Terrific review, Stephen. I think that acrylic is called "Dawn". Very lovely. It is terrific to see the pen being used by an artist. I love the 456 and feel it is the best model Penbbs makes.
Aww thanks Doug! The 456 is such a fantastic pen! Actually, I first heard about it by stumbling on your review! I thought the filling system would be my favorite part, just because I like studying forces/physics... but the nib was a happy surprise as well. I’m really wanting to expand my collection of Penbbs products over time, especially because of the lovely turned acrylics. Actually, this 456 is the first pen I would consider getting more than one of!
I'm pleased to have found a fountain pen channel focussed on drawing, as that is all I use mine for (I write with my laptop). Subscribed. Looks like the 456 suits you just fine. I'm interested in what papers you like to draw on. Currently I'm using Strathmore 500 Mixed Media paper and Bristol Board.
Thanks, and welcome to our little community! The 456 is quite a jewel! I’m hoping to review some more Penbbs pens soon. As for paper, I am in a bit of an experimental phase. This video was the last one that I used my cheap $5 bargain bin sketchbook for. So far, I have been checking out Tomoe River paper, and watercolor postcards from Etchr Labs. They appear in several videos on this channel, and I have good things to say about both of them. I recently finished shooting a video where I used a Rhodia dot pad notebook, which I bought for journaling. It will go up on this channel in the next few weeks. I wasn’t very impressed with it. I have used Strathmore Bristol (400 series illustration board, I believe) and still do use it for commissioned work, and stuff I’m making available for print (finalized work and things for display). It’s great, and you cont go much wrong with the results. However, it’s not that convenient for sketching, so I am still kind of looking for my ultimate fountain pen friendly sketchbook. I’ll be making a few videos on the subject in the coming year, as soon as I’ve tried out some more things :) Stay tuned (pun intended)!
@@ichirofakename thanks for the suggestion. I do find that spiral-bound sketchbooks aren’t my favorite. Side-bound style books get in the way of my hand (I’m left-handed). The top-bound type... I just don’t like the look. Hope that doesn’t sound snooty. I have seen the Strathmore mixed media stitch-bound sketchbooks. I might get one of those after I’ve finished off my current sketchbook.
@@stepheninks I always keep the binding on the left (I'm right-handed), only using the right-hand page. When they are full, I turn the book upside-down to use the back of each page, maintaining the binding out of the way. Yes, I'm crazy.
i love PenBBS. i own more of those than any other brand. they sell a special nib they call a Calligraphy #1 nib. it's like a Naginata Togi style nib. it's incredible for drawing. Great review!
Yeah, I was really curious about those nibs. Might order one someday. The shipping wait for Penbbs is no joke though! I almost feel like I could go to Shanghai myself to pick it up faster.
@@stepheninks no doubt about that. the slow boat. . and the calligraphy #1 nibs go fast. he makes small batches of them and they sell out in a couple hours usually. i had 2 but just gave 1 to chrisrap52, or i'd totally send you one. i'll keep my eyes peeled and drop you a line if i see any come up for sale.
How does this compare with the twsbi eco? They are at the same price range and both hold a lot of ink. Which do you think is the better ne overall? Thanks!
That’s a good question. They do compare pretty favorably. The build of the 456 is interesting because it’s turned acrylic, so you can get it in a lot of interesting finishes. You can also get a clear one, so you can see all your ink. The 456’s filling system is interesting, but the novelty eventually wears off, so I wouldn’t choose over that. Both pens are also completely detachable, so that’s nice. I think it all comes down to the nib and the price. Depending on which one you get, the 456 can go up to 45-50 USD, while the Eco is closer to 30 USD, depending on the retailer. As for the nibs, both of them are great, but the 456 has a specific grind to it the makes the line width slightly different depending on what angle you hold it. I have since learned that this is called a Waverly nib. I find it gives the lines a bit of character. I love this quality of the 456, and it’s the reason I highly recommend Penbbs pens. In contrast, the Eco has tight, dependable lines, which are the same no matter how you hold the pen. So, I guess the question is, what kind of lines do you want to make? Is your style more loose or precise? Personally, I love both pens and I’m glad I have them both. In an everyday sense, I get excited about the 456, but I have inked up the Eco more times (about twice as many, actually). Hope that helps!
Thanks, Stephen! I recently got this pen, too, and it is great, I agree, value and quality. Your octopus is my favorite of the drawings you've done. Looks like it's from an illustrated Jules Verne novel. Did you complete the drawing on one fill of the pen, or need to refill? I admire your patience with all the hatching.
That’s a high compliment! I love Jules Verne! This is one fill, plus, I used this pen for notes and journaling for several weeks before and after. It really has a high capacity, combined with the fine nib, you can really use it for a long time. I have since refilled it, and have not run out of ink for my second fill yet!
Great review. Very few reviews mention anything about the nib, especially how it responds to pressure and the line variation. Your review is the only one that showed this, too. I ended up buying one of these recently as an early birthday present to myself. I love it, the ink filling method and especially the nib. I've heard some people refer to the nib as a 'mini fude' because of the slight upturned nib. I agree it is somewhat fude-ish in that the angle of the nib effects the line weight. Not nearly as brush-like a fude, but still a great pen for drawing. I was surprised how heavy this pen feels compared to the ebonite and metal ones I own, maybe because it's acrylic or the metal rod? Not a negative, but surprising to me. Thanks for doing this review.
Yeah, I think the hardware gives it weight. I actually really like the extra weight. I’m happy to hear that comment from you, because I really try to be thorough when I review a pen, so I usually have it for a few months before I start talking about it. Penbbs nibs are the reason why I love them so much! I have heard the nib grind called a “weaverly” nib by some reviewers, but I don’t know enough about nib grinds to be sure.
I LOOOVE that colour! Where did you buy it? I have never seen anything but the model number on the back of each model. I have about 8 or more Penbbs pens and never found a colour combo that I like especially yellow, its soooo hard to find a tasteful yellow pen and Im in love. Please share the link?
I did share the link to where I originally purchased this pen, but I believe it is listed as “unavailable” now. Penbbs pens are notoriously hard to find in the specific finish you are looking for, because they make them in individual runs, and then rarely make the same finish multiple times in a row. If you are really looking hard for this particular finish, I would suggest you bookmark their official Etsy shop, as well as EBay, and check back frequently. You might get lucky!
Ok Stephen I. Out of control on pens now and going to 12 step program because of them. But I need a list of the best 1000 fountain pens so I can pick them up before my program LOL!
It depends on what your needs are: If you like super fine lines , maybe a platinum preppy or Pilot Kakuno extra fine. If you like huge ink capacity and slightly thicker lines, I recommend either this pen or the Twsbi Eco. Penbbs also makes some less expensive pens like the 308 that have the same fantastic nib (and super safe for pocket carry) If you want something really out there, where you get a wide variety of lines, try a Fude nib like the sailor Fude de Mannen or a HongDian Black Forest with a Fude nib. A lot of the pens I have reviewed on this channel would be great for street sketching. Only ones I would definitely avoid are the ones from Etchr Lab and Fountain Pen Revolution. They are a bit unreliable and sometimes spill ink when transported. I would also avoid any eye dropper pens, for the same reason.
I have three PenBBS fountain pens (323, 308 and 456) and 6 PenBBS rounded nibs, but none of them suit my writing crave, the nibs are smooth, but it seems to pale the hue of my every inks I used which is a shame.
They do have a very dry flow (which I’ll admit, is what I like about them). One good thing about Penbbs nibs is that if you don’t like one, you know you can pass on the whole line. Very consistently the same. I have heard that you can loosen the tubes of a Penbbs nib really easily with medium pressure, to make them flow more. Doug over at Inkquiring Minds has explained this process in one of his many videos on Penbbs.
Terrific review, Stephen. I think that acrylic is called "Dawn". Very lovely. It is terrific to see the pen being used by an artist. I love the 456 and feel it is the best model Penbbs makes.
Aww thanks Doug! The 456 is such a fantastic pen! Actually, I first heard about it by stumbling on your review! I thought the filling system would be my favorite part, just because I like studying forces/physics... but the nib was a happy surprise as well. I’m really wanting to expand my collection of Penbbs products over time, especially because of the lovely turned acrylics. Actually, this 456 is the first pen I would consider getting more than one of!
I'm pleased to have found a fountain pen channel focussed on drawing, as that is all I use mine for (I write with my laptop). Subscribed. Looks like the 456 suits you just fine.
I'm interested in what papers you like to draw on. Currently I'm using Strathmore 500 Mixed Media paper and Bristol Board.
Thanks, and welcome to our little community! The 456 is quite a jewel! I’m hoping to review some more Penbbs pens soon.
As for paper, I am in a bit of an experimental phase. This video was the last one that I used my cheap $5 bargain bin sketchbook for. So far, I have been checking out Tomoe River paper, and watercolor postcards from Etchr Labs. They appear in several videos on this channel, and I have good things to say about both of them.
I recently finished shooting a video where I used a Rhodia dot pad notebook, which I bought for journaling. It will go up on this channel in the next few weeks. I wasn’t very impressed with it.
I have used Strathmore Bristol (400 series illustration board, I believe) and still do use it for commissioned work, and stuff I’m making available for print (finalized work and things for display). It’s great, and you cont go much wrong with the results. However, it’s not that convenient for sketching, so I am still kind of looking for my ultimate fountain pen friendly sketchbook. I’ll be making a few videos on the subject in the coming year, as soon as I’ve tried out some more things :) Stay tuned (pun intended)!
@@stepheninks You can get bristol in a spiral bound sketchbook if you like. It'll be thinner, but just as smooth.
@@ichirofakename thanks for the suggestion. I do find that spiral-bound sketchbooks aren’t my favorite. Side-bound style books get in the way of my hand (I’m left-handed). The top-bound type... I just don’t like the look. Hope that doesn’t sound snooty.
I have seen the Strathmore mixed media stitch-bound sketchbooks. I might get one of those after I’ve finished off my current sketchbook.
@@stepheninks I always keep the binding on the left (I'm right-handed), only using the right-hand page. When they are full, I turn the book upside-down to use the back of each page, maintaining the binding out of the way. Yes, I'm crazy.
@@ichirofakename we do what we’ve got to do. I just prefer something where I don’t have to think about the binding.
i love PenBBS. i own more of those than any other brand. they sell a special nib they call a Calligraphy #1 nib. it's like a Naginata Togi style nib. it's incredible for drawing.
Great review!
Yeah, I was really curious about those nibs. Might order one someday. The shipping wait for Penbbs is no joke though! I almost feel like I could go to Shanghai myself to pick it up faster.
@@stepheninks no doubt about that. the slow boat.
. and the calligraphy #1 nibs go fast. he makes small batches of them and they sell out in a couple hours usually. i had 2 but just gave 1 to chrisrap52, or i'd totally send you one. i'll keep my eyes peeled and drop you a line if i see any come up for sale.
Appreciate it. They usually sell out of cool things fast!
How does this compare with the twsbi eco? They are at the same price range and both hold a lot of ink. Which do you think is the better ne overall? Thanks!
That’s a good question. They do compare pretty favorably. The build of the 456 is interesting because it’s turned acrylic, so you can get it in a lot of interesting finishes. You can also get a clear one, so you can see all your ink.
The 456’s filling system is interesting, but the novelty eventually wears off, so I wouldn’t choose over that. Both pens are also completely detachable, so that’s nice.
I think it all comes down to the nib and the price. Depending on which one you get, the 456 can go up to 45-50 USD, while the Eco is closer to 30 USD, depending on the retailer.
As for the nibs, both of them are great, but the 456 has a specific grind to it the makes the line width slightly different depending on what angle you hold it. I have since learned that this is called a Waverly nib. I find it gives the lines a bit of character. I love this quality of the 456, and it’s the reason I highly recommend Penbbs pens. In contrast, the Eco has tight, dependable lines, which are the same no matter how you hold the pen.
So, I guess the question is, what kind of lines do you want to make? Is your style more loose or precise? Personally, I love both pens and I’m glad I have them both. In an everyday sense, I get excited about the 456, but I have inked up the Eco more times (about twice as many, actually). Hope that helps!
@@stepheninks Yeah thanks for the reply! This would definitely help:)
Thanks, Stephen! I recently got this pen, too, and it is great, I agree, value and quality. Your octopus is my favorite of the
drawings you've done. Looks like it's from an illustrated Jules Verne novel. Did you complete the drawing on one fill of the
pen, or need to refill? I admire your patience with all the hatching.
That’s a high compliment! I love Jules Verne!
This is one fill, plus, I used this pen for notes and journaling for several weeks before and after. It really has a high capacity, combined with the fine nib, you can really use it for a long time. I have since refilled it, and have not run out of ink for my second fill yet!
Great review. Very few reviews mention anything about the nib, especially how it responds to pressure and the line variation. Your review is the only one that showed this, too. I ended up buying one of these recently as an early birthday present to myself. I love it, the ink filling method and especially the nib. I've heard some people refer to the nib as a 'mini fude' because of the slight upturned nib. I agree it is somewhat fude-ish in that the angle of the nib effects the line weight. Not nearly as brush-like a fude, but still a great pen for drawing. I was surprised how heavy this pen feels compared to the ebonite and metal ones I own, maybe because it's acrylic or the metal rod? Not a negative, but surprising to me. Thanks for doing this review.
Yeah, I think the hardware gives it weight. I actually really like the extra weight. I’m happy to hear that comment from you, because I really try to be thorough when I review a pen, so I usually have it for a few months before I start talking about it. Penbbs nibs are the reason why I love them so much! I have heard the nib grind called a “weaverly” nib by some reviewers, but I don’t know enough about nib grinds to be sure.
I LOOOVE that colour! Where did you buy it? I have never seen anything but the model number on the back of each model. I have about 8 or more Penbbs pens and never found a colour combo that I like especially yellow, its soooo hard to find a tasteful yellow pen and Im in love. Please share the link?
I did share the link to where I originally purchased this pen, but I believe it is listed as “unavailable” now. Penbbs pens are notoriously hard to find in the specific finish you are looking for, because they make them in individual runs, and then rarely make the same finish multiple times in a row.
If you are really looking hard for this particular finish, I would suggest you bookmark their official Etsy shop, as well as EBay, and check back frequently. You might get lucky!
Ok Stephen I. Out of control on pens now and going to 12 step program because of them. But I need a list of the best 1000 fountain pens so I can pick them up before my program LOL!
Does this program involve buying 12 new pens for a constant supply of happiness? Because otherwise it sounds lame.
Hi, could u suggest a best fountain pen for street sketching
It depends on what your needs are:
If you like super fine lines , maybe a platinum preppy or Pilot Kakuno extra fine.
If you like huge ink capacity and slightly thicker lines, I recommend either this pen or the Twsbi Eco. Penbbs also makes some less expensive pens like the 308 that have the same fantastic nib (and super safe for pocket carry)
If you want something really out there, where you get a wide variety of lines, try a Fude nib like the sailor Fude de Mannen or a HongDian Black Forest with a Fude nib.
A lot of the pens I have reviewed on this channel would be great for street sketching. Only ones I would definitely avoid are the ones from Etchr Lab and Fountain Pen Revolution. They are a bit unreliable and sometimes spill ink when transported.
I would also avoid any eye dropper pens, for the same reason.
@@stepheninks Thank you for your valuable feedback
I have three PenBBS fountain pens (323, 308 and 456) and 6 PenBBS rounded nibs, but none of them suit my writing crave, the nibs are smooth, but it seems to pale the hue of my every inks I used which is a shame.
They do have a very dry flow (which I’ll admit, is what I like about them). One good thing about Penbbs nibs is that if you don’t like one, you know you can pass on the whole line. Very consistently the same. I have heard that you can loosen the tubes of a Penbbs nib really easily with medium pressure, to make them flow more. Doug over at Inkquiring Minds has explained this process in one of his many videos on Penbbs.