It's pretty cool to hear people's top 10. It's def an interesting exercise to go through to curate one's collection. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your wide variety of pens
Thank you! I was very pleased with the progress of curating my collection so far this year. It was very gratifying to rehome some pens and be able to acquire some new ones!
That Aurora is one of my favorite finishes of the Optima. Love the Pelikans you have ( I own the white tortoise and the newest version of the M400 brown Tortoise) Excellent video! :)
Thank you! Yes, this Aurora and the cappuccino are really nice! The white tortoise is lovely, my tortoise stripes are a bit askew which upsets me.. but I still like the look, of course.
@@fountainPENdulum I just got the M600 Black tortoise as they are running out I think. I have all of the Tortoise colors now except a vintage one. I looked for the Aurora Optimas in a brown color but all I can find is over seas ones haha They are a rare sight anymore in the States!
Love your shortlist, and the ink choices too, and that Falcon customisation ❤😍 I need to know where you got that done! Also a massive fan of my Pineider quill nib, I call it my “chewy” nib I love its feel on the page.
Thank You! I'm impressed with this Falcon customization, and it is one of the best, if not the best, customization I've had done, thank you, Michael Masuyama. Haha, that's great, I don't have a name for my Quill Nib, but I love the feedback of the xf, and the Flex is great and unlike any other!
As someone who tries to shop minimally and more importantly, mindfully, i like these lists for providing a context to put my needs or wants into. That said, this is not a good list for me lol. None of my pens are disposable, i even get upset about breaking or losing cheap rollerball pens and my main goal switching to fountain pens is to reduce waste and have something actually repairable with replaceable parts. Idk what is call premium since I'm not willing to spend more than 80$on a pen and even plan to go with a 40$ sailor vs the 200$ pro gears.... I don't use flex nibs, etc etc. Always love seeing others collections and hearing their thoughts tho. I love how we all have different goals and different loves within the hobby.
It definitely gets the mind going on a list you can customize to your own wants and preferences! If you are ever interested in purchasing pens second hand, you can definitely get a wide range of pens within the $100 range, in great condition at that. The vast majority of my pens I've purchased used. I like being able to purchase pens I would otherwise never consider at a more approachable price range and giving a new life to a fountain pen that is not being used or longer wanted. Enjoy your journey, and thanks for sharing!
I don’t think that it matters how many pens anyone has as long as they’re happy and enjoying them. And I believe that if they hit a point where that’s no longer the case, there’s probably a deeper underlying issue. We tend to blame things for our misery, usually though the issues lie within us. What bothers me is Drew Brown‘s video and the many references to him. Drew works for one of the largest US/international retailers of pens and stationery. He has the luxury of being able to see, hold and try any pen that interests him without having to purchase it. Not many people have that luxury. That makes it a lot easier to only have a hand full of pens and inks.
I agree, it doesn't matter how Many Pens or Which Pens someone has as long as they enjoy them and are happy with them! Be it 1 Pen, 10 Pens, 100 Pens 1000 Pens, etc. Initially, I found my Pen Collection grew not because they were "pretty" but I was seeking out a writing experience that was not met by my first and numerous acquisitions. It was frustrating. Now, it's a combination of the desire to try new writing experiences. In search of, perhaps a pen/nib that better fits my writing style and a writing experience that gives me even more joy. Myself, I have a certain amount of funds im ablento invest in this hobby. I need to keep this in balance for balance in my life, which impacts my happiness. If I overextend myself, I won't be happy, I'll be stressed. Additionally, when I've owned what I feel is "too many pens" For Me, I feel overwhelm. Which is also not a happy feeling, and it diminishes my enjoyment of my hobby. It's not a specific number for me, it's a feeling. So I'll simply do my best to do what's right for Me and My Fountain Pen Collection for where I'm at on My Journey!
That’s true but Drew has over 40 pens that he owns he’s spoken about his collection many times in the past and even now and may have purchased more since the video originally aired he never said people shouldn’t or couldn’t have more than 10 and yes I realized you never said he did however … he was merely answering a question someone wrote in and asked him for his opinion I considered it a great layout for those whom are looking for a start collecting and perhaps don’t want to buy based off nerves and FOMO but by having a clear understanding of what is technically usable realistically some people don’t like falling down the rabbit do so I no non/sense blueprint is nice … when it comes to ink that’s my soft spot ❤
@thejournalhouse well said, thank you! The esthetic of a fountain pen and its actual nib looks ND performance is what draws me in. I love trying new inks in an ink sample format!
Cool video. I could not, nor would even want to cull my collection to a final 10. But, for the sake of a thought experiment and plain fun(and deviating from Drew’s criteria) , I’d say that if forced to choose, the following ten could be the ten indispensable favorites on my list: Aurora 88 (resin/sterling silver cap)/14k Goccia F nib Aurora Optima (sterling) Riflessi / 18k Stub Aurora Internazionale Jade /18k Italic Stipula Etruria Gran Sasso celluloid /14k 0.9 stub Stipula Florentia Montezuma ebonite / 14k cursive medium italic Stipula Faceted Etruria Ambrosia (celluloid) / 14k F Montegrappa Extra 1930 Bamboo Black/ 18k cursive broad italic Santini Nonagon Ambra / 18k Oblique M OMAS Arte Italiana Paragon /18k M Sailor KoP / 21k B
Your intro paragraph is perfect. This is exactly the point! Excellent selection, very good! I've am so looking forward to the opportunity to checkout Santini at a Pen Show this summer! Their pens have been on my radar for quite some time, and I really had to resist when they had their limited release of Celluloid Pens! Love the Aurora I have, very comfortable pen and the nib experience is amazing. Stipula pens are so beautiful, and such a nice size. Haven't yet tried a Montegrappa! I've always liked Santini and love that they have in-house nibs! Omas original has a special place in my heart and hope to have a vintage Paragon someday! Also, I love the feel of Sailor nibs xf-mf especially!
@@fountainPENdulum Santini makes a truly amazing array of some of the most attractive, desirable, reliable, and relatively affordably priced pens in the Italian luxury brand segment. I own just two Santinis; I intend to buy 1-2 more in the future. The nibs are excellent. And made-in-house will always get top billing, on my card. As is Santini’s impeccable customer service, unlike that of many other upscale brands, particularly Italian luxury brands. Scribo is another that I’d readily recommend. I’m not a big fan of the design aesthetic of their models. But the truly stellar nibs more than compensate for that. I own two Scribo Feel pens. Swell writers. At least one Santini and a Scribo pen is essential to any lover of Italian pens, like the two of us. 🙂
Haha, thanks. I write letters and sign them 🤣 and sometimes I use a Dip Nib so I can select an ink that matches the card or stationary that I don't have inked in a pen. Aside from writing the note, I find great joy in using stamps.
I got notified that you've left two comments, but only one shows! I only saw the preview and when I click it to read in full it disappeas- that's Very strange!
@@fountainPENdulum I was in the middle of responding to you and my sister called. I came back to finish my comment, and it was gone. I think I stirred the pot regarding culling one's collection to10 pens. My pens are for very personal use, so I don't need many, and I don't have the budget for a large collection. I stated my opinion, which is always quite frank, and upset some people. This must be the problem. I must have been reported to TH-cam by someone. I assure you, no one should have been offended or judged. Just my frankness, and I don't pull any punches if I think it's important. This is an acquired taste for some. I hope you don't feel the same as some others clearly do. Thank you! Lisa
I had it available via email, I have no idea what happened to your original comment or why it doesn't display here - " Craft-O-Matic Owning ten pens that I love, that function the way I want them to, and that I enjoy using, has been my plan from the beginning, which was about 6 months ago. Even if I had the budget for a large collection of fountain pens, I might consider owning 20 pens but likely no more. My pens are for writing to friends and family, my personal diary that can be passed on after I die, and swatching inks and tracking all my fountain pen and associated accessories purchases, my first impressions, and if they meet my needs and expectations. My fountain pens are very much for personal use, so my approach to my collection is very much one of practicality and an amalgamation of beauty, form, and function. Lisa"
@@fountainPENdulum Thank you very much for letting me know. I do speak frankly if I think it's important, and it is sometimes a challenge for people to understand that it's my opinion and not a judgment. If it's helpful initially or food for thought, how can it be a cause for consternation? Thank you again! Lisa
I can probably do a ten favourite pens list, but I can't seem to wrap my head around the concept of only keeping ten.
That's another good way to do a similar list, favorite ten:)
Thank you, I enjoyed seeing your pens and beautiful writing. This is how all these videos on this trend should be done! #SaveOurPens
Thank you! Much appreciated 🙏🏼
It's pretty cool to hear people's top 10. It's def an interesting exercise to go through to curate one's collection. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your wide variety of pens
Thank you! I was very pleased with the progress of curating my collection so far this year. It was very gratifying to rehome some pens and be able to acquire some new ones!
That Aurora is one of my favorite finishes of the Optima. Love the Pelikans you have ( I own the white tortoise and the newest version of the M400 brown Tortoise) Excellent video! :)
Thank you! Yes, this Aurora and the cappuccino are really nice! The white tortoise is lovely, my tortoise stripes are a bit askew which upsets me.. but I still like the look, of course.
@@fountainPENdulum I just got the M600 Black tortoise as they are running out I think. I have all of the Tortoise colors now except a vintage one. I looked for the Aurora Optimas in a brown color but all I can find is over seas ones haha They are a rare sight anymore in the States!
Such beautiful handwriting!
How kind, thank you!
Love your writing! Thanks for sharing! Only having 10 pens would be difficult! Your Pelikan M400 white tortoise is so pretty! :)
Thank you very much! It would be difficult to have a 10 pen collection & it would be harder to keep it at 10!
@@fountainPENdulum My pleasure! Hahah yes definitely!! 😅
Love your shortlist, and the ink choices too, and that Falcon customisation ❤😍 I need to know where you got that done! Also a massive fan of my Pineider quill nib, I call it my “chewy” nib I love its feel on the page.
Thank You! I'm impressed with this Falcon customization, and it is one of the best, if not the best, customization I've had done, thank you, Michael Masuyama. Haha, that's great, I don't have a name for my Quill Nib, but I love the feedback of the xf, and the Flex is great and unlike any other!
As someone who tries to shop minimally and more importantly, mindfully, i like these lists for providing a context to put my needs or wants into.
That said, this is not a good list for me lol. None of my pens are disposable, i even get upset about breaking or losing cheap rollerball pens and my main goal switching to fountain pens is to reduce waste and have something actually repairable with replaceable parts. Idk what is call premium since I'm not willing to spend more than 80$on a pen and even plan to go with a 40$ sailor vs the 200$ pro gears.... I don't use flex nibs, etc etc.
Always love seeing others collections and hearing their thoughts tho. I love how we all have different goals and different loves within the hobby.
My currents: twsbi eco, lamy vista, pilot prera, majohn wancai mini
My to buy: sailor lecoule, koweko sport, majohn c1
all in fine or extra fine
It definitely gets the mind going on a list you can customize to your own wants and preferences! If you are ever interested in purchasing pens second hand, you can definitely get a wide range of pens within the $100 range, in great condition at that. The vast majority of my pens I've purchased used. I like being able to purchase pens I would otherwise never consider at a more approachable price range and giving a new life to a fountain pen that is not being used or longer wanted. Enjoy your journey, and thanks for sharing!
I don’t think that it matters how many pens anyone has as long as they’re happy and enjoying them. And I believe that if they hit a point where that’s no longer the case, there’s probably a deeper underlying issue. We tend to blame things for our misery, usually though the issues lie within us. What bothers me is Drew Brown‘s video and the many references to him. Drew works for one of the largest US/international retailers of pens and stationery. He has the luxury of being able to see, hold and try any pen that interests him without having to purchase it. Not many people have that luxury. That makes it a lot easier to only have a hand full of pens and inks.
I agree, it doesn't matter how Many Pens or Which Pens someone has as long as they enjoy them and are happy with them! Be it 1 Pen, 10 Pens, 100 Pens 1000 Pens, etc. Initially, I found my Pen Collection grew not because they were "pretty" but I was seeking out a writing experience that was not met by my first and numerous acquisitions. It was frustrating. Now, it's a combination of the desire to try new writing experiences. In search of, perhaps a pen/nib that better fits my writing style and a writing experience that gives me even more joy. Myself, I have a certain amount of funds im ablento invest in this hobby. I need to keep this in balance for balance in my life, which impacts my happiness. If I overextend myself, I won't be happy, I'll be stressed. Additionally, when I've owned what I feel is "too many pens" For Me, I feel overwhelm. Which is also not a happy feeling, and it diminishes my enjoyment of my hobby. It's not a specific number for me, it's a feeling. So I'll simply do my best to do what's right for Me and My Fountain Pen Collection for where I'm at on My Journey!
That’s true but Drew has over 40 pens that he owns he’s spoken about his collection many times in the past and even now and may have purchased more since the video originally aired he never said people shouldn’t or couldn’t have more than 10 and yes I realized you never said he did however … he was merely answering a question someone wrote in and asked him for his opinion I considered it a great layout for those whom are looking for a start collecting and perhaps don’t want to buy based off nerves and FOMO but by having a clear understanding of what is technically usable realistically some people don’t like falling down the rabbit do so I no non/sense blueprint is nice … when it comes to ink that’s my soft spot ❤
@thejournalhouse well said, thank you! The esthetic of a fountain pen and its actual nib looks ND performance is what draws me in. I love trying new inks in an ink sample format!
Cool video. I could not, nor would even want to cull my collection to a final 10. But, for the sake of a thought experiment and plain fun(and deviating from Drew’s criteria) , I’d say that if forced to choose, the following ten could be the ten indispensable favorites on my list:
Aurora 88 (resin/sterling silver cap)/14k Goccia F nib
Aurora Optima (sterling) Riflessi / 18k Stub
Aurora Internazionale Jade /18k Italic
Stipula Etruria Gran Sasso celluloid /14k 0.9 stub
Stipula Florentia Montezuma ebonite / 14k cursive medium italic
Stipula Faceted Etruria Ambrosia (celluloid) / 14k F
Montegrappa Extra 1930 Bamboo Black/ 18k cursive broad italic
Santini Nonagon Ambra / 18k Oblique M
OMAS Arte Italiana Paragon /18k M
Sailor KoP / 21k B
Your intro paragraph is perfect. This is exactly the point! Excellent selection, very good!
I've am so looking forward to the opportunity to checkout Santini at a Pen Show this summer! Their pens have been on my radar for quite some time, and I really had to resist when they had their limited release of Celluloid Pens!
Love the Aurora I have, very comfortable pen and the nib experience is amazing.
Stipula pens are so beautiful, and such a nice size.
Haven't yet tried a Montegrappa!
I've always liked Santini and love that they have in-house nibs!
Omas original has a special place in my heart and hope to have a vintage Paragon someday!
Also, I love the feel of Sailor nibs xf-mf especially!
@@fountainPENdulum Santini makes a truly amazing array of some of the most attractive, desirable, reliable, and relatively affordably priced pens in the Italian luxury brand segment. I own just two Santinis; I intend to buy 1-2 more in the future. The nibs are excellent. And made-in-house will always get top billing, on my card. As is Santini’s impeccable customer service, unlike that of many other upscale brands, particularly Italian luxury brands.
Scribo is another that I’d readily recommend. I’m not a big fan of the design aesthetic of their models. But the truly stellar nibs more than compensate for that. I own two Scribo Feel pens. Swell writers.
At least one Santini and a Scribo pen is essential to any lover of Italian pens, like the two of us. 🙂
Your handwriting looks like you're ready to sign The Declaration of Independence.
Haha, thanks. I write letters and sign them 🤣 and sometimes I use a Dip Nib so I can select an ink that matches the card or stationary that I don't have inked in a pen. Aside from writing the note, I find great joy in using stamps.
What happened to my comment?
Lisa
I got notified that you've left two comments, but only one shows! I only saw the preview and when I click it to read in full it disappeas- that's Very strange!
@@fountainPENdulum I was in the middle of responding to you and my sister called. I came back to finish my comment, and it was gone. I think I stirred the pot regarding culling one's collection to10 pens. My pens are for very personal use, so I don't need many, and I don't have the budget for a large collection. I stated my opinion, which is always quite frank, and upset some people. This must be the problem. I must have been reported to TH-cam by someone. I assure you, no one should have been offended or judged. Just my frankness, and I don't pull any punches if I think it's important. This is an acquired taste for some.
I hope you don't feel the same as some others clearly do.
Thank you!
Lisa
I had it available via email, I have no idea what happened to your original comment or why it doesn't display here -
" Craft-O-Matic
Owning ten pens that I love, that function the way I want them to, and that I enjoy using, has been my plan from the beginning, which was about 6 months ago. Even if I had the budget for a large collection of fountain pens, I might consider owning 20 pens but likely no more. My pens are for writing to friends and family, my personal diary that can be passed on after I die, and swatching inks and tracking all my fountain pen and associated accessories purchases, my first impressions, and if they meet my needs and expectations. My fountain pens are very much for personal use, so my approach to my collection is very much one of practicality and an amalgamation of beauty, form, and function.
Lisa"
@@fountainPENdulum Thank you very much for letting me know. I do speak frankly if I think it's important, and it is sometimes a challenge for people to understand that it's my opinion and not a judgment. If it's helpful initially or food for thought, how can it be a cause for consternation?
Thank you again!
Lisa