Great selection Doug but unfortunatley i miss out on the penbbs 456 black they had all gone by the time i got out of work & could use my mobile.YOU have reminded me,i have found one on Aliexpress,it as cost me but im happy,Ilike the writers blood & i can see me having to purchase the oxblood when my bank account recovers in the newyear.Great review as usual.
Bravo! Thank you for another year of fine reviews. Congratulations on your Pelican and your birthday. I took the plunge into PENBBS this year and have not been disappointed. The long blade nibs are addictive- I love writing with them ( I like thick nibs, I cannot lie) due to the thick lines. Same deal with the Calligraphy nib. Santa just delivered a Ranga Model 5 with a gold 8 size nib in chestnut- after seeing how beautiful your chestnut model was, I can't wait to open mine Christmas Day. You have opened my eyes to a world I did not know before; writing with my fountain pens has been such a joy and a wonderful diversion throughout the pandemic. I can''t thank you enough for all you have taught me. Please know you are appreciated. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
The Hongdian 1841 is definitely resin, I have one Montblanc 146 and the texture of MB and HD are the same, the HD 1841 is slightly lighter than MB due to its tinier barrel and shorter than the MB pen, the HD 1841 has some heft and weight to it, very well polish. If you have a chance to borrow one MB 146 perhaps you can compare against this HD 1841.
You lucky ba....!!! LOL! Thanks, Doug and congrats on another fun pen year! My best in 2021... Kanwrite Heritage, translucent amber, with an FPR super flex nib, lots of fun. Also, a Crocodile acrylic, cracked ice amber that I have not seen on other pens and, or course, a crocodile clip and on the nib, great fun again! Cheers!
Bought a second hand M805 Blue and it was inked with Asa gao. Next day, I bought a bottle of that ink. Love Pelikan pens. But will need to try those others you have mentioned! Thanks.
This is a great list. The Ranga Abhimanyu is my fav Ranga model. Though I thoroughly love the flat top #4, and the conicle top model as well.. Ranga is a stand up company too. Asa~gao is one of my fav inks this year. I’m obsessed with the Franklin Christoph M SIG (stub italic gradient) nib grind by Audrey, I bought the #20 in Sept, for my birthday.. and I just found one in a midnight blue diamond cast which rocks my socks off, it’s got a M Franklin Christoph nib, their nibs are some of the best steel nibs out there. Edison nibs are also very well tuned. I adore the Pelican nib look.. I have yet to buy one. My most expensive pen is an Aurora and it is stunning. Anyway.. that’s my pen chat for now. Great vid. Love your channel
Some comments: 10) The Hong Dian collections numbered 18xx seem to me to be of higher quality than their other models and they have a nice #6 nib. 8) My first fountain pen was the Sheaffer Viewpoint (I still have it and use it often). My second was the Student in black, just like yours. I've put its feed and nib in an Airmail 71J because I find the Student too skinny. 6) I am very surprised because when I watched your review of the Ti200 I was left with the impression that you didn't like it, you thought it was too expensive for nothing. 5) You made me want to try this nib . Thank you for this subjective ranking. Even if it reflects only your tastes, it gives us relative references for our reactions. each of us.
Perfect Doug, some of those have graced my desk and the Kaigelu long blades found themselves installed as well. A couple of hiccups along the way, still fun of course! Thanks as usual for your insights... Entertaining video as usual.
This past year, 2021, is the year I acquired a Pilot Elite/E95s EF (I have the Elite ordered directly from Japan, which is different than the Korean Elite), a Platinum 3776 Century Black Diamond with a UEF nib, AND the Pilot Falcon (resin version) in SEF. Not only are those the highlight of my pen year, but they are the highlights of my pen writing life!
Thank you for more of your valuable penabling information. Just when I think I don't need anymore pens, you come out with tempting recommendations. I appreciate the time you put into making your pen reviews. Looking forward to the 10 worst list. Happy holidays!
Thanks Doug, as a proud owner of several pens that enters 2021 list, I have to agree with your choice. I wish to you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Hi Doug, what a terrific video! I am absolutely delighted the Pelikan M800 was number one on your list. It is my grail pen too, (but in the green stripe). I agree with everything you said about it. I will always have mine in use. And such a surprise to see my Sheaffer student pen on the list. I was a little Catholic schoolgirl of eight (as I may have mentioned before) when the nuns forced us to learn cursive handwriting (the Palmer Method) with them. I was hooked on fountain pens at eight years old, and a few years ago was able to replace my now long gone student pen with one from EBay, the exact same one I used as a child. Thanks again for a great video! Dottee
Great list/review again, as always, Doug. Quality (and) entertainment: always looking forward to watch your fountain pen reviews; keep up that excellent 'combination', it's unique and well, it's "Doug's way" hey. Love it! :-) For me personally, in 2021 then (had my eg. Pelikans earlier already [edit: which I adore btw - lol]), it would be the Onoto Flanders Pen, the Leonardo Furore Grande, and the Jinhao (2021) Centennial. :-)
Thanks again! My Leonardo Furore Grande Smeraldo was on last year's list. Oh and BTW, with your help, I have a Penbbs 14K gold calligraphy #8 on the way. Thank you so much!
@@InkquiringMinds You're welcome; thank you for all the effort you put in to provide us with your marvelous reviews. :-) Have a great weekend. [Edit] PS, saw it was on your list of 2020. :-) I have the Leonardo Furore Grande Blue Hawaii. :-)
That Pelikan M800 is my grail pen. I am glad you were blessed with it. So beautiful in so many ways and I can only imagine what it must feel like in your hand. Very, very nice!
Now my wallet is recoiling as I have to go on a little shopping spree. What a great list! I love the balance and insight you provide. Keep the videos coming, I just love your point of view.
A great top 10. I haven't gotten any of them but now I am tempted. I just recieved my Pineider Alchemist a few days ago and it, along with a Kaweco AC Sport decimated my pen/ink/writing budget but they proved to be well worth the price. Looking forward to seeing your 'stinkers' video next.
Great list of pens! I’ve added the Kaigelu nib and Jinhao 100 to my cart! I can’t wait to try these out. As always your reviews are very informative and fun. Thank you!
I love that background from the Pilot Decimo and PenBBS 456. I can wait to see your next reviews. Thank you for all the videos from 2021. Greetings from MX :) !
Honestly, the best fountain pen experience was finding your videos and following - then purchasing - many of the pens that you have reviewed. It revived a long dormant hobby of mine, one that I shared with my father when we would get up at 4 in the morning to drive to Kutztown Pennsylvania to hunt for vintage fountain pens. My favorites are also the Pen BBS 456, Ranga 5, the limited edition Platinum preppy, the Bobby modified Wing Sung (?), and my all time favorite Kanwrite Heritage with full flex nib, one of the best sub $50 pens I have written with. I look forward to finding most of these pens in next week's worst pens of 2021 ;o). And every time I watch your video I glance over to Etsy and the PenBBS store and today I ended up spending a C note on a pair of calligraphy nibs, another 456 in Starry Night, and for kicks a Marshmallow 322. As usual,my wallet hates you. Keep up the good work!
Glad a Leonardo made the list. I currently love my M800 in Blue Dunes and my Brooks MOP Leonardo Momento Zero Grande (which I can't stop looking at). Thanks for the fun video.
What an awesome video. It captures the full year of your reviews and inspires one to look forward to another great year with fountain pens. Ranga just sent an email with another group buy for a Giant 9B. Maybe I’ll bite (again). Merry Christmas, Doug!
Great video! I too love the m800. In the RSN timeframe, I have a moonman/ majohn/ mad John A1 retractable on a shipping container somewhere out there. Have you seen this one?
Awesome list as always sir! I look forward to your wrap-up videos at the end of the year even more than your usual ones! My top experiences of 2021 have to be: Pilot Vanishing Point in Matte black, and the PenBBS 355 in Gloom (Brown). Both write fabulously with no adjustment and do their respective jobs. For inks I would say the Franklin Christoph Sweet Maroon, Kiwi Inks 'Quite a Rough Customer', and Colorverse Delicious Sleep have all been fantastic. Try them out if you get a chance! Happy Holidays and thanks again for all the work you do!
Damn!!! I used the same Sheaffer pen around the same time. Same powder blue body and same Peacock Blue ink. Still have the pen after 55 years. Got me through jr. and sr. high as well as SAIT. Used it the first few years at AGT. For some reason new cartridges don't fit. sigh. Still nice to hold however.
@@InkquiringMinds Tried that but for some reason they're about 1.5mm too long and the pen won't screw closed. That or the pen shrunk. All my other Sheaffer cart pens seem to work fine. Thanks for the suggestion however.
An excellent video Prof Doug. I’d say my pen of the year the Pilot 823 (vacuum filler one). It has the most amazing Pilot nib that really does feel beautifully designed and so springy and soft. It’s quite wonderful. Thank you for a year of wonderful videos. You really make them so well. Thank you sir.
Thank you so very much! I think the Pilot 823 has to be the large Pilot for me. I love my e95s but the Custom 74 was disappointing. I'm sure the size of the 823 is perfect.
@@InkquiringMinds the first thing I thought was “Doug would love this”. I wish I were rich as Croesus to afford the number of pens most penFluEnCers seem to have. All those urushi arco bronze Omas momento mori King of Realo LB 6 pens etc. it’s never ending. Not many seem normal people on an a budget, like you do, so I value that very much about your videos and ethos).
The penFlueEnCers that review all of those amazing pens have an arrangement with a retailer or pen maker that provide the pens for free for review. We few, we happy few, like Chris and Alan and me, have to get by on our own pocketbooks! LOL
A fun list and your usual entertaining video. Congratulations on hitting 65 (me, too!) ! Maybe that explains why I often feel in synch with you and get your cultural references
Hey Doug, could you please let me know where you get your Bobby Bent Nibs from? I'd really appreciate it. Thanks. Interesting video, I have the LAMY 2000 and if I knew then what I know now I would have gotten a "Fine" nib size instead of a "Medium".
Yeah me too Kevin. Here’s the link: C$ 10.17 50％ Off | 4Pcs Fountain Pen Nibs 0.5-0.8mm Bent Nib For St Penpps 618 601 613 Fountain Pen Ink Pen Stationery Office school supplies a.aliexpress.com/_mtgu460
OMG, I had several of the Sheaffer student pens (LOL, showing my age). Each time I got a different color, faves were red or green. And I too used the Peacock Blue ink cartridges. What nostalgia!
Curse you, Doug Rathbun! I’d finally calmed my pen buying for a few months, then you show me stuff I can’t live without. PenBBS 456 wasn’t enough. Now I just received my Ranga 3C (with Jowo nib) and blast it, it’s great! Now I just ordered some Kaigelu Long Blade nibs! Where will it end? (Just kidding, in case you were somehow unable to detect the exaggerated wit. I’m scribbling on every piece of paper I come across with the Ranga, and it is - for the time being - the best thing since sliced bread, or a Doug Rathbun video. Happy Holidays!)
Hey Hey Ray! I hear ya! The Rangas are such wonderful writers. The 3C Jowo is such a wet smooth and well balanced writing experience. They are addictive. I'll be reviewing my new Abhimayu Chestnut soon!
1. That's a good list. I really like the 323, the Centenniel, and the M800. 2. My 2021 list: 1. Sailor Pro Gear - I got some unexpected money and splurged on this thing. It wipes the floor with every other pen I own. 2. Pilot 743 - Finally, a decent flex nib. Only challenger to the Pro Gear. Now why was it that I wanted a flex nib? 3-10. Various beginner pens with the nib. Engineered nib for me: reliable, sweet-spot-free, durable, even, wet. The kiddie aesthetic is an appealing and playful bonus. Best: Pelikan Pelikano jr. Honorable mentions: 3 more beginner pens. 3. The final pen I bought is the Pro Gear. My third "Last Pen Ever". That leaves only two possibilities for 2022; either I quit buying pens, or I succomb to buying pens based on their looks. Gee, I wonder which it will be...
Obviously, you missed a final option, you admit to being an fp junkie and buy pens as they are released b.c. they haunt you in your sleep and are begging you to buy them before they are lost to the fp universe. Further the experience of not owning turns into many regretful lost opportunities, and your life becomes filled with regret as an old man and it takes a washed up lenardo de caprio to come and bring you back to reality.
@@InkquiringMinds Don't see the need for a second 21k nib. Unless somewhere on earth there is actually a SOFT-medium. More tempting are the various colorful PGSlims.
The PenBBS 323 was an upstager for me, right out of the gate. The writing sample was glorious. The long blade nib was my close second. My personal pen of the year... it's probably the old Pilot Super 150v I bought earlier in the year. The 14k nib is so smooth and pleasant to write with. It's a soft nib and flexes painlessly if I want flair. It was a steal at $30 and I'm glad to have it 😊
Thank you again for the very enjoyable video as usual! Once you have Pelikan Souverän M800 (or Pilot Custom URUSHI), since you are free now, you realize virtually every single fountain pen is love-able, you love almost all pens in the world, making the top 10 list becomes difficult.... Pelikan Souverän M800 is sensitive to the difference of papers, so you may end up searching for your top 10 papers for Pelikan Souverän M800...
@@InkquiringMinds Yep. Exactly. It is a category by itself. And once you have M800, your whole perspective changes. Now you see virtually every single FP has its own beauty and is love-able.... It is not the ranking anymore. So, having M800 is dangerous. Because it increases your purchases of other FPs. Your collections increase... You start buying Jinhaos AFTER you have M800. You do. While there may be people out there thinking oh I do not want to have M800, because once I have it my happy days of collecting FPs would be over, and I do not want to stop buying FPs.... Do not worry. That is not going to happen.
Love that Pelikan & the vintage Sheaffer. Well, I like them all, bust especially those two. I’m looking very forward to the Worst Pens List next week! Your vids bring joy to my heart! Thank you so much, Doug!!!
You sold me on the Penbbs 323 Galaxy, I may pick that up soon. My grail is also a Pelikan, I prefer the M805 Blue or Stresemann. I have a MB 149 and their Beatles special edition, but nothing writes like a Pelikan. Nice list thanks for sharing
Hi Doug, congratulations on another wonderful year of bringing us some amazing content. I love watching your videos, also, watching Chris's videos, between you two you have kept me well informed, entertained, and occupied throughout the year. Thanks. Great, line up and defiantly agree with your choices of pens. Merry Christmas. Chels
Congratulations on your holy grail goal being reached :-). I’ve always been curious to try a Pelikan; my “holy grail” pens though are the Namiki Emperor and Visconti Homo Sapiens Lava. I also had to chuckle at the student pen, because just this week I found one of them floating around my office that I forgot I had. It’s so cool that it brings back those memories for you! Have you ever done a rundown of your favorite inks? You often talk about your select favorites (Oxblood and Kon-Peki come to mind); I enjoyed your comments on “Happy Holidays” at the beginning of the video as that’s my favorite ink to write Christmas cards with (Broad nib, always!) for exactly the reasons you pointed out. It would be very interesting to see your take on a variety of inks using a couple of known pens as controls, to compare/contrast the various properties and behaviors of them.
Thanks so much, Ryan! I'm not that much of an ink guru. My tastes aren't that broad either. I'm sure I could live with just a few inks, like, Kon-Peki, Ancient Copper, Kyanite, Take Sumi. The preparation work for doing an ink comparison in various pens is enormous and I already have WAY too many pens inked! LOL
A wonderful top 10 list for the Year. What caught my eye this time is your selection of inks is starting to look like mine. I purchased maybe 7 inks this year and Oxblood, Writers blood and yama budo keeps creeping into most of my pens. Maybe I don't like the color green as much as I thought ;D
As always, great job! I too love Pelikan pens. My only beef with more expensive pens (I cannot believe how much the truly “expensive” pens can cost & just have to remind myself that they were not made for people like me who were paid professor salaries) is the fact that I tend to never carry them for fear I will do the “absent-minded professor” (boy, in retirement years is that ever a true moniker). Why? I am too likely to leave it some place, lose it, or worse! However, I love using a Pelikan pen! Keep up the great work. May the holidays be filled with joy and the new year filled with rich rewards for all you do to entertain us all!
Beautiful pens! I only added one pen my to collection this year. A Platinum Century 3776 in the chartreuse blue. I love the pen but I got it with a medium nib. I wish I had gotten the (BB) nib. Maybe next year. Thank you for your videos. I hope you have a wonderful 2022.
I really appreciate that you review a range of pens, tbh. Some expensive pens are absolutely worth the money if you have it, (your number one is such a solid, classic choice) but you can get something good for under $20. I never want anybody to feel like they can't get into this hobby without forking over a car payment, but it's hard to convince anyone when half the videos I see are from people shilling for Visconti. As for my good pens of the year: I'm not made of money myself these days, but I did get a few: a Kaweco Sport in mint green M nib, My SECOND matte black rainbow Conklin Duragraph (somebody had to like them) in M... both of those are good pens in their own way but the year's stand out was Sailor Procolor 500 Shikisai - Four seasons Fine Hoshikuzu. I got it for the finish which looks like the night sky on a moonless night- I can stare at it forever. I didn't expect to like the nib this much. I'm not much for fine nibs. But it's got a pretty wet flow and isn't at all scratchy. Surprise counts for a lot so yeah I think it's my top pen this year.
Got a penbbs 323 with the same finish. It is exceptional. Got an M800 blue as well (didn’t pay as much as that) ground from a b to a stub. It is great.
Absolutely loved the review! Pens! Ink! Yes! But, now, the Pelikan. I know I'm going to get one, here or in heaven. M800 or m1000. Today I turned 63, and suspect that if I want to enjoy it, I should do so soon. (By enjoy, I mean write with it for a decade or so before I give it to my son who likes fountain pens, and might enjoy it for lots of decades. Okay! Feeling the justification!!! I'll let you know . . . whenever.) Do you know, what holds me up is that I have pens I love to write with. What about them? If my Grail Pen turns out to be my sine qua non of writing, I guess I'd have some lovely gifts for friends. I dunno. Gotta think. Must . . . think. . . .
Oh, yes, best pen experience this year. Discovering that Hong Dian and Jinhao have introduced lovely solid gold nibs. Hong Dian 885 Mt Qomolangma 14k. Jinhao Centennial 100 14k. Either they have gotten hold of vintage stock with wonderful flexibility, or they deserve to dominate the market.
I should have my first 14k Penbbs nib by the end of the week! Plus, I have a new Wing Sung 629 14k #6 size nib and it is a piston filler and almost identical to a MB149 or Sailor 1911L. You'll adore a Pelikan M800. Even though they are everything everyone ever says about them, it doesn't mean that I don't love writing with everything else. It is just that special when you pick up the M800 again.
What nib size was in the Pelikan M800? Thx for your thoughts. As you said yourself, these are your thoughts, so I don’t care either 😉👍🏻 Cya in the next one. 😂
@@InkquiringMinds - sounds so good! I’ve allowed one shockingly poor Pelikan pen to shape my whole fountain pen existence. IT was the new release of the M800 ‘Blue O’ Blue’ and the nib I got was nothing short of shocking. It’s my favourite colour (blue) so I wanted so badly to be ‘wowed’ by it and it let me down so much, I don’t think I can get over myself. Maybe it’s high time I got myself back in the Pelikan game with one like yours. The blue pinstripe is epic 🙂👍🏻
@@Richard_Barnes that happens. I've had one pen by Faber-Castell - a terrifically awful FC Loom. And I've never had another. It doesn't help they are all slim with metal sections though.
Doug I have an ink question. You use diamine fairly often. I have shied away because I had read that brands like that with sheen gunk up the feed and require some extra maintenance. Are my concerns founded in reality?
Diamond have SO many inks it is hard to generalize. If you leave some inks too long in the pen without use, you can get nib crud. Ancient Copper does that. But it is easy to wipe off or dip the nib in water and get it off.
Excellent recap. Some of my pens were a direct result of your recommendations of which I am very grateful. Chinese pens are like a minefield. You have to walk carefully. Pelikan M800 PenBBS 323 Hong Dian 1841 ensso Italia Luoshi Labyrinth Leonardo Momento Zero Pilot 743 Sailor 1911L Platinum 3776 Wing Sung 601a
@@InkquiringMinds Great pen, fabulous nib. I only wish they they made a softer version of the nib. I guess I could try an architect nib that they make, but I found that Sailor will swap the nib but they keep the original. Strange.
I would strongly suggest the Luoshi pen. As far as I know, it was only released with a Medium nib. But as they say it is smooth like buttah. The reverse writing is slightly scratchy but works very well, too. Truphae has it for US$6.49.
Is it just me or the LONG BLADE nib (lovely nibs) is just an other name for ARCHITECT grind? Nice top ten. Nice selection of fountain pens.Thank you Doug.
Yes, the difference is architects are expensive- the nibs as well as the people who are architects. The long blade is the like an architect nib for Harry the Homeowner- not perfect but it will do!
Hey Luc! I my mind, they ARE architects but I'm not allowed to say it in a video because my more precise (read anal) colleagues admonish me publicly. LOL
Delightful review, as always. Although in the last tear I've bought many Chinese pens (many based on your reviews, damn you to hell, lol), I've been collecting long enough (about 25 years), that most of my fountain pens are vintage American, European, or Japanese pens. When I saw what you paid for the Pelikan M800, I shuddered. I remember paying $225 for a brand new M1000 (in fact, I bought 2 at that price, one green stripe and one black). How times, and prices, have changed!
Hi, nice vid. I was looking at a new fountain pen after accidentally ruining my current pen. I am looking at the penbbs 535 as I do like the mechanism and the contrast between the two colours. However, I was also considering the 456, and from this video, I can still see you consider it as one of the greats. I am currently looking for a pen with a shut-off valve. Just out of interest, of the 355/535 or the 456 mechanisms, which ones do you favour more? If it wasn't for the all-black-ness of the 456, would you still pick the 456 over the 535? Thanks
interesting. my first fountain pen was also a sheaffer student. i believe i had a clear body pen. school filler paper being the crap it was i ended up ditching the fountain pen for a ballpoint. this choice was also aided by an inkcident where the cartridge was installed incorrectly (i think) and it came off the nipple. the resulting mess ensured my movement to ball point. i was never happy after that. i never found a ballpoint pen that didn't glob, railroad, or smear on paper. 50+ years later i'm back with my first choice. now i know about different papers, inks, nibs, styles, etc. and i am much, much happier. and thanks to your channel i've learned to appreciate the asian market. thank you. and i have found, after much searching, ballpoint refills that are acceptable. now my daily carry is a ballpoint, a roller ball, and a fountain pen. different strokes for different notes.
Thanks for sharing, Bill! I know ink accidents and horrible nibs have deterred many from continuing to use fountain pens. But once you find that smooth as silk experience, a ballpoint is not even in the running. A rollerball, yes.
Ahhhh... that Pelikan... is on my top lists as well. Maybe when I hit that 65 mark as well (if I'm lucky enough :D). Good list! My favourites so far - Sheaffer Intrigue and Sheaffer Triumph 1000 (lever filler, a classic).
Nice list, much variety and good to see both hongdian and Jinhao recognised. I couldn’t stretch to the M800, but I did get a M600 (same colour blue) and a Caréne (Marine Amber) this year. That’s two pens ticked off my grail list!
About month ago I bought Pelikan M800 (black-green) as my lifetime pen. It was about 365 Euros in my country local store, but they had it only with the M nib. So I had to buy F nib from Cult Pens and my happiness is endless now.
An excellent top in my opinion thanks, Doug! I found the pens from Sheaffer regardless of the production period, to be excellent writers, and well in consequence all the documents and contracts in the last 10 years i signed using a fountain pen or another from Sheaffer!
@@InkquiringMinds Well, I've been waiting for Sheaffer to bring that pen also to my country for more than six months, i asked the Sheaffer dealership in my country when they will bring the pen also in my country , and ...... total silence . :(
I haven't been into vintage pens other than those loaned to me of given to me. The Parker 105 came out in 1979, so by strict definition, it isn't vintage yet. But still, you won't find one at WalMart!
My pen of the year is my Pilot VP.. Since it cost me $200 and this is my ‘self imposed’ upper limit spend on a pen, Pilot VP is going to me my ‘grail pen’ for years to come !
Very entertaining channel , with humour and a technical approach to evaluating pens lacking in other TH-cam channels .
Great selection Doug but unfortunatley i miss out on the penbbs 456 black they had all gone by the time i got out of work & could use my mobile.YOU have reminded me,i have found one on Aliexpress,it as cost me but im happy,Ilike the writers blood & i can see me having to purchase the oxblood when my bank account recovers in the newyear.Great review as usual.
That's great, Ed! You'll love it!
I value your opinions. Keep it up. You aren't afraid to piss people off. I like that.
Bravo! Thank you for another year of fine reviews. Congratulations on your Pelican and your birthday. I took the plunge into PENBBS this year and have not been disappointed. The long blade nibs are addictive- I love writing with them ( I like thick nibs, I cannot lie) due to the thick lines. Same deal with the Calligraphy nib. Santa just delivered a Ranga Model 5 with a gold 8 size nib in chestnut- after seeing how beautiful your chestnut model was, I can't wait to open mine Christmas Day. You have opened my eyes to a world I did not know before; writing with my fountain pens has been such a joy and a wonderful diversion throughout the pandemic. I can''t thank you enough for all you have taught me. Please know you are appreciated. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Wow. A model 5 in Chestnut would be awesome! Thank you so much and the best to you and yours too!
The Hongdian 1841 is definitely resin, I have one Montblanc 146 and the texture of MB and HD are the same, the HD 1841 is slightly lighter than MB due to its tinier barrel and shorter than the MB pen, the HD 1841 has some heft and weight to it, very well polish. If you have a chance to borrow one MB 146 perhaps you can compare against this HD 1841.
If I ever see my nib guru again, I'll borrow a MB146.
You lucky ba....!!! LOL! Thanks, Doug and congrats on another fun pen year! My best in 2021... Kanwrite Heritage, translucent amber,
with an FPR super flex nib, lots of fun. Also, a Crocodile acrylic, cracked ice amber that I have not seen on other pens and,
or course, a crocodile clip and on the nib, great fun again! Cheers!
Happy new year! Thank you, David!
Bought a second hand M805 Blue and it was inked with Asa gao. Next day, I bought a bottle of that ink. Love Pelikan pens. But will need to try those others you have mentioned! Thanks.
Thanks Alain!
Kudos and props for this video format, i.e., the primary focus on the writing demo with a smaller pip in the lower right of frame. Merry Christmas!
Glad you liked it! Dealing with multiple layers in 4K video is a learning experience.
This is a great list. The Ranga Abhimanyu is my fav Ranga model. Though I thoroughly love the flat top #4, and the conicle top model as well.. Ranga is a stand up company too. Asa~gao is one of my fav inks this year. I’m obsessed with the Franklin Christoph M SIG (stub italic gradient) nib grind by Audrey, I bought the #20 in Sept, for my birthday.. and I just found one in a midnight blue diamond cast which rocks my socks off, it’s got a M Franklin Christoph nib, their nibs are some of the best steel nibs out there. Edison nibs are also very well tuned. I adore the Pelican nib look.. I have yet to buy one. My most expensive pen is an Aurora and it is stunning. Anyway.. that’s my pen chat for now. Great vid. Love your channel
Thanks Giulietta! What a great collection! Auroras look awesome. I’ve just heard Delta might be coming back!
Some comments:
10) The Hong Dian collections numbered 18xx seem to me to be of higher quality than their other models and they have a nice #6 nib.
8) My first fountain pen was the Sheaffer Viewpoint (I still have it and use it often). My second was the Student in black, just like yours. I've put its feed and nib in an Airmail 71J because I find the Student too skinny.
6) I am very surprised because when I watched your review of the Ti200 I was left with the impression that you didn't like it, you thought it was too expensive for nothing.
5) You made me want to try this nib .
Thank you for this subjective ranking. Even if it reflects only your tastes, it gives us relative references for our reactions. each of us.
Thanks for this! Yes, the Moonman Ti200 grew on me exponentially when I replaced the nib with the Bobby bent nib.
Perfect Doug, some of those have graced my desk and the Kaigelu long blades found themselves installed as well. A couple of hiccups along the way, still fun of course! Thanks as usual for your insights... Entertaining video as usual.
Thank you Nelson!
Fun collection! Looking forward to your 2022 collection. I'm glad you chose a Pelikan!
Me too!
Thanks Doug for the year end favorites. Happy Holidays and looking forward to the upcoming year videos.
Same to you!
This past year, 2021, is the year I acquired a Pilot Elite/E95s EF (I have the Elite ordered directly from Japan, which is different than the Korean Elite), a Platinum 3776 Century Black Diamond with a UEF nib, AND the Pilot Falcon (resin version) in SEF. Not only are those the highlight of my pen year, but they are the highlights of my pen writing life!
Those are some excellent pens. Especially the Elite/e95s!
Thank you for more of your valuable penabling information. Just when I think I don't need anymore pens, you come out with tempting recommendations. I appreciate the time you put into making your pen reviews. Looking forward to the 10 worst list. Happy holidays!
You are so welcome!
Thanks Doug, as a proud owner of several pens that enters 2021 list, I have to agree with your choice. I wish to you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Happy new year! Thanks to you too, Guderina!
Love the video .
The pelikan is a stunning pen . Wonderful nib great balance just shouts quality. Enjoy x
It really is!
Hi Doug, what a terrific video! I am absolutely delighted the Pelikan M800 was number one on your list. It is my grail pen too, (but in the green stripe). I agree with everything you said about it. I will always have mine in use. And such a surprise to see my Sheaffer student pen on the list. I was a little Catholic schoolgirl of eight (as I may have mentioned before) when the nuns forced us to learn cursive handwriting (the Palmer Method) with them. I was hooked on fountain pens at eight years old, and a few years ago was able to replace my now long gone student pen with one from EBay, the exact same one I used as a child. Thanks again for a great video! Dottee
That's great Dot! I shouldn't be a surprise how many of us started cursive with a Sheaffer Student pen. I'm still on the hunt for a powder blue.
@@InkquiringMinds Good luck!
Nice to see a top 10 list. I can't wait to find out what your top pens are this year.
Me too!
Great list/review again, as always, Doug. Quality (and) entertainment: always looking forward to watch your fountain pen reviews; keep up that excellent 'combination', it's unique and well, it's "Doug's way" hey. Love it! :-) For me personally, in 2021 then (had my eg. Pelikans earlier already [edit: which I adore btw - lol]), it would be the Onoto Flanders Pen, the Leonardo Furore Grande, and the Jinhao (2021) Centennial. :-)
Thanks again! My Leonardo Furore Grande Smeraldo was on last year's list. Oh and BTW, with your help, I have a Penbbs 14K gold calligraphy #8 on the way. Thank you so much!
@@InkquiringMinds You're welcome; thank you for all the effort you put in to provide us with your marvelous reviews. :-) Have a great weekend.
[Edit] PS, saw it was on your list of 2020. :-) I have the Leonardo Furore Grande Blue Hawaii. :-)
That Pelikan M800 is my grail pen. I am glad you were blessed with it. So beautiful in so many ways and I can only imagine what it must feel like in your hand. Very, very nice!
Now my wallet is recoiling as I have to go on a little shopping spree. What a great list! I love the balance and insight you provide. Keep the videos coming, I just love your point of view.
Yay! Thank you!
A great top 10. I haven't gotten any of them but now I am tempted. I just recieved my Pineider Alchemist a few days ago and it, along with a Kaweco AC Sport decimated my pen/ink/writing budget but they proved to be well worth the price. Looking forward to seeing your 'stinkers' video next.
That is awesome! The only Pineider pens that appeal to me are WAY too expensive! Dante does great work.
Great list of pens! I’ve added the Kaigelu nib and Jinhao 100 to my cart! I can’t wait to try these out. As always your reviews are very informative and fun. Thank you!
Glad you like them! Thanks, Sweta!
I love that background from the Pilot Decimo and PenBBS 456. I can wait to see your next reviews. Thank you for all the videos from 2021. Greetings from MX :) !
Glad you like them! The next review will be Wednesday with a Sheaffer ICON!
Honestly, the best fountain pen experience was finding your videos and following - then purchasing - many of the pens that you have reviewed. It revived a long dormant hobby of mine, one that I shared with my father when we would get up at 4 in the morning to drive to Kutztown Pennsylvania to hunt for vintage fountain pens. My favorites are also the Pen BBS 456, Ranga 5, the limited edition Platinum preppy, the Bobby modified Wing Sung (?), and my all time favorite Kanwrite Heritage with full flex nib, one of the best sub $50 pens I have written with. I look forward to finding most of these pens in next week's worst pens of 2021 ;o). And every time I watch your video I glance over to Etsy and the PenBBS store and today I ended up spending a C note on a pair of calligraphy nibs, another 456 in Starry Night, and for kicks a Marshmallow 322. As usual,my wallet hates you. Keep up the good work!
Tell your wallet to ... Happy Holidays Stefan! You wont' see me next week with the Worst of 2021 as I will be skipping town. ;)
@@InkquiringMinds good move. The downvotes will be like coming like rain........and it will never be seen. bwahahahaha.
@@stefanwood2182 LOL so true!
Glad a Leonardo made the list. I currently love my M800 in Blue Dunes and my Brooks MOP Leonardo Momento Zero Grande (which I can't stop looking at). Thanks for the fun video.
Where did you get your Blue Dunes? I'd be all over that one.
What an awesome video. It captures the full year of your reviews and inspires one to look forward to another great year with fountain pens. Ranga just sent an email with another group buy for a Giant 9B. Maybe I’ll bite (again). Merry Christmas, Doug!
Thanks, Oscar! Happy New Year to you and yours. The Ranga 9B looks almost too big for me!
Great video! I too love the m800. In the RSN timeframe, I have a moonman/ majohn/ mad John A1 retractable on a shipping container somewhere out there. Have you seen this one?
Thanks for sharing! Yes, I have an A1 on the slow boat.
Awesome list as always sir! I look forward to your wrap-up videos at the end of the year even more than your usual ones! My top experiences of 2021 have to be: Pilot Vanishing Point in Matte black, and the PenBBS 355 in Gloom (Brown). Both write fabulously with no adjustment and do their respective jobs. For inks I would say the Franklin Christoph Sweet Maroon, Kiwi Inks 'Quite a Rough Customer', and Colorverse Delicious Sleep have all been fantastic. Try them out if you get a chance! Happy Holidays and thanks again for all the work you do!
Thank you so much. I will look for those suggestions and a happy holiday season and new year to you too!
Damn!!! I used the same Sheaffer pen around the same time. Same powder blue body and same Peacock Blue ink. Still have the pen after 55 years. Got me through jr. and sr. high as well as SAIT. Used it the first few years at AGT. For some reason new cartridges don't fit. sigh. Still nice to hold however.
Get some old ones and syringe fill them!
@@InkquiringMinds Tried that but for some reason they're about 1.5mm too long and the pen won't screw closed. That or the pen shrunk. All my other Sheaffer cart pens seem to work fine. Thanks for the suggestion however.
An excellent video Prof Doug. I’d say my pen of the year the Pilot 823 (vacuum filler one). It has the most amazing Pilot nib that really does feel beautifully designed and so springy and soft. It’s quite wonderful. Thank you for a year of wonderful videos. You really make them so well. Thank you sir.
Thank you so very much! I think the Pilot 823 has to be the large Pilot for me. I love my e95s but the Custom 74 was disappointing. I'm sure the size of the 823 is perfect.
@@InkquiringMinds the first thing I thought was “Doug would love this”. I wish I were rich as Croesus to afford the number of pens most penFluEnCers seem to have. All those urushi arco bronze Omas momento mori King of Realo LB 6 pens etc. it’s never ending. Not many seem normal people on an a budget, like you do, so I value that very much about your videos and ethos).
The penFlueEnCers that review all of those amazing pens have an arrangement with a retailer or pen maker that provide the pens for free for review. We few, we happy few, like Chris and Alan and me, have to get by on our own pocketbooks! LOL
Nice list. Great explanation of why Pelikan M800 was your #1. Spot on. Enjoy your holidays
Thanks Angelo!
Great list! My favorite from my purchases is a Ranga Model 3 in red and black ripple ebonite with a #6 Bock titanium fine nib.
Thanks, Ed! The Bock titanium is a great nib. Lots of cool feedback!
A fun list and your usual entertaining video. Congratulations on hitting 65 (me, too!) ! Maybe that explains why I often feel in synch with you and get your cultural references
Well if only us old dudes get the references, everyone else can just "get off my lawn!"
Hey Doug, could you please let me know where you get your Bobby Bent Nibs from? I'd really appreciate it. Thanks. Interesting video, I have the LAMY 2000 and if I knew then what I know now I would have gotten a "Fine" nib size instead of a "Medium".
Yeah me too Kevin. Here’s the link: C$ 10.17 50％ Off | 4Pcs Fountain Pen Nibs 0.5-0.8mm Bent Nib For St Penpps 618 601 613 Fountain Pen Ink Pen Stationery Office school supplies
a.aliexpress.com/_mtgu460
@@InkquiringMinds Thank you Doug, I really appreciate the link.
OMG, I had several of the Sheaffer student pens (LOL, showing my age). Each time I got a different color, faves were red or green. And I too used the Peacock Blue ink cartridges. What nostalgia!
I think we all fell in love with peacock blue back then!
Wonderful presentation of those beautiful pens. The Pelikan was a surprise, but a worthy winner. Thank you for a great year of pen videos Doug 👍🏾
Happy new year! And thank you!
Curse you, Doug Rathbun! I’d finally calmed my pen buying for a few months, then you show me stuff I can’t live without. PenBBS 456 wasn’t enough. Now I just received my Ranga 3C (with Jowo nib) and blast it, it’s great! Now I just ordered some Kaigelu Long Blade nibs! Where will it end?
(Just kidding, in case you were somehow unable to detect the exaggerated wit. I’m scribbling on every piece of paper I come across with the Ranga, and it is - for the time being - the best thing since sliced bread, or a Doug Rathbun video. Happy Holidays!)
Hey Hey Ray! I hear ya! The Rangas are such wonderful writers. The 3C Jowo is such a wet smooth and well balanced writing experience. They are addictive. I'll be reviewing my new Abhimayu Chestnut soon!
Thank you! Was waiting for this one 😊
Thank you, Javi C!
1. That's a good list. I really like the 323, the Centenniel, and the M800.
2. My 2021 list:
1. Sailor Pro Gear - I got some unexpected money and splurged on this thing. It wipes the floor with every other pen I own.
2. Pilot 743 - Finally, a decent flex nib. Only challenger to the Pro Gear. Now why was it that I wanted a flex nib?
3-10. Various beginner pens with the nib. Engineered nib for me: reliable, sweet-spot-free, durable, even, wet. The kiddie aesthetic is an
appealing and playful bonus. Best: Pelikan Pelikano jr.
Honorable mentions: 3 more beginner pens.
3. The final pen I bought is the Pro Gear. My third "Last Pen Ever". That leaves only two possibilities for 2022; either I quit buying pens, or I succomb to buying pens based on their looks. Gee, I wonder which it will be...
Obviously, you missed a final option, you admit to being an fp junkie and buy pens as they are released b.c. they haunt you in your sleep and are begging you to buy them before they are lost to the fp universe. Further the experience of not owning turns into many regretful lost opportunities, and your life becomes filled with regret as an old man and it takes a washed up lenardo de caprio to come and bring you back to reality.
LMAO @ Matt!
No 1911 for you Ichiro?
@@InkquiringMinds a movie tie-in is always a good capstone
@@InkquiringMinds Don't see the need for a second 21k nib. Unless somewhere on earth there is actually a SOFT-medium. More tempting are the various colorful PGSlims.
The PenBBS 323 was an upstager for me, right out of the gate. The writing sample was glorious. The long blade nib was my close second.
My personal pen of the year... it's probably the old Pilot Super 150v I bought earlier in the year. The 14k nib is so smooth and pleasant to write with. It's a soft nib and flexes painlessly if I want flair. It was a steal at $30 and I'm glad to have it 😊
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing Amy!
Thank you again for the very enjoyable video as usual! Once you have Pelikan Souverän M800 (or Pilot Custom URUSHI), since you are free now, you realize virtually every single fountain pen is love-able, you love almost all pens in the world, making the top 10 list becomes difficult.... Pelikan Souverän M800 is sensitive to the difference of papers, so you may end up searching for your top 10 papers for Pelikan Souverän M800...
Indeed. The M800 is in a class of its own.
@@InkquiringMinds Yep. Exactly. It is a category by itself. And once you have M800, your whole perspective changes. Now you see virtually every single FP has its own beauty and is love-able.... It is not the ranking anymore. So, having M800 is dangerous. Because it increases your purchases of other FPs. Your collections increase... You start buying Jinhaos AFTER you have M800. You do. While there may be people out there thinking oh I do not want to have M800, because once I have it my happy days of collecting FPs would be over, and I do not want to stop buying FPs.... Do not worry. That is not going to happen.
Love that Pelikan & the vintage Sheaffer. Well, I like them all, bust especially those two. I’m looking very forward to the Worst Pens List next week! Your vids bring joy to my heart! Thank you so much, Doug!!!
Thank you so much, Jeff! Enjoy next week's video. I'll be in hiding.
You sold me on the Penbbs 323 Galaxy, I may pick that up soon. My grail is also a Pelikan, I prefer the M805 Blue or Stresemann. I have a MB 149 and their Beatles special edition, but nothing writes like a Pelikan. Nice list thanks for sharing
Hi Doug, congratulations on another wonderful year of bringing us some amazing content. I love watching your videos, also, watching Chris's videos, between you two you have kept me well informed, entertained, and occupied throughout the year. Thanks. Great, line up and defiantly agree with your choices of pens. Merry Christmas.
Chels
Thanks Chels! Merry Christmas!🎁
Congratulations on your holy grail goal being reached :-). I’ve always been curious to try a Pelikan; my “holy grail” pens though are the Namiki Emperor and Visconti Homo Sapiens Lava. I also had to chuckle at the student pen, because just this week I found one of them floating around my office that I forgot I had. It’s so cool that it brings back those memories for you!
Have you ever done a rundown of your favorite inks? You often talk about your select favorites (Oxblood and Kon-Peki come to mind); I enjoyed your comments on “Happy Holidays” at the beginning of the video as that’s my favorite ink to write Christmas cards with (Broad nib, always!) for exactly the reasons you pointed out. It would be very interesting to see your take on a variety of inks using a couple of known pens as controls, to compare/contrast the various properties and behaviors of them.
Thanks so much, Ryan! I'm not that much of an ink guru. My tastes aren't that broad either. I'm sure I could live with just a few inks, like, Kon-Peki, Ancient Copper, Kyanite, Take Sumi. The preparation work for doing an ink comparison in various pens is enormous and I already have WAY too many pens inked! LOL
A wonderful top 10 list for the Year. What caught my eye this time is your selection of inks is starting to look like mine. I purchased maybe 7 inks this year and Oxblood, Writers blood and yama budo keeps creeping into most of my pens. Maybe I don't like the color green as much as I thought ;D
I put my list together and only then noticed how much Oxblood I'm going through! LOL
@@InkquiringMinds just picked up a 30 ml of it, wetter than average flow, well behaved and gorgeous colour, definitley becoming a quick favourite
@@thomaspotter252 Me too!
As always, great job! I too love Pelikan pens. My only beef with more expensive pens (I cannot believe how much the truly “expensive” pens can cost & just have to remind myself that they were not made for people like me who were paid professor salaries) is the fact that I tend to never carry them for fear I will do the “absent-minded professor” (boy, in retirement years is that ever a true moniker). Why? I am too likely to leave it some place, lose it, or worse! However, I love using a Pelikan pen! Keep up the great work. May the holidays be filled with joy and the new year filled with rich rewards for all you do to entertain us all!
Thank you so much, Keith! The best you you and yours for a wonderful holiday and a great 2022!
Nice list! Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find a Pen BBS 456 in black on black to try out😩
There were probably only 50 made.
@@InkquiringMinds - Dang it!
Beautiful pens! I only added one pen my to collection this year. A Platinum Century 3776 in the chartreuse blue. I love the pen but I got it with a medium nib. I wish I had gotten the (BB) nib. Maybe next year. Thank you for your videos. I hope you have a wonderful 2022.
Thanks for sharing! You as well!
I really appreciate that you review a range of pens, tbh. Some expensive pens are absolutely worth the money if you have it, (your number one is such a solid, classic choice) but you can get something good for under $20. I never want anybody to feel like they can't get into this hobby without forking over a car payment, but it's hard to convince anyone when half the videos I see are from people shilling for Visconti.
As for my good pens of the year: I'm not made of money myself these days, but I did get a few: a Kaweco Sport in mint green M nib, My SECOND matte black rainbow Conklin Duragraph (somebody had to like them) in M... both of those are good pens in their own way but the year's stand out was Sailor Procolor 500 Shikisai - Four seasons Fine Hoshikuzu. I got it for the finish which looks like the night sky on a moonless night- I can stare at it forever. I didn't expect to like the nib this much. I'm not much for fine nibs. But it's got a pretty wet flow and isn't at all scratchy. Surprise counts for a lot so yeah I think it's my top pen this year.
Thanks for sharing Kari! Well said.
It’s such a nice list I hardly noticed the snub of the Narwhal Nautilus. ;)
Right?! LOL
I hate these top 10 videos. I want to buy them all. You have given me some food for thought on a number of pens. Great video, Doug!
Thank you, David!
Excellent ... as usual! Cheers!!
Thank you, Dave!
Got a penbbs 323 with the same finish. It is exceptional. Got an M800 blue as well (didn’t pay as much as that) ground from a b to a stub. It is great.
My M800 was a bargain!
Okay I gotta know - what was that guitar?? Great playing and singing as always
My Custom Gibson Hummingbird 12 String!
Absolutely loved the review! Pens! Ink! Yes! But, now, the Pelikan. I know I'm going to get one, here or in heaven. M800 or m1000. Today I turned 63, and suspect that if I want to enjoy it, I should do so soon. (By enjoy, I mean write with it for a decade or so before I give it to my son who likes fountain pens, and might enjoy it for lots of decades. Okay! Feeling the justification!!! I'll let you know . . . whenever.) Do you know, what holds me up is that I have pens I love to write with. What about them? If my Grail Pen turns out to be my sine qua non of writing, I guess I'd have some lovely gifts for friends. I dunno. Gotta think. Must . . . think. . . .
Oh, yes, best pen experience this year. Discovering that Hong Dian and Jinhao have introduced lovely solid gold nibs. Hong Dian 885 Mt Qomolangma 14k. Jinhao Centennial 100 14k. Either they have gotten hold of vintage stock with wonderful flexibility, or they deserve to dominate the market.
I should have my first 14k Penbbs nib by the end of the week! Plus, I have a new Wing Sung 629 14k #6 size nib and it is a piston filler and almost identical to a MB149 or Sailor 1911L. You'll adore a Pelikan M800. Even though they are everything everyone ever says about them, it doesn't mean that I don't love writing with everything else. It is just that special when you pick up the M800 again.
@@InkquiringMinds Isn't this a great hobby?
Love your humor.
What nib size was in the Pelikan M800? Thx for your thoughts. As you said yourself, these are your thoughts, so I don’t care either 😉👍🏻 Cya in the next one. 😂
My M800 is a medium. Very nice thick smooth line. The nib feels almost stub like.
@@InkquiringMinds - sounds so good! I’ve allowed one shockingly poor Pelikan pen to shape my whole fountain pen existence. IT was the new release of the M800 ‘Blue O’ Blue’ and the nib I got was nothing short of shocking. It’s my favourite colour (blue) so I wanted so badly to be ‘wowed’ by it and it let me down so much, I don’t think I can get over myself. Maybe it’s high time I got myself back in the Pelikan game with one like yours. The blue pinstripe is epic 🙂👍🏻
@@Richard_Barnes that happens. I've had one pen by Faber-Castell - a terrifically awful FC Loom. And I've never had another. It doesn't help they are all slim with metal sections though.
Doug I have an ink question. You use diamine fairly often. I have shied away because I had read that brands like that with sheen gunk up the feed and require some extra maintenance. Are my concerns founded in reality?
Diamond have SO many inks it is hard to generalize. If you leave some inks too long in the pen without use, you can get nib crud. Ancient Copper does that. But it is easy to wipe off or dip the nib in water and get it off.
Excellent recap. Some of my pens were a direct result of your recommendations of which I am very grateful. Chinese pens are like a minefield. You have to walk carefully.
Pelikan M800
PenBBS 323
Hong Dian 1841
ensso Italia
Luoshi Labyrinth
Leonardo Momento Zero
Pilot 743
Sailor 1911L
Platinum 3776
Wing Sung 601a
I've had a 1911L on my list for some time!
@@InkquiringMinds Great pen, fabulous nib. I only wish they they made a softer version of the nib. I guess I could try an architect nib that they make, but I found that Sailor will swap the nib but they keep the original. Strange.
I would strongly suggest the Luoshi pen. As far as I know, it was only released with a Medium nib. But as they say it is smooth like buttah. The reverse writing is slightly scratchy but works very well, too. Truphae has it for US$6.49.
@@paulmchugh1430 Unfortunately, Truphae's shipping to Canada is $27 Cdn. That's way to much even for an inexpensive pen. Goulet is only $13 US.
@@InkquiringMinds hope you get one. I don't think you will be disappointed.
I have the Leonardo Furore Galaxy and the Pelikan in Blue on my wishlist, so pretty.
The Galaxy is just incredible, Cate. You have to see it!
Is it just me or the LONG BLADE nib (lovely nibs) is just an other name for ARCHITECT grind? Nice top ten. Nice selection of fountain pens.Thank you Doug.
Yes, the difference is architects are expensive- the nibs as well as the people who are architects. The long blade is the like an architect nib for Harry the Homeowner- not perfect but it will do!
Hey Luc! I my mind, they ARE architects but I'm not allowed to say it in a video because my more precise (read anal) colleagues admonish me publicly. LOL
So the new 356 Kaigelu is now Kaigelu 316??
No. The new 316 is still a 316 (flattop Duofold style) and the 356 is a new model cigar shape pen for Kaigelu.
Delightful review, as always. Although in the last tear I've bought many Chinese pens (many based on your reviews, damn you to hell, lol), I've been collecting long enough (about 25 years), that most of my fountain pens are vintage American, European, or Japanese pens. When I saw what you paid for the Pelikan M800, I shuddered. I remember paying $225 for a brand new M1000 (in fact, I bought 2 at that price, one green stripe and one black). How times, and prices, have changed!
That was a good price on my Pelikan! I wish I could get my hands on that swirly blue one.
Oh man, you’re killing me. I just finished my double12 shopping on taobao, and now I got more to buy……
Hi, nice vid.
I was looking at a new fountain pen after accidentally ruining my current pen.
I am looking at the penbbs 535 as I do like the mechanism and the contrast between the two colours. However, I was also considering the 456, and from this video, I can still see you consider it as one of the greats. I am currently looking for a pen with a shut-off valve.
Just out of interest, of the 355/535 or the 456 mechanisms, which ones do you favour more? If it wasn't for the all-black-ness of the 456, would you still pick the 456 over the 535?
Thanks
Thanks! The 456 is superior to the 535. And you might find the 535 on my naughty list next week!
@@InkquiringMinds wow, one from your favourite brand is on the naughty list? Very interesting hint. 😀😀
interesting. my first fountain pen was also a sheaffer student. i believe i had a clear body pen. school filler paper being the crap it was i ended up ditching the fountain pen for a ballpoint. this choice was also aided by an inkcident where the cartridge was installed incorrectly (i think) and it came off the nipple. the resulting mess ensured my movement to ball point. i was never happy after that. i never found a ballpoint pen that didn't glob, railroad, or smear on paper. 50+ years later i'm back with my first choice. now i know about different papers, inks, nibs, styles, etc. and i am much, much happier. and thanks to your channel i've learned to appreciate the asian market. thank you. and i have found, after much searching, ballpoint refills that are acceptable. now my daily carry is a ballpoint, a roller ball, and a fountain pen. different strokes for different notes.
Thanks for sharing, Bill! I know ink accidents and horrible nibs have deterred many from continuing to use fountain pens. But once you find that smooth as silk experience, a ballpoint is not even in the running. A rollerball, yes.
Ahhhh... that Pelikan... is on my top lists as well. Maybe when I hit that 65 mark as well (if I'm lucky enough :D).
Good list!
My favourites so far - Sheaffer Intrigue and Sheaffer Triumph 1000 (lever filler, a classic).
Thanks for this! The Sheaffer Triumph is a true classic. I have a 1949 Sheaffer Tuckaway (triumph style nib) in being restored.
@@InkquiringMinds I love those Tuckaways! Don't have one, but one day... :).
@@mrN3w7 I hope you'll see this one soon.
Mr. Doug, thank you for being such a cool senior.
One thing I hate with pelikan is that the cap doesn’t say screwed. It always opens by itself
Nice list, much variety and good to see both hongdian and Jinhao recognised. I couldn’t stretch to the M800, but I did get a M600 (same colour blue) and a Caréne (Marine Amber) this year. That’s two pens ticked off my grail list!
Thanks for sharing! Congrats on the Carène! I have a black and gold one stuck between France and Amsterdam before it gets stuck coming to me!
@@InkquiringMinds Good Luck, I hope it materialises soon. Thanks for all the irreverent reviews Doug. Can’t wait to hear next week’s comments! :-D
@@georgeparapadakis Some won't be happy. ;)
Great top 10! M800 is a classic :)
Interesting list, a bit sad the Narwhal Nautilus didn't make the list. It's a very nice pen.
It has enough issues that I couldn't add it. :(
About month ago I bought Pelikan M800 (black-green) as my lifetime pen. It was about 365 Euros in my country local store, but they had it only with the M nib. So I had to buy F nib from Cult Pens and my happiness is endless now.
They are in a class of their own for sure!
I love your videos Doug.
Thank you young whipper-snapper!
An excellent top in my opinion thanks, Doug!
I found the pens from Sheaffer regardless of the production period, to be excellent writers, and well in consequence all the documents and contracts in the last 10 years i signed using a fountain pen or another from Sheaffer!
I've got a Sheaffer ICON review coming Wednesday. A delightful surprise from modern (china) Sheaffer.
@@InkquiringMinds Well, I've been waiting for Sheaffer to bring that pen also to my country for more than six months, i asked the Sheaffer dealership in my country when they will bring the pen also in my country , and ...... total silence . :(
@@fountainpencollection Sneak preview and spoiler alert ... the pen is awesome, the nib, not so much!
I'm glad you perfected the list a few times = )
too bad you didn't review the parker 105
I'm sure it would have gotten into this list = )
I haven't been into vintage pens other than those loaned to me of given to me. The Parker 105 came out in 1979, so by strict definition, it isn't vintage yet. But still, you won't find one at WalMart!
One of my favourite Christmas songs.
Me too! Love Greg Lake.
@@InkquiringMinds Thoroughly underrated artist.
Best pen Pelikan m1000 and pilot custom urushi
Two Grail Pens!
Great choices! Can't wait for the 10 Worst!
I'm going to have to run and hide after.
When I was at school fountain pens were all the rage - we all had them. Maybe because we could flick the ink at each other...
My pen of the year is my Pilot VP.. Since it cost me $200 and this is my ‘self imposed’ upper limit spend on a pen, Pilot VP is going to me my ‘grail pen’ for years to come !
Congrats Sathish! My wife loves her slimmer Decimo.
Stay classy!!! Great video!
Thank you! You too!
Missed opportunity black cat - felix
LOL My favourite cartoon cat was Top Cat. He was cool!
BRAVO 👏 👏 👏 ❤ 😍
Thank you, Wendy!
now, i can't wait for the top 10 worse fountain pens in 2021. i am excited to hear the adjectives you'll use..hahaha😄
I think I'm leaving town right after that video goes live. ;)
no offense but u really did look like the grinch in the thumbnail
LOL!
creative feedback= “chirping” , Talk to the Hand…
LOL Next week's feedback will be interesting!
Too bad. You’re wrong. 😂😂😂
You liked that eh? Me too! Hehehe.
We can definitely see who likes a certain shade of blue!
Ya think?? LOL