LOL I think I had to be 13 before I was allowed to use one and my brother maybe was 9. I never let that go. :) Yes, come to think of it ... no one ever calls them that any more it's always pocket knife or just knife. The older term just came out like the word "wicked" sometimes pops out meaning something really cool or good. The old days words. :)
Speaking of triangle grips, check out the Pelikan School Pen , which has a VERY drastic triangle grip, with three deep indentations. I have an argument with that thing every time I hold it. But as long as I relax and let it win the argument, I can use it problem free. Pen is red, orange, and yellow, with a semi-hooded nib.
@@kurtgeisinger2012 I have 'em both. Actually, the ABC was my first nib pen, that started me collecting them, DESPITE the triangle grip. The two I really like are the Pelikan Pelikano jr and the Rotring Primus (unfortunately no longer made). I love nibs as well for being even, reliable, and bombproof. I also get a kick out of the kiddie aesthetic of the pens that come with.
Hi Terri -- yes I feel that way too ... about the most I want to write is one A5 size page with these. Unless I'm really slowly taking a few notes then it works out for me.
I purchased the Pelikan Twist in Girly Rose from JetPens in February 2022. I received it in a blister pack with 2 blue cartridges, but purchased the box of pink cartridges. I have flushed and filled a cartridge with Robert Oster Rose Gold Antiqua shimmer ink. It does tend to clog the feed if not used daily. I’m still not used to the uncapping process, sometimes twisting off the barrel instead of cap. 😂. Anyway, thanks for sharing.
Hi @MarcellHobbs -- oh that's a shame that the Robert Oster shimmer ink clogged the feed. I wonder how J Herbin shimmer ink would fare in it? Their inks do so well in my Lamy Safari with a F nib even. Oh I was like that a lot in the beginning ... accidentally unscrewing the barrel instead of popping the cap off. LOL
I saw some Indians who used this pen growing up discussing this on a video, and they showed the other one who was struggling to open hers a trick. With this pen, it’s easier if you hold the top and nudge the body of the pen to pop it open. The lady in the video tried it and started laughing when it worked.
On the Pelikan Twist and especially both types of Pelikano, as a left-handed underwriter, I would 100% have to order the lefty version of that grip. I am sad that the section on the Pelikano Junior is yellow, regardless of body/cap color, but am thinking I’ll be able to live with that when I finally do buy one.
Hi @maryeodea4026 - initially I thought my husband was going to test left handed pens for me but he told me his way of writing 100% smears fountain pen ink ... he would love to use fountain pens he says but the way he curls up his hand over the writing and runs across it ... he may be right about not being able to write with them without smearing.
@@ChrisSaenz13 There are many different ways left-handers write. We underwriters aren’t too unusual, though. I write with my hand below my line of text, and pull the pen along much as right-handers do, with the breather hole aligned to the 10- or 11-o’clock orientation. I started at age 14 about 1000 years ago, and only get ink on my hands when cleaning or filling my pens. 🤓
So happy to see your review! I received a silver one last week and plan to also buy that "Cold Alaska" pale blue metallic one too. Haven't inked mine up quite yet, but I hope to soon. I wonder if the selling location determines what kind of package and if you get one long cartridge or two short ones? Because my Pelikano came in a box like you showed for your silver one, and with a single long cartridge, and it was shipped from Switzerland (purchased through Amazon). My silver twist I bought through Jetpens and it came in the blister pack with two short cartridges. Also, I would check each pen individually for eyedroppering... I wouldn't trust my twist for it. It's hidden, but there's holes in the bottom of the barrel. That seems to be a safety thing included on a lot of kids pens, because the Kakunos and Pelikano have them too.
Thank you @FlybyStardancer -- I just tested mine with water and ugh ... no go! They are plastic but with those holes ... must be the modification they are talking about is glue or something. :) I hadn't planned to eye-dropper mine since they hold plenty of ink in the converters and cartridges. :)
I'm glad you mentioned the "deathgrippiness" factor, I know it sounds like nitpicking but I totally understand it. Sometimes when doing vent pages I get emotional and subconsciously grip the pen very hard and incorrectly, hurting the top knuckle of my middle finger. It can even develop a little mild callus. Still can't choose between the rose Twist and a beautiful colour of Pelikano called magic ocean, but the Pelikano seems to be winning because it's more lightweight. About this project, I recently found out that Online makes a pen called Bachelor Ice, which has a 0.8 and a 1.4 available! Very interesting sizes for a student pen. It costs ten euros here in Europe, and comes with a converter. If it writes well, that's great value.
Hi @littlebadger -- oh wow I'll check out that Online Bachelor Ice ... I saw a video by SBRE Brown from YEARS back talking about how good the Online stub nibs are. :)
Hi, Chris.L We can't say that the Twist is a comfortable fountain pen, but I manage to adapt without too many problems. At first, the edges bother me, but after a few lines, unconsciously, my fingers find a comfortable position and I focus exclusively on writing. My best pen is the FC Ambition - if I've got used to its particular ergonomics, I'm not afraid of anything. The Twist is very similar to the Ray, I can't say which nib I like better. In both I noticed a micro roughness in some strokes, especially on paper with more tooth. I smoothed the nibs a bit, a minimal adjustment, and they were perfect. The inks I use with these pens are blue royal, I can write on any paper without any problems. As the flow is abundant, there are more "invasive" inks that can bleed on common papers. The part of the videos that makes me most curious is the part where you test with inks that I don't know. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us!
Hi Miguel -- that's a good description of what happens with me as well ... I think I adjust to the Twist grip ... sometimes I realize I've been holding it uncomfortably and change finger position. I will have to look into the FC Ambition!!!!
All of these are good pens for a child…probably the best feature of all of the starter pens, at least in my experience, is their light weight. Good for a small hand. I think you’re doing fine with the camera angles…
Hi @lju5001 thank you for the camera feedback. :) I like these light weight pens as well ... I'm just blown away by the quality of the nibs at this price point too. :)
Great video, Chris! I actually had a Pelikan Twist (Shine Mystic) on my wishlist for the longest time. The only thing that stopped me from buying it, was paying an extra $10 for the cartridge converter. I do recall another reviewer stating that the nib is permanently attached to the pen. As far as the pink Twist being "girly," beauty is in the eye of the beholder I suppose. I have a Lamy Al-Star (Lilac) and love the color. Now you've got me interested in the Pilot Kakuno - I already added it to my wishlist. 😀
Hi Kurt! My first Pilot Kakuno I didn't like ... but .... I now think it was because I inked it not with the cartridge or with a Pilot ink ... this was several years ago and I used whatever ink was my favorite at the time. I think these pens perform so excellent with the cartridges that come with them and so far with ANY Pilot ink. I wish I'd known that at the time. I refilled Pilot Metropolitan cartridges back then ... quickly putting aside the black in cartridges that came with the Kakuno. What a mistake. I gave away my first Kakuno. Now, it's a pen that I fully appreciate!!!! Nice too that they come in so many colors and are everywhere almost. :)
Oh wow ... please disregard what I said about eye-droppering this pen ... it must take glue and/or a significant modification because upon testing mine leak like crazy ... I can see plastic in in the barrel but the holes would have to be sealed. I don't plan to eye-dropper modify mine ... but if anyone has and would like to tell us how ... that would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you for this detailed review of these pens with the paper comparisons, Chris. I love the unique look of the Twist (lol that it looks like mascara 😂) but I'm worried that the grip would be too thick for me. Sometimes clips take away from the appearance of a pen, to me. So the Twist shape creating a roll stop is bonus. PS hadn't noticed anything about where you were looking. It seemed just like always.
I bought the Pelikan Twist about a month ago. It's a lot of fun to write with. I did find it was a bit of a dry writer, even with the Pelikan cartridge it came with. I replaced it with a long Monteverde pink ink cartridge and it seems to not be as dry feeling. I did have to make the nib a bit more wet but I prefer a wetter nib. I do see why a dry writer is better for a student pen - less ink mess. :) I am left-handed and am an under writer. I had no real problem with the grip. I was afraid, being left-handed, it might pose a problem. Anyway, it's a fun pen. Thanks for a good video! Have you looked at the Kaweco Perkeo? It's in the same class as a student pen and costs under $20. Unlike the Pelikan Twist, it takes any of the same nibs that the Kaweco Sport does. The demonstrator is really fun because even the feed is clear so you can see the ink from one end to the other.
Hi Barbara -- oh I have a couple Kaweco Perkeo's to include in this project ... but I had basically missed that they have a clear demonstrator now ... wow ... that pen goes on my wishlist. I like being able to see the inner workings. Kaweco nibs are not my favorite but if I remember right the Perkeo's I have are M and writing pretty good. I had not thought about trying Monteverde inks to get a wetter writing experience in these Pelikan's. I can see for kids with the kinds of paper they generally use why they'd need to be dryer but I really enjoy nice wet nibs. That's why the Schneider Ray M+ appeals so much to me I guess. :)
Have you used the TWSBI Eco-T? It also has a suggested grip. Edit: I have two (and given away a few to pen-friends). It is definitely a fun pen to use.
Hi @parekhmy -- I think this could be a pretty good starter pen ... on the other hand, it does have a drastic grip that is not comfortable for everyone ... and when you purchase the pen it usually comes with a cartridge not a converter... you can get a converter for it pretty easily but if you plan to use bottled ink it will be needed as a separate purchase. I think because of the grip section on this one I'd recommend a Pelikan Pelikano Junior vs this one as a first pen. But that's just my opinion.
They call it the Pelikan C499, but it's actually made by Schmidt for Pelikan with a custom stamping on the ring. It's otherwise identical to the Schmidt K5. Make sure you use a brand new converter and dedicate it to the Pelikan Twist. Pelikan cartridge pens have a shorter and smaller diameter connector. If you try to use a converter (Pelikan C499, Schmidt K5, or otherwise) you already used in another pen it will fit loosely
Great review!!! And I haven’t heard the term “jack knife” used in many years 😂😂😂
LOL I think I had to be 13 before I was allowed to use one and my brother maybe was 9. I never let that go. :) Yes, come to think of it ... no one ever calls them that any more it's always pocket knife or just knife. The older term just came out like the word "wicked" sometimes pops out meaning something really cool or good. The old days words. :)
Speaking of triangle grips, check out the Pelikan School Pen , which has a VERY drastic triangle grip, with three deep indentations. I have an argument with that thing every time I hold it. But as long as I relax and let it win the argument, I can use it problem free.
Pen is red, orange, and yellow, with a semi-hooded nib.
If you like triangular grip "school pens," also check out the Lamy ABC and Lamy Nexx. They're both available with the nib. I love writing with them.
@@kurtgeisinger2012 I have 'em both. Actually, the ABC was my first nib pen, that started me collecting them, DESPITE the triangle grip. The two I really like are the Pelikan Pelikano jr and the Rotring Primus (unfortunately no longer made). I love nibs as well for being even, reliable, and bombproof. I also get a kick out of the kiddie aesthetic of the pens that come with.
Hi Ichiro -- I have yet to see a Pelikan School Pen but I will be on the lookout. :)
I have a purple Pelikan Twist and it's a fun pen, although not for long writing sessions for me.
Hi Terri -- yes I feel that way too ... about the most I want to write is one A5 size page with these. Unless I'm really slowly taking a few notes then it works out for me.
I purchased the Pelikan Twist in Girly Rose from JetPens in February 2022. I received it in a blister pack with 2 blue cartridges, but purchased the box of pink cartridges. I have flushed and filled a cartridge with Robert Oster Rose Gold Antiqua shimmer ink. It does tend to clog the feed if not used daily. I’m still not used to the uncapping process, sometimes twisting off the barrel instead of cap. 😂. Anyway, thanks for sharing.
Hi @MarcellHobbs -- oh that's a shame that the Robert Oster shimmer ink clogged the feed. I wonder how J Herbin shimmer ink would fare in it? Their inks do so well in my Lamy Safari with a F nib even. Oh I was like that a lot in the beginning ... accidentally unscrewing the barrel instead of popping the cap off. LOL
@@ChrisSaenz13 Yes, the Diamine Pink Champagne Shimmer never clogs or dries in my TWSBI Eco T EF nib.
I saw some Indians who used this pen growing up discussing this on a video, and they showed the other one who was struggling to open hers a trick. With this pen, it’s easier if you hold the top and nudge the body of the pen to pop it open. The lady in the video tried it and started laughing when it worked.
@@animula6908 Thanks for the tip!
I am new to fountain pens. But I kinda liked the Pelican Twist Girlie Rose. 😊
OOOh this is so good to know!!!! :) It's such a unique pen right!!!!! :) I'm checking to see what Pelikan has in red or pink cartridges.
Enjoying these pens very much.
Hi Janice!!!! :)
I love your organized pen reviews Chris. Thank you.
You are very welcome!!!!
On the Pelikan Twist and especially both types of Pelikano, as a left-handed underwriter, I would 100% have to order the lefty version of that grip. I am sad that the section on the Pelikano Junior is yellow, regardless of body/cap color, but am thinking I’ll be able to live with that when I finally do buy one.
Hi @maryeodea4026 - initially I thought my husband was going to test left handed pens for me but he told me his way of writing 100% smears fountain pen ink ... he would love to use fountain pens he says but the way he curls up his hand over the writing and runs across it ... he may be right about not being able to write with them without smearing.
@@ChrisSaenz13 There are many different ways left-handers write. We underwriters aren’t too unusual, though. I write with my hand below my line of text, and pull the pen along much as right-handers do, with the breather hole aligned to the 10- or 11-o’clock orientation. I started at age 14 about 1000 years ago, and only get ink on my hands when cleaning or filling my pens. 🤓
Thanks Chris! I gave a Pilot Kakuno to my nephew; we'll see if he gets interested in the hobby. Thanks for your efforts regarding this project!
Oh that's a great pen to start with they write so nicely with the black cartridge that comes with them!!!! :) Hope he ends up liking the hobby!
You're doing great
Hi @alokmittal59 thank you!
Thank you for your videos! So interesting to learn more about pens. Took your advice and ordered some beautiful Pilot inks.
I hope you end up loving the Pilot inks as much as I love them! :)
I have the gold one! nice video :)
Thank you! :)
So happy to see your review! I received a silver one last week and plan to also buy that "Cold Alaska" pale blue metallic one too. Haven't inked mine up quite yet, but I hope to soon. I wonder if the selling location determines what kind of package and if you get one long cartridge or two short ones? Because my Pelikano came in a box like you showed for your silver one, and with a single long cartridge, and it was shipped from Switzerland (purchased through Amazon). My silver twist I bought through Jetpens and it came in the blister pack with two short cartridges.
Also, I would check each pen individually for eyedroppering... I wouldn't trust my twist for it. It's hidden, but there's holes in the bottom of the barrel. That seems to be a safety thing included on a lot of kids pens, because the Kakunos and Pelikano have them too.
Thank you @FlybyStardancer -- I just tested mine with water and ugh ... no go! They are plastic but with those holes ... must be the modification they are talking about is glue or something. :) I hadn't planned to eye-dropper mine since they hold plenty of ink in the converters and cartridges. :)
I'm glad you mentioned the "deathgrippiness" factor, I know it sounds like nitpicking but I totally understand it. Sometimes when doing vent pages I get emotional and subconsciously grip the pen very hard and incorrectly, hurting the top knuckle of my middle finger. It can even develop a little mild callus. Still can't choose between the rose Twist and a beautiful colour of Pelikano called magic ocean, but the Pelikano seems to be winning because it's more lightweight.
About this project, I recently found out that Online makes a pen called Bachelor Ice, which has a 0.8 and a 1.4 available! Very interesting sizes for a student pen. It costs ten euros here in Europe, and comes with a converter. If it writes well, that's great value.
Hi @littlebadger -- oh wow I'll check out that Online Bachelor Ice ... I saw a video by SBRE Brown from YEARS back talking about how good the Online stub nibs are. :)
I feel there’s a deeper moral lesson here about the many ways bitterness and anger cause us harm, including death grip callouses 😋
Hi, Chris.L We can't say that the Twist is a comfortable fountain pen, but I manage to adapt without too many problems. At first, the edges bother me, but after a few lines, unconsciously, my fingers find a comfortable position and I focus exclusively on writing. My best pen is the FC Ambition - if I've got used to its particular ergonomics, I'm not afraid of anything.
The Twist is very similar to the Ray, I can't say which nib I like better. In both I noticed a micro roughness in some strokes, especially on paper with more tooth. I smoothed the nibs a bit, a minimal adjustment, and they were perfect.
The inks I use with these pens are blue royal, I can write on any paper without any problems. As the flow is abundant, there are more "invasive" inks that can bleed on common papers.
The part of the videos that makes me most curious is the part where you test with inks that I don't know. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us!
Hi Miguel -- that's a good description of what happens with me as well ... I think I adjust to the Twist grip ... sometimes I realize I've been holding it uncomfortably and change finger position.
I will have to look into the FC Ambition!!!!
All of these are good pens for a child…probably the best feature of all of the starter pens, at least in my experience, is their light weight. Good for a small hand. I think you’re doing fine with the camera angles…
Hi @lju5001 thank you for the camera feedback. :) I like these light weight pens as well ... I'm just blown away by the quality of the nibs at this price point too. :)
Great video, Chris! I actually had a Pelikan Twist (Shine Mystic) on my wishlist for the longest time. The only thing that stopped me from buying it, was paying an extra $10 for the cartridge converter. I do recall another reviewer stating that the nib is permanently attached to the pen. As far as the pink Twist being "girly," beauty is in the eye of the beholder I suppose. I have a Lamy Al-Star (Lilac) and love the color. Now you've got me interested in the Pilot Kakuno - I already added it to my wishlist. 😀
Hi Kurt! My first Pilot Kakuno I didn't like ... but .... I now think it was because I inked it not with the cartridge or with a Pilot ink ... this was several years ago and I used whatever ink was my favorite at the time. I think these pens perform so excellent with the cartridges that come with them and so far with ANY Pilot ink. I wish I'd known that at the time. I refilled Pilot Metropolitan cartridges back then ... quickly putting aside the black in cartridges that came with the Kakuno. What a mistake. I gave away my first Kakuno. Now, it's a pen that I fully appreciate!!!! Nice too that they come in so many colors and are everywhere almost. :)
@@ChrisSaenz13 Thanks for the heads-up on the ink-flow issues. Thankfully, the Iroshizuku ink cartridges are more readily available.
Oh wow ... please disregard what I said about eye-droppering this pen ... it must take glue and/or a significant modification because upon testing mine leak like crazy ... I can see plastic in in the barrel but the holes would have to be sealed. I don't plan to eye-dropper modify mine ... but if anyone has and would like to tell us how ... that would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you for this detailed review of these pens with the paper comparisons, Chris. I love the unique look of the Twist (lol that it looks like mascara 😂) but I'm worried that the grip would be too thick for me. Sometimes clips take away from the appearance of a pen, to me. So the Twist shape creating a roll stop is bonus.
PS hadn't noticed anything about where you were looking. It seemed just like always.
Hi Erin - oh I wonder how the grip would be for you ... to me it doesn't seem thick but it has quite a drastic triangle shape. :)
I bought the Pelikan Twist about a month ago. It's a lot of fun to write with. I did find it was a bit of a dry writer, even with the Pelikan cartridge it came with. I replaced it with a long Monteverde pink ink cartridge and it seems to not be as dry feeling. I did have to make the nib a bit more wet but I prefer a wetter nib. I do see why a dry writer is better for a student pen - less ink mess. :) I am left-handed and am an under writer. I had no real problem with the grip. I was afraid, being left-handed, it might pose a problem. Anyway, it's a fun pen. Thanks for a good video!
Have you looked at the Kaweco Perkeo? It's in the same class as a student pen and costs under $20. Unlike the Pelikan Twist, it takes any of the same nibs that the Kaweco Sport does. The demonstrator is really fun because even the feed is clear so you can see the ink from one end to the other.
Hi Barbara -- oh I have a couple Kaweco Perkeo's to include in this project ... but I had basically missed that they have a clear demonstrator now ... wow ... that pen goes on my wishlist. I like being able to see the inner workings. Kaweco nibs are not my favorite but if I remember right the Perkeo's I have are M and writing pretty good.
I had not thought about trying Monteverde inks to get a wetter writing experience in these Pelikan's. I can see for kids with the kinds of paper they generally use why they'd need to be dryer but I really enjoy nice wet nibs. That's why the Schneider Ray M+ appeals so much to me I guess. :)
Have you used the TWSBI Eco-T? It also has a suggested grip.
Edit: I have two (and given away a few to pen-friends). It is definitely a fun pen to use.
Hi @sithlord121 - I have had an Eco T -- it had a fine nib and I ended up giving that pen away ... it was nice though.
@@ChrisSaenz13 I ordered a Pelikano to see if I'd like it. :D
Is it good to start with this pen?
Hi @parekhmy -- I think this could be a pretty good starter pen ... on the other hand, it does have a drastic grip that is not comfortable for everyone ... and when you purchase the pen it usually comes with a cartridge not a converter... you can get a converter for it pretty easily but if you plan to use bottled ink it will be needed as a separate purchase. I think because of the grip section on this one I'd recommend a Pelikan Pelikano Junior vs this one as a first pen. But that's just my opinion.
I tried Twist and it feels a little bit too thick to my small hands
Hi Elena -- oh that's interesting ... and it seems like that would be a factor for children then too.
06:02 whats the converters code here?
The converter I used is a Pelikan converter I purchased on Amazon.
They call it the Pelikan C499, but it's actually made by Schmidt for Pelikan with a custom stamping on the ring. It's otherwise identical to the Schmidt K5. Make sure you use a brand new converter and dedicate it to the Pelikan Twist. Pelikan cartridge pens have a shorter and smaller diameter connector. If you try to use a converter (Pelikan C499, Schmidt K5, or otherwise) you already used in another pen it will fit loosely