Fountain Pen Hobby // Are you a collector or a user?
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- čas přidán 23. 07. 2024
- I've often asked myself - am I a collector or a user? Or is there a difference? Let me know your thoughts below! #fountainpen #fountainpenink
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I am definitely a user, although starting to educate myself a little more and branch out slowly into bringing in some new pens from a variety of makers. I didn’t know anyone considered FPs a “hobby” until I found YT pen videos 😊
I felt the same about fountain pens - until I started watching CZcams. Then down the rabbit hole... 😂
I admire everyone who can curate their FP collections. Because realistically, I use maybe 4-5 of my FPs at a time; and by now, about 30 years of using (middle school onward) and then collecting pens, I know what I like and what I dont like. My problem is that I ended up with over 500 pens in the meantime! And I have no problem giving a part of them away as well; I just don't know how, and dont have time, to sell them really.. I am a true nib chameleon, from needlepoint to 3B and every exotic nib in between is my jam. So a 10-20 or 30 pen collection is definitely not for me. And some pens like Namikis or Nakayas are just eye candy and I love them. But in the end I find that I love using my pens. A pen can be an amazing work of art but if it doesnt write well, I dont want it. İn my mind a collector is not someone who actually uses their pens but loves to look at them. That's definitely not me; which is ironic considering the amount of pens I have. Lets say that I love using my pens more 😏... I do get different finishes of the same pen; but I'm not interrested in getting every colour or finish. I either love the look or a special grind is sold in that particular finish etc. Finally I have no idea if I qualify as a collector since the definition of it varies a lot. But I am definitely a user
I feel every word you wrote. I think you are both. Like me, I have over 50 pens. Most of them are works of art, whether it be in body or nib, and I use them, but it is a collection.
Thank you for this! I feel very similar - if I don’t enjoy using a pen, I will sell. And there are varying definitions of collector, depending on the item you are collecting.
@@KarynaLovesToPlan That's why I find this question perplexing, because I think if you have more than I'd say 5 pens, you have a collection, as if you have a collection are you thus not a collector? Or is a collector one who keeps acquiring? Hmmmmmmm? In the watch world, this question does not come up. People have collections and they use their watches, but this idea doesn't come up. In all my years of using fountain pens, and meeting people, I have not come across many who just horde pens. Some things people collect are used by displaying them. Yes, I think a collector is a person who has the intent to acquire.
If a person is gifted 3, 5, or 15 pens say in an inheritance, but will not purchase anymore fountain pens (because they are smart, and have not been snake bitten by the bug), I would say they have a collection, but not a collector. Whether they want to use the pen would then dictate a user. A person who uses 1 pilot Kakuno, and wants to expand I would say is now a collector. Yes, that's it. If you are actively engaging in acquisition then you are a collector. End of story!!! Just kidding. 😛
Now the next question is what do we call it when we just can't stop looking at pen sites, even when you know you are not going to buy a pen at the moment? Let's say this person is looking a multiple site, multiple times a day? Just asking ,......., for a friend. Yeah for a friend.
@@ironmic9244 if your 'friend' is looking through sites often enough he/she will not like the state of their bank account in the end 😁.. that's just looking for trouble really; but I get it!
@@ironmic9244 I am always looking at pens on Instagram, more to admire rather than actively research for purchase purposes. I have my list of pens I am interested in buying, but I am spacing those out over time. I have found myself in a bit of pen overwhelm since last month, I received three new pens and I am still getting to know them. And the act of scrolling through pens on social media was more out of boredom!
Currently I am both but started as a collector. I am slowly going through my collection and noticing which pens I’m constantly inking. Hoping to curate a smaller collection. Lovely video!
Love that! Thanks for watching!
You have good judgment and practice restraint, I admire that Karyna. I appreciate that you aren’t attached to any physical object that isn’t serving you any more. We all have that one item that holds sentimental value even if we don’t use it as often. The pen your father gave you is invaluable to you and I understand why. It’s lovely seeing all of your pens lined up in one view. Beautiful mixture of fine writing instruments 🤩
Your handwriting and printing is lovely as well.
Michael what if you attach sentimental value for every pen that enters your home? I have a problem.
@@ironmic9244 oh boy….then, you’ll need pen drawers rather than cases! 😃
@@Topscura I did buy the 30 pen Leonardo chest, but I am not using for long term storage. Mostly for currently inked, needing to be cleaning, and just cleaned and time to put back into storage.
Thank you for the kind words, Michael! I truly admire your collection because yours is so beautifully and thoughtfully curated. And that Pelikan M800 Brown Black is 😍😍. And there are very few pens that will hold sentimental value, because to me, they are functional writing instruments meant to be used. At the end of the day, I love all the pretty pens but want them to be used, too.
I just got my first parker fountain pen today, the one above the jotter. I'm registered blind but love handwriting. Don't ask! Anyway I'm told my writing looks better with a ballpoint, but I like the way the fountain pen feels to write with so far. It will probably get better the more I use it. I'm amazed that people love collecting things that others not that long ago considered just something to be kept and used on a daily basis, then handed down to the next person.
Congratulations on your Parker! And collecting things has been around forever.
Wow - 105 comments - I guess there is lots to talk about here. I have filmed my review video earlier this week and after the experiments this month I came to the conclusion that I could let several pens go. And it feels good, no need for attachment. That's definitely a new development on my side. I hope we can keep this conversatio going because it seems to be needed. Thanks for joining in!
I appreciate the introspective on collections are curated from people that have a long history with the hobby. I don’t have other fountain pen hobbyists to connect with in person and CZcams has been the closest thing I have to discovering more.
I’m barely a year in, and I’m eager to try all the nibs and see the designs. I’ve already sold one of my pens as I didn’t feel the need to have duplicate pens from the same brand and the same model. I glanced at my current collection and I may sell my intro pens as a package. I’m not too keen on having a large collection, but I’m still searching for my balance with what maintains my joy as a new hobbyist.
Thanks for sharing!
Part of the process is experimenting, especially when we don’t have a pen club close by to actually hold pens in our hands. Good luck on your journey!
I believe that experimentation is often necessary to find a solution to a problem . That is just the scientific method when it comes to fountain pens for me. We see a pen ooo shiny lets buy that-- turns out to be a disappointment in some way fasion or feel --and we are on to the next pen that is ooo shiny ... unless early on in your fountain pen journey you come across a pen club or somewhere where like minded people can get together to share their fountain pen experience.. My HIGHEST recommendation before buying a fountain pen is find a PEN CLUB near you where you can go and try out pens.. Most people there will being some of their collection for people to try out and if you go to the club often enough maybe you can build a repour with those people and they will let you borrow a pen for a little while to try to see if it is worth the " hype" and maybe decide for yourself if you want to purchase one for yourself ... I understand not everyone had a pen club near you and that is where the experimentation isnt able to be had.. the ones who dont have no other option to get to have the experience of holding the pen in their hand or seeing the colors in real life or how it feels on the page does it go well with your aesthetic does it match any of the inks you have will it look good in an office setting whatever the case may be it is often necessary for people to buy pens and there is a 9/10 that the retailer will take the pen back after a certain amount of time or if its even been inked some wont and then there is the hastle of sending it back or selling it to someone else who might not enjoy that experiance so its very subjective ... the last thing I tell new comers to the pen club is TRY EVERYTHING you never know what you will like.. and if you dont enjoy it pass it along to someone who might like or keep it and make note of the things that you liked and the things you didnt and always be looking for that "GRAIL " pen :)
Thank you for this! I don’t know many near me who are in this hobby and I do have a stationery store with a few pens that I have held in my hand but they are very limited in their brands. And I agree - we all have the experimentation stage which goes in hand with the acquisition stage where want to acquire and try everything. Thank you!
When I began using fountain pens, I quickly accumulated a lot. I then decided that I needed to show that my collection is being utilized. I first began journaling, but now mostly write people’s who are on my heart. Am I a user? I’m definitely a collector! But I USE every pen that I’ve bought, although I do need to thin my collection out.
I love this. I've found more reasons to use my pens because I have more!
Yes I am I love collection of pens
great topic, thanks for sharing !!
Thanks Marie!
A new subscriber here - I'm loving your channel and your style of presentation. You do have a very beautiful collection of fountain pens. Alas, I am more of a user - if a pen writes and is comfortable, it writes and I don't much care what it looks like. I'm honestly perfectly happy with my Jinhao x750s!
With that said, I notice that you commented several times about comfort level and a pen fitting your hand. I have what my father used to call a "death grip" on a pen or pencil, so narrow pens are very uncomfortable for me to write with. The most comfortable pens I've found, both in size and material, are the Ranga ebonite pens. I buy mine from Peyton Street Pens (no affiliation) although I think Amazon carries them as well. I've learned that I need at least a 10mm diameter grip section to be comfortable and I prefer 12mm. I hope this helps.
Again, a great video! Thank you for posting.
Thanks for subscribing! Some of my more inexpensive pens I love because it writes and is comfortable (hello Kakuno!). When I write it does look like I have a death grip, and the narrower the pen, the tighter I grip. So I have also found that I need around a 10-10.5mm grip section with barely a step to the rest of the body for me to be comfortable.
I have around 20 pens, of all prices, accumulated over about 2 years. I use pretty much all of them, pass along the ones I don’t like to others. I have gone down the rabbit hole too many times with other things, today I only buy what I will use. Now I tend to use them as rewards…I have a stressful job. A really tough week - I buy myself a new pen. This last week was really bad…maybe a two pen week. While I’ve settled that the Platinum 3776 and the Platinum President are the perfect pens for me, I’m still open to other brands. Have also been considering vintage….
I wholeheartedly agree with this. I went down the planner rabbit hole and had so many stickers and planners and sticker books that I never used. And the amount of stuff I didn’t use was overwhelming. But I also like to have a pen as a reward! 😁
You have a beautiful collection of pens. I started off with only 1 pen for about a year, so I started off as a user. Then I went on Reddit and fell down the fountain pen rabbit hole. Now I am a collector and a user. I really loved collecting Twsbi Ecos.
So easy to fall down the rabbit hole. And you are not the only one I see who collects TWSBI Ecos!
I am a collector and I’m a user of my collection
A beautiful video, Karyna! I am an user and collector. I use all of my collection throughout the year. Nothing sits on the shelf. I have my favorites and my newbies, it’s such an exciting hobby. So much to learn. For me, the perfect pen is my Estie. This is the pen that I collect. It feels great in my hand, beautifully made and writes perfectly. My favorite nibs are extra fine and needlepoint. I would love to collect all their Estie, I have 12 for now😊😊 But even though I am collecting this brand, every pen gets used, some nibs more than others. A rambling way of saying I’m a blend. Thank you for all your efforts with this video, Karyna❤️❤️
Thanks for watching, Connie! I love your Estie collection and I can imagine your overall collection is just as stunning. I have found the Estie is the perfect fit in my hand and I want to try the EF and Needlepoint nibs. Something to look forward to!
Hmm, I thought about this and I think it’s a mixture of both. I do enjoy acquiring beautiful, shiny objects, but I buy them thoughtfully and I use them. Not all at once obviously, but again and again over the years. I‘m not someone who buys and later sells a pen, what I buy, I keep and use.
Thanks for this! I don’t have the option to try too many pens before I buy so there is going to be a bit of selling and letting go of pens I don’t see myself using. And yes to the beautiful shiny objects!
well explained!!! guilty of not being able to let go of my pens hahaha thanks for sharing!
If that works for you and those pens bring you joy, then great! 🥰
I started as a user but as I discovered more and more beautiful brands and models I became both a user and collector. I use a fountain pen every day. Although I now have quite a number of pens that are rarely inked up I don't want to sell them as I remember that at one time I was intrigued enough to purchase them.
I am like you, Steve. I use at least two fountain pens a day but try not to ink more than 7 at a time. We all connect to the pens differently and some have an easier time letting go of pens than others do.
Really great video. Loved listening to you work out your own connections to fountain pens. I think at the moment I am a user. I am still so new to this world. Over time, I would like to be somewhere similar to you, I want every purchase to be really thought through, but also move on pens that I just don't reach for.
Thank you! I think, depending on what stage we're at, that we're all on different levels of exploration and acquisition. We're finding what we like, and the more we try, the closer we are to curating the collection. It's all a process!!
I see myself as both because I use all my pens, but I definately dont need them all so therefore I would say that I am a collector too :)
Yes to this! There is a range and I think we can be both.
Love seeing all your pens together! I am definitely a user, I have a few, love to ink them up, but I don't seek out new ones to any great degree. Although, saying that, Lamy is my favourite brand because the triangular grip is the most comfortable to me, and I look for their new special editions each year to consider whether I want one.
You found what works for you! I tried and acquired a few because I was still finding the most comfortable pen, and I found the Estie is the most comfortable for me. Now, to tell myself I don’t need all the new colours 😂
I am both 😊 lol.
Haha I get that!
70% user, 30% collector 😊
I love how you can break it down like that!
I think there's a huge amount of grey area here. For example, some people may "collect" fountain pens, but not for the purpose of collecting every color or nib size of a certain color. To me, collecting can also mean collecting haphazardly, or collecting only one of each model and make of pen (I know someone who does that). A collection does not have to be themed in my view.
I consider myself both a user and a collector. I use fountain pens daily, but have many, many more pens than I can possibly use (well over 200, I think). I have a small sub collection that will remain permanently uninked. I also just take out my pens sometimes and look at them, which I enjoy. I do sell a pen from time to time, and I ask myself first if I will miss it too much (since I'm unlikely to get it again). I also know that I may have to sell pens someday in the event of a financial downturn; I did that once and it was painful, but I lived through it. In the end, they are just objects, and I think how we view them depends on our circumstances at the moment. I'd give up my whole collection in a heartbeat if it meant not having a serious health problem, enduring a death or other life-changing issue. There are days having lovely pens brings me much joy. There are other times when they don't matter at all given other issues I'm facing.
I don't feel guilty if a pen goes unused, as long as it brings me enjoyment to have it around.
For now, I enjoy my pens and don't let them cause me anxiety, even if I'm not using them. Someday we could all talk about another related concept, which is hoarding. I fear I hoard blank notebooks. Or do I have a collection? 😅
Thank you so much, Marilyn! I love your contribution to the conversation. You bring up many valid points - fountain pens are objects, and depending on the day, other things are much more important. I think when it comes to my Cross Botanica, I know it will stay in my collection unused which I'm learning not to feel guilty about.
As for your notebooks... that's another hot topic!
What a great perspective, Marilyn, thanks for sharing - I don't want to feel guilty for not using a pen when it brings me joy in other forms. I am totally working on that. I have found that I can absolutely let go of pens that don't serve me anymore, which to me seems like a completely different approach. Not letting go of something because I feel guilty for not using it but letting go of it to curate the collection (there we are again) to serve me even better.
@@seemownay That is a different and perhaps more joyful (or at least relaxed) approach overall. Thanks for sharing!
I’m a user who collects, which is why I buy cheap pens and use cartridges. I like to carry my pens and use them.
I feel the same way about my Esterbrook. I ordered my first Esterbrook Estie Botanical Garden and I couldn’t believe how perfect this pen is for me. I already have more on my wishlist! Haha
Isn’t it gorgeous and just so perfect in the hand? And yes I have two or three on my Wishlist already!
I am a fountain pen user, but an ink collector
Ah interesting! Do you have a huge stash of inks? Do you keep a catalogue?
I'd say for my means (being a broke college student) my collection is okay. I have about 30 to 40 bottles of ink (mostly 30ml by diamine and other cheaper inks). But then I only got into fountain pens during the pandemic and have been trying to not get my collection too big, after I had a scare, when my bottle of J. Herbin Rouge Hematite got moldy.
@@KarynaLovesToPlan Btw I love your ink exploration videos and am now really interested in getting a dusty pink ;)
@@Lara-mx4cd definitely collections will differ based on our means. If I had started this collection three years ago, I would not have progressed as fast as I have in the last 18 months. And yes to the dusty pinks!
@@Lara-mx4cd Have you checked out Pelikan Rose Quartz?
I just buy one of each. So many people seem to have Twisbi Ecos, Kawecos, Lamys, Metropolitans in every color! I only need one Kaweco Sport, one Metropolitan…
I was like that too… but I feel differently about the Esterbrook Estie! 😅
@@KarynaLovesToPlan Those are pretty, but I just have the Petrified Forest, and that’s it.
Hi,
Thanks for your CZcams channel contribution to us all fountain penthusiasts.
I have many fountain pens to write with yet many others I just collect in a hoarder's manner.
Thank you so much!!
I’m definitely a user. I have some starter pens and don’t have a desire to buy anymore. I’m happy with using only two inks too. Since I started using Hobonichi products I was curious about the writing experience of fountain pens on Tamoe river paper and I love it!! Im glad I jumped on the bandwagon. I’m happy to satisfy my curiosity and enjoy a new hobby.
This sounds great, Felicia, and you've found something that works for you!
CZcams has been recommending your content for a while but it was not until I searched for purple inks that I stopped by to check out your content. I have been watching a lot of them now but this video right here made me hit that subscribe button so fast! This is such a great question, and one a friend of mine just asked me a few days ago. I was trying to debate what pen to get for this month and was really on the fence and he asked if I was buying as collector who might want to get the special additions that might run out, or was I looking for that holy grail pen? I had not thought about this at all till he asked. I am very new hobby, and was simply looking to try a variety of pens to try different brands and different nibs to learn what I like, but in the process, I guess I am also starting a bit of a collection. Your answer to this question just resonated with me so deeply. If I buy pens that I do not enjoy using, then it will not be something I keep. I would agree with your definition of I am a user and keeping pens that I reach for and every one I own have a writing experience that brings me joy.
Thank you for bring such a wealth of content with all aspects of this hobby considering it from so many different angles. I look forward to diving into more of your content.
Thank you so much for this lovely comment! I don't feel like I've been in the hobby too long, but with the amount of videos I watch and deep diving and overthinking I do, I feel like I've been in it for longer! I truly appreciate this community and love hearing about your journey!
@@KarynaLovesToPlan I have been playing with my first few pens for a couple of weeks now and will be posting my first fountain pen video this weekend. I already know there will be a LOT more to follow as I am so passionately and nearly obsessively consuming every video on the topic I can find. I have so much to learn, and creators like you are helping me figure things out. SO again, thank you so much for all of your amazing research, advice as well as honest and detailed reviews.
I'm totally a user! I use every single one of my 8 fountain pens that I own. I love all of the different coloured inks so I love being able to use them. I haven't found a pen that I am 100% comfortable with - the TWSBI Eco that is my daily is alright, but they're not a 'true' EF nib so I struggle. Also I'm a lefty and the smudging is REAL. I would have all of the pens in all of the colours but I have to be realistic - where will I store them, am I actually going to use them and can I afford them! Thank you for another beautiful video
Love this! We all have different parameters when purchasing/acquiring pens and that makes this hobby so interesting. Thanks for sharing!
I am definitely a collector, but I use many fountain pens. I consider myself a collector because I hunt for limited or special editions and certainly have multiples of certain brands so I can obtain different (all the) models. This isn't to say that I don't use my pens. But there may be a few that will never be used because of their rarity - I think that's what makes an item a collectible instead of a pen. I wish I had the disposble income to purchase more of the high-end collectibles but for now I just have a few in my colletion that are collectibles.
I love this approach. You know what you like and love and you know what you will use and what you buy just for the collection.
You make a good point. I form an attachment to my pens and wouldn’t consider selling, even if I don’t use them regularly. I think I’m more of a collector. But it bothers me that I don’t use them. Is there a hybrid between the two, user-collector?
My friend, Katie, thinks it could be a grid between user and collector and varying degrees of each. We could all be a little bit of both!
I'm a bit of a collector and a user at this point. Initially every pen that I bought had a specific purpose. Eventually I really wanted to try a pen from each brand so I did the lower end pens from the major brands. Then I really wanted to try out the higher end pens but I got caught up in buying sailors at discounted prices from amazon. So at this point I have one of each of some of the higher end pens with gold nibs like a platinum 3776, pelikan m400 and the pilot decimo etc but I ended up with 6 sailors (2 PGS, 2 1911s and 2 minis) 🤭 I do like sailors a lot though, even if they can be a bit uncomfortable during long writing sessions so I don't think I'll be getting anymore (hopefully).
Thanks Jessica! Sounds like quite a journey with fountain pens, and finding what works for you!
I love using all my pens.. I can say that most of the pens in my collection are inked up. I love looking at them and I love using them. I'm curious to try different brands of pens at this stage, so I'd rather spend my money on different pens, however, I am enjoying my Lamy AL-Stars at the moment so I may collect these in colours that I really love. I have also discovered that I am now enjoying writing with finer nibs, so M and F ones, this will allow me to explore more pen options as before I was fixated on getting pens which would offer italic stub nibs... Definitely want to try and Estie, especially a custom grind one 😃... For now, I only have a few pens in my collection that actually do not reach for. Those I would like to keep just because they are different and I feel they are part of my collection and I do not mind not using them. The ones that I have doubles, like the Pilot Met and the Prera's I will gift. The only reason I have multiple ones is because I wanted to get the Calligraphy Medium nibs when I damaged my first nib, so now I've ended up with like 3 Prera's and 2 Met's... a lovely video Karyna, thank you for sharing.
Thanks Katie! I've loved watching your journey of acquiring and using your pens and finding what works for you!
@@KarynaLovesToPlan thank you lovely and I enjoy watching your journey as you navigate your likes and dislikes. It's a never ending learning curve and I love it 😅
-Thank you for bringing this up. Where do you sell your pens? I have some from my early days that I'd like to pass on to someone else...just don't know where to start.
I sell via Instagram or here on YT. Many sell via Reddit or Facebook groups or VirtualPenShow on Instagram.
I am a collector and a user. Which Laban Toroko is that? It’s an absolutely handsome pen! I have two Esties and they are part of my “always inked” rotation.
It is the Pinnacle - available at PenHeaven or Yoseka Stationery. And I love my Estie too - I want to keep this inked all the time!
If totally honesty is wanted here, everyone appears to be a mixture of user/collector. If there is some restraint, and curation, then we are putting forth a healthy level of the FP hobby.
Totally agree. It's not one or the other but a mix of both!
I’m both a collector and a user! I’m addicted to collecting but I don’t buy anything that I would not enjoy using on a regular basis!
Yes to this!! It is why I am constantly looking at my collection!
Wow. I feel exactly the same about the Prera and the VP. Both write well but just not that comfortable.
Yes! It might be the way I grip the pen.
I am more of a user as I love using FPs for my school and homework requirements and I have a curated collection, mostly vintage and some modern ones.
I am sure you are not a collector except for the black Pelikan you got. 😅😂
I personally know some collectors who just collect and do not use fps at all. Nice topic of discussion nevertheless. 😊
You keep picking out that black Pelikan! 😂 I love how different we all are, and that is what makes this hobby so interesting. My dad has fountain pens but is a user, not a collector at all.
I know it's not in the definition. But I think of a collection as a 'group of items for the purpose of aesthetics,' and a user as one who views their group of items as 'tools.' I think I may be both a collector and a user...I only buy pens in certain colors but for the purpose of being used. 🙃
Thanks Amy! And I agree - I won’t buy a pen unless I know I will use it. But now that I have discovered the Estie… 😅🤷🏻♀️
I better don't write anything...
cause I'll had to much fountain pens.
In my collection are about 48 fountain pens, since the last 2 years. And I think, I'm not a direct collector, I'm more a user. The most of my collection is still used.
Beginning of Lamy, Kawecos over Opus, Narwhals and until yet, two Diplomat Aeros.
I think It's not the end.
And the rest I've won't count and tell them up. It's too much and different type's of pens. I think it's a hobby to collect and use.
Only to collect its too boring.
Normally I use a pen more when It's new and then the pen goes into a normal regular use over, when It's older. And in the case I've bought a fountain pen that I've don't like, I would sell him again.
But It's not until yet, the pens I've bought... the pens I love and use.
How do you offer your pens for purchase?
I do a post here on CZcams or Instagram. Others use Reddit or Facebook or VirtualPenShow on Instagram. Always do payment via PayPal for protection.
@@KarynaLovesToPlan Thank you. Maybe it is just me but I don’t actually know how to buy when I find pens on Instagram or Reddit. Might be interesting and helpful if you, or someone, would do a video on the “buying” process.
Really enjoy your videos, please keep them coming.
@@Rgc571 there isn’t a designated area on Instagram - but do look at VirtualPenShow on Instagram. There are new listings daily. On Reddit, you need to follow the penswap group to see new listings.
@@KarynaLovesToPlan Not to be a pest and I promise this will be my final comment on this subject so as not to take too much of your time. I find pens every day on instagram and Reddit. Some I am interested in purchasing but my problem is I don’t know what to do after finding a desired pen on either site.
@@Rgc571 you message the person selling. Then you discuss shipping and pricing and how to pay. This is one way of purchasing pens. You can still purchase from retailers.
I don't think they are mutually exclusive. I have a collection of pens, and I use them. Some more often than not. I have yet to decide if I will sell what pens I know I don't have a particular fancy for. I have found as close to the perfect pen for me; it is the only pen I have multiple models of, and I will surely get more of them, but that doesn't stop me from getting other pens.
I break it down to the type of buyer: 1. The Utilitarian; this buyer interest is using the pen as a tool. They just want a pen, but with the advantages of a fountain pen. Fancy pens are not their thing. The pen is just function. 2. The Admirer (This is me); this buyer looks at the fountain pen as both a tool and artwork. They'll care for history, pedigree, perhaps brand, innovation, influence, material, design, probably gold nibs. The pen obviously has to work, but like the pretty things, the unique things, and are wiling to pay more for it. 3. The Vaulter; this buyer will buy pens and basically vault them and try to sell them later for profit, or keep them like museum pieces.
I love this and how you break it down to three categories and I think I am more 2, although I do sell once a pen is no longer bringing me joy. There will be 1 or 2 I keep simply because of its meaning rather than as a tool. Thank you for this!
I am a user, I can’t bear to not use them
Collectors vs users...collectors seem more protective and elitist of and in the fp 'community'.Users can easily become collectors. At present I am happily a 18-pen user (all in use cause i tend to ink up multiples in one colour family with a variety of nibs to use while writing or journaling). There are a few I want but wont die if I dont get them. I've observed collectors tend to have far more than my little 18-pen set. Hehehe. I am also a user cause I am not a stan of any particular brand(s) to the belittling of other brands. r/fountainpens is an interesting place to observe diehard FP collectors.
I can see that - there are some collectors who can be a bit more elitist, but thankfully, many I have encountered are so friendly and welcoming.
If you are not drawing with your fountain pens you are not a user
Wow, okay, that is one person's opinion. You may have many that disagree with you.