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Fountain Pens 2k16
- Thread starter Bagels
- Start date
I'm only familiar with Sailor gold-nibbed pens, so that's what I'll talk about.
While Sailor seems to make a bewildering number of high-end fountain pens, they technically only make a single line. This line is split between the Professional Gear and the Profit (1911 outside of Japan) categories, but the difference is only in aesthetics. The Profit has the traditional cigar shape while the Professional Gear has a squared off cap and end - just pick whichever style you prefer. Personally, I prefer the Pro Gears because they have a nifty anchor on the finial.
Other than that, the pens are categorized by size, the Slim which is a compact pen, the Standard, the Large, and the King of Pen size. Of these, the Slim and some Standards come with 14K gold nibs, while the other Standards and all the other sizes have 21K gold nibs. I've heard that the 21K nibs feel better, but I've never tried them out to compare.
If you're looking for a piston-filled pen, your only option will be the Realo models of the Large pens - everything else is going to be cartridge/converters. Another noteworthy bit of variation is going to be nib size: the Slim and Standard models use the same nibs (roughly Size #5), while the Large has a larger nib, and the King of Pens has a huge nib (roughly Size #9). Also, Sailor makes a variety of specialty nibs, but I'm going to assume that anyone interested in those will have already read up on them.
A lot of sources have said that the King of Pens is actually better than modern Montblanc 149s. Possibly the most critically praised pen in the world is the LB5, and that pen is based on the King of Pens, so if you can afford one, I'm sure that it'll be great. Your budget is probably more modest though, so a Pro Gear or Profit Large would probably work out better. Go with a Standard if that's still too rich. I have a Pro Gear Slim, and it writes like a dream, and as far as I know, they're all really good. However, I've heard of issues with quality control on the nib, so make sure that you test the pen out while you're in Japan and covered by the warranty.
Any Questions
Member
It's lovely. I use mine daily
Flying Toaster
Member
This is an absolute steal. If on the fence about this pen get off the fence and go buy it people.
woo and indeed hoo
Banned
Hm....I am looking on http://www.dutycalculator.com/ to see what the import charges for this to the UK would be, purely in the name of science you understand, but can't seem to find the product category 'consumer item as essential as air itself!!!1!!!' :/.
I think the site's been haxored by teh Chinese and/or Russians in an attempt to subvert our filthy hedonistic lifestyle!
:'(
I think the site's been haxored by teh Chinese and/or Russians in an attempt to subvert our filthy hedonistic lifestyle!
:'(
Alex_Mexico
Member
I've never ever ever ever owned a fountain pen but after spending $47 goddamn dollars yesterday on a 2017 Hobonichi Techo Planner (in part because GAF sold me on one... and Shigesato Itoi) I'm now in the market for a good fucking pen to write in the Techo's fabled Tomoe River Paper.
So Im browsing Amazon after stumbling unto this thread and figured "hell, OP was straight to the point. I'll buy a Pilot Metropolitan" and lo and behold I got 4 pages worth of Pilot Metropolitans and can't decide!
Could GAF (or the OP) point me in the right direction for an absolute fountain pen noob that does not want to carry with an inkwell everywhere please? Just paste me with the link to the recommended one and that would help a lot.
Please?
So Im browsing Amazon after stumbling unto this thread and figured "hell, OP was straight to the point. I'll buy a Pilot Metropolitan" and lo and behold I got 4 pages worth of Pilot Metropolitans and can't decide!
Could GAF (or the OP) point me in the right direction for an absolute fountain pen noob that does not want to carry with an inkwell everywhere please? Just paste me with the link to the recommended one and that would help a lot.
Please?
woo and indeed hoo
Banned
I suggest looking at a US specialist site first e.g. here:
https://www.gouletpens.com/pilot-metropolitan/c/191
to get a better idea of what you want without an overwhelming number of options.
The two key decisions you have to make is nib type/size and style/colour. Then if you wish to find that on Amazon instead that would be easier with a more specific Amazon search e.g. 'Pilot Metropolitan fountain black medium nib'.
If it ships with a cartridge and a converter [so you can use bottled ink rather than have to keep buying cartridges] then that's all you need to get going. I googled 'Pilot Metropolitan Amazon USA' and the entry I found does but it would be prudent to check first.
Alternatively, pick up a cheap as chips disposable fountain pen such as the Pilot V-Pen. For a disposable these are excellent and would help you decide what nib width to go for if you decide to upgrade to a Metropolitan. I don't have a Metropolitan as they are pretty pricey here in the UK but I love my V-Pens and often use them even though I have multiple 'proper' fountain pens to use instead.
Have fun and happy hunting!
https://www.gouletpens.com/pilot-metropolitan/c/191
to get a better idea of what you want without an overwhelming number of options.
The two key decisions you have to make is nib type/size and style/colour. Then if you wish to find that on Amazon instead that would be easier with a more specific Amazon search e.g. 'Pilot Metropolitan fountain black medium nib'.
If it ships with a cartridge and a converter [so you can use bottled ink rather than have to keep buying cartridges] then that's all you need to get going. I googled 'Pilot Metropolitan Amazon USA' and the entry I found does but it would be prudent to check first.
Alternatively, pick up a cheap as chips disposable fountain pen such as the Pilot V-Pen. For a disposable these are excellent and would help you decide what nib width to go for if you decide to upgrade to a Metropolitan. I don't have a Metropolitan as they are pretty pricey here in the UK but I love my V-Pens and often use them even though I have multiple 'proper' fountain pens to use instead.
Have fun and happy hunting!
Alex_Mexico
Member
In what way does the nib width affect my fountain pen prowess?I suggest looking at a US specialist site first e.g. here:
https://www.gouletpens.com/pilot-metropolitan/c/191
to get a better idea of what you want without an overwhelming number of options.
The two key decisions you have to make is nib type/size and style/colour. Then if you wish to find that on Amazon instead that would be easier with a more specific Amazon search e.g. 'Pilot Metropolitan fountain black medium nib'.
If it ships with a cartridge and a converter [so you can use bottled ink rather than have to keep buying cartridges] then that's all you need to get going. I googled 'Pilot Metropolitan Amazon USA' and the entry I found does but it would be prudent to check first.
Alternatively, pick up a cheap as chips disposable fountain pen such as the Pilot V-Pen. For a disposable these are excellent and would help you decide what nib width to go for if you decide to upgrade to a Metropolitan. I don't have a Metropolitan as they are pretty pricey here in the UK but I love my V-Pens and often use them even though I have multiple 'proper' fountain pens to use instead.
Have fun and happy hunting!
I've never given so much thought to buying a pen in my life!
The options are fine or medium nib. I like the medium. Everything else is just color. I like the funky retro pop styles - the blue is great.
The metropolitan comes with a black ink cartridge and a terrible "converter" (the thing that lets you refill from an inkwell - you fill it up and then your pen's ink is in there. A dip pen is the kind that you keep dipping in an inkwell as you write). Stick with cartridges at first.
Flying Toaster
Member
Depending where you are located. Do a search for local pen shops and go in and test some stuff out.
If you do not want to do that go and purchase a Lamy Safari and mess around with it. Pens are very personal and it takes some messing around to figure out what works for you.
The US Pilot Metropolitan takes these cartridges: Pilot Parallel Pen Ink Refills for Calligraphy Pens, Blue, 6 Cartridges per Pack (77306) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002UNMZQW/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Start with a medium. See how you like that. If you get into fountain pens, you can get more into different nib types, but a Pilot medium will give you a nice standard of comparison.
woo and indeed hoo
Banned
It is more a case of choosing a nib that best suits your handwriting. Some people write small/compact so prefer a fine or medium nib and others write big/open so prefer a broad. Then of course there are the queer buggers who write small but prefer a broad nib.
*cough*
The nib size refers to the thickness of the written line, obv. You can get an idea of that here:
https://www.gouletpens.com/nib-nook
Just select the two entries for the Pilot Metropolitan [fine and medium], for example, and marvel at the magic of modern technology as the image of what handwriting looks like for those nibs appears out of the ether, before your very eyes!
Eeee lad, when I were a lad, if we wanted to write to someone t'other side of the world we'd 'ave to write a bloody letter!
Bye 'eck it's like living in a Dan Dare world it is!
Aye, get the Yorkshire Puddings out of t'oven, there's a good lad.
Ha! The rabbit hole goes very deep if you want it to.
It's far too late for me but it's not for you.
Go!
Save yourself!
Don't. Come on in, the rabbit warren is lovely. Plenty of room for a noob. Just watch out for that Bagels fellow!
Tomoe River paper is fantastic, so you can use whatever nibs and inks you want. However that's not the case with paper that's not designed for fountain pens. For a lot of them, if you're using a broader nib, you're putting a lot of ink in the paper that gets absorbed and can show right through or even stain the underside. A finer nib makes that less of a problem, so they're popular in North America where the paper is generally not designed for fountain pens.
Just wait until you get to the point where you're not pulling the trigger on a $300 pen because you can't decide on which nib you want.
Bitmap Frogs
Mr. Community
I have that TWSBI in orange and just a word of advise, go gentle when you're on the extremes of the piston movement...
Funyarinpa
Member
Holy shit, what's that pink pen?
woo and indeed hoo
Banned
It's always that time Bagels!
Some lovely colour choices there; that blood red one is particularly lovely. I seem to have a bit of a thing for that colour in inks at the moment. Probably a good idea to give me a wide berth when I have any sharp objects in my hand. You know, like a fountain pen.
Speaking of which:
HNNNNRGHHHHHH!!!1!!!
I have been strongly resisting the temptation recently but I could do far worse for my first TWSBI methinks.
Ugh, resisting temptation sucks!
I have been working INSANE overtime this week (mother-f'ING TRIPLE TIME AND A HALF for the holiday!), in part so I can pick out a Sailor pen for my wife to "surprise" me with for Christmas...
But, man, it has really gotten in the way of some writing I have wanted to do about pens! I did get the chance to write notes to thank the people who came in to help me. Rhodia R paper with the recipient's name in calligraphy, with the note written in my favorite fountain pen inks = a nice little thank-you, methinks.
One coworker asked me about calligraphy supplies for a gift for her daughter, which got me thinking about a pen&paper GAF holiday gift guide! I'll see if I can put that together before I go back to work again. :/
I volunteered for Thanksgiving and it is also my on call weekend. I am making a fortune, but I am starting to forget what my family looks like.
Anyway, i'll try to put together items you might buy to hook friends and family on our hobby, as well as some things you might suggest they get you!
But, man, it has really gotten in the way of some writing I have wanted to do about pens! I did get the chance to write notes to thank the people who came in to help me. Rhodia R paper with the recipient's name in calligraphy, with the note written in my favorite fountain pen inks = a nice little thank-you, methinks.
One coworker asked me about calligraphy supplies for a gift for her daughter, which got me thinking about a pen&paper GAF holiday gift guide! I'll see if I can put that together before I go back to work again. :/
I volunteered for Thanksgiving and it is also my on call weekend. I am making a fortune, but I am starting to forget what my family looks like.
Anyway, i'll try to put together items you might buy to hook friends and family on our hobby, as well as some things you might suggest they get you!
Bungubox inks confuse me. I'm sure that they're all made by Sailor, but since they're exclusive, there's only a tiny supply of it. Why wouldn't Sailor want to give them a wider audience? I'm sure that 4B and Ink of the Witch would sell like hotcakes if Sailor released them in the Jentle line. And it sucks that they switched bottles, the original Bungubox bottles were a thing of beauty, and the standard Sailor bottle just isn't as sexy.
I've heard that this pen was a bit prone to design defects and that it doesn't post. Does anyone know if this is the case. Right now, I'm liking my Eco, but it looks like my next TWSBI is going to be another Eco because it seems to be more issue free than the other models.I also have this beauty on the way from Goulet! I'm usually not super in to pink, but this does it for me.
Oooh,I have been working INSANE overtime this week (mother-f'ING TRIPLE TIME AND A HALF for the holiday!), in part so I can pick out a Sailor pen for my wife to "surprise" me with for Christmas...
Porcile
Member
I'm amazed by the amount of people who have never used a fountain in their life. Even here in Japan the land of fountain pens and dedicated stationary shops. All the school kids here use mechanical pencils so that they can erase the tiniest mistakes they make. Gonna do Loft run for a couple Hobonichis and a new pen next week after pay day.
For anyone in Yokohama, there's a cool shop called Ink in Tokyu SC close to Center Minami station. Been there for my goods a fair few times now. They have a good selection of pens and inks. It's better than Loft and Tokyu Hands imo.
http://www.kohokutokyu-sc.com/floor/detail.php?id=74
Anyone know any good independent shops in Tokyo?
For anyone in Yokohama, there's a cool shop called Ink in Tokyu SC close to Center Minami station. Been there for my goods a fair few times now. They have a good selection of pens and inks. It's better than Loft and Tokyu Hands imo.
http://www.kohokutokyu-sc.com/floor/detail.php?id=74
Anyone know any good independent shops in Tokyo?
The 580 does not post, which i'm actually fine with. It feels great without the cap.
I have two other 580s (orange, blue) and they are looking great and have been hassle-free. My vac mini did crack, tho. I need to contact them about it.
Last I read, they had fixed the issue with the 580 that lead to the weak spots in the barrel.
I am still drooling over Sailor pens. I might go for a Pro Gear Slim? I change my mind a lot!
Shadynasty
Member
http://www.jetpens.com/Left-Handed-Fountain-Pens/ct/2666
So I found that they sell "left handed" fountain pens. Can anyone explain to me how this pen will help out a southpaw? I've longed for the day I can write without fear of smear.
Also what in the world justifies a luxury pen priced over 100.00?
So I found that they sell "left handed" fountain pens. Can anyone explain to me how this pen will help out a southpaw? I've longed for the day I can write without fear of smear.
Also what in the world justifies a luxury pen priced over 100.00?
That particular pen has a molded grip designed to help you hold the pen correctly.
In terms of not smearing, you want an ink that dries faster and then you want to hold a pen in such a way as to keep your hand from dragging through your writing. There are various techniques to achieve that - the grip on this pen may help you to develop the appropriate form?
Bitmap Frogs
Mr. Community
You can post the 580 but it looks silly, handles awful and the uncapping requires some force which tends to make me anxious considering it's plastic fantastic.
That's too bad. I love posting pens, even when it's completely pointless like on a Plumix.
Do it! For a while, my Pro Gear Slim was my favorite pen, and it's still my second favorite. The only drawback is that you miss out on the 21K nib.
I think that what it does is to encourage the user to write under the line as opposed to parallel to it and hook-hand writing. The other thing you can do is to get a fast-drying ink like the Noodler's Bernanke series. They look ugly, but they do seem to work.
Other than sheer insanity? It'd be that gold-nibs feel differently than steel nibs, and a lot of people appreciate the difference in quality. So I'd say that the entry level gold pens aren't quite a luxury item. These would be the Vanishing Points, the 3776s, and the 2000s out there. If you buy a Custom 74 and use it for the rest of your life, I'd say that it's very much a worthwhile purchase.
Aside from that, there are the different filling mechanisms and build materials that the higher end pens can have. However, I don't think that they truly justify the differences in price. Generally, the difference between an entry level gold pen and something a lot more fancy aren't that big. But if you think of them as purely luxury items, it makes a lot more sense. People pay lots of money for all sorts of items, like watches, jewelry, high fashion, and so on without much need for justification.
Bitmap Frogs
Mr. Community
On the goulet YouTube they demoed the namiki line with a pilot rep, the 10k pens only hold two eyedrops of ink and they have a piston system in the barrel to flush the ink from the pen.
ChemicalCutthroat
Member
This thread is excellent. I had had only dabbled in fountain pens off and on, but knowing places like Jetpens exist gives me new hope.
And some cool stocking stuffers for the wife.
Bagels, what is that awesome looking teal notebook you posted? I must have it.
Edit : Found it, hope I can get one before they sell out. That is a gorgeous notebook.
And some cool stocking stuffers for the wife.
Bagels, what is that awesome looking teal notebook you posted? I must have it.
Edit : Found it, hope I can get one before they sell out. That is a gorgeous notebook.
woo and indeed hoo
Banned
It is; best thread on GAF.
Well if you are in the US [?] then you have some great sites. Jet Pens and Goultet, in particular, are a wonderful resource. I am in the UK so shipping plus import duties makes both of those tricky for me to buy from. However, I am always looking at them as they are such a useful source of information.
Did you deliberately not post a link in case someone got in an order before you?
Hope you got yours in.My first bottle of Pilot iroshizuku ink arrived today. Photos really don't do the packaging and bottle justice. It makes me want to buy more of them! One can easily see that a great deal of thought, consideration and care has been put into each element of the design. I love that about it. I can't actually try the ink yet though as all my pens are inked up. Fortunately however online shopping is a thing so I now have a couple of new pens ordered which should be with me in a few days. One is a dip pen & nibs which I am keen to play around with. The other is the lovely pink TWSBI that Bagels mentioned above. I have been internally debating this order for a few days so it feels good to give in to temptation!
Whilst I was at it I picked up some 30ml bottles of Diamine inks I have been keen to try. It would have been rude not to.
Bitmap Frogs
Mr. Community
cultpens.com is uk based ;D
woo and indeed hoo
Banned
It is indeed! Great site
. Not so great for my bank balance :/ but look at all my shiny new pretties!ChemicalCutthroat
Member
It is; best thread on GAF.
Well if you are in the US [?] then you have some great sites. Jet Pens and Goultet, in particular, are a wonderful resource. I am in the UK so shipping plus import duties makes both of those tricky for me to buy from. However, I am always looking at them as they are such a useful source of information.
Did you deliberately not post a link in case someone got in an order before you?
My first bottle of Pilot iroshizuku ink arrived today. Photos really don't do the packaging and bottle justice. It makes me want to buy more of them! One can easily see that a great deal of thought, consideration and care has been put into each element of the design. I love that about it. I can't actually try the ink yet though as all my pens are inked up. Fortunately however online shopping is a thing so I now have a couple of new pens ordered which should be with me in a few days. One is a dip pen & nibs which I am keen to play around with. The other is the lovely pink TWSBI that Bagels mentioned above. I have been internally debating this order for a few days so it feels good to give in to temptation!
Haha, nah, they have like six of em' on Jetpens. It's part of Leuchtturm1917's stuff. Link is... here.
http://www.jetpens.com/Leuchtturm1917-Copper-Gilt-Edge-Notebook-A5-Emerald-Ruled/pd/16609
woo and indeed hoo
Banned
Thanks
. Oh, leuchtturm translated from German to English is lighthouse. Nice .It is; best thread on GAF.
Well if you are in the US [?] then you have some great sites. Jet Pens and Goultet, in particular, are a wonderful resource. I am in the UK so shipping plus import duties makes both of those tricky for me to buy from. However, I am always looking at them as they are such a useful source of information.
Did you deliberately not post a link in case someone got in an order before you?
My first bottle of Pilot iroshizuku ink arrived today. Photos really don't do the packaging and bottle justice. It makes me want to buy more of them! One can easily see that a great deal of thought, consideration and care has been put into each element of the design. I love that about it. I can't actually try the ink yet though as all my pens are inked up. Fortunately however online shopping is a thing so I now have a couple of new pens ordered which should be with me in a few days. One is a dip pen & nibs which I am keen to play around with. The other is the lovely pink TWSBI that Bagels mentioned above. I have been internally debating this order for a few days so it feels good to give in to temptation!
I'm not sure it gets any better than Iroshizuku inks. You are absolutely right that everything about them - the packaging, the bottle, and of course the ink itself - speaks to a very high standard of quality and care. Goulet pens will sell you the empty bottles, which you could find some neat uses for!
My pink TWSBI arrived, along with my new inks! The TWSBI is gorgeous! TWSBI's 1.1 stub nib is a great step up from the Pilot Plumix - it writes beautifully, with great line variation. I'll try to get some photos when the sun is back up (our apartment is very dark!). If you like pink, or just want a distinctive, attractive pen, the pink TWSBI 580AL is an amazing pen at an affordable price.
I inked up a Metropolitan with a Plumix nib with Bungubox "Ink of the Witch" and holy crap is it amazing. The color is great and it goes down super smooth! I love Sailor inks and this is just stellar.
woo and indeed hoo
Banned
HA! I thought of your comments about them in the OP when I was in the middle of typing my post about them earlier.
Well obv! *rolls teenage girl eyes*
Really hoping my latest order arrives tomorrow and then I can give this Momiji a whirl
. Incidentally, can you recommend a tame Japan ebay dealer for Pilot pens and inks? They're both hard to source at a bargain price in the UK. If I had a cheaper source I could justify more Pilot purchases! Mental justifications FTW .i noes and they look lovely. They're pretty high up in my mental lust list.
WOOT! Oh I was tempted by the 1.1 stub nib too but decided to brave a broad to see how it differed from my Waterman and Lamy broad nibs. I could always buy the 1.1 stub nib section separately. I'm not a fan of pink really but that is a very nice one so I'm glad I broke my TWSBI cherry. Cult Pens are quick on delivery so it shall be mine tomorrow all being well
.Oh I didn't know they were Sailor inks. *googles*
http://www.peneconomics.com/blog/2015/9/4/has-bungbox-blundered
I haven't got to a Sailor ink yet but some of those Bungbox are lovely.
Get thee behind me
Being remotely serious for a moment, how is work for you now? Still manic or a bit more calm? Oh and enjoy your new pretties!
CheesecakeRecipe
Stormy Grey
Apparently, Pilot brought back the special Itoya Pens limited edition Iroshizuku inks that had a single run 6 years ago???? I fell in love with the Fukugawa-nezu and was pretty sad that it was such a small run. It's only available at one store, both in the standard 50ml size and a 15ml three-pack featuring each color.
My financial instability rules me out of ordering anything through a proxy service, but hopefully someone here can manage to hop on before reddit drains the supply - as they surely will. Reddit group buys helped contribute to the shortage of Bungbox inks late last year.
My financial instability rules me out of ordering anything through a proxy service, but hopefully someone here can manage to hop on before reddit drains the supply - as they surely will. Reddit group buys helped contribute to the shortage of Bungbox inks late last year.
HA! I thought of your comments about them in the OP when I was in the middle of typing my post about them earlier.
Well obv! *rolls teenage girl eyes*
Really hoping my latest order arrives tomorrow and then I can give this Momiji a whirl
i noes and they look lovely. They're pretty high up in my mental lust list.
WOOT! Oh I was tempted by the 1.1 stub nib too but decided to brave a broad to see how it differed from my Waterman and Lamy broad nibs. I could always buy the 1.1 stub nib section separately. I'm not a fan of pink really but that is a very nice one so I'm glad I broke my TWSBI cherry. Cult Pens are quick on delivery so it shall be mine tomorrow all being well
Oh I didn't know they were Sailor inks. *googles*
http://www.peneconomics.com/blog/2015/9/4/has-bungbox-blundered
I haven't got to a Sailor ink yet but some of those Bungbox are lovely.
Get thee behind meSatanBagels you foul temptress you!
Being remotely serious for a moment, how is work for you now? Still manic or a bit more calm? Oh and enjoy your new pretties!
I put my new Robert Oster red ink into my pink TWSBI. It's a really nice combo! Momiji is such an incredible ink - it should be great in your pen!
I'll be really interested to hear about the TWSBI broad nib! I've tried medium, fine, 1.1 and 1.5 stub. The 1.5 is fun, but a bit large for my everyday writing. On the other hand, I do love me some shading and sheen, and that is where the larger, inkier nibs really do the trick. Momiji has such beautiful shading - that should be wonderful in a broad nib. Swapping the nibs is really easy, so there's plenty of fun to be had there!
Speaking of swapping nibs, I ordered a stub nib for my Vanishing Point as a little reward for my epic work week. Far too often I place an order with Goulet or Jetpens, and then turn around and make another order almost immediately. It's a problem.
The Vanishing Point nibs ain't cheap - they're gold nibs, after all - but I'm hoping the new stub nib will make one of my favorite pens even better!
I was only able to grab samples of the Bungubox inks, but bottles are so pricey, I really want to try before I buy anyway. Massdrop sells two packs pretty often, for around $80, I think. That is freaking steep, but I'd shell out that kind of money for a bottle of Ink of the Witch already. It's so good!
Sailor Jentle Yama-dori was my first Sailor ink and it is still a favorite! All of the Sailor Jentle four seasons inks I have tried have been great, but Yama-dori is really something special. I'd pick that or Akkerman Shocking Blue as a signature blue. Here's a comparison of some non-boring blues.
I wonder if, being in the UK, you'll have an easier time getting Akkerman inks? I don't know how Vanness gets so many cool inks in the US, but that is my new secret weapon for finding unusual stuff.
I know Japanese pens and inks are harder to find in the UK, for whatever reason. I just read a post from pocketnotebooks lamenting the fact that they will not be able to restock Hobonichi Techos.
I'll see if I can dig up my old ink contact in Japan - the dude who hooked me up with Yama-dori before it made it to the US. Super nice guy, and his prices were not bad at all.
I'm also always willing to trade/set up something through paypal for my UK pen buddies! The US has become something of a pen paradise. If you come up with a few things you want from different sellers, I can probably ship them all together on the cheap.
Work is a bit better, as everyone is back from Thanksgiving. It looks like we'll be crazy busy until the end of the year. I'll try not to volunteer for any more weekends, though! I say that knowing full well I'll take the OT if I can get it. It's partly that the money is nice and partly about getting noticed in the company as someone who is always willing to do more for both our department and the other areas of the company. I love my job and I'd like to make a nice career of it. There is serious pen money to be made!
In more pen-related news, my boss gave me big thanks for my handwritten note about the people who came in to help support my work in the lab. If given the choice, I'll break out the Rhodia R and my favorite inks over sending an email any day of the week. The same words make a bigger impression when you take the time to write them out nicely. If I have something nice to say about someone, I always try to do it in a handwritten note. Even if you don't think your writing is the neatest, taking a little extra time to use your best pens, inks, and paper will always make a huge impression.
woo and indeed hoo
Banned
Hey, it's 5 am here and I can't sleep so post on GAF time. None of that multi-quote-reply malarky though; hurtssss brainssss.
Sell a kidney? Sell one of Bagel's kidneys?
Not guilty re Reddit; me no account there.
Oh, which Oster red did you get? That 'rot' one is seriously shagable!
Um...
Point. I was tempted to put some Diamine Wagner [a lovely golden yellow, I have yet to try] in it but think I'll save that for the Prera I have on the way with a 'CM' nib. That has a nice translucent green end that should go well with the Wagner.
I'll let you know how I get on with the broad nib and the Momiji. I already have a couple of broad nib pens but they're both Euros so I thought I'd see what the asian broad was like. Besides, I do like a bit of girth.
Um, yes well....
Good luck with your new V.Point nib. A bit of retail therapy to reward oneself issometimes always just the ticket.
at those Bungubox prices! Good job you're swimming in money now with all that overtime! Mind you allow yourself some time off work to enjoy it though .
I know what you mean about the repeat orders habit. I wonder if Cult Pens think I've got a serious problem yet or not. Although when I put "<3" and "Cult Pens, I love you. Will you marry me?" in the comments section on the order page that probably doesn't help.
Yama-dori is indeed a delicious looking ink. I was sorely tempted by that before I went for the Momiji. The red leaves/autumn aspect swung it though.
Oh, I had completely forgotten about the Akkerman Shocking Blue. I believe you posted about it yonks ago. That bottle is hard to forget. Gorgeous blue though. That's another for the list. Gah!
The bottle reminds me of my childhood, funnily enough. No, I was not brought up by a homeless alchi who be-friended me after I escaped from being a child sex slave, although I would not blame you if this was not the first time you had thought that of me. No, my brother and I used to be dragged along with my father to old dumps when we were children to hunt for treasure. Treasure being old bits of crap that he dug up. Occasionally he would find something worthwhile though: an intact piece of old pottery or one of those old bottles that had the ball in the neck. They were probably a common item a few decades ago. Now they probably use them in specialist beers and charge an arm and a leg for them. Funny old world.
I consulted the oracle about Akkerman inks and there's nowt of it t'be had 'ere lad. I did find their own site though: http://www.vulpennen.nl/en/inkt-and-vullingen/AkkInkt000.html so I'd best buy up all their stock for free customs charges before we BREXIT!!!. 15,00 ~ $16.00 ~ £13 [excluding shipping] seems like a good deal to me! They're selling Sailor ink a lot cheaper than I've seen on other sites here too. Pity I don't have a passport currently or I'd be tempted to take a trip to Amsterdam! Have you seen their store btw? I had a look on Google: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/uv?hl...ved=0ahUKEwiDh6i4t8_QAhUlLsAKHWPgBk4QoB8IfTAK and don't mind admitting that I felt a bit emotional for a few seconds until I pulled myself together. Can't have a chap getting emotional! One must maintain the stereotype of the emotionally stunted, uptight English chap for those yankee chaps. What?! What?! I don't know what the shipping costs to here are yet. I'm afraid to look in my sleep deprived state as I might get a bit carried away and accidentally order far too much stuff. However, if it's not prohibitive and I decide to order something I'll let you know. I can always order extra to send on to you if it works out as a good deal for you to do that.
With regard to Pilot being pricey I believe I read that it was due to the EU getting out of their pram about their pens being proprietary connections. Sounds about right. BREXIT!!! That could be complete twaddle though *shrugs*.
Oh, that would be super handy and appreciated i.r.o. the Japan Pilot contact, thanks.
Much obliged i.r.o. shipping stuff to me from the US Bagels. Naturally I would be happy to reciprocate. Hopefully post Brexit will make it cheaper to import for me but probably not :/. I know! I'll set up a business and then it will be a justifiable business expense. HA!
Well you are the 'new boy'. Lovely to see someone say that they love their job though! Well done you.
That's a nice anecdote about your boss thanking you for the handwritten note. It reminds me of something I read online recently. It said that one can never know the profound impact a kind word, a hug, or even just a smile that one gives freely and without any great thought can have on another. Little things like that can mean so much. My partner often leaves me a little handwritten note by the kettle if I am late to rise and he has already left to promenade. I do treasure them.
Right, it's almost 6:30 here and will start to get light soon. A quick coffee before a dash to the local Post Office depot to pick up the parcel they tried to deliver yesterday. I'm sure they'll welcome my sunny smile at such an early hour *evil grin*.
Sell a kidney? Sell one of Bagel's kidneys?Not guilty re Reddit; me no account there.
Oh, which Oster red did you get? That 'rot' one is seriously shagable!
Um...
Point. I was tempted to put some Diamine Wagner [a lovely golden yellow, I have yet to try] in it but think I'll save that for the Prera I have on the way with a 'CM' nib. That has a nice translucent green end that should go well with the Wagner.
I'll let you know how I get on with the broad nib and the Momiji. I already have a couple of broad nib pens but they're both Euros so I thought I'd see what the asian broad was like. Besides, I do like a bit of girth.
Um, yes well....
Good luck with your new V.Point nib. A bit of retail therapy to reward oneself is
at those Bungubox prices! Good job you're swimming in money now with all that overtime! Mind you allow yourself some time off work to enjoy it though .I know what you mean about the repeat orders habit. I wonder if Cult Pens think I've got a serious problem yet or not. Although when I put "<3" and "Cult Pens, I love you. Will you marry me?" in the comments section on the order page that probably doesn't help.
Yama-dori is indeed a delicious looking ink. I was sorely tempted by that before I went for the Momiji. The red leaves/autumn aspect swung it though.
Oh, I had completely forgotten about the Akkerman Shocking Blue. I believe you posted about it yonks ago. That bottle is hard to forget. Gorgeous blue though. That's another for the list. Gah!
The bottle reminds me of my childhood, funnily enough. No, I was not brought up by a homeless alchi who be-friended me after I escaped from being a child sex slave, although I would not blame you if this was not the first time you had thought that of me. No, my brother and I used to be dragged along with my father to old dumps when we were children to hunt for treasure. Treasure being old bits of crap that he dug up. Occasionally he would find something worthwhile though: an intact piece of old pottery or one of those old bottles that had the ball in the neck. They were probably a common item a few decades ago. Now they probably use them in specialist beers and charge an arm and a leg for them. Funny old world.
I consulted the oracle about Akkerman inks and there's nowt of it t'be had 'ere lad. I did find their own site though: http://www.vulpennen.nl/en/inkt-and-vullingen/AkkInkt000.html so I'd best buy up all their stock for free customs charges before we BREXIT!!!. 15,00 ~ $16.00 ~ £13 [excluding shipping] seems like a good deal to me! They're selling Sailor ink a lot cheaper than I've seen on other sites here too. Pity I don't have a passport currently or I'd be tempted to take a trip to Amsterdam! Have you seen their store btw? I had a look on Google: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/uv?hl...ved=0ahUKEwiDh6i4t8_QAhUlLsAKHWPgBk4QoB8IfTAK and don't mind admitting that I felt a bit emotional for a few seconds until I pulled myself together. Can't have a chap getting emotional! One must maintain the stereotype of the emotionally stunted, uptight English chap for those yankee chaps. What?! What?! I don't know what the shipping costs to here are yet. I'm afraid to look in my sleep deprived state as I might get a bit carried away and accidentally order far too much stuff. However, if it's not prohibitive and I decide to order something I'll let you know. I can always order extra to send on to you if it works out as a good deal for you to do that.
With regard to Pilot being pricey I believe I read that it was due to the EU getting out of their pram about their pens being proprietary connections. Sounds about right. BREXIT!!! That could be complete twaddle though *shrugs*.
Oh, that would be super handy and appreciated i.r.o. the Japan Pilot contact, thanks
. Much obliged i.r.o. shipping stuff to me from the US Bagels
. Naturally I would be happy to reciprocate. Hopefully post Brexit will make it cheaper to import for me but probably not :/. I know! I'll set up a business and then it will be a justifiable business expense. HA!Well you are the 'new boy'
. Lovely to see someone say that they love their job though! Well done you. That's a nice anecdote about your boss thanking you for the handwritten note. It reminds me of something I read online recently. It said that one can never know the profound impact a kind word, a hug, or even just a smile that one gives freely and without any great thought can have on another. Little things like that can mean so much. My partner often leaves me a little handwritten note by the kettle if I am late to rise and he has already left to promenade. I do treasure them
. Right, it's almost 6:30 here and will start to get light soon. A quick coffee before a dash to the local Post Office depot to pick up the parcel they tried to deliver yesterday. I'm sure they'll welcome my sunny smile at such an early hour *evil grin*.
Ditto. I haven't decided whether my next TWSBI will be a broad or medium. I naturally write very fine, but I've been trying to branch out to broader nibs. Right now the only pen with Momiji in it is a Metro fine, and while it looks lovely, I'm sure it'll look even better in a broader nib.
On the flipside, I've got Iroshizuku Yu-yake in my TWSBI 1.1mm, and I'm a bit disappointed in it. I think that it'll look better in a more conventional nib. It bears experimenting with. Onto, boring old black inks, I've been trying Aurora Black, and I must say that its reputation is well deserved! I've tried it in my Sailor and in a vintage Sheaffer Imperial, and the flow on it is phenomenal! Aurora Black is not a pure black the way that X-Feather is, but the way it writes on the page is so pleasant, I don't mind at all.
Grrr.... I ordered my Yama-dori almost two months ago, and it still hasn't arrived yet. This may be my first shipping mishap since I started ordering pens.
Almost all Japanese pens are significantly more expensive outside of Japan than within it. For example, a Platinum 3776 typically sells for $150 USD, but I bought one for around 8000 yen (including shipping). The Japanese price for Iroshizuku inks is generally 1500 yen or less. Freight charges and duties will account for some of that discrepancy, but I'm sure that corporate pricing policies have more to do with it.
It sort of sucks for Europeans though since Japanese pens (and inks) are arguably the best in the world, and the prices in Europe are even higher there.
woo and indeed hoo
Banned
i has returned!
The Post Office depot staff were surprisingly chipper for such an early hour but then they're probably on Bagels level uber overtime due to Christmas, now that I think about it.
The phrasing "my next TWSBI" made me smile [in a good way]. I tried to google what the word was for a fountain pen/ink etc enthusiast earlier since there seems to be a 'phile' for just about everything. Now my google fu might be off but the nearest I could find was 'penophile' which is rather delightfully similar to paedophile, of course.
I can't remember what nibs you have but am wondering if a Euro medium nib, a dip pen or calligraphy pen/nib might be worth a try? Perhaps you could compartmentalise, that is, keep some inks that best suit a fine which is your natural inclination anyway and use a medium/broad nib/dip pen/calligraphy nib for those inks that best suit a broader nib.
That's a shame as it's a lovely looking ink. As you say though, it's worth persevering with.
Oh that is a nice black. You people will bankrupt me!
I thought the almost 3 week wait for this Momiji from Japan was painful enough. Would it be stuck in customs? What are you options if not? I hope you're not s.o.l :/.
Quite possibly. I need to add Japan to Amsterdam on my list of go-to places when I have a passport again, clearly.
C'est la vie. I don't mind really; I like to moan more for the melodrama of it all than anything, really. I am not rich but I don't starve and I have a bit of disposable income to indulge myself on my hobbies so I'm quite content.
I share your enthusiasm for Japanese pens though even though all I have in my collection so far are Pilot V-Pens and a Kakuno. Both are wonderful writers so I'm really looking forward to the Prera although I suspect it won't arrive until early next year due to the time of year. I often reach for the Kakuno which although it's a medium it's a much finer line than my Lamy and Waterman broads, both of which I adore so that says quite a lot I think. I'm sitting here patiently waiting for postie in the hope that my latest order will arrive so I can try the Momiji.
The Post Office depot staff were surprisingly chipper for such an early hour but then they're probably on Bagels level uber overtime due to Christmas, now that I think about it.
The phrasing "my next TWSBI" made me smile [in a good way]. I tried to google what the word was for a fountain pen/ink etc enthusiast earlier since there seems to be a 'phile' for just about everything. Now my google fu might be off but the nearest I could find was 'penophile' which is rather delightfully similar to paedophile, of course.
I can't remember what nibs you have but am wondering if a Euro medium nib, a dip pen or calligraphy pen/nib might be worth a try? Perhaps you could compartmentalise, that is, keep some inks that best suit a fine which is your natural inclination anyway and use a medium/broad nib/dip pen/calligraphy nib for those inks that best suit a broader nib.
That's a shame as it's a lovely looking ink. As you say though, it's worth persevering with.
Oh that is a nice black
. You people will bankrupt me! I thought the almost 3 week wait for this Momiji from Japan was painful enough. Would it be stuck in customs? What are you options if not? I hope you're not s.o.l :/.Quite possibly. I need to add Japan to Amsterdam on my list of go-to places when I have a passport again, clearly.
C'est la vie
. I don't mind really; I like to moan more for the melodrama of it all than anything, really. I am not rich but I don't starve and I have a bit of disposable income to indulge myself on my hobbies so I'm quite content. I share your enthusiasm for Japanese pens though even though all I have in my collection so far are Pilot V-Pens and a Kakuno. Both are wonderful writers so I'm really looking forward to the Prera although I suspect it won't arrive until early next year due to the time of year. I often reach for the Kakuno which although it's a medium it's a much finer line than my Lamy and Waterman broads, both of which I adore so that says quite a lot I think. I'm sitting here patiently waiting for postie in the hope that my latest order will arrive so I can try the Momiji.
That's really neat! I was thinking of getting some notecards and writing my own messages instead of buying Christmas cards this year. I could even use red and green ink for that Christmas feel, and get a seal and wax and everything. Then I did some research on seals and wax, and it seems like a lot of mess and effort for what you get. Melting wax with a lighter and trying to control the liquid wax afterwards sounds like a lot of work to get right, so I was going to give up on the idea. But then I remembered that I got a seal and seal paste a long time ago that I've never used. They work great, so that's going to be my Christmas project!
I bought a Faber-Castell Loom in medium and a Lamy Safari in broad for pretty much that purpose.
Japan is amazing to visit, but you can (probably) get decent pricing without having to do that. There are tons of mom and pop pen shops in Japan that are active on Amazon and eBay, and that's where I've been buying all those pens. I've also heard good things about buying on Engeika and Rakuten.
The real gems in Japanese pens are found in the entry level gold nibs. All three of Pilot, Platinum, and Sailor make their own nibs and they make them really well. The 3776, Sailor Slims, and the various basic Pilot pens are generally 10000 yen or less, and they're going to write as well as pens that cost 3 times as much.
Moreover, I hear stories about people buying $800 Viscontis that don't write out of the box. Outside of a few questions about some of Sailor's quality control, that doesn't seem to be a problem with Japanese pens in general. It's less of a deal breaker if you buy a pen in a pen store, but it's a big deal for ordering online.
woo and indeed hoo
Banned
Funnily enough I was thinking about how wonderful it would be to write a letter and use a seal earlier today. I hope it goes well
.Nice
. How's it going? My Safari Vista broad is one of my favourite pens but then I do favour a broad nib. I don't have a Faber-Castell though but my partner is always praising their propelling pencils so they're on my radar. Japan is really high up on my list of places I would like to visit so I would use the pen/ink etc side of things as an extra reason to make the trip
. I am aware of Rakuten and have used them once or twice over the years for vidya gaems but it never crossed my mind to look on there for pen stuff. Engeika is one I have never heard of though so thanks for the heads up on those .That equates to £70 according to google. Hm, a £210 pen for £70? If I buy enough of them the savings will cover the travel and accommodation costs!!!
Ouch re the Viscontis. That's pretty shameful. Fortunately for me none of their designs really appeal to me.
The Safari feels good to hold, but it came with a mis-aligned nib. I've fought with it, and it's mostly good now, but there's still the odd stroke that feels scratchy. I may have to get a new nib for it. The Loom is good, and it writes well, but the grip is a bit odd so I'm going to have to get used to it before I can deliver a final verdict. One thing I will note is that, although I've heard a lot of praise for Faber-Castell steel nibs, I prefer most of my Pilot steel nibs over the one on the Loom.Nice
I've never purchased from Engeika, but I've heard of a couple of details that may be significant. The first is that you have to create an account to see a full listing of their products. Next, the availability on the site is sometimes just a suggestion. What some people suspect is going on is that the seller takes an order and then goes out to get the item afterwards. Finally, it seems that at least some pen manufacturers aren't fond of them. They used to sell Pilot pens, but those aren't even on the website any more.Japan is really high up on my list of places I would like to visit so I would use the pen/ink etc side of things as an extra reason to make the trip
It's not just Visconti; it was all of the Italian boutique pen manufacturers with the exception, if I recall correctly, of the departed OMAS. The pens look great, and they seem to have neat features, but there are quality issues and/or oddities in the way they operate.
And to be fair, this seems to be an ongoing trend with a lot of European upscale pens. Only Lamy and Pelikan seem to have sterling reputations for quality, and even Pelikan may have problems with consistent nib sizes.
On the other hand, Japanese pens are consistently good in almost all respects. The only drawback with them (if it can be called that) is that they seem to be in love with the cartridge/converter filling system. Sailor offers all of one pen with a piston filler, Pilot has one piston filler and one vacuum filler, and Platinum only has cartridge/converter fillers. So if you want some sort of fancy mechanism, you'll have to go with European or American pens.
woo and indeed hoo
Banned
How annoying :/. The Lamy nibs are quite inexpensive here so I'd be happy to send one to you if that would work out cheaper for you. Being in the UK I may miss out on cheap Pilot gear like our yankee fellows but can't complain where the German stuff is concerned.
I can see why you went for the Loom; it's a handsome pen. Your comment suggests its design may be form before function though. I hope you can adjust and learn to love it. It's nice to have pretty things AND things that work well.
I am always amazed each time I select a Pilot V-Pen to scribble a note how wonderful the nib is in something that is inexpensive and designed to be used and then thrown away. I do love my Lamy and Waterman nibs but my V-Pen and Kakuno just write so beautifully. The only ones I am disappointed with are my two J Herbin pens. They might look nice but the nibs are so thin and scratchy. I need to make more of an effort with them but it's hard to pick them up when I've got such nice options instead.
Hm, good to know. Thanks for the heads up. I'll have to give it a proper look but that doesn't sound like the sort of business I'll be wanting to support.
Cue a discussion that involves national stereotypes leading to bans all round!
Perhaps not
.Caveat emptor indeed!
Or Taiwanese
So it's like being in love with someone who is perfect in all respects apart from this one irritating habit that they have? One puts up with it though as the rest of the package is just soooo good
.Speaking of fancy mechanisms:
http://imgur.com/a/Fd9sf
From left to right: freebie propelling pencil and sweeties courtesy of those lovely Cult Pens boys and girls, Brause nib holder and mixed nib set, Diamine inks, yummy Momiji and le piece de resistance [or whatever that phrase is in Taiwanese] my first TWSBI and my first piston filler
.I would say it is time to have a play but I have got a big, wide-eyed pussycat sprawled across my desk, purring up a storm. I'll take a hint and give him lots of daddy cuddles and put off my new pretties play until later.
Thanks for the offer, but I'd like to pick one up at my local pen shop. Maybe the owner can even help me with my nib.
I think that it's more like the Safari where it depends on how you hold the pen. One factor that may have served to sour my initial experience is that the ink it came with was a terrible blue.
There's a solution to fix that - just get a nice Pilot or Platinum pen! I would suggest a Platinum Century 3776 (in Blue). It's my favorite pen so far, and it's only £57 on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00B1N90W4/
It has a gold nib, and it's pretty amazing quality for the price. The cherry on top is that the Chatres Blue looks so pretty in person. The only problems are that it doesn't come with a converter and waiting for the shipment.
Nah, I like cartridge/converter pens. I tend to use 5-6 pens over the course of a day so ink capacity has never been an issue, and I find it a lot easier to clean these designs.So it's like being in love with someone who is perfect in all respects apart from this one irritating habit that they have? One puts up with it though as the rest of the package is just soooo good
Nifty! Here are some of my recent acquisitions:Speaking of fancy mechanisms:
http://imgur.com/a/Fd9sf
From left to right: freebie propelling pencil and sweeties courtesy of those lovely Cult Pens boys and girls, Brause nib holder and mixed nib set, Diamine inks, yummy Momiji and le piece de resistance [or whatever that phrase is in Taiwanese] my first TWSBI and my first piston filler
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i89/4Tran/Pen_Selection.jpg
The inks are Aurora Black and Diamine Marine. The pens from top to bottom are: new-old stock Pilot Elite, TWSBI Eco, Faber-Castell Loom, Sheaffer Imperial II, and Platinum Century 3776. Unfortunately the lighting is so poor that you can't tell that the 3776 looks like stained glass.
Oh, and I forgot to mention that I just ordered a Vanishing Point! More pens for work!