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Chris Saenz
United States
Registrace 9. 11. 2007
December 2023: I love to share my journey of writing with fountain pens and inks here on this You Tube channel. I make regular videos each month about what I'm writing with and I update mid month with a progress report on how each pen/nib and ink is doing. Also, I'm likely to review anything I get really excited about that relates to the fountain pen hobby. I'm in my 7th year of making You Tube videos and I enjoy connecting with other fountain pen people + talking about books, cats and fixing an old house. My husband and I are retired and this venture here on You Tube is one of my hobbies - it brings me a lot of joy. In the beginning, I reviewed a lot of inks but that became something I didn't enjoy the repetition of after a few years. However, I still really enjoy talking about how a specific ink does for me in a specific pen/nib. Thank you for joining me. I keep ads on the channel to help me fund my postage for pen pal writing, and to pay for other hobby supplies!
Pen Fast Chat #4
In this video, we continue our discussion about having a pen fast (also known as a period of time where I don't buy pens). I am an intermittent faster (5 years now - for health and weight management) and I'm using the tools I've learned from that to change my spending habits in the fountain pen hobby!
Every month I come on and talk about how it's going, highlight comments from our previous pen fast chat and then we continue our discussion in the comments. This month after I read the 3 comments and answer one viewer question - I also address 4 topics:
* Nickel and Dime Tendencies
* Triggers to Spend (3 = money incoming, an exciting new project and emotions - mostly worry - causing me to feel spendy.)
* insights I had this month
* feelings that came up during the month regarding my past and current hobby spending!
Thank you to everyone who is participating in this ongoing series! I really am so grateful I don't have to go thru this alone. This is a space where I feel we can be accountability partners and also just be honest about the process of changing habits which can be difficult but does not have to be lonely or boring.
The book I mentioned is:
Earn What You Deserve ~ How to Stop Underearning & Start Thriving
by Jerrold Mundis
(He also wrote a book I used to get out of debt MANY years ago: How to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt & Live Prosperously)
Here is the channel I mentioned, The Minimal Mom (Dawn is one of my favorite You Tubers!):
www.youtube.com/@TheMinimalMom
Thank you also to everyone who has contributed to this channel and to me ... I am very appreciative and consider this to be a viewer supported channel/community. Yes, I also rely on Google Ad $ but over the years so many generous viewers/pen friends have helped -- thank you!!!
My Instagram: snowball7470
My Pen Email: chris@inkswatch.com
Every month I come on and talk about how it's going, highlight comments from our previous pen fast chat and then we continue our discussion in the comments. This month after I read the 3 comments and answer one viewer question - I also address 4 topics:
* Nickel and Dime Tendencies
* Triggers to Spend (3 = money incoming, an exciting new project and emotions - mostly worry - causing me to feel spendy.)
* insights I had this month
* feelings that came up during the month regarding my past and current hobby spending!
Thank you to everyone who is participating in this ongoing series! I really am so grateful I don't have to go thru this alone. This is a space where I feel we can be accountability partners and also just be honest about the process of changing habits which can be difficult but does not have to be lonely or boring.
The book I mentioned is:
Earn What You Deserve ~ How to Stop Underearning & Start Thriving
by Jerrold Mundis
(He also wrote a book I used to get out of debt MANY years ago: How to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt & Live Prosperously)
Here is the channel I mentioned, The Minimal Mom (Dawn is one of my favorite You Tubers!):
www.youtube.com/@TheMinimalMom
Thank you also to everyone who has contributed to this channel and to me ... I am very appreciative and consider this to be a viewer supported channel/community. Yes, I also rely on Google Ad $ but over the years so many generous viewers/pen friends have helped -- thank you!!!
My Instagram: snowball7470
My Pen Email: chris@inkswatch.com
zhlédnutí: 610
Video
Progress Report - August 2024
zhlédnutí 900Před 16 hodinami
In this video, I show you my ink journal entries and talk about how this months fountain pens and inks are writing! After the video, I discuss the book Antinet Zettelkasten by Scott Scheper (Special thank you to pen friend SB for this great book!) and I talk about bib (bibliography) cards AND TWSBI inks - sorting out the 6 inks that came in the 1791 set. I'll see you back here soon for the 4th ...
Pen Inventory & Tracking Box
zhlédnutí 817Před dnem
In this video, I show you how I am creating a simple inventory file box and tracking system for my fountain pens. Each fountain pen will have an index card where I record the manufacturer, model, color name, nib, where I got the pen, who gave it to me, and other pertinent information (limited edition, where I got it if I can remember, or who gave me the pen etc.). On the back of the index card ...
Always Inked + Mini Workspace Tour
zhlédnutí 1,9KPřed 14 dny
In this video, I show you 6 fountain pens that I always have inked and talk about them write with each in my ink journal. I also show my shelf I moved just to the right of my pen table and give you a mini tour of that and my pen desk work space. It's a busy/cluttered work space partly because I have to have everything where I can "see" it but it works great for me! Hope you are doing fine and s...
Chris' Inked Pens - August 2024
zhlédnutí 1,4KPřed 21 dnem
In this video, I show you the 8 fountain pens and inks I'm writing with for August. I'll be back mid month with a progress report as to how these combos are doing and any additions to the line up! My off topic discussion today was all about August and my love hate relationship with the month. Having grown up in Vermont and now living in South Texas ... August offers unique challenges and contra...
Pen Fast Chat #3
zhlédnutí 925Před 28 dny
In this video, I discuss how it's going with my "pen fast" (no buy of pens, inks and hobby related things with the exception of stamps and important necessities). My last pen purchase was May 17th so I've now been over 2 months/60 days and it is getting easier. I share some ideas from the comment section of Pen Fast Chat 2. There have been some really great ideas shared! Thank you everyone who ...
Progress Report- July 2024
zhlédnutí 1,5KPřed měsícem
In this video, I show you how my 8 (letter writing) fountain pens and inks are doing this month so far! We look in my ink journal [Bond Travel Gear old stock A5 68 gsm Tomoe River paper] and I go over the "report card". This is a really nice batch of letter writing pens - the grades range from A to A . At the end of the video I discuss hurricane readiness and chat about my pen fast (no buy) and...
Chris' Inked Pens - July 2024 Letter Writing Pens!
zhlédnutí 1,4KPřed měsícem
In this video I show you the 6 fountain pens and inks I have chosen primarily for letter writing this month! I also talk about my little projects I have going on including a book club I found on You Tube which is free and features the letters of Seneca ... ! July is typically a month I spend a lot of time at my desk due to the outdoor heat. We get all our outside and away things done very early...
Pre Fountain Pen Palette
zhlédnutí 1,2KPřed měsícem
In this video, I show you and talk about my little experiment to recreate my 5 pre-fountain pen days "color palette" ... which turned into 9 inked TWSBIs and a comparison of the purple, turquoise and pink sets I created one from the past and one representing today's top favorites black, red and grey. It was a lot of fun and I used only what I have on hand for pens, inks and paper so it fit grea...
Pen Fast Chat #2
zhlédnutí 1,1KPřed 2 měsíci
This is Pen Fast Chat #2 where I talk about my quest to apply intermittent fasting techniques to hobby spending by creating a "fasting window" where I don't buy hobby related things like pens, inks, or notebooks until after Sept. 30th. The "feast" or spending window will come later in the year when the Nov/Dec fountain pen sales start! See that video for more info: czcams.com/video/hdIqPk5cdt0/...
Progress Report - June 2024
zhlédnutí 1,4KPřed 2 měsíci
In this video, I show and talk about how my fountain pens and inks for June have been working out! We look in my ink journal [old stock Bond Travel Gear 68 gsm white Tomoe River Paper] and I talk about the ups and downs so far with these pen and ink combinations. The topic for discussion today (in the library) is mainly notebooks and my choosing a notebook for my Pen Hobby Journey Documentary J...
Pen Chat about my upcoming Pen Buying Fast
zhlédnutí 1,6KPřed 2 měsíci
In this video I chat about my plans to begin using Pen Buying Fasts in a very similar way that I use Intermittent Fasting for my metabolic health/diet. I draw several similarities and talk about pitfalls I expect to encounter as I embark on a 3 month pen fast for the 3rd quarter of 2024 (July/August/September). This is the only the opening conversation about this topic which I expect to revisit...
Kobeha Graphilo A5 Slim Notebook Review
zhlédnutí 678Před 2 měsíci
In this video, I review the Kobeha Graphilo A5 Slim notebook in 7 mm line. This notebook was sent to me by pen friend and viewer MS. Thank you so much! This is the best fountain pen writing experience I've had in a notebook!!!! In this video compare this notebook with 68 gsm Tomoe River paper and CVS Caliber paper. We look at all the specifications, sizes and features and I talk about what I li...
Chris' Inked Pens - June 2024
zhlédnutí 1,5KPřed 2 měsíci
In this video, I show you the 8 fountain pens and inks I'll be writing with for June 2024. We looks at the pens, ink tiles, and do a writing sample in my Bond Travel Gear (old stock) A5 - 68 gsm Tomoe River dot grid hard cover ink journal then we look at some pink ink comparison tiles. At the end I chat a little from my library room. Special thank you to everyone who watches my videos - because...
You Can Only Keep One Per Brand - #oneinkperbrand tag
zhlédnutí 1,9KPřed 3 měsíci
In this video I talk about which bottled inks I'd keep if I could only keep one ink from each brand. I cover 23 brands plus 2 categories: black ink and "special". This is all for fun and at the same time nearly impossible but interesting to contemplate and explore! #oneinkperbrand I'd love to see pen friends' lists of favorites by brand and also your videos on the subject - so I'm inviting/tagg...
You Can Only Keep One #onefountainpenperbrand
zhlédnutí 2,5KPřed 3 měsíci
You Can Only Keep One #onefountainpenperbrand
10 Questions About Journaling - Tag Video
zhlédnutí 1,3KPřed 3 měsíci
10 Questions About Journaling - Tag Video
Paper - My Journey so Far with Fountain Pen Friendly Paper!
zhlédnutí 3,1KPřed 4 měsíci
Paper - My Journey so Far with Fountain Pen Friendly Paper!
Progress Report - March (Featuring Lamy Dark Lilac 2024)
zhlédnutí 1,9KPřed 5 měsíci
Progress Report - March (Featuring Lamy Dark Lilac 2024)
Ink Journal Talk & Flip Thru - Bond Travel Gear A5 68 GSM TR
zhlédnutí 1,2KPřed 6 měsíci
Ink Journal Talk & Flip Thru - Bond Travel Gear A5 68 GSM TR
To friends long -distsnce , i stilll write in hand but scan the handerittrn letter and forwsrd it by e-mail( the mail porto is much too high!
2 things are essental have some friends to write to,and something to tell( or you may enjoy your memories while notocieng them down on paper slowly snd neat!
Greetings my friend. I’ve just started tracking my inked pens. 4 blacks. I need to change that up. :). Have you had any issues eyedroppering the Kaweco. I’m worried about the burping issues people talk about.
This video is heartbreaking. On the positive it says a lot about you. Not everyone has the ability to be introspective. That takes vulnerability and honesty with yourself. Keep strong.
Hello Chris , I really find these videos fascinating so thank you. Since you started this series I have not bought any new fountain pens. I did not even know that I wanted to stop! It is like the opposite of advertising. I enjoy the feeling of not buying allowing me to be part of the community rather than buying pens to be part of it. If you see what I mean? Best wishes. Anne
I’ve been to corpus. With your humidity, I’d do the same thing on the ink. When we chose a warmer temperature in the hotel, everything got damp. Turns out when the ac wasn’t compressing, it was bringing in fresh air. The floor squished. Lesson learned.
Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts and comments from your community. I wish more people (especially of your generation) could step back and speak honestly and simply about their experience.
Oh Chris, it's not rambling it's stream of conscience!!! I myself have started to really slow down. But I still have just 2 more pens to arrive that were already in the works. The 3rd one I retrieved from the post office. You can see the review of the Platypus Pens Model 20 on Doodlebud's channel - I got the exact same model. Now that I'm done tempting you I think Waski had a good idea to keep items in his cart, but then I think what I may do is just put items in a wish list, and then maybe I'll forget about it. My current on again-off again focus is Ultra-Flex writing for the time being. After that I'll have to see.
Loved this video - especially the “bat shit crazy” comment! I’m 58 - your age - I’m a retired teacher and I just started a new part time job because I was looking for something in the form of a purpose….? I’ve doing ok on my pen fast, but not perfect - most helpful to me right now is the reminder that I want to buy some Hobonichi items in September so that has kept me from making some of those “nickel and dime” purchases. Thanks for these chats.
I forgot my fast and ordered some carbon black cartridges to hit the free shipping threshold on an Amazon order😂 I scolded myself at first, but then I just had to laugh!
Hi Chris, I’m very good at not spending but sometimes I say “oh I better buy it now or buy an extra, before it goes up in price. Smart shopping or excuse for spending?
I love 'minimal mom' as well !!!!!!! I found her cause I need to do a lot of decluttering of miscellaneous items, and reorganizing of my space to be A LOT more functional and utilitarian and easy to navigate. She is so encouraging and high vibe with great insight. As is currently my clutter is a reason that I don't have physical or mental space for a lot of projects of mine in my life, including many more f pens than I currently have in my collection, a very modest 12 or so. I can barely manage reinking those, and using those on a weekly basis, sometimes missing out a week or two. My goals are definitely to use them as regularly as possible. Daily if possible. Daily journaling, bullet journaling, and all sorts of to do lists. I have also been successfully fasting from window shopping for f pens cause I found myself spending a lot of time obsessively going round in circles filling up a shopping cart and then emptying it. So I've quit that and told myself that I am totally fine with the f pens I've got. I can get a few more inks to play around with, at some point the small diamine bottles, and some standard bigger bottles and that will do me for a while.
Hi @MagdalenaGniatczynska -- Minimal Mom is so awesome! I just enjoyed one of her videos where she took her children to Goodwill and Walmart and a few other places for their school shopping ... it was such a fun video! She'd be slightly horrified by my overstuffed office but I'm getting it streamlined little by little!!! She really inspires me! Good for you with a collection of a dozen fountain pens! That's such a reasonable number!!!!!
Right now I have an overwhelming desire to buy all of Van Diemen's Feline Series. I want to buy it to acknowledge the gorgeous artwork on the boxes, the beautiful descriptions, such as the ink called "Purr"- "a deliciously warm toned pink inspired by a cat's contentment". Who writes this stuff? I want to buy!! Then I ask myself, as you are soul searching in this video, does this desire come from the same place as the industrialists who want to grab more and more land? What is it? How do we find balance?
Hi Carol -- it's a good question ... how do we find balance? I'm grappling with it for sure! I've had days where I felt super good in terms of using what I have and not being at all haunted by the "wants" which is good. Those ink companies really know how to evoke emotional connections in their naming practices!!! I have to say, Van Dieman's ink is particularly good at their naming and branding!!!! But their ink is very very awesome as well so I never feel cheated when I get their inks. It's just hard to know where to draw the line right!? Colorverse is another particularly good company for evoking a strong connection to their ink names!!!!!!
As planned, I broke my pen fast at the DC Show. I'm now starting to think about how I want to go forward - wait until National Fountain Pen Day? Maybe. I am finding other obsessions/hobbies and I think by pausing on buying, I'm spending more time with the pens I already have, which is good.
Hi Terri!!! I usually forget about Fountain Pen Day until it's upon us and all over Instagram! :)
I may have to break my pen & ink no spend. The index cards that I ordered arrived this morning, and that then prompted a thought about archival ink......if I don'thave any in my ink stash (I vaguely remember that I had thoughts a few years back about buying a bottle, but I cannot recall if I actually ever did), then I'll have to purchase a bottle! Given that I'm making paper index records of my family trees in addition to my existing digital records, I then thought that maybe I ought to store the index cards in such as an acid free box to help preserve the paper. After all I said to myself, future generations may find it interesting going through all the cards, photographs, etc., so suitable storage containers ought to be investigated. I ask myself as I write this, am I starting to go down a rabbit hole with this project 😂? I'm not too concerned that I may be breaking my no spend on pens and inks, because I've exceeded the initial no spend period that I set for myself..........and I only plan on buying one bottle!
Hi Annie! Oh what a wonderful project you're doing! Manuel is deep into genealogy as well ... I wonder if he ever thought of using index cards. He quickly set up a file to log his DVD collection into a wooden file box ... we're having hot weather that really rules out any outdoor activity until it's more livable outside. :) I hope you find a just right archival ink!!!
Great video. I thoroughly enjoyed it - a different angle on the pen hobby. I suppose I am on a pen fast as I haven't bought one for a few months. I am focusing on the autumn pen show in London in October, when I may buy another pen, though I'll mainly be looking at storage solutions.
Hi Christopher! Oh that will be a lot of fun ... the pen show!!!!
Thanks Chris! Another interesting discussion. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Appreciate your perspective and efforts on behalf of the fountain pen community!
Hi Mike - thank you! :)
I must be in the buying phase after not buying any pens since February. The pause has given me time to properly consider what I want. For me that was vintage pens with gold nibs. Now I will need will power to control my eBay bidding.
Hi Sue! Wow 6 months - that's good! :)
Hi Chris, Thank you very much for the mention in your video. I feel very honored. The channel’s name tag has changed on CZcams, but my name is Lucas Bosco 😁. Regarding the video, not spending has been quite difficult for me, but so far, it has worked out. The part about “nickel and dime” was excellent. It made me think a lot because I admit that sometimes I did that just to get a new pen or ink, even though I could save for other things or for a pen that I would like to have but is beyond what I could afford. I really enjoy your idea for a pen fast. Oh, about the analogy, I heard it a few years ago in a speech, and since then, it sometimes comes to mind. I am immensely grateful for the video. 😊😊
Hi Lucas! I'm glad it's working out so far for you! I know for me, it is challenging off and on ... I'm just really grateful that I now am seeing past spending behavior more clearly. Maybe that will help me avoid making the same mistakes!
I'm down to 49 pens, but I doubt I will ever get down to my target 24. I'd have to get rid of some really nice pens, just because I never use them. Guess I need a higher target.
A 40 pen case? LOL I once tried for that but .... failed!
I'm on a temporary pen buying ban, because of some expensive home repairs; currently taking place; but thankfully I have enough pens; and video ideas; to keep me occupied for the near future. I really liked the comment from the viewer who likened the pen hobby to a dog chasing a ball. That really struck a chord with me. Anxiety is definitely a buying trigger. You can convince yourself that you need; or deserve; that little bit of happiness that comes with a new purchase.
Hi Teresa! I felt good that I was at least quick to recognize this time that my nervousness/anxiety was driving me to think I "needed" to purchase something. :)
Fasting, I blew it in the month of July. Four pens and there is no excuse even tho it was my birthday month. Here it is Aug. and moving my craft room to another room in the house has let me know, I can get carried away no matter what I'm into at the moment. Chris, you are so right, it feels good to share and give to those who needs it more than me.
Hi @pdtrubber - oh wow -- I think I'd feel it real clearly if I had to move all my pen stuff from my office to another area ... it's a lot. I recently moved shelves and just transferring the baskets and so on one shelf to another really showed me the volume of supplies. :)
Chris, we enjoy your content, don’t change yourself because of any of us, but only if you want. Those goals are nearer, stay the course.
Hi @JRDiaz-tn5kb thank you! I feel stronger to stay on my pen fast after "talking" it out here!!!!!
I really enjoyed this video and benefitted from it, Chris. So much of what you said resonates for me. I am also thinking about how I can make some kind of positive contribution to the world. And I hope you will feel good about your purchase of index cards. You need them for your project and you chose economical ones. I would be out buying the high-end ones so they'd be fountain pen friendly. 😏 You are a great role model!
Hi Marilyn! I'm so glad the topic(s) resonate!!! I am excited about the index cards I got. The thing I struggle with is the sort of frenzy it seems to instigate whereby I research and online shop for more/better .... putting me in danger of crossing the line from need to greed I guess. :) So far so good. I'm sure glad the ones from Jot and Pen & Gear are good! :)
Hi Chris- Thank you for continuing to share your pen fast experiences with us. Also very appreciative of all of the posts you do each month. These are definitely fantastic contributions to those of us in the hobby! Best regards, as always!
Hi Mike -- thank you! Hope all is well for you!
I look forward to your chats on the delay or no buy of pens or inks. Today I looked at my ink swatch cards and an I picked from the choices I have. It felt really nice to shop at home.
Hi @mizquilter that's an awesome feeling right!!!?
What I've found helps online is to let it sit in a cart for a few weeks. I used a lot of index cards recently on a project, and was feeling like I needed to replenish. Well, no, I still have a lot of index cards left over, as I realized after letting my cart sit for a while. When the collection gets smaller, then I'll replace. And you made me think about the quality I need. These are for research purposes and eventually an outline. Maybe the cheap ones sold even in my little town will be good enough for that! Stationery is my Achilles heal.
Hi there!!! Yes, I've found the jot index cards from Dollar Tree are really good with my Platinum Preppy 03/Fine ... that was a great surprise ... I'm using Cross Black ink. They come with 250 for $1.25 ... I'm not sure if you have a dollar tree but most of the dollar stores have something fairly comparable. I go thru so many that I really can't justify the $10/100 price at all. I do love those nice fountain pen friendly grid ones by Exacompta ... but at the rate I use them ... 10 cents per card vs 2 cards for 1 cent ... I just am willing to stick with the Jot or the Pen & Gear from Walmart. :)
This was a great video... I'm winding down on the ink reviews end of the month and I was sent some inks to review from an affiliate program I'm in so I cant wait to share those as soon as they come in but after that the only thing I have to look forward to are the Pelikan Hub in September and then thats it my birthday end of October I'm not going out I'm staying home and then if I make enough money from my affiliate program by end of september I will get the Diamine inkvent calendar but if I dont I wont get it this year I have 75 inks I can pick those and make my own inkvent calendar but I think after the new year I am done buying I dont need any new journals or inks I have so many to choose from being the Ink Master for the OC Pen Club is Awesome and all but I'm running out of steam I need a break.... so if I dont recieve any inks I'm taking september to just live journal play with the pens and inks that I have ... I really havnt spent any money on inks or pens or paper I've been gifted so many inks and pens lately and I've sold pens so I can buy new pens so I havnt technically spent any money on pens or inks sense The Diamine Inkvent 2023 so If I continue this trend I hope not to spend any money for the rest of the year :) I am glad you're doing well give Manuel and the kitties a squeeze for me and I will chat with you soon take care <3
Hi Marilyn!!! Oh that's wonderful about your affiliate program ...! It is so true that sometimes we need a break and I know from experience that after I do take a break from making videos I usually come back all fired up and fresh. :)
This is the time where it gets tough with fomo, with all of the new planners and pens coming out now and around Christmas....yikes. Much strength to us all...lol. So happy for you and thank you for sharing.
@@BlushnBlue I just made a decision that I am no longer going to start new planners in January - instead I am going to start on my birthday month (my personal new year) - however my birthday is in September just when everyone is releasing those new planners 😱🤪 - but I also decided to go with undated so that limited my choices
Not to mention Fountain Pen Day! That's an especially hard time to be strong.
@@marilyngardner4269 I was going to ask what day it fountain pen day but, best I do not know....LOL
@@BlushnBlue Exactly. And unless you stay off social media completely, you won't be able to miss it.
Hi @BlushnBlue -- it sure is the "danger zone" coming up real soon ... with planner releases and all the holiday pens and inks ... yikes ... we all need lots of mindfulness to navigate it and keep to our plans and budgets for sure! I get tempted by stuff I don't even really like that much for my own planning because the marketing and hype is so wildly exciting. :)
great video Chris
Thank you @impish22
"But I'm not nickel and diming!" "Really? Do you really NEED that?" For me, if id only gotten what I needed, I'd only have a single fountain pen and a single bottle of ink. Of course, for me, a vintage Esterbrook. 😁 Probably gray. With either a fine or medium nib. And the cheapest ink per unit I could find. (Probably Waterman Serenity Blue, as it's regularly around $5-7 USD on Amazon, for basically 2 ounces.) But, because of my family purge of my inks, i did start getting inks all over again (there's still gaps in my Esterbrook collection which I still get when possible. Just not whatever I find for "cheap enough.") And I currently have plenty of ink for my current situation. Some for the things I have to fill out. Some for letters. Frankly, more than I really needed. So, I'm avoiding getting most things after a week or so ago (i got the pocket sized pen case then. Didn't want caps coming off in my pockets. So, though not exactly a need, something useful for me.) I have a gift card for Anderson Pens. Have had it for a couple months. Could have used it several times, but it's staying until I have space to work on a vintage pen. I have several that need work, but I also have enough to write with already, Do I want to use the ones that need a new ink sac? Certainly! They're ones that I've looked for for years. (Though it's kinda small for me, an Esterbrook SJ from 1942-48, probably closer to 1948, for example. First "transitional" J series SJ I've ever seen. And the 2 beautiful Esterbrook "Dollar" in copper or green I'd gotten. Look new, except for needing new ink sacs.) I have enough pens I can use right now. Enough inks, though not a big selection. Enough paper. 3 small Pen+Gear notebooks as "memory space." Envelopes. Even blank greeting cards and postage stamps. What else do I really need right now? Not even opening the bottle of Sheaffer Skrip Red i recently found because I really don't need it right away. Of course, this all might change tomorrow.😂 And I also might sprout wings and start flying. Giving to others, I will buy something. Because I'm pretty sure I'll end up leaving my pens and such to a great niece, I am trying to encourage her use of fountain pens as well as her preferred dip pens. Got her a Parker 45 and a bottle of Waterman Harmonious Green. Parker 45 is the ultimate cross between vintage and modern, IMO. First from 1960, made until 2008. So, definitely a vintage design, but a very modern filling system (cartridge converter.) Super easy to disassemble and clean. And the ink is also easy to deal with in general. (Waterman makes some of the best behaved inks out there. And they are all "washable" today. ) Might be looking for one for a retired Army veteran, as well. (A nephew who moved back to the area and expressed interest in fountain pens.) He had a college professor who uses them exclusively. So, about $25 or so, with hunting (might try for a 45 fountain pen, Jotter ballpoint and mechanical pencil set, if it's cheap enough. All would suit his needs (like me, he carries a small pocket notebook for jotting things down, and the 45 and Jotter range are great for just dropping in your pocket and going.)
Hi Paul!!! I still shudder to think of ink thrown away lol ... it's enough to make me want to label my shelves in case I ever end up in the hospital and someone gets an idea to "clean up" my hobby stuff. Yikes. :) I know people just want to help but I guess it's hard for any non-fountain pen fanatics to know what is important or rare. :) Hope you're feeling well these days!!!!!!
I so remembered the commercial...couldn't had a V8....Then "batshit crazy" really made me realize how seldom I hear the euphemisms and sayings from my younger days. That's why I just love your channel Chris....you are so down to earth and real. Your bravery shines brightly through your willingness to be vulnerable on your channel. How does one get on your own pal list? I would love to get to know you better even though I'm in California. Like you I fast intermittently and switched from Keto to Carnivore last year. Changed my life! Thanks for the great content Chris.
I am also in california where abouts we shoujld be pen friends <3 MMD
Hi @incognitoedc - thank you it's fun remembering those old ads and sayings from the 70s and 80s lol. How is your KETO working? I have tried KETO like eating but it got maybe too drastic combined with 20:4 intermittent fasting. I think if I got it just right -- the carbs and the eating window my health would surely be even better !!!!
@@ChrisSaenz13 I did Keto for about a year and a half, lost 80 lbs and felt great. But then stalled as trying to lose 100 lbs. After 6 months learned about Carnivore. It did wonders for my chronic inflammation and reduced my pain levels significantly! I highly recommend Keto. And it's a great bridge to carnivore or as Dr. Ken Berry calls it "The Proper Human Diet". In the beginning I had a hard time wrapping my head around the lies we have been fed since the 50's and 60's about nutrition, toxic seed oils, carbs, and of course sugar. I highly recommend the book "The Big Fat Surprise" by Nina Teicholz, and Dr. Ken Berry on CZcams. Both will change your life! It did mine.
Please don't change your letter writing for me!! I look forward seeing the diferent inks cause I might want to try them, and I know what they look like before I get a new one or shop my ink samples.
Hi Sharon -- lol -- I do like using a different color on every page!!!! Glad it isn't too annoying.
Oooh 🙁 “nickel and dime” hit me hard! So often I buy a lesser expensive item just to get that new acquisition fix, where if I had waited and saved my money - with a little discipline and time I would have been able to get an item that I really desired but felt was too costly
Same here. If I add up all of my cheaper pens I would have my goal pen easy. 😮💨
@@BlushnBlue me too
Sadly, I do the same.
Hi @SuSuSham -- I do think awareness/mindfulness is the first step of really changing those kinds of habits of repetitive buying smaller duplicate things!!!! :)
Hi!
Hi @user-gl5ld9vm7i
I was so upset when you put your ring to the side. I imagined the future video where you say it is lost. Please tell me it is all sorted. Of the inks you showed, I was most eager to see Herbin 1679 Fuschia so I will now check your other recent videos to spot that one.
Hi @Nadia_collects -- not to worry ... right nearby is a glass ring holder because I did misplace my ring once and it was traumatic so always within reach to me at my desk is that ring holder my motherinlaw gave me! The reason I misplaced it the first time was weight loss and it came off into a bag (unknown to me) that held my winter foundation ski layer lol ... it was lucky I ever found it!!!!!
I'm relieved that there's someone else who doesn't like Lamy Blue Black. It's not vibrant enough for me. Someone generously gave me a bottle of it. Luckily, my daughter does like it, so I'll pass my bottle on to her. I DO love the new Lamy Dark Lilac. It's vibrant, flows very well, and the green sheen shows up fairly well. I've recently found an ink that's similar, that I need to buy. It is Colorverse Purple Cosmo. It's a magenta with a really bright, green sheen. I also love those new Colorverse Blue Dragon inks. I agree about limited edition pens. It creates too much angst. I hope you have a good day.
Hi Teresa! Oh I was just watching your wonderful video this morning about the Rainbow Asvine V200 ... I let my friend know about the pen and your video!
As someone who learned to type library catologue cards the ease of using cards is wonderful to see. I have an old recipe card box for index cards with ink info. I put brand, if the ink is standard or shimmer, when & where I bought it and then the old "the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" written with the same glass dip pen. I file them by colour and then compare the cards when I want that perfect shade! Calligraphy is so visual - and you certainly don't get that from a spreadsheet. Thanks for the idea of the pen inventory.
Hi Nancy -- I have 3 boxes of ink tiles/swatches from the past 7+ years and many of the ink tiles are inks I only had a sample of. That master file of 3x3 cards is sorted by color. I'm now eager for a more relevant file for pens and inks to track their use and details. I'm sure I'll be making some adjustments to this to make accommodation for inks!!! It's all so much fun!!!!!
I’m back. You have so much good info. :)
Cool ... welcome back .. thank you!
Such a great idea! And I love index cards!!!
Hi @primarysources -- oh me too ... I'm slightly addicted to index cards!
😇🩷🙏🙌
why not just use the pen you inked to record the date, ink, nib (since you flip around), etc.
Good idea! I'm not sure how my current (cheap) index cards will react but I'll find out!
A thing I do to my too large rings is apply a layer of E600 jewelry glue to the inner band to "size" it and let it sit for a day, then wear. Usually, I get a couple months' wear before needing reapplication. Nothing builds up or gets caught in it, and since it cures to a sort of gummy, it can be pulled off as needed.
Hi @StaticCling99 -- wow thank you I've never heard of this stuff but I'll look into it!!!!!
First of all, I like your videos a lot. The systems seems easy, My system is similar, but it needs mutch more place. I use a new little (A7) indexcard every time I use a pen and write the pen, nib, Ink, and the dates (inked) with the freshly inked pen. When I clean a pen I writhe the cleaning-date on the card. I have two sections in my "Zettelkasten", infront the cards of the pens in use and in the back the others. Now in alphabetic order of the pen. I startet the system, because I hade no idea if I want to track the pen or the ink I use, so I do both. In theory I could change the sorting, but after 7+ years it would be hard work 😉🤣 looking forward to your next videos,
Hi @chrischoba5772 I can totally see tracking both ... if my cards exceed the size of the box I can always find a longer box. :)
Hello Chris, thank you for the video. With regard to the Diamine Amber issue , I like Diamine Fire Embers ( Inkvent blue) as an orange. Always readable and flows well, just a thought. Best wishes
Hi @anneh3185 - thank you for the ink referral! I don't think I have that ink but I have samples from 2021, 2022, and 2023 Inkvents. :)
This is such a cheerful color pallette! Love it! Somehow I ended up with 3 greens and 3 dark pink / maroons this month.
Hi Sandy -- lol -- I've had those months where I end up with 4 purples lol!!!! Pinks and greens seem to go together so well too!!!!
I loved your idea of the card system (or Zettelkasten, whatever you want to call it;) so much that I ordered a box and cards and indexes and will now start listing all my pens in it. That will take a while, but I love doing it, so it‘s not a chore. :) I‘m a sucker for lists, so I have my pens in various books and ring binders sorted by brands and by color of the ink that is currently in them. I also have all my inks swatched in a ring binder, but I think I will swatch them again on cards and put them in the same box with the pens. I am so excited for this project, it makes me giddy… 😂 Thank you for sharing as always, you‘re a real inspiration in so many ways !
Hi Heide -- these types of projects are so much fun right!!!! :) I'm still not sure about how to handle my inks ... but I can totally see filing them together with the pen card .... and later just moving into a larger 3x5 file box. Great idea!
Hello Chris! Thank you for posting this video. I can’t wait to explore your other videos and learn from you! I am a longtime writer and fountain pen user, but I haven’t gotten into the details of this hobby until recently so I am very excited to be here. Thank you!
Hi @simonneliaa -- welcome to the channel! I'm so glad you're here! Please let me know if there's anything I can help you find!!!
@@ChrisSaenz13 Thank you!!
Thank you again Chris for the video. It was great to see your review of the pens and inks. I'll be interested to see the outcome of your investigation of the Diamine orange and the TWSBI Go. I would be interested in your review of the book that you are reading just for my interest. As far as an analogue card system goes, I find a spreadsheet or database to be more useful to me. I can quickly see comparisons of the data across the differed data sets either graphicly or numerically. The bigger the data set the easier it is to use a digital process rather than a card system, for me anyway. Thank you again.
Hi @raybuck -- I definately believe that a digital spreadsheet should be easier and more efficient .... so I've worked at liking it for 7+ years but I still haven't enjoyed it. It could be because I'm just using the free Google Sheets. I've seen some other systems (Figboots) that really look amazing ... but I've not invested the time in anything but the Google Sheet which at least shows me some good details about the pens like the color names and model and who sent it if it was a gift/contribution. With my card system I'm hoping to see which pens I "check out" the most. :)
I read your list and remember the firsts videos I watched on your channel thinking "why so many twsbi eco? I will never buy twice the same pen model" I was young and naive. I've now 2 eco's and 2 preppy's and no intention to sell one of these. 😅
Hi @lagreenwitch -- it's so funny because I've picked on myself over having so many TWSBI Ecos but they are my most used pens most of the time ... especially now that I've gotten better at taking them apart for service/greasing and I'm no longer freaked out about swapping nibs (I used to be afraid I'd crush the feed). Having the different colors is great! It took me a long time to decide which one to give to my friend who is getting into fountain pens ... that's when I realized that at least I'm fond of all those Ecos and use them lol. :)