Love the ink collection. Suggestion: have a series where you send out a sample of 4 inks to subscriber and ask them to rate and comment on each ink. Then we post our comments back to you and you compare our scores with your rating for the ink. I'd pay to try some sample inks that you think are fun. Love the weekly video, its my highlight of the week ❤
Gravitas was having major problems. Ben still owes me a $600+ dollar pen that he has never sent me. Unfortunately, what Pen Venture is taking over is all Future orders. So I'm still out significant cash. The Pilot signature nib sounds great -- I don't really like the Pilot Stub, which I find to be too crisp. The Signature sounds like I would like it much more than the Pilot Stub. Many thank for an informative and fun video.
Many problems have been reported with gravitas (and also I’ve had some). Ben Walsh told me several time that the parcel was sent, and when asking the parcel number for follow up, the parcel was not sent in reality. Not having the proper support from a company is for me a show stopper to buy.
@@fountainpentherapy I have received explicit emails from Pen Venture explaining that they are not responsible for previous orders and can do nothing to help those which have not received previous orders from Ben W. Future orders are a different matter.
@@fountainpentherapy already seen. But based on the exchange I still have today, and since 6 months, I can garantee you than I will never buy something done by gravitas. Saying to someone several time that a parcel has been sent whereas it is not the case: - first time he wrote the parcel was slow due to Christmas and he never wanted to give me the parcel number. At the end he recognized the parcel has never been sent. He wrote the parcel was sent this time. I asked the tracking number several time, he answered he will follow up himself. No parcel. Another, he also sent me a tracking for a parcel not sent whereas just before he told the parcel was sent. This is like this since 6 months. I’ve kept all the exchange written. If one day he comes to deny one of my post like this one, I will publish all the exchange. For another problem in parallel of the previous, I got 2 pens ordered after many exchange solving nothing, but by opening a paypal dispute. And very fast, the pens have been sent and received. Facts are Facts
Nice to hear your golf game is on track. When I could play I always had a game within the game. Ie. I would track did I hit every shot with total commitment. Never hit a ball before being totally ready. I was able to get down to a 5 handicap. So much fun. Based on the comment section I purchased the picture book. Love the show Vincenzo. Keep up the amazing journey.
These weekly recaps are really starting to grow on me. Keep them up , nice work! I have the Santini same model and resin but with the flexy Stub. It´s actually on my top 5 most used pens.Given the chance there are some small things i would change designwise but I love it. If I had the money I would love to try their #8 sized pens.
Another wonderful recap Vincenzo. Gravitas-I think you're right, there will be wonderful things to come. I have plans. I just may have to get the Dominant Industry book. I have a Magna Carta Denima & wasn't over impressed with it. If anything, I'll be getting a couple of FPR flex nibs. I do have one vintage that has a super flexible nib that is amazing. The Pelikan 140, you should base in on the looks in photos, is it working, the seller rating, etc. Sometimes its tough to judge, but many of the ones I found on Ebay start at 100+ in auction, and higher in the "buy it now" category. For me, I got a 1955 Pelikan 400 at double that price, but I knew the reputation of the seller which made it worth it to me. For auctions, I wait until the very last moments, and only bid if it's under a certain price point. The really hot auctions I pass those up since the bidders end up driving the price too high with auction fever!! The Waterman, if it's a 52 1/2 V then it is shorter, but the 52 1/2 is the slimmer model. The pen you can't readily identify, the best way I know to translate the Chinese writing is capture an image and use Google Translate - it's drag and drop. Searching on Yong-gu only brings up Yong Sheg pens for me. I'm loving my Hero 856's. New for me, a Zebra V-301, a Schneider Ray, and a Pilot Kakuno (not sure why I waited so long for the pilot). I had no idea the Bic also makes fountain pens. I now have a 2 piece blister pack of the Bic Easy Click (there were no single packs). Finally, from a kickstarter project, I have a Namisu Nova that should show up at my door this coming week. You certainly pack a lot in these recaps - keep it up, I love it!!
TWSBI pens are very consistent writers. Their models have not changed, except for the colors offered, very much like the Lamy Safari. I love that there is a clear barrel. I do wish they would offer a soft nib or some other nib like an architect. I only have one Visconti fountain pen, the original release of the Divinia or Devine Proportion. Wonderful pen. I have tried other models and unfortunately the nibs did not work well. The Asvine V200 has to be one of the best releases this year.
This is really interesting, Vincenzo and thanks for bringing this up. I bought my one and only pen from Gravitas and there was a very slight problem with nib and I said so with Ben, the owner. Anyway, I sorted it myself and the pen works perfectly. The pen itself is beautifully engineered. I still marvel at it and I consider it to be one of the best engineered fountain pens in the marketplace. Then I had the idea what if I could buy a fine and medium nib for the pen. But I never heard back from him. But I never heard from him again. Since then, I had seen quite a number of his pens that I would have bought and my cursor hovered over the 'buy' button many times but since he never replied to me, I just couldn't hit that button...
Check out their review where they explain how things will work in the future. It sounds like they really have a plan. I expect great things from therm.
Fantastic recap, thank you Vincent! I love those Encore inks, was thinking of ordering the "Avant Garde" and "Love Letter" but was hoping to see some reviews first!
Vincenzo - great recap! My wife loved your ink shelves. Here’s another question for a future episode: lots of ink reviewers talk about “business appropriate” colors - which of course are always black, blue, and the shades in between. When you were showing the week’s office pen rotation, though, I noticed that you had red, brown, maybe green, and perhaps a purple ink in the mix. However, are there any colors you avoid using in front of clients, or on office paperwork? I don’t suppose you’d sign an important or official document with a purple ink (or would you?), but are there any other ink colors you avoid in specific situations?
Thank you Vincenzo, fantastic recap as always. You bought a Waterman 52 1/2 which has a number 2 Waterman nib, which is also in Waterman 52. The last digit is the nib number. If you had bought the pen with number 4 nib, it would be number 54. But the thing with the vintage pens, especially nibs, is each one are different. A number 2 nib can be stiff, semiflex or flex. Best way to choose is to look at he writing sample in advertising photos if there are any. About Pelikan 140, I have 6 different colors. They are widely known as workhorse and semi flex nibs, not flex ones. If the one you bid is the green striped or full black model, you can buy them from eBay for 40-60 Euros. But for more rare models, like burgundy or full green ones, I also paid around 100 Euros. Kind Regards.
I looked through the offers for the Pelikan 140 pen and in fact the prices are similar even in Europe. Try to find someone who repairs old pens and resells them, but without bidding. Such a person will find the perfect pen for you within the budget you set.
You are right. They come with an old unit that has a ring that tends to break because people confuse them with Waterman's Wet noodles and push it too much.
Good morning Vincenzo. Regarding your bit of remorse over the Pilot 823, there's always another pen coming along, and another, and another.....I'm relieved to hear that Gravitas is working on a solution. I don't have one, but I've read a lot of unhappy comments, from customers. I think the Blue Whale pen is really cute, but I think it's overpriced; for me.
I think that they have great plans for Gravitas. I look forward to all the new stuff they promised. As to the Opus 88, its a reliable great big pen. I know you like blue, but I would go with the straight demo version which is always well priced.
Thanks as always Vincinzo, regarding flex nibs and pens, I have not pulled the trigger on that pen until I try it out. I am disappointed that the pen comes with a converter which usually has a small in capacity. Flex pens, in my opinion should have a large ink capacity, and a very very fine nib to go from super thin to thick. I have used the ultra -flex nib from for in several pens and fun to play with. (thanks for agreeing with my comment about the silver version) I have several PelikAN 140S some flex and others not so much. I have one that is phenomenal, so be careful when shopping for this pen. (still a great pen even without flex.) I have a custom flex nib from les at Style-suite and recently acquired a Regalia cross-flex nib. Both good but I give Les the nod since he makes them in gold and steel and different widths. My all time favorite is Desiderata pen company in Chicago, check him out.
That's why I think my idea of a flex FPR nib on my Asvine V200 is a good alterative. You get the nib with the ink capacity. Now I ordered a few flex nibs from Osprey with Jowo compatible units. I plan to put them in my Ranga pens and eyedropper the inks into the pen for that ink capacity. Stay tuned. They will be featured in my upcoming recaps.
MIne appears to no longer be on Amazon. Here is another one: www.wayfair.ca/furniture/pdp/red-barrel-studio-cataleya-2-sided-multimedia-revolving-tower-rdbe1919.html?piid=29539480
What paper is on your clipboard at the beginning of the last segment? I really like that and would love to get some! Thanks for sharing your experience in FPs with us!
Its Clairefontaine French-ruled paper. It helps with the handwriting. I started using it when I changed my handwriting earlier this year. Its available generally but check it out on Amazon. It comes in different sizes.
Loved the energy! Good video! I want help!! My birthday is coming and I have a list of pens to choose: Pelika m800 pilot custom 823 pilot e95s sailor pro gear 21 k Leonardo MZ Benu talisman Which one should I choose. I am also celebrating a big step in my life. So money is not really a factor. Last idea is the Homo sapiens or pin eider avatar with a quill nib, which has been a grail pen but I fear Italian pens as their nibs seem not that good. anyone got any recommendations??
Ok here is what I would do. Provided I have a local retailer or a seller that can test the nib I would go with the Visconti Homo Sapiens. Alternatively, if you like wet smooth nibbed pens, you cannot go wrong wit the Pelikan M800 although I would opt for the M1000 if the budget is there. 3rd on my list would be the 823 which is touted by many as the ultimate pen for the price.
@@fountainpentherapy sir Today a pilot custom 823 in black with a fine nib appeared in my dreams. Ahaha. I won’t ignore the signs the universe (or my head) is sending me
Your "50 years" pen says that is in commemoration of the 50th year since the victory of China in the "war of resistance" with Japan (aka WWII; in the first line) and the world victory over fascism (second line)
Wow! Love the energy today!!! 🌞
Grazie!!
That LE Opus 88 at Goldspot is listed at $149 today.
Thanks for sharing
Beautiful recap Vincenzo!
Grazie!!!
Love the ink collection. Suggestion: have a series where you send out a sample of 4 inks to subscriber and ask them to rate and comment on each ink. Then we post our comments back to you and you compare our scores with your rating for the ink. I'd pay to try some sample inks that you think are fun.
Love the weekly video, its my highlight of the week ❤
Thanks for the suggestion.
I like that idea!
This video was set abuzz with intro energy!
Grazie !!!
Nice to see how you store/ organize your inks. Enjoy the golf.
Thank you, I will
That’s like a wine cellar of ink… very impressive!
LOL
The future's so bright you gotta wear shades!
LOL!
Gravitas was having major problems. Ben still owes me a $600+ dollar pen that he has never sent me. Unfortunately, what Pen Venture is taking over is all Future orders. So I'm still out significant cash. The Pilot signature nib sounds great -- I don't really like the Pilot Stub, which I find to be too crisp. The Signature sounds like I would like it much more than the Pilot Stub. Many thank for an informative and fun video.
Many problems have been reported with gravitas (and also I’ve had some). Ben Walsh told me several time that the parcel was sent, and when asking the parcel number for follow up, the parcel was not sent in reality. Not having the proper support from a company is for me a show stopper to buy.
@@yomanfree Exactly
Check out the pen venture review. Its sounds like they figured it out.
@@fountainpentherapy I have received explicit emails from Pen Venture explaining that they are not responsible for previous orders and can do nothing to help those which have not received previous orders from Ben W. Future orders are a different matter.
@@fountainpentherapy already seen. But based on the exchange I still have today, and since 6 months, I can garantee you than I will never buy something done by gravitas. Saying to someone several time that a parcel has been sent whereas it is not the case: - first time he wrote the parcel was slow due to Christmas and he never wanted to give me the parcel number. At the end he recognized the parcel has never been sent. He wrote the parcel was sent this time. I asked the tracking number several time, he answered he will follow up himself. No parcel. Another, he also sent me a tracking for a parcel not sent whereas just before he told the parcel was sent. This is like this since 6 months. I’ve kept all the exchange written. If one day he comes to deny one of my post like this one, I will publish all the exchange.
For another problem in parallel of the previous, I got 2 pens ordered after many exchange solving nothing, but by opening a paypal dispute. And very fast, the pens have been sent and received. Facts are Facts
Way to go Vencenzo new fountain convert!!! Great video hope you have a great week.
Grazie !!!
Nice to hear your golf game is on track. When I could play I always had a game within the game. Ie. I would track did I hit every shot with total commitment. Never hit a ball before being totally ready. I was able to get down to a 5 handicap. So much fun. Based on the comment section I purchased the picture book. Love the show Vincenzo. Keep up the amazing journey.
Thank you.
These weekly recaps are really starting to grow on me. Keep them up , nice work! I have the Santini same model and resin but with the flexy Stub. It´s actually on my top 5 most used pens.Given the chance there are some small things i would change designwise but I love it. If I had the money I would love to try their #8 sized pens.
Thanks for sharing
Love the Van diemans. The Encore series were sold out recently. Hopefully they’ll be back in stock soon. 🤞🏼
I am sure they will be re-stocked.
I have the Dominant Industry Ink Archiving Journal and it is wonderful!! I think you will really enjoy it ❤️❤️
Looking forward to it.
Yes, I am a fan of opera Vincenzo!
My limited opera experience was an experience I will cherish forever.
Hi Vincenzo!
I prefer sheen to shimmer any day!
Lisa
Same here. Shimmer is great for swatching but in the pens its not always a guaranteed success.
Another wonderful recap Vincenzo. Gravitas-I think you're right, there will be wonderful things to come. I have plans. I just may have to get the Dominant Industry book. I have a Magna Carta Denima & wasn't over impressed with it. If anything, I'll be getting a couple of FPR flex nibs. I do have one vintage that has a super flexible nib that is amazing. The Pelikan 140, you should base in on the looks in photos, is it working, the seller rating, etc. Sometimes its tough to judge, but many of the ones I found on Ebay start at 100+ in auction, and higher in the "buy it now" category. For me, I got a 1955 Pelikan 400 at double that price, but I knew the reputation of the seller which made it worth it to me. For auctions, I wait until the very last moments, and only bid if it's under a certain price point. The really hot auctions I pass those up since the bidders end up driving the price too high with auction fever!! The Waterman, if it's a 52 1/2 V then it is shorter, but the 52 1/2 is the slimmer model. The pen you can't readily identify, the best way I know to translate the Chinese writing is capture an image and use Google Translate - it's drag and drop. Searching on Yong-gu only brings up Yong Sheg pens for me. I'm loving my Hero 856's. New for me, a Zebra V-301, a Schneider Ray, and a Pilot Kakuno (not sure why I waited so long for the pilot). I had no idea the Bic also makes fountain pens. I now have a 2 piece blister pack of the Bic Easy Click (there were no single packs). Finally, from a kickstarter project, I have a Namisu Nova that should show up at my door this coming week. You certainly pack a lot in these recaps - keep it up, I love it!!
Great information that I will check out with definite interest. Thanks for the compliments.
TWSBI pens are very consistent writers. Their models have not changed, except for the colors offered, very much like the Lamy Safari. I love that there is a clear barrel. I do wish they would offer a soft nib or some other nib like an architect.
I only have one Visconti fountain pen, the original release of the Divinia or Devine Proportion. Wonderful pen. I have tried other models and unfortunately the nibs did not work well.
The Asvine V200 has to be one of the best releases this year.
Its too early to tell but I am declaring it the Chinese pen of the year. Hopefully I am wrong and other offerings will beat it.
This is really interesting, Vincenzo and thanks for bringing this up. I bought my one and only pen from Gravitas and there was a very slight problem with nib and I said so with Ben, the owner. Anyway, I sorted it myself and the pen works perfectly. The pen itself is beautifully engineered. I still marvel at it and I consider it to be one of the best engineered fountain pens in the marketplace. Then I had the idea what if I could buy a fine and medium nib for the pen. But I never heard back from him. But I never heard from him again.
Since then, I had seen quite a number of his pens that I would have bought and my cursor hovered over the 'buy' button many times but since he never replied to me, I just couldn't hit that button...
Check out their review where they explain how things will work in the future. It sounds like they really have a plan. I expect great things from therm.
Fantastic recap, thank you Vincent! I love those Encore inks, was thinking of ordering the "Avant Garde" and "Love Letter" but was hoping to see some reviews first!
I will feature 4, 2 more this upcoming weekend.
So Awesome!!! Ordered a Asvine p50 brown and yellow mottle...thanks for such jam packed informative videos
My pleasure!
Vincenzo - great recap! My wife loved your ink shelves.
Here’s another question for a future episode: lots of ink reviewers talk about “business appropriate” colors - which of course are always black, blue, and the shades in between. When you were showing the week’s office pen rotation, though, I noticed that you had red, brown, maybe green, and perhaps a purple ink in the mix. However, are there any colors you avoid using in front of clients, or on office paperwork? I don’t suppose you’d sign an important or official document with a purple ink (or would you?), but are there any other ink colors you avoid in specific situations?
Keep those suggestions coming
Thank you Vincenzo, fantastic recap as always. You bought a Waterman 52 1/2 which has a number 2 Waterman nib, which is also in Waterman 52. The last digit is the nib number. If you had bought the pen with number 4 nib, it would be number 54. But the thing with the vintage pens, especially nibs, is each one are different. A number 2 nib can be stiff, semiflex or flex. Best way to choose is to look at he writing sample in advertising photos if there are any. About Pelikan 140, I have 6 different colors. They are widely known as workhorse and semi flex nibs, not flex ones. If the one you bid is the green striped or full black model, you can buy them from eBay for 40-60 Euros. But for more rare models, like burgundy or full green ones, I also paid around 100 Euros. Kind Regards.
Again, I am so astonished at the level of information I am given by you the viewers. Grazie!!
I looked through the offers for the Pelikan 140 pen and in fact the prices are similar even in Europe. Try to find someone who repairs old pens and resells them, but without bidding. Such a person will find the perfect pen for you within the budget you set.
You are right. They come with an old unit that has a ring that tends to break because people confuse them with Waterman's Wet noodles and push it too much.
Thanks you both for your comments.
Good morning Vincenzo. Regarding your bit of remorse over the Pilot 823, there's always another pen coming along, and another, and another.....I'm relieved to hear that Gravitas is working on a solution. I don't have one, but I've read a lot of unhappy comments, from customers. I think the Blue Whale pen is really cute, but I think it's overpriced; for me.
I think that they have great plans for Gravitas. I look forward to all the new stuff they promised. As to the Opus 88, its a reliable great big pen. I know you like blue, but I would go with the straight demo version which is always well priced.
I've seen pelikan 140s for over 200 US. So, yes, its worth it.
thanks for that
Also wondering what the paper s in the last segment. Great video today!
In this recap its Bank paper notepad sold on the Etsy site.
Thanks as always Vincinzo, regarding flex nibs and pens, I have not pulled the trigger on that pen until I try it out. I am disappointed that the pen comes with a converter which usually has a small in capacity. Flex pens, in my opinion should have a large ink capacity, and a very very fine nib to go from super thin to thick. I have used the ultra -flex nib from for in several pens and fun to play with. (thanks for agreeing with my comment about the silver version) I have several PelikAN 140S some flex and others not so much. I have one that is phenomenal, so be careful when shopping for this pen. (still a great pen even without flex.) I have a custom flex nib from les at Style-suite and recently acquired a Regalia cross-flex nib. Both good but I give Les the nod since he makes them in gold and steel and different widths. My all time favorite is Desiderata pen company in Chicago, check him out.
That's why I think my idea of a flex FPR nib on my Asvine V200 is a good alterative. You get the nib with the ink capacity. Now I ordered a few flex nibs from Osprey with Jowo compatible units. I plan to put them in my Ranga pens and eyedropper the inks into the pen for that ink capacity. Stay tuned. They will be featured in my upcoming recaps.
Haven't tried the osprey nib, I intend to look into it, thanks
Vincenzo, do you have a link for the revolving shelves you showed?
MIne appears to no longer be on Amazon. Here is another one:
www.wayfair.ca/furniture/pdp/red-barrel-studio-cataleya-2-sided-multimedia-revolving-tower-rdbe1919.html?piid=29539480
What paper is on your clipboard at the beginning of the last segment? I really like that and would love to get some! Thanks for sharing your experience in FPs with us!
Its Clairefontaine French-ruled paper. It helps with the handwriting. I started using it when I changed my handwriting earlier this year. Its available generally but check it out on Amazon. It comes in different sizes.
Loved the energy! Good video!
I want help!!
My birthday is coming and I have a list of pens to choose:
Pelika m800
pilot custom 823
pilot e95s
sailor pro gear 21 k
Leonardo MZ
Benu talisman
Which one should I choose. I am also celebrating a big step in my life. So money is not really a factor.
Last idea is the Homo sapiens or pin eider avatar with a quill nib, which has been a grail pen but I fear Italian pens as their nibs seem not that good.
anyone got any recommendations??
Ok here is what I would do. Provided I have a local retailer or a seller that can test the nib I would go with the Visconti Homo Sapiens. Alternatively, if you like wet smooth nibbed pens, you cannot go wrong wit the Pelikan M800 although I would opt for the M1000 if the budget is there. 3rd on my list would be the 823 which is touted by many as the ultimate pen for the price.
@@fountainpentherapy sir
Today a pilot custom 823 in black with a fine nib appeared in my dreams. Ahaha. I won’t ignore the signs the universe (or my head) is sending me
Your "50 years" pen says that is in commemoration of the 50th year since the victory of China in the "war of resistance" with Japan (aka WWII; in the first line) and the world victory over fascism (second line)
Thanks for the info. i will be sure to mention this in my next review or recap.