I find the new Esterbrook pens to be outrageously overpriced. You are paying enormously more for a modern pen calling itself an Esterbrook and getting enormously less for your money. A vintage Esterbrook cost about $5 in 1958 -- that is about $45 dollars today (about what you'd pay for a Lamy Safari with a converter). Fast forward to 2020, and we get plain jane JoWo nibs, and boilerplate c/c filling systems for about three times what the original cost (inflation adjusted). The final insult, I think, is that their already overpriced vintage nib converter apparently doesn't fit in this pen. If these new Esterbrooks make you happy, I am glad. Not trying to tell people what they are allowed to like. But for me, I find this appropriation of a iconic vintage pen galling. Giving people less and charging them more is just ridiculous. You can buy a fully restored vintage Esterbrook for about $30-50 on ebay and have access to all those amazing Renew Point nibs.
Couldn't have really said it any better. This reinterpretation of the J should be in the same price point as a Safari or Al-Star or even the Sailor Compass that has now made its way to the states.
I'm on the same boat as you. I can't see why this pen is priced the same as a hand-made acrylic pen or what sets it apart from many other pens using Jowo nibs, aside from the name. I'm disappointed to see that the brand has chosen to go for marketing hype instead of innovation or being faithful to the original, considering the promising start they had.
@@unjuanequis6336 That is what happens with abandoned brand names up for grab, which can lead any hustler hipster to acquire and shill overpriced goods recalling good old times, while being nothing like the goods they are aping. This is what Hipsters do, appropriation of all sorts, cultural, ethical, old-timey, etc. Just look at the two founders, and tell me they aren't the very image of a Hipster with capital H.
I agree. I have 6 "J"s in various forms, including my Mom's blue that I need to replace the sac in. I've heard that they're coming with an adapter. As pretty as I think the new black is, at least one of my working originals is always in my pocket. I don't think I need any of these. And, don't get me started on companies that try to cash in on the hard work and sucess of others, just because theirs are cheaper.
Agreed, Emily - in terms of "Bang for your buck" - well, there just isn't any, which is a rather unfortunate denouement for (a once) household name brand - I'd always elect for a restored original, but in terms of my hand size (large), it's way too skinny for my paws.....the only redeeming element is the acrylic used - but not keen on that 'red'....stay safe :)
Thanks very much for the video. A few thoughts: There is really nothing "Esterbrook J" about this pen at all. It's basically more of a marketing exercise than any sort of tribute / re-inventing of the Esterbrook J. If the section was threaded for vintage Esterbrook nib units, then you would be talking. I really have to question why you don't think this price is out-of-line. It's a Chinese made pen with a steel nib and pens of this type without the Esterbrook branding go for a max of 1/5th the price of this pen. The acrylic is uninspired and very ordinary, it has the lowest-end filling mechanism on the market and it's just-plain-boring. If you're of the opinion that this is priced-ok, by that standard, you must think PenBBS pens are the bargain of the century, with their stunning acrylics, #6 nibs, and unique and innovative filling mechanisms. Thoughts? One other thing. The full-sized Esterbrook J pens were not considered pocket-pens at the time. They were full-sized pens, albeit an inexpensive mass-market, student-grade pen. They did make a "purse sized" pen (both clipless and with a clip).
I agree completely. Reimagined "re-release" editions of old pens that are downgraded to cartridge convertor pens from the original filling system that sort of looks like the original are just vile money grab. I mean the whole new Esterbrook is a marketing money grab to market cheap made in China pens to suckers for mark up that couldn't be achieved without the nostalgia of the old brand. In pre internet era this might have worked better as there wasn't an easy way of getting quality Chinese made pens at a decent price, but these days it is less so. Still enough people don't know any better and keep companies like this in business. David might feel that 5x markup is OK just for brand name and nostalgia, but then he can afford it. Also calling out this as a money grab might impede the flow of sample pens from resellers, distributors, manufacturers to his channel for review, so there is also that.
What I ink: would be very interested in buying a restored Esterbrook J from you with a ‘F’ or ‘EF’ nib: may need a bit of tutoring on how to use a sac-filler(I know to use Waterman Serenity Blue(my favourite ink!:); anguswhite@hotmail.com
@@anguswhite8233 Thanks very much for the offer, but I'm really not in the pen business. Restored Esterbrooks are usually available on eBay, anything under $45-50 for a fully-restored and working pen is an ok price. ...I just checked there are quite a few available at the moment.
What I Ink thanks: they seem to have a bewildering number of nibs: as you know, I like Japanese ‘F’ or ‘EF’ nibs: what’s the Estie version of one of those, please?(also, not quite sure which website/seller to use: do you have a rec(they would have to be able to send to UK):); thanks for all your help and good reviews
@@anguswhite8233 Here's a pretty good Esterbrook nib chart: images.app.goo.gl/vbUYvkvsPj1qYypL8 Anyone who deals in vintage Esterbrooks to any degree of quantity should be able to get you all but the rarest of these. The nibs are referenced by the numbers in red. I have not bought an Esterbrook on eBay for quite a while, but I would think anybody with a high rating and decent volume would be fine.
So glad you finished off with the E’s!: was reading thro’ the comments agreeing with your interpretation and thinking I must’ve missed it!; aesthetically, think I prefer the original J:)
It seems Kenro has done with the Esterbrook J what the did with the Phaeton. They took a cheap Chinese pen that sort of resembles the J at least in size, made a very few additions like the band with the word Esterbrook on it, provided a cheap nib and multiplied the price it would cost on the Chinese pen market. Of course the main advantage of the original J was that you could get it with dozens of nib types and several ranges of quality, and you could easily replace the nib for a few dollars. Also, the original J was made In an attractive celluloid available in 5 colors. So this pen hasn't much to do with e Esterbook J and as a cheap Chinese pen it would be a reasonable buy at around $20.
It would be reasonably priced with branding and warranty for around $50, which would be on high side for what it is. As it is the price is outrageous, but that is what happens when manufacturer, brand owner, distributer, and retailer each has to make a profit. In days of direct imports of very good quality pens, at least it should offer more than some slight nostalgic branding on a fairly nondescript pen.
Getting my vintage J today! Sadly I won't have it till after work... but I really can't wait to see how it functions and feels in hand! It's my first actual paid for pen... the other fountain pen I have was a gift and I can't wait to ink up and use it daily!
Appreciate so much all your effort you put in the videos. Thank you! But here is a funny moment from the video - “Reverse writing it does ok” but the writing is almost invisible :))))
I had the same guess regarding the interlocking Es in the logo. As for the pen, it just doesn't appeal to me. It doesn't echo the vintage J enough to appeal for that reason. I find that big rounded step down from the cap to the barrel when the pen is closed aesthetically displeasing. Even the logo looks clunky and out of proportion here. These are matters of personal taste, but standing on its own this is not a pen I would buy at any price. I'm glad to have a closer look at through this review.
Pretty pen! I like the subtleties in the finish. I kind of wish they would bring back stamping in the sides of pens. I’m always enthralled by the stamping on old Sheaffers I find (but haven’t bid on yet) on eBay.
Actually, I find that the JR is a mix of the standard "J" series and the Transitional J series. If you go back to those late 1930s and early 1940s Transitional J pens, they have the flat top with a metal "jewel" and the clip did not have "Esterbrook" etched. They may well have called this the Estie JR Transitional. ;)
As a lover of the vintage esterbrook line this pen is just uninspired. Generic nib I could get on literally any pen at a 5th the price. plain acrylic. And while the design is nice, its a design that already exist in the vintage pens and without the for some reason very wide cap, its a cartage converter rather than a internal mechanism of some kind. and despite the body clearly looking like a blind cap could be there for a piston. And the price, Oh man the price. I could buy 3 vintage J's from trusted vintage restoration people in the community and support those in our hobby for what this cost. And with those pens I could use the whole array of vintage nibs with them aswell. I want to like new Esterbrook because I love the old stuff, But the brand is just overpriced. It markets itself as a luxury brand without luxury materials or quality and demands the price out of nostalgia.
Personally I much prefer the build materials of the vintage Esterbrook. I am not sure what a leather filler is. I don't find there is anything about the modern pen that is distinctive or sets it apart as opposed to the vintage.
Why not instead make an improved version of the Esterbrook J.. keeping all the classy aspects of the original (the reeded ring and clip), but maybe with a simple tank/cartridge inside the barrel designed to be filled brim full with a supplied plastic pipette.
Most complaints here & elsewhere are about what you're getting for the price. And while several individual points contribute to that issue, bottom line, guys - what they're selling here, & trying to cash in on, is the name.
I enjoy the vintage pens, see no point whatsoever for this pen. Richard Esterbrook was known from the start before the Civil War for quality and affordability. I've handled this pen and I think it's at least twice what it should cost. There is nothing at all to hearken back to the original company, known and beloved for its dip pens as well as its fountain pens, used by millions of Americans wanting a practical, reliable pen at a great cost. Not here.
This pen is 5" long, you said it's long enough to write unposted, I don't understand why anyone would call it a pocket pen, just because it's not gigantic. It's like they're trying to capitalize on a trend or something.
I like how you matched your shirt with the pen 😂
Lina Plata I noticed that too!
I find the new Esterbrook pens to be outrageously overpriced. You are paying enormously more for a modern pen calling itself an Esterbrook and getting enormously less for your money. A vintage Esterbrook cost about $5 in 1958 -- that is about $45 dollars today (about what you'd pay for a Lamy Safari with a converter). Fast forward to 2020, and we get plain jane JoWo nibs, and boilerplate c/c filling systems for about three times what the original cost (inflation adjusted). The final insult, I think, is that their already overpriced vintage nib converter apparently doesn't fit in this pen.
If these new Esterbrooks make you happy, I am glad. Not trying to tell people what they are allowed to like. But for me, I find this appropriation of a iconic vintage pen galling. Giving people less and charging them more is just ridiculous. You can buy a fully restored vintage Esterbrook for about $30-50 on ebay and have access to all those amazing Renew Point nibs.
Couldn't have really said it any better. This reinterpretation of the J should be in the same price point as a Safari or Al-Star or even the Sailor Compass that has now made its way to the states.
I'm on the same boat as you. I can't see why this pen is priced the same as a hand-made acrylic pen or what sets it apart from many other pens using Jowo nibs, aside from the name. I'm disappointed to see that the brand has chosen to go for marketing hype instead of innovation or being faithful to the original, considering the promising start they had.
@@unjuanequis6336 That is what happens with abandoned brand names up for grab, which can lead any hustler hipster to acquire and shill overpriced goods recalling good old times, while being nothing like the goods they are aping. This is what Hipsters do, appropriation of all sorts, cultural, ethical, old-timey, etc. Just look at the two founders, and tell me they aren't the very image of a Hipster with capital H.
I agree. I have 6 "J"s in various forms, including my Mom's blue that I need to replace the sac in. I've heard that they're coming with an adapter. As pretty as I think the new black is, at least one of my working originals is always in my pocket. I don't think I need any of these.
And, don't get me started on companies that try to cash in on the hard work and sucess of others, just because theirs are cheaper.
Agreed, Emily - in terms of "Bang for your buck" - well, there just isn't any, which is a rather unfortunate denouement for (a once) household name brand - I'd always elect for a restored original, but in terms of my hand size (large), it's way too skinny for my paws.....the only redeeming element is the acrylic used - but not keen on that 'red'....stay safe :)
Thanks very much for the video.
A few thoughts:
There is really nothing "Esterbrook J" about this pen at all. It's basically more of a marketing exercise than any sort of tribute / re-inventing of the Esterbrook J. If the section was threaded for vintage Esterbrook nib units, then you would be talking. I really have to question why you don't think this price is out-of-line. It's a Chinese made pen with a steel nib and pens of this type without the Esterbrook branding go for a max of 1/5th the price of this pen. The acrylic is uninspired and very ordinary, it has the lowest-end filling mechanism on the market and it's just-plain-boring.
If you're of the opinion that this is priced-ok, by that standard, you must think PenBBS pens are the bargain of the century, with their stunning acrylics, #6 nibs, and unique and innovative filling mechanisms.
Thoughts?
One other thing. The full-sized Esterbrook J pens were not considered pocket-pens at the time. They were full-sized pens, albeit an inexpensive mass-market, student-grade pen. They did make a "purse sized" pen (both clipless and with a clip).
I agree completely. Reimagined "re-release" editions of old pens that are downgraded to cartridge convertor pens from the original filling system that sort of looks like the original are just vile money grab. I mean the whole new Esterbrook is a marketing money grab to market cheap made in China pens to suckers for mark up that couldn't be achieved without the nostalgia of the old brand. In pre internet era this might have worked better as there wasn't an easy way of getting quality Chinese made pens at a decent price, but these days it is less so. Still enough people don't know any better and keep companies like this in business. David might feel that 5x markup is OK just for brand name and nostalgia, but then he can afford it. Also calling out this as a money grab might impede the flow of sample pens from resellers, distributors, manufacturers to his channel for review, so there is also that.
What I ink: would be very interested in buying a restored Esterbrook J from you with a ‘F’ or ‘EF’ nib: may need a bit of tutoring on how to use a sac-filler(I know to use Waterman Serenity Blue(my favourite ink!:); anguswhite@hotmail.com
@@anguswhite8233 Thanks very much for the offer, but I'm really not in the pen business. Restored Esterbrooks are usually available on eBay, anything under $45-50 for a fully-restored and working pen is an ok price.
...I just checked there are quite a few available at the moment.
What I Ink thanks: they seem to have a bewildering number of nibs: as you know, I like Japanese ‘F’ or ‘EF’ nibs: what’s the Estie version of one of those, please?(also, not quite sure which website/seller to use: do you have a rec(they would have to be able to send to UK):); thanks for all your help and good reviews
@@anguswhite8233 Here's a pretty good Esterbrook nib chart:
images.app.goo.gl/vbUYvkvsPj1qYypL8
Anyone who deals in vintage Esterbrooks to any degree of quantity should be able to get you all but the rarest of these. The nibs are referenced by the numbers in red.
I have not bought an Esterbrook on eBay for quite a while, but I would think anybody with a high rating and decent volume would be fine.
For this price I'd rather look at the Lamy 2000. Such an iconic pen with great features.
Better pen, better value, and better choice for the money.
So glad you finished off with the E’s!: was reading thro’ the comments agreeing with your interpretation and thinking I must’ve missed it!; aesthetically, think I prefer the original J:)
It seems Kenro has done with the Esterbrook J what the did with the Phaeton. They took a cheap Chinese pen that sort of resembles the J at least in size, made a very few additions like the band with the word Esterbrook on it, provided a cheap nib and multiplied the price it would cost on the Chinese pen market. Of course the main advantage of the original J was that you could get it with dozens of nib types and several ranges of quality, and you could easily replace the nib for a few dollars. Also, the original J was made In an attractive celluloid available in 5 colors. So this pen hasn't much to do with e Esterbook J and as a cheap Chinese pen it would be a reasonable buy at around $20.
It would be reasonably priced with branding and warranty for around $50, which would be on high side for what it is. As it is the price is outrageous, but that is what happens when manufacturer, brand owner, distributer, and retailer each has to make a profit. In days of direct imports of very good quality pens, at least it should offer more than some slight nostalgic branding on a fairly nondescript pen.
The pens are made in Taiwan, not China. FYI
I was waiting for a good review on the Esterbrook JR! Thanks!
King Figboot, the world needs your review of the Sailor Compass. 🙏
I think this looks like a very cheap pen - like a stationary store pen - the price is insanely high for this, I would think about $25.00 max.
It looks like cheap plastic material. On more expensive pen, the material looks more well made.
I guess, in a way, the logo could be four potential Es. Lady and right mirrored, and top and bottom mirrored. :)
Getting my vintage J today! Sadly I won't have it till after work... but I really can't wait to see how it functions and feels in hand! It's my first actual paid for pen... the other fountain pen I have was a gift and I can't wait to ink up and use it daily!
Appreciate so much all your effort you put in the videos. Thank you! But here is a funny moment from the video - “Reverse writing it does ok” but the writing is almost invisible :))))
I saw 4 Es all interlocked with shared elements....the 2 you saw, as well as one facing down on top and one facing up on the bottom.
Thank you for your review. I enjoyed it and I always appreciate your straight forwardness. Have a great week!
I had the same guess regarding the interlocking Es in the logo. As for the pen, it just doesn't appeal to me. It doesn't echo the vintage J enough to appeal for that reason. I find that big rounded step down from the cap to the barrel when the pen is closed aesthetically displeasing. Even the logo looks clunky and out of proportion here. These are matters of personal taste, but standing on its own this is not a pen I would buy at any price. I'm glad to have a closer look at through this review.
I thought the best part of this pen was the locking puzzle. Thank you David.
Pretty pen! I like the subtleties in the finish. I kind of wish they would bring back stamping in the sides of pens. I’m always enthralled by the stamping on old Sheaffers I find (but haven’t bid on yet) on eBay.
Can you use the vintage Esterbrook adapter on this pen? Apologies if you mentioned it, but I didn’t catch it.
Actually, I find that the JR is a mix of the standard "J" series and the Transitional J series. If you go back to those late 1930s and early 1940s Transitional J pens, they have the flat top with a metal "jewel" and the clip did not have "Esterbrook" etched. They may well have called this the Estie JR Transitional. ;)
looks more like 2 sum signs facing each other. however it also resembles a 4 leaf clover ergo i need to get a green "shamrock" esterbrook pen now
On screen, that ink also reminds me of Diamine Majestic Blue
As a lover of the vintage esterbrook line this pen is just uninspired. Generic nib I could get on literally any pen at a 5th the price. plain acrylic. And while the design is nice, its a design that already exist in the vintage pens and without the for some reason very wide cap, its a cartage converter rather than a internal mechanism of some kind. and despite the body clearly looking like a blind cap could be there for a piston. And the price, Oh man the price. I could buy 3 vintage J's from trusted vintage restoration people in the community and support those in our hobby for what this cost. And with those pens I could use the whole array of vintage nibs with them aswell. I want to like new Esterbrook because I love the old stuff, But the brand is just overpriced. It markets itself as a luxury brand without luxury materials or quality and demands the price out of nostalgia.
The font used on the name at 2:57 2:58 ish, take that E and mirror it for the logo
As an artist I get pretty disappointed to hear they don't sell it with extra nib options other than the basics, gimme a stub!
Personally I much prefer the build materials of the vintage Esterbrook. I am not sure what a leather filler is. I don't find there is anything about the modern pen that is distinctive or sets it apart as opposed to the vintage.
Andrew Hoffman I think that is lever filler. Lift the lever on the side of the barrel to fill the pen.
Isnt the logo EB for esterbrook ?
Why not instead make an improved version of the Esterbrook J.. keeping all the classy aspects of the original (the reeded ring and clip), but maybe with a simple tank/cartridge inside the barrel designed to be filled brim full with a supplied plastic pipette.
kind of looks like a military clip on the vintage
Most complaints here & elsewhere are about what you're getting for the price. And while several individual points contribute to that issue, bottom line, guys - what they're selling here, & trying to cash in on, is the name.
The choice of the letter R in the name is unfortunate. I read the title as Esterbrook Junior! I have a vintage green J and I really like it.
@Mary Hodges…The JR stands for J ‘reborn’. Alas, this pen isn’t anything of the kind.
I enjoy the vintage pens, see no point whatsoever for this pen. Richard Esterbrook was known from the start before the Civil War for quality and affordability. I've handled this pen and I think it's at least twice what it should cost. There is nothing at all to hearken back to the original company, known and beloved for its dip pens as well as its fountain pens, used by millions of Americans wanting a practical, reliable pen at a great cost. Not here.
This pen is 5" long, you said it's long enough to write unposted, I don't understand why anyone would call it a pocket pen, just because it's not gigantic. It's like they're trying to capitalize on a trend or something.
It is not a pocket pen. He called the Aurora Optimum a pocket pen as well.
Who shot JR? :)
This pen ... meh! The J ... 👍👍
Good handwriting shows love to write like The pen habit or Gourmet pens does/did. It is my feedback.
nothing exciting to me about this new offering at all
Handwriting is not in good taste for me.