My Top 5 Fountain Pens - Updated 2023
Рет қаралды 21,524
8 ай бұрынIn this video, I update my Oct. 27, 2021 "Top 5 Fountain Pens" video with my current favorites plus 2 honorable mentions.
Things have changed but some stayed the same!
The addition of 3 new pens in particular over the past year disrupted a few old favorites (basically putting them still in the top 10 but no longer top 5)! Many of the new pens I've tried are thanks to fellow pen enthusiasts who have been downsizing their collections and shared so generously with me.
Here is a list of my new top fountain pens for 2023 (below I will also list my 2021 list and a link to that old video which was quite fun too):
2023 Top Fountain pens:
1. Lamy Safari & Vista (and Al-Stars) including EF, F, M, B, 1.1, 1.5 and Cursive nib.
2. TWSBI Eco (multiple colors, lots of M nibs and some B, 1.1, and EF)
3. Pelikan M800 Black/Blue F (gift from pen friend M.S.)
4. Benu Talisman Mandrake B
5. Kaweco Sport BB Mellow Blue (I am crazy about the BB nibs, this was a gift from pen friend BBR)
Honorable Mentions:
1. Opus 88 Omar B Clear
2. TWSBI Diamond 580 Iris B
Lots of discussion and rambling about other pens that I will be trying soon and that I am still very enthused about was also included in this video.
Here is the old list of favorites from 2021:
Video from 2021: • My Top 5 Pens - 2021
1. TWSBI Eco M
2. Opus 88 Omar B
3. Jinhao X750 B + various nibs
4. TWSBI Go B
5. Lamy Safari
Honorable Mentions:
Jinhao 159 (various nibs)
Moonman Wancai Mini B
This was a really fun topic to revisit. I think 2 years was actually a good interval to put between this examination! It gave time for new pens to work their way into my writing and for old favorites to really become survivor or GOAT pens!!!!!
Lets meet again in the comments and discuss pens and how our collections shift and change! It is a lot of fun to compare notes and learn over the years about new (to me) brands and explore the hobby even deeper.
My Pen Email: chris@inkswatch.com
Instagram: / snowball7470
@cathycarr3625 3 ай бұрын
I like that you have pens that are affordable. I don't enjoy channels that always show pens that I will never own. You are someone that I can identify with. Also. love your cats
@ChrisSaenz13 3 ай бұрын
Hi Cathy! I honestly enjoy the more affordable pens more. I get nervous with some of my pens that are "expensive" and that takes away some of the fun. My most used daily casual fountain pen right now is a very humble little Jinhao 248 with a super smooth stock nib in EF. It even puzzles me why ... except it's the perfect nib width for jotting and I fill it with black ink for my bullet journal. Last year I bought a whole group of them for less than $10. on Amazon. :)
@MummyBrown 8 ай бұрын
I’m a Pelikan gal through and through. I literally gasped out loud the first time I wrote with a Pelikan FP. Those nibs are a dream.
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi @MummyBrown it was quite a shock to me how smooth, flowy and "just right" the Pelikan is ... !!!
@FPFriendlyMomma 7 ай бұрын
Except my Pelikan M205 Petrol with a medium nib. My only Pelikan purchase that I don’t like at all because the nib is stiff and dry.
@wittwittwer1043 8 ай бұрын
I own over 150 pens, both cheap and expensive. Lately I've got two Chinese pens by Hong Dian, a 'maple leaf' and a 'peacock;' both at around $50. Both are beautiful, well made, and good writers. I have 5 Benus in various models, including the Briolette 'luminous amber' like yours. I've been collecting pens since the early '80s, both new and vintage. I enjoy your enthusiasm.
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi @wittwittwer1043 -- welcome and thank you. I had quite a gap from highschool '81 graduated .... to 2017 where I didn't write with fountain pens but I did some calligraphy with Sheaffer calligraphy pens ... so I was so happy to find all the ink colors and online education to help me learn how to trouble shoot and clean and take care of pens.... that was severely lacking when I was a teenager lol. Mom would just tell me I needed to rinse my nib more often. Hers never dried up because she was 100% consistent daily with writing with hers. :)
@sanjilee6148 7 ай бұрын
I love my Hong Dians!
@keithallen97 7 ай бұрын
man you need to do a video , thats crazy 150 pens i really want to see it
@ichirofakename 8 ай бұрын
1. I bet that those of you who prefer a Safari to an M800 are a very select few. 2. I'm deep into a series of drawings using my Beginner pens with the nibs, to the neglect of everything else. Particularly good are the Pelikan Pelikano jr (still) and the Stabilo EASYbuddy. I really have no business buying pens more expensive than these two, which are PERFECT. And some duds have emerged: the Rotring Primus, the Faber-Castell Scribolino, the Herlitz Tornado, and the Lamy ABC. 4. Today's top 5: 1. Sailor Pro Gear Winter Sky (F) 2. Good Blue L130 (Zoom) 3. Platinum Carbon Ink Desk Pen 4. Kaweco Special 5. Jinhao 82
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi Ichiro -- it's an interesting exercise for sure to weight the favorites! Some pens probably shouldn't even be compared to others ... and it becomes an intricate combination of replacement part costs, costs in general, emotional response sometimes to color(s), availability, and versatility ... lol I am good at over-complication. Yet, I still find it fun and feel I was as honest as possible. If I could only have a Pelikan M800 or a Lamy Safari I'd have to say the Safari because of the wonderful versatility of nib swaps and the price point etc. Yet, I'm so delighted I have the M800 and I take care of it really carefully so I can write with it for the rest of my life! :) Your list is great! A Sailor Pro Gear at the same table with the Jinhao 82! Yeah!!!!!! :)
@ichirofakename 8 ай бұрын
@@ChrisSaenz13 the 82 is only there because Sailor refuses to put their fude nibs in pretty pens. Accidentally saving me $400+.
@ichirofakename 7 ай бұрын
Oops, both 82s jammed. We'll see if a cleaning will help...
@marilyngardner4269 8 ай бұрын
I always enjoy hearing these lists. I play this game in my head sometimes, but it's so difficult to pick a top five. I find it slightly easier to do a top ten, but not much. There are so many factors to consider: writing experience, aesthetics, comfort in the hand, durability, value for the money. While I agree that pens are nib holders in the end, I really do enjoy looking at them. You've been on quite a journey this year, going from school pens to a Pelikan M800!
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi Marilyn -- oh it's true -- this year has been just a blur of pen excitement! There are several school pens that are so awesome I'd no doubt be still dabbling with those if not for the new surprise pens that have come my way! :)
@littlebadger 8 ай бұрын
one thing I will say in defense of the safari... it takes a really good pen to be my first pen ever (bought on sale here in europe, with a shop member discount over it lol) and still be... well, currently inked! my charcoal f is my lifer pen for diamine earl grey. amazing for drawing and for reading notes. it's gone on the floor more times than I'd like to admit, and it's still going strong 😂 if anything it wrote even better after I dropped it nib first... no wonder it's a student pen!
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi @littlebadger lol yes the Safari's are really really versatile and I never have any fears of breaking mine beyond my ability to fix .... of course I have not run over mine! The writing is fun because if I don't like the nib I have on one with a certain ink I just quickly swap it for another size. :) LOL
@bunnytoes7200 3 ай бұрын
My son celebrates his 40th birthday. He’s an electrical engineer and now taking university level art courses which has opened communication between us unlike ever before. Anyway I’ve been struggling to find a gift for him. So finally asked for suggestions and he surprised me saying he’d like to try a quill pen! I’m thrilled to be discovering I am totally enthralled having done a bit of research. Thank you for your enthusiasm and your detailed reviews. I am 70 and was fortunate enough to have written with quill pens in school. Managed to get through just as ball points were becoming mandatory. In any case I’m babbling. No doubt I’ll be exploring these lovely pens for my own sake as well. Thank you so much!
@ChrisSaenz13 3 ай бұрын
Hi @bunnytoes7200 - oh what fun to find a common interest and have the world of pens to explore. I enjoy the hobby so much and there are many sub-hobbies like dip pens and various art topics that I've found go so nicely with pens and inks too!!!!
@GetReal521 6 ай бұрын
Excellent Review! Even more than the review was your ability to generate excitement about the pens and their options. Thank you for including your experiences with ink and nibs. Happy New Year 2024!!
@ChrisSaenz13 6 ай бұрын
Happy New Year!!!
@Michelt007 4 ай бұрын
Great review! Coffee is a "brain stimulant" with serious bad side effects, not only for stomach acidity increase, but also difficulty to sleep, possible heart palpitation, it even removes calcium from bones! There is also the saying that the first cup of coffee wakes you up, all other cups only make you more nervous!
@ChrisSaenz13 4 ай бұрын
Hi @Michel007 - I get more and more grateful that I managed to stop caffeine when I did! :)
@MagdalenaGniatczynska 29 күн бұрын
@@ChrisSaenz13 Brilliant for stopping caffeine! I need to do that too! I'm totally addicted right now.
@Sonicman415 8 ай бұрын
I really like your vids! It’s so satisfying to see all of the ink bottles behind you. For me favorites really centers around the nib.. I love custom grinds which is a rabbit hole within the fountain pen rabbit hole. I really like Eco’s too..
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi @Sonicman415 thankfully I've not ventured into custom grinds because I think my wallet would really collapse lol. I have gotten to try quite a few amazing pens though!!!!! And some with really really amazing nibs!
@impish22 8 ай бұрын
oh my, been waiting for this one, thanks for posting Chris
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi @impish22 you're very welcome - this was fun!
@janisforehand7690 8 ай бұрын
Enjoyed the video and good to see your enthusiasm. I have the three Benu models you shared and like them very much. I always have one of Benu pens inked because it just makes me happy to use them they are so beautiful and the nibs write so well.
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi Janis -- it is fun to have a beautiful sparkly pen to write with!!!!! :) I'm excited to try the new to me models. :)
@somosnicas 6 ай бұрын
Your eyes sparkled in this one too! Your video was a joy to watch. :)
@FPFriendlyMomma 7 ай бұрын
My top five, period: 1) Pineider Full Metal Jacket UR with a medium steel nib - almost always inked up with KWZ Turquoise. Smooth, smooth writer! 2) Pelikan M120 with a broad nib. Also a very smooth, smooth writer! 3) Kaweco Sport pens (Classic, Skyline, and AL) with either a Medium or a Broad nib. Have NEVER had a bad Kaweco nib! I currently have four Kaweco pens inked up in a variety of nib sizes. 4) Vintage Sheaffer Imperial fountain pens with medium nibs. Such smooth writers! 5) Vintage Parker Duofold pen that writes with a medium to broad nib; very smooth writer! 5B) Pilot E95S with a medium nib; 6) Pilot Decimo AND Pilot Vanishing Point pens with a variety of nibs. Honorable mentions: Benu Talisman pen with a medium nib; 2007 Pelikan Style pen with a medium nib; Esterbrook Estie Oversized Aqua with a medium nib (I would have liked a broad nib better, I believe).
@ChrisSaenz13 7 ай бұрын
Hi @FPFriendlyMomma -- Pilot E95S is still on my long term want to purchase list! They look like really nice and fun pens. :) I seem to always gravitate toward B nibs but now that I use a Weeks planner I also appreciate the smooth EF and F nibs too.
@user-mh3gs5cu6u 8 ай бұрын
I always love your videos where you go back and talk about the pens you were using 2 or more years ago. Because I certainly have forgotten all of that, since I can't remember a month ago.
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
LOL time flies by and memory can be interesting at best!!!! I wanted to start where I left off when last doing that other video but I had already laid out my contenders for this year before re-watching that 2-year old video. So many surprises even for me!
@WaskiSquirrel 8 ай бұрын
Fun to see this! It's always interesting to think about editing a pen collection down to just a few favorites.
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi there Waski Squirrel I will probably always have lots of pens but I'm sending out 3 this week to new homes and it feels nice to think about a manageable collection .... just isn't really my usual MO for anything LOL. I was glad to hear you're feeling better now ugh getting sick is so awful.
@periwinkle197 8 ай бұрын
Your journey is pretty impressive, as is this video. Thank you a lot, for this glimpse into your hobby and into your "nib holders". Dean, Adelaide, Australia
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi Dean -- thank you! I've noticed recently that I put more and more emphasis on writing and I go right for the trouble free pens and although I love beautiful fancy pens I reach as much and more for the work horse good behaving pens!!!!! :)
@davidascott273 8 ай бұрын
Very thought provoking Chris! The Pelikan m800 was a surprise, as was Opus 88 missing the cut. I need to spend some time considering but my BENU Euphoria, TWSBI Ecos, Lamy 2000 BB, bad Jinhao 9019 (wine red, super-smooth M nib) are probably the top 4. Vying for fifth spot would be Opus 88 mini, Opus 88 Demo, Kaweco Collection / Perkeo, Lamy Safari, and possibly some others I’ve overlooked. Thanks for the great video. 🙂 🙏
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi David! I think I compare every other pen to my TWSBIs .... so if I ink up a new pen (like a Jinhao 9019 or a X159) it sometimes fails immediately because of the lack of flow and smoothness in comparison to my TWSBIs LOL. Probably not fair because often that's comparing a $30+ pen to a sub-$10 pen. I like projects sometimes so it's good to have the nib changes and the smoothing to work on. Oh, what I was going to say about the Opus 88s --- I'm totally crazy about mine all of them -- where I run into trouble is the ink capacity if I fill it right up -- because I'm forever exploring so many inks. But with the green one and the purple I have inks I love to permanently ink in them so I'm happy. LOL. No telling how many pens I'd never even have tried if not for having this channel. I might have stopped at the Jinhao X750s, Lamy's, TWSBIs and Moonman Minis. But it's all fun and lifts the spirits!!!!!
@midlifecoding 3 ай бұрын
That display....Yes please!
@m00nwise 8 ай бұрын
It is always a joy to listen to your videos, love your enthusiasm for the hobby. I am about six months in it. My favorite is the Lamy AlStar petrol with a medium nib. I have few Jinhao’s, the glittery black x750 with a fine nib is my favorite, my teal translucent 82 with a medium nib is my second. Currently saving for my first Twsbi eco, still in doubt about the color and nibsize. It is a joy to try all the pens and ink I have, how some combination work, others are awful. So much to learn 😊
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi @m00nwise I just love the Jinhao 82s ... your teal translucent one sounds beautiful! My very first TWSBI Eco was the completely clear one and I still love it because any ink color is perfectly great in it! I got that with a M nib which turned out to be my favorite TWSBI nib. :)
@m00nwise 8 ай бұрын
@@ChrisSaenz13 Just ordered my first Twsbi Eco with a medium nib. I chose for black, I think this gives a nice balance in the pen between ink, cap, finial and piston. It will be my x-mas present, so have to wait a few weeks
@kuyagords 8 ай бұрын
Love your choices! Lamy and TWSBI sure are addicting to collect. 😊
@ChrisSaenz13 7 ай бұрын
Hi @kuyagords -- oh yes that is so true! I just finished inventorying both sub-collections and I was amazed. Two 20-pen cases filled with those 2 brands. :)
@destinedthunder 6 ай бұрын
Love the choices. Omg, you tried Pelikan m800!!!! I am so glad you love it. Pelikan nibs are gorg to write with.
@ChrisSaenz13 6 ай бұрын
Hi Charmi! I'm crazy about my Pelikan M800 -- it's just an amazing writer!!!!!
@ubacat1617 8 ай бұрын
I was betting that Benu pen would be on your list before I watched the full video! You surprised me with the Lamy and Twisbi still making the list for this year. I know you've got so many nice pens. It's good to know some of the lower to mid range pens still rate that high with you.
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi @ubacat1617 -- oh yes the Benu has so much going for it even though it's one of those pen models I won't be getting a lot of different colors of the Talisman model due to the price point but I love the B nib on it and the beauty of the pen plus the texture of the pen body and the color and sparkle. It's a "happy" pen which I think we could all use more of. :) When I reviewed my currently inked books the TWSBI Ecos and Lamy Safaris/Vista/Al-Stars were the leading pens I inked throughout the year!!!!! That to me says so much!!!! No hassle and such an array of colors!!!!!
@kikaykrafts 8 ай бұрын
Quite thought-provoking! I find it very interesting that your favourites have been (roughly) consistent with those you loved from two years ago. I’ve also been looking at my pens and wondering which ones I use the most and which ones are just pleasing to my eyes. I also enjoy the idea of rehoming pens because someone else can give them a better home. (And wrt to caffeine and depression, I have Bipolar 2 and a few have also commented on the lessening of my sparkle after I’ve regularly taken meds. I guess it’s because my mood is more stable: less of the lows, yes, but also less of the highs.) I love listening to the rambling, though. ❤
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi @kikaydrafts -- I was just thinking that I may be noticing affect in reverse from NOT having caffeine for 6 months. As the season began to change ... I had a few days where I was tempted to have a caffeinated beverage but I didn't give in to it. I'm looking to work at raising back up to former levels of enthusiasm naturally if possible. But, that's simply if I'm graced with that luxury. I know caffeine was a roller coaster on my moods and sleep so I am going to keep avoiding it!!!!! :) You have some beautiful pens!!!! I have some catching up to do on watching your videos!!!!! They are always fun and informative!!!!
@annotatedaudrey 4 ай бұрын
the twsbi eco and wancai mini are some of my favorites! Love that pink one you have. It's so cute!
@ChrisSaenz13 4 ай бұрын
Hi @annotatedaudrey - I sure love my TWSBI Ecos!!! :)
@MarshaLove0723 8 ай бұрын
I can't do a true top 5. Today's favorite is already different than yesterday's favorite. And tomorrow it may change again. 😏 In general, my favorite nibs are by Pilot and my favorite pen bodies are by Leonardo.
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi @MarshaLove0723 it's hard ... it really is to do a top 5 and I recognize that mine is almost a list of top 5 brands vs individual pens except for the Pelikan I guess and the Benu. So interesting to contemplate anyway I guess. :)
@milkyISO 7 ай бұрын
Going to re-order lamy refills today! Great video by the way!
@ChrisSaenz13 7 ай бұрын
Thank you!
@christopherbritton293 8 ай бұрын
I have all of your top 5 and the honourable mentions, bar the last: the TWSBI Diamond 580. I love the Lamy Safari and use it whenever I can. The Kaweco Sport is my everyday pen for recording in my weather diary. The Pelikan (actually it's an M605, but close!) I only bought very recently second-hand at a pen show, but writes every bit as well as I have heard from many, many other pen fans. The Benu Talisman was also bought at that pen show, and again I am very pleased with how it writes. Great video, thanks for recording it!
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi Christopher -- thanks for being here!!! Oh that must have been exciting to be able to choose a Benu pen at a pen show! :)
@heygabimara545 8 ай бұрын
I remember when you did your first top 5 pens video, it was the reason I got the TWSBI Go, i still love that pen but i notice i haven't used it as much too. It's interesting to see how things have changed 💖
@ChrisSaenz13 7 ай бұрын
I admit I still love how the Go pens write but I'm not quite as over the moon about them ... but they are still in my top 10!!!!!!
@heygabimara545 7 ай бұрын
@@ChrisSaenz13 i agree it's like a special pen that just left a good impression so it stays in the list 💖
@neilpiper9889 7 ай бұрын
My mind has changed about Lamy Safari since I bought a yellow one with a 1.1 nib. Love it . I love my new Jinhao 82 mini fountain pen. I with try a nib swap to a stub on one. The Jinhao X350 has knocked my Jinhao X750 off my favourite Jinhao top metal pen spot. Screw cap which I prefer now. My favourite daily carry is a Pilot 78g÷ with a B nib. I use a Majohn A1 converter in it which is far superior to the Pilot converter. Thanks for the update on your pens Chris. Regards from the UK. Neill Piper
@ChrisSaenz13 7 ай бұрын
Hi Neil -- Oh that's great that your 1.1 Lamy Safari!!!! Interesting, I have not tried a Jinhao X350 I will have to look it up to see what it looks like. LOL Hope all is well there for you!!!!
@neilpiper9889 7 ай бұрын
@@ChrisSaenz13 all is well at age 78. I still have my indoor market stall every Friday in Stroud Gloucestershire UK selling fountain pens . Stay safe and well x
@KendallW 8 ай бұрын
I've been enjoying a few low budget pens lately that I think deserve a shout-out. Platinum Preppy -specifically the 05 (Medium) nib, super smooth great writer, and not afraid to put Baystate Blue in it! And the Jinhao 9019 -massive converter, so great capacity but with the ease of cleaning a cartridge converter pen, and a huge #8 size nib (I'm liking the Medium). Both of these pens are less than $10 and worth checking out.
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi @KendallW -- I love the Preppy's but somehow with those I always end up with a cracks in them ... while with my TWSBIs I treat basically the same I only had one section crack on me. I guess the price point makes even that okay and I do like the Preppy's. My Jinhao 9019 writes okay but I need to work on the nib. I feel I have to use too much pressure to get a consistent line. I'm used to still steel nibs I guess. :) But I do plan to fix that nib to open it up more -- it's a very comfortable pen body!!!!
@bethcunningham4346 8 ай бұрын
I’ll have to consider a top 5 of all of my pens. The ones I have inked up more than others include Opus 88 (currently a mini has Diamine Deep Dark Orange in time for Halloween), Esterbrook (this time an Estie but I also love the J), Sailor Pro Gear Mini, and two Pelikans. I also have a few small maker pens inked up. I have to admit that this hobby is such a rabbit hole! I agree with your friend that the pen is just a nib holder. The problem is wanting all of the other pretty pens! Thanks so much for making great videos about your experiences with this hobby! Take care!! ❤❤❤
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi Beth -- oh yes the more awesome pens I get the more I want to ink up at one time! I have 2 trays that hold about 10 on my desk but it gets tricky to give each enough writing time if I get too carried away! :)
@mellow-jello 8 ай бұрын
Chris, thanks for recommending the Kwaeco Perkeo, which is my honorable mention, Steath Black with a M nib & black clip. Now my top 5: 5. Lamy Vista with a M nib, tied with Lamy Al-Star Petrol with a F nib. 4. Monteverde Ritma Carbon Fiber with a CI nib. 3. Platinum Plaisir Green with a F nib. 2. Pilot VP Black CT with a M nib 1. Jinhao x159 with a F Nib.
@TheDormousesDesk 8 ай бұрын
One of my biggest pet peeves is getting a pen and needing to change the nib because it’s performing poorly, so I was always surprised you had pens that you immediately swap new nibs into. These 5 align well with what I like too (expect safaris, they never clicked with me). So happy and surprised the Kaweco made the list. And of course that Pelikan would be there too. I don’t have the budget for an 800 but I do have a few 400s and they’re all amazing.
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi Brenda! I can be pretty ridiculous about nib swaps. I used to just not get a pen if it didn't have B or M option but now on most I just do the nib swaps. I have started to slow down a little more and give the stock nibs a try but since I'm 85-90% a Broad nib person I wind up more times than not having to come up with a nib to put on a pen body I like that didn't come with a B. The Kaweco Sport BB was such a happy re-introduction to Kaweco ... I think I now have a BB on 2 more Sports and they are so great. Hope all is well for you!
@michaelsimon4034 8 ай бұрын
Glad you discovered the Kaweco double broad. That’s what my first one was.
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
They are really awesome!
@sanjilee6148 7 ай бұрын
That beige/brown BENU is the Briolette Luminous Amber.
@ChrisSaenz13 7 ай бұрын
Oh I totally forgot that at the time of this video I was still looking up the pens that were sent to me! :)
@queenbuzybee4074 8 ай бұрын
Interesting choices Chris! Thanks for sharing. I love the Lamy Safari as well for their simplicity, durability and functionality. Safari is the pen I recommend most to interested people because they can get one pen and all the nibs for around €50 and with that they can try them all to see what they prefer. I haven’t tried a Benu yet because I‘m also bad at not spending, haha. There’s always a new ink or 5 or 10, … If I had to pick a top 5, I‘d choose my Aurora, Pelikan, Santini, TWSBI, Safari/Studio - honorable mentions for Kaweco, Esterbrook and Jinhao 82.
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi Kurt -- I probably should have my unboxed inks in a drawer but I like the little often used bottles out in the open in front of my work space because anything I can't see I do tend to forget I have. :) The Al-Stars are so nice! I'm glad you like yours too!!!!!
@sanjilee6148 7 ай бұрын
I love my Sailor gold nib pens best and I have 3. I also have 6 TWSBIs, 2 Kawecos, 8 Jinhaos, 1 FWP Carousel, 1 Esterbrook Estie Maui and BENU Vodka on the Rocks.
@ChrisSaenz13 7 ай бұрын
I have noticed @sanjilee6148 I'm finding that a Sailor 1911L that I now have (it has a gold nib) is really great .... it writes differently than my steel nibs but it's very expressive and I can see why people like them!
@jesseliddell4472 6 ай бұрын
I just purchased a dark green Kaweko sport. I appreciate your feedback about the different pens you've used. The only other fountain pen I've used was a Moonman pen with a built-in piston in the body. I went back and forth with the Lamy Safari and the Kaweko. Maybe one day I'll get a Safari. Blessings!
@ChrisSaenz13 6 ай бұрын
Hi @jesseliddell4472 - I really like the Lamy Safari for the easy nib swaps and having a bigger converter or cartridge ... but the little Kaweco Sports are great pens and even more affordable!
@nrstooge 8 ай бұрын
Jetpens has the Prera with a CM - I love that nib
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi Nancy - oh that's funny I didn't even realize they make a Prera with the CM already on it. :)
@lju5001 8 ай бұрын
You really can’t beat a Lamy Safari for price and consistency in writing. I have 2 and I especially love my Vista. Two other tops are the Pilot custom 823 and my Aurora Optima. Then comes Pelikan 600 and my Opus 88 Omar. I knew that Pelikan 800 would have to be on your top 5 and I agree you can feel the quality in the materials when you pick it up.
@davidascott273 8 ай бұрын
Ah, I forgot about my Pilot Custom 823. There it is patiently waiting in the cleaning box! One for November.
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi @lju5001 I have heard so much good about the Pilot Custom 823. That's a pen I could save up for!!! Or find on sale or used. Aurora Optima comes up a lot too in pen friends videos and I'm curious about them + afraid of the price. LOL But I was thinking with all the duplication of Ecos I could have had something else. I have to remember about the old nickel and dime-ing ourselves vs saving up for something real nice. :)
@kevinlandon7578 8 ай бұрын
Glad to see that you have a Pelikan to enjoy. I have a M1000 with an EF nib that writes as smooth as other brands' broad nibs. I had to invest in a large wooden tool chest to store most of my pens. My Lamy collection has their own case with another case dedicated to the ones that do not fit in the tool chest. Wonderful video as usual. Have you tried the Jinhao 9019 Dadao yet? It is a big pen with a big #8 nib.
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi Kevin -- your wooden tool chest sounds great! I have seen a few where the drawers are so nice for that kind of thing! I'm trying not to buy more pen cases but my collection seems to expand and I don't like pens touching :). I have a Jinhao 9019 that I've inked and written with for one month. I haven't done any work on the nib yet but mine doesn't keep up with my writing too well and I noticed I need to use more pressure than I'm wanting to. Maybe some tuning will help it. :)
@bellboots 8 ай бұрын
Aren’t those Benu B’s just fantastic! You did a great job of getting at why.
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Thank you @bellboots
@stefaniestover9506 8 ай бұрын
I have shakey hands so stub/non flex nibs and affordable is my go to.I enjoy the two I have. One by royal and langernickle and my sheaffer no nonsense that I got in a calligraphy kit at a goodwill for only $4.00!I enjoy writing with it. And the only things I consider with paper is bleed through, dry time and how smooth it is when writing. Im ok with having only two or three fountain pens, a small collection of ink and have fineliners and other markers for a variety
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi @stefaniestover9506 oh that's interesting! I sometimes have shaky hands in the morning just from being at the end of my fast maybe and I never thought to try a stub nib. Sounds like you have a small collection which sounds reasonable and more manageable to me ... I'm currently sorting thru all my pens wondering if I have rocks in my head! :)
@JannyHaak 8 ай бұрын
Hi Chris, great top 5, and how fun to do this exactly 2 years later! I would love to try a Pelikan! That black and blue one is my favourite! 😍 I looked back at my comment from 2 years ago. Not surprised at all that nothing really changed: still love my ECO's and my VAC 700 R Iris, my Safari's and my Visconti Homo Sapiens. Also love my Lamy Logo, being my first fountain pen when I got back in the hobby AND it was a present from my partner! And it's a great writer, and uses the same nibs as the Safari, so that's lovely. I also write a lot with my Pilot Metropolitan. So there are my go-to's 😊
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi Janny -- for a LONG time my choices didn't change from that Oct. 2021 video so I didn't redo it lol. This year has been a year of new pen surprises and discoveries. :)
@JannyHaak 8 ай бұрын
@@ChrisSaenz13 I'm excited to see all your new pens and hear what you think. It will be a fun journey 😊
@FountainPenNews 5 ай бұрын
I'm jealous about your pink Wancai! I've started a little collection of them. I love them!!
@ChrisSaenz13 5 ай бұрын
They are pretty cool ... the pink one seems to be my favorite!
@FountainPenNews 5 ай бұрын
@@ChrisSaenz13 I don't want to get in trouble with anyone about this, but I just put a fountain pen revolution #5.5 ultra-flex nib on one of my Wancais. It's pretty fun!
@juliafalling4069 8 ай бұрын
Chris - I really enjoyed your video, and found it interesting that we have a lot of the same favorites. I have more TWSBIs than any other brand. I like the demonstrators, the performance, and the value (ECOs, ECO-T, 580s & 580 AL Mini, Vac700R Iris and Vac Mini). Not one has been a disappointment. Lamys are solid and a lot of fun (Safari, AL-stars, even an Lx in Marron), I love the Kaweco Sports. And my Benu Briolette (Storm) and Scepter (II) are gorgeous. I have found the nibs and feeds of the Benus to be be very generous. Using a Monteverde ink with ITF that increases flow, they're not fire hoses, they're fire hydrants - better to choose an ink that doesn't flow quite so freely! My only disappointing purchases were not bad pens - both are beautiful and perform really well. The Opus 88 Jazz is just plain too big for my hand, not comfortable to use and tires my hand. And the Kaweco Bronze Sport is just plain too heavy - using it results quickly in hand fatigue. Both will be sold. Both were purchased with discounts/coupons or on sale, so I'm hoping I won't take a hit.
@ChrisSaenz13 7 ай бұрын
Hi Julia -- oh I find the Kaweco Brass to be pretty heavy now that I've written with it for awhile so I can understand that. I'm going to keep experimenting with it but it may be easier to use as just a pocket pen and not letter writing. :)
@TonyProctors 7 ай бұрын
Hey Chris.. thanks for the video… I too am a broad nib fan. You didn’t say what nib you swapped out into the Moonman Wancai Mini, but I really love the Fountain Pen Revolution 5.5 broad and stub nibs. I have the broad in my Moonman… and a 1.0 stub FPR in a Jinhao 992 that is a broad dream. Great broad nibs for just a little $. Also, one of my favorite double broads is a Pelikan steel nib on a M205… wet, precise, smooth double broad. Thanks again.
@ChrisSaenz13 7 ай бұрын
Hi @TonyProctors -- I have a FPR B nib which I'm having trouble making that nib fit right into the the Moonman Mini (it seems too long but probably is just too new and needs to be fitted better) but the Goulet #5 nibs fit great and I use those in 2 of my Moonman Mini's. It's nice to know there is the lower cost option nib wise!
@TonyProctors 7 ай бұрын
@@ChrisSaenz13 The only way I could get it to fit was to use the moon man feed… I tried a FPR ebonite feed, but it wouldn’t work…. I was worried bout not having an ebonite feed with such a broad nib, but the plastic feed works like a charm. Thanks again 😊
@momtoeve 8 ай бұрын
I am intrigued by your comments of changing your nibs on your pens I have been using FP for several years but am afraid to play with nibs so far. I am not sure how to know what nibs fit what pens etc and don’t want to break anything. 😅 however I have purchased some jinhaos and feel maybe I can play with those
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi @momtoeve -- oh yes it can be very mysterious at first as to what specific nibs fit which pens ... I have had to do a lot of research including sometimes having to watch more than one review until I found one where the reviewer takes apart the pen and explains the nib type and size etc. I'm especially confused when it's a nib unit that has to be specific ... and I do like the whole nib unit vs having to pull the nib out (friction fit). Except for Lamy nibs which are so easy to swap out!!!!
@seemownay 8 ай бұрын
I love my Benu with a fine nib - that is such a wet pen and lovely to write with. I hope you give it a try and let it surprise you before you swap it out for a B.
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi @seemownay I did keep a F nib in the Benu Briolette and it's super nice .... this is a great revelation!!!! The Benu Euphoria I just couldn't help myself I wanted to see the ink with a B nib in that one so I swapped the nib. For now anyway. :)
@lizbensoncox 8 ай бұрын
I adore my BENU pens. Although... I own 5 of them, and have just a teeny bit of buyer's guilt (not remorse!) over the last two, as I didn't really need them. But they are so lovely!
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi Liz -- I've been tempted so many times but kept to my one Benu Talisman - in terms of my own purchases -- the only other model I really wanted to get was the one that is Skull and Roses. :)
@stevekail4543 8 ай бұрын
It's always fun to see which pens other people choose as their favorites. My tastes are a bit different than yours as I would have put your Talisman Mandrake at the top. I'm really looking forward to your thoughts on the Euphoria as that's another BENU that I really enjoy. I sure hope you try something from Edison soon as that brand is my all time favorite. 🙂
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi Steve -- Edison's Beaumont pen model has a shape I like -- and I hadn't really realized they have the choice of steel or gold nib -- so that is cool -- I just came from their website. I'm really looking forward to writing with the Euphoria -- even though I like the looks of the Talisman better -- the Euphoria is beautiful and has a nice comfortable grip too! It is so interesting to me too how I seem to have a deeper connection to the pens that I can have more than one of lol. Must be the collector in me. :) Except with the Lamy Safari it's truly not about the pen body it's about the nib versatility and ease of swap outs!!!! :) TWSBI it's about the demonstrator aspect, the colors and price point too I guess. :)
@MissMarilynDarling 8 ай бұрын
Gosh my Top favorite pens my number 1 favorite en is the Noodlers Konrad with the Fpr Ultraflex nib hands down best flexy pen for me , 2 Leonardy Momento Magico with a Broad that broad nib is so smoothe omg its like the smoothest pen I have and it gust glides over the page it is magic for sure, 3the Fountain pen revolution Himalayas for the sheer beauty of the acrylics they are just amazing to look at and with the ultra flex nib best nib for flexing , 4 Twsbi go with a super broad nib I think I got a once in a lifetime nib where they didnt take off as much material or something cause this thing is so big almost BB , 5 the Kaigalu 356 with a M nib because it has a blind cap I can take off and squeeze some ink out while I'm writing and I dont have to take the entire barrel off I wish more pens would do that.. honorable mentions Majohn p136 great piston pen, pilot kakuno great workhorse pen, twsbi swipe , grape mini, 580, lamy studio,Moonman t1 and I cant forget my Waterman 12 with a boinga boinga nib that I got from pier gustafson one of my favorite flex nibs :)
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi Marilyn!!! Oh hey I have two of those TWSBI Go super broad nibs you were talking about ... and the other day I realized what am I doing ... I could put them onto my Ecos that I like better or swap them. As long as I'm super careful about the feeds. I'm chicken but want to do that because NONE of my Eco Broad nibs are as wide and broad as those 2 Gos. I wish all TWSBI Bs were broad enough. :) And they are super smooth too!
@mirrorknight12 8 ай бұрын
That ink organization is phenomenal! Did you make that organizer yourself, or did you find it somewhere?
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi @mirrorknight12 - I got inspired by another fountain pen enthusiast to try spice racks here's my video on those: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pJl5lrJ51rTYlYE.html I also love to use the MTM Case Card S25-12M shot gun shell cases (they hold 25 ink vials each and have a smoky exterior which filters light). I have organized many of my ink samples by color family, Inkvent, and some by brand in those. I still feel terribly disorganized because of the volume/backlog of samples I have that exceed the capacity of my storage trays and boxes. I'm not buying ink at all these days! :) Shell cases video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p82aiZWTmLG5ko0.html
@thorhilda 8 ай бұрын
Your top 5 and your two honourable mentions all feature German nibs (Lamy, Jowo, Bock and Schmidt). You even mention a remarkable Knox nib on one of your Jinhao 82s. This is another German nib.
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi @thorhilda -- oh that's a great point!!!! I found the German school pens to also be superior!!!!! Wow ... I had not thought about this being almost across the board. I'm not surprised though. I do not like too thin a width on nibs so it makes sense I like the German nibs. Cool. :)
@pfridell8424 7 ай бұрын
The same thing happened to me with the Pelikan pen. I bought a M600 in the early 2000s and felt I didn't want anymore pens because I didn't think any other pen could outperform it. I didn't get anymore pens for about 15+ years and then bought a black Sailor ProGear Realo. I bought several other less expensive pens off and on throughout the years for their novelty factor but nothing really as a grail pen. No pen has ever topped the Realo for me and I have stopped buying pens again. It's so sad! 😪
@ChrisSaenz13 7 ай бұрын
Hi @pfridell8424 it's good to know the pen buying tames when we meet with the great pens that just can't be topped that's for sure. I have a craving for less not more right now. Just to enjoy the pens I have. It can be tempting to want to get more to see what else I'm clueless about but that feeling has faded so much this year. This is my 7th year back with fountain pens. :)
@rievic81 3 ай бұрын
I've noticed a build up on the post inside the pen behind the rubber gasket of the vacuum mechanism on my pen. Any tips on how to get that part cleaned?
@ChrisSaenz13 3 ай бұрын
Hi @rievic81 I have to admit I'm not very knowledgeable about vac fillers! I would be looking to Brian Goulet's videos to see if he has anything on cleaning them. Or even old archives of The Pen Habit (Matt) and/or SBRE Brown. :)
@rievic81 3 ай бұрын
@@ChrisSaenz13 ohmygoodness! I commented on the wrong video 😂🤣😂 i had just finished watching a goldspot video and thought that was where I was commenting. Whoops! Thanks for reply, love your videos!!
@AlejandroPato-Fuego 8 ай бұрын
Woo hoo! Way to go chris. Good video. I said I would never buy a pen with a gold nib because I was afraid I would never write with my 100+ steel nibs again, but u could not keep that promise to myself. I have the cheaper gold nib sailor and Pelikan and pilot on the way. I have the same twsbi iris. I also have an Al star coming because I liked the metal feel of the lamy aion so much. Don’t u worry about being silly in your videos. Real life is serious, levity is fun and entertaining. I like that you talked about other pens so I can see that the 2024 best 5 pens will probably be different. I also like that you don’t judge your pens by their monetary value. You are equal opportunity and judge your pens based on their honest use and your enjoyment. Look forward to your November inked video. Best, alex
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi Alex -- I too am excited about the November pens + inks ... I've been choosing them this weekend! It's a wonder if I don't start with a dozen lol. Thank you - yes I think it's good to have humor even with all the serious and difficult things happening! Happy writing!!!!
@tiantuatara 8 ай бұрын
From some quick thoughts, right now I'd say my favorites (in no order) are: Pilot Custom 823 (broad), Safaris (esp. medium and broad nibs), my Brass Sport (broad - have to go broad or double broad with the Sports), Leonardo Momento Zero - Rangoli (medium), Benu Talisman Lavender (medium). Admittedly, many of these are recent purchases, so if I do a full review it might change.
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi Terri -- I thought it was so interesting the changes in my top 5 + honorables because for a LONG time I didn't do another video because that 2021 one still stood. Then some new pens shook up my pen world!!!!!
@AlejandroPato-Fuego 8 ай бұрын
if you are looking for something new - Twsbi Classic is an unsung hero of the twsbi line. the other t-demonstrators are so good, it is left behind. it has a piston draw and has a clear small window to see the ink. i have a broad nib and white pen which i really really like. so i feel good running any color ink i want. the pen has metal and plastic parts and is very sturdy. if you expect something exactly like the other demos you may be disappointed, but it has the same quality in a slightly different feel. i don't ever think i will be able to spell "twsbi" without typing an "i" between the w and s and then back spacing. have a great day
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Oh I do have a TWSBI Classic that gets overlooked in my collection some because it isn't a demonstrator but it has a nice B nib on it and is pretty turquoise. I was just thinking how I need to ink that one again. :)
@AlejandroPato-Fuego 8 ай бұрын
shoot fire! i also missed the lamy 2000 call in an earlier email as well. i saw in another video of yours you did not like the nib on your lamy 2000. there is something about those hooded nibs that does not make me smile. i am can be so superficial, but harmless. hey, that what's so great about the hobby: you can play the inky game anyway you fancy. I bet your twsbi classic in turquoise is very pretty. you could ink it for November! i would love to see it. Just a suggestion, don't feel obligated. i realize I am one of thousands. cheers!
@barryporter6993 8 ай бұрын
Host about a show featuring your 5 favorite inks with 2 honorable mentions? Yes it really is all about expressing your thoughts on paper
@ChrisSaenz13 7 ай бұрын
This is a great idea! Hopefully I'll find the time/energy for it soon.
@LisaRaven1682 6 ай бұрын
I need a good fountain pen thats easy to clean, I would hate to give up fountain pens completely. I can't stand for a long time due to illness and my hands ache from the illness. Twsbis hurts my hands to clean, the constant turning the piston hurts my hands and I have a lot of beautiful pens. Would the opus pens be a better pen?
@ChrisSaenz13 6 ай бұрын
Hi Lisa -- the Opus 88 pens have the advantage of holding a large amount of ink and being very very good about not drying out. They are very easy to clean. The grip sections in my opinion are very comfortable .... you may be more comfortable with a Koloro they are smaller than the Omars. Being eye dropper pens you can syringe (or eye-dropper) fill them .... and you can clean them easily with running water and only a little fuss with a bulb syringe (the nib/feed part). On the other hand, they are pricey depending on your budget you could get a comfortable pen in a much lower price range. I don't think you could go wrong with an Opus 88 Koloro. What other fountain pens have you tried that you like the grip? Is it mainly a round non-forced grip that you like? I'm sorry you're dealing with a chronic illness!!!!
@kurtgeisinger2012 8 ай бұрын
Hi, Chris! That was such an enjoyable video. Lamy Al-Star pens are on my top-five list for sure. I own several of them, and love the fact that the nibs are so easy to swap; even when the pen is inked. Another favorite is my Sheaffer 300 and TWSBI Diamond 580 . I like how organized you are with those ink racks on the wall. Most of my bottles have been relegated to my desk drawer. Thank you again for the wonderful video. :-)
@FountainPenNews 5 ай бұрын
Oh my, I also have toooo many Jinhao 82s. Probably 20 ish. Whoops.
@ChrisSaenz13 5 ай бұрын
LOL I just won an orange one on a drawing on Instagram and I'm so excited. I'm not buying ANYTHING right now other than stamps so this is big excitement.
@AlejandroPato-Fuego 8 ай бұрын
i received my lamy alstar desel color, med nib in mail yesterday. it writes like a broad nib which is great. i like do like the safari-type grip. i like the alstar better than the plastic safari, but there is no free lunch. the alstar costs a little more than safari. I still think the lamy aion just feels better. yes the aion cap is a little loose (it giggles, but it stays on). i chose the aion over the studio as they say the clip on the studio chips off the lamination underneath the clip and i would not let that dog hunt with me. all in all, i love the desel dark blue-green color and the metal vs plastic of the alstar. if i was going to by another one of these three pens it would be the aion. at this point, i only have 125 pens, so there are many more pens to investigate. "lassie, go get timmy. i am trapped in this fountain pen mine shaft" (haha).
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi @weemer22 -- lol -- I can tell you I did hate to count up my total pens back when I did the 8 pen questions tag video ... and when I did I was shocked to be just under 200. Of course that counts every single one Preppy's, Varsity's, and Chinese pens of all price points included ... but still. Shock. I didn't know about the Studio chipping issue ... but I normally don't investigate metal pens except when someone sends one ... just because my fingers are normally cold ... but here lately a few metal sectioned pens have been so nice I realized I was missing out. So I'm glad you mentioned the issue.
@sleebennett 8 ай бұрын
Checking to see if I finally got my YT fixed
@c4CHIN 8 ай бұрын
is it true that all Lamy come in blue ink, and counterfeit Lamy don’t? or how can you tell if a Lamy is a counterfeit?
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
I recommend this video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oKp_ga1yydjUp4U.html It's been awhile since I brushed up on spotting a counterfeit Lamy but I know one thing ... I always order them from reputable fountain pen dealers because I'd hate to get a fake. I remember a bunch of things to look for but I can't recall if not having the blue ink traces is one of the signs of a fake. I think the nib needs to be stamped LAMY. Anyway, this guy that did this video is very knowledgeable!
@c4CHIN 8 ай бұрын
@@ChrisSaenz13 Goulet Pens Company should be legit? kzfaq.info/get/bejne/epqidKemv82qqY0.htmlsi=9-AixIBHuPOkbIFn
@j.a.c.1982 3 ай бұрын
Que curioso, tiene un apellido español. Yo soy coleccionista de plumas estilográficas. Un saludo desde Zaragoza (España)
@ChrisSaenz13 3 ай бұрын
Hi @j.a.c.1982 greetings from Texas USA. Welcome to the channel - you're in good company as a pen collector here. Yes, Saenz is my married name! My husband and I met in the Air Force and came back to his hometown after our service. :)
@j.a.c.1982 3 ай бұрын
@@ChrisSaenz13 Ah, claro en el mundo anglosajón, al casarse , la mujer adquiere el apellido del marido (eso, aquí en España, la feroz izquierda que tenemos, diría que es machismo), aquí en España, eso no ocurre. No obstante, ese hecho, nos parece curioso y nos llama la atención. Un saludo.
@AlejandroPato-Fuego 8 ай бұрын
Chirs, I am surprised i never hear you talk about the lamy 2000. Do you have one? the guys over at goulet pens think its the cat's meow. or at least the head honcho loves it. okay i said i would never buy a gold nib pen and that lasted about 4 four months before i caved, but 2 other "i nevers" are 1. i will never buy a pen with a shrouded nib and 2. i will never buy a click fountain pen. these are just my querky eccentric "nevers". they are based superficially on looks only for #1. and for #2 i did buy a click pen and it did not work and i had to return it and i don't like returning things. i realized the click pens are just more complicated and one or two more things to go wrong imo. i would never try to dictate to anyone how to play their fountain pen hobby. so to each his own. there are players out there who love their lamy 2000 and other pens with shrouded nibs and click pens. Of course you know what they say? Never say Never.
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi @weemer22- yes I have a Lamy 2000 with a B nib on it ... I really like it but it's more like a stub nib to me even though very nicely rounded ... it was at the very top of my price point even on sale and so I have not tried a M nib one even though I had offers from people to trade my B for a M nib one but since I do really like the pen for letter writing I have not wanted to trade it. It's funny but the more high end pens (for me that means over $150) used to freak me out and I'd be nervous about even writing with them but that isn't as bad anymore - however, not many become favorites ... I think it's the long term thoughts about replacement nib costs and maintenance etc. Oh I even have a Pilot Vanishing Point which I also really like but it's not my favorite writer not even top 10. Odd I know. It has a M nib. I'm just more comfortable it seems with steel B nibs on nice but not overly expensive -- often colorful pen bodies. LOL I agree we should never say never! :)
@tbayless8324 8 ай бұрын
Lady, You are a wealth of knowledge for me at least. I am new to this and You Tube has helped me so much. This is a hobby that you can do, and do alone. And you don't need to leave your house or not so much not communicate with people, you always need interaction with people but you don't need to prove yourself to anyone. Do it for you. We always want more, that is what society does to us, it will never stop. Someone is always there to hang that PEN in front of you. BUY ME!!!! 🤑😵😨😲😮😝☹😆 And then you look at your bank account and it's oh Lord what happened?
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi @tbayless8324 I love the community aspect of fountain pens ... even though I don't leave my home that much and have yet to make it to a pen show .... You Tube is such a blessing for learning and connecting with other like minded pen people!!!!! From the beginning (7 years ago) I've grappled with the issue of how much is too much (to spend or to collect even) and have tried pen allowances, no spends and other "speed bumps" to keep myself in check. Having a You Tube channel opens up a lot more chances to over acquire even if not overspending yet here lately I'm getting things balanced and really learning which pens I REALLY write with most. :) This 2023 has been my lowest spend year so far and yet I've still had a lot of fun and been blessed with new to me pens. :) When I started this channel I just wanted to help others realize they could be in this hobby and not have to spend a fortune ... that it was not just for big spenders. LOL 2024 will be interesting as we are going to direct most of our non-essential funds toward the essential task of home repairs. :)
@tbayless8324 8 ай бұрын
You always look excited about anything you present on YT. I learned too by listening to people that you did not have to spend a fortune and get alot. Which I am appreciative of. It gives me a world to explore and most of the time cannot afford that $200 pen etc... It would be fun for all of us to get to a Pen Show, like Marcy and Mona and just call us "the Young Hens" LOL!!! We really need to try and meet up. @@ChrisSaenz13
@darrenhaynes3091 3 ай бұрын
How much ink? Yes I could open a shop...😅
@sushanart 7 ай бұрын
Thinking about buying a fountain pen but feel utterly confused. It's leaning towards a Lamy Aion, Lamy Vista or a TWSBI Diamond 850 Iris. And your listing didn't make it any easier. 😇🩵🙏🙌
@ChrisSaenz13 7 ай бұрын
Decisions .... decisions!!!! LOL
@queenbuzybee4074 8 ай бұрын
Interesting choices Chris! Thanks for sharing. I love the Lamy Safari as well for their simplicity, durability and functionality. Safari is the pen I recommend most to interested people because they can get one pen and all the nibs for around €50 and with that they can try them all to see what they prefer. I haven’t tried a Benu yet because I‘m also bad at not spending, haha. There’s always a new ink or 5 or 10, … If I had to pick a top 5, I‘d choose my Aurora, Pelikan, Santini, TWSBI, Safari/Studio - honorable mentions for Kaweco, Esterbrook and Jinhao 82.
@ChrisSaenz13 8 ай бұрын
Hi @queenbuzybee4074 that would be a super great package Lamy should put together ... one Safari and one each of the nibs with a converter and maybe a bottle of ink .... a new fountain pen person would be able to really explore a lot that way! :)
Down the Breather Hole
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