Thanks. I figured that a cool dark place would be best for storing my inks.

I'm wondering how retailers, such as yourselves, decide which products you'll carry? More specifically, what products out of a manufacturers lineup you do or don't carry such as Montverdies Ritma line? It's one of my favorites from that manufacturer. Marketing is a mystery to me.

What's one fountain pen in your collection you weren't wild about at first but now love, or vice versa?

Great video, Tom. Question: What are the best ways to remove ink from your hands? - from your desk? - from the carpet? Accidents do happen.

Great video and so happy I found you!! I have just begun my fountain pen obsession, and am so excited to find a new place to shop and learn!!😍

What is a good system for organizing your ink? What is your preference for storage container/cabinet?

With which pens have you experienced the least amount of ink evaporation over time? Do the caps really make a difference? Snap vs. Screw?

Is there any way to make glitter inks clog less often in pens? Alternatively, are there any pens or glitter inks that are particularly clog resistant?

What is your favorite Goldspot exclusive product so far? And which collaboration would you like to see in the future?

What modern inks look the most like vintage inks when one writes? I'm interested in brands and colours.

Such a cool shirt!!! 😎

Here's an actually useful tip that works: before closing your bottle, wipe the neck of the bottle(top of the rim and threads) as well as the inside of the cap with a dry tissue to remove most of the ink and then with a damp tissue until the tissue stays completely clean, then with a dry tissue again to get rid of any moisture. Do this every single time you open the bottle; you need to wipe your pen after filling anyway, you may as well do the bottle while you're at it. Sailor even prints this procedure on the flaps of some of their ink bottle boxes as a recommended practice to stop your ink from going off. I will also name a brand that frequently got mouldy for me in the past: Herbin. I haven't had an issue for many years since I started wiping the cap and bottle, though. They do say something along the lines of only using natural ingredients, so they probably don't add a fungicide.

Question: what should you do if a pen uses a moldy ink?

Thanks for another great episode. My question is, if you could only use one pen for the rest of your life what would you choose?

Hi Tom! My question is, with graduation right around the corner, what would be your suggestion or choices for a graduation gift out of items you have in stock?

How long will a sample vial keep ink good? Does it dry out after a certain amount of time? Will it go moldy?

Notes on ink storage at 11:31

I have a couple of Pilot VP pens that I want to love more, but if I leave it without using for more than a couple of days, I get a hard start-or no start at all. I have to dip the nib in water and press harder than I’d like. These are not shimmer inks I’m talking about, but rather just easy to use plain inks. Is there anyway to keep the ink running smoothly in this type of pen?

Question: What is the best way to disinfect fountain pens (specially if one work's in a medical field)? I at least know you shouldn't use alcohol to clean them, but is using dish detergent or any soap safe to use?

Hi Tom, if you had to choose your favorite Japanese and German fountain pen, which would it be for each? If you could also show your favorite budget and no budget option for each, that'd also be great too!

What is the best way to test different feeds out to see which works best for you? Is there a standardized pen and nib set that allows you to just swap out different feeds? It seems that ebonite works better for me. But how could I test just the feed? Thanks!

Tom, if an ink develops "sick pen disease" (dragons jumping out of the bottle, or little islands with palm trees and tiny hula dancers, etc.), is there a way to limit the damage? Can one strain the ink through cheesecloth or coffee filter paper, or add a bit of alcohol or something to eliminate unwanted stuff? I've had inks that smell funny, but have been told that it doesn't mean the ink has gone bad. What's your suggestion in this mystery? Thanks.

Hi Tom, Your channel is an absolute gem! I genuinely enjoy every video you post. Keep up the "fantastink" work! My question to you is I am looking for the reddest red ink of all reds, just like Noodler's Baystate Blue ink for the blues, is there a red ink king?

Those space themed pens are all calling my name. I tend to like wetter pens. Which pens have the wettest Medium nibs?

A question that I have not been able to find good answers for. What are some successful additives that can be added to Ink to make them write with different wetness (less or more) and to reduce feathering. All inks seem to be different in wetness, lubrication and surface tension. Any tricks would be very fun to try out!!

What do you think are the best pens for drawing at several different price points?

I’m an art historian specializing in drawings, so I’d love to learn more about fountain pen history. Can you recommend a book or video or other source where your subscribers can learn more about the history of fountain pens? Thank you! 🖊️ ❤

I was wondering if you find a difference when it comes to nib finishes? I love my TWSBI ECO's and always get an EF. However I am finding that the steel nibs seem to be finer compared to the rose gold and/or bronze. Is it just me or is this a thing?

Question: Seeing you actually fill your FA nib Custom 823 with Wearingeul Captain Hook in the Joy of Handwriting episode blew my mind (the impact of that awesome wig together with the relaxed filling of expensive top 10 precious pens with exciting inks left an indelible mark). Now I want to experiment with exciting inks in my (less-expensive but still expensive to me) fountain pens instead of sticking to standard inks! => What are some of the more glamorous inks you love using in your top ten pens (or if not glamorous, some of the more attractive shading or sheening inks) ? Are Jacques Herbin shimmer inks safe for precious pens? Any guidelines/advice or considerations to keep some guard rails on inky experimentation emboldened by the Joy of Handwriting ep? Could you recommend a few more safe shading and safe sheening inks besides Souten and Haha and Martian?

Do stub nibs use up more ink than a broad or double broad? I realize that stubs will have a different thickness depending on the direction of the stroke, (and they are measured in mm, typically), but are stubs essentially "fine nib in this direction, broad nib in this other direction" or is there a better way to explain them?

Hi Tom, I really like the sound the pen makes when writing. What affects the sound and do you have a recommendation on what paper makes the most satisfying sound?

I love your shirt!!! I am about to jump into the world of fountain pens. I've been watching your videos and you are super informative. I love how the shimmer inks look. Which nib size is best for something like journaling and still being able to experience the visual differences in the ink? Also, do you have a top 5 favorite list of inks with shimmer? Thanks!

Thanks, Tom! After hearing how intentionally you curate your own personal collection, I'd like to know what's your favorite product that Goldspot sells for $100 budget?

Do you think that stickers should be kept on pens or removed? I know a lot of people like to keep a sticker that indicates the nib size on the pen, like pilot pens have.

Could you describe the differences between numbered nibs and non-numbered nibs like medium, fine and extra fine? Thanks, great videos!

Can I ask: What other hobbies complement or is complemented by, the fountain pen hobby?

How do you pick which pen to write with that day? Also what criteria must a new pen meet before you decide to make a purchase?

Hello, Tom! Love all your fountain pen advice! My question is this: How do I disassemble my nib and feed easier? I try to use my hands, but it's so difficult. Is there a product or way to make it easier?

I don't think the sunlight one matters as much as people think. A member of fountain pen network in Hawaii once put ink on a table in front of a window for years and on testing no difference could be found

Question for you is: What is your preference when it comes to filling mechanisms? Do you prefer built in or converters? Vaccums vs pistons? What pros vs cons do you have for your choice?

Great video! I have a question: how to know the size/type of the nib (EF, F, M, B...) in a fountain pen in which this isn't indicate, like for old or cheap pens?

Hi! Thank you for your informative videos! My question is: whick fountain pen inks (that are not the common blue and black inks) can be considered both waterproof and lighfast? It seems like the choices are very limited when it comes to these features. Also, there is some information available about waterproof features but not much about lightfastness. Thank you so much!

When storing your ink is it better to organize it by color, or by property: regular, shimmer, etc.

Question: is there a noticeable difference in the function of plastic vs ebonite feeds?

Hello, A Question is a vintage nib different then a modern nib or is a vintage pen better than a modern pen ?

What type of pens and nibs would work best for shimmer inks?

Having saved my treat money and bought my first fountain pen at age ten, I admire functional tools that provide aesthetics too. What did you spend on your first fountain pen?

In the spirit of using our precious expensive tools I'd like to ask, "What's the most unusual or unexpected place you've ever used your fountain pen?" I used to carry around a Traveler's Company fountain pen in my bag so I literally always had it, but seldom had the opportunity to use it -unless I intentionally went out somewhere to journal. I have since somehow damaged the pen and it is a leaky mess (truly don't know what happened) and now I am scared to even take my 'precious' pens out of the house...

I'm learning so much through your videos as I grow my fountain pen collection! I've also already broke my budget many times over! I'm considering exploring dip pens! Do you have any brand or style recommendations for that?

Aside from size (#5, #6, #8, etc.) do you have a list, or knowledge of, some nibs that are totally not interchangeable with some pens or manufactures?

Question for you, in your opinion, what is the smoothest nib you have used?

Why do eye dropper pens tend to leak more from the nib then a piston filler pen? I have a couple pens I used as an eye dropper and the feed would become really saturated with ink after a little bit of use and begin to drop blobs of ink on the paper (I assume from the heat of my hands) but I regularly use multiple twisbi 580s and they have never given me any problems.

Question. Which pens that you sell have been in production the longest ?

I need the Scribo Blu Cosmico. When will it be back in stock?! Cool vid. Jonathan’s work is Amazing. Love the Newark 🩵

❤❤❤

Thanks for the ink tips and tricks. I want to know about the ink cartridges as well. Also which fountain pen brands takes standard cartridges and how many of standards exists in the pen world? Is it based on country or brands? Why there is no global standard to be followed by all? Thanks #TheLifesWay

For me the bottles are stored in a container with a locking lid on a closet, away from the sun. I don't display my bottles, unless the bottle is empty. How do you stop a nib from burping ink when you are writing with it?

Is there a value in filling a pen quickly or slowly? For instance, with a pen like an Twsbi Eco, if you draw up the piston quickly, do you get more ink than if you drew up the piston slowly?

If you have ink left in a pen and you want to change the color can you empty the ink back into the ink bottle?

What are the best ways to store your inked fountain pens, horizontally or vertically, nib up or down? I hear conflicting information. thanks!

Do ink additives to make ink more slick change the color or other properties at all? Are they worth it?

Nice video. Question: What is the best type of feed - ebonite, plastic or other?

Do you have a recommendation for a colorful document ink? Something a bit more out there than black/blue/red

Question: steel vs gold nib when it comes to note taking

Are gold nibs better than steel nibs? And what will be the best for entry level pens?

Thanks for the video! How should you store your pens when they're not used every day but are still inked up? Upright? Nib down? Flat? Does it make a difference if it's a shimmer ink vs regular vs waterproof? Or does it depend on the pen itself?

Great tips for storing inks, Tom. Thanks 😃 Question: I have an inked fountain pen that I only use at night. How should I store it? With the nib facing upwards or downwards?

How can you adjust a pen (that is clean and fully inked) that is writing "dry" so that it writes wetter?

Hi Tom! What isbthe best way to get all the shimmer particles out of my pens? I’ve soaked the nibs and feeds in water overnight but it’s seems to be stuck in there. Thanks and I love the videos!

Which inks do you recommend that are permanent and water resistant i.e. would be good for signing important documents.

Should I be worried for the durability of pen clips when they are clipped in cases for long periods of time?

Does cleaning the nib and part of the pen in contact with the ink in a bottle with alcohol helps preserve the ink quality?

Is it okay to mix different ink colors? I.e. mix it with blue, black among various others and store it in a ink bottle?

Another great show. I was wondering the other day. Sometimes when I pick up my fountain pen to write it’s dry and doesn’t write well. What is the best way to get it to write again and maybe suggest how to prevent that from happening?

When will full bottles of ink from the 2023 inkvent calender arrive?

How does the Pelican Toledo line compare to the Souveran pens?

Always interesting. A new question for this week. I’m learning about nibs and it can get really confusing yet interesting. What is a good nib size or style for beginners?

I have grown to like Schmidt nibs quite a bit; I know Benu uses them. What other fountain pen brands use this wonderful nib? And are all Schmidt nibs identical or are there differences between them (other than nib size)? Thanks for considering my question.

With so many options to choose from, what can help a beginner choose their first pen?

Really love the horsehead nebula pen! What is the process is creating an exclusive pen? How long does it take from conception to production and release? Do you go through different versions / prototypes before finalizing? Thank you!

How do you organize your inks?

Why, when I live in Europe, the twsbi pens are the double msrp?

Nice video! My question is: I like to often change my ink. Most of the times the ink is not all used. Can I put it back in the bottle or do I better through it away?

What or who made a standard international size converter and cartridge as standard. Why it is a standard?

Thanks for sharing those top 5 pens and how to store ink. Question: What makes an ink a blue/black ink?

Hi Tom, thanks for the video on storing fountain pen ink. I'm somewhat new to the fountain pen world--are all fountain nibs interchangeable? And is it easy enough to do myself?

So how long can an ink last if not contaminated?

What gold nib pens have a drastically different writing feel from a steel nib? There is a massive price difference between the two; however, people have mentioned that a gold nib has a bounce to it that a steel nib does not. All my steel nibs have great flow. I tried out a sailor pro gear slim in person once, but it didn't feel much different from what I have. Therefore, I wanted to know which gold nib pens have a more elevated writing feel over steel nibs.

Have you ever had a pen ruined from an ink going bad and you not noticing beforehand? Or going bad while inside the pen?

Question for you: what's the weirdest Franken-pen you've ever encountered? If you haven't encountered any in the wild, what would be your Franken-pen?

Thanks for the pointers on storing ink! Pilot is coming out with the signature nib that is supposed to be a stub with a bit of softness - are there other stub nibs that have some softness/flex?

I really want to watch the video to catch the details, which I find the best shots are the inserted photos with slow pan across pens. The “close up shots” zooming in on your face or what’s in your hands is very distracting when it moves constantly to match your body/hand movements. Can that tracking be turned off for future videos? Question: can we mix inks from different brands

Great video Tom! What pen brand in your opinion brings the most themed pens to market?

What is the best way to thoroughly clean a fountain pen?

What is the best way to maintain your pens so that they last?

hello sir, i am curious as to what ink do you use when and if you write to friends or family, I usually use iron gale ink

Hi, Tom. I have a question: What is the best ink to put in a pricier pen? I've recently received a lovely Pelikan M800 as a giFt, and I am a bit nervous about what ink brand to ink it up with?

Tom, what is your favorite fountain pen in your collection that is not carried by Goldspot Pens?

Someone once told me that I should rinse out a new fountain pen before I use it for the first time. If it’s brand new, why would I need to do this?

Very informative on ink storage. Question: When determining the sizes of nibs, what measurement is used to determine a #4, #5, #6, and so on. I have some vintage pens that need new nibs and cannot figure the size replacement needed. Keep up the great videos!