I enjoy your philosophical musings almost as much as the pen talk. How blessed to have found your calling. You have left me with much food for thought. Thank you for your transparency.
Good to have your video as usual. Just want you to know that you do have many multilingual fans and when you encounter any kind of language barrier we are always here to help.
Brian thanks for another Q&A. Really appreciate your honesty about the challenges of growing a business and the daily / hourly challenges that are faced. The one thing I must say about GPC, is the great / fantastic / caring customer service that has been instilled throughout the organization it is truly (at least to me) the distinguishing factor and something that you (and Rachel) should be proud of.
I'm a total fan-boy! I loved the interviews you did with Liz Steel and Nathan Tardif. You are using your vocation to an incredible way to bless people. Blessings to you, your, family and the whole company. Rev Jeff Stone
Thank you, Brian. I cannot believe that I have seen 220 of these things. Congratulations to you and yours though. Re "clip style" as a facet for search on the website, I would like this.
While not a rocker clip per se, your questioner might want to consider the Lamy Safaris and other models with like clips. They will handle a thick item quite well with their clips.
48:12 The Best Honesty from The Heart, I've heard for a long time, from a person genuinely trying to be and do something. your Grit is Awesome ! Thanks Brian ! Thanks. :-)
Glad you mentioned the watch, it caught my eye at the very beginning. Love it! Great episode as usual. Looking forward to instagram pics from the pen show too.
I think the Lamy Logo has a rocker clip too. I like the idea of a search or filter feature for clip styles, but quite honestly, it's rarely the deciding factor for me. That said, I AM a fan of the rocker and spring loaded clips. I suspect that unambiguously categorizing all configurations of clips will be the most significant task.
Brian, my favorite response to "The grass is always greener on the other side" phrase I heard just a few weeks ago. "The grass is greenest where you water it." Essentially I take it to mean it may seem greener elsewhere because someone has worked hard at that. If you grass isn't green, it's because you aren't putting in the effort where it's needed to grow and support your own situation.
TheHandsofTheDevil Sometimes it's not only how much you water the grass, sometimes it's how much sh.....let me say, "fertilizer" (yeah, that's the word I'm looking for 😆😉) is on the other side as well.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE spring loaded clips! It always seems like luck of the draw when I get a new pen with a spring-loaded clip. I'd love to have a way to see if the clip was spring-loaded or not on the website! Thanks for all you do!
The Lamy Logo has a nice spring clip, but is a skinny pen. Think pencil-thickness. I tested clipping it onto a 3-4mm thick leather belt and the clip went on easily with just one hand.
In terms of providing feedback, a phrase I often use with my own team (in IT tech support) is that it's easier to throw rocks than to catch them. If I vent about, say, why I've had to buy a separate converter for all my Lamy pens and that Lamy "just need to stop being tight fisted & include one", I'm throwing a rock and not caring where it lands. Instead if I do my maths and state that I have 34 Safaris (which I do), gather similar stats for other models, produce comparative data against other manufacturers, explain the impact the issue is having, and how Lamy might actually address the issue, then that's the harder task. I'm catching the rock there. If I concede that some of their European markets are predominantly cartridge driven, if I show receptiveness to how it might affect their shipping and distribution networks, and particularly if I can respectfully indicate why I believe it would strengthen their brand to adopt my suggestion, then I am also helping them to catch the rock. This same mindset works in many areas of my life. Complaining is easy. Offering a reasoned way out that benefits more people than it harms, well, that's the hard part.
Thanks Brian. Great to hear you taking all aspects of pen inquiry seriously. As you have a nib nook on your website, perhaps a clip nook would also be helpful.
The Lamy Accent has a rocker clip. I think it's supposed to just be spring loaded, but the spring is pretty strong. I can't get it over, like, pants pockets without pinching the back, which is really easy and opens it up nicely. It has the overhang to allow it.
Platinum Century SF, MS are soft with some flex, but need to be broken in (mine took some purposeful but gentle flexing for a week of journaling). Nemosine Singularity has a rocker clip on great pen.
Regarding the rocker clips spring clips etc. how about a picture of it when making all the photos for the item. I don’t see making a filter in Search for it.
Yeah, we do try to highlight the clip when we take pictures of the pens on white. Just not everyone can tell what type of clip it is. Something to think on for sure. - Colin
QOTW: I love 'Goulet Nation' on Facebook , its a place that all us crazy pen/ink/paper people can share our obsessions and feel at home , so thank you for that .
1. Did Brian say the E95s was soft? My extra fine is definitely quite rigid more like a 3776! Wonder if its duff. 2. I am fascinated by the long term use of pens. Reviews often don’t dwell on these. So a site gathering together how pens perform over time. A lot of ‘good’ pens dry out it in the cap, or don’t fare that well when stored vertically if day left 3 or 4 days without use (yes lots of variables) Perhaps the cap seal is engineered poorly etc. I would like these kind of experiential reviews together on a site or board. Real reviews of use and performance.
Soft isn't the right word I'd describe the E95s, my EF is more springy, especially when compared to the 3776. Interesting thought on some long-term test drives with pens. How are they after a year or two? - Colin
Yes I agree with that. The E95s I haven’t had for a long time. It has a bit of a tendency to dry out when upright in a pocket but fares well when laid flat. I have lots of 3776 in different nib sizes inked with carbon ink, cartridge or converter or de Atrementis. I write notes and draw with them. These pens just work. They can be stood up laid down, knocked about. They just keep working. Platinum 3776 pens don’t get the plaudits they deserve.
The Duragraph (Merlot) I have looks amazing... and then that clip is so stiff it's not even funny. It's basically unusable as a clip. Is it possible to do something - to replace it? - so that it actually works like a clip? Edit: also the wrap-up for the video made my day. Great words Brian.
OOh... that black and gold LAMY nib is awesome... I hate when you make me want something I didn't want before. in terms of new venues and opportunities for pens? thinking out loud here but it occurs to me that it would be cool if there were something akin to a book club or movie club except for writing... specifically with fountain pens. A small group of people ranging from rookies/newbies to folks with beautiful handwriting. Each meeting has a subject to write about with a lot of sharing around technique, penmanship, pens, ink and paper.... but the writing part is the core. just a thought...
Faber Castell Loom does NOT have a spring clip. also the clip is plastic and prone to breakage. still one of my favorite pens, even though i now have a gnarly looking cap with a broken clip.
Regarding your comment about used pen selling, I recently stumbled across @virtualpenshow on Instagram. They allow users to list pens for sale and have it listed on Instagram. I haven’t really seen any trading done through there but have found a couple of really cool pens but missed out (not quick enough).
Thanks for answering my question. My wife called me into the room and was like “Brian is talking about your question”, have to admit I may have stepped on a dog to get to the computer. So like a fountain pen club. Like Pipe smokers and cigar lounges or woodworkers have.
Hey Brian, got a quick question. Are Iridium Point Germany fountain pens good? I bought one at a flea market, a couple of days ago, and I was wondering how qualitative is this brand. The pen itself works beautifully and writes excellent! I tried researching it but no luck. Hope you could address this question either in the comments or in an upcoming video. Cheers and many thanks!!!
Edison's blog actually has a really good article on these: edisonpen.com/ipgnibs2 . Seems like some are great and others not so much, so it seems like you got a good one! - Colin
40% of people's first memories are made up. First memories are generally not formed until three and a half years of age. I remembered reading this article a couple of weeks ago after hearing your comments. It is an interesting read. www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/world/40-of-people-have-first-memories-that-are-made-up-study-finds-855965.html
Carol Collett I use a Lamy Safari (Petrol) at work, I clip the pen not in the pocket of my cover-alls but in the front where the zipper stops near the chest.. ..the clip style of the Lamy works great for that situation.
![Method Writing: The First Four Concepts - Jack Grapes [FULL INTERVIEW]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ba9jAVzADY0/mqdefault.jpg)
Really appreciate your honesty, on nibs, even for pens you don't carry. Really helps show you care about the hobby, not just pushing your product.
I enjoy your philosophical musings almost as much as the pen talk. How blessed to have found your calling. You have left me with much food for thought. Thank you for your transparency.
Good to have your video as usual. Just want you to know that you do have many multilingual fans and when you encounter any kind of language barrier we are always here to help.
Wish there were more pen shows in more cities. Something in the PNW would be nice!
Brian thanks for another Q&A. Really appreciate your honesty about the challenges of growing a business and the daily / hourly challenges that are faced.
The one thing I must say about GPC, is the great / fantastic / caring customer service that has been instilled throughout the organization it is truly (at least to me) the distinguishing factor and something that you (and Rachel) should be proud of.
Peter Hofmann
Definitely cannot argue with the whole comment.....it's spot on.
Thank you so much for doing these videos every week. I really enjoy hearing your perspective on the different topics that are asked.
I'm a total fan-boy! I loved the interviews you did with Liz Steel and Nathan Tardif. You are using your vocation to an incredible way to bless people. Blessings to you, your, family and the whole company. Rev Jeff Stone
Thank you, Brian. I cannot believe that I have seen 220 of these things. Congratulations to you and yours though. Re "clip style" as a facet for search on the website, I would like this.
While not a rocker clip per se, your questioner might want to consider the Lamy Safaris and other models with like clips. They will handle a thick item quite well with their clips.
48:12 The Best Honesty from The Heart, I've heard for a long time, from a person genuinely trying to be and do something. your Grit is Awesome ! Thanks Brian ! Thanks. :-)
Glad you mentioned the watch, it caught my eye at the very beginning. Love it! Great episode as usual. Looking forward to instagram pics from the pen show too.
You're the best, Brian. Thank you for being real.
I think the Lamy Logo has a rocker clip too.
I like the idea of a search or filter feature for clip styles, but quite honestly, it's rarely the deciding factor for me. That said, I AM a fan of the rocker and spring loaded clips. I suspect that unambiguously categorizing all configurations of clips will be the most significant task.
Brian, my favorite response to "The grass is always greener on the other side" phrase I heard just a few weeks ago. "The grass is greenest where you water it." Essentially I take it to mean it may seem greener elsewhere because someone has worked hard at that. If you grass isn't green, it's because you aren't putting in the effort where it's needed to grow and support your own situation.
TheHandsofTheDevil
Sometimes it's not only how much you water the grass, sometimes it's how much sh.....let me say, "fertilizer" (yeah, that's the word I'm looking for 😆😉) is on the other side as well.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE spring loaded clips! It always seems like luck of the draw when I get a new pen with a spring-loaded clip. I'd love to have a way to see if the clip was spring-loaded or not on the website! Thanks for all you do!
The Lamy Logo has a nice spring clip, but is a skinny pen. Think pencil-thickness. I tested clipping it onto a 3-4mm thick leather belt and the clip went on easily with just one hand.
In terms of providing feedback, a phrase I often use with my own team (in IT tech support) is that it's easier to throw rocks than to catch them. If I vent about, say, why I've had to buy a separate converter for all my Lamy pens and that Lamy "just need to stop being tight fisted & include one", I'm throwing a rock and not caring where it lands. Instead if I do my maths and state that I have 34 Safaris (which I do), gather similar stats for other models, produce comparative data against other manufacturers, explain the impact the issue is having, and how Lamy might actually address the issue, then that's the harder task. I'm catching the rock there. If I concede that some of their European markets are predominantly cartridge driven, if I show receptiveness to how it might affect their shipping and distribution networks, and particularly if I can respectfully indicate why I believe it would strengthen their brand to adopt my suggestion, then I am also helping them to catch the rock. This same mindset works in many areas of my life. Complaining is easy. Offering a reasoned way out that benefits more people than it harms, well, that's the hard part.
Thanks Brian. Great to hear you taking all aspects of pen inquiry seriously. As you have a nib nook on your website, perhaps a clip nook would also be helpful.
Yes it would be really nice to have a filter option about the different clip ! Rocker clip 4 win !!!
One of my favourite nib designs is the two-tone Goulet nib
The Lamy Accent has a rocker clip. I think it's supposed to just be spring loaded, but the spring is pretty strong. I can't get it over, like, pants pockets without pinching the back, which is really easy and opens it up nicely. It has the overhang to allow it.
Platinum Century SF, MS are soft with some flex, but need to be broken in (mine took some purposeful but gentle flexing for a week of journaling). Nemosine Singularity has a rocker clip on great pen.
Will you be carrying the Pelikan M1000 anytime soon?
Regarding the rocker clips spring clips etc. how about a picture of it when making all the photos for the item. I don’t see making a filter in Search for it.
Yeah, we do try to highlight the clip when we take pictures of the pens on white. Just not everyone can tell what type of clip it is. Something to think on for sure. - Colin
The Goulet Pen Company Sorry Colin, I meant showing the clip in the most open position. Using a clear chock to keep it open for photography.
You are a normal dude, but you are an amazing normal dude! We love what you do for us!
Montegrappa nibs are stunning!
QOTW: I love 'Goulet Nation' on Facebook , its a place that all us crazy pen/ink/paper people can share our obsessions and feel at home , so thank you for that .
Ohhhhh the inlaid nibs...😍 Defff my next pen will be a Carene😍
You are not crazy. I remember couple of things from when I was 9 months old.
Can i swap the nib of Pilot custom 74?
Unfortunately not. The Custom 74 uses proprietary nibs so it wouldn't fit other non-Pilot offerings. - Colin
This might be a bit off topic: but can you post what watch you wear on each Q&A?
1. Did Brian say the E95s was soft? My extra fine is definitely quite rigid more like a 3776! Wonder if its duff.
2. I am fascinated by the long term use of pens. Reviews often don’t dwell on these. So a site gathering together how pens perform over time. A lot of ‘good’ pens dry out it in the cap, or don’t fare that well when stored vertically if day left 3 or 4 days without use (yes lots of variables) Perhaps the cap seal is engineered poorly etc. I would like these kind of experiential reviews together on a site or board. Real reviews of use and performance.
Soft isn't the right word I'd describe the E95s, my EF is more springy, especially when compared to the 3776. Interesting thought on some long-term test drives with pens. How are they after a year or two? - Colin
Yes I agree with that.
The E95s I haven’t had for a long time. It has a bit of a tendency to dry out when upright in a pocket but fares well when laid flat.
I have lots of 3776 in different nib sizes inked with carbon ink, cartridge or converter or de Atrementis. I write notes and draw with them. These pens just work. They can be stood up laid down, knocked about. They just keep working. Platinum 3776 pens don’t get the plaudits they deserve.
The Duragraph (Merlot) I have looks amazing... and then that clip is so stiff it's not even funny. It's basically unusable as a clip. Is it possible to do something - to replace it? - so that it actually works like a clip? Edit: also the wrap-up for the video made my day. Great words Brian.
OOh... that black and gold LAMY nib is awesome... I hate when you make me want something I didn't want before. in terms of new venues and opportunities for pens? thinking out loud here but it occurs to me that it would be cool if there were something akin to a book club or movie club except for writing... specifically with fountain pens. A small group of people ranging from rookies/newbies to folks with beautiful handwriting. Each meeting has a subject to write about with a lot of sharing around technique, penmanship, pens, ink and paper.... but the writing part is the core. just a thought...
Faber Castell Loom does NOT have a spring clip. also the clip is plastic and prone to breakage. still one of my favorite pens, even though i now have a gnarly looking cap with a broken clip.
Regarding your comment about used pen selling, I recently stumbled across @virtualpenshow on Instagram. They allow users to list pens for sale and have it listed on Instagram. I haven’t really seen any trading done through there but have found a couple of really cool pens but missed out (not quick enough).
Thanks for answering my question. My wife called me into the room and was like “Brian is talking about your question”, have to admit I may have stepped on a dog to get to the computer.
So like a fountain pen club. Like Pipe smokers and cigar lounges or woodworkers have.
Hey Brian, got a quick question. Are Iridium Point Germany fountain pens good? I bought one at a flea market, a couple of days ago, and I was wondering how qualitative is this brand. The pen itself works beautifully and writes excellent! I tried researching it but no luck. Hope you could address this question either in the comments or in an upcoming video. Cheers and many thanks!!!
Edison's blog actually has a really good article on these: edisonpen.com/ipgnibs2 . Seems like some are great and others not so much, so it seems like you got a good one! - Colin
Thank you!
40% of people's first memories are made up. First memories are generally not formed until three and a half years of age. I remembered reading this article a couple of weeks ago after hearing your comments. It is an interesting read. www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/world/40-of-people-have-first-memories-that-are-made-up-study-finds-855965.html
I don’t carry my pens in my pocket, so the clip mechanism is not relevant to me. I care about the esthetic only. Form over function for me
Carol Collett
I use a Lamy Safari (Petrol) at work, I clip the pen not in the pocket of my cover-alls but in the front where the zipper stops near the chest.. ..the clip style of the Lamy works great for that situation.
Play chromatography using your inks with your kids.