Top 5 Fountain Pens for Newbies

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Our five favorite fountain pens for newbies. These entry-level fountain pens are affordable and easy to use, great for beginners.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
1:09 Pilot Metropolitan
2:49 Platinum Preppy
4:58 Pilot Varsity
6:49 Jinhao X750
9:13 LAMY Safari
Pilot Metropolitan: www.gouletpens.com/collection...
Platinum Preppy: www.gouletpens.com/collection...
Pilot Varsity: www.gouletpens.com/products/p...
Jinhao X750: www.gouletpens.com/collection...
Lamy Safari: www.gouletpens.com/collection...
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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.
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Пікірлер: 1 200

@ladyofthewinds8267 7 жыл бұрын

i just wanted a good looking fountain pen to write and now my head is stuffed with different nibs, inks, refill systems and quality pens. great; you got me addicted.

@Gouletpens 7 жыл бұрын

There's a lot to take in for sure. But that's one of the great joys of the hobby, finding out which nib/filling mechanism/ink works best for you! - Colin

@robertandersson1128 7 жыл бұрын

+Wind Element Hear, hear! I am so hooked on pens...

@jkrupp 7 жыл бұрын

I'm getting adicted, too. I live in Chile (South America) and fountain pens are unknown ancient tool that nobody under 40's know. So I have to import some. The best deal for me is ebay and chinese stuff (american, japanese and european are forbidden because delivery is bigger than original price). My choice: Jinhao X750 (US$ 2.58 and free delivery) Thank you, Brian.

@notpulverman9660 7 жыл бұрын

Jorge Jiménez everyone knows where 🇨🇱 is!

@aurelioduarte-encinas4670 6 жыл бұрын

Welcome to the world of fountain pens. It's a lot of fun to learn more about them and the preferences you develop over time.

@Terence.McKenna 7 жыл бұрын

Great. Now I have a new expensive hobby that I dont know why I want to get into.

@Gouletpens 7 жыл бұрын

It doesn't have to be expensive! $5 for a Platinum Preppy (www.gouletpens.com/platinum-preppy-fountain-pens/c/280) and you're off and writing. :) - Colin

@Germz4U 5 жыл бұрын

damn it me too

@StygianBlood 5 жыл бұрын

Could be worse.....it costs me 5$ every time I pull the trigger on my newest gun and the last outing cost 500$ just for the 1 rifle......this one is a walk in the park in comparison lol

@trumpisyourpresident9785 5 жыл бұрын

Try getting into watches... Or boats

@matthewe293 5 жыл бұрын

In my experience I wish I tried the pilot metro first. I spent a bit of money on safaris and converters and thought it was amazing, spent 15 on a pilot metro and the fine is right where I wanted for my thickness from the start. The pilot never skips and writes beautiful

@Frank-wp2hs 8 жыл бұрын

This video is actually really funny when I think about it "It's a $3 pen. I would say it looks more like a $7 pen, but not a $50 pen"

@bananamonster363 8 жыл бұрын

It is exclusive!

@RickBoat 8 жыл бұрын

made me laugh

@mcblahflooper94 7 жыл бұрын

Sanic if jerry Seinfeld had to describe that pen that'd be how he did it

@theaccountthatisntused2957 7 жыл бұрын

I'm gonnna be honest I just bought 10 different pens for $25... including the pilot metropolitan, they all look nice and l have some good gifts.

@eab7107 7 жыл бұрын

It's actually prophetic, for the price just doubled ! Here in Paris, it now costs a little more than 7€... Good thing it's refillable !

@sallyduros 3 жыл бұрын

I'm raising my hand here to say that I learned to write with a fountain pen in grade school, and as a result my handwriting is only legible when I write with a fountain pen. My father who died at the age of 96 three years ago was an engineer with exquisite lettering skills. He gifted me with his gold-nibbed Pelikan he learned to write with in grade school in the 1920s. That joined my collection of Waterman, Visconti and Mont Blanc fountain pens. And yes, I love the Lami Safari and have several.

@Potato-un2xs 3 жыл бұрын

Oh my! Your father must be a really kind and great person.

@rockyroadmagic4152 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I've been using a fountain pen for about half a year now and my handwriting is so much worse with normal pens and pencils

@PUNISHERMHS_2021 2 жыл бұрын

@@rockyroadmagic4152 You probably just need to practice, my hand writing improved in the sense that it's smaller, just need to get used to holding the pen differently.

@SaA-nf3jf 8 жыл бұрын

I bought my first Lamy Safary 26 years ago, I was 13 and I am still using it! It is working as good as ever and it is worth the money.

@antonioneto2600 5 жыл бұрын

I'm 19 and the safari will be my first fountain pen

@tlockerk 4 жыл бұрын

I got my first in my twenties, and it must be close to 20 years old.

@Nikioko 3 жыл бұрын

In school, ther were the Lamy kids and the Pelikan kids.

@SudipChorghe-ym4is 2 жыл бұрын

Do you sill have it

@mailtoallinow Жыл бұрын

любая ручка столько прослужит

@ambarrose 4 жыл бұрын

I got into fountain pens with my father. He had this huge love for ink and paper and art and he passed it to me. Now that he is gone, every time I get a new pen or that I use a pen that feels particularly good and think about him. It was our thing.

@milkkyou5915 4 жыл бұрын

I bought a Lamy Safari when I was 14. Now I am 26 and that pen is still with me and functioning perfectly. Totally recommended.

@Nikioko 3 жыл бұрын

I was one of the Pelikan kids in school. From age 7 to 17, I always used a Pelikan pen. Then I switched to ballpoint.

@shawn576 9 жыл бұрын

Instead of using a converter, you can buy a syringe needle and use that to refill any type of cartridge. This saves a ton of money if you have multiple pens. The only down side is that you can't leave something like that laying around if you have kids or pets.

@Gouletpens 9 жыл бұрын

Shawn Smith So true, Shawn! You can definitely refill a cartridge and that opens up the ink possibilities. :) -Margaret

@SkadeDK 8 жыл бұрын

+Guy Who Passed Flatus During Interview At least you'd be an responsible junkie ;P I wouldn't think too much about it people actually use syringes for a lot of different things :)

@planetparker8360 8 жыл бұрын

You can also use an eye dropper

@shelltheshellgaming4501 8 жыл бұрын

+The Goulet Pen Company what is the black Rhodia notebook seen when showing off the pens?

@ritvikvaishnav3472 5 жыл бұрын

dude do you know such a thing called a "drawer"?? you can keep your syringe in that

@horohorosrin 8 жыл бұрын

I looked everywhere online for a simple "best pens for newbies" thing. I'm so glad I found this. I bought a crappy one for 20 bucks (a stupid splurge; I normally research brands before buying) and it's not very good at all... Thank you so much for taking the time to make this, and realizing that most newcomers have no idea the sheer amount of things they don't know.

@abrahamvinod9804 4 жыл бұрын

What did u buy

@Zombie_Dude_0 8 жыл бұрын

0:20 through 0:41makes me feel like he's telling me I should try drugs

@Gouletpens 8 жыл бұрын

+Jacob Powell if there's any confusion, you definitely should not try drugs. -Brian Goulet

@iKoper 8 жыл бұрын

+The Goulet Pen Company haha

@tiaz3299 8 жыл бұрын

Lol true 😂😂

@jig7810 8 жыл бұрын

lloolllll

@margessw 8 жыл бұрын

+Jacob Powell I wanted to say that he sounds like welcoming someone in a AA program ! lol !!

@mimisauconnor8153 7 жыл бұрын

This video is the reason why I brought my first fountain pen You guys made it so user/newbie friendly

@annabaker9173 7 жыл бұрын

I started out with pilot metropolitan!!

@danimoosakhan 7 жыл бұрын

Anna Baker same

@theduduk 7 жыл бұрын

Hobbyist which hero?

@ryancalton9775 7 жыл бұрын

I started with the Pilot Prera

@nishikantprabhu 6 жыл бұрын

Me too.. in Medium. So glad I did.. Now will probably add a fine nib. Gorgeous pen, writes really smooth. Got me into FP writing :)

@AlphineWolf 6 жыл бұрын

I started with a dollar store pen. Apparently a Wing Sung fountain pen.

@Twigxz 7 жыл бұрын

Well in Germany the Lamy costs between 12€ -20€ and when school starts again it's always on sale for 9,99€ (or 10$) It is considered a school standard and one of the cheapest options here. We learn to write with fountain pens only at first and can't use anything else for school work till much later. My Lamy Safari and Joy survived more than 10 years of daily use and the first steps of me writing at 6 years old. They are easy to clean and indestructible :D

@Cubester64 7 жыл бұрын

Funny. Maybe the school I went to was unusual, but I was not allowed to use a pen until around age 13 or so. Even then, nobody uses fountain pens. Glad to see that what I believed to be a dead technology is still alive and well elsewhere!

@stevenkimdmd 6 жыл бұрын

Interesting. I attended the last 3rd and 4th grades of primary school in Germany and I had Pelican. But then again, that was almost three decades ago.

@snowpiercer9111 6 жыл бұрын

I actually managed to break mine, though break isn't necessarily the right word. The ink always leaks Nd I just had it for 5 years or so...

@chloedile9769 8 жыл бұрын

In France, we learn how to write when we are 6 and we have to learn with a fountain pen. We are allowed to write with other pens like ball pens only around 10.

@theaccountthatisntused2957 7 жыл бұрын

I would've loved to grow up in France xD

@bjornarya 7 жыл бұрын

wow, that is really cool. here in India we are made to write with pencils till 7-8 then we have to switch to gel pens/ ball pens but i always liked my father's fountain pen and not knowing how to use one i broke it . I guess I am now mature enough to use fountain pens now :P

@maratagon 7 жыл бұрын

I'm in France, came here when I was 9, were leaving soon, I'm. Not sure if your lying, or it just doesent apply in Brittany, you don't want to live here, trust me, a lot of the English here are assholes, and a lot of the French (in schools) hate English, thank god we only stayed for 2 years, I'm so happy we're moving soon!

@theaccountthatisntused2957 7 жыл бұрын

-BluJellyfish - Well I didn't really expect that, but it's good that you're moving!

@maratagon 7 жыл бұрын

The account That isnt used yeah it is! we didnt expect it either LOL

@yoursweetie1955 9 жыл бұрын

My dad is an artist, and taught my sisters and I how to do lettering with a speedball pen and bottle ink. I so loved the feel of writing with these pens. Starting in the 6th grade, I began buying Sheaffer cartridge pens, and although they were really cheap, they also felt great to write with! I would go through several every school year, because people just loved to borrow them, and "accidentally" fail to return them. After years of writing with these pens, it took me forever to learn to write with a ballpoint pen! It didn't feel right, and for some reason I would get that ballpoint ink all over my hands. Gel pens are better than ballpoints, but I'm going back to a fountain pen. Thanks for the helpful video!

@Gouletpens 9 жыл бұрын

Kathy Dowdle Glad it helped :) I agree -- rollerballs are nice, but there's nothing like a smooth writing fountain pen! -Margaret

@jamesmast4221 7 жыл бұрын

so I'm an outsider to this pen... enthusiast? hobby and while interesting it's also a little crazy

@Gouletpens 7 жыл бұрын

Yeah, it can be pretty overwhelming at first, so let me know if you have any particular questions. - Colin

@joshuanorris5860 4 жыл бұрын

@Shannon Kaufman glad you liked the pen :) I was also instantly hooked when i tried one!

@emacc0620 5 жыл бұрын

who else is watching this in 2019? and also thanks man you are helping me ease into the fountain pen world and I am planning to get the metropolitan

@farizatanvir6650 5 жыл бұрын

I'm years late to watching this video but it just strengthened my resolve to enter the world of fountain pens-

@MasterDuf 9 жыл бұрын

I appreciate the work that went into your presentation. I started my journey in the FP world with a Lamy Vista and have added 2 safaris and a couple Platinum preppies that are daily use pens for me. Due to my having to sign carbonless copies, sometimes 4 sheets thick I also carry a Pilot G2 pen but the FPs are my go to. I had a rebirth in then about 5 years ago after remembering I used them in grammar school into junior high. What a breath of fresh air to reawaken the love of writing.

@virusdapimp 10 жыл бұрын

I started of with the Lamy CP1 a couple months ago, and I have to say that I am absolutely in love with it. Growing up I hated writing and reading, and if I could I would rather type everything out. The second I got a hold of my first fountain pen, the Lamy CP1, I felt like I have been missing out on so much. Really has a big impact on my life and I can't stop writing from sheer enjoyment. My next goal is broaden my collection with Pelikan M1000, Sailor KOP, and maybe the Montblanc 149 used on ebay, but all in all I just want to thank you, sbrebrown, and FPGeeks for making all these videos. Really appreciate you guys!

@randalthor3919 6 жыл бұрын

LOVE my Lamy Safari. Been using it almost daily since I bought it 4-5 years ago. Still works as if it were new.

@kacookgirl 8 жыл бұрын

I LOVE the Pilot Varsity pens! I get them in a dozen box on Amazon and use them all the time for just about anything. And their colors (I've only used one color so don't quote me too much) are great. I'm a bit purple obsessed, and their purple pens are top notch! The ink flow is smooth and pigmented, and yeah, if you're not too careful, the ink can get everywhere if you rub your finger over the nib by accident, but I'm fine with some splotches here and there. I've had so many people ask about these pens and I've given a few away since they seem like a novelty where I live. I'd love to try some of the pens he's describing, since they seem like lovely writing options, but the Pilot Varsity's will always be my first!

@gailgassen8670 7 жыл бұрын

Great video! I've always loved using these kind of pens but I've had a heck of a time keeping the ink flow going. I've used them to do fancy writing but not for a lot of years. I'm getting back into my art again & looking to do both ink & watercolor drawings. So thanks for the great info videos I've been watching!

@stephaniestacy8021 4 жыл бұрын

I am so thankful that you are doing these tutorials and they're very helpful and informative in fact I didn't even know that I had the varsity pilot pen that I picked up on Saturday so happy just to get a fountain pen that I didn't care and the more I'm learning from you guys the better so thank you for making these videos. The first time I ever picked up a feather pen it felt like it was made for my hand and fountain pens feel the same way I've always been awkward with pens but these are the only ones that feel right so thank you and keep up the great work your videos are turning to be more informative than the other ones that I'm finding out there

@kittykatkllr 7 жыл бұрын

I already have two Metropolitans, and about to get a Kakuno and a Jinhao x750! Always come back to this video, love how well-spoken and straight forward this video is (-:

@xSarahFun 8 жыл бұрын

When I was 8, we had to write with a pen in school. I think we still have to in Belgium. But you have now pens that have ballpoint point. In high school you can choose. We also have a tradition around new year, we have to write a letter for our parents en grandparents, we wrote those with a fountain pen. Anyway i grow up with fountain pens and i'm happy about it :)

@user-rj4mc6id8j 8 жыл бұрын

cool!

@JavierArellano 7 жыл бұрын

epatant

@Bahbahlatje 5 жыл бұрын

I was an exchange student in Belgium where I was introduced to using a fountain pen. Once you get used to a fountain pen, it's hard to go back to a ball point or rollerball. The fountain pen is great if you write by hand a lot - which I do for a living. The pen is larger in circumference so your hand has more to grasp which is more comfortable to the hand so it doesn't cramp up when writing for a long period. It also flows more easily. The ink flows out of the pen, rather than the writer pushing down on the paper to get the ink to flow. This means that there is less stress on your hand. Also, most fountain pen ink cleans up fairly easily, whereas ball point pen ink almost doesn't come out and ruins clothes, etc.

@mandarin1257 4 жыл бұрын

I am half Russian, half Slovenian who immigrated to Brussels when I was 4. I was, and still am in the english section (hence me speaking english). My parents made me learn to write on a fountain pen, and I am happy about it.

@annabakker5328 5 жыл бұрын

I recently started watching these videos because I was looking for a new fountain pen. Learned to write with a Lamy ABC when I was 6. Switched over to a Lamy Nexx when I was 14 (yes the abc lasted me 8 years, I literally flattened out the nib), wrote with that one until I was 17, switched to Parker Vector but lost that one and I switched to ballpoints for a year. Now I finally have a fountain pen again and I'm happy to be back with Lamy (Al Star this time). To me it's crazy to see that some people didn't grow up with fountain pens but also that some people actually have fountain pens as a hobby because it has always been such a constant thing in my life.

@user-kf6nc5jv3l 8 жыл бұрын

Here in Austria in primary school nearly every child uses a fountain pen with cartridges and most of them still use them in "high school".

@Gouletpens 8 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I've heard that a lot from other international customers. But I did receive a handwritten note from an elementary school class here in the US as their teacher was teaching them about fountain pens. - Colin

@SatieSatie 2 жыл бұрын

Fellow Austrian here. Interesting - in my experience, most (well, literally everyone I know) change to ballpoints as soon as they enter middle/high school.

@kk5838 7 жыл бұрын

I got my 7-pack of Pilot Varsity pens two days ago and I am in love!

@LindaEller 8 жыл бұрын

I got my first fountain pen today. I follow BohoBerry and Pretty Pink and Paper and they recommended the Pilot Metropolitan. I have done a little writing today and love it! I got the fine nib. It writes so smooth. It feels like an elegant tool to use in writing. I am enjoying your fountain pen 101 videos.

@Gouletpens 8 жыл бұрын

+Linda Eller, Ed.D. Welcome to the Fountain Pen world! Let us know if you have any questions. - Colin

@dleon3406 9 жыл бұрын

I've been using cheap fountain and dip calligraphy pens but never knew there were other enthusiast like myself about ink, pens and writing. I love this channel and look forward to seeing all the videos. Thank you for enlightening me on all the options out there.The Pilot Metro is something Im looking into. I have a Jinhao x250 the Pilot Varsity and some Manuscript calligraphy pens too.

@Derek.LeStrange 5 жыл бұрын

I started with the twsbi 580 diamond EF nib, it's a demonstrator and a very nice pen to look at and on top of that the customer service was real good and fast. The Lamy Safari (I just got my first one which is the Limited Edition Black) is a must have cos it's an all around good writer and solid build.

@helenmcilroy 9 жыл бұрын

I noticed when you were describing the Metropolitan, you said it only comes in Fine and Medium. For $9 more, you can get a Pilot Plumix and put its nib on the Metropolitan. It's actually my favourite nib because it's a 1.0mm Italic and so is finer than most italic nibs. I bought my first Prera before an italic nib was available and so I put a Plumix nib on it as well. The Pilot G78 Broad is actually a fine, smooth stub that also fits on these Pilot pens. Thanks, Brian, for all the informative videos.

@Alex-us2vw 6 жыл бұрын

Pilot prera and lamy safari were my favourite newbie pens. The pilot prera with a med nib is still one of my favourites for everyday use. Seems smoother gliding and nicer lines compared to the similarly priced safari with a similar sized nib. Other benefit with pilot is you have more options for finer lines since a lamy EF is not far off from a M nib pilot.

@panic--panic-- 9 жыл бұрын

I started doing work that requires intense handwriting, and ballpoints would fatigue my hand super fast. I went from a Platinum Preppy (loved it!) straight to the Lamy Safari, couldn't be happier. Truly an excellent workhorse pen. The Preppy held it's own but with the amount of writing I have to do for work, the Safari was worth every penny. I got it on Amazon for $25 with 5 extra cartridges included. Definitely going the converter route when I inevitably burn through the included cartridges.

@PnlBtr 9 жыл бұрын

Interesting to see your newbie picks. Glad the Lamy was there, I started with a Safari. Great pen, plus the Lamy ink is fairly reasonably priced and in my opinion, a good quality ink.

@andrewsmmm 8 жыл бұрын

Nice video. Good cadence and nice blend of b-roll. Like the way you balance the pros and the cons.

@Perktube1 8 жыл бұрын

Great. I love my platin preppy. Mostly because it has a fine nib. I need to order more, and also a fine job for my x450 and Safari.

@hunter5w6 2 жыл бұрын

great video! it’s super clear and has me excited to get into these pens!

@Momo_Minomo 7 жыл бұрын

Hey Brian! I just wanted to say thank you so much! I wanted to try fountain pens but was really intimidated by all the brands, nibs, inks, converters, and papers. I watched through your series on suggested pens, pen maintenance, re-filling ink, suggested inks, nib info, and suggested papers. I am super happy now with my Lamy All-Star, Clair Fontaine Paper, and Noodler's Black Australian Rose to get me started. I was following along with your video on how to treat a Lamy straight out of the box and filling a converter. I love how it writes! I got the fine nib and it's beautifully smooth and has a delicate line that makes my hard won flourished cursive look even better. You are a godsend!

@Gouletpens 7 жыл бұрын

That's awesome to hear. I know getting into fountain pens is definitely overwhelming with all the different options, but once you're in, trying all the different brands of pens/ink/paper is one of the joys of the hobby (at least to me!), finding what works best with your writing style. Great picks to start with though, love Black Swan in Australian Roses! - Colin

@letisometimes 8 жыл бұрын

I've been absolutely loving your videos! Thanks for this!

@frankdizon 5 жыл бұрын

Brian, love the small frame at the back of this set of yours! "work hard, be honest, be flexible"

@dynasoar4190 9 жыл бұрын

great review. totally agree about the Pilot F tip. love it. happens to be my first real fountain pen. I still use it.

@mikeoyler2983 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting! Nice video. I've been writing with a fountain pen for several years. I mostly use it for work and my diary. I can't do any fancy calligraphy, but I love the way that it feels in my hand and it makes cursive writing fun! I personally prefer cartridges, but I can also understand why people like having an ink well or a converter. I like your recommendations, and I would agree completely that a nice solid introductory fountain pen costs around $20 to $30. If I was a student at school or in college again I would get a Lamy with cartridges. You will surprise your teachers and professors with your penmanship!

@robinrai4973 8 жыл бұрын

Heh, I found a really cheap Berol handwriting for kids fountain pen, which writes better and more reliably than the Lammy in my experience, but was really uncomfortable. Shoved it in the drill and sanded it a bunch and now its a really comfy universal and durable fountain pen I got for $5!

@jasoncabreros 8 жыл бұрын

Good list of starter pens, I went with the Pilot Metropolitan. I thought about going with the Lamy Safari but the shape didn't match my grip. Might still pick one up to try and correct my grip.

@pc4n62004 4 жыл бұрын

Great video. Super informative! Ugh! Another expensive hobby. I have some pens ordered - the Jinhao x450 and x750. I like what said about the Lamy Safari. Will try that one out too. Please keep those videos coming. Excellent information for someone new to fountain pens (like me).

@roderickfernandez8554 3 жыл бұрын

I'm 82 years old and I've always use a fountain pen I never use a ballpoint pen I remember when they first came out how exotic they were but I've never used one I've used fountain pens all my life I would just love them have a few not a lot but I enjoy the most of all

@ThaliaEmberwolf 8 жыл бұрын

Great video! I learned to write with the Varsity. Great pen.

@paulherman5822 4 жыл бұрын

I started with several vintage fountain pens I found in my folk's barn when I was a teen (they were left by the previous owner) so I got introduced to a gold point early on. I'm still sad that, what with going to college, and the rest of life after that, those old pens got lost. I have had a stroke, which impacted my writing hand, so I really started looking for a fountain pen to avoid the hand strain from ballpoint pens, and found a vintage dimestore Arnold lever fill. It's not exactly pretty (the chrome rusted on the outside, but it came from a display case of the original dime store and had never been used. Works great for an 89¢ original price pen! I have several of the Jinhao pens, the same ones that you mentioned, and I really like the size of the 159, because it's like giving a primary crayon to a kindergarten kid. Perfect for me to be able to keep hold of! It is a heavy beast, but it writes extremely well for an under $10 pen. Will I ever get more expensive pens? Sure, but I am now on a fixed income, so I will have to save up. Montblanc pens are probably never going to be in my collection, because of this. Nice review of the variety available for affordable prices!

@paulherman5822 3 жыл бұрын

@@brette6117 It's possible. After the stroke, my handwriting was about that of an early elementary child starting into cursive. It's back to my almost copperplate again. Took effort, and finding a pen that works for you. I've seen that the heavier pens are pretty good for hand issues, if they don't tire you out. Why I tend to do most of my letter writing with my Jinhao 159. At the girth and weight (about 50 grams!), it's easier for me to hang on to, and even the Jinhao nib is a pleasure for me to use. (I also have a wide range of pens, both light and thin, as well, though many of them that I regularly use are a bit girthy and have a bit of heft. (Doesn't mean that my vintage Esterbrook pens get ignored, though. 😉)

@Sciguy95 3 жыл бұрын

Pilot is one of my favorite pen brands. I have a pilot vanishing point that I use all the time. When I'm not using my fountain pens, my favorite pen to use is a pilot precise V7. I also tried the pilot varsity once and it was really good for what it is. I gave one to a friend and it made them fall in love with fountain pens.

@martinjohnson4405 6 жыл бұрын

Started out using a Lamy Safari in the 1980s and am still using them. I received a Mont Blanc as a parting gift when I left a company I had worked at for a long time, picked up a nice Pelican with a gold nib, and tried others, all of which I used it for a while, then went back to the Safari. I like the EF nib and like how it writes fast; it's good for scribbling in a journal or taking notes at a meeting. My only complaint is that after about 10 years of constant use, the cap didn't fit as securely as when it was new. I now have a half dozen or so both plastic ones and metallic ones and highly recommend them.

@tamber5977 7 жыл бұрын

He kinda sounds like Steve Carell at times. Interesting! Awesome video, btw. Very informative.

@bradleylauterbach7920 4 жыл бұрын

Michael Scott is telling you about pens

@LlamasOnJUPITER 4 жыл бұрын

oh god i cant unhear it now

@sighiguess 4 жыл бұрын

LlamasOnJUPITER right!!! 😂😂😂😂

@KingpinSuited 9 жыл бұрын

IMO... The varsity is way better than the preppy. Smoother, and the ink color is outstanding compared to the default preppy ink.

@estrellaverbeck 4 жыл бұрын

I like your demeanour... You're so cool, calm and straight to the point

@cristinawright6660 7 жыл бұрын

I loved the video. I started out writing cursive (not printing) using fountain pens for doing homework from kindergarten to 5th grade. As a result, I have several handwriting styles, depending on my mood. I LOVE the feel and look of fountain pen writing...it's definitely a different and cool experience from using pencils and ballpoint pens. It may account fort my pen-aholism. LOL

@tuisitala9068 3 жыл бұрын

When I was at school in the mid-1960's we started off with a dip pen. My memories of cheap fountain pens were of ink stained fingers.

@Nikioko 3 жыл бұрын

And paper. Ever drawn a line with a ruler?

@CharmEng89 7 жыл бұрын

I've always had Lamy safaris and have called it my workhorse pen even before I heard it being referred to as such... that's just me speaking for its quality. among the 5 recommendations it also looks the best to my mind! it just stands out with the design.

@daltonhunter4049 7 жыл бұрын

Charmaine Eng what nib is most like a .7mm led pencil

@daltonhunter4049 7 жыл бұрын

also are fountain pens good for school work and just normal printing

@CharmEng89 7 жыл бұрын

If you're talking Lamy, then it'd be the medium nib (also my favourite!). I found this forum and if you scroll down a few posts there is a handy graphic: www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/216085-lamy-safari-nib-widths/. I'd say a fountain pen is good for just about anything that any old pen can do, but it feels different (smooth and with some weight to it) and the effect is different, and that's why I like them.

@daltonhunter4049 7 жыл бұрын

Charmaine Eng thank you

@armanvirk8438 6 жыл бұрын

Charmaine Eng j

@sendercorp 10 жыл бұрын

Lovely selection, I am looking forward to see your step up videos. Thumbs up Brian.

@sharonoddlyenough 4 жыл бұрын

I'm watching this video after having bought a Lamy Safari. I've been using it for about a month, mostly for drawing and some notes. The ink cartridge that came with it is not waterproof ink, so I've been using a water brush to smudge shading. Overall, I like it. It feels nice to hold, and I've done a lot of drawing because it is comfortable.

@dlawn1030 4 жыл бұрын

The beginning of this video made me forget I was here to learn about pens but instead had stumbled into some self-help group. Great info, thank you! Could be improved by seeing the pens in action, that's kinda the money shot.

@593swheeler 9 жыл бұрын

In regard to your comments about the fineness of the fine nib for the Pilot Metro; Japanese nibs, in general, are ground to the grade below, so, for example, a medium fine Japanese nib would be the equivalent of a fine nib from any(?) other country

@ikarugaxx3749 4 жыл бұрын

I know you are still doing work for your shop, but it's rather impressive how good you are at putting yourself in the shoes of someone who is just getting interested in pens and writing. Not many can do that.

@howdydave45421 6 жыл бұрын

Your series is just what I was looking for! I was taught how to write with cartridge pens more than 50 years ago. Now that I'm coming back home, I hope I don't have to relearn everything. I'm starting out with a JinHao 250 and a JinHao 450.

@paraboo8994 4 жыл бұрын

I love LAMY Safaris. I've been writing with LAMY since I was in elementary and those things are absolutely indestructible ❤

@Harlem55 3 жыл бұрын

No they're not. Dare I show you the pic of a Lamy Safari getting Anne Franked??

@paraboo8994 3 жыл бұрын

@@Harlem55 your Safari died of typhus?

@Harlem55 3 жыл бұрын

@@paraboo8994 No you idiot...the death of anne frank's beloved pen was via fire.

@paraboo8994 3 жыл бұрын

@@Harlem55 that was poorly and confusingly worded on your part then, but sure, a plastic pen won't do well in fire.

@Harlem55 3 жыл бұрын

@@paraboo8994 Not for anyone that ACTUALLY READ Diary of a young girl : Anne Frank (the definitive edition). Its ACTUALLY IN THERE.

@hutima 8 жыл бұрын

what about the muji fountain pen? I think it's pretty good and it's also under $20

@rgtm4013 6 жыл бұрын

I can vouch for the Pilot Metropolitan and Lamy Safari! I just recently switched to fountain pens and this video is very useful! Thank you!

@DenBuh 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video...I found it to be very informative! I made my first fountain pen purchase after watching this video, and I feel like I made some great choices! I purchased two Platinum Preppys (purple and blue both medium nibs) to use at work and a Pilot Metropolitan (white tiger) to use for journal writing and other general daily writings (list making, paying bills, etc.). I am enjoying the fountain pen experience so far with the metropolitan being my favorite, and plan to purchase a Safari in the near future. I just can't decide if I want to get the LE neon choral, or hold out for a purple one (however long that may be)! Anyway, thanks for the great videos!

@Theminingcreep 9 жыл бұрын

varsity is the best disposable. it writes great. (i did hack mine open)

@JohnAK72 7 жыл бұрын

LAMY>> Quiet expensive>> Kinda reasonable because of outstanding quality!

@daddybeagleaz907 4 жыл бұрын

The Varsity is a great starter, my set was given to me for Christmas 2018, all are still going strong!

@justingould2020 4 жыл бұрын

I've got that Lamy with a clear body (and a couple other colours too). I scored several of them for free from a cleanout, never used. They seem quite nice, although all of mine came with the medium nibs. Nice to know they're upgradable with the convertor.

@thevics123 9 жыл бұрын

Lol fountain pens and feather quills are my favorite thing to collect

@rickysantos8446 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!!!

@Aerospaceman 7 жыл бұрын

Very relaxed yet very informative about basic pens, especially for a newbie like myself and I learned quite a bit. Will look forward to more of your videos. Thank You.

@Gouletpens 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching & the support! Just getting into fountain pens can be pretty overwhelming (at least it was for me!), so we're happy to help you navigate those waters. :) - Colin

@stephanieinspired1151 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely love your elegant lessons, delightful great guy attitude for us “noobs”.

@blueguy12345 9 жыл бұрын

Just got my Charcoal Lamy Safari in the mail today ! Going to get some ink tomorrow. First fountain pen, Cant wait ! I'll be writing all weekend !!! :-) Got it for 22 $ Canadian on Amazon with the converter ! Pretty good deall i'd say.

@jmeyer3rn 8 жыл бұрын

+Patrick Murphy Great price. Are you sure it's the real thing?

@blueguy12345 8 жыл бұрын

not so sure anymore. someone sent me an article explaining how to identify if its a knockoff. i'm loking into it...

@blueguy12345 8 жыл бұрын

not so sure anymore. someone sent me an article explaining how to identify if its a knockoff. i'm looking into it...

@blueguy12345 8 жыл бұрын

not so sure anymore. someone sent me an article explaining how to identify if its a knockoff. i'm looking into it...

@jmeyer3rn 8 жыл бұрын

Keep us posted. Hopefully you just got an amazing price on the pen.

@denisechapel1040 8 жыл бұрын

Great info Brian! I've been wondering where to start my teenage daughters and I now have some excellent ideas! I've just moved up to a TWSBI 580 and surly didn't want to start there with teenagers that would loose their heads if they weren't attached! Love your videos and am super impressed with your company! Thanks for your thoughts!

@Gouletpens 8 жыл бұрын

That's awesome you're trying to get your teenagers involved! Do you have a pen you're leaning towards? The Platinum Preppy would be my pick. - Colin

@andronas8244 7 жыл бұрын

Hey! I really appreciate this video! Thank you for your channel!!!

@RobDomaschuk 7 жыл бұрын

I have the Pilot Metropolitan in both the medium and fine nibs. I love them both but, yes, the fine is definitely my preferred pen. The only drawback I found with it is that the squeeze converter doesn't fit very snug and I had it leak ink. (Fortunately, I caught it in time and I was able to clean the pen immediately with some soapy water). Solved that problem by buying a couple of con-50 converters that work flawlessly. Now I use the squeeze converter for cleaning the pen between refills.

@hailo.nguyen 8 жыл бұрын

I just ordered the pilot metropolitan from you guys!

@Gouletpens 8 жыл бұрын

+Long Nguyen Sweet! It's one of the pens I use almost everyday :) -Margaret

@itsjustbree9267 4 жыл бұрын

"I was a new user, and we've all been there." Man, you make it sound so serious LOL! Very helpful video though.

@michilleclark-exum4330 5 жыл бұрын

I like ou!!!! its een almost 20 rs since last I owned a fountain pen but I wish I had searched KZfaq to find you FIRST!!! totally fantastic info even in 2019 . info that newbies can understand but not making someone with new experince feel stupid. New subbie!!!

@ElderHiker 4 жыл бұрын

My first fountain pen was a Parker 51 set that had a mechanical pencil too. It was a really cool green and I loved it. That was about 60+ years ago and I wish I had that Parker today. Although, my Pelikan m805 is a reasonable substitute. lol I watched this video because I want to introduce my granddaughters to fountain pens, journaling, and elegant writing. I watched your video on the Jin Hao and I thing I'm going to start them with that pen. Thanks for all you do for this community. Your videos are interesting and instructional. Ciao

@prestonnormile9996 5 жыл бұрын

Quick question: In some videos, you recommend buying a carrying case/storage pouch for pens, but do you have pens that can be slipped into jeans pockets without fear of ink leakage?

@MK-ih6wp 4 жыл бұрын

Good question! I just oxiclean soaked a shirt with a huge ink stain. Amazingly it all came out, but it's always a bummer to deal w stains.

@karenkasulke2294 8 жыл бұрын

Have a Preppy. Love it!

@gillean469 7 жыл бұрын

is it smooth

@gillean469 7 жыл бұрын

to write with

@bingle2484 7 жыл бұрын

Gillean X Rice That's good.

@bingle2484 7 жыл бұрын

Gillean X Rice The pen.

@bingle2484 7 жыл бұрын

Gillean X Rice It's good.

@DestroyerOfWords 6 жыл бұрын

Great review. The Lamy Safari is my absolute favorite. I've got many pens that are much more expensive, but I always find myself back to one of my dozen Lamys. They clean up great, seldom clog, the adapter is good for most needs and on. Fountain Pens are really great for work because I've never had one disappear! They're thoughtful, fun, and personal. Plus a plug for Brian and Goulet Pens Co., they are the best.

@Gouletpens 6 жыл бұрын

Yeah, the LAMY Safari is pretty no-nonsense. Writes when you need it to & writes well. Love mine! - Colin

@gagarance 6 жыл бұрын

I have 2 Lamy safaris THE dark violet LOVE IT and a basic white which was a gift and an Al Star on the way IM SO EXCITED!!!! SOUNDS SO AMAZINGGGG

@pandacrusin 8 жыл бұрын

I love my pilot metropolitan

@Galyouth 8 жыл бұрын

my first fountain pen was the jinhao 250 and I got it for $1

@twon1707 8 жыл бұрын

@theaccountthatisntused2957 7 жыл бұрын

Mine was a 750 actually four of them for $20 but it included it ink ^_^

@HybridxKing40 7 жыл бұрын

Me too.

@HybridxKing40 7 жыл бұрын

No wait. I forgot about the Hiro 907.

@wadefulp 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video! Going to try a Lamy. In my line of work I am required to send out hand written thank you cards. I am hoping this will make writing them out more enjoyable.

@EGPrime 8 жыл бұрын

I used to use the varsity as my daily carry but the ink was awful and the nib was scratchy. The Lamy Al-Star was my best purchase yet, loving it! Great video!

@Apollys 7 жыл бұрын

So if I'm buying a fountain pen for the first time, what's everything that I need to buy in order to be able to write with it? Do I need to all this converter and ink cartridge and stuff; will a pen I buy have ink already or not?

@Gouletpens 7 жыл бұрын

It really depends on the pen. It'll say in the product description if comes with a cartridge or converter. If it comes with a cartridge, you'll be good to go to start writing. If just a converter, you'll need to buy ink as well. - Colin

@chitranchakrabortty 7 жыл бұрын

I have to give 3 hour exams, so I am looking for a pen that isn't too bulky and can be handled easily for fast writing. Also I'd prefer a pen that doesn't tire my hand out, but really my main concern is speed because I'm gonna be using the pen for Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Bio exams which demand your hand to be as fast as your mind... Any help would be appreciated.

@LordDiddyDot 7 жыл бұрын

i hate the look of clear pens or ones with to much designs on them, they just look cheap in my opinion

@Gouletpens 7 жыл бұрын

To each their own! Clear demonstrator pens are a big hit with some people who want to be able to see their ink. - Colin

@katrinaisoffline 4 жыл бұрын

Personally, if the clear stuff isn't faceted or curved really well it looks like shit. TWSBI shapes their pens pretty well and I love their look but the cheap pens I see at school look like literal shit.

@CrimsonCrime2234 7 жыл бұрын

Great video!!!!! I actually own the first and last one in this video. And I like them very much!!!!!

@berco 9 жыл бұрын

Just started a month ago writing with a fountain pen. I was recommended by a local shop the Safari Extra-Fine (because of my writing size) and I love it. I think as beginner, it's given me a very positive experience and I would recommend it to others so they can also enjoy fountain pens. I was happy to see it on here as a recommendation for newbies! :)

@Gouletpens 9 жыл бұрын

Berco It's a great first fountain pen! :) -Margaret

@cxvzf 10 жыл бұрын

Lamy Vista is my favorite.

@Gouletpens 10 жыл бұрын

TechnoToast Oh yeah, definitely. That's just a clear Safari :) -Brian Goulet

@cxvzf 10 жыл бұрын

The Goulet Pen Company I feel honored that you replied to me.

@goldiesouthern5026 6 жыл бұрын

Fell in love with my Lamy Vista. That "technical like" look get me.

@QuickQuips 8 жыл бұрын

Which is a good piston fill pen for newbies? Or is that an oxymoron?

@Gouletpens 8 жыл бұрын

TWSBI Eco would be a great option, for under $30 it's top notch. (www.gouletpens.com/twsbi-eco/c/364) - Colin

@MorganScorpion 5 жыл бұрын

@@Gouletpens About twice that much in the UK, sadly.

@yenzireael8764 3 жыл бұрын

I grew up with Lamy (in Germany) and I love them so much. I would recommend getting the Al-Star line instead of the Safari line though, because the Al-Stars are made of aluminum and the others of plastic. Plus, at least here in Germany, the price point is not that different (~20€ for Safari and ~25€ for Al-Star) and both have beautiful colors.

@paulstanley8088 4 жыл бұрын

If the pen comes with the ink color you like, the other colors are unneeded. I use a LAMY blue black cartridge a day, and sometimes more, so your video about refilling is awesome. I can’t wait to try some of your other ideas and products. Thanks for posting.