Long time fountain pen user here. Recently, I suffered some serious medical problems, and as such, was unable to write, and I have had to reteach myself to write again. Using a fountain pen has allowed me to be able to write without my hand cramping up, and thus fountain pens have been a life-saver for me. Therefore, I love using fountain pens. Write with joy, my friend!!!:):):)
Writing with a fountain pen helps me to stay in the moment. It helps me focus, sharpens my awareness and ultimately leads to being more mindful. Just being able to intentionally choose which color of ink and nib size I‘d like to use in a certain mindset/emotional state really helps me process and express myself.
I think it's wonderfull that we have something that we can enjoy every single day of our lives. I also just like the fact of collecting something and being proud and gratefull of your collection.
@@onepenshow Famous last words, I dare say. My daughter once commented on how many fountain pens I have, and all I could say is I don't buy new pens with as much frequency as I once did.
For any starter collectors (and if one starts it's inevitable that one will be a collector lol), I give full credit to the cheap Chinese pens, they are a great way to start without spending a lot. Two of my favourite and most beautiful pens - and two of the ones that never let me down - are from that company beginning with J. Not sure if we're allowed to names 😀
A few of my first pens were Lamys. Even now, some of my Lamys have nibs and writing characteristics equal to or surpassing some of my more expensive pens.
Excellent! The pen, the ink, the notebook and its leather cover... Everything makes a day work more enjoyable. Usually 2 pens on the table, 2 inks. MB146 and Parker Duofold. I agree on all the points. Pens is an affordable hobby that provides happiness to all of us who feel attraction for the world of analog writing. BTW we all work with computers, but taking notes on paper is usually a must.
Rhodia. A man of culture. My handwriting has transformed since starting to use fountain pens and it looks so... fantastic. Diamine Sherwood Green in a british racing green pen is my love, and Red Dragon in another is my light. The darkest black in my flex nib pen pours out my soul into the streaming night; writing with a fountain pen just feels so right. I have a local shop nearby with pens, and inks, and all the Rhodia products. Life is good. Speaking of respecting someone else's craft, I have my eye on a handmade pen right now...
I have to order everything online. Our last stationary shop closed their doors a couple of years ago. Too bad but I think I’ll make it work. Excellent inks by the way, some of my favorites as well.
Well said, Sir! Quality matters. Not simply price. I value anyone who has pride and takes time and effort to do something right. Even if it is not "my thing". Thank you for a thought provoking message. I will contemplate these thoughts over and over for some time to come.
Fabulous video, really appreciated your message and the production. For me, writing is everything from notes and lists to long form expressive journaling. I love the whole process of caring for my pens & they do spark joy to use them. I appreciate and care for all of my pens no matter the price paid. Great content, thank you.
After 15+ years of working only in digital space I recently learned to enjoy the tactile. It's this tactilty of the fountainpen makes me want to journal. This in turn finally makes me enjoy writing and reading in my own language. (I'm heavily dislextic) And I it makes me think everybody should take one thing, be it gardening, woodworking or whatever. And give this one thing some time and care
I have a fountain pen. I use it to write what is important. I also have some calligraphy pens, for the pretty. As I cannot speak without difficulty, I write a lot, on notepads, to communicate. I use a ballpoint or a pencil. Pencils can also be a joy. I don't use mechanical ones; I use the right grade and a sharpener, depending on the use.
I recently fell into the rabbit hole of pencil sharpeners (different angles etc.). I didn't know a thing about pencils, they are a pleasure to use. Perhaps a good idea for a future video. Do you have any good videos on pencils I can watch?
@@onepenshow I haven't looked, TBH. I just find it a pleasing feel, and I can get charmingly smudged when using a soft pencil for drawing. And then there are all those different papers. But mostly I scribble in a cheap notebook with a ballpoint, as a layngectomy makes speaking a bit tiring, so it is often easier to write stuff down when oot and aboot.
All through school, pens always felt so important to me - it was one of the three things I touched constantly. Writing - even for academic purposes - is such an intimate thing, and the feeling of writing is so important. I feel like everyone's tried writing with a ballpoint pen on a stone or other hard surface and it feels like metal grating on teeth to me. The importance of the pen - now that I buy my own writing utensils - has continued. As someone who will obsess over imperfections, to have a writing utensil that feels perfect in your hand is to remove another barrier to creativity and just allow the ideas to flow. That being said - I have a bookstore fountain pen from Europe that might have cost $2, and being an American, I'd never seen one of these before. It felt scratchy to write with at first, but after cleaning the nib from your other video, I completely understand why these are popular. I'm a convert.
What an absolutely beautiful discourse on meaning and value superbly presented! Thank you so much. For those of who use fountain pens and love them, they truly are so much more than writing instruments.
What an insightful presentation. Reminds me of a saying ,"When sitting, sit. When walking, walk. Above all, don't wobble." Well done. Greetings from Australia.
Your words rang so true! I’ve been collecting pens and fountain band since the mid-1970s and inherited my dad‘s fountain pens that he used 50+ years ago. There’s nothing like them you feel the words.
My main reasons to use fountain pens are health, love of colours and ecology. Health because I write a lot and fountain pens are easy on my hands and wrists. Love of colours is kind of self-explanatory; I'm an artist and I love nature so colours are first and foremost for everything in my life. Finally ecology because I keep the pen while I re-ink it or some rare cases ( a couple of cheap pens I have lying in bags) I have cartridges. Sure cartridges are not as eco-friendly as bottled ink but is far better than throwing away the entire pen. Plus, some cartridges can be cleaned and refilled with a syringe.
I'm absolutely agree. I learned to write with fountain pen in school, than college, then life. The best skill I got! Carrington for earth too! I needed only 3 jars of ink in 11 y of school and 5 in college. I still have a fountain pan I graduated with.
Interesting video. As a songwriter, I firmly believe the pen is an extension of me. I recently decided to get into fountain pens, starting out with a handful of Jinhao pens. Before that, I wrote primarily with Pilot gel pens, but I made sure to use pens that I could refill as disposable pens are somewhat anathema to me. I suppose people who see pens simply as tools rather than as extensions of themselves are not likely to understand. But then, I don't suppose most of those people would align themselves or identify with artists.
First time viewer as was trying to find a reason why my handwriting is shaky lately. I can't wait to get my fountain pen. Your thoughts and passion are so infectious. I would watch anything you posted. I would love to know what instrument you played in the band. I'll bet whatever it was, it was well cared for.
I love your style and content. Because of videos like this, I have followed you since the beginning of Mission Ink until now. You are a breath of fresh air in the TH-cam fountain pen world. I am interested to see where you go from here.
It is interesting that you mention monks. In the western tradition of monasticism and other religious orders, intentionality and purposeful awareness is stressed, as well as using and taking proper care of the tools, the land, people, and worship. There is a long tradition of writing and copying, and reverence for the written word. In Buddhist tradition, similar ideas are related to mindfulness. Fountain pens lend themselves to intentional and fully aware writing, to the reflectivity that is necessary for the spiritual life, and to effective communication.
I fully agree. To me, some pens and pencils have great value. As well as my fps, I have some really good ballpoints and pencils. They give me such pleasure.
I have just watched two videos from you and instantly I really found them to be lovely and wonderful examples of doing more of what we love. I love your reflections too. I also found fountain pens interesting and joyful to write with. I found your list of 13 reasons to use fountain pens is well worth reflecting on. I will be following you and wish you best of luck with inspiring people to develop more quality and meaning in our lives and have more fun. I especially love your reflections and the uniqueness in pointing out certain aspects with pens, writing and your perspectives on life and the meaning of living. I think we in the modern western world really need to find our way back to live by value, joy, love, experimentation, playfulness, creativity. So this channel could really help other people by inspiring them/us by expressing ourself more instead of consuming entertainment. I will be looking forward to see more of your videos to come. Good luck and thanks a lot for inspiring me.
For people who use fountain pens to draw/sketch, try the Canson 1557 180gr paper ! It not only performs way more than it's price point, but it's literally my favorite paper for ink. I can write the most round and beautiful letters with a fountain pen on it and the colors as also the ink as a substance itself, look the best, compared to any other paper I've tried. Just be careful, because Canson makes a ton of different papers with the name 1557 on it. It's the 180 gr that has the black balloon on it, that looks like if it was made with soft charcoal! Great for illustrations, comics, general sketching as also really good for photorealism drawing, using graphite. Thick enough, never had any issues with it, only enjoinment!
@@onepenshow It's a drawing paper, but since it comes also as a spiral book, you can either draw lines or use it as it is for writing, sketching, drawing, as a scrap book, or any other kind of use! The one I got, cost only 4 euros but it outperforms, any kind of paper, at that if not way higher price point.
That was a wonderful presentation. I don't mind having to change inks or clean nibs. Inky fingers are a badge of honor. Fountain pens are a calming presence, and each one has a different meaning or history for me. When I give my primary school students fountain pens to use for the first time, they are filled with wonder at how a nib can capture so many things.
Hi there, you deserve that I take this moment to write my appreciation for your work. You are pretty freakin' funny. I love your humour, and yet the depth of where it comes from shows that there is a fair amount of thought and craft in your videos. I discovered your channel a good six months ago, I guess, as I love fountain pens. And to my sad surprise I realized that you seemed to have quit posting.. And now I'm happy to see this new material and will follow you ... well just as long as you remain a little insane.. 😂Take care and keep the good work comin' 😊
I really appreciate your videos, for which I am grateful. I haven't seen any recent videos from you. I hope all is well, and that you are going to delight us with more of your insightful videos soon.
Unlike many today, my first pen was a fountain pen. Not because I'm old enough they were all there was. My school didn't actually allow pens. And I seldom used a ballpoint until college/university. Was when fountain pens with steel nibs were generally thrown away and fountain pen ink was getting hard to find (not as bad as trying to get ink from Staples. 😉)My first would have been thrown away, in other hands, in 1983 (Esterbrook J.) And got back into them a few years ago, originally because they didn't hurt to write with. I pass that tidbit on to anyone who has difficulty writing. 😁 Fell from the lip into the vast chasm of the rabbit hole of collecting. Almost all vintage. They suit me, and are definitely the "most bang for your buck" I have seen. Wasn't for fountain pens I would have been in a home by now. Keeps my dexterity after a stroke up, so I can still use both hands. I see a lashback at digital that is a response to many schools in the United States dropping penmanship as unnecessary. Many 20-somethings I meet value analog writing, often calligraphy. So they tend to discover fountain pens as well. That and the less painful writing experience, I see fountain pens being used for a long time still.
I agree Paul, and I do appreciate vintage pens a lot too. My Pelikan 140 especially. Dexterity-wise I can imagine it greatly helps. Good to hear. I'm not fanatical about analog, I think digital note-taking has a very important place, but some things are just best left to pen and paper.
@@onepenshow I do use digital as well. And I'm not one for journaling or notebooks. Post? Regularly.😁 As well as Zoom, texts and phone calls. And emails when needed. I have not used a ballpoint pen for almost a decade. Today there are even more permanent and better inks for fountain pens, so I have no need of ballpoint pens. Only a Sharpie for writing on plastic or metal (no fountain pen ink for those, yet.😉)
Very interesting philosophical points and nice breakdown of, to me, modern trends. I think a lot of it is driven by modern economics and politics where economic polorisation of the haves and the have-nots leaves the larger proportion of the population struggling to acquire the basics to live. Forced into smaller and smaller dwellings, with ever decreasing incomes and longer working hours, and a more hostile social fabric, people seem to retreat into the fantasy wotld of TV and film to escape. This sells them sad consumerist ideas where they are tempted into buying predominantly crap to persuade themselves they have status and are not the hopeless wage slaves that sadly we all are (the UK experience!!!). I think many people are just too hollowed out by their lives to look for meaning in pens or other 'hobbies' which I think is sad. Our current economic system is impoverishing in every way for the 'many'.
Hahaha " come on, click it!" Great video and a lot food for thought. I like the way you express yourself and to me fountain pens are the medium to understand and organise what I want to say. I'm autistic and since I discovered fountain pens I feel that process is beautiful apart from being functional.
I keep a 'commonplace book'. In it, are many 'private' notes-to-self. Why private? Because it's the kind of thought no-one else will really get, not really. Lo & Behold this amazing channel & in particular this video - going to the literal 𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 of the existential elements of being a writer!! The thought then that this video so fantastically captures for me is: I love to write because it reminds me of my locus in the history of our species, the point that we've reached in the entire human experience (this Epoch) whereby the pen is arguably our mightiest tool. To write, is to bond with our ancestors' need to 'write', & to appreciate our part today in what that primal urge has now evolved into.
I grew up at a young age. I spent a lot of time in the streets. I didn’t not invest much time into my education in the beginning stages of my life because I was forced to provide for myself at a very young age. I learned to read and the value of my written word while I was incarcerated. I traded food for a tutor. I became a fan of fine writing materials after I learned to value my own thoughts and words. I believe my words have value, so I capture them with writing instruments that I value.
On, the one hand, I agree fully. On the other hand, it is possible to read too much into any endeavor. After all, as Freud might have said, "Irgendwann, ein Füllfeder ist nur einen Füllfeder."
_ An enjoyable presentation. _ Fountain pens and penmanship is one form of expressing beauty in life. _ Playing violin or classical guitar is another. _ In every case, to express, and feel the joy of life surpasses the oxymora of mind. _ Thank you for putting yourself 'out there'.
Details matter! Attention to detail, attention itself. Attention has been described as the most important sense, more important than any or all of the other senses. Attention underlies all the other senses. Pay attention. It is remarkable how powerful that is.
I think it is very unfortunate that young people today are no longer being taught cursive writing in school. The fountain pen makes cursive writing so enjoyable. It saddens me that young people will grow up not able to read old documents or old letters written in cursive.
I think the elementary school I went to still teaches cursive however when I learned it we weren't able to use it on anything except our cursive lessons papers and tests. I've been able to read cursive since before that though so maybe it also has to do with how well you can read as far as reading it goes 🤷♀️ since I can also read really bad handwriting most of the time. I was a TA in 8th and 11th to English teachers and I had to help either decipher awful handwriting on papers and tests. I can also read backwards and upside down which is apparently not super common. Even though I unfortunately no longer write in cursive at all because my cursive is awful and it actually takes me five times longer to write in cursive than in print and then nobody can read it so I've just stuck to print. However, over the years my "print" writing has become a mix of print and cursive now and yeah, people have a hard time reading it. The letters I think are ugly in cursive (b, r, s and z) I don't do in cursive but the others (especially a, d, e, l, and y) are all very much so cursive and often "connect" to my other letters (I don't pick up my pen/pencil). Anyways I know my 15yo sister learned cursive so it must depend on the school. Sorry for the long reply.
@@ReverieOfThorns Interesting that you can read upside-down. I can do that too and I don't think I ever encountered someone who could do that. I am lefthanded and I prefer to write in cursive because I write faster that way. I always hated using pencils because I have always found it messy. Printing is so tedious to me it takes too long to get my ideas on paper. I am in my 60's so when I was in school everyone wrote in cursive. We did not have tablets, computers or smart phones. I know what you mean about having to decipher illegible writing. I was a nurse for over 30 years and had to figure out what doctors wrote, it wasn't always easy!
And now, I have to push myself to unpack the masterpieces like Pelikan OM full flex of 1960ies - the best nib of all times IMHO, all my MB 149s including "silver rings" etc. I felt ashamed collecting things. But now, I ask myself - should I feel shame about collecting pieces of art... Probably not...
I don't find anything mystical or exceptional about using fountain pens; I just enjoy using them in their various colors, shapes, and nib variations. I despise the cant and pretensions that advertisers use to sell them, such as "bespoke," writing instrument, precious resin, heirloom, and other specious hyperbole. I have found that my days of buying unusual colors of ink are over; I now use black and various shades of blue by a limited number of manufacturers. I own various types of filling systems, but prefer cartridge/converters because they are so easy to clean.
I think there's always a place for the analog pen and paper in today's society...there's something almost spiritual about writing what you're feeling and thinking on a tactile piece of paper. Doing that on your phone isn't the same....there's also a more personal connection during a meeting or interview when you pull out a notebook and pen to take notes vs your phone or laptop....the phone/laptop almost seems rude....
Fountain pen writing means that the writer has an idea worth putting it to pen-to-paper. Otherwise, they would not spend the time & effort, given other options available today. Primary provenance, no question where those words came from.
Our behavior matters more than material. However, material can contribute to the quality of our behavior. Using a PEN instead of a ball point ink applier says you care about your communication; both to yourself and others. Additionally, if we lose the skill of handwriting, what shall we do if the power is out and the keyboard doesn't work. Here in Florida, children are no longer taught cursive writing. Will we no longer "drop a note" to someone? How impersonal is typed love letter?
@@onepenshow I'd go for straight lines in the background, a little more distance from the lease and a clear stable view of the pen when you show it. Otherwise it's unsettling and hinders concentration. I am glad you asked, and apologize if I sounded cynical, it wasn't my intention at all.
The triune God is the only cohesive explanation anything has objective meaning in reality. I pray the God of the supernaturally prophetic (Romans 1:26-32/2 Timothy 4:3/Matthew 24:6/1 Corinthians 1:18 fulfilled in reality today), historically verified (archaeologically & anthropologically by Christians & non-Christians w/enemy/early/multiple attestation, internal consistency, embarrassing reports, etc.) & transcendentally/objectively moral (Exodus 20/Matthew 22:37-40) Holy Bible reveals Himself to you in Spirit & objective truth (John 16:13). May the triune, infallible, omniscient God bless you with faith in Him, not fallible man’s limited knowledge of theories (Ephesians 2:8 & Merriam-Webster, "belief , trust in & loyalty to God”)!
📖 FREE Guide: 7 Secrets That Will Instantly 10x Your Writing: onepenshow.com/secrets
Long time fountain pen user here. Recently, I suffered some serious medical problems, and as such, was unable to write, and I have had to reteach myself to write again. Using a fountain pen has allowed me to be able to write without my hand cramping up, and thus fountain pens have been a life-saver for me. Therefore, I love using fountain pens.
Write with joy, my friend!!!:):):)
I’m pleased they have helped you Wolverine
Writing with a fountain pen helps me to stay in the moment. It helps me focus, sharpens my awareness and ultimately leads to being more mindful. Just being able to intentionally choose which color of ink and nib size I‘d like to use in a certain mindset/emotional state really helps me process and express myself.
I think it's wonderfull that we have something that we can enjoy every single day of our lives. I also just like the fact of collecting something and being proud and gratefull of your collection.
Exactly how I feel too
I'm glad you're back.
I have 9 fountain pens and I love them, it doesn't matter how many I have, one can't simply have enough fountain pens.
I need just one more... Then I'm done...
Situation update, I have 12 fountain pens now 😅
@@onepenshow Famous last words, I dare say. My daughter once commented on how many fountain pens I have, and all I could say is I don't buy new pens with as much frequency as I once did.
Well said Sir. After 46 years of fountain pen writing, I still cannot get enough of them.
For any starter collectors (and if one starts it's inevitable that one will be a collector lol), I give full credit to the cheap Chinese pens, they are a great way to start without spending a lot. Two of my favourite and most beautiful pens - and two of the ones that never let me down - are from that company beginning with J. Not sure if we're allowed to names 😀
Yes I like those too.
Jinhao, sing the name from the rooftops
@@neilpiper9889 🤣👍🏼
A few of my first pens were Lamys. Even now, some of my Lamys have nibs and writing characteristics equal to or surpassing some of my more expensive pens.
Excellent!
The pen, the ink, the notebook and its leather cover... Everything makes a day work more enjoyable. Usually 2 pens on the table, 2 inks. MB146 and Parker Duofold.
I agree on all the points. Pens is an affordable hobby that provides happiness to all of us who feel attraction for the world of analog writing.
BTW we all work with computers, but taking notes on paper is usually a must.
The most pressing question however is: what are they inked up with?
@@onepenshow Usually combining blue (Royal or Black blue) and a Coffee - Brown) ☕
Rhodia. A man of culture. My handwriting has transformed since starting to use fountain pens and it looks so... fantastic. Diamine Sherwood Green in a british racing green pen is my love, and Red Dragon in another is my light. The darkest black in my flex nib pen pours out my soul into the streaming night; writing with a fountain pen just feels so right.
I have a local shop nearby with pens, and inks, and all the Rhodia products. Life is good. Speaking of respecting someone else's craft, I have my eye on a handmade pen right now...
I have to order everything online. Our last stationary shop closed their doors a couple of years ago. Too bad but I think I’ll make it work.
Excellent inks by the way, some of my favorites as well.
Well said, Sir! Quality matters. Not simply price. I value anyone who has pride and takes time and effort to do something right. Even if it is not "my thing". Thank you for a thought provoking message. I will contemplate these thoughts over and over for some time to come.
Thanks Joker, good to see you around!
Wow
Fountain pen usage in poetry 😍
Love from Iran ❤️
Thanks from the Netherlands
Fabulous video, really appreciated your message and the production. For me, writing is everything from notes and lists to long form expressive journaling. I love the whole process of caring for my pens & they do spark joy to use them. I appreciate and care for all of my pens no matter the price paid. Great content, thank you.
You’re welcome. All your points resonate with me - thanks for dropping in.
After 15+ years of working only in digital space I recently learned to enjoy the tactile.
It's this tactilty of the fountainpen makes me want to journal.
This in turn finally makes me enjoy writing and reading in my own language. (I'm heavily dislextic)
And I it makes me think everybody should take one thing, be it gardening, woodworking or whatever.
And give this one thing some time and care
I like how you said that
Finding joy and meaning in the small things is the key to living a happier, more fulfilling life. A pen is never just a pen, if it brings you joy.
Well put bluexwings
I have a fountain pen. I use it to write what is important. I also have some calligraphy pens, for the pretty.
As I cannot speak without difficulty, I write a lot, on notepads, to communicate. I use a ballpoint or a pencil.
Pencils can also be a joy. I don't use mechanical ones; I use the right grade and a sharpener, depending on the use.
I recently fell into the rabbit hole of pencil sharpeners (different angles etc.). I didn't know a thing about pencils, they are a pleasure to use. Perhaps a good idea for a future video. Do you have any good videos on pencils I can watch?
@@onepenshow I haven't looked, TBH. I just find it a pleasing feel, and I can get charmingly smudged when using a soft pencil for drawing. And then there are all those different papers.
But mostly I scribble in a cheap notebook with a ballpoint, as a layngectomy makes speaking a bit tiring, so it is often easier to write stuff down when oot and aboot.
All through school, pens always felt so important to me - it was one of the three things I touched constantly. Writing - even for academic purposes - is such an intimate thing, and the feeling of writing is so important. I feel like everyone's tried writing with a ballpoint pen on a stone or other hard surface and it feels like metal grating on teeth to me.
The importance of the pen - now that I buy my own writing utensils - has continued. As someone who will obsess over imperfections, to have a writing utensil that feels perfect in your hand is to remove another barrier to creativity and just allow the ideas to flow.
That being said - I have a bookstore fountain pen from Europe that might have cost $2, and being an American, I'd never seen one of these before. It felt scratchy to write with at first, but after cleaning the nib from your other video, I completely understand why these are popular. I'm a convert.
What an absolutely beautiful discourse on meaning and value superbly presented! Thank you so much. For those of who use fountain pens and love them, they truly are so much more than writing instruments.
Thanks Daly, I appreciate it and I agree. Thanks for chiming in, hope to see you around,
What an insightful presentation. Reminds me of a saying ,"When sitting, sit. When walking, walk. Above all, don't wobble."
Well done. Greetings from Australia.
Good addition, thanks for chiming in, I love that saying
Your words rang so true! I’ve been collecting pens and fountain band since the mid-1970s and inherited my dad‘s fountain pens that he used 50+ years ago. There’s nothing like them you feel the words.
Well put Donna
My main reasons to use fountain pens are health, love of colours and ecology. Health because I write a lot and fountain pens are easy on my hands and wrists. Love of colours is kind of self-explanatory; I'm an artist and I love nature so colours are first and foremost for everything in my life. Finally ecology because I keep the pen while I re-ink it or some rare cases ( a couple of cheap pens I have lying in bags) I have cartridges. Sure cartridges are not as eco-friendly as bottled ink but is far better than throwing away the entire pen. Plus, some cartridges can be cleaned and refilled with a syringe.
All valid points I agree
I'm absolutely agree. I learned to write with fountain pen in school, than college, then life. The best skill I got! Carrington for earth too! I needed only 3 jars of ink in 11 y of school and 5 in college. I still have a fountain pan I graduated with.
Interesting video. As a songwriter, I firmly believe the pen is an extension of me. I recently decided to get into fountain pens, starting out with a handful of Jinhao pens. Before that, I wrote primarily with Pilot gel pens, but I made sure to use pens that I could refill as disposable pens are somewhat anathema to me. I suppose people who see pens simply as tools rather than as extensions of themselves are not likely to understand. But then, I don't suppose most of those people would align themselves or identify with artists.
First time viewer as was trying to find a reason why my handwriting is shaky lately. I can't wait to get my fountain pen. Your thoughts and passion are so infectious. I would watch anything you posted. I would love to know what instrument you played in the band. I'll bet whatever it was, it was well cared for.
Welcome, and I hope to see you around. I played the drums by the way.
I love your style and content. Because of videos like this, I have followed you since the beginning of Mission Ink until now. You are a breath of fresh air in the TH-cam fountain pen world. I am interested to see where you go from here.
I am sufficiently intrigued to share this journey
Excellent, a journey together isn’t a journey alone
lmao dude this video is sooooo well written haha. It does show respect when you care for things and it does give meaning!
Thanks Matthew
It is interesting that you mention monks. In the western tradition of monasticism and other religious orders, intentionality and purposeful awareness is stressed, as well as using and taking proper care of the tools, the land, people, and worship. There is a long tradition of writing and copying, and reverence for the written word. In Buddhist tradition, similar ideas are related to mindfulness. Fountain pens lend themselves to intentional and fully aware writing, to the reflectivity that is necessary for the spiritual life, and to effective communication.
Excellent observation J M, and a great addition to this video.
I fully agree. To me, some pens and pencils have great value. As well as my fps, I have some really good ballpoints and pencils. They give me such pleasure.
I have just watched two videos from you and instantly I really found them to be lovely and wonderful examples of doing more of what we love. I love your reflections too. I also found fountain pens interesting and joyful to write with. I found your list of 13 reasons to use fountain pens is well worth reflecting on. I will be following you and wish you best of luck with inspiring people to develop more quality and meaning in our lives and have more fun. I especially love your reflections and the uniqueness in pointing out certain aspects with pens, writing and your perspectives on life and the meaning of living. I think we in the modern western world really need to find our way back to live by value, joy, love, experimentation, playfulness, creativity. So this channel could really help other people by inspiring them/us by expressing ourself more instead of consuming entertainment. I will be looking forward to see more of your videos to come. Good luck and thanks a lot for inspiring me.
For people who use fountain pens to draw/sketch, try the Canson 1557 180gr paper ! It not only performs way more than it's price point, but it's literally my favorite paper for ink. I can write the most round and beautiful letters with a fountain pen on it and the colors as also the ink as a substance itself, look the best, compared to any other paper I've tried. Just be careful, because Canson makes a ton of different papers with the name 1557 on it. It's the 180 gr that has the black balloon on it, that looks like if it was made with soft charcoal!
Great for illustrations, comics, general sketching as also really good for photorealism drawing, using graphite. Thick enough, never had any issues with it, only enjoinment!
Excellent recommendation
@@onepenshow It's a drawing paper, but since it comes also as a spiral book, you can either draw lines or use it as it is for writing, sketching, drawing, as a scrap book, or any other kind of use!
The one I got, cost only 4 euros but it outperforms, any kind of paper, at that if not way higher price point.
That was a wonderful presentation. I don't mind having to change inks or clean nibs. Inky fingers are a badge of honor. Fountain pens are a calming presence, and each one has a different meaning or history for me. When I give my primary school students fountain pens to use for the first time, they are filled with wonder at how a nib can capture so many things.
Doing the good work there!
I second that sentiment!
This video is extremely deep and the message incredibly powerful so much that I have watched this video 5 times already
Glad that it resonates.
I LOVE your comment and fully agree
love hearing you speak. You have such a way in saying things
Thank you. It's because I'm Dutch, I'm sure of it.
Hi there, you deserve that I take this moment to write my appreciation for your work. You are pretty freakin' funny. I love your humour, and yet the depth of where it comes from shows that there is a fair amount of thought and craft in your videos. I discovered your channel a good six months ago, I guess, as I love fountain pens. And to my sad surprise I realized that you seemed to have quit posting.. And now I'm happy to see this new material and will follow you ... well just as long as you remain a little insane.. 😂Take care and keep the good work comin' 😊
What a thoughtful comment Louis, thanks and I appreciate it. I hope to see you around.
What he ⬆️ said!
I really appreciate your videos, for which I am grateful. I haven't seen any recent videos from you. I hope all is well, and that you are going to delight us with more of your insightful videos soon.
Unlike many today, my first pen was a fountain pen. Not because I'm old enough they were all there was. My school didn't actually allow pens.
And I seldom used a ballpoint until college/university. Was when fountain pens with steel nibs were generally thrown away and fountain pen ink was getting hard to find (not as bad as trying to get ink from Staples. 😉)My first would have been thrown away, in other hands, in 1983 (Esterbrook J.) And got back into them a few years ago, originally because they didn't hurt to write with. I pass that tidbit on to anyone who has difficulty writing. 😁
Fell from the lip into the vast chasm of the rabbit hole of collecting. Almost all vintage. They suit me, and are definitely the "most bang for your buck" I have seen. Wasn't for fountain pens I would have been in a home by now. Keeps my dexterity after a stroke up, so I can still use both hands.
I see a lashback at digital that is a response to many schools in the United States dropping penmanship as unnecessary. Many 20-somethings I meet value analog writing, often calligraphy. So they tend to discover fountain pens as well.
That and the less painful writing experience, I see fountain pens being used for a long time still.
I agree Paul, and I do appreciate vintage pens a lot too. My Pelikan 140 especially.
Dexterity-wise I can imagine it greatly helps. Good to hear.
I'm not fanatical about analog, I think digital note-taking has a very important place, but some things are just best left to pen and paper.
@@onepenshow I do use digital as well. And I'm not one for journaling or notebooks. Post? Regularly.😁 As well as Zoom, texts and phone calls. And emails when needed.
I have not used a ballpoint pen for almost a decade. Today there are even more permanent and better inks for fountain pens, so I have no need of ballpoint pens. Only a Sharpie for writing on plastic or metal (no fountain pen ink for those, yet.😉)
Exactly🎉 A true love relationship; the more a fountain pen troubles me and refuses to write as I want, the higher obsession of making it Great 🖋️
Tame the beast Nick
Very interesting philosophical points and nice breakdown of, to me, modern trends. I think a lot of it is driven by modern economics and politics where economic polorisation of the haves and the have-nots leaves the larger proportion of the population struggling to acquire the basics to live. Forced into smaller and smaller dwellings, with ever decreasing incomes and longer working hours, and a more hostile social fabric, people seem to retreat into the fantasy wotld of TV and film to escape. This sells them sad consumerist ideas where they are tempted into buying predominantly crap to persuade themselves they have status and are not the hopeless wage slaves that sadly we all are (the UK experience!!!). I think many people are just too hollowed out by their lives to look for meaning in pens or other 'hobbies' which I think is sad. Our current economic system is impoverishing in every way for the 'many'.
You go pretty deep at about 3:00 mark. I'll add "Quality" = "Value" = What matters most to you. Great content, btw. I watched three times!
Well put Bill, and thanks for the compliment.
Great explanation of the wonder of fountain pens. Thank you
Hahaha " come on, click it!"
Great video and a lot food for thought. I like the way you express yourself and to me fountain pens are the medium to understand and organise what I want to say.
I'm autistic and since I discovered fountain pens I feel that process is beautiful apart from being functional.
I agree. Function over form but form also matters.
Great!!! the show returns 🥳
Sure does, let’s see how long the music plays
Good to see you back!
I'm glad too, thanks JayJay
I never comment on videos but you just touched my soul not the topic but your voice and your way to use your words is just butifull bro
I keep a 'commonplace book'.
In it, are many 'private' notes-to-self. Why private? Because it's the kind of thought no-one else will really get, not really.
Lo & Behold this amazing channel & in particular this video - going to the literal 𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 of the existential elements of being a writer!!
The thought then that this video so fantastically captures for me is: I love to write because it reminds me of my locus in the history of our species, the point that we've reached in the entire human experience (this Epoch) whereby the pen is arguably our mightiest tool. To write, is to bond with our ancestors' need to 'write', & to appreciate our part today in what that primal urge has now evolved into.
Well put Arif, and thanks for chiming in. It is a critical tradition for sure.
I grew up at a young age. I spent a lot of time in the streets. I didn’t not invest much time into my education in the beginning stages of my life because I was forced to provide for myself at a very young age. I learned to read and the value of my written word while I was incarcerated. I traded food for a tutor. I became a fan of fine writing materials after I learned to value my own thoughts and words. I believe my words have value, so I capture them with writing instruments that I value.
I like that a lot Keith, and I agree
Another great video! Thanks for sharing!
Cheers from Brazil!
You’re welcome, thanks for chiming in Eduardo
On, the one hand, I agree fully. On the other hand, it is possible to read too much into any endeavor. After all, as Freud might have said, "Irgendwann, ein Füllfeder ist nur einen Füllfeder."
Freud is not as wrong on most things as many people believe him to be.
_ An enjoyable presentation.
_ Fountain pens and penmanship is one form of expressing beauty in life.
_ Playing violin or classical guitar is another.
_ In every case, to express, and feel the joy of life surpasses the oxymora of mind.
_ Thank you for putting yourself 'out there'.
Thanks Walt, I agree. Playing music is much the same. And I appreciate it.
This was elegant prose. Fantastic!!
Thanks for dropping by Konrad
Details matter! Attention to detail, attention itself. Attention has been described as the most important sense, more important than any or all of the other senses. Attention underlies all the other senses. Pay attention. It is remarkable how powerful that is.
Awesome video. Very well said!
Thank you so much sir for your valuable information about the world related with fountain pen and quality papers
I think it is very unfortunate that young people today are no longer being taught cursive writing in school. The fountain pen makes cursive writing so enjoyable. It saddens me that young people will grow up not able to read old documents or old letters written in cursive.
On the other hand the Ancients didn’t take the time to learn to swipe either …
I think the elementary school I went to still teaches cursive however when I learned it we weren't able to use it on anything except our cursive lessons papers and tests. I've been able to read cursive since before that though so maybe it also has to do with how well you can read as far as reading it goes 🤷♀️ since I can also read really bad handwriting most of the time. I was a TA in 8th and 11th to English teachers and I had to help either decipher awful handwriting on papers and tests. I can also read backwards and upside down which is apparently not super common.
Even though I unfortunately no longer write in cursive at all because my cursive is awful and it actually takes me five times longer to write in cursive than in print and then nobody can read it so I've just stuck to print. However, over the years my "print" writing has become a mix of print and cursive now and yeah, people have a hard time reading it. The letters I think are ugly in cursive (b, r, s and z) I don't do in cursive but the others (especially a, d, e, l, and y) are all very much so cursive and often "connect" to my other letters (I don't pick up my pen/pencil).
Anyways I know my 15yo sister learned cursive so it must depend on the school. Sorry for the long reply.
@@ReverieOfThorns Interesting that you can read upside-down. I can do that too and I don't think I ever encountered someone who could do that. I am lefthanded and I prefer to write in cursive because I write faster that way. I always hated using pencils because I have always found it messy. Printing is so tedious to me it takes too long to get my ideas on paper. I am in my 60's so when I was in school everyone wrote in cursive. We did not have tablets, computers or smart phones.
I know what you mean about having to decipher illegible writing. I was a nurse for over 30 years and had to figure out what doctors wrote, it wasn't always easy!
@@onepenshow Ancients? Are you referring to the elderly?
@@maureenmcdonald8841 No the Romans and scribes of the Middle Ages
Great video! Amusingly informative! Thank you!
Thanks Dennis, that's nice to hear.
Well said. Well said.
Thanks, I tried my best
This is music to my ears, and to anyone who has met the "Why would I spend more than 2$ on a pen?" crowd.
Glad to hear it, thanks for chiming in Phillipe. What a noble name by the way.
For some time I have abandoned my hobby of collecting fountain pens. But even since then, I have never used anything but my pilot vanishing point.
And now, I have to push myself to unpack the masterpieces like Pelikan OM full flex of 1960ies - the best nib of all times IMHO, all my MB 149s including "silver rings" etc. I felt ashamed collecting things. But now, I ask myself - should I feel shame about collecting pieces of art... Probably not...
I’d say no. I think there’s a stigma on owning things while there is nothing wrong with it. It matters how you own things, perhaps.
@@onepenshow Thanks. Beauty, aesthetics are the keywords, probably.
Preach it!
Nevermind the tool but the brains behind it
You got a new suscriber by the way 😊
Outstanding news
I love fountain pens. I also love pencils even though I have not and will not collect them.
One can collect too much can one not.
@@onepenshow yes sir and once you start then it seems fun to collect other things.
You have returned with a vengeance. Everything is well said. Thank you for what you do..
You're welcome and I appreciate it Kostas.
Awesome video. I couldn't explain why I write with fountain pen better than you.
Thanks Pablo.
Well said, brother!
Profound
I like your avatar and comment combination
This is the same reason I love mechanical watches, it is the relationship required to enjoy the object. Such a disposable culture we have become.
I don't find anything mystical or exceptional about using fountain pens; I just enjoy using them in their various colors, shapes, and nib variations. I despise the cant and pretensions that advertisers use to sell them, such as "bespoke," writing instrument, precious resin, heirloom, and other specious hyperbole. I have found that my days of buying unusual colors of ink are over; I now use black and various shades of blue by a limited number of manufacturers. I own various types of filling systems, but prefer cartridge/converters because they are so easy to clean.
I understand and I mostly agree - I do still like different colors every now and then
Once you have a foundation pen, no other pen will do
Plus, it's a great video
Thanks Erick, I agree but I do also grab cheaper pens quite often
Ah, salutations Obe one (pen) Kenobi.
Great stuff. :)
Just awesome
what mechanical pencil is that?
Lamy Al Star Graphite Pencil
I think there's always a place for the analog pen and paper in today's society...there's something almost spiritual about writing what you're feeling and thinking on a tactile piece of paper. Doing that on your phone isn't the same....there's also a more personal connection during a meeting or interview when you pull out a notebook and pen to take notes vs your phone or laptop....the phone/laptop almost seems rude....
It does, doesn’t it? It is a lot quicker though
@@onepenshow most definitely!
Fountain pen writing means that the writer has an idea worth putting it to pen-to-paper. Otherwise, they would not spend the time & effort, given other options available today. Primary provenance, no question where those words came from.
Spending time and effort is what signifies the thing. Well put.
Well said. 😉
So glad i stay subSCRIBEd to his channel :) i love the wisdom talk!
I only now get your pun!
Our behavior matters more than material. However, material can contribute to the quality of our behavior. Using a PEN instead of a ball point ink applier says you care about your communication; both to yourself and others. Additionally, if we lose the skill of handwriting, what shall we do if the power is out and the keyboard doesn't work. Here in Florida, children are no longer taught cursive writing. Will we no longer "drop a note" to someone? How impersonal is typed love letter?
Did I see a Monarch (Orange) from Nemosine, RIP?
I'm sad to say it's a Jinhao
Came here to see a pen video and learnt the meaning of life, awesome video!!
Well some meaning at least … Thanks
Nowt wrong with owning an exotic or expensive fountain pen(s) - as long as you don't let it own 𝘺𝘰𝘶 (unhealthy obsession).
I agree, well put Arif
Iam fountain pen enthusiast
*living with intention
The angle of your camera matters too, as does the editing.
Is this critique or a compliment
@@onepenshow A friendly criticism... :-)
Always eager to learn. What would be a better camera angle and what kind of editing do you like
@@onepenshow I'd go for straight lines in the background, a little more distance from the lease and a clear stable view of the pen when you show it. Otherwise it's unsettling and hinders concentration. I am glad you asked, and apologize if I sounded cynical, it wasn't my intention at all.
@@talcual2138 Excellent answer, thanks for chiming in Tal,
schätzen
sicher
The triune God is the only cohesive explanation anything has objective meaning in reality.
I pray the God of the supernaturally prophetic (Romans 1:26-32/2 Timothy 4:3/Matthew 24:6/1 Corinthians 1:18 fulfilled in reality today), historically verified (archaeologically & anthropologically by Christians & non-Christians w/enemy/early/multiple attestation, internal consistency, embarrassing reports, etc.) & transcendentally/objectively moral (Exodus 20/Matthew 22:37-40) Holy Bible reveals Himself to you in Spirit & objective truth (John 16:13). May the triune, infallible, omniscient God bless you with faith in Him, not fallible man’s limited knowledge of theories (Ephesians 2:8 & Merriam-Webster, "belief , trust in & loyalty to God”)!
Wow, that was very deeply motivational. Thanks so much for your thoughts.
You’re very welcome, I appreciate you dropped by.