I had to narrow it down to my top 5 favorite pens! Do you agree with my list? Do I have another pen that I should have chosen? What are your favorites?
My top five are the montblanc 149, pilot custom 823, lamy 2000, a custom wooden fountain pen my mother got for me, and the Edison collier. Your list is also wonderful
Love your poetic reflection about the lost art of writing with beautiful fountain pens. I am German and sat through precise and tedious instruction during "Schönschreiben", which, directly translated, means "Beautiful Writing" during the first three years of elementary school. While back then I may not have enjoyed staying in between the various line schemes our notebooks had during the first three years of school, I believe that it paid off. I still write and journal by hand and my handwriting looks like it is "gestochen scharf", which means precise and sharp, although it has taken on specifically unique character traits. I am eternally grateful for this important lesson during my early life, instilling in me the understanding that writing by hand is something very important for our cognitive processes and to this day a beautiful art form. My first fountain pen when I was 6 years old was a Pelikan, followed by Geha and many different Lamy fountain pens later on. To this day, I carry fountain pens with me and while people sometimes smirk when they see me whip out one of my pens, the smirk vanishes and transforms into a warm smile when I hand them a written note. There is something truly personal about these almost vanishing forms of communication that celebrates logos, the word, with a touch of class.
Thank you very very much for this wonderful and interesting comment. I am so glad you enjoyed this. I enjoyed reading about your handwriting journey. All the best and stop by again sometime.
At 74 years old, I remember using fountain pens in school, and I want to get back to them. This vlog was a good start for me to explore, which will be my first purchase. Any ideas for a newbie would be appreciated. I did not go looking for a vlog about pens and ink, but there you were, so I watched and enjoyed. I haven't journaled since 2004 when I went to Europe for the first time and decided I would get back to it. What inspired me was your discussion of SADs and Journaling on your trip to Quebec City. I'm looking forward to watching your other vlogs. I'm not a fan of tiktok, but I may have to go there. We'll see.
Hello and thank you for the kind words! I appreciate it. TikTok is pretty terrible, so I don't blame you for keeping away. If I were buying my first pen right now, I would probably go for a TWSBI Eco with a fine nib. I would probably get some nice Blue ink, Eclat de Saphir, or Oxblood. Something fun. Welcome to this community of ours and thank you for your kind and generous words.
Looking to get a Lamy Safari soon as my first fountain pen. I started out watching your Tiktok, and have been really inspired to write more, and also started journaling recently. Thank you!
The way you render the information along with the background music and the interest and enthusiasm is very pleasing and calming leave alone the valuable information you share. I just watch it for the fun of listening to you speaking with a child like enthusiasism.The content of course is top class too. Keep going...
I've recently ordered a Twisbi Vac 700R Iris with a fine nib after watching your review. Being quite new to the hobby (only my second pen and the first one I've purchased for myself) I figured this would be fun one for me try without breaking the bank. Thanks for all the entertaining and informative videos. Any new pen suggestions are always welcome!
Hello Ian! Thank you for the kind words and congratulations on the awesome pen choice! That is a great second pen. If the fill or anything else gets a little tricky, reach out and I would be happy to help. I am so glad that you enjoy my vids! Take care and all the best.
Fountain pens are important to me (they remind me of the first one I was gifted at the age of 10, among other things) and so are your videos. Many years have passed between that Pelikan M200 and your CZcams channel and I thank you
Thank you very much! I appreciate the encouragement. It’s an interesting pen with specific marketing that really hooked me in. I don’t mind though. Sometimes it fun to just enjoy something thoroughly. Happy to have you here and wish you all the best.
What a great list of your top 5 pens. I'm really drawn to the Montblanc Egyptian style pen. Your style and aesthetics are similar to mine. Your delivery and demeanor are calming and educational. One of my favorite current pens is the Asvine 169. It is a skeletonized chrome over brass with a rich blue acrylic transparent barrel and is a vacuum filler. The "fine" steel nib is tuned at the factory and is buttery smooth. For the price, it is an excellent buy. Thanks for all your videos as I look forward to each and every one!
Thank you so much for the kind words. I am so glad that you like the video. I am working hard on making them entertaining and interesting. The Asvine 169 sounds amazing. I had never heard of it, so I will go in search of it. Thanks so much for checking in and do keep in touch. All the best.
I love the fixed blade Scandi-ground knife you show with your Brass Sport! It looks like a very handy size. The Brass Sport is also one of my favorite pens. FYI: only the metal Sport and Art Sport pens have threaded nib units that you can swap out easily. The Classic and Skyline Sports have friction fitted nibs and feeds - so you can swap them out, but it's more fiddly.
Just found your channel through my husband! Thank you for your posts! I enjoyed this one last night. I’ve recently resumed my interest in fountain pens. While I have mostly modern pens like the Laban and some of the Chinese ones, I also resumed my interest in vintage pens. After watching last night, my husband and I reviewed my five vintage pens and rated them 1-5. The top was Waterman 0552 1/2 LEC. Gold filigree with lever filler. Great writer! 2 - Montblanc 420 with gold nib; 3 Waterman Taperlite Corinth gold nib; 4- Parker 45 corn barrel gold nib and 5 Parker 51 corodovan Brown gold nib extra fine nib. The Parker 51 probably rated so low because it’s an extra fine nib and a lot of feedback. We’d love a show on your antique pens! I know you have the waterman 52 but in black. What a great writer it is too!
Gold Waterman sounds Lovely! The MB too! Thanks for the kind words on my Channel. I should definitely do more on Vintage pens! Thanks again and speak again soon.
I have to say I love my Montblanc 146, I picked up my first one in a charity shop for £20 its a broad nib. I now own two more in a medium and fine and the fine is probably my favorite nib (for now). Love your channel I just stumbled upon it this evening.
Thank you so much for the kind comment. I appreciated very much and I’m glad you found my channel. That monblong 146 is a fantastic pen and what a great buy. You really can find great opportunities out there if your patient and you look. Great job. Stop by and see me again sometime. Take care and all the best
Nice list! Very well spoken and put together. I've recently purchased my first (budget) fountain pen after watching your TikToks! Keep up the awesome work!
@@HemingwayJones hey! Thanks for the reply! I bought a Hongdian A3 matte black aluminum pen with an extra fine nib. Also got some Dryden Designs Unforgiving Black ink. Less than $40 combined and is a good beginner pen so far. It’s be cool for you to buy and test sub $25 pens on your channel!
Hello! I have the Vac 700 and for me, it is always near the top of my list… and the Eco is not far behind. I’m very interested in the Kaweco. Do you find the grip slippery? I’ve always avoided metallic grips but it looks like I might be able to hold on to the brass more easily than steel. Thoughts? Thank you.
Hello and excellent comment. Love that TWSBI pen. I don’t find the brass slippery, but it’s a good point. I think the faceted body of the pen helps to anchor it in place. That’s a help. Thank would try it and see how it feels for you. All the best.
Nice top 5. I agree with the Montblancs - I have three Montblancs in my top 5 (146 with OM nib, Unicef LeGrand with OB nib, JFK with BB nib) in my top 5, along with a bespoke Franklin Christoph Panther with Masuyama CI nib; and the newest member to the top 5 - a Faber Castell Emotion with a Speer Architect nib. Your discussion of the CI from Pen Realm really grabbed my interest. I will have to order one in the near future.
Hello, My Friend, thank you very much for the kind words. You have a very nice collection there. I see that you like some bold lines; that is awesome. That LeGrand sounds amazing. You know, I have never tried the Speer Architect. How do you find it? It sounds really interesting. I saw it on the pull down of options over at Pen Realm. All the best!
Hello Simon! I am so glad that you enjoyed this. Sadly, neither. The 149 is a medium and so is the Egyptiomania, although that nib is a thing unto itself, being as soft as it is. I would love a MB calligraphy nib and one day I will go mad and buy one! Thanks so much and speak soon!
Great list! I love your poetical discussion of all your pens. My favorites include: Edison Collier Azur Skies, Edison Menlo Sweet Honey: The Arizona Pen which is made of copper, turquoise and mesquite made by Richard Altenhofen: TWSBI 580: Lamy AL-star. Honorable mentions include: Kaweco Sport and Pilot Explorer. Thank you for sharing your passion.
That sounds like my dream combo🥰 I just got a TWSBI Eco in Glow Purple and a Lamy Vista (couldn't decide!) and want another TWSBI already (edit for spelling)
I’m not new to fountain pens nor am I a seasoned user. I have a huge bias to vintage fountain pens so my favorites are based on what I currently have: 1948 Esterbrook SJ (2668 nib), my 1959 Lady Sheaffer (corduroy pattern), 1947 (I think) Wahl Eversharp Skyline, and 2000 Waterman Harmonie. What modern pens do you recommend to someone who’s only written with vintage pens?
That is such a wonderful collection! I love Vintage pens too. I don’t have that many, but take delight in each one I have. There are few modern pens that feel vintage. The Montblanc Egyptomania for certain. The Pineider Full Metal Jacket with a Quill Nib. My Conway Stewart Churchill Lever Fill Honey Noire. The Montblanc 149 is virtually unchanged since the 1950s. I am struggling to think of a steel nib modern option that feels like pens from the past and I am falling short. Great question.
@@HemingwayJones ah I still greatly appreciate you responding! I also have a ~1947 Sheaffer Sentinel DeLuxe and I’m very happy with them all. Would you recommend the brass Kaweco Sport? I’m thinking about purchasing one and I’ve heard you talk about it before
Great list hemmingway, however I'm not sure my bank will thank you, I may have to pick up one of these. Your videography is getting better and better can't wait to see what it will look like in a few months. Would love a similar video on inks. Keep up the good work, your videos make my day.
Hello Caspar! Always a pleasure! Thanks so much on the kind words. I think I really need a gimble to keep things from shaking. It is fun to talk about how these things evolve. I’ll definitely do some more Ink Content. I have some ideas. This is a great suggestion too. There are some I love. Right now, they include Oxblood and Moon View 2.
@@HemingwayJones Yes I a gimble would help a lot. I have really been enjoying diamine Majestic Blue recently and private reserve spearmint. I will be looking forward to such videos !
@@HemingwayJones I didn't think you were picking on it, just your personal preference. That is one of the amazing things about fountain pens, there is a pen for everyone :)
Well, I own only 5 fountain pens (for now!) but my favorite out of all of them is my Lamy al-star with 1.1 stub nib. This is amazing pen with amazing nib
Hey Hemingway! I have recently gotten in to fountain pens after my Dad gifted me a Pilot Metropolitan. You have also been super inspiring to keep trying new pens and see what's out there. I have started to collect some pens of my own including the Lamy Safari (which I am pretty sure is a right of passage in the pen world) and the YStudios Classic Revolve. I noticed the YStudios is also in your collection and I would love to know your thoughts on it.
Hello Daniel, Congratulations on the great collection and I am happy that I could inspire you in some way. So happy to hear. I still love the Safari and use it regularly, but I wish I could buy a cylinder grip for it. That is the only thing. I like the YStudio and I did a video on it in the early days of the channel. You can find it right here: czcams.com/video/zy_W3K4HAAo/video.html I should do an update. It's an interesting and elegant pen. I like it very much. All the best.
Great video! If you are interested to explore other soft and bouncy nibs, you have to try the Pilot Custom 743 Soft Medium nib and the Pelikan M1000 Fine nib: both are really outstanding, though personally, the Pilot is my favourite. Cheers!
HJ, thanks for the video. My favorite pens are my 4 Montblanc 149, my Parker Duofold Centennial fp, my Sailor 1911 Realo fp. my Waterman Edson fp, and last but not the least, my Lamy Al-Star fps.
@@HemingwayJones - I forgot my 2 Pilot Vanishing Point fps. I love these pen, they come with wonderful nibs, and are the right size for my particular needs. I carry both in my bag nowadays. Thank you. HJ.
@@Wolverine3660 Wonderful! I love those. I don’t have one, but my wife does and it disappears from her collection on occasion. They are great pens. All the best!
If you can find one, try the Lamy Lady Rosenthal. Gorgeous porcelain barrel, mine has the plaid barrel design. It is very, very smooth with the 14k gold nib. Mine was handed down to me and honestly it feels so good to write with. I have the Lamy convertor and use Diamine ink, Ancient Copper.
@@HemingwayJones Ancient Copper is a gorgeous ink. I've been trying to find info about the Lamy Lady Rosenthal but info is sparse and seems to be at least 10 years old. A forgotten pen it seems. You can't even find info of it on the Lamy website.
My favorite is my Pilot Vanishing Point which cost me $200 here in India.. My other favorites include Platinum 3776, Pelikan M200, Parker 88, Parker Classic, Sheaffer Imperial, Intensity and a dozen pocket pens from Delike, Moonman etc…
Truly enjoyed your top 5! I rotate my pens quite regularly, as in when one runs out of ink, it gets cleaned and put away. That being said, Pelikan M600 Vibrant Orange with a medium nib, Esterbrook Oversize Cherry Maraschinos with a Broad nib, and Leonardo Momento Zero Grande in Dark Hawaii with an extra fine flex custom nib are the ones I cannot wait to use always! (I use only three pens consistently at a time) 😀
I love the Pelikan M600. That is a fine choice. Esterbrook makes excellent pens too. So pretty. I have a couple and the adapter to use the old J nibs, but I never have. I have never tried a Leonardo. I would love to. They are very pretty. How is that extra fine flex? Does it keep up with the ink flow? I would have fewer pens inked if I weren’t making content all the time. I have mostly been writing with my Pineider with the quill nib. Thanks for the great list and all the best!
@@HemingwayJones Leonardo pens was never on my radar. I was at the Chicago Pen Show last year and met Les from StyloSuite and he let me play with his flex nibs and I fell in love with the flex fine he had on the Leonardo. It was one of the best joyous purchases in 2021 and I will go back to him for more in the future! Yes honorable mention - the quill nib on my Pineider is also exciting and in my rotation as well.
You have Sibley Birds on your shelf!!! My wife and I live in a home on a river bank with woods . . . . But, to your question about what I'd have put on your list if I were you (and I'm not) . . . Pelikan m805 Stresemann Broad. Too broad for regular correspondence in the obverse with my handwriting, but in reverse keeps up with an entire letter. . . . I remember, in 1995, testing at a Staples that let me do this, a Cross and a Mont Blanc. Got the Cross. Didn't have to mortage my first born. But, I've never forgotten what writing with that Mont Blanc nib felt like. So, joy to you!
A very good point on the price. Mine was actually a gift which was lovely. I am a huge fan of Mr. Sibley who lives in the next town over. All the best.
Feel no guilt if you enjoy high end pens, they are gorgeous and wonderful writers, in many cases at least. My favourite of yours in the Montblanc 149. I haveca soft spot for Sailor, Parker amd ST Dupont fountain pens.
Here’s my top five! 1) Sailor 1911 Large-Pirates Life 2) Pilot Custom 823 3) Lamy 2000 4) Montblanc 146 5) Leonardo Momento Zero made with Jonathan Brooks resin
The Lamy 2000 is definitely a top 5 contender. Once you figure out the sweet spot, it is such a beautiful writer! It has good ink capacity and you don’t have to worry too much about fine scratches. I love mine with a B nib
I just discovered your channel today and subscribed because your presentation is so unique. My favorites are: 1. Leonardo MZG in Primary Manipulation 4 with rose gold trim, fine elastic rose gold nib, red ebonite feed. Superb wet writer and very comfortable. Beautiful resin. 2. Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age Palladium Nib extra fine. Fantastic writer, little bounce, well balanced. 3. Montblanc 146 F that I picked up second hand, cleaned about 20 years of ink out, pulled the piston and lubricated and now fills very smoothly. Polished the outside very carefully and it looks brand new. Writes flawlessly. 4. Pilot Custom 823 F Smoke. Every time I fill it after it has been in storage for a while, I ask myself why don’t use it more often? It’s just that good! 5. Montblanc Geometry Doue Platinum 145 M. The geometry cap really bounces the light and adds some sparkle to the pen. It’s a great writing experience, too. The 145 nib is smaller (shorter) than the 149 and 146 nibs but this one definitely has a bit of bounce which I like.
Thank you very much and welcome! That is a very nice list. How hard is it to disassemble a Montblanc? I admire that. Also, yes, I did an entire video on how perfect the 823 is. Top Shelf. All the best!
@@HemingwayJones Disassembly of the piston isn’t too hard - you can either purchase a special tool on eBay or use a bent tip tweezers to fit into some slots under the piston fill finial. There are CZcams videos on how to take apart the piston end. The nib is sealed by Montblanc so I don’t recommend taking it apart because that will definitely void your warranty. Since I had purchased my pen second hand and I had dated it from the 90’s, I had fun taking apart the piston assembly. As an engineer, I like to tinker with stuff anyways. 😊
@@maxwells789 I admire your skill and courage. Nice work. I wish I had been there to film it. It would have made for an excellent episode. All the best!
Great topic and timing, as I have just recently put my top ten pens together a few weeks ago. Here are my top 5: 1) ASC Bologna Extra Arco Bronze Celluloid flex nib 2) ASC Bologna Extra Israel Blue Le Royal Celluloid flex nib 3) Pelican M1000 green EF nib 4) Montblanc 149 F nib 5) Pilot Custom 845 Urushi Vermilion. F nib These are based on how well they write, Longevity of remaining a classic, and collectibility, as well as how rare some are.
@@HemingwayJones I’ve been blessed with the resources to acquire these types of pens. Not all my pens are of this caliber. I have a lot of great pens in the $100 to $300 price range which write just as good. And some cheaper ones. I love the Conklin Duragraphs and have about 6 or 7 of them.
My top 5 are at this moment are the Pilot custom 823 in a F 14k, Twsbi Eco in Smoke and rose gold ✨️ in a F nib, Pelikan M400 in F nib, Kaweco Sport in Coconut EF and a Lamy 2000 in EF. Thank you 😊
My top five Montblanc mysterious 149 (Platinum ) Pilot custom urushi Parker 51(Vintage) Graf von faber-castell classic ( Sterling Silver) Pilot custom 823
@@HemingwayJones awesome! I’ll have to check them out. I’ve got a really nice Saddleback leather bag that I carry for work and would like to find a case that matches. Unfortunately Saddleback doesn’t make pen cases… thanks for the fast reply. I’ve made the venture over to CZcams after watching your TikTok’s. Love the content!!!!
Mine would be - Pilot Custom 742 and 823, Platinum 3776 and Platinum President, and pretty much any Lamy pen, from the steel nibs to the 14k 2000. Interesting that certain pens I didn’t like at first have grown on me.
Thanks again I enjoyed it a lot. the Pineider fail to make the top 5? with the beautiful Krishna inks. My top 5 fountain pens this month: 1) Montblanc 149. 2) Pineider La Grande Bellezza Arco Blue Bee Limited Edition. 3)Pineider Full Metal Jacket fountain Pen 14K in Army Red. 4) Pilot Custom 823 Amber and number 5 is ... the Kaweco Sport Brass ... i am thinking also about the Montblanc Heritage Egyptomania Special Edition Black Fountain Pen... but I'm not sure yet, however this pen arouses my inspiration and interest, Who knows I might tie the knot today or tomorrow. Although the Otto Hutt design 07 Füllfederhalter silber also looks great... and many more...HELP
The Pineider just barely missed. It’s because I limited myself to 5 and there were ones I had to get in there. I would call it a “Historic 5.” Funny thing is I have been writing with the Pineider for weeks, so there is that! Any, the Pilot Custom 823 is such a great pen. I am about to do a video on it. It is sublime how good that pen is. Love it. Kaweco Brass too! Your list is great. I cannot disagree with any of it. All the best.
Hemingway - I need help! I have a request. I own five fountain pens: Lamy Safari Medium x2, Pilot Prera Medium, TWSBI Eco Fine and TWSBI Vac 700 R Iris in EF. I love them all. I am new to fountain pens in the past two months. So, I have a big career change, a big promotion and I thought I would invest in my first pen with a gold nib to celebrate. I journal a lot, I use a written planner, I do everything on paper with ink that I possibly can (apps, yuck!). What do you recommend??
They do not give you a lot of choice with this one! I agonized over it and went with the Medium since I love smoothness and I really like it. I don’t think you can go wrong either way though. The fine may be better for notes and whatnot, but for journaling the Medium works for you. You can see the thickness of the line in the videos I’ve posted. Thanks and if you end up buying one, please let me know. I would love to hear what you think.
@@HemingwayJones Thank you so much for your detailed reply. I will certainly let you know once I have got it. I didn’t know Montblanc have this model until I saw your video. It is a beautiful pen. The only thing is we need a bit more time to sit down and write to enjoy our pens. Thanks again for your information.
Personal Top 5 list of favorites is always fun to watch. The only Twsbi I really like and cared to keep is the Diamond Mini. Your Montblanc is an outstanding instrument. I have too many firm favorites. It would have to be at the very least a Top 10 for me. Naming just five is so painfully hard. However, in the spirit of this topic I’d say the following five are probably my absolutely indispensable, strongest favorite five (in random order): Aurora 88 Aurora Internazionale Sheaffer PFM V Sailor Pro Gear Sailor King of Pen
@@HemingwayJones ..Thanks, HJ! Too many great pens, so many favorites, so little time to savor them all. Your list is especially cool for its variety and affordability, too, with Twsbi in there. The Sailor KoP, on first appearances, seems definitely overpriced…..until you see the nib and actually write with it. Sublime, and then some…the pen is truly the King of them all.
@@sajjadhusain4146 Thanks! I am not a snob about pens. I love affordable ones too. TWSBIs are great because I would never put sheen or shimmer inks in a MB 149 for instance or even a Pilot Custom 823. The KoP is awesome. I often speak of value and whether anything is worth whatever the price is. This all has to be decided by the purchaser. I love the 149 for its unique nib and that’s the price of entry. All the best!
@@HemingwayJones One new cost nearly 800€ , while I settle with the Jinhao 159, a chinese copy that world amazing 🤷🏻♂️. Congratulations for your channel
I agree with only the five selections in your review that have unthreaded, "slip-off" caps. The Pilot 823 and the Montblanc both have threaded caps and so can't be "deployed" as quickly as the former ones. The only pen in your video that I don't own or have never used is the Kakuno. Pilot Varsity FPs are also a good choice, except that they look somewhat tacky.
I don't have any Twsbis, so I can't comment on those. Likewise the Kaweco, though for both I often think, mmm . . . . The MB 149 is of course way up there, and deservedly so. My own was also a gift, so even more special. Nothing else comes close. I'm trying to love my Lamy 2000, but my Pelikan M405, and my Filcao Silvia speak to me more. If i'm really stumped, a simple pencil transmits my thoughts to paper as well as the fanciest pen in the Universe. But once you're addicted to fountain pens, a pencil is just a stand by.
Hi Berk! Thank you very much for the kind words. I would go with the Brass Sport. The Liliput is great but it’s too small for a daily. It’s a great back up or EDC pen. Best!
Every fountain pen enthusiast should have at least one variation of the Kaweco Sport. I run Diamine cartridges in my brass Sport with a gold plated broad nib.
@@HemingwayJones It is! Very smooth writer and perfect pocket pen. Been using it for about 2 years now. The original steel M nib it came wasn’t as smooth. Could be a nice heirloom one day.
How can you be "wrong" about the "top five" pens that fit your needs and budget? They may not the same for me, or Earl Lee and Gertrude Mae, over there in the barn getting it ready fot the square dance, but that don't make you, me or them "wrong". 😁
A special greeting to you from an Egyptian lady, I purchased MB egyptomania because of you and this is my first ever deal with MB just waiting to be delivered to me and will give you my feedback
@@HemingwayJones thanks so much that's really so sweet from you ,I wish to do something to encourage you to visit Egypt and see the historical places it will be unforgettable experience
5) TWSBI ECO, any nib 4) Faber-Castell Loom, fine nib 3) Pineider Avatar, fine nib 2) Fountain Pen Revolution Himalaya (Old version with #5 nibs), any nib from EF to B (I like it because of the cheap interchangeable nibs which write nearly as good as anything.) 1) Pilot Custom Heritage 92, fine medium nib I've got a Platinum 3776 which I like and a recently purchased Sailor 1911S which I haven't quite warmed up to as well as a few cool pens from Bexley and some vintage pens from Parker, Esterbrook and Sheaffer. Least favorite/most disappointing: Kaweco Sport, Lamy Safari, Noodler's Ahab and Pelikan M600.
Thank you! I appreciate that very much! We are making progress. I have been here almost a year and a half. I think that YT is hard to get traction and it takes time. Perhaps people want to make sure that I am not going to just disappear. In any care, I am here for you and all of us that are here. Thanks so much!
I have four of the Vac 700r's, fine, medium, broad, and stub. My pocket pen is a Vac Mini in fine (medium and broad nibs on order as of this morning). They are nice pens, at least as far as my limited pen palette can discern.
Dear Mr. Hemingway Jones, I would like to write you and discuss our great passion for the tools that have enabled man to record all the events in our history, I’m 41 years old and I’m a deep collector of Pens, Fountain Pens, and Inks , stationary and quality paper, I believe the written form is the noblest of expressions and the tools we choose to transcribe our experiences shape the spirit of how we record them, I use a wax monogrammed seal on my correspondence and writing, and through my life this pen affection has always made me stand out and be noticed since so few choose to write or if so use industrially produced pens and inks that have no character or life to them! I know you share such a passion and I will be launching my CZcams channel on Pens, Inks, stationary, and other subjects that interest people, I’m a fanatic of history and wanted to be an Egyptologist as a younger man, I was almost becoming a Roman Catholic priest also in my life, these parts of my life especially the church showed me the reverence and importance of parchement, seals, coats of arms and penmanship and ink! Please let me know how I can write to you, my email is riccardo.camarda@opesinc.ca, I am a fan of the Classics and Latin hence my company name is OPES the Latin for prosperity,wealth sand good fortune! I would love to share my collection with you and secrets of my travels, my trips to Hamburg at the Montblanc Factory, and many other places, also to share notes and advice from such a master would be an honor and a privilege, Montblanc is my leading brand but I’ve opened up to many others such as Montegrappa, Pelican, Lamy, Twisby, ST DuPont and many others, and I hope to here from you soon and it would be an honor perhaps to even begin a traditional correspondence and collaboration using pen and ink and the mail!!! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Riccardo Camarda, you can message me on Facebook or reply here on CZcams if you prefer not to compose an email! I’m eager to converse with you and I sincerely appreciate your work and everything you do to keep the beauty of this dying art alive with such decorum and respect, you sir area trie gentleman and a scholar ! Your friend and fan! Riccardo Camarda
Thank you very much for the kind note. I appreciate it very much. I am so glad that you enjoy the channel and that it might inspire you in some small way. There is an email link on my home page. I wish you all the best, HJ
My top five are the montblanc 149, pilot custom 823, lamy 2000, a custom wooden fountain pen my mother got for me, and the Edison collier. Your list is also wonderful
Your list is flawless!
Love your poetic reflection about the lost art of writing with beautiful fountain pens. I am German and sat through precise and tedious instruction during "Schönschreiben", which, directly translated, means "Beautiful Writing" during the first three years of elementary school. While back then I may not have enjoyed staying in between the various line schemes our notebooks had during the first three years of school, I believe that it paid off. I still write and journal by hand and my handwriting looks like it is "gestochen scharf", which means precise and sharp, although it has taken on specifically unique character traits. I am eternally grateful for this important lesson during my early life, instilling in me the understanding that writing by hand is something very important for our cognitive processes and to this day a beautiful art form. My first fountain pen when I was 6 years old was a Pelikan, followed by Geha and many different Lamy fountain pens later on. To this day, I carry fountain pens with me and while people sometimes smirk when they see me whip out one of my pens, the smirk vanishes and transforms into a warm smile when I hand them a written note. There is something truly personal about these almost vanishing forms of communication that celebrates logos, the word, with a touch of class.
Thank you very very much for this wonderful and interesting comment. I am so glad you enjoyed this. I enjoyed reading about your handwriting journey. All the best and stop by again sometime.
At 74 years old, I remember using fountain pens in school, and I want to get back to them. This vlog was a good start for me to explore, which will be my first purchase. Any ideas for a newbie would be appreciated. I did not go looking for a vlog about pens and ink, but there you were, so I watched and enjoyed. I haven't journaled since 2004 when I went to Europe for the first time and decided I would get back to it. What inspired me was your discussion of SADs and Journaling on your trip to Quebec City. I'm looking forward to watching your other vlogs. I'm not a fan of tiktok, but I may have to go there. We'll see.
Hello and thank you for the kind words! I appreciate it. TikTok is pretty terrible, so I don't blame you for keeping away.
If I were buying my first pen right now, I would probably go for a TWSBI Eco with a fine nib. I would probably get some nice Blue ink, Eclat de Saphir, or Oxblood. Something fun.
Welcome to this community of ours and thank you for your kind and generous words.
Looking to get a Lamy Safari soon as my first fountain pen. I started out watching your Tiktok, and have been really inspired to write more, and also started journaling recently. Thank you!
Awesome! So glad I helped inspire you!
The way you render the information along with the background music and the interest and enthusiasm is very pleasing and calming leave alone the valuable information you share. I just watch it for the fun of listening to you speaking with a child like enthusiasism.The content of course is top class too. Keep going...
Thank you very much for your kind words. I sincerely appreciate it.
I've recently ordered a Twisbi Vac 700R Iris with a fine nib after watching your review. Being quite new to the hobby (only my second pen and the first one I've purchased for myself) I figured this would be fun one for me try without breaking the bank. Thanks for all the entertaining and informative videos. Any new pen suggestions are always welcome!
Hello Ian! Thank you for the kind words and congratulations on the awesome pen choice! That is a great second pen. If the fill or anything else gets a little tricky, reach out and I would be happy to help. I am so glad that you enjoy my vids! Take care and all the best.
Fountain pens are important to me (they remind me of the first one I was gifted at the age of 10, among other things) and so are your videos. Many years have passed between that Pelikan M200 and your CZcams channel and I thank you
Great selections! The Egyptian Montblanc one is very intriguing, I haven't heard of it before. Great content, just subscribed!
Thank you very much! I appreciate the encouragement. It’s an interesting pen with specific marketing that really hooked me in. I don’t mind though. Sometimes it fun to just enjoy something thoroughly. Happy to have you here and wish you all the best.
Picked up the Kaweco Brass Sport on your reccomendation and I can’t put it down! Love the content!
Thank you! I am so glad. I love that pen. It is so interesting.
What a great list of your top 5 pens. I'm really drawn to the Montblanc Egyptian style pen. Your style and aesthetics are similar to mine. Your delivery and demeanor are calming and educational. One of my favorite current pens is the Asvine 169. It is a skeletonized chrome over brass with a rich blue acrylic transparent barrel and is a vacuum filler. The "fine" steel nib is tuned at the factory and is buttery smooth. For the price, it is an excellent buy. Thanks for all your videos as I look forward to each and every one!
Thank you so much for the kind words. I am so glad that you like the video. I am working hard on making them entertaining and interesting. The Asvine 169 sounds amazing. I had never heard of it, so I will go in search of it. Thanks so much for checking in and do keep in touch. All the best.
I love the fixed blade Scandi-ground knife you show with your Brass Sport! It looks like a very handy size. The Brass Sport is also one of my favorite pens. FYI: only the metal Sport and Art Sport pens have threaded nib units that you can swap out easily. The Classic and Skyline Sports have friction fitted nibs and feeds - so you can swap them out, but it's more fiddly.
Just found your channel through my husband! Thank you for your posts! I enjoyed this one last night. I’ve recently resumed my interest in fountain pens. While I have mostly modern pens like the Laban and some of the Chinese ones, I also resumed my interest in vintage pens. After watching last night, my husband and I reviewed my five vintage pens and rated them 1-5. The top was Waterman 0552 1/2 LEC. Gold filigree with lever filler. Great writer! 2 - Montblanc 420 with gold nib; 3 Waterman Taperlite Corinth gold nib; 4- Parker 45 corn barrel gold nib and 5 Parker 51 corodovan Brown gold nib extra fine nib. The Parker 51 probably rated so low because it’s an extra fine nib and a lot of feedback. We’d love a show on your antique pens! I know you have the waterman 52 but in black. What a great writer it is too!
Gold Waterman sounds Lovely! The MB too! Thanks for the kind words on my Channel. I should definitely do more on Vintage pens! Thanks again and speak again soon.
I have to say I love my Montblanc 146, I picked up my first one in a charity shop for £20 its a broad nib. I now own two more in a medium and fine and the fine is probably my favorite nib (for now). Love your channel I just stumbled upon it this evening.
Thank you so much for the kind comment. I appreciated very much and I’m glad you found my channel. That monblong 146 is a fantastic pen and what a great buy. You really can find great opportunities out there if your patient and you look. Great job. Stop by and see me again sometime. Take care and all the best
Nice list! Very well spoken and put together. I've recently purchased my first (budget) fountain pen after watching your TikToks! Keep up the awesome work!
Hello Josey, Thanks so much! I am glad that you enjoyed the videos on TT! It's nice to see you here. Which pen did you get?
@@HemingwayJones hey! Thanks for the reply! I bought a Hongdian A3 matte black aluminum pen with an extra fine nib. Also got some Dryden Designs Unforgiving Black ink. Less than $40 combined and is a good beginner pen so far. It’s be cool for you to buy and test sub $25 pens on your channel!
@@TheJosey84 Sure, I should do more of that. You made some very nice choices there. Thanks!
Hello!
I have the Vac 700 and for me, it is always near the top of my list… and the Eco is not far behind. I’m very interested in the Kaweco. Do you find the grip slippery? I’ve always avoided metallic grips but it looks like I might be able to hold on to the brass more easily than steel. Thoughts? Thank you.
Hello and excellent comment. Love that TWSBI pen. I don’t find the brass slippery, but it’s a good point. I think the faceted body of the pen helps to anchor it in place. That’s a help. Thank would try it and see how it feels for you. All the best.
Nice pens. Me, I've been a Sailor Boi since I bought my first, a Pro Gear, earlier this year. I like the feel and the precision.
Sailor makes wonderful pens. That nib is so interesting; such an amazing balance of feedback and smoothness. Wonderful choices!
Nice top 5. I agree with the Montblancs - I have three Montblancs in my top 5 (146 with OM nib, Unicef LeGrand with OB nib, JFK with BB nib) in my top 5, along with a bespoke Franklin Christoph Panther with Masuyama CI nib; and the newest member to the top 5 - a Faber Castell Emotion with a Speer Architect nib. Your discussion of the CI from Pen Realm really grabbed my interest. I will have to order one in the near future.
Hello, My Friend, thank you very much for the kind words. You have a very nice collection there. I see that you like some bold lines; that is awesome. That LeGrand sounds amazing. You know, I have never tried the Speer Architect. How do you find it? It sounds really interesting. I saw it on the pull down of options over at Pen Realm. All the best!
Great thoughts on your top 5 pens. Do you have calligraphy nibs or broad nibs for the 149 or Egyptomania?
Hello Simon! I am so glad that you enjoyed this. Sadly, neither. The 149 is a medium and so is the Egyptiomania, although that nib is a thing unto itself, being as soft as it is. I would love a MB calligraphy nib and one day I will go mad and buy one! Thanks so much and speak soon!
A very nice top 5! That Egyptian MB is the stuff that jealousy is made of!
Thanks very much! I appreciate the kind words.
Great list! I love your poetical discussion of all your pens. My favorites include: Edison Collier Azur Skies, Edison Menlo Sweet Honey: The Arizona Pen which is made of copper, turquoise and mesquite made by Richard Altenhofen: TWSBI 580: Lamy AL-star. Honorable mentions include: Kaweco Sport and Pilot Explorer. Thank you for sharing your passion.
Thanks Kim! I’m glad you enjoyed it. You have a very nice collection. I need to get on Edison.
Fun list! I have the TWSBI Vac 700R in Iris, too and had to comment that it absolutely POPS when filled with Iroshizuku Yama Budo!
Yes! My wife has Yama Budo in hers! So great. I am going to try Moonview 2 in it next. It’s such a fun and awesome pen. All the best.
That sounds like my dream combo🥰 I just got a TWSBI Eco in Glow Purple and a Lamy Vista (couldn't decide!) and want another TWSBI already (edit for spelling)
I’m not new to fountain pens nor am I a seasoned user. I have a huge bias to vintage fountain pens so my favorites are based on what I currently have: 1948 Esterbrook SJ (2668 nib), my 1959 Lady Sheaffer (corduroy pattern), 1947 (I think) Wahl Eversharp Skyline, and 2000 Waterman Harmonie. What modern pens do you recommend to someone who’s only written with vintage pens?
That is such a wonderful collection! I love Vintage pens too. I don’t have that many, but take delight in each one I have. There are few modern pens that feel vintage. The Montblanc Egyptomania for certain. The Pineider Full Metal Jacket with a Quill Nib. My Conway Stewart Churchill Lever Fill Honey Noire. The Montblanc 149 is virtually unchanged since the 1950s. I am struggling to think of a steel nib modern option that feels like pens from the past and I am falling short. Great question.
@@HemingwayJones ah I still greatly appreciate you responding! I also have a ~1947 Sheaffer Sentinel DeLuxe and I’m very happy with them all. Would you recommend the brass Kaweco Sport? I’m thinking about purchasing one and I’ve heard you talk about it before
I love my TWSBI vac 700r iris, i currently have Noodler’s Baystate Blue in it.
Great choice!
Awesome top 5, mine MB 149 are number one, for sketching and writing ❤❤❤
Good choice!
So how would you recommend is the best way to find a Montblanc?
I would keep an eye on reputable dealers or go to a pen show. I’d get one used. The most it would be would be $600. That’s what I would do.
I LOVE my TWSBI Vac 700 R Iris and I do use it at work!!
Nice! Good for you! I should as well.
Great list hemmingway, however I'm not sure my bank will thank you, I may have to pick up one of these. Your videography is getting better and better can't wait to see what it will look like in a few months. Would love a similar video on inks. Keep up the good work, your videos make my day.
Hello Caspar! Always a pleasure! Thanks so much on the kind words. I think I really need a gimble to keep things from shaking. It is fun to talk about how these things evolve. I’ll definitely do some more Ink Content. I have some ideas. This is a great suggestion too. There are some I love. Right now, they include Oxblood and Moon View 2.
@@HemingwayJones Yes I a gimble would help a lot. I have really been enjoying diamine Majestic Blue recently and private reserve spearmint. I will be looking forward to such videos !
@@caspardrummond1733 Thanks so much! Two bottles of Ferris Wheel Press Arrived today. They look fun. I cannot wait to dig in. All the best.
I really enjoy writing with Waterman's Carene. I do buy other pens, but I keep coming back to my Carenes. Enjoyed your video.
It’s a great pen. I probably shouldn’t have picked on it. I like it too, but not as much as some others. It is super beautiful though.
@@HemingwayJones I didn't think you were picking on it, just your personal preference. That is one of the amazing things about fountain pens, there is a pen for everyone :)
Well, I own only 5 fountain pens (for now!) but my favorite out of all of them is my Lamy al-star with 1.1 stub nib. This is amazing pen with amazing nib
Hey Hemingway! I have recently gotten in to fountain pens after my Dad gifted me a Pilot Metropolitan. You have also been super inspiring to keep trying new pens and see what's out there. I have started to collect some pens of my own including the Lamy Safari (which I am pretty sure is a right of passage in the pen world) and the YStudios Classic Revolve. I noticed the YStudios is also in your collection and I would love to know your thoughts on it.
Hello Daniel,
Congratulations on the great collection and I am happy that I could inspire you in some way. So happy to hear.
I still love the Safari and use it regularly, but I wish I could buy a cylinder grip for it. That is the only thing.
I like the YStudio and I did a video on it in the early days of the channel. You can find it right here:
czcams.com/video/zy_W3K4HAAo/video.html
I should do an update. It's an interesting and elegant pen. I like it very much.
All the best.
@@HemingwayJones Awesome, thank you so much!
Great video! If you are interested to explore other soft and bouncy nibs, you have to try the Pilot Custom 743 Soft Medium nib and the Pelikan M1000 Fine nib: both are really outstanding, though personally, the Pilot is my favourite. Cheers!
Thanks so much for the tip! (There is a pun in there.) I’ll have to get my hands on those. Thanks for the kind words.
HJ, thanks for the video. My favorite pens are my 4 Montblanc 149, my Parker Duofold Centennial fp,
my Sailor 1911 Realo fp. my Waterman Edson fp, and last but not the least, my Lamy Al-Star fps.
Hello, My Friend, those are all excellent choices. I’m glad you enjoyed the video. All the best.
@@HemingwayJones - I forgot my 2 Pilot Vanishing Point fps. I love these pen, they come with wonderful nibs, and are the right size for my particular needs. I carry both in my bag nowadays. Thank you. HJ.
@@Wolverine3660 Wonderful! I love those. I don’t have one, but my wife does and it disappears from her collection on occasion. They are great pens. All the best!
If you can find one, try the Lamy Lady Rosenthal. Gorgeous porcelain barrel, mine has the plaid barrel design. It is very, very smooth with the 14k gold nib. Mine was handed down to me and honestly it feels so good to write with. I have the Lamy convertor and use Diamine ink, Ancient Copper.
Thank you very much for the recommendation. Sounds amazing. I love Ancient Copper.
@@HemingwayJones Ancient Copper is a gorgeous ink.
I've been trying to find info about the Lamy Lady Rosenthal but info is sparse and seems to be at least 10 years old. A forgotten pen it seems. You can't even find info of it on the Lamy website.
My favorite is my Pilot Vanishing Point which cost me $200 here in India..
My other favorites include Platinum 3776, Pelikan M200, Parker 88, Parker Classic, Sheaffer Imperial, Intensity and a dozen pocket pens from Delike, Moonman etc…
The Pilot Vanishing Point is an amazing pen. Very nice list. All the best.
My favourite is click aristocrat and classmate smoothie, flair ink tanker, pierre cardin Micra. Parker frontier is also very good.
Wonderful, thanks very much!
Hemingway, your enthusiasm is infectious.
Thank you very much! I appreciate the encouragement.
@@HemingwayJones I've been following for awhile now and always appreciate how genuine you are.
@@stargazer1359 Thank you! That is very kind of you to say and I appreciate it.
Truly enjoyed your top 5! I rotate my pens quite regularly, as in when one runs out of ink, it gets cleaned and put away. That being said, Pelikan M600 Vibrant Orange with a medium nib, Esterbrook Oversize Cherry Maraschinos with a Broad nib, and Leonardo Momento Zero Grande in Dark Hawaii with an extra fine flex custom nib are the ones I cannot wait to use always! (I use only three pens consistently at a time) 😀
I love the Pelikan M600. That is a fine choice. Esterbrook makes excellent pens too. So pretty. I have a couple and the adapter to use the old J nibs, but I never have. I have never tried a Leonardo. I would love to. They are very pretty. How is that extra fine flex? Does it keep up with the ink flow? I would have fewer pens inked if I weren’t making content all the time. I have mostly been writing with my Pineider with the quill nib. Thanks for the great list and all the best!
@@HemingwayJones Leonardo pens was never on my radar. I was at the Chicago Pen Show last year and met Les from StyloSuite and he let me play with his flex nibs and I fell in love with the flex fine he had on the Leonardo. It was one of the best joyous purchases in 2021 and I will go back to him for more in the future! Yes honorable mention - the quill nib on my Pineider is also exciting and in my rotation as well.
@@farahfarid2655 Thanks so much for the information! Which do you like better, the Pineider or the Leonardo?
@@HemingwayJones each one oozes ink differently and I find myself doing longer writing sessions with the Leonardo.
@@tfjarvisgirl very nice! Thank you for the reply.
You have Sibley Birds on your shelf!!! My wife and I live in a home on a river bank with woods . . . . But, to your question about what I'd have put on your list if I were you (and I'm not) . . . Pelikan m805 Stresemann Broad. Too broad for regular correspondence in the obverse with my handwriting, but in reverse keeps up with an entire letter. . . . I remember, in 1995, testing at a Staples that let me do this, a Cross and a Mont Blanc. Got the Cross. Didn't have to mortage my first born. But, I've never forgotten what writing with that Mont Blanc nib felt like. So, joy to you!
A very good point on the price. Mine was actually a gift which was lovely. I am a huge fan of Mr. Sibley who lives in the next town over. All the best.
The ratio of adjectives to nouns in this video is astounding.
I need to rewatch this now, thanks!
Love the content
Thank you very much! I appreciate it.
Feel no guilt if you enjoy high end pens, they are gorgeous and wonderful writers, in many cases at least. My favourite of yours in the Montblanc 149.
I haveca soft spot for Sailor, Parker amd ST Dupont fountain pens.
Thank you! I appreciate that.
Here’s my top five!
1) Sailor 1911 Large-Pirates Life
2) Pilot Custom 823
3) Lamy 2000
4) Montblanc 146
5) Leonardo Momento Zero made with Jonathan Brooks resin
The Pirate’s Life! Awesome! The 823 is the perfect fountain pen. I want a Lamy 2000. I don’t have one. Great list and great comment.
The Lamy 2000 is definitely a top 5 contender. Once you figure out the sweet spot, it is such a beautiful writer! It has good ink capacity and you don’t have to worry too much about fine scratches. I love mine with a B nib
I just discovered your channel today and subscribed because your presentation is so unique. My favorites are:
1. Leonardo MZG in Primary Manipulation 4 with rose gold trim, fine elastic rose gold nib, red ebonite feed. Superb wet writer and very comfortable. Beautiful resin.
2. Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age Palladium Nib extra fine. Fantastic writer, little bounce, well balanced.
3. Montblanc 146 F that I picked up second hand, cleaned about 20 years of ink out, pulled the piston and lubricated and now fills very smoothly. Polished the outside very carefully and it looks brand new. Writes flawlessly.
4. Pilot Custom 823 F Smoke. Every time I fill it after it has been in storage for a while, I ask myself why don’t use it more often? It’s just that good!
5. Montblanc Geometry Doue Platinum 145 M. The geometry cap really bounces the light and adds some sparkle to the pen. It’s a great writing experience, too. The 145 nib is smaller (shorter) than the 149 and 146 nibs but this one definitely has a bit of bounce which I like.
Thank you very much and welcome! That is a very nice list. How hard is it to disassemble a Montblanc? I admire that. Also, yes, I did an entire video on how perfect the 823 is. Top Shelf. All the best!
@@HemingwayJones Disassembly of the piston isn’t too hard - you can either purchase a special tool on eBay or use a bent tip tweezers to fit into some slots under the piston fill finial. There are CZcams videos on how to take apart the piston end. The nib is sealed by Montblanc so I don’t recommend taking it apart because that will definitely void your warranty. Since I had purchased my pen second hand and I had dated it from the 90’s, I had fun taking apart the piston assembly. As an engineer, I like to tinker with stuff anyways. 😊
@@maxwells789 I admire your skill and courage. Nice work. I wish I had been there to film it. It would have made for an excellent episode. All the best!
Great topic and timing, as I have just recently put my top ten pens together a few weeks ago. Here are my top 5:
1) ASC Bologna Extra Arco Bronze Celluloid flex nib
2) ASC Bologna Extra Israel Blue Le Royal Celluloid flex nib
3) Pelican M1000 green EF nib
4) Montblanc 149 F nib
5) Pilot Custom 845 Urushi Vermilion. F nib
These are based on how well they write, Longevity of remaining a classic, and collectibility, as well as how rare some are.
That is a wonderful list. Well done.
@@HemingwayJones I’ve been blessed with the resources to acquire these types of pens. Not all my pens are of this caliber. I have a lot of great pens in the $100 to $300 price range which write just as good. And some cheaper ones. I love the Conklin Duragraphs and have about 6 or 7 of them.
My top 5 are at this moment are the Pilot custom 823 in a F 14k, Twsbi Eco in Smoke and rose gold ✨️ in a F nib, Pelikan M400 in F nib, Kaweco Sport in Coconut EF and a Lamy 2000 in EF.
Thank you 😊
Hello Karina! That is a wonderful list. Your top two are near and dear to me. Excellent choices.
My top five
Montblanc mysterious 149 (Platinum )
Pilot custom urushi
Parker 51(Vintage)
Graf von faber-castell classic ( Sterling Silver)
Pilot custom 823
Fantastic list!
Hello! I’m looking for a solid, durable, and stylish 3-5 fountain pen leather case. Any recommendations?
Galen leather makes some nice stuff. Giorologio too.
@@HemingwayJones awesome! I’ll have to check them out. I’ve got a really nice Saddleback leather bag that I carry for work and would like to find a case that matches. Unfortunately Saddleback doesn’t make pen cases… thanks for the fast reply. I’ve made the venture over to CZcams after watching your TikTok’s. Love the content!!!!
@@matthewrogan835 Thanks so much! I appreciate the kind words.
Mine would be - Pilot Custom 742 and 823, Platinum 3776 and Platinum President, and pretty much any Lamy pen, from the steel nibs to the 14k 2000. Interesting that certain pens I didn’t like at first have grown on me.
Great list! So true. Our relationship with each pen develops and changes over time.
I love my Kaweco Brass Sport too
Such a great pen and so much fun.
Thanks again I enjoyed it a lot. the Pineider fail to make the top 5? with the beautiful Krishna inks. My top 5 fountain pens this month: 1) Montblanc 149. 2) Pineider La Grande Bellezza Arco Blue Bee Limited Edition. 3)Pineider Full Metal Jacket fountain Pen 14K in Army Red. 4) Pilot Custom 823 Amber and number 5 is ... the Kaweco Sport Brass ... i am thinking also about the Montblanc Heritage Egyptomania Special Edition Black Fountain Pen... but I'm not sure yet, however this pen arouses my inspiration and interest, Who knows I might tie the knot today or tomorrow. Although the Otto Hutt design 07 Füllfederhalter silber also looks great... and many more...HELP
The Pineider just barely missed. It’s because I limited myself to 5 and there were ones I had to get in there. I would call it a “Historic 5.” Funny thing is I have been writing with the Pineider for weeks, so there is that! Any, the Pilot Custom 823 is such a great pen. I am about to do a video on it. It is sublime how good that pen is. Love it. Kaweco Brass too! Your list is great. I cannot disagree with any of it. All the best.
Hemingway - I need help! I have a request. I own five fountain pens: Lamy Safari Medium x2, Pilot Prera Medium, TWSBI Eco Fine and TWSBI Vac 700 R Iris in EF. I love them all. I am new to fountain pens in the past two months. So, I have a big career change, a big promotion and I thought I would invest in my first pen with a gold nib to celebrate. I journal a lot, I use a written planner, I do everything on paper with ink that I possibly can (apps, yuck!). What do you recommend??
Hello and Wow! You have a great collection already. You could try the Pilot E95S in F. It is exquisite. Perfect for journaling and a great value.
@@HemingwayJones Awesome, thank you!
Mister Hemingway your novels are the best.
Montblanc Egyptomania Fountain Pen & 149, what nib size are they? I feel
Hard to choose, “F” or “medium”
They do not give you a lot of choice with this one! I agonized over it and went with the Medium since I love smoothness and I really like it. I don’t think you can go wrong either way though. The fine may be better for notes and whatnot, but for journaling the Medium works for you. You can see the thickness of the line in the videos I’ve posted. Thanks and if you end up buying one, please let me know. I would love to hear what you think.
@@HemingwayJones Thank you so much for your detailed reply. I will certainly let you know once I have got it. I didn’t know Montblanc have this model until I saw your video. It is a beautiful pen. The only thing is we need a bit more time to sit down and write to enjoy our pens. Thanks again for your information.
@@ve5394 It's My Pleasure. Thanks very much. I am looking forward to hearing about it. Wish you all the best.
@@HemingwayJones just got my pen, I bought a medium nib. Great writing experience and it is soft and smooth. Thank you
@@ve5394 nice! Congratulations!
My husband loves his Montblanc 149. ❤ 🖊️ Great video. Thanks. Just discovered you. :) Be well.
Thank you so much! Welcome!
No Pelikan? Mine is very smooth. It’s either an 800 or 1000, I think. Bought 1987 in Langenhagen back when the exchange rate was really good.
I do love Pelikan. I have an M600. I may be acquiring an M800 at the end of the month; a special run. Super excited for that one.
Did I see a Helle Gaupe in the Kaweko part? So, youre a knife guy, too?
I have a Helle. Yes, I like pocket knives too.
Where are you from where you pronounce every single t?
Personal Top 5 list of favorites is always fun to watch. The only Twsbi I really like and cared to keep is the Diamond Mini. Your Montblanc is an outstanding instrument.
I have too many firm favorites. It would have to be at the very least a Top 10 for me. Naming just five is so painfully hard.
However, in the spirit of this topic I’d say the following five are probably my absolutely indispensable, strongest favorite five (in random order):
Aurora 88
Aurora Internazionale
Sheaffer PFM V
Sailor Pro Gear
Sailor King of Pen
That is a great list. I would love to get a Sailor King of Pens. I tried one at a pen show. Amazing writer. Great list!
@@HemingwayJones ..Thanks, HJ! Too many great pens, so many favorites, so little time to savor them all.
Your list is especially cool for its variety and affordability, too, with Twsbi in there.
The Sailor KoP, on first appearances, seems definitely overpriced…..until you see the nib and actually write with it. Sublime, and then some…the pen is truly the King of them all.
@@sajjadhusain4146 Thanks! I am not a snob about pens. I love affordable ones too. TWSBIs are great because I would never put sheen or shimmer inks in a MB 149 for instance or even a Pilot Custom 823. The KoP is awesome. I often speak of value and whether anything is worth whatever the price is. This all has to be decided by the purchaser. I love the 149 for its unique nib and that’s the price of entry. All the best!
@@HemingwayJones ..Bang-on true! I’m so glad I chanced upon your channel and this video today. Keep it going. I’ll certainly watch and enjoy! 👍
@@sajjadhusain4146 Thanks so much!
The Montblank 149 Is the first in my wish list, i hope can buy it...
I’m sure you will.
@@HemingwayJones One new cost nearly 800€ , while I settle with the Jinhao 159, a chinese copy that world amazing 🤷🏻♂️. Congratulations for your channel
@@ravesab Thank you very much! Do keep in touch and I hope you find one at a good price, whichever pen you choose.
I agree with only the five selections in your review that have unthreaded, "slip-off" caps. The Pilot 823 and the Montblanc both have threaded caps and so can't be "deployed" as quickly as the former ones. The only pen in your video that I don't own or have never used is the Kakuno. Pilot Varsity FPs are also a good choice, except that they look somewhat tacky.
Varsity pens are classic. The Kakuno is just so cute.Thanks so much for the great comment.
I don't have any Twsbis, so I can't comment on those. Likewise the Kaweco, though for both I often think, mmm . . . . The MB 149 is of course way up there, and deservedly so. My own was also a gift, so even more special. Nothing else comes close. I'm trying to love my Lamy 2000, but my Pelikan M405, and my Filcao Silvia speak to me more. If i'm really stumped, a simple pencil transmits my thoughts to paper as well as the fanciest pen in the Universe. But once you're addicted to fountain pens, a pencil is just a stand by.
You have some amazing pens. You could write with the 149 for the rest of your life. Awesome.
Great video Mr. Hemingway! Which one would you recommend to a student for daily use, Kaweco Sport Brass or Kaweco Liliput ?
Hi Berk! Thank you very much for the kind words. I would go with the Brass Sport. The Liliput is great but it’s too small for a daily. It’s a great back up or EDC pen. Best!
@@HemingwayJones Thank you for your recommendation Mr. Hemingway.
@@berkaydn2976 My Pleasure!
@@HemingwayJones oo
Every fountain pen enthusiast should have at least one variation of the Kaweco Sport. I run Diamine cartridges in my brass Sport with a gold plated broad nib.
That sounds like a perfect combination!
@@HemingwayJones It is! Very smooth writer and perfect pocket pen. Been using it for about 2 years now. The original steel M nib it came wasn’t as smooth. Could be a nice heirloom one day.
That gold broad is awesome.
I like the new intro!
Thank you for noticing! The old one wasn’t in 4K so I updated the shots. Thanks!
How can you be "wrong" about the "top five" pens that fit your needs and budget?
They may not the same for me, or Earl Lee and Gertrude Mae, over there in the barn getting it ready fot the square dance, but that don't make you, me or them "wrong". 😁
Thanks! I appreciate the wise words.
Did you really (@4:41) spell 'italic' with two L's? Wowzer. Love your vids.
No pilot 823?
I love that pen! It didn’t make the cut at the time. Doing it now though??? Hmmm
A special greeting to you from an Egyptian lady, I purchased MB egyptomania because of you and this is my first ever deal with MB just waiting to be delivered to me and will give you my feedback
Hello Doctor. Welcome to the channel. I am excited to hear what you think.
@@HemingwayJones thanks so much that's really so sweet from you ,I wish to do something to encourage you to visit Egypt and see the historical places it will be unforgettable experience
I will sometime soon. I have been thinking about it for years. Maybe for my 60th.
@@HemingwayJones once you have decided to go to Egypt plz let me know ,that would be really great
@@Dr.Shymaa I certainly will. Thank you for your kindness.
My favorite all-time is a cheap knock off of the Sheaffer's PFM complete with touchdown fill, inlaid nib and snorkel tube.
That sounds really cool. I love when you find unexpected treasure.
Oh wow! Is it branded? Where did you get it from?
t the moment: Edison collier, Diplomat Aero, Colibri Ascari, Ranga Abhimanyu with #8 Boch titanium nib, Parker Duofold Centennial
Excellent List!
Thank you. Keep up your great work. Love your channel.
Thank you for the kind words.
5) TWSBI ECO, any nib
4) Faber-Castell Loom, fine nib
3) Pineider Avatar, fine nib
2) Fountain Pen Revolution Himalaya (Old version with #5 nibs), any nib from EF to B (I like it because of the cheap interchangeable nibs which write nearly as good as anything.)
1) Pilot Custom Heritage 92, fine medium nib
I've got a Platinum 3776 which I like and a recently purchased Sailor 1911S which I haven't quite warmed up to as well as a few cool pens from Bexley and some vintage pens from Parker, Esterbrook and Sheaffer.
Least favorite/most disappointing: Kaweco Sport, Lamy Safari, Noodler's Ahab and Pelikan M600.
A very interesting and eclectic list! Well done.
New subscriber here sir.
What do you do for a living?
Welcome and thank you! I am in banking. Commercial lending. Financing mostly businesses. All the best.
@@HemingwayJones that's wonderful, sire.
Why do you have so little subs.
It's a crime against humanity
Thank you! I appreciate that very much! We are making progress. I have been here almost a year and a half. I think that YT is hard to get traction and it takes time. Perhaps people want to make sure that I am not going to just disappear. In any care, I am here for you and all of us that are here. Thanks so much!
I have four of the Vac 700r's, fine, medium, broad, and stub. My pocket pen is a Vac Mini in fine (medium and broad nibs on order as of this morning).
They are nice pens, at least as far as my limited pen palette can discern.
I agree completely. I love those. You have made very wise choses.
Dear Mr. Hemingway Jones,
I would like to write you and discuss our great passion for the tools that have enabled man to record all the events in our history, I’m 41 years old and I’m a deep collector of Pens, Fountain Pens, and Inks , stationary and quality paper, I believe the written form is the noblest of expressions and the tools we choose to transcribe our experiences shape the spirit of how we record them, I use a wax monogrammed seal on my correspondence and writing, and through my life this pen affection has always made me stand out and be noticed since so few choose to write or if so use industrially produced pens and inks that have no character or life to them! I know you share such a passion and I will be launching my CZcams channel on Pens, Inks, stationary, and other subjects that interest people, I’m a fanatic of history and wanted to be an Egyptologist as a younger man, I was almost becoming a Roman Catholic priest also in my life, these parts of my life especially the church showed me the reverence and importance of parchement, seals, coats of arms and penmanship and ink! Please let me know how I can write to you, my email is riccardo.camarda@opesinc.ca, I am a fan of the Classics and Latin hence my company name is OPES the Latin for prosperity,wealth sand good fortune! I would love to share my collection with you and secrets of my travels, my trips to Hamburg at the Montblanc Factory, and many other places, also to share notes and advice from such a master would be an honor and a privilege, Montblanc is my leading brand but I’ve opened up to many others such as Montegrappa, Pelican, Lamy, Twisby, ST DuPont and many others, and I hope to here from you soon and it would be an honor perhaps to even begin a traditional correspondence and collaboration using pen and ink and the mail!!! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Riccardo Camarda, you can message me on Facebook or reply here on CZcams if you prefer not to compose an email! I’m eager to converse with you and I sincerely appreciate your work and everything you do to keep the beauty of this dying art alive with such decorum and respect, you sir area trie gentleman and a scholar ! Your friend and fan!
Riccardo Camarda
Thank you very much for the kind note. I appreciate it very much. I am so glad that you enjoy the channel and that it might inspire you in some small way.
There is an email link on my home page.
I wish you all the best,
HJ