$3 Pen vs. $12,000 Pen: is it Worth it??

Рет қаралды 21,575

Күн бұрын

What's the difference between a $3 fountain pen and a $12k fountain pen? Is it worth it? Brian Goulet compares two pens made by Pilot: the Varisty and the Emperor - and drills down on the "WHY" behind each price point.
SHOP at our store! www.gouletpens.com/
LEARN more on our blog! www.gouletpens.com/blogs/foun...
LISTEN to The Goulet Pencast here: gouletpencast.fireside.fm/
SUBSCRIBE to our KZfaq channel: bit.ly/GP-YTsubscribe
LINKS TO PRODUCTS FEATURED:
Pilot Varisty: www.gouletpens.com/collection...
Pilot/Namiki Emperor: www.gouletpens.com/collection...
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction
00:45 Pilot Varsity
02:52 The value of $12,000
03:44 Overview of the Emperor
07:09 The White Rabbit
08:30 Is it worth it?
ABOUT GOULET PENS:
Brian & Rachel Goulet started The Goulet Pen Company in 2009 and you can see the evolution of our mom and pop into a full-blown company through this channel. We run a dedicated online store with fountain pens, ink, paper, and other fine writing accessories. Our goal with this channel is to provide fountain pen fans at all levels of experience with comprehensive product reviews, round ups, and how-to videos to answer all the fountain pen questions you may have. Shop at www.gouletpens.com.
FOLLOW US:
Instagram: / gouletpens
Facebook: / thegouletpencompany
Twitter: / gouletpens
Pinterest: / gouletpens
Sign up for Emails: shop.gouletpens.com/newsletter
Blog: www.gouletpens.com/blogs/foun...

Пікірлер: 108

@abyss0429 6 ай бұрын

What, no hammer test on the Emperor?

@RobRutherford 6 ай бұрын

I won't say if I ever win the lottery, but Brian Goulet will know. 😀

@cathrynesten4364 6 ай бұрын

This wins the comment section

@dragonabsurda 6 ай бұрын

I love that Brian found an excuse to use one of his 35 hammers. Although I'm guessing that might have been one of the work hammers rather than a personal one? 🔨😂

@davegoodridge8352 6 ай бұрын

I couldn’t imagine the Emperor rolling off my desk. The Varsity, roll away baby.

@cldavis33 6 ай бұрын

Even though I can't justify the 12K, the pen's artwork is stunning. Thank you Brian for showing this up close as I'll not get to touch one. It is amazing art work though - in it's own right.

@insertclevername4123 5 ай бұрын

At the Triangle Pen Show in North Carolina, I had the chance to write with the bargain bin version--the $2,000 Namiki Emperor. While I couldn't afford it and probably wouldn't buy it even if I could (it's just too big for my hand), WOW, was that thing fun to use, even if it was just for a couple of quick brown foxes on their sample pad.

@vjmtz 6 ай бұрын

I think all fountain pens be they $3 or $12k have this exact draw to them from a fountain pen user. Whether they are mass produced cheaply or hand crafted: Do you really NEED a fountain pen? No, not at all. We can live without them honestly, a .50 cent roller ball pen you get at Staples will "do the job" just fine for anything. But we all appreciate the aesthetics, open choices in all kinds of ink brilliantly put down on good quality (even crafted) paper(s). Even a mass produced fountain pen like the Varsity gets a higher level of QA and care than a cheap ball point pen and with the costs going up..the more care a fountain pen gets. Which reflects in its looks (aesthetics) and performance. Once you hit the low hundreds you then start getting into the craftsmanship. The lesser it is produced in mass, etc. And that's where collecting shines. I will never own such a beautiful pen, but I admire it, and well... all other fountain pens for what they do - allowing us to use them as a means to craft our own form of craftsmanship in writing beautiful letters or notes, and cards. Showing our care with our handwritten words which many now a days do only electronically. So in the end..with handwriting, the $3 pen gives everyone a chance to do the exact same thing in the nearly exact same way as the $12k pen. And its a good time to be alive to enjoy the things we have at $3.

@LightningWithaTouchofMag-on7oe 5 ай бұрын

Weeeell…if you’re a writer a decent one that works is a pretty good investment. I spent more for refills in a month than I did in two years.

@sirnigelcogs 6 ай бұрын

Like most people while I wouldn't pay that much for a pen, it truly is a beautiful work of art.

@archivist17 6 ай бұрын

For those wanting a Fine on their Varsity, it's compatible with the Petit, which only comes in F. I know that it's not available retail in the USA, but they can be found on selling sites. I actually found this out when, on a hunch, I bought a Varsity to swap the M nib onto my Petit.

@RobRutherford 6 ай бұрын

I have some I bought a few years ago from a Kinokuniya book store here in the US.

@ichirofakename 6 ай бұрын

Problem is I still USE my Petit1.

@RobRutherford 6 ай бұрын

@@ichirofakename What's the problem with that? They're convenient little pocket pens. The only problem with them is they're too short for converters.

@ichirofakename 6 ай бұрын

@@RobRutherford I love my Petit1s too much to rip out the nib and stick it in a Varsity. I got rid of a dozen or so of them a while back and now sorely regret it.

@shstapleton 6 ай бұрын

Many of the artisans who work in urushi live and work in Wajima and they have been seriously impacted, if not wiped out, by the recent devastating earthquake in that area. It’s going to have an impact of the availability of urushi artifacts for some time to come, perhaps permanently.

@alextaplin7354 6 ай бұрын

Brian, something I love about your videos, the GPC and most other fountain pen retailers now too is that you have managed to present ordinary pens up to these amazing high-value works of art while completely removing that old snobby status-focused stereotype that fountain pen enthusiasts used to get. You are a grounded person like myself with a relatable and friendly character and have done great things for this hobby's community and focus in the modern era proving that fountain pens are for all whether you just want to enjoy an affordable pen or have saved for years to get one of these beautiful works.

@stampedinhisimage1 4 ай бұрын

While working I offered my fountain pen to a client that needed to sign an order as complete. She said OH, A FOUNTAIN PEN, I LOVE THEM TOO! She asked what brand it was and told her it was a Jinhao X750 Chrome, I bought at Goulet Pen Co. and you are not only a source for purchases but have lots of very informative videos for those of us just beginning our fountain pen journey. She smiled real big and said I KNOW! It is such a delight to be able to share my love of the FPs and really great when I find out the person already buys from my favorite company! Thank you for this wonderful video including the Emperor. I do own the set of Varsity pens that you sell and I am reasonably sure I will never even be able to see in person or hold an Emperor. This video was EXCEPTIONAL in getting video of the pens every detail up close! It really is breathtaking!!! I think I got a dopamine rush just looking at it!!! LOL

@KendallW 6 ай бұрын

So well said. The Varsity pens are where I started out, and used them exclusively for several years. Still great pens to share with people, though the Platinum Preppy is also a great contender for giving away. I made a video a while back comparing the Varsity and the Preppy and it was interesting to see which pen won out over various categories. For the Varsity, it was the clear winner for durability -and I love that Brian busted out one of his hammers to give a good visual for that element :D

@jessicamurguia157 6 ай бұрын

Great explanation! Also glad to see the hammer collection being put to good use.

@alanpareis734 6 ай бұрын

Thanks Brian, nicely done as always. Best most beautiful photography of this type of art pen that I have ever seen. Oh yeah, thanks for the sneak peak of your hammer collection in action. Happy New Year to You, your family, and the entire Goulet Pens staff.

@nli1523 6 ай бұрын

Thanks, Brian, I really enjoyed this video.

@dugspookie217 6 ай бұрын

Thank you as I learned a little more about the Namiki pen you have shown 😊

@paulmchugh1430 6 ай бұрын

I had the 90th anniversary pen. There is a tremendous amount of artistry in these pens. The cost of the 90th anniversary was about $1,000. This is a tremendous increase, even accounting for inflation! Regardless it is stunning. Much more than the Montegrappa Limited edition just released that is €25,000!!

@creamsiclecat 6 ай бұрын

Dang, I cant afford such a pretty pen but I appreciate being able to see it showcased like this! Thanks for taking the time to show us Brian!

@ColasTeam 6 ай бұрын

It pains me to see that the varsity is supposed to be 3.50$, in my country they cant be found for less than 20$ 😢

@zzycatch 6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for this video! You just saved me a fortune school supplies for my kids!

@Pattysandler 6 ай бұрын

Love the education provided…I can imagine the time needed to make the 12k…even on video the depth and detail are unbelievable - I think it worth it! I say if u have it - use it!

@AnotherNerdHere 5 ай бұрын

I go to museums to see and appreciate art that I will never be able to afford. I watch Brian's videos to see artistic pens that I will never be able to afford. I am of course talking about the Pilot Varsity! ROLF. The Emperor is a beautiful pen. Thanks for detailed monologue and pen showing.

@AtilioEscobar 6 ай бұрын

Is the nib the same size, or bigger than the nib on the Pilot Namiki Emperor?

@alisonthepastor 4 ай бұрын

Wow. Stunning!!!

@thejumpingnomad2485 6 ай бұрын

Questions of "is something worth it, always has to be followed by a ''worth it to whom?''. This is not me knocking Goulet Pens, but just in general, I struggle to not get annoyed when people say things like, "do you need something like that?" The answer to that question is no. You also don't need a phone, a house, a bed, a tv, a computer, a shower, a toilet, a car, a bicycle, books, paper, a job, food, video games, popcorn, ice cream, pictures on your walls, paint on the wall, dishes or utensils. You don't need anything in life. Life is entirely driven by want. What do you want to do to feel fulfilled, excited, to feel like your accomplishing something, etc? Needs are only circumstantial to a specific outcome, like if you want to mow the lawn with a lawn mower, then you 'need' a lawnmower, but that's it. If you want to experience connection with someone, you 'need' someone else, but that's as far as needs go. Never let someone talk you out of getting what you want because of 'needs', all that matters is that you pursue your interests in a principled way and everything will be fine. So is the pen worth it? Absolutely!

@dtaggartofRTD 4 ай бұрын

I haven't spent that much on a pen, but I bought one of the Visconti Voyager 30s from you guys a while back. It certainly wasn't cheap. I consider it to have been worth every penny, though I also consider it to be essentially a perfect pen for my tastes. I keep it loaded with J.Herbin Lie de The, and carry it on the regular. If you see the value, it's worth the price.

@jimbolt5170 5 ай бұрын

I may have missed it, what’s the filling system on the emperor? I mean, like, I’m not gonna drop $12,000 on it if it’s just a cartridge/converter ya know! I’ve heard the Con-40 is hard to fill. 😂

@RobertStoddard 6 ай бұрын

I'm reminded of a friend whose home is filled with lovely antiques. "It's cheaper than buying cheap furniture," he told me, "These antiques will be worth more when I'm done with them than what I paid, so I'm getting to enjoy beautiful furniture for free." That $12k pen will hold its value and, likely, appreciate over time.

@rikhalder5708 6 ай бұрын

Which is the best extra fine fountain pen? Please reply me

@entropete 6 ай бұрын

what are the model cars in the back?

@sbornot2b 6 ай бұрын

The Namiki is a work of art, stunning and rare, made by the kind of artist worthy of the highest admiration for their craft and skill.

@varadharajannadarajah 6 ай бұрын

Both are worth their price ❤

@eeduranti 6 ай бұрын

Just got into fountain pens I split the difference and went with the Metropolitan.

@vincentlangel8555 6 ай бұрын

I tried to love the Varsity as an EDC work pen but it always performed poorly on standard copy paper. I use an EF Platinum Preppy that I wish was as durable as the Varsity.

@lefthandedclogger 6 ай бұрын

Hammer cameo!!! 😂

@karmesindryade 6 ай бұрын

I'm not a big fan of disposable things. But if you can bring someone to try a fountain pen for just 3,50 USD then I am ok with it. I never tried a Varsity but since the nib seems to be quite nice does anyone have an idea how to re-use the Varsity once the ink has been used up? Is there a way to open it and fill it again? Convert it to an eye-dropper?

@MarshaLove0723 6 ай бұрын

Yes. They actually showed how to open one up in the last Pencast video. I've haven't used up/emptied my Varsity pens yet, but once I do, I'll probably try to refill it.

@doc8125 6 ай бұрын

You can literally just pull out the nib and feed, refill it with whatever ink you want then put them back. There's a bit of a technique to taking it apart but it's fully possible

@Calcprof 6 ай бұрын

More hammers! I once visited an urushi shop in Japan (near recent earthquake). Incredible artisanship.

@MamaTomasu 6 ай бұрын

Brian and his hammer 😂

@cldavis33 6 ай бұрын

Plus....I just ordered a multi-color pack of Varsities off Amazon after watching. They look fun, for the price, I can't help myself.

@citrussoller 6 ай бұрын

Where is the hammer test with the urushi pen?

@Heidejournal 6 ай бұрын

It‘s hammer time. :))) That Urushi pen is a work of art and I envy anyone who can afford to just spend 12.000$ on a pen and then even use it. Chapeau, you did something right. ;)

@CinkSVideo 6 ай бұрын

What a dream to own that $12k pen!

@RubensMateusPadovezeArquimago 6 ай бұрын

Yes

@JefferyHall-ct2tr 6 ай бұрын

Hi Brian!: Enjoyed the video! I can see the merits of the Emperor, but it's more like an art object than it is a pen. If you REALLY love Asian art and you have the means, then go for it! IF I had one, I doubt that it would ever be written with. Kind of like owning a classic car, say a Duesenberg SJ, those bring a Million or more and I don't think owners of them are going to jump in and drive down to the local grocery store!! You would have to treat that like an art object more than an automobile, as well. To me there are a LOT of fun pens you can buy for the money of ONE Emperor! Remember Brian! Quantity IS Quality!!

@amethystmistarts5532 6 ай бұрын

$12,000 for a stunning piece of art. Yes!!!😍

@michaelpearson8165 6 ай бұрын

Hammer #34?

@888SpinR 6 ай бұрын

I'm lowkey disappointed this isn't a $3 vs $300 vs $12000 pen

@jorgeknightwalker8872 6 ай бұрын

I love that you found a way to use one of your many hammers. Lol.

@Ava-wu4qp 6 ай бұрын

I'd love to have a $12,000 pen. I'd resell it for $6k and put that towards affording rent for a bit.

@lindalemieux4184 6 ай бұрын

I would like the deal.

@lindalemieux4184 6 ай бұрын

I have yet to see a 3 dollar pen.Not around here.

@karenholden4740 6 ай бұрын

WOW!! love the white rabbit

@ameliabuns4058 6 ай бұрын

i wishy ou also tried a 30$ and 100$ en :P after that there's not much left

@jl25735 6 ай бұрын

Why didn't you use the hammer on the Emperor? :(

@RobertFisher1969 6 ай бұрын

I just hope Namiki compensates their maki-e artists commensurate with the idea that its the artist’s time that justifies the price. I’ve been sad every time I’ve learned that other companies in other businesses don’t pay the artisans that craft their highest priced products well.

@LightningWithaTouchofMag-on7oe 5 ай бұрын

I want that gold Lego brick.

@RaccoonLaundry 6 ай бұрын

BRIAN AND HIS HAMMERS

@sealine8717 6 ай бұрын

Nice to see the hammer collection come out 😂

@eleanor.shadow 6 ай бұрын

One thing I don’t get is why pens in boxes come wrapped in plastic. They’re already well packed and protected, why make them look cheap with plastic wrapping? 😳

@13noman1 6 ай бұрын

Well, my immediate answer to the title's question was, "heck, no!" I don't question for a moment that the White Rabbit writes better than the Varsity, nor that artistry costs $$s, but rather that I'd hyperventilate, worry and fret over having a pen costing $12k! Now, if I won one of those high prize amount Powerball lotteries, I might be willing to shell out the dollars but knowing me, unlikely!

@tanvirahmad5893 6 ай бұрын

That pen is gorgeous and an awesome work of art. But for me 1000$ is the limit for a single writing instrument.

@warblerab2955 6 ай бұрын

I wish I could afford to pay $12,000 for a pen.

@cjgj 6 ай бұрын

I want to know what a man with a hammer collection takes into consideration when selecting a hammer with which to hammer Pilot Varsities 😂

@jessicayeo97 6 ай бұрын

O wow! Does Brian really keep a hammer in his office?!

@kathleens1708 6 ай бұрын

I think Brian has about 35 hammers.

@jamescappio7434 6 ай бұрын

Drew gets a little unruly sometimes.

@mohammedshoeb4636 5 ай бұрын

12000 dollars In india i can buy a brand new hatchback. But the pen is majestic

@user-gl5ld9vm7i 6 ай бұрын

A $12,000 pen is NOT an everyday carry or use pen. In fact, the pen costs more than my daughter's car.

@DanielForgosh 6 ай бұрын

I've seen people walk around with Namiki Emperor pens in shirt pockets at pen shows. They say they use it as an everyday carry.

@MarshaLove0723 6 ай бұрын

If I could actually afford a pen like that I'd use the heck out of it.

@rinofthemill 6 ай бұрын

If i could ever afford it it would sure Become my everyday pen, just like your daughters car is for her 😂

@patriciaclark7135 6 ай бұрын

That 12K pen is probably worth more than the car I drive right now too. It's also better looking than my car. :)

@vincentlangel8555 6 ай бұрын

Some people daily drive their Ferraris. 12k is nothing to some people.

@theronwolf3296 5 ай бұрын

I'm in the middle ground. $150 is ok for me. It's NOT that I don't appreciate the craftsmanship, but I'm basically a utilitarian type -- I want stuff I can afford to use and to lose. One never really 'owns' a piece of high value hand crafted artwork. You owe the artist the respect of taking very good care of something in your charge.

@wybuchowyukomendant 6 ай бұрын

It`s beautiful, but would it be a good investment? I don`t think it would, but if I was rich and wanted a pen, I`d buy this beauty in no time.

@robertmaxey5406 Ай бұрын

If you can get a decent pen for three dollars, imagine what you can get for $9.95?

@AlanaBaker-cp4cy 6 ай бұрын

I guarantee that anyone who can afford to buy that pen can also afford to use it whenever and wherever they want. Not the pen for me, but if it wasn’t for someone, they wouldn’t be making it.

@davidthefat 6 ай бұрын

Honestly it sounds absurd to get a pen for $1+k at face value, but luxury watches are even more expensive. I’d say a pen is more practical than watches!

@doc8125 6 ай бұрын

And I'd consider this more of an art piece too than most expensive watches I see

@mattg7271 4 ай бұрын

Why would someone buy a $100 watch versus a Rolex? Both tell time….its about quality, rarity, craftsmanship, etc.

@Ekto-k 6 ай бұрын

Bye y'all I'm off to buy a gold Lego brick 😎😎😎

@patriciaclark7135 6 ай бұрын

Yep. I need one of those too!

@Ekto-k 6 ай бұрын

@@patriciaclark7135 cool I'll get a bunch then! 😁

@justnik8727 6 ай бұрын

That packaging is probably worth $4,000

@jannet4451 6 ай бұрын

If I had $12,000, I would buy that pen !!! beautiful !!!❤

@MisterCOM 6 ай бұрын

Tree fiddy

@Office_daily 6 ай бұрын

I feel like ive seen this video three times already on this channel

@user-mi4xe2iz3l 6 ай бұрын

i am poor ,,,3 dollar ok

@acidzen 6 ай бұрын

Somehow I suspect that Brian found an excuse to enlarge his hammer collection. Seriously guys, you gotta make hammer stickers now (and rocks bucket too).

@195516Z 6 ай бұрын

Whilst I'm a big fan of Namiki stunningly beautiful artwork pens I fail to see how anything advertised as disposable plastic in the 21st century is a selling point. I think Pilot should really reconsider the marketing strategy or just not produce these.

@matlindell5022 6 ай бұрын

You should wear soft gloves,shouldn’t you?🤔

@NGMonocrom 6 ай бұрын

I'm sorry, but speaking as a pen collector with more than a few fountain pens in my personal collection that many consider their grail pens.... No, no pen is worth $12,000. Just no. When you start getting into realistic Used car price territory, and I mean for one in good shape; no. History associated with the pen-line, with the brand, materials used (it's not going to be solid gold with precious jewels encrusted onto it let's be honest about that), literally any other consideration you might toss in; just no. Also, no watch is worth the cost of a small house, and certainly not a small mansion. Yes, I collect watches too. And as a car enthusiast, no car is worth the cost of a large mansion on a sprawling, huge estate, in the middle of Scotland. No, just no. Time to end this ridiculous, overpriced insanity.

@sushanart 6 ай бұрын

That pen is a piece of art, and I don't mean the Varsity. 😁 Stunning art! 😍❤️ Although never meant for my wallet. 🥹

@michellehiggins9465 6 ай бұрын

It is not beyond the realm of possibility that I would save up for and buy a $12k pen if I really loved it and had met my other savings goals, though it hasn't come close to eventuating yet.