I was ardently against the Lamy 2000. Particularly because you guys love it so much and I'm a non-conformer. But I accidentally bought one and... I love it. Darn you!
I continue to be a skeptic about the Lamy 2000 because the reviews are so glowing. How can it be so amazing? But how can they ALL be wrong???? Hmm. I have to find one to try…or buy one accidentally. :)
I’m sorry to be a negative voice. I feel really out of the loop. But I do not like the Lamy 2000 at all. Literally the most disappointing pen I’ve bought at that price point. Something must be wrong with me. Ugh. But so glad others live it so much! I’ll sell you mine! lol.
I have been using a Pelikan M800 since the mid 90s. It is the best, most reliable fountain pen I have ever used. No matter how long the pen has been unused, it never fails to lay down ink at first touch.
I love the M800. I bought the black/green and couldn’t believe how smooth and buttery the writing experience. I immediately ordered a blue/black M800. Take my word for it, you wont be disappointed.
Totally agree!!! I bought a blue one in the 90's and love it with Diamine Blue Velvet or Levenger Cobalt. It is my go-to pen. I dropped it on a cement floor and broke the barrel several years ago and I actually cried. My husband glued it back together and it has not skipped a beat! I have two other M800's that are fairly new and they don't have the same feel. I'm hoping they will 'mature' and give me that same luscious flow of ink.
I wasn’t particularly interested in the 2000 at first, but as I’ve gotten more into fountain pens, it slowly grew on me. It got to the point where I was having to actively convince myself that I don’t need it, it’s no better than any other pen, it’s a bit plain for my taste, I could get two Benus or Esties for the cost of one 2000 and I know I love those pens, blah blah blah… Anyway, my mom just happened to be in Heidelberg this week, and she ended up at the Lamy flagship store, completely by coincidence and definitely not because I specifically directed her to go there on my behalf. Long story short, once she flies back from Europe, I’ll be the proud owner of a shiny new Lamy 2000, fresh from the factory. I have officially been influenced by you guys 😅
When I first got the Magnum I thought it was too light. After a few months of storage I tried it again. Now I have 3. The nib is one of the smoothest I have ever written with. It’s a great every day carry.
Back in my school days in the 80s and 90s in germany everyone wanted a Lamy Safari. I still have my own matte black one 👍 Only recently got a Diplomat Magnum, really love the way it writes.
My Lamy 2000 EF is incredible, the nib is definitely a bit wider than my Japanese EFs which match my writing style a little better but man, every time I put pen to paper with the Lamy magic happens. Superb pen.
I am a big fan of German engineering, and have several vintage German pens. I'm also a Kaweco nut, so I thoroughly endorse your suggestion that everyone should try a Supra.
The M800/805 is one of my grails. I've heard that its nib actually feels nicer than the M1000. The 800's price is certainly nicer. Thanks for giving some love for the Magnum. It's a great writing, cost effective pen for those who like a thinner, lighter pen. The Aero is a cool pen, but Diplomat needs to do something different with the grip. For me, it's slicker than a shiny chrome grip. My favorite in the Diplomat line up, though, is the Excellence A's.
I'm glad to see my Diplomat Magnums getting some love. I somehow ended up with three. When looking at German or Japanese fountain pens in this price range, I eliminated Pilot, Platinum and Lamy due to their proprietary cartridges (I have a few Chinese pens, as well, and they all take international cartridges, of which I already have a collection along with spare international converters). The Kaweco Perkeo requires you to add a clip and converter separately. Although the total cost is about the same, when a family member is shopping for birthday or Christmas gifts from an online list, things get complicated when you have to tell them, "also need this thing and that thing." That pretty much left the Magnum. I would love to have that orange Aero, too. I am convinced by the advantages of the Lamy 2000, but have difficulty dealing with the fact that it looks more a 59 cent felt tip pen than almost any other fountain pen on the market.
Where, oh where, have you seen a "59 cent felt tip pen" that is styled anywhere close to a Lamy 2000? For that matter, where have you seen a "59 cent felt tip pen" recently?
@@TheRealJanKafka I dug through a box and found a couple. They are Papermates. I have not idea how old. They have a fine-ribbed plastic body like the Lamy 2000, and used to be very common. I can't look at the 2000 without thinking of these.
Love my Lamy 2000 purchased from Goulet. At first, I thought it was temperamental regarding the sweet spot. I put it away and recently rediscovered it and it writes like a dream.
I'm glad you stuck with it! Writing with the 2000 is a bit of a partnership. You need to be somewhat willing to meet the pen halfway in terms of position and angle. - Drew
Hi Drew! Thanks for the rundown on German pens! While I may never be sold on the Lamy 2000, their other pens seem quite nice. One pen I CAN talk about are the Pelican M series. Was thinking hard about an M1000, but I heard from numerous sources that the 800 was pretty much the same, though a little smaller. . .So, I got myself an early birthday gift and Christmas gift, and early birthday gift for next year, and Christmas gift for next year also, and bought the green/black M800. When I received it I had to put my favorite Pelikan ink in it. The first reaction I had after writing with it for the first time was OMG, NEVER wrote with anything like this! These pens are FANTASTIC writers. Almost no pressure is required to get it to write, it just glides over the page. I would for sure suggest trying either an M800 or M1000 some time in your life! Those Diplomat pens sound quite interesting! Might have to give one a try.
I'm a big Diplomat Magnum fan--I compare it to the Platinum Kakuno or the Preppy in terms of getting newbies into using fountain pens. Its just enough investment to ensure you pick one that you enjoy and yet its not a "cry if you lose it" kind of pen.
What took me so long to try the Diplomat Magnum? Maybe the irony that such a tiny/lighweight pen is called a Magnum;or,the same reason I waited so long to try a Kaweco Sport. IDK,but now they are both in my permanent pen-rotation usage and well-loved pens. There is something very enjoyable about the Diplomat Magnum nib. It's not perfect but has a very satisfying and unique feel that I love! I love it enough to want to try the next-level Diplomat,the Esteem,(sadly, not sold by Goulet);and if that goes well I will consider a Diplomat Excellence A2(I like the looks of the Lapis Black model). I actually prefer slip-cap pens to screw-offs. Lamy 2000? Yes! Please.
Great video. I owned several LAMY 2000 pens and 4 out of my 5 LAMY 2000s develope loose caps. No parts were lost. I threw ALL 4 LANYS in the garbage. Nice pen but I would NEVER buy any more LAMY 2000
One thing to know about Germany and fountain pens: Writing with a fountain pen is mandatory in school in Germany. Used to be from grade one, now most states start in third grade and pupils even make their “fountain pen driver’s licence”.
My magnum is more bouncy than my omniflex nib. It's such a joy to write with. The only downside is that the plastic feels cheap, as you would expect at that pricepoint, similar to the lamy safari, durable but still cheap compared to a metal body pen.
I recently bought my first Pelikan FP and I love it! It writes beautifully. I'm not a fan of Lamy Safari FPs. Honestly, I can't stand the way that they look with that huge clip. But, maybe I'll give the Lamy 2000 a try, it looks a lot better than the Safari.
Hi Drew, thank you for always putting smiles, giggles, and even grinding on my face with all your videos. It's adding shimmer & shading in the community. Pls restock decimo / vanishing with more variety colors & nib (black gold EF, etc). Keep up the fun work!
Pelikan M800 series are among my very favorite pens. Large ink reservoirs and very smooth and consistent ink flow. The Lamy 2000 is another favorite - I just wish the cap was more secure. Cap tends to come off when clipped to certain shirts and inside jacket pockets and I’ve gone to using a pen sleeve to protect my clothing when I carry it - rather inconvenient.
Still waiting for the Lamy Lava 2000. Magnum is sitting there next to my Benus and when I grab it, I remember why it has a special place in my collection. More nibs like this please!
Drew, The Aero is a beautiful pen. Mine is the 'champagne' edition. I would love to write with it but I can't. The metal section is so slippery I can't get a comfortable grip. Suggestions?
The M800 is the king of pens, not hitting on the Sailor. 😂 I should try the M1000. All reviews are very positive. I have a MB Le Grand too. Very smooth nib. But construction, feel, fit and finish wise, the M800 is a superior pen IMHO. As for nice sounding pens, the S. T. Dupont is in a class of its own.
I am a long term fountain pen collector. The Lamy 2000, Pelikan 1000 and Diplpmat Aero are already in my collection. All three are fine pens, that don't however make it to my daily rotation (some twenty pens that I alternate in my carrier case with five spaces). Most are Stipula, Delta, Visconti, Sailor, Lamy and Pelikan. I'll try the Kaweco Supra and especially the Diplomat Magnum, because I didn’t even know of their existence. A pen with a special nib, the Manum, or a tiny pen with a large nib, the Supra, are always worth checking out. Thank you for bringing them to my attention.
Great video! I love how you describe the feeling of holding the M1000. And honestly, I like how it feels and writes more than the Montblanc 149. It has a more elegant look and feel to it. German pens are fantastic. And so are Japanese! And Italian. And France...I just love fountain pens!!!
The only one I have used off this list is the Diplomat Magnum and it occupies a weird place in my collection. I love the Prismatic Purple color and the soft steel nib is a joy to write with. However, the flipside is that the pen is so lightweight that I feel I need to write with it posted, which is not my preference. For this reason, I tend to reach for my exclusive Lamy Vista black more often, since it offers a slightly better distribution of weight than the Magnum. I think part of the reason for that is the large clip band on the Magnum results in a lot of the weight being in the cap, so it only feels truly balanced when the cap is posted. Great list though Drew and definitely a couple these are on my wishlist.
This video did what it was supposed to do! In my case, it sold me on the Diplomat Magnum. I ordered two and love the way they feel and write. Yes, surprisingly light the first time you pick one up, but you get used to it. I've only bought German pens the last ten years or so, but until this video did not know that Diplomat was German. It was my first order with the Goulet Pen Company, so I also got the sample ink kit which is fun to play with.
@@Gouletpens Diplomat, as a brand, remains rather under appreciated in the U.S. market. Excepting the Aero pens, of course; they have always had top billing in terms of availability and advertising - and hence gotten more sales than the inexplicably overlooked Excellence models. You guys should stock and promote them more. I own two of the Excellence A2 pens. The only Diplomat pens I ever bought.
Love my Exellence A2....with EF nib.... Just got a Pilot 823 F......and it only equals the A2 in my hand.....and the 823 has a gold nib...and the A2 has a steel nib....( the 823 is going back)
Hello, your video is very informative. I watched many videos about Lamy 2000, read many reviews and finally bought it from Amazon. But unfortunately I was disappointed. I was attracted by the overall look of the pen, no issues here. However, I bought an F nib and it was not as comfortable as I wanted. First of all, instead of a gold nib there was hard writing that looked like steel, and the ink was very pale and dry, hardly flowing at all. I washed the palate of the pen several times with warm water and mild pure soap, but the result did not change. .Since I trust the Lamy company, I sent it to the service instead of returning it. He stayed as a guest in Germany for about two months and returned. To be honest, not much has changed. My opinion about the pen is that it writes hard and dry, the ink is not enough for reflex writing such as signatures. I also have a Lamy 2000 OM nib, it is very thick so my writings are wet. , I don't think the pen Nib feels like 14 carat gold. Platinum "M" nib doesn't even give the pleasure of a fountain pen. I'm sorry, but I couldn't warm up to the pen, so what do you think I should do?
I've tried out, and own some, German pens, including Faber-Castell, all except the Pelikan Souveran. That is one of my grail pens, and intend to acquire the M800 in several years. Meanwhile, I lucked out with FC Loom early in my journey, as they went discontinued. That nib punches above its proverbial weight for the MP.
One of these days I will get a Lamy 2000. I have several Kaweco sports, I do really love these for traveling. My Ones that I love to write with long sessions are Visconti. I love the ink flow on the Visconti as they are a bit wetter and glide so well. Maybe a Pen Battle: Visconti Vah Gogh or Rembrandt VS Lamy 2000
I know you don't sell anymore ☹. But I love my Faber-Castell E-Motion. the EF nib writes on bad paper. only 3/4 of a turn to open, fingers don't slide on the steel section due to the matte coating, and it has a magnificent clip. Drawback: carry with other pens, use a pen sleeve, the guilloché can scratch them and the E-Motion is very heavy @.55g capped. I think the form factor also makes it look like a much smaller pen.
@@bkbk1184 Coworker bought one after trying it. Then he got one as a graduation present for his son-in-law. Note these were the matte black , not the wooden body ones with chrome sections, those do get slick.
Thanks for the good overview of great German fountain pens. Not sure why Montblanc wasn’t included as it’s very important in the pantheon of highly engineered fountain pens. Otherwise, I’d say that you did a thorough and interesting take on the topic. Might be nice if you could do some corollary videos about the history of a couple of these companies, especially Pelikan, as they made important contributions over the years to the technology.
@@e.meisner3824 thanks man, i tried lamy 2000 f& m. Medium nub was fabulous again, but not a fan of F nib from Lamy 2000. Didn't get a chance to try carene, difficult to find that model in my place. But i want to add that the pelikam m205 medium i using is better feel & smoothness than my pelikan m805 fine,my MB m46 fine & even the pilot 823 fine. The steel nib of my m205 i am having beats hansa down all my expwnsive & affordable fountain pen & the fountain pen I tried.
This is quite a nice selection. Perhaps a Goulet Pens timeshare? I still don’t have a Lamy 2000 and feel like I won’t be a legitimate fountain pen user until I own one. Recently bought a Diplomat Aero and love love love this pen. One day the Pelikan 1000. One day. I have the Supra. Love the feel and look but the nib and I are not friends. Seems to not sit square with the feed and makes for sluggish writing.
Nice video. And there are the "other" German brands which Goulet does not offer in their online store - Montblanc and Graf von Faber Castell (Faber Castell). German pens are probably my favorites and likely outnumber any other country pens.
There's also Waldmann and Otto Hutt. All 4 are great brands, but other than the Montblanc 149 I haven't yet encountered any within these brands that I'd use to replace any on this particular list. - Drew
@@Gouletpens Thanks for your response. I do have several Lamy 2000's, which I love, a vintage Pelikan (my problem pen) and a Diplomat Magnum. I haven't purchased an Aero yet, but perhaps someday. I've thought about Kawecos, but I have osteoarthritis and slender sections are problematic for me - same problem I have with the Magnum, as well as my Sailor PG Slims and even my vintage MBs.
Being from germany, my first fountain pen, 20 years after I left school, was a Lamy Lx. Great, reliable pen. But once the decend into the rabbit hole began, I had to take in others as well. Got myself a 2000 and, just recently, a Pelikan M800. All great pens, but, despite it's unique look and feel, the 2000 is really boring to me sadly. It lacks a certain something other pens invoke when writing with it. The Pelikan M800 on the other hand quickly became my absolute favorite. At first it felt heavy and clunky. But after a short period of "taming the beast", I don't feel the weight anymore and love to write with it. And it looks fanstatic once it's posted. (Classy but not too much bling) I wish the M1000 had more color options. As I am big fan of a nice blue tone, I can't justify 500€+ for something that doesn't optically fit my taste.
Lamy 2k is one of my favorite pens all around. Diplomat Magnum. I love the nib, but just can't use the tiny pen. I'm just looking for a reason to nib swap it onto a better platform. Pelikan M1000 didn't do it for me. I try one every year at the pen show, just to see if I like it, I just don't. Diplomat Aero - I've heard so much about it, It's there on my wish list, it's only a matter of time (and money). Kaweco supra- nope. way too small. That new aluminum piston filling Kaweco sport though might just be my next purchase.
I love the Aero and the M1000 (and I'm fond of my MB, but since you don't sell those, we'll leave that to the side), I can't stand the Lamy 2000 (I don't like hooded nibs and I hate Bauhaus style), and my daughter swears by Kaweco (I'll take her word for it; I have no use for small pens or pens that can be made small). But I also really, really like my Waldmann Tango. And you sell those. Why no love for the Waldmann? It's well-made, has a very nice weight for a silver pen, and they do an excellent job tuning their nibs. It's German engineering DNA shows up all over it. And yet you ignore it. Interesting.
I have been owning the Lamy 2000 ballpoint pen for more than 30 years. Although being German, I never liked the design and I never will. So I will give the Lamy 2000 fountain pen a pass, regardless how good it may be. I have recently discovered Kaweco as a brand, and I am amazed by the Dia2. My next pen will be the aluminium Supra, that's for sure. I was surprised though to hear in the video how popular Kaweco allegedly is - no one in my entire high school had a Kaweco fountain pen, as far as I can remember! Since discovering Kaweco and Pilot fountain pens, Montblanc is totally off my list. If you are in a board meeting and everyone pulls out his Montblanc, it just sucks. I own a Diplomat Excellence A2. A nice pen, but the nib - I got a medium one - is nothing to rave about. Perhaps I will get me a broad nib and give the pen a second chance. I have never owned a Pelikan because the hallmark striped design, especially the green/black, seems too formal for my taste. Watching your video, I am really keen to try one out. Btw: This is one of the nicest Goulet videos ever!
The Pelikan M200 and M400 are the same size. They start getting bigger with the M600. I like the M800 better than the M1000 which is huge and the nib is a monster - mine is a fine and it writes at least like a broad because of the bounce it has. ;) The Kaweco Supra is the most underrated metal pen, I love my fireblue Supra a lot. :) The Diplomat Magnum ? Really ? It‘s such a cheap feeling pen, super light and dries out almost instantly if you don’t use it every 10 seconds. ;) I‘d always prefer a Kaweco Sport, even the plastic ones. And my Aero does slip around in my hand… as does the Lamy 2000 - I still like both pens, of course… I‘m German, what do ya‘ll expect ? :D
Thanks for the correction! We don't currently have any M400's in the store for me to reference, unfortunately. I supposed I was remembering incorrectly. And yes - I love the Supra also! - Drew
Off topic, but I heard Noodlers ink can eat through your feed and even rust some parts? Said it was “Just a guy making them in his basement and the batches are never the same”. Can anyone confirm or deny? Thanks.
There's some truth to that, but it's an exaggeration. It IS made in small batches by one guy, so yeah, you'll see more batch variation in this brand than any others that we carry. It's mostly consistent, though. However we certainly wouldn't sell an ink brand that could ruin pens that we sell. There have been reports of certain Noodler's inks damaging some components of vintage pens, but apart from staining, we haven't seen any Noodler's Ink cause any lasting issue with modern pens that we sell in our store. I hope that helps! - Drew
I thought about it, but couldn't think of a solid "Must-Try" reason and have been unfamiliar with their current offerings since we haven't sold that brand in several years. Also, LOVE your username! FFVIII rules. - Drew
@@Gouletpens Faber Castell is more famous for their graphical line like the pencils. But the pens are on Par with Lamy. and its a real German Brand which produce in Germany. Not like Lamy which is sold to a Investor from Asia and produces there. Lamy is not made of Germany anymore. And you also forgot staedtler 😋
@@Gloomshimmer.... Wrong. Mitsubishi Pencil Company holds the shares, but the pens are still manufactured in Heidelberg Germany (not only but still!) .....since 1930. There are 352 employees.
@@dieterdodel835 they say so, but "Made in Germany" changed mostly to "designed in Germany". Most products of them come from singapore. Its like Bosch who pretends to be German, but is mostly Chinese except the Bohrhammer. Maybe the Al Star and a few high quality pens are Put together in Heidelberg, but the parts come from Asia. dont believe the Myths about "Made in Germany"
I'm sure all pens will write and have their individual characters. However, let's take a minute to think about spoiling yourself. Do not feel guilty about spoiling yourself. Also, if you want to make a (very) good impression, a superb fountain pen will make a lasting memory for someone special.
@@sajjadhusain4146 I understand that as an experienced user but newbies may get a distorted picture. They should say clearly that these are top 5 from brands we sell and there are some great German pens we don’t sell
@@mavleashutosh Oh, I quite agree. It’s just that however they spin the narrative, these GPC videos are always outright sale adverts. I posted a list of five of my own favorite German pens.
@@Gouletpens I checked out your review of the Nexus. Very interesting concept for stopping the ink flow. However I am ordering the Mag 600 you also reviewed in that episode. So let your crew know to box one up for me 😀🖋
@@MrPoeV99 Ha, ha. I'm hoping just the opposite, because I LOVE that Asian and European nibs differ. IMHO, it's one of the enjoyable characteristics of the FP world. 😉
@@MrPoeV99 maybe not Japanese sizing but Japanese precision and consistency I have two F nibs but one writes like a western EF while the other is an M on the paper
I love my Diplomat Magnum John Doe for it's color, but it is a worse writer. Skips a lot and scratchy as hell. Or is it because I'm a lefty? 🤔 It keeps me from trying other Diplomat pens.
I was ardently against the Lamy 2000. Particularly because you guys love it so much and I'm a non-conformer. But I accidentally bought one and... I love it. Darn you!
How can you accidentally bought one? :D
You & my husband would get along famously. LOL.
@@vinnie1991 Had a couple slips of the finger on the mouse
I continue to be a skeptic about the Lamy 2000 because the reviews are so glowing. How can it be so amazing? But how can they ALL be wrong???? Hmm. I have to find one to try…or buy one accidentally. :)
I’m sorry to be a negative voice. I feel really out of the loop. But I do not like the Lamy 2000 at all. Literally the most disappointing pen I’ve bought at that price point. Something must be wrong with me. Ugh. But so glad others live it so much! I’ll sell you mine! lol.
I have been using a Pelikan M800 since the mid 90s. It is the best, most reliable fountain pen I have ever used. No matter how long the pen has been unused, it never fails to lay down ink at first touch.
I love the M800. I bought the black/green and couldn’t believe how smooth and buttery the writing experience. I immediately ordered a blue/black M800. Take my word for it, you wont be disappointed.
Mine is the Black/Blue striped barrel. Love it.
Yes! I have found that to be true even with a shimmer ink.
I love mine! - Drew
Totally agree!!! I bought a blue one in the 90's and love it with Diamine Blue Velvet or Levenger Cobalt. It is my go-to pen. I dropped it on a cement floor and broke the barrel several years ago and I actually cried. My husband glued it back together and it has not skipped a beat! I have two other M800's that are fairly new and they don't have the same feel. I'm hoping they will 'mature' and give me that same luscious flow of ink.
I wasn’t particularly interested in the 2000 at first, but as I’ve gotten more into fountain pens, it slowly grew on me. It got to the point where I was having to actively convince myself that I don’t need it, it’s no better than any other pen, it’s a bit plain for my taste, I could get two Benus or Esties for the cost of one 2000 and I know I love those pens, blah blah blah…
Anyway, my mom just happened to be in Heidelberg this week, and she ended up at the Lamy flagship store, completely by coincidence and definitely not because I specifically directed her to go there on my behalf. Long story short, once she flies back from Europe, I’ll be the proud owner of a shiny new Lamy 2000, fresh from the factory. I have officially been influenced by you guys 😅
Perfect! Now we need the same exact video for Japan, China, India, Italy and the US as well!
I'll probably do Italy next! - Drew
there is already one of these for japan
@@iron.tempest I completely missed that one, thankyou!
When I first got the Magnum I thought it was too light. After a few months of storage I tried it again. Now I have 3. The nib is one of the smoothest I have ever written with. It’s a great every day carry.
Agreed. I love mine.
Back in my school days in the 80s and 90s in germany everyone wanted a Lamy Safari. I still have my own matte black one 👍
Only recently got a Diplomat Magnum, really love the way it writes.
My Lamy 2000 EF is incredible, the nib is definitely a bit wider than my Japanese EFs which match my writing style a little better but man, every time I put pen to paper with the Lamy magic happens. Superb pen.
I whole-heartedly agree! It is the one pen I never want to put down. There is definitely some magic with that EF nib.
I am a big fan of German engineering, and have several vintage German pens. I'm also a Kaweco nut, so I thoroughly endorse your suggestion that everyone should try a Supra.
I have lots of Aeros ... I'm just a sucker for the metal and all those gorgeous colours...
I love writing with my Diplomat Magnums.
Love my Lamy 2000, plus it always looks like it’s wearing a tux 😊
The M800/805 is one of my grails. I've heard that its nib actually feels nicer than the M1000. The 800's price is certainly nicer. Thanks for giving some love for the Magnum. It's a great writing, cost effective pen for those who like a thinner, lighter pen. The Aero is a cool pen, but Diplomat needs to do something different with the grip. For me, it's slicker than a shiny chrome grip. My favorite in the Diplomat line up, though, is the Excellence A's.
I have an M800 and I love it! - Drew
Pelikans are where it's at.
Overpriced and over hyped.
I'm glad to see my Diplomat Magnums getting some love. I somehow ended up with three. When looking at German or Japanese fountain pens in this price range, I eliminated Pilot, Platinum and Lamy due to their proprietary cartridges (I have a few Chinese pens, as well, and they all take international cartridges, of which I already have a collection along with spare international converters). The Kaweco Perkeo requires you to add a clip and converter separately. Although the total cost is about the same, when a family member is shopping for birthday or Christmas gifts from an online list, things get complicated when you have to tell them, "also need this thing and that thing." That pretty much left the Magnum.
I would love to have that orange Aero, too.
I am convinced by the advantages of the Lamy 2000, but have difficulty dealing with the fact that it looks more a 59 cent felt tip pen than almost any other fountain pen on the market.
Where, oh where, have you seen a "59 cent felt tip pen" that is styled anywhere close to a Lamy 2000? For that matter, where have you seen a "59 cent felt tip pen" recently?
@@TheRealJanKafka I dug through a box and found a couple. They are Papermates. I have not idea how old. They have a fine-ribbed plastic body like the Lamy 2000, and used to be very common. I can't look at the 2000 without thinking of these.
Love my Lamy 2000 purchased from Goulet. At first, I thought it was temperamental regarding the sweet spot. I put it away and recently rediscovered it and it writes like a dream.
I'm glad you stuck with it! Writing with the 2000 is a bit of a partnership. You need to be somewhat willing to meet the pen halfway in terms of position and angle. - Drew
For me
LAMY 2000 is the greatest pen ever made!!
Must try vintage Parker 51
Diplomat Magnum. Very underrated fountain pen!
Agreed! - Drew
Got a 2000 in EF arriving this afternoon. Can’t wait!
Would really appreciate a brief update on it once tested
Hi Drew! Thanks for the rundown on German pens! While I may never be sold on the Lamy 2000, their other pens seem quite nice. One pen I CAN talk about are the Pelican M series. Was thinking hard about an M1000, but I heard from numerous sources that the 800 was pretty much the same, though a little smaller. . .So, I got myself an early birthday gift and Christmas gift, and early birthday gift for next year, and Christmas gift for next year also, and bought the green/black M800. When I received it I had to put my favorite Pelikan ink in it. The first reaction I had after writing with it for the first time was OMG, NEVER wrote with anything like this! These pens are FANTASTIC writers. Almost no pressure is required to get it to write, it just glides over the page. I would for sure suggest trying either an M800 or M1000 some time in your life! Those Diplomat pens sound quite interesting! Might have to give one a try.
I'm a big Diplomat Magnum fan--I compare it to the Platinum Kakuno or the Preppy in terms of getting newbies into using fountain pens. Its just enough investment to ensure you pick one that you enjoy and yet its not a "cry if you lose it" kind of pen.
What took me so long to try the Diplomat Magnum? Maybe the irony that such a tiny/lighweight pen is called a Magnum;or,the same reason I waited so long to try a Kaweco Sport. IDK,but now they are both in my permanent pen-rotation usage and well-loved pens.
There is something very enjoyable about the Diplomat Magnum nib. It's not perfect but has a very satisfying and unique feel that I love!
I love it enough to want to try the next-level Diplomat,the Esteem,(sadly, not sold by Goulet);and if that goes well I will consider a Diplomat Excellence A2(I like the looks of the Lapis Black model). I actually prefer slip-cap pens to screw-offs.
Lamy 2000? Yes! Please.
Waldmann makes understated but amazing fountain pens that are up there with Montblanc. They need some props!
They're great! Lovely and reliable! I just couldn't find a solid "must-try" reason for this particular video. - Drew
I joyfully own and use three of the German pens you talked about.
I have a rollerball version of the 2000. I can't wait until I can grab the fountain pen version
I can tell Pelikan M1000 and M800 are dream writers since I use both.
Great video. I owned several LAMY 2000 pens and 4 out of my 5 LAMY 2000s develope loose caps. No parts were lost. I threw ALL 4 LANYS in the garbage. Nice pen but I would NEVER buy any more LAMY 2000
One thing to know about Germany and fountain pens: Writing with a fountain pen is mandatory in school in Germany. Used to be from grade one, now most states start in third grade and pupils even make their “fountain pen driver’s licence”.
My Magnum is one of the nicest writing pens I own.
So glad you included the Diplomat magnum. To me this one writes better than the safari.
My magnum is more bouncy than my omniflex nib. It's such a joy to write with. The only downside is that the plastic feels cheap, as you would expect at that pricepoint, similar to the lamy safari, durable but still cheap compared to a metal body pen.
Drew said the nib looks like an ordinary JOWO #5. Have you tried fitting it to a pen more to your liking that uses a #5 nib from JOWO?
I recently bought my first Pelikan FP and I love it! It writes beautifully. I'm not a fan of Lamy Safari FPs. Honestly, I can't stand the way that they look with that huge clip. But, maybe I'll give the Lamy 2000 a try, it looks a lot better than the Safari.
Hi Drew, thank you for always putting smiles, giggles, and even grinding on my face with all your videos. It's adding shimmer & shading in the community. Pls restock decimo / vanishing with more variety colors & nib (black gold EF, etc). Keep up the fun work!
Pelikan M800 series are among my very favorite pens. Large ink reservoirs and very smooth and consistent ink flow. The Lamy 2000 is another favorite - I just wish the cap was more secure. Cap tends to come off when clipped to certain shirts and inside jacket pockets and I’ve gone to using a pen sleeve to protect my clothing when I carry it - rather inconvenient.
Still waiting for the Lamy Lava 2000. Magnum is sitting there next to my Benus and when I grab it, I remember why it has a special place in my collection. More nibs like this please!
Drew, The Aero is a beautiful pen. Mine is the 'champagne' edition. I would love to write with it but I can't. The metal section is so slippery I can't get a comfortable grip. Suggestions?
That color is my second favorite, I think! - Drew
Grip tape on your finger and thumb?....Or thumb rubber, like the old bookkeeper wore?
The M800 is the king of pens, not hitting on the Sailor. 😂 I should try the M1000. All reviews are very positive. I have a MB Le Grand too. Very smooth nib. But construction, feel, fit and finish wise, the M800 is a superior pen IMHO. As for nice sounding pens, the S. T. Dupont is in a class of its own.
I am a long term fountain pen collector. The Lamy 2000, Pelikan 1000 and Diplpmat Aero are already in my collection. All three are fine pens, that don't however make it to my daily rotation (some twenty pens that I alternate in my carrier case with five spaces). Most are Stipula, Delta, Visconti, Sailor, Lamy and Pelikan.
I'll try the Kaweco Supra and especially the Diplomat Magnum, because I didn’t even know of their existence. A pen with a special nib, the Manum, or a tiny pen with a large nib, the Supra, are always worth checking out. Thank you for bringing them to my attention.
It's always a special moment when we can add value to an experienced collector like yourself! Thanks for watching! - Drew
I love my M1000. It is because of what you described😊
I'm need to get a Lamy 2000
The Diplomat Magnum is definitely a masterclass of the small steel nib. Doing so much with so little.
I miss this guy.
Interesting choice.
What do you think of the new Pelikan Model - the Ineo?
It has my attention! - Drew
Great video! I love how you describe the feeling of holding the M1000. And honestly, I like how it feels and writes more than the Montblanc 149. It has a more elegant look and feel to it. German pens are fantastic. And so are Japanese! And Italian. And France...I just love fountain pens!!!
The only one I have used off this list is the Diplomat Magnum and it occupies a weird place in my collection. I love the Prismatic Purple color and the soft steel nib is a joy to write with. However, the flipside is that the pen is so lightweight that I feel I need to write with it posted, which is not my preference. For this reason, I tend to reach for my exclusive Lamy Vista black more often, since it offers a slightly better distribution of weight than the Magnum. I think part of the reason for that is the large clip band on the Magnum results in a lot of the weight being in the cap, so it only feels truly balanced when the cap is posted. Great list though Drew and definitely a couple these are on my wishlist.
This video did what it was supposed to do! In my case, it sold me on the Diplomat Magnum. I ordered two and love the way they feel and write. Yes, surprisingly light the first time you pick one up, but you get used to it. I've only bought German pens the last ten years or so, but until this video did not know that Diplomat was German. It was my first order with the Goulet Pen Company, so I also got the sample ink kit which is fun to play with.
Yay! Thanks for the support! - Drew
LAMY is my favorite
Lamy 2000
Diplomat Excellence A2
Montblanc 146
Montblanc 149
Otto Hutt Design 03
I love the Excellence. I wish it was more popular! - Drew
@@Gouletpens Diplomat, as a brand, remains rather under appreciated in the U.S. market. Excepting the Aero pens, of course; they have always had top billing in terms of availability and advertising - and hence gotten more sales than the inexplicably overlooked Excellence models. You guys should stock and promote them more. I own two of the Excellence A2 pens. The only Diplomat pens I ever bought.
Love my Exellence A2....with EF nib....
Just got a Pilot 823 F......and it only equals the A2 in my hand.....and the 823 has a gold nib...and the A2 has a steel nib....( the 823 is going back)
Hello, your video is very informative. I watched many videos about Lamy 2000, read many reviews and finally bought it from Amazon. But unfortunately I was disappointed. I was attracted by the overall look of the pen, no issues here. However, I bought an F nib and it was not as comfortable as I wanted. First of all, instead of a gold nib there was hard writing that looked like steel, and the ink was very pale and dry, hardly flowing at all. I washed the palate of the pen several times with warm water and mild pure soap, but the result did not change. .Since I trust the Lamy company, I sent it to the service instead of returning it. He stayed as a guest in Germany for about two months and returned. To be honest, not much has changed. My opinion about the pen is that it writes hard and dry, the ink is not enough for reflex writing such as signatures. I also have a Lamy 2000 OM nib, it is very thick so my writings are wet. , I don't think the pen Nib feels like 14 carat gold. Platinum "M" nib doesn't even give the pleasure of a fountain pen. I'm sorry, but I couldn't warm up to the pen, so what do you think I should do?
I've tried out, and own some, German pens, including Faber-Castell, all except the Pelikan Souveran. That is one of my grail pens, and intend to acquire the M800 in several years. Meanwhile, I lucked out with FC Loom early in my journey, as they went discontinued. That nib punches above its proverbial weight for the MP.
The Loom is a fantastic pen, far better than the much-vaunted Safari and the Souveran series.
One of these days I will get a Lamy 2000. I have several Kaweco sports, I do really love these for traveling. My Ones that I love to write with long sessions are Visconti. I love the ink flow on the Visconti as they are a bit wetter and glide so well. Maybe a Pen Battle: Visconti Vah Gogh or Rembrandt VS Lamy 2000
How do you get the Kaweco and Visconti pens to write?
I know you don't sell anymore ☹. But I love my Faber-Castell E-Motion. the EF nib writes on bad paper. only 3/4 of a turn to open, fingers don't slide on the steel section due to the matte coating, and it has a magnificent clip.
Drawback: carry with other pens, use a pen sleeve, the guilloché can scratch them and the E-Motion is very heavy @.55g capped. I think the form factor also makes it look like a much smaller pen.
I was wondering about this. I've heard such good things. You recommend?
@@bkbk1184 Coworker bought one after trying it. Then he got one as a graduation present for his son-in-law.
Note these were the matte black , not the wooden body ones with chrome sections, those do get slick.
@@RobRutherford Nice! I have a friend who owns that same one and swears by it. Wish I lived in the same city as him so I could try it.
I clearly remember the e-Motion! That was a unique one! - Drew
Buy a F.C.Grip for 20.00 to see if you like the nibs.... I love them....
This is soooo true about the diplomat magnum! It feels expensive!!!
That nib on the Diplomat Magnum was a really pleasant surprise. Grab one and thank me later.
I do have a Magnum in translucent orange. It does write very well, and it _is_ springy. But I love my Vista too much to put it down. lol
0:55 I'm not sure but I think that wheel might be rigged...
Thanks for the good overview of great German fountain pens. Not sure why Montblanc wasn’t included as it’s very important in the pantheon of highly engineered fountain pens. Otherwise, I’d say that you did a thorough and interesting take on the topic. Might be nice if you could do some corollary videos about the history of a couple of these companies, especially Pelikan, as they made important contributions over the years to the technology.
Im binge watching your videos Drew.
Take breaks and stay hydrated! - Drew
Lamy 2000 vs waterman carene, which is better interms of smoothness & no hard start arena
Lamy 2000. I have both of them.
@@e.meisner3824 thanks man, i tried lamy 2000 f& m. Medium nub was fabulous again, but not a fan of F nib from Lamy 2000. Didn't get a chance to try carene, difficult to find that model in my place.
But i want to add that the pelikam m205 medium i using is better feel & smoothness than my pelikan m805 fine,my MB m46 fine & even the pilot 823 fine. The steel nib of my m205 i am having beats hansa down all my expwnsive & affordable fountain pen & the fountain pen I tried.
Can you please review all the nibs available in the m1000 line up
This is quite a nice selection. Perhaps a Goulet Pens timeshare?
I still don’t have a Lamy 2000 and feel like I won’t be a legitimate fountain pen user until I own one. Recently bought a Diplomat Aero and love love love this pen. One day the Pelikan 1000. One day. I have the Supra. Love the feel and look but the nib and I are not friends. Seems to not sit square with the feed and makes for sluggish writing.
How come you never talk about the fine pens from Faber-Castell?
Nice video. And there are the "other" German brands which Goulet does not offer in their online store - Montblanc and Graf von Faber Castell (Faber Castell). German pens are probably my favorites and likely outnumber any other country pens.
There's also Waldmann and Otto Hutt. All 4 are great brands, but other than the Montblanc 149 I haven't yet encountered any within these brands that I'd use to replace any on this particular list. - Drew
@@Gouletpens Thanks for your response. I do have several Lamy 2000's, which I love, a vintage Pelikan (my problem pen) and a Diplomat Magnum. I haven't purchased an Aero yet, but perhaps someday. I've thought about Kawecos, but I have osteoarthritis and slender sections are problematic for me - same problem I have with the Magnum, as well as my Sailor PG Slims and even my vintage MBs.
I love my Diplomat Magnum. AND it's easy on my arthritic hands.
That's great info! Thank you! - Drew
Drew. As a\lays this isa great selection of -ens. Thank you
M1000 nibs are by far the best. Nothing else comes close.
Being from germany, my first fountain pen, 20 years after I left school, was a Lamy Lx. Great, reliable pen. But once the decend into the rabbit hole began, I had to take in others as well. Got myself a 2000 and, just recently, a Pelikan M800.
All great pens, but, despite it's unique look and feel, the 2000 is really boring to me sadly. It lacks a certain something other pens invoke when writing with it.
The Pelikan M800 on the other hand quickly became my absolute favorite. At first it felt heavy and clunky. But after a short period of "taming the beast", I don't feel the weight anymore and love to write with it. And it looks fanstatic once it's posted. (Classy but not too much bling)
I wish the M1000 had more color options. As I am big fan of a nice blue tone, I can't justify 500€+ for something that doesn't optically fit my taste.
Yeah, the M800 is perfect for me! - Drew
Lamy 2k is one of my favorite pens all around.
Diplomat Magnum. I love the nib, but just can't use the tiny pen. I'm just looking for a reason to nib swap it onto a better platform.
Pelikan M1000 didn't do it for me. I try one every year at the pen show, just to see if I like it, I just don't.
Diplomat Aero - I've heard so much about it, It's there on my wish list, it's only a matter of time (and money).
Kaweco supra- nope. way too small. That new aluminum piston filling Kaweco sport though might just be my next purchase.
My kaweco supras have served me amazingly well
I love the Aero and the M1000 (and I'm fond of my MB, but since you don't sell those, we'll leave that to the side), I can't stand the Lamy 2000 (I don't like hooded nibs and I hate Bauhaus style), and my daughter swears by Kaweco (I'll take her word for it; I have no use for small pens or pens that can be made small). But I also really, really like my Waldmann Tango. And you sell those. Why no love for the Waldmann? It's well-made, has a very nice weight for a silver pen, and they do an excellent job tuning their nibs. It's German engineering DNA shows up all over it. And yet you ignore it. Interesting.
I considered Waldmann, but couldn't find enough "must try" reasons to create a compelling topic. I agree - they are indeed great! - Drew
Try Nakaya
Is Lamy still considered a German Pen ?
Yeah, I'm wondering what's going to happen with them, as well.
They're still made in Germany by Germans, so yeah! - Drew
It's weird....that 4/5 of these are the only 4 pens I own. The odd one out for me is the Pelikan. Crazy.
I have been owning the Lamy 2000 ballpoint pen for more than 30 years. Although being German, I never liked the design and I never will. So I will give the Lamy 2000 fountain pen a pass, regardless how good it may be.
I have recently discovered Kaweco as a brand, and I am amazed by the Dia2. My next pen will be the aluminium Supra, that's for sure. I was surprised though to hear in the video how popular Kaweco allegedly is - no one in my entire high school had a Kaweco fountain pen, as far as I can remember!
Since discovering Kaweco and Pilot fountain pens, Montblanc is totally off my list. If you are in a board meeting and everyone pulls out his Montblanc, it just sucks.
I own a Diplomat Excellence A2. A nice pen, but the nib - I got a medium one - is nothing to rave about. Perhaps I will get me a broad nib and give the pen a second chance.
I have never owned a Pelikan because the hallmark striped design, especially the green/black, seems too formal for my taste. Watching your video, I am really keen to try one out.
Btw: This is one of the nicest Goulet videos ever!
Also, the Kaweco Supra’s cap screws to post, so is not falling off.
Fact! - Drew
Nahhh.... so far in love with my Japanese Pens. But may be someday I might try a Lamy 2000 and find a new lover.
Just added Kaweco Supra Fountain Pen - Aluminum Black to my wish list
Haha! It's been on my wish list for A WHILE now! - Drew
The Pelikan M200 and M400 are the same size. They start getting bigger with the M600. I like the M800 better than the M1000 which is huge and the nib is a monster - mine is a fine and it writes at least like a broad because of the bounce it has. ;) The Kaweco Supra is the most underrated metal pen, I love my fireblue Supra a lot. :) The Diplomat Magnum ? Really ? It‘s such a cheap feeling pen, super light and dries out almost instantly if you don’t use it every 10 seconds. ;) I‘d always prefer a Kaweco Sport, even the plastic ones. And my Aero does slip around in my hand… as does the Lamy 2000 - I still like both pens, of course… I‘m German, what do ya‘ll expect ? :D
Thanks for the correction! We don't currently have any M400's in the store for me to reference, unfortunately. I supposed I was remembering incorrectly. And yes - I love the Supra also! - Drew
Lamy 2000 and Pelikan M600 are my best fountain pens. Have yet to hold an M1000 in my hands though.
I think the Diplomat should have been represented by the Diplomat Excellence A2, which is very comparable to the others.
Hmmm... Some shirts have shallow pockets. The Supra could be one pen to fit them all.
fountain pen is coming back all over the world.
Fm where to purchase
www.gouletpens.com
How about ONLINE fountainpens? I think they are pretty great
They're not bad! - Drew
I have a Pelican M800. It’s ok. I’d trade all the above for another Nakaya.
Off topic, but I heard Noodlers ink can eat through your feed and even rust some parts? Said it was “Just a guy making them in his basement and the batches are never the same”.
Can anyone confirm or deny?
Thanks.
There's some truth to that, but it's an exaggeration. It IS made in small batches by one guy, so yeah, you'll see more batch variation in this brand than any others that we carry. It's mostly consistent, though. However we certainly wouldn't sell an ink brand that could ruin pens that we sell. There have been reports of certain Noodler's inks damaging some components of vintage pens, but apart from staining, we haven't seen any Noodler's Ink cause any lasting issue with modern pens that we sell in our store. I hope that helps! - Drew
@@Gouletpens Great, thank you very much. That helps a lot. Appreciate the response.
@@jesterdunn4638 Thanks to both of you. I appreciate the information.
Quality
No Faber Castell?
I thought about it, but couldn't think of a solid "Must-Try" reason and have been unfamiliar with their current offerings since we haven't sold that brand in several years.
Also, LOVE your username! FFVIII rules. - Drew
@@Gouletpens Faber Castell is more famous for their graphical line like the pencils. But the pens are on Par with Lamy. and its a real German Brand which produce in Germany. Not like Lamy which is sold to a Investor from Asia and produces there. Lamy is not made of Germany anymore. And you also forgot staedtler 😋
@@Gloomshimmer.... Wrong. Mitsubishi Pencil Company holds the shares, but the pens are still manufactured in Heidelberg Germany (not only but still!)
.....since 1930. There are 352 employees.
@@dieterdodel835 they say so, but "Made in Germany" changed mostly to "designed in Germany". Most products of them come from singapore. Its like Bosch who pretends to be German, but is mostly Chinese except the Bohrhammer. Maybe the Al Star and a few high quality pens are Put together in Heidelberg, but the parts come from Asia. dont believe the Myths about "Made in Germany"
5, not nein?
Click where?
I'm sure all pens will write and have their individual characters. However, let's take a minute to think about spoiling yourself. Do not feel guilty about spoiling yourself. Also, if you want to make a (very) good impression, a superb fountain pen will make a lasting memory for someone special.
What? No Montblanc 149?!!!!
As a 149 owner, that's a punishable sin.😂
There's German rocket behind your left shoulder 😄
My Lamy is junk. My Peliken 800 is spectacular
No MB ?🥴 No GVFC either and two Diplomats 😮
I think it's what they sell at Goulet. Goulet doesn't sell Montblanc, but I'm sure if they sold them they would be on the list for sure.
All recommendations are always about what they sell.
@@sajjadhusain4146 I understand that as an experienced user but newbies may get a distorted picture. They should say clearly that these are top 5 from brands we sell and there are some great German pens we don’t sell
@@mavleashutosh Oh, I quite agree. It’s just that however they spin the narrative, these GPC videos are always outright sale adverts. I posted a list of five of my own favorite German pens.
4:41 At least the 149 got a mention
I already have every pen on this list 🤣 I need another recommendation!
I considered mentioning the Diplomat Nexus, but chose the Aero instead! - Drew
@@Gouletpens I checked out your review of the Nexus. Very interesting concept for stopping the ink flow. However I am ordering the Mag 600 you also reviewed in that episode. So let your crew know to box one up for me 😀🖋
I think Montblanc is missing here 149 or 146
Mont blanc , faber Castell and grsf von fabercastell left the chat 🤣
When its all said and done, its about pen collecting at its finest! Or perhaps addiction?
If Lamy is a titan, why did they sell? 😢
I’m hoping that maybe their Lamy 2000 nibs will move to a more Japanese sizing since they’ve sold. I had an ef that was at least a medium.
@@MrPoeV99 Ha, ha. I'm hoping just the opposite, because I LOVE that Asian and European nibs differ. IMHO, it's one of the enjoyable characteristics of the FP world. 😉
@@MrPoeV99 maybe not Japanese sizing but Japanese precision and consistency I have two F nibs but one writes like a western EF while the other is an M on the paper
I love my Diplomat Magnum John Doe for it's color, but it is a worse writer. Skips a lot and scratchy as hell. Or is it because I'm a lefty? 🤔 It keeps me from trying other Diplomat pens.