Happy you’re back. I believe your passion for Leonardo is making it to the audience. 3 Leonardo’s and if anyone’s on the fence about the two Pelikan’s on the list, don’t think, you’ll rarely see a M800 with a massive discount and the green demonstrator glides on paper. -What are 2-3 things you learned this year in the fountain pen industry either as an enthusiast or retailer?
I'm new to the fountain pen world and I have a question for you. After trying the Lamy Safari, Metropolitan and ensso bolt fountain pen, now I want to try a gold nib with integrated filling system fountain pen. do you have a recommendation? (Under 700$) Thanks
With five Goldspot exclusives in the Summer Top 10, you clearly have an eye for what the people want. The aesthetic of each pen seems to really showcase the unique qualities of each brand, but they all fit into the Goldspot world. What goes into the process of designing an exclusive fountain pen? I'd love to get a peek into the mind of the magician making the pen magic. 🔏🪄✨
Hi Tom, thank you for featuring such stunning pens in your video, my question is with so many options available how could one curate a good fountain pen collection? Influencers on YT seem to buy / review every pen, ink, paper, and accessory available leaving me confused.
Hello Tom, glad to see the videos are back. My question to you is, which are your top five favorite fountain pens you own, or would like to have in your collection? Thanks! :)
As an educator, I love questions about AI and its impact on human creativity. That said, what are some of the positive and negative changes to the fountain pen industry we can anticipate this year due to AI? And yes, as a sci-fi geek, that pen sings to my heart!
I missed these videos! Thank you for bringing them back and fitting them into your busy schedules!! My question for you Tom, is what pen ink combo is a must try? One that you feel addicted to and absolutely must write with!
So glad to see you back! So exciting that companies are investing in nibs, like Regalia writing lab nibs, magna Carta making a fude nib and pilot custom 823 making a signature nib - - nothing like fountain pen nibs to lend subtle panache to all things handwritten! I keep looking at the Custom 823, the legendary well-balanced Ultimate Writer's Pen, and am waffling on which nib. My question is: what is the signature nib supposed to do differently? I often find myself writing in Asian characters and B nib makes things too messy or "blobby"- - so I was wondering if Pilot's Signature nib can show the shading inks and slight line variation elegantly, without looking blobby? Or is signature nib supposed to be an easier to use stub? Or is it the pilot version of the Mont blanc 149 calligraphy series curved nib? Please tell us about this nib!
It was so good to have you back! I really enjoyed having two 'top 5' lists. 😊 With my Pilot vanishing point arriving today, I feel like I have experienced a good variety in the major brands and am looking to branch out. Not that there is anything wrong with Pilot, Platinum, Sailor, Benu, Leonardo, etc.! But can you recommend some sleeper brands for me to keep an eye on? Bonus points for non-standard colors and/or nibs.
QUESTION: How many pens do you keep inked up at a time? And do you have a 'must-have' ink that is always in one of your pens - for example a waterproof ink, or a black ink? This is a wonderful program and a delight to watch. 😊
Thanks for the content. Loved the video. Just got my first Leonardo and love it. Favorite inks of 2024 so far? Most anticipated pen for second half of the year?
An ink that I use all the time for testing pens - Waterman Serenity Blue. Any of the Waterman ink colors are safe to use with fountain pens and perfect for beginners.
Another great video! Thank you for what you do❤ My question is: While you discover the fountain pen world, buying new pens and ink, testing.. so when or how to understand that you have enough? How many pens do you need to create a full collection for every purpose you need? How to stop luggage stationery 😄🤗
Hey Tom, welcome back. Love and miss these videos. Can you tell me what fountain pen is worthy of being carried that I won’t have to be worried about leaking or the cap coming apart. So far I have two pants with ink stain. 😮 Thanks. DGR
Hi Tom! I just saw you are also going to stationery fest! I hope to get to say hello. My question is where do you see the fountain pen trends going? Or what trends have you been surprised by? Hope to build my collection that Leonardo is stunning! Thank you for the opportunity and a wonderful channel!
Question: Which fountain pen got you into the hobby, and can you recommend one that could have the same effect (to someone who is not into those...yet)? Also, a "video-inquiry": Could you maybe do a video where you rank e.g. your top ten (affordable) gold nib pens / the best choice for the first gold nib pen?
So nice to see a new video release! My question for entry: Are there any rules of thumb to follow when mixing inks? Can one mix inks from the same brand? What attributes make inks compatible or mixable? Or is it all just trial and error?
Hello Tom! I have missed your countdown SO MUCH! I’m so happy you’ve back! I have been gifted a lovely ebonite fountain pen with a gold SOFT flex nib. I understand that I’m going to need “wet” inks to avoid railroading and get the best line variation possible….what inks, or ink companies do you like? I would love to get a variety of color suggestions. I do like to match ink to pen and this beauty is a coral-pink with sand marbling. Regards, Betty
Thank you, I feel most appreciated by your comment. I'd aim for medium-saturated inks. Not too light and not too sheeny. I'd look at Sailor inks, Scribo, and Waterman and find the colors you'd like match with your pen. Sailor might be your best bet, as the color range is much more expansive.
That was quite a lovely list of top 10 pens. I have a question specifically regarding Piston filler pens, as I have really started enjoying their use with their large ink capacity, and would like maintain the pens well. How regularly should you take apart a piston filler pen to clean and lubricate the piston mechanism in order to maintain optimum functioning ?
We missed your videos, glad you are back! I would like to know what you recommend for cleaning a fountain pen when you discover that the ink you used stained it on the inside and a normal clean out doesn't remove any of the stain, specifically on a piston or vacuum demonstrator where the stain has ruined the beautiful look, thanks for any suggestions!
Enjoyed this video! Now subscribed as I love and need more pen-related shows. It’s amazing to see Goldspot collaborations with different companies. :-) My question: what’s your favorite way to store/showcase your beautiful pens? Looking forward to the next episode!
Hello Tom. This summer’s list is sizzlin’ just like many of us this 😅. Is there a shelf life on inks? What should we look for when using and “aged” ink? I am coming up on my 9th year with some inks and they seem to be doing well.
Question: When designing a new fountain pen, what are the key elements you focus on? How do you choose size, ink loading mechanism, nib type and color scheme?
I already asked a question but I have a new one, I’d seriously like to hear a discussion on this. How many pens is a good number to have in a rotation and how do you choose? Do you thoroughly clean those not in rotation and if they are being used, do you fill completely or do a partial fill since they are being used for just the month, while in rotation. Thanks? I have a growing collection and need to find an effective plan!
Great to see the popular pens this summer! As I prepare to attend the DC Pen Show (and I hope to see you there), I see that there are a number of workshops. I want to make the most of my show experience and would like to attend one of the workshops. If I am not new to fountain pens, what type of workshop would be most useful to attend?
my question is - what can people do to temper expectations when it comes to limited edition pens made with such different blanks? pens from the same release look soooo different and oftentimes i don’t get what I had envisioned - sometimes I can get over it and sometimes i can’t. so my question for you is - what is a good approach you can suggest when someone doesn’t live close to a pen store and can’t look at the pens in person? 😢
Hi Tom. I am a noon and learned a lot from your videos. My question is what qualifies you to be a collector as in how many pens or what type of pens must you have to become a collector?
Question: Say someone has up to $2k to spend in three gold nib luxury fountain pens with the following characteristics: All of them over $250 list price, at least one over $500, all of them new and have to be able to be purchased online. All of them are great lookers and all are for brands with no hassle warranty claim process if needed. Which pens would you choose?
I love Benu pens and Schmidt nibs--especially EF nibs. I noticed that the Briolette has an EF option. My question: Which Benu pens come in EF, and which OTHER pens use EF Schmidt nibs? Thanks for the chance to ask you this question. Love your videos :)
My questions are about outer & inner pen care: is it possible to remove micro-scratches? Are there pen materials that are more likely to stain from ink (or ink brands/colors that are more likely to stain pens)? Any tips/products to remove ink stains from the inside of pens? TIA!
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge of fountain pens! I have ordered a couple of pens from your store. What are your top five fountain pen and ink combination? I would love a fountain pen beginner guide for fountain pen and ink compatibility. For example, I tried multiple ink types in an extra fine TWSBI ECO that were all too dry until I inked it with Pilot Iroshizuku Yuma Guri! A series of pen and ink combination compatibility would be so helpful 🫶🙏.
I would suggest contacting a nib repair professional (a.k.a. "nibmeister") if the only issue is the pen's nib. There are a number to choose from, all are talented and capable of fixing and modifying fountain pen nibs from many brands. One that comes to mind first is Mark Bacas of www.nibgrinder.com
The entire Goldspot team is involved in contributing to the Mystery Dip. I (Tom) provide feedback to our team, carrying forward comments and criticisms from our customers so we can make an even better box of writing goodies.
So glad to find this podcast! My question is: I love sparkly inks, but they're very difficult to get out of a feed to swap to a new ink. What's the best way to handle all that glitter?
I use a straw brush, like the ones you use to clean out the inside of a reusable straw. Brush the glitter off when you're finished washing out all the ink. The brush bristles get between the fins of the feed without damaging them.
Hi Tom, thank you for the video. My question is, how long can you keep a pen inked before it needs to be emptied and cleaned? And does it make a difference if it’s cartridge, piston, vac, steel nib, gold nib, etc? Thanks so much!
Thanks for the top 5, Tom! I love to hear what is popular. What is the most popular combination of nib and pen? I know that these are the top pens, but what would be the most popular nib size within the most popular pens?
Was waiting for the next video to come up! You were missed. :) My question to consider for a future video is: Have you made any fountain pen trend predictions? Have any of them turned out to be right? Have any surprised you? So far, all of my predictions have turned out incorrect. I predicted that we would go to more plain pens after Benu came out, but that was apparently just the start of a colourful pens trend. I also thought we'd see more pink pens considering the Pantone colour of the year, but there have surprisingly been more beach and drink themed pens than I was expecting.
Beautiful beautiful lineup. Do you have any tips on swatching inks? Mine always turn out a blobby mess that dont actually show off the inks' full potential.
Question for entry: when cleaning staining inks from demonstrator pens, I’ve heard mild bleach solution, ammonia, or rubbing alcohol with contrasting advice from folks with a lot of experience with fountain pens. When flushing with water doesn’t do the trick, what do you recommend?
My question is what pen maker or individual pen has the best back story or history, in your opinion? I love learning more about how my favorite brands and pens came to be!
Nice video! Question is: if you were sitting down to write and detail your most cherished memory and you had one pen, one nib, one ink, one paper. What would those be?
I love using fountain pens and watching videos about fountain pens, but sometimes there's just too much in the way of new pens and inks! What's the best way to avoid fountain pen/ink burnout/overload?
Glad I found your channel! I have two questions I’ve been looking for a true pink/hot pink fountain pen, and have not been able to really find one. Do you know of any past pens or future that has more hot pink in it? How long can you leave ink in a fountain pen without it being used?
Welcome back, Tom. Like so many others, I've missed these videos and appreciate your work in this one. It is hard for me to believe, but I just discovered that Goldspot has a store on eBay. I just bought a Benu from it. I've been thinking about a Benu ever since they moved from Russia to Armenia after Mr. Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine. However, I haven't pulled the trigger on one because I've found them a bit too pricey and too "flashy" for my tastes. Fortunately, you had one for sale on an "or best offer" basis and we were able to make a deal for one that is still pretty colorful, but not over the top to me. My question, then, is this: How do you decide which pens to offer on eBay? Relatedly, how do you decide which to offer on an "or best offer" basis? Thanks and best wishes.
Bella runs our eBay store. She will include all the new releases on eBay, except for the Goldspot exclusives. She's in charge of all the dealmaking there. :-)
@@GoldspotPens Thanks, Tom. I'll be checking eBay for the new Visconti Purgatory to go "or best offer." As a Catholic who hopes for Purgatory because my better half assures me I'm destined for lower regions, this seems meant for me. However, the price now strikes me as high, so I'll wait a while. I suspect there won't be a huge market for this particular model, especially since not even all Catholics accept the teaching on Purgatory. Is Bella Catholic by any chance? Maybe she'd be willing to make a deal now? 🤣😉
Welcome back Tom! What nib would you recommend for pairing with your fountain pen? I just got the Dominant Industry Ink Archiving Book and want to use my ink collection for painting the drawings. Would a dip pen be best or a fude nib?
Not a question but a small suggestion: I hope in the near future Goldspot will offer a Call of the Cthulhu sticker for sale. I'm using the Wearingeul ink but the Sailor Cthulhu pen is not in my future.
Welcome back! How do I thoroughly clean a piston filling pen? I have a couple that I’ve put wearingeul glittery inks in and I don’t know the best way to keep them clean between inks. Thank you!
Here's how I clean my fountain pens. You'll find an example of a demonstrator, piston-filling pen in this video - czcams.com/video/4DhV8mp12OY/video.html
I am a fountain pen expert here in San Francisco and I teach artists how to use FPs. A common question is “why can’t I use Indian ink in my fountain pen, and if I did is there any hope to get her drawing again? “ thanks, Eileen
Such fun different choices!! Especially color-wise. My question is - of all the nibs and types out there size, material, flex or not.. what is your most consistent smooth reliable choice?
Considering shimmering inks, is there a specific brand or type that is less likely to cause issues? Should a specific style and nib be used for shimmer inks for novice and pro? Thank You Tom for your continued dedication, you and the videos are appreciated.
Glad to have you back! My question is when travelling, how many pens is too many? Is your limit based on how long you’ll be travelling or just how many pens you can fit into a case?
Hi Tom ! Question : Are you able to send pens to Europe, because I live in France ? I’m French and I’m quite new to wonderland of fountain pen. I discovered your channel few months ago and I’ve never leave a comment because I usually don’t, but just wanted to thank you for opening myself to this brand new universe ! Sorry for my poor english, I just learned at school, and a little by myself…
Welcome! Yes, we do ship to Europe. We ship to France by special request. You'll have to reach out to our team by e-mail to place an order. Your English is better than some Americans. Thank you for leaving your kind comment.
Really nice list of pens. The Leonardo nuvola has been on my own list for a while. Do you personally prefer piston filler, eyedropper or converter pens and why?
My question: what is the king filling system in your opinion? I’ve tried everything from a touchdown to an eye dropper and even though some are very fancy and work well, I prefer simple piston or my Japanese eye droppers.
Great videos! Love all of these pens and love all of your exclusives. There’s a few which are going on the grail list for sure haha. Question - which is your favourite ‘feeling’ ink? As some have lubrications added for that smoothness factor. Thanks!!
Hello, I'm an architecture student and I'm curious about the process of creating a new pen, in terms of these factors; the concept (the story/inspiration), the design (the shape, form & style) and the build (material used, type of filling system, etc), how do companies approach this process? Does one factor take priority/focus than the others? Thank you.
I always enjoy your videos on post on IG! I generally prefer a wet nib and ink pairing. How does an ebonite feed compare to the standard feeds and is it difficult to modify an existing nib with an aftermarket feed?
I always feel an ebonite feed increases the wetness. If you search for an ebonite feed on flexbile nib factory's (no affiliation) website, you will probably be able to find a compatible feed and housing for your fountain pen. It's not difficult at all. You need to only swap the nib onto the new feed and you're golden!
I’ve mainly used my pens for art, so extra-fine or Fude nibs, but I’d like to improve my penmanship as well. Would I be better served with larger and/or more flexible nibs, or focus more on basic control and smoothness?
First, I would focus on basic control, working on the shapes of the letters, the spacing, the consistency. Then, you can add some moreflair by getting a larger nib size that creates some line variation - like a stub or flex nib.
So happy to hear the Mag 650 is not a limited edition! My question...will you be offering it in additional colors, and are there any special cleaning requirements?
No special cleaning requirements. We are expecting a new color to join the two that are coming back in August. I'll keep you in suspense as to what the color will be. :-)
I do have a question: I use my pens a lot for Scripture writing, but when I make a mistake, the ink in my pens doesn't usually like the correction/white-out tape is use. Do you have any suggestions for alternatives?
In term of these exclusives, does Goldspot pens have a list of brand they can reach out to collaborate on a design or is it usually case by case? Also how does the brand benefit from this transaction? Does it bring the brand extra awareness?
Hi Tom! I have a question that I wonder about a lot: how do you balance the ideas that the pens we buy are valuable (sometimes quite expensive) objects that we appreciate while at the same time they are tools made to be used? Can being overly protective of a pen spoil the enjoyment and intention behind its creation, or is the idea of daily driving an m1000 in your front pocket with your keys and wallet make people cringe?
I'm new to fountain pens and just crossed the 5 pen mark. Why are pen cases/storage so expensive compared to the quality most of them appear to be? Any recommendations for fairly priced cases with moderate capacity?
Tom, good to see your newest video. There seem to be about four primary filling systems used currently. I understand converters and cartridges, as well as eyedropper filling, but how does one tell the difference between other kinds of systems? How can one tell, when turning the end knob on the barrel, whether to pull up a rod connected to a plunger and the blind cap, or if it just moves inside the barrel and one can't see what's going on inside? I got a new pen, and don't want to destroy it. Thanks in advance for your answer.
There's no way of knowing and I wouldn't want to suggest screwing or pulling anything unless you're absolutely sure. Before you do anything, I suggest doing research on the pen on the web and see if you can find out what type of filling mechanism it uses.
Great list! With the talk of exclusives, I am curious: How do y'all decide what exclusives to do with which brand? Do you have an idea ahead of time of a dream pen with a specific brand and approach them, or do both parties bring options to the table?
Most of the time, we bring the ideas to the table. We have Goldspot company discussions to create ideas that we develop with the help of our trusted vendors, pen manufacturers, and brands.
The fact that fountain pens aren't "just pens" my grandpa had back in the day, but an actual science and community 🥺😍😀 AMAZING!! 🖋️
Thanks GoldSpot! please don't lose records of my previous Bills of Sale! 😊 Sincerely John MAK Curry
The pink champagne benu was my favorite on this list!
Happy you’re back. I believe your passion for Leonardo is making it to the audience. 3 Leonardo’s and if anyone’s on the fence about the two Pelikan’s on the list, don’t think, you’ll rarely see a M800 with a massive discount and the green demonstrator glides on paper.
-What are 2-3 things you learned this year in the fountain pen industry either as an enthusiast or retailer?
I'm new to the fountain pen world and I have a question for you. After trying the Lamy Safari, Metropolitan and ensso bolt fountain pen, now I want to try a gold nib with integrated filling system fountain pen. do you have a recommendation? (Under 700$)
Thanks
I'm so glad your back to fill my day with joy, just like how you would fill a pen with ink. Also, when and how did your Fountain Pen Journey begin?
Glad to see the channel is back!
With five Goldspot exclusives in the Summer Top 10, you clearly have an eye for what the people want. The aesthetic of each pen seems to really showcase the unique qualities of each brand, but they all fit into the Goldspot world. What goes into the process of designing an exclusive fountain pen? I'd love to get a peek into the mind of the magician making the pen magic. 🔏🪄✨
Hi Tom, thank you for featuring such stunning pens in your video, my question is with so many options available how could one curate a good fountain pen collection? Influencers on YT seem to buy / review every pen, ink, paper, and accessory available leaving me confused.
Hello Tom, glad to see the videos are back. My question to you is, which are your top five favorite fountain pens you own, or would like to have in your collection? Thanks! :)
As an educator, I love questions about AI and its impact on human creativity. That said, what are some of the positive and negative changes to the fountain pen industry we can anticipate this year due to AI? And yes, as a sci-fi geek, that pen sings to my heart!
Intriguing and timely question!
I bought the Leonardo Momento Nuvola I love, love it!
I missed these videos! Thank you for bringing them back and fitting them into your busy schedules!! My question for you Tom, is what pen ink combo is a must try? One that you feel addicted to and absolutely must write with!
Gorgeous pens all around!
So glad to see you back! So exciting that companies are investing in nibs, like Regalia writing lab nibs, magna Carta making a fude nib and pilot custom 823 making a signature nib - - nothing like fountain pen nibs to lend subtle panache to all things handwritten! I keep looking at the Custom 823, the legendary well-balanced Ultimate Writer's Pen, and am waffling on which nib. My question is: what is the signature nib supposed to do differently? I often find myself writing in Asian characters and B nib makes things too messy or "blobby"- - so I was wondering if Pilot's Signature nib can show the shading inks and slight line variation elegantly, without looking blobby? Or is signature nib supposed to be an easier to use stub? Or is it the pilot version of the Mont blanc 149 calligraphy series curved nib? Please tell us about this nib!
It was so good to have you back! I really enjoyed having two 'top 5' lists. 😊
With my Pilot vanishing point arriving today, I feel like I have experienced a good variety in the major brands and am looking to branch out. Not that there is anything wrong with Pilot, Platinum, Sailor, Benu, Leonardo, etc.! But can you recommend some sleeper brands for me to keep an eye on? Bonus points for non-standard colors and/or nibs.
Glad you're back with us Tom. My question is;
Is it better to store your pens standing up laying down while they are inked up.
QUESTION: How many pens do you keep inked up at a time? And do you have a 'must-have' ink that is always in one of your pens - for example a waterproof ink, or a black ink?
This is a wonderful program and a delight to watch. 😊
Thanks for the content. Loved the video. Just got my first Leonardo and love it.
Favorite inks of 2024 so far?
Most anticipated pen for second half of the year?
Hi, Tom. I wondered what fountain pen friendly inks you would recommend for someone just starting out?? :D
An ink that I use all the time for testing pens - Waterman Serenity Blue. Any of the Waterman ink colors are safe to use with fountain pens and perfect for beginners.
Another great video! Thank you for what you do❤
My question is:
While you discover the fountain pen world, buying new pens and ink, testing.. so when or how to understand that you have enough? How many pens do you need to create a full collection for every purpose you need? How to stop luggage stationery 😄🤗
Hey Tom, welcome back.
Love and miss these videos. Can you tell me what fountain pen is worthy of being carried that I won’t have to be worried about leaking or the cap coming apart. So far I have two pants with ink stain. 😮
Thanks. DGR
Glad youre back
Hi Tom! I just saw you are also going to stationery fest! I hope to get to say hello. My question is where do you see the fountain pen trends going? Or what trends have you been surprised by? Hope to build my collection that Leonardo is stunning! Thank you for the opportunity and a wonderful channel!
Question:
Which fountain pen got you into the hobby, and can you recommend one that could have the same effect (to someone who is not into those...yet)?
Also, a "video-inquiry": Could you maybe do a video where you rank e.g. your top ten (affordable) gold nib pens / the best choice for the first gold nib pen?
Mine was the Lamy Safari and I still recommend that one to the day. I like your inquiry to make the ten affordable gold nib pens.
So nice to see a new video release!
My question for entry: Are there any rules of thumb to follow when mixing inks? Can one mix inks from the same brand? What attributes make inks compatible or mixable? Or is it all just trial and error?
Hello Tom! I have missed your countdown SO MUCH! I’m so happy you’ve back! I have been gifted a lovely ebonite fountain pen with a gold SOFT flex nib. I understand that I’m going to need “wet” inks to avoid railroading and get the best line variation possible….what inks, or ink companies do you like? I would love to get a variety of color suggestions. I do like to match ink to pen and this beauty is a coral-pink with sand marbling. Regards, Betty
Thank you, I feel most appreciated by your comment.
I'd aim for medium-saturated inks. Not too light and not too sheeny. I'd look at Sailor inks, Scribo, and Waterman and find the colors you'd like match with your pen. Sailor might be your best bet, as the color range is much more expansive.
That was quite a lovely list of top 10 pens. I have a question specifically regarding Piston filler pens, as I have really started enjoying their use with their large ink capacity, and would like maintain the pens well. How regularly should you take apart a piston filler pen to clean and lubricate the piston mechanism in order to maintain optimum functioning ?
We missed your videos, glad you are back! I would like to know what you recommend for cleaning a fountain pen when you discover that the ink you used stained it on the inside and a normal clean out doesn't remove any of the stain, specifically on a piston or vacuum demonstrator where the stain has ruined the beautiful look, thanks for any suggestions!
question: what are your favourite shimmer and sheening inks? and what paper best shows off sheen, shimmer, and shading?
Happy to see you back. My question how those colorful acrílic rod are produced. How you design it?
Enjoyed this video! Now subscribed as I love and need more pen-related shows. It’s amazing to see Goldspot collaborations with different companies. :-) My question: what’s your favorite way to store/showcase your beautiful pens?
Looking forward to the next episode!
This video shows some of my favorite solutions for pen storage - czcams.com/video/OzSvd0sWYKU/video.html
Hello Tom. This summer’s list is sizzlin’ just like many of us this 😅. Is there a shelf life on inks? What should we look for when using and “aged” ink? I am coming up on my 9th year with some inks and they seem to be doing well.
Love the clear 823
Mag 650 looks incredible!
Question: When designing a new fountain pen, what are the key elements you focus on? How do you choose size, ink loading mechanism, nib type and color scheme?
Great to see you, Tom! My question is, how do flex nibs... Flex? What can we do to take care of flex nibs so we can use them for years? Thanks!
I already asked a question but I have a new one, I’d seriously like to hear a discussion on this. How many pens is a good number to have in a rotation and how do you choose? Do you thoroughly clean those not in rotation and if they are being used, do you fill completely or do a partial fill since they are being used for just the month, while in rotation. Thanks? I have a growing collection and need to find an effective plan!
Great to see the popular pens this summer! As I prepare to attend the DC Pen Show (and I hope to see you there), I see that there are a number of workshops. I want to make the most of my show experience and would like to attend one of the workshops. If I am not new to fountain pens, what type of workshop would be most useful to attend?
Unfortunately, I won't be attending this year. For non-beginners, I suggest a workshop about nib tuning, calligraphy, or journaling.
my question is - what can people do to temper expectations when it comes to limited edition pens made with such different blanks? pens from the same release look soooo different and oftentimes i don’t get what I had envisioned - sometimes I can get over it and sometimes i can’t. so my question for you is - what is a good approach you can suggest when someone doesn’t live close to a pen store and can’t look at the pens in person? 😢
Hey, we're glad to see you back!
Hi Tom. I am a noon and learned a lot from your videos. My question is what qualifies you to be a collector as in how many pens or what type of pens must you have to become a collector?
Question: Say someone has up to $2k to spend in three gold nib luxury fountain pens with the following characteristics: All of them over $250 list price, at least one over $500, all of them new and have to be able to be purchased online. All of them are great lookers and all are for brands with no hassle warranty claim process if needed. Which pens would you choose?
I love Benu pens and Schmidt nibs--especially EF nibs. I noticed that the Briolette has an EF option. My question: Which Benu pens come in EF, and which OTHER pens use EF Schmidt nibs? Thanks for the chance to ask you this question. Love your videos :)
My questions are about outer & inner pen care: is it possible to remove micro-scratches? Are there pen materials that are more likely to stain from ink (or ink brands/colors that are more likely to stain pens)? Any tips/products to remove ink stains from the inside of pens? TIA!
Great video, all these pens r so cool, I was wondering how your handwriting is so good and if there’s anything one could do to improve their’s.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge of fountain pens! I have ordered a couple of pens from your store.
What are your top five fountain pen and ink combination? I would love a fountain pen beginner guide for fountain pen and ink compatibility. For example, I tried multiple ink types in an extra fine TWSBI ECO that were all too dry until I inked it with Pilot Iroshizuku Yuma Guri! A series of pen and ink combination compatibility would be so helpful 🫶🙏.
Hey Tom, great to see you back! Do you know of any websites that I can go to to service pens with damaged nibs?
I would suggest contacting a nib repair professional (a.k.a. "nibmeister") if the only issue is the pen's nib. There are a number to choose from, all are talented and capable of fixing and modifying fountain pen nibs from many brands. One that comes to mind first is Mark Bacas of www.nibgrinder.com
Hey Tom, glad you’re back! I love the mystery dips and my question is, do you have a say in what they are?
The entire Goldspot team is involved in contributing to the Mystery Dip. I (Tom) provide feedback to our team, carrying forward comments and criticisms from our customers so we can make an even better box of writing goodies.
So glad to find this podcast! My question is: I love sparkly inks, but they're very difficult to get out of a feed to swap to a new ink. What's the best way to handle all that glitter?
I use a straw brush, like the ones you use to clean out the inside of a reusable straw. Brush the glitter off when you're finished washing out all the ink. The brush bristles get between the fins of the feed without damaging them.
Hi Tom, thank you for the video. My question is, how long can you keep a pen inked before it needs to be emptied and cleaned? And does it make a difference if it’s cartridge, piston, vac, steel nib, gold nib, etc? Thanks so much!
Thanks for the top 5, Tom! I love to hear what is popular. What is the most popular combination of nib and pen? I know that these are the top pens, but what would be the most popular nib size within the most popular pens?
Awesone pens!
My question is: why steel nibs don’t come paired with ebonite feed more often?
Was waiting for the next video to come up! You were missed. :)
My question to consider for a future video is: Have you made any fountain pen trend predictions? Have any of them turned out to be right? Have any surprised you?
So far, all of my predictions have turned out incorrect. I predicted that we would go to more plain pens after Benu came out, but that was apparently just the start of a colourful pens trend. I also thought we'd see more pink pens considering the Pantone colour of the year, but there have surprisingly been more beach and drink themed pens than I was expecting.
Beautiful beautiful lineup. Do you have any tips on swatching inks? Mine always turn out a blobby mess that dont actually show off the inks' full potential.
Welcome back, Tom. Question: Are major pen manufacturers worried about sales of Asian, Indian, and other small pen maker?
Question: If you could build the perfect fountain pen, what components and/or design would it have?
Question for entry: when cleaning staining inks from demonstrator pens, I’ve heard mild bleach solution, ammonia, or rubbing alcohol with contrasting advice from folks with a lot of experience with fountain pens. When flushing with water doesn’t do the trick, what do you recommend?
My question is what pen maker or individual pen has the best back story or history, in your opinion? I love learning more about how my favorite brands and pens came to be!
Nice video!
Question is: if you were sitting down to write and detail your most cherished memory and you had one pen, one nib, one ink, one paper. What would those be?
I love using fountain pens and watching videos about fountain pens, but sometimes there's just too much in the way of new pens and inks! What's the best way to avoid fountain pen/ink burnout/overload?
Glad I found your channel! I have two questions I’ve been looking for a true pink/hot pink fountain pen, and have not been able to really find one. Do you know of any past pens or future that has more hot pink in it? How long can you leave ink in a fountain pen without it being used?
glad to see you back! What goes into planning an exclusive design pen?
Welcome back, Tom. Like so many others, I've missed these videos and appreciate your work in this one.
It is hard for me to believe, but I just discovered that Goldspot has a store on eBay. I just bought a Benu from it. I've been thinking about a Benu ever since they moved from Russia to Armenia after Mr. Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine. However, I haven't pulled the trigger on one because I've found them a bit too pricey and too "flashy" for my tastes. Fortunately, you had one for sale on an "or best offer" basis and we were able to make a deal for one that is still pretty colorful, but not over the top to me.
My question, then, is this: How do you decide which pens to offer on eBay? Relatedly, how do you decide which to offer on an "or best offer" basis?
Thanks and best wishes.
Bella runs our eBay store. She will include all the new releases on eBay, except for the Goldspot exclusives. She's in charge of all the dealmaking there. :-)
@@GoldspotPens Thanks, Tom. I'll be checking eBay for the new Visconti Purgatory to go "or best offer." As a Catholic who hopes for Purgatory because my better half assures me I'm destined for lower regions, this seems meant for me. However, the price now strikes me as high, so I'll wait a while. I suspect there won't be a huge market for this particular model, especially since not even all Catholics accept the teaching on Purgatory. Is Bella Catholic by any chance? Maybe she'd be willing to make a deal now? 🤣😉
As someone who is new to using and collecting fountain pens, what would you say is the best advice to keep in mind when shopping for a new pen?
Welcome back Tom! What nib would you recommend for pairing with your fountain pen? I just got the Dominant Industry Ink Archiving Book and want to use my ink collection for painting the drawings. Would a dip pen be best or a fude nib?
Not a question but a small suggestion: I hope in the near future Goldspot will offer a Call of the Cthulhu sticker for sale. I'm using the Wearingeul ink but the Sailor Cthulhu pen is not in my future.
Possibly! I'll check with our ordering department to see if we can get them on the website.
Welcome back! How do I thoroughly clean a piston filling pen? I have a couple that I’ve put wearingeul glittery inks in and I don’t know the best way to keep them clean between inks. Thank you!
Here's how I clean my fountain pens. You'll find an example of a demonstrator, piston-filling pen in this video - czcams.com/video/4DhV8mp12OY/video.html
Lovely top 10 list! 😍 What’s a new release we should be putting on our Christmas lists this year?
I am a fountain pen expert here in San Francisco and I teach artists how to use FPs. A common question is “why can’t I use Indian ink in my fountain pen, and if I did is there any hope to get her drawing again? “ thanks, Eileen
Gosh! About time! Missed your podcast.
Hi! I was going to ask if it is normal for the feed on a new fountain pen to use up a lot of the ink from an ink cartridge
It could be. Or, it might be possible the cartridge wasn't completely full to start.
Hi Tom. Do you think you should use a dedicated pen for shimmer/glitter inks or it doesn’t matter and you can use any pen you like?
Such fun different choices!! Especially color-wise. My question is - of all the nibs and types out there size, material, flex or not.. what is your most consistent smooth reliable choice?
Considering shimmering inks, is there a specific brand or type that is less likely to cause issues? Should a specific style and nib be used for shimmer inks for novice and pro? Thank You Tom for your continued dedication, you and the videos are appreciated.
I previously shared how I use shimmer inks in this video here - czcams.com/video/2B8riYpEO-A/video.html
Hey Tom! Question: what is your recommendation on the best glittery inks that won’t clog fine nibs? 🌈🦄✨
Glad to have you back! My question is when travelling, how many pens is too many? Is your limit based on how long you’ll be travelling or just how many pens you can fit into a case?
Hi Tom !
Question : Are you able to send pens to Europe, because I live in France ?
I’m French and I’m quite new to wonderland of fountain pen. I discovered your channel few months ago and I’ve never leave a comment because I usually don’t, but just wanted to thank you for opening myself to this brand new universe !
Sorry for my poor english, I just learned at school, and a little by myself…
Welcome! Yes, we do ship to Europe. We ship to France by special request. You'll have to reach out to our team by e-mail to place an order. Your English is better than some Americans. Thank you for leaving your kind comment.
Really nice list of pens. The Leonardo nuvola has been on my own list for a while. Do you personally prefer piston filler, eyedropper or converter pens and why?
My question: what is the king filling system in your opinion?
I’ve tried everything from a touchdown to an eye dropper and even though some are very fancy and work well, I prefer simple piston or my Japanese eye droppers.
Love the Leonardo line of cartridge/converter pens. They are my first choice! 🦁 Could you please do a showcase segment of those models? Thanks!
I did this video a while back that showcases the Leonardo Momento Zero fountain pen here - czcams.com/video/MxlZUKYZPwQ/video.html
Lovely content! I am glad to see one of my favorite pens up on the list! Q: What are some brands that go under the radar that you could recommend?
Great videos! Love all of these pens and love all of your exclusives. There’s a few which are going on the grail list for sure haha. Question - which is your favourite ‘feeling’ ink? As some have lubrications added for that smoothness factor. Thanks!!
Hello, I'm an architecture student and I'm curious about the process of creating a new pen, in terms of these factors; the concept (the story/inspiration), the design (the shape, form & style) and the build (material used, type of filling system, etc), how do companies approach this process? Does one factor take priority/focus than the others? Thank you.
I always enjoy your videos on post on IG! I generally prefer a wet nib and ink pairing. How does an ebonite feed compare to the standard feeds and is it difficult to modify an existing nib with an aftermarket feed?
I always feel an ebonite feed increases the wetness. If you search for an ebonite feed on flexbile nib factory's (no affiliation) website, you will probably be able to find a compatible feed and housing for your fountain pen. It's not difficult at all. You need to only swap the nib onto the new feed and you're golden!
Is there a different way to remove baby bottom from a gold nib, then a stainless nib? Thank you for the review and information.
I’ve mainly used my pens for art, so extra-fine or Fude nibs, but I’d like to improve my penmanship as well. Would I be better served with larger and/or more flexible nibs, or focus more on basic control and smoothness?
First, I would focus on basic control, working on the shapes of the letters, the spacing, the consistency. Then, you can add some moreflair by getting a larger nib size that creates some line variation - like a stub or flex nib.
So happy to hear the Mag 650 is not a limited edition! My question...will you be offering it in additional colors, and are there any special cleaning requirements?
No special cleaning requirements. We are expecting a new color to join the two that are coming back in August. I'll keep you in suspense as to what the color will be. :-)
How do you think the Lamy pens are going to be affected after the “new management “ takes over?
Hi! Can you explain the differences between the sailor fountain pen nibs like music and zoom?
In this video, I showcase the Sailor Music, Zoom, and Naginata nibs - czcams.com/video/PKcSJNSY6Ck/video.html
Hi there! My question for you is - what ink would YOU put in the Leonardo Bella di Notte?
I do have a question: I use my pens a lot for Scripture writing, but when I make a mistake, the ink in my pens doesn't usually like the correction/white-out tape is use. Do you have any suggestions for alternatives?
In term of these exclusives, does Goldspot pens have a list of brand they can reach out to collaborate on a design or is it usually case by case? Also how does the brand benefit from this transaction? Does it bring the brand extra awareness?
What storage hacks or tips can you give when it comes to storing multiple bottles of inks?
Tom, can you do a top 10 inks countdown? I'd love to see what people are buying this summer.
Hi Tom! I have a question that I wonder about a lot: how do you balance the ideas that the pens we buy are valuable (sometimes quite expensive) objects that we appreciate while at the same time they are tools made to be used?
Can being overly protective of a pen spoil the enjoyment and intention behind its creation, or is the idea of daily driving an m1000 in your front pocket with your keys and wallet make people cringe?
Hi Tom. What are your go to pen cases when traveling or just taking your pens with you when out and about for the day?
I answer this exactly in my EDC bag dump video here -czcams.com/video/lXsoUGy3_Rs/video.html
I'm new to fountain pens and just crossed the 5 pen mark. Why are pen cases/storage so expensive compared to the quality most of them appear to be? Any recommendations for fairly priced cases with moderate capacity?
Tom, good to see your newest video. There seem to be about four primary filling systems used currently. I understand converters and cartridges, as well as eyedropper filling, but how does one tell the difference between other kinds of systems? How can one tell, when turning the end knob on the barrel, whether to pull up a rod connected to a plunger and the blind cap, or if it just moves inside the barrel and one can't see what's going on inside? I got a new pen, and don't want to destroy it. Thanks in advance for your answer.
There's no way of knowing and I wouldn't want to suggest screwing or pulling anything unless you're absolutely sure. Before you do anything, I suggest doing research on the pen on the web and see if you can find out what type of filling mechanism it uses.
Great list! With the talk of exclusives, I am curious: How do y'all decide what exclusives to do with which brand? Do you have an idea ahead of time of a dream pen with a specific brand and approach them, or do both parties bring options to the table?
Most of the time, we bring the ideas to the table. We have Goldspot company discussions to create ideas that we develop with the help of our trusted vendors, pen manufacturers, and brands.
Does the glitter or transparent/translucent properties of a pen material make a pen more prone to cracks and damage compared to solid pens?