Really interesting and illuminating video topic, Mick. And an excellent overview presentation of the pens. I have generally and invariably preferred larger (even oversized) pens with wider grip section. But I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by just how much some slim, slender pens suit me very well. No problems holding and writing with them at all. The Copper Lilliput was the biggest surprise for me. I bought it on a calculated risk, fully prepared to perhaps not fully like it. To my surprise, I still love it and glad I have the pen. The Diplomat Traveler is another. Ditto the steel Lamy CP1 I own. I wish I had a Montblanc Noblesse, too. That said, my absolute favorite long, slim pen is the Aurora Hastil. An outright design classic with a superb nib. I own two Hastils, an ‘Ecosteel’ version and a sterling silver vermeil one.
I was just at a conference and realized that I hate the ballpoint that I use with my Levenger pocket briefcase, but the penloop on it is so narrow I need to find a smaller diameter fountain pen. This was extremely helpful!
I have a Waterman Hemisphere that I used to love but now that I’ve branched out to other brands I never use because it’s too skinny for me. I’m thinking of selling it. Thanks Michael great video as always
Great pens but all are a bit thin for my hands. 30 years ago I would have used them but now, not so much as they wouls cause writer's cramp. Very good overview, Mick.
I keep a Sailor Young Profit and a Vintage 1970s(?) Platinum 18k nib flighter in my daily kit since they are both snap caps, and don't take up much room in my pencil case. Both have incredible nibs (especially the Platinum)
This was a super helpful video. I'm developing some boney arthritis issues on my middle finger from my grip. It's way more noticeable and painful using a thick barrel Opus 88. I'm going to have to consider something more like a ballpoint barrel and see if it helps, but I don't want to stop using fountain pens altogether!
Great video Mike, thanks! My main problem with the Ensso XS is that it's so easy to misplace! I've lost 3 of them (including one in brass with a Ti nib 😢) - and my daughter now can't find the aluminium one I loaned her. I'm tempted to buy another, because I love the form factor - but suspect that's just tempting fate...
Kakimori's Aluminum fountain pen is a nice slim pen, similar to models you highlight here. For ultra slim, the Sailor Chalana is a very very slender pen.
I have several '80s era Sheaffer Targa fountain pens, including my original 1002s from 1989. I find that the slimline versions, while charming, are a bit uncomfortable for me if writing more than a few lines at a time.
1. You could call me Mr. Slim, if I wasn't so chubby. I'm a firm believer that slender pens are more precise for drawing. 2. The CP1 and Neo-Slim I can confirm are superb. The Muji is cheaper, but feels it. Even cheaper is the little-known TiLiner Aluminum, clearly the most robust for the money. 3. Even slimmer are the discontinued but available on eBay Sailor Chalana and Sailor Candy. They cross the line into too-slim for me. But I have large hands, so they might work great for those with small hands. Barrel I think is about 8mm, grip even less. Unfortunately these have become collectable of late, so I would advise trying them out before purchase at inflated prices.
I also prefer the Diplomat Traveler when I need a slim pen to fit into a planner cover (such as the Lochby Pocket Journal, with its very snug front pocket). For longer writing sessions, I prefer something of a mid-range diameter and avoid the slim pens. Speaking of Diplomat, you asked me to email you about your Diplomat Excellence A2 in forest green. I used the contact form on your Wordpress site because that was the only email I could find. Thanks!
Really interesting and illuminating video topic, Mick. And an excellent overview presentation of the pens.
I have generally and invariably preferred larger (even oversized) pens with wider grip section. But I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by just how much some slim, slender pens suit me very well. No problems holding and writing with them at all. The Copper Lilliput was the biggest surprise for me. I bought it on a calculated risk, fully prepared to perhaps not fully like it. To my surprise, I still love it and glad I have the pen. The Diplomat Traveler is another. Ditto the steel Lamy CP1 I own. I wish I had a Montblanc Noblesse, too.
That said, my absolute favorite long, slim pen is the Aurora Hastil. An outright design classic with a superb nib. I own two Hastils, an ‘Ecosteel’ version and a sterling silver vermeil one.
Early 😂. Nice video I find the thiner pen works better at work for me when out on the floor away from the desk.
I was just at a conference and realized that I hate the ballpoint that I use with my Levenger pocket briefcase, but the penloop on it is so narrow I need to find a smaller diameter fountain pen. This was extremely helpful!
Yeah I love the Diplomat Traveler and all the Diplomat pens I own.
I have a Waterman Hemisphere that I used to love but now that I’ve branched out to other brands I never use because it’s too skinny for me. I’m thinking of selling it. Thanks Michael great video as always
Very interesting video ! Thanks @PenSpecialist
Great pens but all are a bit thin for my hands. 30 years ago I would have used them but now, not so much as they wouls cause writer's cramp.
Very good overview, Mick.
i bought the lamy cp 1 because of its minimalist styling
I keep a Sailor Young Profit and a Vintage 1970s(?) Platinum 18k nib flighter in my daily kit since they are both snap caps, and don't take up much room in my pencil case. Both have incredible nibs (especially the Platinum)
Slim pens with snap cap are my favorite at work
This was a super helpful video. I'm developing some boney arthritis issues on my middle finger from my grip. It's way more noticeable and painful using a thick barrel Opus 88. I'm going to have to consider something more like a ballpoint barrel and see if it helps, but I don't want to stop using fountain pens altogether!
Great video. I just picked up a Hobonichi Techo calendar and the pen loop is insanely small.
Great video Mike, thanks! My main problem with the Ensso XS is that it's so easy to misplace! I've lost 3 of them (including one in brass with a Ti nib 😢) - and my daughter now can't find the aluminium one I loaned her. I'm tempted to buy another, because I love the form factor - but suspect that's just tempting fate...
Kakimori's Aluminum fountain pen is a nice slim pen, similar to models you highlight here. For ultra slim, the Sailor Chalana is a very very slender pen.
Oh yes… I have the Kakimori to review later in the year. Interesting pen
I have several '80s era Sheaffer Targa fountain pens, including my original 1002s from 1989. I find that the slimline versions, while charming, are a bit uncomfortable for me if writing more than a few lines at a time.
1. You could call me Mr. Slim, if I wasn't so chubby. I'm a firm believer that slender pens are more precise for drawing.
2. The CP1 and Neo-Slim I can confirm are superb. The Muji is cheaper, but feels it. Even cheaper is the little-known TiLiner Aluminum, clearly the most robust for the money.
3. Even slimmer are the discontinued but available on eBay Sailor Chalana and Sailor Candy. They cross the line into too-slim for me. But I have large hands, so they might work great for those with small hands. Barrel I think is about 8mm, grip even less. Unfortunately these have become collectable of late, so I would advise trying them out before purchase at inflated prices.
I also prefer the Diplomat Traveler when I need a slim pen to fit into a planner cover (such as the Lochby Pocket Journal, with its very snug front pocket). For longer writing sessions, I prefer something of a mid-range diameter and avoid the slim pens. Speaking of Diplomat, you asked me to email you about your Diplomat Excellence A2 in forest green. I used the contact form on your Wordpress site because that was the only email I could find. Thanks!
Hi. Yes, I got your email, thanks. Replying is on my to do list :) I’ll be in touch soon
@@theoffstageme No rush at all. It's good to know that you received it.
Hey there, thank you for the great videos! What is that black, glossy pen, next to the XS? The third from left on the tray.
That is the Tools to LiveBy 'Le Chat' fountain pen.
The fuckin' cap on the neo slim really frustrates me.