I got a couple of the Dominant Industry ink muddlers a little while ago - I really like using them for ink swatching, even though I don't do much with shimmer inks. I keep the plastic protector on the pen end unless I want to write with it. It feels a little more simple than using a full blown glass dip pen for swatching, and not overkill like with the Kakimori. I ordered them from Australia because I couldn't see them online anywhere else. Nice that you are carrying them!
Question: As a person starting out in fountain pens I really like using ink samples to play with different inks. How long does ink usually last in a sample vile?
For your question of the week. How is it that when you use a fine point nib you lose some/all of the vibrant colors and the ink on paper seems to be from a very dry/poor feeding nib. I use a EF or fine nib since I tend to write very small but enjoy the colors from wider nibs. Any thoughts on the best approach to get these colors.
The new Benu Euphoria!! So glad you went for a Euphoria model on this one. 😊 "not limited"...so it will still be available next year? Only this year? I need to know how to plan!
Question… filling systems…which type of filling system would you recommend for new fountain pen users? I don’t always want the color of the cartridge included, but am new to cartridge converters or piston fillers. What is your recommendation?
Thanks, Tom! Lots of neat stuff on your desk today. I think I'l pick up one of those muddlers, though I hope someday DI will make it a bit longer. I like the finishes on those Diplomats, too.
Thanks Tom. I am a fountain newbie. I just happened to use a Pilot Varsity for the first time. I can't believe how well it writes. It got me thinking. If I have $200, should I buy one next level pen or just buy many cheaper pens? How do you advise people to build their pen collection? Thank you.
Hi, Tom. What are some of your personal stationery favorites your excited about this year? There are so many amazing new inks and pens. Would love to hear about your faves! 🖋📕
Question: What is your favourite nib design detail? Sailor has some of my favourites, especially with their limited edition pens. I prefer the old Sailor nib detailing than the modern one. The Leonardo wings logo detail on the nib is my next favourite, followed by the horse design of the FWP carousel pen. Then after that it's the Kakuno. At this point it should just be a ranking list, right? haha The ink muddler is one I've been curious about! I've been bombarding all my friends about the ink muddler. It really inspires the cute factor combined with practicality. Perfect for swatching. Swatching in itself is such a fun way to enjoy fountain pen inks. Back when I first started, I used to mock the Inku-numa ladies just sitting around and swatching inks as a hobby. Now I'm one of them. XD Swatching happily away in addition to my other fountain pen usage.
@@GoldspotPens Oh yes, I do like the bi-coloured nibs. Some logos fit my preferred aesthetic better than others too. I remember there being quite the discussion around the change in Sailor's logo a while ago, where people were seeking out Sailor pens with the old logo only.
Hello, Tom. I wrote with a fountain many, many years ago in the sixties while in elementary school. I want to get back into writing with a fountain pen but it will be awhile. I just had shoulder surgery and so it will be awhile before I get started with a fountain pen. My question today is where,if possible, can I purchase a good loose leaf paper to use with a fountain pen? I found your channel today and subscribed. Thanks!
I have a question! =] Im fairly new to pens and this will be my first summer with my small collection. Is there anything that is advisable for keeping your pens healthy during the summer heat? I dont have AC and live in Ohio -- our temps can swing a LOT during the summer from hot and sticky to very dry..
Hey Tom! I've got a question that somewhat relates to this video. What are your thoughts on the Noodler's Boston Safety pen for trying out "risky" inks? It seems like an ideal platform, as Noodler's pens are generally pretty tuneable, and they state that it can even be used with bonded and India type inks. I've been considering one for my next step into experimenting with fountain pens. I'm really loving my Konrad and have plans to modify some of the untipped nibs to try some fun, italic style writing. Thanks!
Nice video, Tom 😃 Here a question: In in your opinion, how an IT professional can use more handwriting in the daily routine? As one, I know many apps, however, fountain pen is cool and makes me slow down 😃 Any advises? 😃 Another question: Do you recommend any fountain pen cases for Lamy Joy? Thank you and congrats for the nice video 😃👏
Hi Tom, Lots of disabled people love fountain pens because we do not have to apply pressure when writing with them. Which pens would you recommend for people who have troubles with their hands?
Question: What fountain pen, money not being a barrier, would you pull out for a friend to write with in order to pen-able them into the world of fountain pens? Personally I'd chose an E95S or custom heritage 912 with the FA nib. They always get the biggest reactions when they see them and then write with them.
Tom, what would be your pick for a weighty but slim pen? My wife is looking for a fountain pen about the same girth as a pencil but has some heft to it. I bought her a Travelers brass pen but was hoping to get something a bit more upscale next time.
Why are dip pens (besides the Kakimori options) glass? I love the thought behind the design of the ink muddler but am afraid of it breaking. Wouldn't plastic be a more affordable alternative and less likely to break?
I have heard that the Lamy 2000 has a "sweet spot" when writing and that the nib writes broader than listed. Are these true? The Benu is a pretty pen. I tend to shy away from them due to the amount of bling/sparkle in the resin. I did see the new Astrogem which intrigues me. I did purchase a Talisman from you and am now looking for another. Perhaps this will be the next one to get. Is it larger than the Talisman?
The 2k nib widths are more in-line with traditional/vintage European sizing, so a bit wider than current european nibs. If you like a typical modern European medium, you might want a 2k with a fine nib. It is sort of the opposite of getting a Japanese pen in your preferred nib width. I don't think that "the sweet spot" is really any different than any other fountain pen, but the design of the pen and nib makes it a bit easier to overlook if you have rotated your pen away from where the nib is designed to work. I'd also say that the grind of a 2k nib is a little more angular than the more typical ball shape of most nib tipping. IMO, the 2k is a great workhorse pen and the most (financially) accessable flagship pen out there. I recommend them highly, but I am admittedly biased.
Hello!!! Great content!!! 🎉🎉🎉 I recently started my fountain pen journey. I have so far: a Lamy Al Star , Lamy Lamy Vista , Pilot Prera and I recently ordered an Twsbi Eco . What would be a good next pen moving up from the beginner’s level? 🤔🤔🤔
This depends on what you love the most about the pens you use. Is it the style? The pen design? The writing feel? There are many different options to explore at the $100+ level, which include pens with nicer finishes, better materials, heftier feel, and smoother nibs.
I got a couple of the Dominant Industry ink muddlers a little while ago - I really like using them for ink swatching, even though I don't do much with shimmer inks. I keep the plastic protector on the pen end unless I want to write with it. It feels a little more simple than using a full blown glass dip pen for swatching, and not overkill like with the Kakimori. I ordered them from Australia because I couldn't see them online anywhere else. Nice that you are carrying them!
Thank you so much! I’m excited about the Opus 88 and hoping to find a Retro 51 that will be right up my nephew’s alley!
Thank you Tom. Had to get the muddler. Always good to watch your videos.
I can say having received my Benu pink champagne pen yesterday, it is truly a sparkling joy and I got the free Maruman notebook double joy. Xx
Converter /cartridge system is the best for beginners because you can clean the pen more easily.
Question: As a person starting out in fountain pens I really like using ink samples to play with different inks. How long does ink usually last in a sample vile?
For your question of the week. How is it that when you use a fine point nib you lose some/all of the vibrant colors and the ink on paper seems to be from a very dry/poor feeding nib. I use a EF or fine nib since I tend to write very small but enjoy the colors from wider nibs. Any thoughts on the best approach to get these colors.
The new Benu Euphoria!! So glad you went for a Euphoria model on this one. 😊 "not limited"...so it will still be available next year? Only this year? I need to know how to plan!
Question… filling systems…which type of filling system would you recommend for new fountain pen users? I don’t always want the color of the cartridge included, but am new to cartridge converters or piston fillers. What is your recommendation?
Thanks, Tom! Lots of neat stuff on your desk today. I think I'l pick up one of those muddlers, though I hope someday DI will make it a bit longer. I like the finishes on those Diplomats, too.
Great video thanks for your time and talent.
Thanks Tom. I am a fountain newbie. I just happened to use a Pilot Varsity for the first time. I can't believe how well it writes. It got me thinking. If I have $200, should I buy one next level pen or just buy many cheaper pens? How do you advise people to build their pen collection? Thank you.
Hi, Tom.
What are some of your personal stationery favorites your excited about this year? There are so many amazing new inks and pens. Would love to hear about your faves! 🖋📕
Thank you!
Now I have a new need for Muddlers to satisfy! 🤣
Question: What is your favourite nib design detail? Sailor has some of my favourites, especially with their limited edition pens. I prefer the old Sailor nib detailing than the modern one. The Leonardo wings logo detail on the nib is my next favourite, followed by the horse design of the FWP carousel pen. Then after that it's the Kakuno. At this point it should just be a ranking list, right? haha
The ink muddler is one I've been curious about! I've been bombarding all my friends about the ink muddler. It really inspires the cute factor combined with practicality. Perfect for swatching. Swatching in itself is such a fun way to enjoy fountain pen inks.
Back when I first started, I used to mock the Inku-numa ladies just sitting around and swatching inks as a hobby. Now I'm one of them. XD Swatching happily away in addition to my other fountain pen usage.
My favorite is the Pelikan Souveran bi-color 18kt gold nib. Absolutely gorgeous.
@@GoldspotPens Oh yes, I do like the bi-coloured nibs. Some logos fit my preferred aesthetic better than others too. I remember there being quite the discussion around the change in Sailor's logo a while ago, where people were seeking out Sailor pens with the old logo only.
10 millimeters is almost a centimeter!
I thought this would be filled with “new way to play with shimmer ink”
Hello, Tom. I wrote with a fountain many, many years ago in the sixties while in elementary school. I want to get back into writing with a fountain pen but it will be awhile. I just had shoulder surgery and so it will be awhile before I get started with a fountain pen. My question today is where,if possible, can I purchase a good loose leaf paper to use with a fountain pen? I found your channel today and subscribed. Thanks!
I have a question! =] Im fairly new to pens and this will be my first summer with my small collection. Is there anything that is advisable for keeping your pens healthy during the summer heat? I dont have AC and live in Ohio -- our temps can swing a LOT during the summer from hot and sticky to very dry..
Hey Tom! I've got a question that somewhat relates to this video. What are your thoughts on the Noodler's Boston Safety pen for trying out "risky" inks?
It seems like an ideal platform, as Noodler's pens are generally pretty tuneable, and they state that it can even be used with bonded and India type inks. I've been considering one for my next step into experimenting with fountain pens. I'm really loving my Konrad and have plans to modify some of the untipped nibs to try some fun, italic style writing. Thanks!
Nice video, Tom 😃
Here a question: In in your opinion, how an IT professional can use more handwriting in the daily routine? As one, I know many apps, however, fountain pen is cool and makes me slow down 😃 Any advises? 😃
Another question: Do you recommend any fountain pen cases for Lamy Joy?
Thank you and congrats for the nice video 😃👏
Hi Tom,
Lots of disabled people love fountain pens because we do not have to apply pressure when writing with them.
Which pens would you recommend for people who have troubles with their hands?
My question is, how often should I do a thorough cleaning of my fountain pens? Is there a way to tell if they need a thorough cleaning?
Tom, thank you for your videos they are most informative, I have a question what nib do you recommend to best highlight the shading in shading inks?
Question: What fountain pen, money not being a barrier, would you pull out for a friend to write with in order to pen-able them into the world of fountain pens?
Personally I'd chose an E95S or custom heritage 912 with the FA nib. They always get the biggest reactions when they see them and then write with them.
How do you properly clean a fountain pen with a ‘bladder” fill mechanism? Or are you supposed to just use one ink inside forever?
Question: do certain inks last more than others? Archival quality?
I adore Lamy pens ❤✒️
Question of the week... What is the best way to clean out a pen? Especially one with shimmering ink.
Tom, what would be your pick for a weighty but slim pen? My wife is looking for a fountain pen about the same girth as a pencil but has some heft to it. I bought her a Travelers brass pen but was hoping to get something a bit more upscale next time.
Check out the Caran d'Ache Ecridor, it sounds like exactly what you're looking for - goldspot.com/collections/carandache-ecridor
What would be a great'starter set' for a Father's day gift? (Pen, paper and ink combo, plus maybe a few accessories)
Why are dip pens (besides the Kakimori options) glass? I love the thought behind the design of the ink muddler but am afraid of it breaking. Wouldn't plastic be a more affordable alternative and less likely to break?
Hello, Tom, I was wondering: what was your first fountain pen? Also, do you have a Grail Fountain Pen you hope to acquire one day?
I have heard that the Lamy 2000 has a "sweet spot" when writing and that the nib writes broader than listed. Are these true?
The Benu is a pretty pen. I tend to shy away from them due to the amount of bling/sparkle in the resin. I did see the new Astrogem which intrigues me. I did purchase a Talisman from you and am now looking for another. Perhaps this will be the next one to get. Is it larger than the Talisman?
The 2k nib widths are more in-line with traditional/vintage European sizing, so a bit wider than current european nibs. If you like a typical modern European medium, you might want a 2k with a fine nib. It is sort of the opposite of getting a Japanese pen in your preferred nib width.
I don't think that "the sweet spot" is really any different than any other fountain pen, but the design of the pen and nib makes it a bit easier to overlook if you have rotated your pen away from where the nib is designed to work. I'd also say that the grind of a 2k nib is a little more angular than the more typical ball shape of most nib tipping.
IMO, the 2k is a great workhorse pen and the most (financially) accessable flagship pen out there. I recommend them highly, but I am admittedly biased.
What is the safest ink to use in a prized pen? Do you always need to match the ink brand to the pen manufacturer?
Generally, I trust putting Waterman ink in any precious pen.
I’m new to fountain pens and I’m trying to build a solid collection I want to try different brands and nib sizes any recommendations? :)
Instead of buying all the pens, I'd suggest booking a ticket to a pen show to have a hand's on experience across many different brands and nib sizes.
Cool❤
Can you compare parker 51 with lamy 2000?
Hello!!! Great content!!! 🎉🎉🎉
I recently started my fountain pen journey. I have so far: a Lamy Al Star , Lamy Lamy Vista , Pilot Prera and I recently ordered an Twsbi Eco .
What would be a good next pen moving up from the beginner’s level? 🤔🤔🤔
This depends on what you love the most about the pens you use. Is it the style? The pen design? The writing feel? There are many different options to explore at the $100+ level, which include pens with nicer finishes, better materials, heftier feel, and smoother nibs.
Hi Tom
Can customers buy items on a layaway plan at Goldspot?
We offer Shop Pay, which is a financing program that splits payments over several months.