you in a band?.. If not, you perfectly could. 👍👍🇪🇸🇪🇸
Thank you, Raúl! No, I'm not in a band. I don't play well with others. LOL I taught myself to play over the last 40+ years and never learned music theory. I've played with other musicians here and there casually but always get lost when they say "Oh, just do a mixolydian scale in the relative minor fourth pentatonic". Wwwwaaaaahhh?
@@InkquiringMinds Hehe.. I would say.. Ehm... Sorry.. By ear.. 👂😂😂😂
hello penbbs sensei...thank you for your contribution to the hobby by making this video, i tried to research penbbs awhile back but couldn't find anything until i saw your video, in your opinion do you think penbbs will come out with italic or stub nibs and would you buy those? also wing sung has come out with a 14k gold nib for their 699, do you think penbbs will offer gold nibs eventually and would you be interested in that as well?
My pleasure! Thanks, Beiber! This is just my speculation, but I don't think Penbbs will be changing their selection of nibs. Firstly, the nibs are easily replaced by any #6 you want - gold, steel, Jowo, Bock, Nemosine, whatever. And B, they are a small operation that gets a Chinese pen manufacturer to build their pens in batches. I doubt they have the deep pockets to move into golds or italics or stubs. Wing Sung is the #2 largest pen company in China. They can pretty much do as they please. And fourth, my fine steel Penbbs Waveryly nibs write as well as my 14k gold Pilot e94s and Sheaffer Targa. So I don't need to add $150 to a $30 pen to make it write better. Cheers!
Love your content! I love rollerballs that allow the use of fountain pen ink and see that the 350 allows this and I believe the 323 and 308? I’ve read any PenBBS that uses the No 6 nib can also use the rollerball converter. Is that correct? Can you let me know all the models that use the No 6 and thus allow the rollerball?
I am only aware of one Penbbs pen that doesn't take the standard #6 Penbbs nib; and that is the #5 size "Marshmallow" 494.
From what I’ve seen, that uncommon two-toned nib was just labeled as “duo-coloured #3”. On Etsy, it initially came out with one of the more recent batches of Silence 308s.
The new 355s seem to have the duo-coloured #3. We shall see shortly as four of them are on their way to me.
The only two Pen models that are discontinued to my knowledge are the 266(it had cap threads at bottom of the section which caused one to unscrew the barrel when uncapping if cap was too tight, it was replaced by the 308 for this reason. This is why 308 models had 266 on the cap ring) and the 349(replaced by 480). There is a 348 Vacumatic pump model that had a few prototype example sold in 2018 but have yet to be widely released. Also I once asked Beini on Weibo if the numbers mean anything and she told me it's the order of product development, all products are in the same number order; that's why there are no inks that have the same product number as their pens.
Thank you, zchen358! This is the first I've heard of the 349. I'll have to do some more research! That's good to know about the product numbers - it makes sense.
Thanks Doug for this review - I only have one PenBBS pen at the moment, but you've convinced me to think about adding more. What do you think would be the best of their line-up, in terms of "bang for your buck"?
Hey, Gord! The best bang for your buck pen from PenBBS (or in my opinion, anywhere), is a Penbbs 308. The standard finishes are all $13.99 with free shipping in the states. They usually appear with either a fine (Waverly) or a medium (round) nib. As I said in the video, my first Penbbs was a 308 Cedar and I haven't looked back.
@@InkquiringMinds Thanks for that - will have to see whether free shipping extends to Australia. BTW, eBay or etsy?
Jamerelbe The official store is on Etsy and free shipping is only to the US unfortunately.
@@InkquiringMinds Thanks, good to know - I've got a $10 to spend on eBay, so I'll see if I can snag something there - and keep an eye out on etsy for future models. [Do they treat Canada as an extension of the US, or do you guys miss out too 🙁 ?]
Jamerelbe No. We have to pay for shipping as well. PenBBS also has an eBay store.
Very interesting, lots of information for us penbbsaholics. I beliebe you will find that the model 480 is an updated of the model 349, a shortlived model, with a great shape, but a few shortcomings in it's construction. Thank you!
Thanks for the info, Ove! I never knew about the 349. I still look at my 480s as "upgraded" 308s if that makes any sense. :)
@@InkquiringMinds You can still find a few 349s on ebay, mostly transparent candy colours. They have a different clip, and the section has metal threading. I don't really know why they didn't become a hit. I liked them but didn't get one in time. Luckily the ever ongoing pen evolution gave us the 480.
@@ovebjornson7846 I love the 480 and I'm not so fond of that old style Parker ball-end clip.
@@InkquiringMinds Me neither - fond of the clip that is. It doesn't fit the pen.
Great video!~ Long don't read English so that may be the reason he didn't answer. Besides, it's very very hard to get online to the Instagram in China, and it's hard to use the message function when using VPN.
I think you're right, benben! Thanks!
Hi Doug. Very interesting video, thanks for making it! I was wondering if you knew anything about PENBBS production and how they manage to produce pens so cheaply? My understanding is that the acrylic on pens like the Leonardos or other premium pens is all hand turned. PenBBS acrylics look very similar. Did they manage to achieve similar affects via some type of mass production? Am I naïve to think that those expensive pens from premium brands are not hand turned acrylic and the premium price is instead just gouging? Are PenBBS prices achieved by paying minimal wages to a phalanx of starving artisans? (an attempt at humor with the last sentence, but hopefully my point is clear). Or is it just an advantage of global economy re. local costs of living etc? Just curious what your thoughts are. I recently got a 492 after seeing your review of it (well, it recently came to me, I bought it a while ago), and it's a damn fine pen.
Thank you, Ian! The only thing I "know" (from hearsay ) is that PenBBS does not do any manufacturing. They are a small group of pen enthusiasts who create designs and commission batches of pens from Chinese pen manufacturers. I think they source various parts (nibs, feeds, converters etc) and acrylics and then coordinate the tooling of the acrylic and then the assembly of the pieces. I know when we were waiting for the new model 500s to come out, Long mentioned on Instagram that he was still having them assembled at that point. This is all conjecture on my part. By comparison, PenBBS is a tiny group that makes very few pieces compared to a giant like Hero. It is like Penbbs is an independent shop compared to Pilot.
I went to the Etsy and found very little options left for the 308, 323, 456 models, the left overs are not attractive, nevertheless I ordered 323 which is the cloudy white colour (seriously unattractive, but the price is reasonable) yesterday as I really want to try the ergonomic feel of 323.
PenBBS is a very small, low-volume pen maker. So, you have to pounce when the virtual shelves fill.
Is there a place to see samples between their 'round nibs' and other nibs? I see tbey have F and EF but also REF
Check out the Facebook group “Taste the Rainbow” for everything PenBBS.
PenBBS is the most exciting fountain pen company in the whole world right now. They aren't afraid to experiment and their pens build quality are consistent QC wise. The only critique I can give them is that I wish they can provide a better nib performance in their Extra Fine tipping and also more nib width option. Other than that, I can only say positive things about them.
Thank you, Priya! I agree! Who else, with the exception of Moonman is coming out with as many new models, new filling systems and new finishes as Penbbs?
@@InkquiringMinds Exactly. The problem with Moonman is they like to dabble into issues like being too inspired by other pen brands. Meanwhile PenBBS is just doing their own thing. I really hope they get more recognition globally.
Got the 456 and 308 and haven't inked them up with anything yet because I'm trying to limit how many pens I have inked so they don't dry up and hard start. First world problems
The 456 and 308 are the most popular of all the models. I did a poll yesterday in the Taste the Rainbow group and 456 and 308 came in #1 and #2.
Do you do guitar reviews? When I was a young guy, Lenny Breau used to sleep on my friends' parents couch.
Lucky you re: Lenny Breau! I have done some guitar videos in the past but not now.
I was 16. My friends dad was a local Winnipeg Jazz Musician, and Lenny Breau was just another one of my friends' dad's weird friends. He did catch my buddy and I smoking weed once, and didnt rat us out.
@@gregchristopher1961 Awesome!
Don't have a BBS pen, yet, which would you suggest I get? Don't care much for demonstrators.
The best place to start is the Penbbs 308. It is a standard size and shape, very comfortable, posts well and comes in a huge array of colours and finishes.
Many thanks for a very interesting and informative video. I love my PenBBS pens, I am another who Chrisrap52 introduced to them and now I'm hooked. There are some awesome finishes and also they are really good writers.
Glad it was helpful! Thank you, FerryPen!
Okay, so here’s a question for you. Your house is on fire and you can save only your favorite pens out of your collection, which ones would those be?
I’ve been working on my top 10 list for a video in December. :D
Great video, as usual, but there is another PenBBS piston filler besides the 309: the 494.
ua-cam.com/video/MLkI5Xiyz30/v-deo.html
Stay well!
Thank you for reminding me! I have a fake one that I've never reviewed. I'll get it out. I don't even consider the 494 an actual Penbbs pen. I think they are commissioned from WingSung by Long as they have none of the characteristics of anything even remotely resembling Penbbs and almost identical to the WingSung 3003.