I know this is a thing you SHOULD do first when getting a new pen, but almost never remember to. Too excited to just ink it up and try it out. To be honest, I don't actually encounter many problems though with new pens.
I’m glad, Aaron! I often forget as well and sometimes I don’t because a wet pen doesn’t look good when filming! But, I find that when I do, it prevents a lot of problems. Thanks!
Enjoyable, as always, Hemingway. Thanks for the refresher. A couple of thoughts: first, when I clean a nib unit and converter, I expel the water into the drain rather than the fill cup to avoid having debris in the cup that I might then suction back into the feed and/or converter. Next, it seems to me that anyone who has purchased a pen at this price should invest another fifteen dollars or so in a loupe. Too often, the tines on even brand-new nibs are misaligned. Having a loupe and learning to make adjustments can save a lot of frustration and, perhaps, expense. Finally, I shake my nib units carefully and vigorously in order to get as much water out as I can after flushing them. Then I dry them with shop or paper towel. In that way, the nib unit is ready to use immediately. Any slight dampness remaining in it won't affect the saturation of the ink to a perceivable degree. Filling and refilling the converter several times eliminates any chance of an effect by the water.
This is important, but I must admins I don’t always do it. When I do my first step includes a little dish soap to remove any oils, then bulb flush, when possible. My one ODC part is I never flush back into clean water container. Thanks for your efforts.
Yes, a drop or 2 in a cup of water. My pen flush recipe is 1 part ammonia, 9 parts water and 2 or 3 drops dish detergent. I usually mix up about 8oz at a time. Then rinse with clear water
I agree with the soap use. I like to use a few drops of Dawn in slightly warm water, then pump the section three or four times with the bulb syringe. Converters get filled and emptied several times as well. Then everything gets a fresh water rinse the same way.
Great video! I always clean my new fountain pens to remove any residual machining oil. I have been using those blue shop towels for quite a while. They are ideal for absorbing ink, and they are lint-free. 👍
One aditional thing I'm trying to do better with is immediately entering new pens into my spreadsheet inventory while the source, price, and details/info color name etc are fresh and in front of me!!!✒️ I almost always flush my new pens... so many contain blue traces of ink from testing. 🙂
I love how organized you are! I only have scattered embedded journal entries to mark the arrival of my new pens. I love the spreadsheet idea! Hope all is well!
Good video HJ, the only thing I do a little differently is after all the rinsing I stuff a glass with tissue paper and set the nib unit with the converter attached and place it nib down into the tissue for a few hours or overnight, That will wick out all the moisture and it will be dry and ready for inking.
I do a bit of that sometimes too. I have this little jar that is perfect. Or at least I did. It seems to have been relocated! I think the little Miss is using it for her water colors!
Proof I am a greenhorn, I did not know that a new pen should be cleaned before use. Thank you, from now on I will do as you suggest! Also I need a loupe to examine the condition of the nib.
I did a lot of reading and YT for tips like this and can confirm both work! I've had a couple cheap pens write like more expensive ones just by these two things: cleaning and inspection. Month 3 for me, or so in the hobby 😊 so much fun and tons of helpful folks!
I always rinse new nibs and feeds before use, and I also run a few fills of ink through the converter. But I use a bulb syringe on the nib and feed to make sure the water is actually following the same path the ink will follow. And I've found that water alone won't remove manufacturing oils if they are present. I've had two new pens that didn't write well where I suspected oils or something similar were the culprit. In both cases, I cleaned the pens with pen flush and that solved the problem. I wasn't sure it would, but I always try the least invasive solutions first.
Yes, I do that after every cleaning, and I'm diligent about cleaning new pens. However, after I've gotten the pen cleaned and somewhat dried, I dive right in with filling it and have become used to waiting (sometimes just minutes) for the ink to come through in its full intensity. I don't know if I could wait several hours to write! 😄 Also want to add that I continue to clean my new pens because sometimes they do give off a bit of testing ink. Sometimes they don't, but I don't want to take a chance.
I hadn’t always been cleaning my new pens but will do so now. I actually love adding a step to the fountain pen care process so that I can spend more time with my darlings! 😂 That pumpkin spice pen looks very special.
Super tutorial. Thanks! For carrying at work (and giving away to the intrigued), I get reliable cheap pens. Because they're meant not to be costly to the manufacturer, I don't generally expect much out of quality control, and so am pretty rigorous about cleaning. The bulb syringe is such an asset for that. But, today, cleaning two Jinhao 82s, I discovered clear evidence that they had been dip tested! By someone, anyhow. I'd like to think it was the manufacturer. The residual blue somehow reassured me.
I love your dark wooden desk with the one central draw and hope to see more of this stylish desk in future ! As a lover of fine furniture I can see you are a small desk man at least at home . A hand crafted desk adds to the experience of writing and a small writer’s desk makes a small area look larger . The Esterbrook looks perfect and almost identical to your Pelican 600 . I own two Pelican 600 sized pens and fear buying an Esterbrook would be overindulgence . Just in case your didn’t get the message please do a video discussing writer’s desks as compared to the large style massive desks used by Bank Presidents and pretentious lawyers. Please start with a desk from history such as Napoleon’s desk or the desk used by Hemingway !
Thanks very much! I appreciate the admiration for the desk. It has been with me for years. I like the wear. Each one a story. I speak about it in an upcoming video Library Tour!
Hi HJ! This is something I also forget to do, especially with some new pens, but I ALWAYS do with the Chinese pens. With many Jinhao and also some of the other manufacturer's pens I get an ink(?) residue when flushing out the nib. Usually using a bulb syringe. It's funny about the Shop Towels! When I ceased using my pens for a while, I was using the Shop Towels all the time on other projects. When I picked up the pens and started again, the first thing I did was take a couple of sheets of the towels and double them up to protect the surface at my pen "station". I guess great minds think alike! I use them almost exclusively for this now, even though I keep a roll in the car for something more like their intended purpose. By the way, that Esterbrook pen is NICE!
PERFECT timing as I just received a new pen from Atlas Stationers (and have a second on the way, oops, #notsorry). I love how this was an unboxing and practical/pen maintenance rolled into one. My only complaint is now I find myself coveting this Esterbrook Jr., the finish is so handsome.
Thanks Amy! I just watched it myself again and there is a lot going on in there, despite it being kind of breezy. People seem to like it, which is nice. One never knows. This was also one that I only filmed a few days ago. That is rare for me to go right to press! Usually, they are about a month behind. Thanks so much for watching and for being here!
Great video! What a wonderful way to start off a Friday, thank you. I haven't always cleaned new pens, but sometimes there is residual ink from a dip test by the manufacturer, so even more reason this is a good idea. Great ink choice, one of my favorites. Also, I love cartridge converter pens, so easy to clean and maintain. Thank you Hemingway!
A great video, HJ. I do the same with all the new pens I get. I carefully flush out the pens using distilled water. I use distilled water because tap water here is very hard, and contains some amount of dissolved minerals. Then, like you, I dry out the pen, and then I ink it and write. I have been doing this for years, and my pens have all worked real well as a result. Thanks for making this very educational video. Thanks.
People underestimate how important it is to rince brand new pens. It is crucial IMHO. Some companies like Lamy will even have ink in the feeds and nib due to their way of testing every single one they make! (Those germans and their appetite for perfection and precision eh?)
Greetings from Australia. I watched your short reel on this pen, and I was intrigued by it. You inspired me to purchase this pen, but it is not available in Australia at the moment. Every other colour apart from the Pumpkin Latte. So my store is checking with the supplier. Hopefully soon. I never wash a brand new pen. Just ink it up straight away. I've never had any problems. But I would clean a used pen. Nice video.
I have a similar approach. A visual check first, followed by looking at the nib for tine alignment using my loupe. I usually wash through with tap water before using homemade nib flush as it has a bit of dish soap in it. I finish with a quick fill with deionised water as the water is very hard where I live. Anyway, your channel is a new discovery for me. Thanks for making the content. It's a distictive and informative contribution.
I have a Pumpkin Latte with the Journaler nib and it’s a delight every time. The Esterbrook JR (J Reborn) fits me perfectly and never fails, so I bought a Key Lime as well. I use a drop of dish soap for “baby’s first bath” and dry the pen overnight. Lovely video, as always.
A very relevant and helpful video. Thanks! But having faced starter issues many times, I always wonder- why do we have to do this? We pay hundreds (sometimes, thousands) of dollars to get a pen and there is nothing more frustrating than a pen needing to be cleaned. With the pen industry on the ascent, I hope pen manufacturers establish stronger quality controls to eliminate most problems before the pen leaves them. Don't expect customers to do the cleaning job!! Sorry for the rant. Obviously, have some wounds yet to heal😊 I do religiously clean new pens before use now.
I think that is a very good point. I am glad that you said it. Why is it our responsibility? They don’t suggest this either. There is nothing on the packaging or manual I have every seen that says “Wash first.” Great point!
When it's residual ink from the nib being tested at the factory, I don't mind a bit. I'd rather have them test a nub and have stray ink in there than get a defective pen.
@@marilyngardner4269 Valid. But would you accept if a new phone you unbox has thumbprints all over because it's been tested? Maybe or maybe not. I definitely want to have a great writing experience with a pen out of the box and it's ok for pen makers to test it. But why not get it back in pristine condition when they box it? Why put that onus on customers?
I always wash new clothes before wearing them. I figure they’ve been handled by multiple people, possibly sneezed or coughed on, and have some sizing in them to keep the wrinkles away. Any pens I receive have probably been through similar experiences. So washing them, even the caps, makes sense to me.
@@ruthfeiertag Sure. That's a preference and perfectly valid. But the prior handling should not adversely affect the product experience itself . I have had cases where nib feeds carry minor residue materials from the making process. You have to do a thorough cleaning of the item before you use it. That's inexplicable to me.
I live dangerously and ink my pens immediately. I have never cleaned a new pen before inking, and I have never experienced a problem that wasn't a systemic problem with the pen and ink combination. For instance, my Platinum #3776 Century does not like some inks, but it is a perfect performer for other inks.
I love it! “Live Dangerously!” Awesome. I am glad that has worked out for you. So, the Platinum 3776 is named after Mt, Fuji, right? I just noticed its height. Thanks so much for checking in. Stop by again soon.
@@HemingwayJones I believe you are correct. I have had my two Centuries for such a long time, and they are workhorses. However, one of them has the UEF (ultra extra fine) nib, and it is really sharp on upstrokes, so it can only be easily used on very smooth paper.
Ref cleaning the nib: I was playing around with my macro photography setup, and put one of my pens for some test shots. The nib had some ink stains on it and I decided that picture had more character than photos I had taken in the past with freshly cleaned nibs, wound up using it for a wallpaper.
Thanks so much! Sometimes I dig right in too, but I try to do this. Sometimes when I film a first inking in a video it looks kind of weird if the pen is wet. Thanks!
Hello HJ. Informative video. I too, rinse my new pens so that it removes any manufacturing debris or oil from the nib. You want to enjoy your first experience with your new partner and make it memorable. Keep the videos coming.
My sister has the Esterbrook Jr. Paradise in Orange Sunset and it is so beautiful! I assume you use cold water for your rinse? I have been told that hot water might cause problems with some pens. I even heard recently about a vintage material that dissolves if soaked in water, which would be alarming!
You are probably referring to casein, a no-longer-used material that is derived from milk and will dissolve if soaked in water. The material was favored because of the ability to add color until celluloid came along to replace it. I have one casein pen and it's gorgeous, but I'm afraid to use it! 😅
@@patrickblindeman5847 Thanks, My Friend! I sometimes want to embed them into a video, but it has to match the tone. I also wish I could save more, but sometimes I need the storage. All the best.
Thanks for the video - a good reminder gor what I need to do with a new pen, or periodically once I am using it. However...the intro music when you go into a new segment sounds tinny and loud, and takes away from that calm, laid back approach which makes it a pleasure to watch and listen to your videos.
With new pens I tend to be a bit lazy. I'll ink them up and charge right in. I have oil floating on one of my bottles of ink because I did this! With vintage pens I'm a lot more cautious. I make sure they're clean and that they're not incontinent. That can be quite a process!
Filming doesn't help either! I skip it sometimes too because a pen won't look new after it has been cleaned. It's still a best practice, but... We try and that's the best we can do sometimes. All the best!
Thank you! I am a NYT fanboy! I have been a subscriber since the mid 1980s! My wife bought this for me for Christmas. Thanks for noticing. I am not usually this casual on camera! I thought it would be nice for the more laid back video. Thanks!
I just think that the modern Esterbrook pens are really only worth buying with the special custom ground nibs. Of course, the special nibs cost quite a bit extra on top of the already high pricing (MSRP) on all Esterbrook pens sold anywhere. The JR ought to be made compatible with the M-V nib adapter. I don’t know why they haven’t done so yet.
I would disagree somewhat with the rinsing process. Probably shouldn't use faucet water, least of all water that has been through the water heater. Distilled water is best {and not that expensive} and a bulb syringe works well and would leave little if any residue, whereas faucet water often contains lime deposits and additive chemicals. More so if the water has been through a heater tank. Many European sinks have isolated and separate faucets for hot and cold water specifically to reduce contamination of the cold water source. But still, distilled water is safer for the intricacies of fountain pen feeds. If you have a dish washer you can see what happens to your wine glasses when the water goes away.
An excellent suggestion! Personally, I don’t have a water tank and remember, we put ink in these things. Still, I love the extra care and appreciate your getting the message out. Thanks so much, Phil!
True, and many inks on the market have "shimmer" additives too. One might want to be careful putting these inks in your $800 fountain pen. Personally, I would avoid it. Some inks are highly recommended (Iroshizuku) , others - not so much.
Agreed, My Friend! Generally, I don't put shimmer or sheening inks in anything over around $35. TWSBIs are great for this. They are easy to field strip. Great points!
I usually inspect a new pen for obvious flaws, If it comes with a cartridge I insert it and write a test statement. Only if there is a problem with flow do I clean the pen.
Been lucky so far, I don’t use fancy inks, mainly Pilot iroshizuku or diamine! And I don’t change colors in any pen! Kon-peki and writers blood are my go to inks, wild strawberry is a close 3rd
@@thedirtygot9570 I don't know Wild Strawberry, but Kon-Peki is awesome! I did an entire video on that one ink, I love it so much. Writers Blood is great too. I prefer Ox by a margin. Great choices!
Hello Random, Welcome! first of all, always be a gentleman, remember that. Always be kind. Never be cruel, protect everyone around you, and always be open and welcoming to people. I just need to say that. Thanks. OK, down to brass tacks dressing like a gentleman is very easy there’s just a few things you need. The most important one is a navy blue blazer and you can decide for yourself whether or not you want to keep the gold buttons or replace them with bone or something else that you like. I would pick this up on eBay since you’re on a budget and perhaps have it tailored to you just make sure you pick up one that’s made in the USA like Brooks Brothers brooks brothers up until about three years ago made their Navy blazers here in the US. You also need three button down. Oxford shirts I preferred J Press. You could also use Brooks Brothers, or LL Bean I would get them in these three colors, one white, one blue and one University stripe blue and white. I would also get to Regatta stripe ties from Brooks Brothers. We don’t wear ties much anymore but you do need them from time You also need two pairs of khakis. I would get one lighter pair, and one pair in British khaki. You can get these from L.L. Bean or Brooks Brothers. Get a nice sensible brown leather belt. A pair of oxford shoes or brogues. I would go with Alden, Crockett Churches, Loakess. or Johnston & Murphy. You can pick these up used. It’s best to look for a full Goodyear welt so that you can have them re-soled. This is really the basis of everything and will get you through 90% of all situations. Overtime you can add some chunky blue cotton, sweaters, a Barbour jacket, an overcoat, and a navy suit for weddings, and any other formal occasion. I hope that this helps. Feel free to ask more questions. All the best! I am proud of you!!!!!
@@mikej.8885 I really do appreciate the feedback (no pun intended!). I did mix this one a little louder than usual and it’s funny; sometimes I do a mix and it goes up to YT extra quiet, so there are a lot of factors. I wanted a bit more music in this one, but I also wanted the dialogue to be clear. Thanks so much! You are making this channel better!
@@mikej.8885 Well I, on a fairly recent video, made mention of the background music, I think that was the video with Satie. I found it too loud in parts and suggested mixing down during talk time and back to level as was through the rest. However, here it seems perfectly fine to me. No issues with the music impacting on the dialogue. Interesting...
Hi HJ! Great video. I am a bit conflicted about the value proposition of the Esterbrook pens. Yes, they are fairly priced and carry a great history. However, from what I hear, they are now made in similar factories as some other usual (very inexpensive) suspects. I could be wrong. Maybe if I got to try one at a pen show or something I will change my mind. I am really curious about their needlepoint grind---which is never in stock. I must say, GUILTY!!! For not cleaning my pens before using them. Except for that Wingsung 699 that had what I'm sure was a piece of fur or something inside the barrel. :D :)D. Happy Friday and Cheers!
Hello Shark, My Friend! This morning, Goulet had a Needlepioint on an Esterbrook in stock, just so you know. Points taken. I don’t know where they are made. I do like when nibs are tweaked with the custom grinds. They are beautiful and the specs, fit, and finish are exceptional. Wish you all the best always, My Friend!
Lovely video, combining advice on cleaning out a pen and introducing us to your new, elegant Esterbrook. Have you tried using Birmingham Pen Company’s Monotonic to prep pens (I think there may be similar products out there)? Allegedly, if one runs the Monotonic, which I understand to be the liquid base of inks before colour is added, through the pen after rinsing it in water, one needn’t wait for the pen to dry. Has anyone played around with this substance?
Hello Ruth, I have not, but it certainly sounds interesting. I will look into it. Thanks for making me aware of it. Thanks for watching and for being here.
I'm wondering here, if you're genuinely worried about oils, why wouldn't you use a solvent? Sure water itself is a solvent, but it's not going to necessarily remove stubborn oils, perhaps leftover from the manufacturering process. I feel flushing is sufficient as you've shown here, but that would be to mostly remove any debris left behind., rather than oils. Perhaps, soaking as you suggested as an option would be better advised if one was genuinely concerned about oils, especially petrochemicals used in the manufacturing process (if any?) I've not really thought about this until now, merely trying to establish fact over rhetoric. 😮 Cheers.
Hello My Friend! Solvents as you know are very dangerous to many pens, so I steer clear. I always stick to some kind of water. I would go to pen flushes, if I ever had to. I haven't had to yet. I think, that the oils, if indeed there are any -I am assuming based on what one would expect- are trace amounts and that this rinse is sufficient to wash them away. It appears to be; I have had much better performance since doing this method. Regardless of what it is washing away, whether oil, spec of resin, bit of adhesive, a shard of metal, my pens seem to perfomr explonentially better out of the box. It's good to question. I am not immune to a rhetorical flourish and often stray into poetic language! This is, and was, my thought process when approaching this method. Thanks so much for watching and for taking a keen interest into the specifics.
@@HemingwayJones Yes, I'd assume water is sufficient. However, seems many speak of oils as a possible residue. Hence my question above. By solvent I was thinking something as harmless as a tiny droplet of dishwashing liquid or the equivalent. Given a water clean prior to use takes minimal effort it is definitely good practice prior to use. It's a similar procedure I go through with a record before first use.
Thank you so much! I don’t have a Patreon. Perhaps I should get one. You can support me here. I have Memberships available at www.TH-cam.com/hemingwayjones/join or you can hit the “thanks” button on my videos. Thank you very much! I appreciate it.
I wish I could do something about it. I hit them with Goldbond or Working Hands right before filming and a few minutes in they go back to how they look. I am just old and it seems there isn't much I can do about it. I tried wearing gloves, but you cannot handle the pens.
@@HemingwayJones In my late 60s, my hands are looking old and used. They've been heavily used. My face looks used, too. I've used it on several occasions to break falls, it's stopped a fist or two, it cushioned the blow when I went through a windshield. A few days after a fall on a glacier in Iceland, I walked into a restaurant in Reykjavik and the maitre d commented, "scars on a man's face are sexy." It was an unexpected greeting, but not unappreciated. My wife still likes my face. I'm happy with it, and with my hands. Not so happy with my feet. If I ever make TH-cam videos, I'll keep my bare feet out of them. People will just have to put up with my dry hands and scarred face. I have a friend who swears by Oil of Olay. He still has scars and wrinkles, but they do look nice and soft.
@HemingwayJones My hands are starting to look like my mom's hands. And since she was the lovliest woman in the world I don't mind a bit! I watch a lot of youtubers who clearly spend a lot of money on their nails at salons, and honestly, I find that more distracting. As long as your nails are clean, it's all good!
@@evilcritter Thanks so much! I try, but I am always doing stuff with my hands too. Chainsawing, cleaning out drains, clearing gutters. I use lotion and it helps for about a minute!
I always rinse the nib and feed in every new fountain pen I buy. Have done it for years now. And I think it really helps. It’s the minimum one should do to ensure the new pen is clean and very likely to not cause any issues. Of course, it’s no guarantee that the pen won’t cause problems. Because the nib/feed, for one, could occasionally be faulty in some way. Btw, the JR really stands for ‘J’ Reborn, not Junior.
Hello, very good point on the name. It just feels like such a Jr. I think they are making a pun. I hope so anyway! I’ll take any coverage I can take! It’s a lovely small pen, by the way. Thanks so much for watching! I hope all is well!!!
I know this is a thing you SHOULD do first when getting a new pen, but almost never remember to. Too excited to just ink it up and try it out. To be honest, I don't actually encounter many problems though with new pens.
I’m glad, Aaron! I often forget as well and sometimes I don’t because a wet pen doesn’t look good when filming! But, I find that when I do, it prevents a lot of problems. Thanks!
I clean my nibs after filling with an old handkerchief. It now looks very psychedelic and reminds me of inks of the past.
I love that!!!! Great strategy!
I will clean new pens before using after seeing this video. Very helpful!
Thank you so much!
Thank you for a practical educational video
Great again !
RS. Canada
Thank you, Richard!
Enjoyable, as always, Hemingway. Thanks for the refresher. A couple of thoughts: first, when I clean a nib unit and converter, I expel the water into the drain rather than the fill cup to avoid having debris in the cup that I might then suction back into the feed and/or converter. Next, it seems to me that anyone who has purchased a pen at this price should invest another fifteen dollars or so in a loupe. Too often, the tines on even brand-new nibs are misaligned. Having a loupe and learning to make adjustments can save a lot of frustration and, perhaps, expense. Finally, I shake my nib units carefully and vigorously in order to get as much water out as I can after flushing them. Then I dry them with shop or paper towel. In that way, the nib unit is ready to use immediately. Any slight dampness remaining in it won't affect the saturation of the ink to a perceivable degree. Filling and refilling the converter several times eliminates any chance of an effect by the water.
Great suggestions, My Friend! Always great to hear from you!
This helped me to consider the value of cleaning/flushing/inspecting the pen first. Thank you, Hemmingway!
Thanks Brett! Nice to hear from you.
This is important, but I must admins I don’t always do it. When I do my first step includes a little dish soap to remove any oils, then bulb flush, when possible. My one ODC part is I never flush back into clean water container. Thanks for your efforts.
That’s a great method. Thanks so much.
I use a wee bit of dish detergent in my rinse-out to cut any residual oils there might be.
Do you dilute it?
Yes, a drop or 2 in a cup of water. My pen flush recipe is 1 part ammonia, 9 parts water and 2 or 3 drops dish detergent. I usually mix up about 8oz at a time. Then rinse with clear water
I agree with the soap use. I like to use a few drops of Dawn in slightly warm water, then pump the section three or four times with the bulb syringe. Converters get filled and emptied several times as well. Then everything gets a fresh water rinse the same way.
Great video! I always clean my new fountain pens to remove any residual machining oil. I have been using those blue shop towels for quite a while. They are ideal for absorbing ink, and they are lint-free. 👍
Thanks Kurt! Those towels are great. They are also so handy around the house! Thanks so much!
Those are fantastic and I get some at the dollar store (1.25 now). I originally got as painting rags but they're useful for everything
One aditional thing I'm trying to do better with is immediately entering new pens into my spreadsheet inventory while the source, price, and details/info color name etc are fresh and in front of me!!!✒️ I almost always flush my new pens... so many contain blue traces of ink from testing. 🙂
I love how organized you are! I only have scattered embedded journal entries to mark the arrival of my new pens. I love the spreadsheet idea! Hope all is well!
Good video HJ, the only thing I do a little differently is after all the rinsing I stuff a glass with tissue paper and set the nib unit with the converter attached and place it nib down into the tissue for a few hours or overnight, That will wick out all the moisture and it will be dry and ready for inking.
I do a bit of that sometimes too. I have this little jar that is perfect. Or at least I did. It seems to have been relocated! I think the little Miss is using it for her water colors!
I do that trick with paper towels/tissue as well. Sometimes it shows me that the pen has been inked before and needs a more thorough rinsing.
Proof I am a greenhorn, I did not know that a new pen should be cleaned before use. Thank you, from now on I will do as you suggest! Also I need a loupe to examine the condition of the nib.
Thanks so much! I am glad that you are here with us.
I did a lot of reading and YT for tips like this and can confirm both work! I've had a couple cheap pens write like more expensive ones just by these two things: cleaning and inspection. Month 3 for me, or so in the hobby 😊 so much fun and tons of helpful folks!
I always rinse new nibs and feeds before use, and I also run a few fills of ink through the converter. But I use a bulb syringe on the nib and feed to make sure the water is actually following the same path the ink will follow. And I've found that water alone won't remove manufacturing oils if they are present. I've had two new pens that didn't write well where I suspected oils or something similar were the culprit. In both cases, I cleaned the pens with pen flush and that solved the problem. I wasn't sure it would, but I always try the least invasive solutions first.
That sounds like a wonderful plan! Another viewer has a homemade pen flush recipe, which is interesting. All the best and thanks for being here.
I've found that touching the edge of a paper towel to the fins does a good job of de-saturating the feed after refilling.
Awesome! Great strategy and genius innovation!
Yes, I do that after every cleaning, and I'm diligent about cleaning new pens. However, after I've gotten the pen cleaned and somewhat dried, I dive right in with filling it and have become used to waiting (sometimes just minutes) for the ink to come through in its full intensity. I don't know if I could wait several hours to write! 😄 Also want to add that I continue to clean my new pens because sometimes they do give off a bit of testing ink. Sometimes they don't, but I don't want to take a chance.
Beautiful pen! Very helpful reference. I will keep this in mind when I pick up my new Pilot Vanishing Nib LS tomorrow.
Glad it was helpful! Congratulations on the VP! Excellent pen!
I hadn’t always been cleaning my new pens but will do so now. I actually love adding a step to the fountain pen care process so that I can spend more time with my darlings! 😂 That pumpkin spice pen looks very special.
Thanks very much! I appreciate it. I have found that it helps with preventing false starts, etc.
Always a pleasure!
Super tutorial. Thanks! For carrying at work (and giving away to the intrigued), I get reliable cheap pens. Because they're meant not to be costly to the manufacturer, I don't generally expect much out of quality control, and so am pretty rigorous about cleaning. The bulb syringe is such an asset for that. But, today, cleaning two Jinhao 82s, I discovered clear evidence that they had been dip tested! By someone, anyhow. I'd like to think it was the manufacturer. The residual blue somehow reassured me.
Hello Rob, I like that too. I like people checking them first.
I love your dark wooden desk with the one central draw and hope to see more of this stylish desk in future ! As a lover of fine furniture I can see you are a small desk man at least at home . A hand crafted desk adds to the experience of writing and a small writer’s desk makes a small area look larger . The Esterbrook looks perfect and almost identical to your Pelican 600 . I own two Pelican 600 sized pens and fear buying an Esterbrook would be overindulgence . Just in case your didn’t get the message please do a video discussing writer’s desks as compared to the large style massive desks used by Bank Presidents and pretentious lawyers. Please start with a desk from history such as Napoleon’s desk or the desk used by Hemingway !
Thanks very much! I appreciate the admiration for the desk. It has been with me for years. I like the wear. Each one a story. I speak about it in an upcoming video Library Tour!
Great video! The shop towels are a necessity! A real pro tip.
Thanks Simon! I appreciate it!
All good advice which will improve the experience of any new pen
Thank you!
Hi HJ! This is something I also forget to do, especially with some new pens, but I ALWAYS do with the Chinese pens. With many Jinhao and also some of the other manufacturer's pens I get an ink(?) residue when flushing out the nib. Usually using a bulb syringe. It's funny about the Shop Towels! When I ceased using my pens for a while, I was using the Shop Towels all the time on other projects. When I picked up the pens and started again, the first thing I did was take a couple of sheets of the towels and double them up to protect the surface at my pen "station". I guess great minds think alike! I use them almost exclusively for this now, even though I keep a roll in the car for something more like their intended purpose. By the way, that Esterbrook pen is NICE!
Thanks for the kind words on the Esterbrook! Yes, those towels are great for so many things! I always keep a case on hand.
PERFECT timing as I just received a new pen from Atlas Stationers (and have a second on the way, oops, #notsorry). I love how this was an unboxing and practical/pen maintenance rolled into one. My only complaint is now I find myself coveting this Esterbrook Jr., the finish is so handsome.
Thanks Amy! I just watched it myself again and there is a lot going on in there, despite it being kind of breezy. People seem to like it, which is nice. One never knows.
This was also one that I only filmed a few days ago. That is rare for me to go right to press! Usually, they are about a month behind.
Thanks so much for watching and for being here!
Great video! What a wonderful way to start off a Friday, thank you. I haven't always cleaned new pens, but sometimes there is residual ink from a dip test by the manufacturer, so even more reason this is a good idea. Great ink choice, one of my favorites. Also, I love cartridge converter pens, so easy to clean and maintain. Thank you Hemingway!
Thanks Kendall! It is my pleasure! Cartridge Converter are great if there is an issue; so easy to fix. Thanks!!!!
I've seen some new pen users get alarmed when their Lamy's have ink residue, assuming that they were second hand.
A great video, HJ. I do the same with all the new pens I get. I carefully flush out the pens using distilled water. I use distilled water because tap water here is very hard, and contains some amount of dissolved minerals. Then, like you, I dry out the pen, and then I ink it and write. I have been doing this for years, and my pens have all worked real well as a result. Thanks for making this very educational video. Thanks.
Thanks very much, My Friend! It is always a pleasure to hear from you!
People underestimate how important it is to rince brand new pens. It is crucial IMHO. Some companies like Lamy will even have ink in the feeds and nib due to their way of testing every single one they make! (Those germans and their appetite for perfection and precision eh?)
That is a very good point! I wish I had included that about Lamy because it makes some people think that they are getting a used pen. Thanks so much!
I like the shorter video, thank you!!
You’re welcome! I have been meaning to do more of these.
Greetings from Australia.
I watched your short reel on this pen, and I was intrigued by it.
You inspired me to purchase this pen, but it is not available in Australia at the moment. Every other colour apart from the Pumpkin Latte. So my store is checking with the supplier. Hopefully soon.
I never wash a brand new pen. Just ink it up straight away. I've never had any problems. But I would clean a used pen.
Nice video.
Thanks very much for the kind words! Good luck finding the pen. I hope it you get one soon.
I have a similar approach. A visual check first, followed by looking at the nib for tine alignment using my loupe. I usually wash through with tap water before using homemade nib flush as it has a bit of dish soap in it. I finish with a quick fill with deionised water as the water is very hard where I live.
Anyway, your channel is a new discovery for me. Thanks for making the content. It's a distictive and informative contribution.
Thank you, Adrian! Warm Welcome! I am happy to have you here with us.
I have a Pumpkin Latte with the Journaler nib and it’s a delight every time. The Esterbrook JR (J Reborn) fits me perfectly and never fails, so I bought a Key Lime as well. I use a drop of dish soap for “baby’s first bath” and dry the pen overnight. Lovely video, as always.
Thank you so much and thanks for sharing your method.
A very relevant and helpful video. Thanks!
But having faced starter issues many times, I always wonder- why do we have to do this? We pay hundreds (sometimes, thousands) of dollars to get a pen and there is nothing more frustrating than a pen needing to be cleaned. With the pen industry on the ascent, I hope pen manufacturers establish stronger quality controls to eliminate most problems before the pen leaves them. Don't expect customers to do the cleaning job!!
Sorry for the rant. Obviously, have some wounds yet to heal😊 I do religiously clean new pens before use now.
I think that is a very good point. I am glad that you said it. Why is it our responsibility? They don’t suggest this either. There is nothing on the packaging or manual I have every seen that says “Wash first.” Great point!
When it's residual ink from the nib being tested at the factory, I don't mind a bit. I'd rather have them test a nub and have stray ink in there than get a defective pen.
@@marilyngardner4269 Valid. But would you accept if a new phone you unbox has thumbprints all over because it's been tested? Maybe or maybe not. I definitely want to have a great writing experience with a pen out of the box and it's ok for pen makers to test it. But why not get it back in pristine condition when they box it? Why put that onus on customers?
I always wash new clothes before wearing them. I figure they’ve been handled by multiple people, possibly sneezed or coughed on, and have some sizing in them to keep the wrinkles away. Any pens I receive have probably been through similar experiences. So washing them, even the caps, makes sense to me.
@@ruthfeiertag Sure. That's a preference and perfectly valid. But the prior handling should not adversely affect the product experience itself . I have had cases where nib feeds carry minor residue materials from the making process. You have to do a thorough cleaning of the item before you use it. That's inexplicable to me.
I write with my new pen straight out of the box. Never had a problem to date. Lovely pen this Esterbrook.
Thanks very much!
I live dangerously and ink my pens immediately. I have never cleaned a new pen before inking, and I have never experienced a problem that wasn't a systemic problem with the pen and ink combination. For instance, my Platinum #3776 Century does not like some inks, but it is a perfect performer for other inks.
I love it! “Live Dangerously!” Awesome. I am glad that has worked out for you. So, the Platinum 3776 is named after Mt, Fuji, right? I just noticed its height. Thanks so much for checking in. Stop by again soon.
@@HemingwayJones I believe you are correct. I have had my two Centuries for such a long time, and they are workhorses. However, one of them has the UEF (ultra extra fine) nib, and it is really sharp on upstrokes, so it can only be easily used on very smooth paper.
Ref cleaning the nib: I was playing around with my macro photography setup, and put one of my pens for some test shots. The nib had some ink stains on it and I decided that picture had more character than photos I had taken in the past with freshly cleaned nibs, wound up using it for a wallpaper.
Nice! I like that too for some shots. It looks more used. Thank!
I probably should give them a rinse but I am too excited to just start using the pen. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much! Sometimes I dig right in too, but I try to do this. Sometimes when I film a first inking in a video it looks kind of weird if the pen is wet. Thanks!
Hi. Very nice show and straight to the point. The Easterbrook is a pen I have never owned, I must do something about that.🤗 Cheers
Thanks so much! I am glad that you are a fan!
Hello HJ. Informative video. I too, rinse my new pens so that it removes any manufacturing debris or oil from the nib. You want to enjoy your first experience with your new partner and make it memorable. Keep the videos coming.
Thanks so much, My Friend! I appreciate it!!!
I just want to say - with a name like Hemingway Jones you pretty much HAVE to be a fountain pen user!! Thanks for the video!
Thanks so much! (Not actually my real name though. Nome de Internet.)
My sister has the Esterbrook Jr. Paradise in Orange Sunset and it is so beautiful! I assume you use cold water for your rinse? I have been told that hot water might cause problems with some pens. I even heard recently about a vintage material that dissolves if soaked in water, which would be alarming!
It’s cold. You have to wait around for hot water. Thanks so much for watching!
You are probably referring to casein, a no-longer-used material that is derived from milk and will dissolve if soaked in water. The material was favored because of the ability to add color until celluloid came along to replace it. I have one casein pen and it's gorgeous, but I'm afraid to use it! 😅
Nice video HJ. I need to get that pen! I will see you Tuesday.
Thanks John! Yes, LIVE on Tuesday at our regular time! Plus, typewriter video tomorrow. Bonus Video! Next Saturday Joost!
Thanks for the great content! Eager for more.
Thank you John! More to come! I appreciate the kind words.
I soak the section of new pen in Krishna ink flush for a few hours, rinse it and then ink it
You may know that Krishna is one of my favorite brands of ink. I will have to look into that. Moonview can be hard to clean. Thanks for the tip!
wow thats a gorgeous pen!!
Thank you!
Great video! Now I know why you chose Sargasso Sea!
Thanks so much! I am so glad that you like it! Sargasso Sea and it actually smells like the sea, which is interesting.
I do appreciate bloopers from time to time
Most are behind the scenes.
@@HemingwayJones yes I know
@@patrickblindeman5847 Thanks, My Friend! I sometimes want to embed them into a video, but it has to match the tone. I also wish I could save more, but sometimes I need the storage. All the best.
I flush a new pen one or two times with distilled water, dry the nib and feed with a paper towel and then fill it with ink. That's it. 😀
An excellent regime! Thanks so much.
I ink them up right away :) I do have a bulb syringe coming, and will start flushing the feed and nib now.
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
I will clean every pen from here on out. Also, can I deep clean a pen i cold started?
Thanks for the video - a good reminder gor what I need to do with a new pen, or periodically once I am using it. However...the intro music when you go into a new segment sounds tinny and loud, and takes away from that calm, laid back approach which makes it a pleasure to watch and listen to your videos.
Thanks for watching!
@@HemingwayJones You're welcome!
With new pens I tend to be a bit lazy. I'll ink them up and charge right in. I have oil floating on one of my bottles of ink because I did this!
With vintage pens I'm a lot more cautious. I make sure they're clean and that they're not incontinent. That can be quite a process!
Filming doesn't help either! I skip it sometimes too because a pen won't look new after it has been cleaned. It's still a best practice, but... We try and that's the best we can do sometimes. All the best!
I have a nasty habit of just inking up my pens as soon as I get them. I know better but I'm impatient.
I can understand that! You want to try it!
Hello. I also dip my pen and test the nib with the ink I plan to use before I ink it all the way up
That’s Brilliant! Thanks for this.
@@HemingwayJones thank you.
That is a cool NYTimes top you’re wearing!
Thank you! I am a NYT fanboy! I have been a subscriber since the mid 1980s! My wife bought this for me for Christmas. Thanks for noticing. I am not usually this casual on camera! I thought it would be nice for the more laid back video. Thanks!
Good rule of thumb to do this!
Thanks Shane!
I have this pen with a journaler's nib. It's really. nice. Can't go wrong with an Esterbrook.
Wonderful choice, Michelle!
I just think that the modern Esterbrook pens are really only worth buying with the special custom ground nibs. Of course, the special nibs cost quite a bit extra on top of the already high pricing (MSRP) on all Esterbrook pens sold anywhere.
The JR ought to be made compatible with the M-V nib adapter. I don’t know why they haven’t done so yet.
Very interesting. Best regards from Brasil.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!
Thanks for the info. Good to know.
Thanks for watching!
I would disagree somewhat with the rinsing process. Probably shouldn't use faucet water, least of all water that has been through the water heater. Distilled water is best {and not that expensive} and a bulb syringe works well and would leave little if any residue, whereas faucet water often contains lime deposits and additive chemicals. More so if the water has been through a heater tank.
Many European sinks have isolated and separate faucets for hot and cold water specifically to reduce contamination of the cold water source. But still, distilled water is safer for the intricacies of fountain pen feeds. If you have a dish washer you can see what happens to your wine glasses when the water goes away.
An excellent suggestion! Personally, I don’t have a water tank and remember, we put ink in these things. Still, I love the extra care and appreciate your getting the message out. Thanks so much, Phil!
True, and many inks on the market have "shimmer" additives too. One might want to be careful putting these inks in your $800 fountain pen. Personally, I would avoid it. Some inks are highly recommended (Iroshizuku) , others - not so much.
Agreed, My Friend! Generally, I don't put shimmer or sheening inks in anything over around $35. TWSBIs are great for this. They are easy to field strip. Great points!
Thank you. Excellent advice, Cool Hand (no failure to communicate). :)
Great reference! Thank you!!!
I usually inspect a new pen for obvious flaws, If it comes with a cartridge I insert it and write a test statement. Only if there is a problem with flow do I clean the pen.
I just give them a look over and fill em up!
Do you have occasional false starts? If it works for you, all the better!
Been lucky so far, I don’t use fancy inks, mainly Pilot iroshizuku or diamine! And I don’t change colors in any pen! Kon-peki and writers blood are my go to inks, wild strawberry is a close 3rd
@@thedirtygot9570 I don't know Wild Strawberry, but Kon-Peki is awesome! I did an entire video on that one ink, I love it so much. Writers Blood is great too. I prefer Ox by a margin. Great choices!
I just bought it today but it doesn't work, I washed it but the ink barely go through and I don't know why. Any suggestions?
Which kind of pen and which filling system? Some pens need a few minutes for the ink to make its way through the feed.
@@HemingwayJones Sorry yes I didn't specify. I bought the Duke 551 Confucius Fountain Pen
Sir i am 19 i want to look like a gentleman (in budget 😁)
Hello Random, Welcome!
first of all, always be a gentleman, remember that. Always be kind. Never be cruel, protect everyone around you, and always be open and welcoming to people. I just need to say that. Thanks.
OK, down to brass tacks dressing like a gentleman is very easy there’s just a few things you need.
The most important one is a navy blue blazer and you can decide for yourself whether or not you want to keep the gold buttons or replace them with bone or something else that you like.
I would pick this up on eBay since you’re on a budget and perhaps have it tailored to you just make sure you pick up one that’s made in the USA like Brooks Brothers brooks brothers up until about three years ago made their Navy blazers here in the US.
You also need three button down. Oxford shirts I preferred J Press. You could also use Brooks Brothers, or LL Bean I would get them in these three colors, one white, one blue and one University stripe blue and white.
I would also get to Regatta stripe ties from Brooks Brothers. We don’t wear ties much anymore but you do need them from time
You also need two pairs of khakis. I would get one lighter pair, and one pair in British khaki. You can get these from L.L. Bean or Brooks Brothers.
Get a nice sensible brown leather belt.
A pair of oxford shoes or brogues. I would go with Alden, Crockett Churches, Loakess. or Johnston & Murphy. You can pick these up used. It’s best to look for a full Goodyear welt so that you can have them re-soled.
This is really the basis of everything and will get you through 90% of all situations.
Overtime you can add some chunky blue cotton, sweaters, a Barbour jacket, an overcoat, and a navy suit for weddings, and any other formal occasion.
I hope that this helps. Feel free to ask more questions. All the best! I am proud of you!!!!!
Thanks!
Thank you!
This is so very kind of you!!!! Thank you very much!!! I really appreciate your being here with me. All the best!
Same as you beautiful pen,what size nib is it
I think he said it is a Medium. Though, the writing looked like a fine line to me.
It feels rather fine, but it is marked medium. So a finish Medium it is!
It’s a medium. Thanks!
I suggest removing the music when you are talking.
Clear as a bell on mine. I oft wonder how they play on different phones, tv, etc. Thanks for the feedback.
@@HemingwayJones it is my headphones on my desk top if no one else complains don't worry about it lol
Perhaps taking it down a bit more would be enough.
@@mikej.8885 I really do appreciate the feedback (no pun intended!). I did mix this one a little louder than usual and it’s funny; sometimes I do a mix and it goes up to YT extra quiet, so there are a lot of factors. I wanted a bit more music in this one, but I also wanted the dialogue to be clear. Thanks so much! You are making this channel better!
@@mikej.8885 Well I, on a fairly recent video, made mention of the background music, I think that was the video with Satie. I found it too loud in parts and suggested mixing down during talk time and back to level as was through the rest. However, here it seems perfectly fine to me. No issues with the music impacting on the dialogue.
Interesting...
Hi HJ! Great video. I am a bit conflicted about the value proposition of the Esterbrook pens. Yes, they are fairly priced and carry a great history. However, from what I hear, they are now made in similar factories as some other usual (very inexpensive) suspects. I could be wrong. Maybe if I got to try one at a pen show or something I will change my mind. I am really curious about their needlepoint grind---which is never in stock.
I must say, GUILTY!!! For not cleaning my pens before using them. Except for that Wingsung 699 that had what I'm sure was a piece of fur or something inside the barrel. :D :)D. Happy Friday and Cheers!
Hello Shark, My Friend! This morning, Goulet had a Needlepioint on an Esterbrook in stock, just so you know.
Points taken. I don’t know where they are made. I do like when nibs are tweaked with the custom grinds. They are beautiful and the specs, fit, and finish are exceptional.
Wish you all the best always, My Friend!
Lovely video, combining advice on cleaning out a pen and introducing us to your new, elegant Esterbrook.
Have you tried using Birmingham Pen Company’s Monotonic to prep pens (I think there may be similar products out there)? Allegedly, if one runs the Monotonic, which I understand to be the liquid base of inks before colour is added, through the pen after rinsing it in water, one needn’t wait for the pen to dry. Has anyone played around with this substance?
Hello Ruth, I have not, but it certainly sounds interesting. I will look into it. Thanks for making me aware of it. Thanks for watching and for being here.
@@HemingwayJones And I am happy to have found your channel, thanks to Chris Saenz!
@@ruthfeiertag Wonderful! Chris Saenz is the best! Thanks so much!
I'm wondering here, if you're genuinely worried about oils, why wouldn't you use a solvent? Sure water itself is a solvent, but it's not going to necessarily remove stubborn oils, perhaps leftover from the manufacturering process.
I feel flushing is sufficient as you've shown here, but that would be to mostly remove any debris left behind., rather than oils. Perhaps, soaking as you suggested as an option would be better advised if one was genuinely concerned about oils, especially petrochemicals used in the manufacturing process (if any?)
I've not really thought about this until now, merely trying to establish fact over rhetoric. 😮
Cheers.
Hello My Friend!
Solvents as you know are very dangerous to many pens, so I steer clear. I always stick to some kind of water. I would go to pen flushes, if I ever had to. I haven't had to yet.
I think, that the oils, if indeed there are any -I am assuming based on what one would expect- are trace amounts and that this rinse is sufficient to wash them away. It appears to be; I have had much better performance since doing this method. Regardless of what it is washing away, whether oil, spec of resin, bit of adhesive, a shard of metal, my pens seem to perfomr explonentially better out of the box.
It's good to question. I am not immune to a rhetorical flourish and often stray into poetic language! This is, and was, my thought process when approaching this method.
Thanks so much for watching and for taking a keen interest into the specifics.
@@HemingwayJones Yes, I'd assume water is sufficient. However, seems many speak of oils as a possible residue. Hence my question above. By solvent I was thinking something as harmless as a tiny droplet of dishwashing liquid or the equivalent. Given a water clean prior to use takes minimal effort it is definitely good practice prior to use. It's a similar procedure I go through with a record before first use.
All excellent points. Thanks very much.
3:05 - Starbucks? They use Sharpies exclusively … 😬
Good advice. I do clean my pens before the first use. Esterbrook does a great job of issuing beautiful color combinations.
They really do! Thanks so much for watching!
Tell us how to support you. Patreon?
Thank you so much! I don’t have a Patreon. Perhaps I should get one. You can support me here. I have Memberships available at www.TH-cam.com/hemingwayjones/join or you can hit the “thanks” button on my videos. Thank you very much! I appreciate it.
My goodness..your hands look dry...some lotion should do the trick. Not to be rude or anything..your video quality is just so clear.
I wish I could do something about it. I hit them with Goldbond or Working Hands right before filming and a few minutes in they go back to how they look. I am just old and it seems there isn't much I can do about it. I tried wearing gloves, but you cannot handle the pens.
@@HemingwayJones In my late 60s, my hands are looking old and used. They've been heavily used. My face looks used, too. I've used it on several occasions to break falls, it's stopped a fist or two, it cushioned the blow when I went through a windshield. A few days after a fall on a glacier in Iceland, I walked into a restaurant in Reykjavik and the maitre d commented, "scars on a man's face are sexy." It was an unexpected greeting, but not unappreciated. My wife still likes my face. I'm happy with it, and with my hands. Not so happy with my feet. If I ever make TH-cam videos, I'll keep my bare feet out of them. People will just have to put up with my dry hands and scarred face. I have a friend who swears by Oil of Olay. He still has scars and wrinkles, but they do look nice and soft.
@HemingwayJones My hands are starting to look like my mom's hands. And since she was the lovliest woman in the world I don't mind a bit! I watch a lot of youtubers who clearly spend a lot of money on their nails at salons, and honestly, I find that more distracting. As long as your nails are clean, it's all good!
@@evilcritter Thanks so much! I try, but I am always doing stuff with my hands too. Chainsawing, cleaning out drains, clearing gutters. I use lotion and it helps for about a minute!
Well goodness how tall are you?
I'm 6'2" or 188cm. Thanks!
@@HemingwayJones you look taller than that.
Must be the angle!
I always rinse the nib and feed in every new fountain pen I buy. Have done it for years now. And I think it really helps. It’s the minimum one should do to ensure the new pen is clean and very likely to not cause any issues. Of course, it’s no guarantee that the pen won’t cause problems. Because the nib/feed, for one, could occasionally be faulty in some way.
Btw, the JR really stands for ‘J’ Reborn, not Junior.
Hello, very good point on the name. It just feels like such a Jr. I think they are making a pun. I hope so anyway! I’ll take any coverage I can take! It’s a lovely small pen, by the way. Thanks so much for watching! I hope all is well!!!