Missed Mont Blanc and Parker it seems. Don;t know about the states but Mont Blanc is a famous brand in Europe and Parker are usually peoples first fountain pen.
1- These are brands that they don't carry, I don't think they'd do free advertisement for them 2- Literally all of these are corporate gifts factories that used tt be alright, but today? Irrelevant. They could all go out of buisness and the fountain pen hobby would literally not suffer
1- These are brands that they don't carry, I don't think they'd do free advertisement for them 2- Literally all of these are corporate gifts factories that used tt be alright, but today? Irrelevant. They could all go out of buisness and the fountain pen hobby would literally not suffer
@@justindesrosiers3145 But the brands mentioned in the video should not depend on whether they carry them or don't. Montblanc, Parker and Faber-Castell aren't important today? In which universe do you live?
@@MaxTV_CCm12 The universe where they make the same black/gold corporate gifts with boring nibs plagued with Q/C issues. Graf Von has it’s own design style, but aside from that they’re plain Bock nibs, they’re uncomfortably heavy and unbalanced, and the materials are underwhelming for the price. Would much rather have something like a Justus 95 or a Falcon Metal than any Tamitio or Bentley. Also you’re watching… A retailer? Which makes videos about… The retailer? Again, free advertisement wouldn’t make sense. They’d much rather promote their own brands that they carry, which is totally fair. At least they don’t carry any of the legacy brands that only exists because buisnessmen posers want to buy a fountain pen just for the sake of buying a fountain pen, then leave it on their desk on a pen support and forget it there for a good 40 years. You’ll say « but that’s how vintage pens are found in good conditions all these years later! » Yeah it’s fun when it’s a Vacuumatic or a Snorkel. Back when they were actually competing against each other, trying to find the perfect materials and filling systems to make them as convenient to the customer as possible. But finding something like an Hémisphère? Really?! Another black/GT pen? Oh but this one is special it’s thinner than an Expert! Get outta here…
@@justindesrosiers3145 I now have Mont Blanc Boheme, Parker, Kaweco. I have used Pilot and Diplomat over the years as well. Mont Blanc Boheme is hands down the best fountain pen I have ever used. Not only it has the best feeling when writing with it, it is also the most impressive pen to use and to look at (with all the mechanisms and complexities it carries). So, yes, if other Mont Blancs are at least half as good as Boheme, then the brand should be there. Of all the rest, Kaweco is the best.
I agree. Brian and Drew are extremely helpful and educational. I find myself watching Brian's videos from 10 years ago and they are still relevant to me. More and more I tune in for the GPC videos several times a week 🤩 Thanks GPC for the inspiration and information!! 👍🏻
Probably one of the BEST videos ever from Goulet Pens. Second only to the two entry level (1 & 2) videos. And the 'Next Level' up videos. (I still go back and watch them) Excellent Drew. Concise, informative.
Can't believe & don't want to believe that fountain pen video could draw smile on my face in this broken heart period. Pls don't stop being u Drew ⚡️⭐️⚡️
I absolutely love your solo videos. I absolutely love Brian’s solo videos. When you two get together, however, I feel like I’m in a garage with “da boys”. Love you both. Love your company 💝
As a fountain pen novice (just purchased my first vanishing point recently, swoon) this was very informative! I think my next purchase will be a sailor. Loved this video!
Aurora and Sailor rule! The only two brands on this list that I find indispensable in my life. I have every pen model that Aurora has ever made and sold since 1919. And Sailor remains my #1 from Japan. Conklin and Monteverde are brands that you promote and sell, but, in my experience, scarcely deserve any attention or anybody’s dollars wasted on buying their pens. I don’t much like Rhodia, but find Clairfontaine slightly better. Tomoe River trumps them both. The comparably pricey Graphilo is great, too. Taccia deserved a mention, if only because more people ought to be made aware of and encouraged to discover their many lovely pens and inks.
Such a fun overview!! It was a great introduction to brands that I haven’t tried yet, but I also found myself cheering when my favorite ones came up 😂 love these videos!
Completely agree with you, Drew: Mnemosyne has become my absolute favorite paper. Their B7 flip pad is usually in my pocket; the paper just shows color and shading so well without excessive dry time.
Inkvent calendar is a must. I just hope I can get one before they are completely sold out all over the world. What an amazing video Drew and the team. Thank you.🖋📝
You forgot one Major point that makes the twsbi functional over all others that I have used. It doesn't dry out after setting it down for a few moments. It also maintains ink in the reservoir over the long term if capped. I have pens that are many times more expensive that stay in the drawer because they are empty or dry when I want to use them. Just answering a phone call and not capping every other brand and it's clogged when I hang up the phone.
What a wonderful overview! Will definitely be passing this along to friends who are newer to fountain pens and bewildered by the variety of options. Glad to see so many distinctive ink brands highlighted as well, if anything making choices in that area can be even more daunting than selecting a pen, and harder to advise someone else on because ink preference is *so* subjective. Colorverse has been my sentimental fave for awhile now because I love their space aesthetic and all their quirky little themed collections (the Joy in the Ordinary inks are sadly underappreciated!), but after picking up a bottle of Blushing Mushroom I think I may be in danger of falling down the Ferris Wheel Press rabbit hole as well 😂 And it's so true that there seems to be a 'perfect' Retro 51 for everyone. I've never been particularly interested in rollerballs, but once I found out the Stardust popper existed there was no way I was NOT going to get that unicorn pen 🦄 But although I'm thoroughly delighted by it and use it regularly, weirdly I'm happy with just having the one? It's a very strange experience for a serial collector 😅
Great job, Drew! Your videos are always entertaining and informative. I also look forward to the pencast each week. You and Brian are the best! Amazing job!
1- These are brands that they don't carry, I don't think they'd do free advertisement for them 2- Literally all of these are corporate gifts factories that used tt be alright, but today? Irrelevant. They could all go out of buisness and the fountain pen hobby would literally not suffer
@@jamesburton1050 Please. Tell me the difference between a Sheaffer 100, a Waterman Expert, a Waterman Hémisphère, a Cross Bailey and a Parker Sonnet Literally none. Slightly different design, some are resin some have brass. The rest? Copy/pasted. Literally the most plain and boring « mAdE iN hOuSe » steel nibs, all proprietary cartridges that are hard to find, literally no technology to make it more convenient to the user (click to post, inner cap, ink window, different fillers, etc…) all of that for the price of a Lamy Studio. If I’m gonna pick a boring looking brass pen might as well give it removable nibs and feeds so I can have fun switching them
Little embarrassed by how excited I got when you mentioned Australia! 💚💛. I also misheard you and thought you said Visconti came out with a Llama pen. They should come out with a Llama pen, but please don't make it out of basaltic Llama from the Mount Etna volcano.
I've had a Lamy 2000 since the early 80's. I used it all the way through two university degrees. It was a bit fiddly compared to a Bic ballpoint, but I feel the attention it took helped me remember the material I was writing. I sent it in for servicing many years ago when it developed a leak. Unfortunately it was never quite right after that. And in those pre internet days good ink was increasingly hard to find as all the old school office supply stores went out of business. So I put it back in its box, and put that box in another box. It's around, but I couldn't find it without a lot of digging.
Thank you, Drew! I just gave pens to two friends in London: one received a Lamy 2000, the other a TWISBI Iris. I think I may have unwittingly sent the recipient of the TWSBI plunging down the rabbit hole. He has already ordered two different inks for the pen!
@@Gouletpens Oh, dear! To my everlasting shame, I must admit that I did not place these orders with Goulet Pens. Because my friends live in London, I ordered from companies there (avoiding shipment and customs duties). I shall have to atone and put gas in your car by placing another order with you guys! I wonder if I can possibly find something.😂 However, I have sung your praises to my two friends; who knows whether they might end up becoming your customers. But I believe you have a $200 minimum on orders from the UK, which will make it more difficult for them.
1- These are brands that they don't carry, I don't think they'd do free advertisement for them 2- Literally all of these are corporate gifts factories that used tt be alright, but today? Irrelevant. They could all go out of buisness and the fountain pen hobby would literally not suffer
I was thinking along that line - I would have liked him to clear up the fact that certain brands seem American, European, etc. but are in fact made elsewhere (China worst of all). Monteverde is especially deceptive with its Italian name.
The sleeper brand in my collection from this list is probably Sailor. I've never been able to really "get" the 1911 Standard as, for me, the threads on the body of my example are almost razor sharp. This alone puts me off from using it, which is a mistake because the actual feel of the nib on the page is wonderful. Instead I use my Progear Slim, which doesn't seem to have the vicious threads problem and which, for me, has a perfect amount of heft in the hand for its size. So, I have a love/hate relationship with the 1911 but a love/love relationship with the PGS and the Lecoule.
You've brought up a subject that falls into my "I have become so picky!" zone. I truly don't like threads in my grip section. I can write with any pen for a short period of time, but I don't feel I should have to develop callouses for long writing sessions. It's the one complaint I have with my Montblanc 146 (which is very similar to the 1911 in size and shape). Alas for me, as all the fun and interesting pens have screw-on caps. My current solution is the Onoto Magna Classic line of pens. Their threads are further away from the nib than most manufacturers, but the overall shape and feel in the hand is quite similar to the 1911S/146. Pros: excellent feel and high quality materials; lightweight (which I prefer); steel and 18k nibs available. Many interesting colors available. Good customer service. Made in England. For a fee, specialty custom grinds are available Cons: very expensive, and the cap requires 4 full turns. This is my #1 pen. The 18k nib writes like a dream and, hugely important to me, it is supremely comfortable! This is a pen I could write a novel with and never be uncomfortable. Their nibs are easily swapped in and out as they are screw-in types. Knowing me, I would probably just buy another pen to house another (stub) nib type. 😎
@@JerryBearry Thanks for the reply. I have loads of threaded-section pens but my 1911 Standard is far and away the most punishing. Usually I can get around this by moving my grip (which is a pretty conventional tripod) further back. This tweak also applies to the Metropolitan (MR series over here) with its fierce step down. This change of grip causes a shallower angle between nib and paper. That's not problematic tor most of my pens, but on the 1911S it's a show stopper. For the hack to work, the pen needs to be a deep and confident poster, which my 1911S is, but should not then present weird sensory distractions where the posted cap meets the barrel. My 1911S does exactly that. It's a shame as it is otherwise a nice pen. My only B&M store is a fair distance away and their droids return a blank stare and open-jawed confusion when questioned over anything more complex than an HB pencil. I have no means of trying before I buy. Neither are there any FP clubs/groups in this region as far as I know. So, all this can be rolled up into me being disinclined to get another 1911S or others in the 1911 range. Pity really.
@@bikkies Thanks for the heads up about the threads on the 1911S. Pen comfort is my main priority, even edging out the perfect nib. At 61 years of age, I am unwilling to conform my grip to any pen. To me, a fountain pen should be made for a novelist and have no threads or steps in the grip section. A fountain pen needs to be comfortable for those all-day sessions.
So I've been watching almost 2~4 videos/per day of your channel the last few days, getting back into fountain pens again. And this is hands down one of the most useful and entertaining ones! Coming from a European country, I'm used to writing with fountain pens since 1st year of Elementary school. At the time, I didn't have a clue whatsoever about brands, so I used no name pens I got on the streets (lol, literally trying out questionable sample products my father got at his workplace from pharmaceutical companies!). Later on, I tried for the first time the German ONLINE pens. Specifically their 'school fountain pens' which I really loved writing with, but now you made me want to try out a REAL brand with a converter so I can switch colors over time (and which seems like a much more durable and environment-friendly option to me on the long term, compared to cartridges). So I decided to try out for the first time the Lamy Al-Star and can't wait to get started with it!! Will probably upgrade to better paper too! ✨
Wow, Drew, you covered a lot of ground fast and you're not even breathing hard! Great job. My personal favorite tablet / paper brand is Mnemosyne, though I like a lot of others too. Pilot, as a brand, simply cannot be beaten. Others may have a few magnificent pens, but Pilot, imo, rules the roost from top to bottom (goodness, I'd love to have one of Namiki's top tier urushi pens). If you limit it to the under $100 range, though, I cannot disagree with your conclusion - TWSBI !
Out of the “generational pens” is there a recomendation for buying used? I just picked up a used Visconti Voyager for $150, normally around $600 new. What brands will stand the test of time and will most likely not arrive broken or need nib work?
I think this is one of the best videos that you guys have put out, Drew. Concise yet detailed, and so informative. How long do you think a Brian version would be? 😂
Nice little overview. You left out Apica notebooks that you sell. These seemingly simple notebooks are extremely durable and wonderful for fountain pen use. Their A5 size is perfect for a short story length writing. I feel it would be a really nice life to get to test out each of these pens!
“Not that it restricts your writing freedom in anyway.” Love this comment so much because it’s so relatable! I want the structure to be there in case, but not to be forced to follow it 😂
Since I received the Sailor Pro Gear Slim Fountain Pen - Northern Lights Purple. My first expensive (for me) pen. I bought it couple weeks ago from you all. And Wow! The 12k nib is so smooth. I didn’t understand gold nibs, until now. For me it is so special. Thank you for opening up this side of the writing world for me. It is special and so is Goulet Pens. Thanks
Perfect summing up. It's a very diverse and worldwide hobby, bringing people together particularly at a time when many have felt isolated and alone. There's something for everyone (even clumsy caggy handers like myself) in fountain pens!
I always enjoy your videos, Drew. You have a way of describing the products in a very colorful, and entertaining way while you educate. Thanks again. BLESSINGS
Some lines a Day - A great idea for journal/ memory keeping. You won't find difficulty in filling up the space. What's so great about it, is that you would end up with a five-year overview of your memories per page, on any given date. Great for trying out different pens and ink colours too! Made by Leuchtturm, using quality paper and comes with a hard cover. Also great is the ribbon place holder and the elastic that keeps the book neatly shut.
Actually, PARKER is the only brand that most people in Europe associate with expensive pens. From the brands mentioned in this video, I only recognize Pilot and Montblanc, which is associated with Bond films. I watched this video because I’m looking for a fountain pen that looks good, feels comfortable in hand, writes nicely, and doesn’t cost a fortune.
Amazing video! I just got into the hobby this summer and thought I knew a decent amount but you guys showed me there's so much more discover outside of the pens themselves. Looking forward to ordering some new notebooks and hopefully the inkvent calender :)
My first experience with fountain pens was the Shaeffer No Nonsense. It was affordable and wrote well. It forms my baseline expectation in a fountain pen. Would it be possible for you to do a video comparing pen characteristics directly to a particular brand / style, like flexibility, feed, overall quality, etc?
Would you consider doing a segment in the pen cast in which you talk about some inks? You have a pen of the week, but you could feature inks with a theme. Like the ink subscription but virtual and free. I’m getting the invent calendar and I cannot wait!
obviously hard to choose a number one, but i’ve been really loving my ystudio resin lately, it’s a shame they discontinued it. all about the tactile experience of the pen-the heft of the bronze body paired with the warmth and soft texture of the resin coating is just really ideal to me. shame they discontinued it
It's a confusing love - hate relationship with Goulet Pen Company videos. I hate watching them because then I see additional fountain pens I want to buy and love watching them because then I see additional fountain pens I want to buy so maybe it's a love - love relationship? Either way I'm not confused with the fact that I'll be buying new fountain pens because of these awesome videos. I wish everyone had the passion Drew and Brian have for all things fountain pens as to state what Sam Cooke sang, oh what a wonderful world this would be
Well........... this is a wonderful video but entirely too much information for me as Im getting started. I have practiced feather pens. I write and go through pens like people go through bottles of water. Need a good fine nib pen, ink and paper for beginning. What would you suggest?
Nice job, Drew! I am surprised that you didn't highlight some of Goulet's collaborative efforts with Stipula or Conklin; but, I suppose, time was short.
Hey, Drew: can’t believe you started with Aurora - will eventually own one of their lovely pens (milestone birthday, me thinks; love both Pilot & Sailor but also huge fan of Midori and their traveller’s notebook; also Colorverse, Diamine and J Herbin inks rock; finally Hobonichi Techo’s: know you don’t stock these yet but you really should!:)
I would be tickled if Goulet stocked at least the Hobonichi books. I’ve got a cover I love so all I need are the books. I tried the new Tomoe River paper they’ll be using for 2024 because a sample came with my 2023 book and was very happy with it.
@@heathergleiser was a bit concerned that the review I watched said that the same pen will put down a broader line on the new paper which is not good news for those of us with small handwriting; have a sheet of new stock which came with my Hobonichi 5yr planner but haven’t tried it out yet - hopefully I can find an ink that writes pretty much the same on both papers!:)
@@anguswhite8233 I tried my Pelikan 205 with Diamine Green-Black in it and didn’t see any difference between it and using the same pen and ink on a notepad. It was a medium nib and my fairly small handwriting looked OK. I tend to stick to fine or medium for that reason.
Yeah such an "iconic" brand that today only makes variations of a black//GT corporate gift pen in slightly different sizes and weight... Literally, the Carène is the only slightly excting pen, the rest is soooo forgettable...
All of these pens are great but I prefer to use some of the vintage brands with one of them being a Mont Blanc 320 in Bordeaux. Even though it is almost 40 years old, it writes with the crispness and ease of some of the newer brands of pens.
if anyone here has hypermobile ehlers danlos, arthritis, chronic hand pain, basically anything at the hand level that makes writing painful, try fountain pens! you dont have to press hard like with ballpoints and in my case (suspected hEDS) they totally help with my finger hyperextension and writing posture
i fell into a fountain pen rabbit hole thanks to Ferris wheel press. i love their inks. and bought one of their pens. found 2 vintage fountain pens in a box i got at a thrift store, but i am unable to get them to work, yet don't want to throw them away.
Missed Mont Blanc and Parker it seems. Don;t know about the states but Mont Blanc is a famous brand in Europe and Parker are usually peoples first fountain pen.
1- These are brands that they don't carry, I don't think they'd do free advertisement for them
2- Literally all of these are corporate gifts factories that used tt be alright, but today? Irrelevant. They could all go out of buisness and the fountain pen hobby would literally not suffer
@@justindesrosiers3145 huh?
@@tomwebb10 You heard me right. Goulet wouldn’t promote brands that they’re not carrying, and it’s not like they have any interestkng products anyway
Lol. Take your meds. @@justindesrosiers3145
So proud of Germany: De Atramentis, Diplomat, Kaweco, Lamy, Leuchtturm, Pelikan and so many Nibs from Germany. 🇩🇪
Don’t forget Faber-Castel/Graf von Faber-Castel.
@@marcboxerman291 yes and Montblanc but it's not on the list.
They know how to do it right, don't they? :) - Drew
@@marcboxerman291 I think the best German made fountain pen series in my experience is Faber castell and gvfc
@@rockfitclub Hitler know the best !
You forgot (need to be on here):
- Montblanc
- Parker
- Sheaffer
- Waterman
- Online
- Faber-Castell
- Cross
hahahahah we seem similar i just commented with the same brands but... you should read it.
1- These are brands that they don't carry, I don't think they'd do free advertisement for them
2- Literally all of these are corporate gifts factories that used tt be alright, but today? Irrelevant. They could all go out of buisness and the fountain pen hobby would literally not suffer
@@justindesrosiers3145 But the brands mentioned in the video should not depend on whether they carry them or don't.
Montblanc, Parker and Faber-Castell aren't important today? In which universe do you live?
@@MaxTV_CCm12 The universe where they make the same black/gold corporate gifts with boring nibs plagued with Q/C issues. Graf Von has it’s own design style, but aside from that they’re plain Bock nibs, they’re uncomfortably heavy and unbalanced, and the materials are underwhelming for the price. Would much rather have something like a Justus 95 or a Falcon Metal than any Tamitio or Bentley.
Also you’re watching… A retailer? Which makes videos about… The retailer? Again, free advertisement wouldn’t make sense. They’d much rather promote their own brands that they carry, which is totally fair. At least they don’t carry any of the legacy brands that only exists because buisnessmen posers want to buy a fountain pen just for the sake of buying a fountain pen, then leave it on their desk on a pen support and forget it there for a good 40 years. You’ll say « but that’s how vintage pens are found in good conditions all these years later! » Yeah it’s fun when it’s a Vacuumatic or a Snorkel. Back when they were actually competing against each other, trying to find the perfect materials and filling systems to make them as convenient to the customer as possible. But finding something like an Hémisphère? Really?! Another black/GT pen? Oh but this one is special it’s thinner than an Expert! Get outta here…
@@justindesrosiers3145 I now have Mont Blanc Boheme, Parker, Kaweco. I have used Pilot and Diplomat over the years as well. Mont Blanc Boheme is hands down the best fountain pen I have ever used. Not only it has the best feeling when writing with it, it is also the most impressive pen to use and to look at (with all the mechanisms and complexities it carries). So, yes, if other Mont Blancs are at least half as good as Boheme, then the brand should be there. Of all the rest, Kaweco is the best.
Hands down these videos are the best fountain pen content in the observable Universe (ok, ok after pencast.... can't beat that!). ❤️🖋️❤️
Haha thanks, Oscar! - Drew
I agree. Brian and Drew are extremely helpful and educational. I find myself watching Brian's videos from 10 years ago and they are still relevant to me. More and more I tune in for the GPC videos several times a week 🤩 Thanks GPC for the inspiration and information!! 👍🏻
Great job. But ı wanted to see also these Brands on your list: Leonardo, Opus, Galen, Waterman, Montblanc.
They wouldn't cover Leonardo, Waterman, or Montblanc as they don't carry those brands.
Also, Parker!
@@nkhasselriisNor Sheaffer.
@@nkhasselriis why don’t they carry Leonardo?
Waldmann
Probably one of the BEST videos ever from Goulet Pens. Second only to the two entry level (1 & 2) videos. And the 'Next Level' up videos. (I still go back and watch them) Excellent Drew. Concise, informative.
Unbelievable amount of knowledge delivered in 13 minutes. Thank you!
Thank you! I'm glad you found value in it. - Drew
Can't believe & don't want to believe that fountain pen video could draw smile on my face in this broken heart period. Pls don't stop being u Drew ⚡️⭐️⚡️
Thanks for watching! I hope that the broken heart doesn't last too long! - Drew
I absolutely love your solo videos. I absolutely love Brian’s solo videos. When you two get together, however, I feel like I’m in a garage with “da boys”. Love you both. Love your company 💝
That's so so super kind of you to say, Annamarie! Yaaayyy! - Drew
As a fountain pen novice (just purchased my first vanishing point recently, swoon) this was very informative! I think my next purchase will be a sailor. Loved this video!
Aurora and Sailor rule! The only two brands on this list that I find indispensable in my life. I have every pen model that Aurora has ever made and sold since 1919. And Sailor remains my #1 from Japan.
Conklin and Monteverde are brands that you promote and sell, but, in my experience, scarcely deserve any attention or anybody’s dollars wasted on buying their pens.
I don’t much like Rhodia, but find Clairfontaine slightly better. Tomoe River trumps them both. The comparably pricey Graphilo is great, too. Taccia deserved a mention, if only because more people ought to be made aware of and encouraged to discover their many lovely pens and inks.
Such a fun overview!! It was a great introduction to brands that I haven’t tried yet, but I also found myself cheering when my favorite ones came up 😂 love these videos!
Thanks for watching! - Drew
EXCELLENT overview! Thanks for your stroll through both instruments and paper products. Much appreciated.
Completely agree with you, Drew: Mnemosyne has become my absolute favorite paper. Their B7 flip pad is usually in my pocket; the paper just shows color and shading so well without excessive dry time.
Yes! I love it! - Drew
This is the video I always wished existed. Thank you, Drew 🙏🏻
Simon, Is that you? Admit it, you're hooked....... I did warn you 😌 😉
@@cobwebsandcatnip BUSTED 🤣🤣🤣
You're very welcome! Thank you for the kind words! - Drew
Inkvent calendar is a must. I just hope I can get one before they are completely sold out all over the world. What an amazing video Drew and the team. Thank you.🖋📝
What a great video, Drew! Thank you for this tour through fountain pen ( and related merchandise) brands!
Thanks for watching, Sharon! - Drew
You forgot one Major point that makes the twsbi functional over all others that I have used. It doesn't dry out after setting it down for a few moments. It also maintains ink in the reservoir over the long term if capped. I have pens that are many times more expensive that stay in the drawer because they are empty or dry when I want to use them. Just answering a phone call and not capping every other brand and it's clogged when I hang up the phone.
What a wonderful overview! Will definitely be passing this along to friends who are newer to fountain pens and bewildered by the variety of options. Glad to see so many distinctive ink brands highlighted as well, if anything making choices in that area can be even more daunting than selecting a pen, and harder to advise someone else on because ink preference is *so* subjective. Colorverse has been my sentimental fave for awhile now because I love their space aesthetic and all their quirky little themed collections (the Joy in the Ordinary inks are sadly underappreciated!), but after picking up a bottle of Blushing Mushroom I think I may be in danger of falling down the Ferris Wheel Press rabbit hole as well 😂
And it's so true that there seems to be a 'perfect' Retro 51 for everyone. I've never been particularly interested in rollerballs, but once I found out the Stardust popper existed there was no way I was NOT going to get that unicorn pen 🦄 But although I'm thoroughly delighted by it and use it regularly, weirdly I'm happy with just having the one? It's a very strange experience for a serial collector 😅
Thanks for the kind words, Megan! - Drew
Great job, Drew! Your videos are always entertaining and informative. I also look forward to the pencast each week. You and Brian are the best! Amazing job!
Thanks for saying that, Judith! That makes me smile!!! - Drew
Diamine inks are so fun to write with, I’m gonna try to snag an Inkvent calendar this year! Great video, Drew!
I love Diamine Oxblood. It's my favourite red ink.
Good work, Drew. There’s no way I could describe so many brands of pens and paper without sounding repetitious. You never did.
All of your videos are so very informative… and so very much appreciated…!!!
Great job…!!!! 👍👍
I loved this presentation, Drew! Short, concise and representative of the brands! Nice!
The Brian version ran to 46.3 hours, so they went with Drew.
Don't forget Parker, Mont Blanc, and Cross! 😉
1- These are brands that they don't carry, I don't think they'd do free advertisement for them
2- Literally all of these are corporate gifts factories that used tt be alright, but today? Irrelevant. They could all go out of buisness and the fountain pen hobby would literally not suffer
@@justindesrosiers3145 hmm, did not realize they'd gotten that bad
@@jamesburton1050 Please. Tell me the difference between a Sheaffer 100, a Waterman Expert, a Waterman Hémisphère, a Cross Bailey and a Parker Sonnet
Literally none. Slightly different design, some are resin some have brass. The rest? Copy/pasted. Literally the most plain and boring « mAdE iN hOuSe » steel nibs, all proprietary cartridges that are hard to find, literally no technology to make it more convenient to the user (click to post, inner cap, ink window, different fillers, etc…) all of that for the price of a Lamy Studio. If I’m gonna pick a boring looking brass pen might as well give it removable nibs and feeds so I can have fun switching them
@@justindesrosiers3145 sorry, not an expert on pens
Drew, This video was brilliantly written AND edited! Just keeps getting better and better. Jack
Thanks, Jack! That means a lot! - Drew
Great video! Loved seeing this overview. Concise and to the point. There's a lot to say about 35 brands!
Haha! Thanks, my dude! I very much appreciate it! - Drew
VERY informative!!! I’m saving this video to my stationary playlist. Thank you so much! 💙💙💙
Little embarrassed by how excited I got when you mentioned Australia! 💚💛.
I also misheard you and thought you said Visconti came out with a Llama pen. They should come out with a Llama pen, but please don't make it out of basaltic Llama from the Mount Etna volcano.
Oh my gosh, I misheard the llama pen from Visconti as well! 🤣
You don't know how much I appreciate this video. Thank you thank you thank you.
I've had a Lamy 2000 since the early 80's. I used it all the way through two university degrees. It was a bit fiddly compared to a Bic ballpoint, but I feel the attention it took helped me remember the material I was writing. I sent it in for servicing many years ago when it developed a leak. Unfortunately it was never quite right after that. And in those pre internet days good ink was increasingly hard to find as all the old school office supply stores went out of business. So I put it back in its box, and put that box in another box. It's around, but I couldn't find it without a lot of digging.
Thank you, Drew! I just gave pens to two friends in London: one received a Lamy 2000, the other a TWISBI Iris. I think I may have unwittingly sent the recipient of the TWSBI plunging down the rabbit hole. He has already ordered two different inks for the pen!
You're keeping gas in my car, Michael! Haha thank you! - Drew
@@Gouletpens Oh, dear! To my everlasting shame, I must admit that I did not place these orders with Goulet Pens. Because my friends live in London, I ordered from companies there (avoiding shipment and customs duties). I shall have to atone and put gas in your car by placing another order with you guys! I wonder if I can possibly find something.😂
However, I have sung your praises to my two friends; who knows whether they might end up becoming your customers. But I believe you have a $200 minimum on orders from the UK, which will make it more difficult for them.
Good coverage! You did an excellent job in my opinion.
Thanks a bunch! - Drew
Great! But no honorable mentions of Parker and Montblanc?
1- These are brands that they don't carry, I don't think they'd do free advertisement for them
2- Literally all of these are corporate gifts factories that used tt be alright, but today? Irrelevant. They could all go out of buisness and the fountain pen hobby would literally not suffer
Drew, Drew, Drew. The trusted, well-liked Pied Piper of the elegant control of fine inks world. You delivered what you promised. Thank you.
Are Ferris Wheel Press inks actually made in Canada? Always thought their products were designed in Canada and manufactured overseas
I was thinking along that line - I would have liked him to clear up the fact that certain brands seem American, European, etc. but are in fact made elsewhere (China worst of all). Monteverde is especially deceptive with its Italian name.
i saw one type of their inks say. manufactured in the UK.
The sleeper brand in my collection from this list is probably Sailor. I've never been able to really "get" the 1911 Standard as, for me, the threads on the body of my example are almost razor sharp. This alone puts me off from using it, which is a mistake because the actual feel of the nib on the page is wonderful. Instead I use my Progear Slim, which doesn't seem to have the vicious threads problem and which, for me, has a perfect amount of heft in the hand for its size. So, I have a love/hate relationship with the 1911 but a love/love relationship with the PGS and the Lecoule.
You've brought up a subject that falls into my "I have become so picky!" zone. I truly don't like threads in my grip section. I can write with any pen for a short period of time, but I don't feel I should have to develop callouses for long writing sessions. It's the one complaint I have with my Montblanc 146 (which is very similar to the 1911 in size and shape). Alas for me, as all the fun and interesting pens have screw-on caps.
My current solution is the Onoto Magna Classic line of pens. Their threads are further away from the nib than most manufacturers, but the overall shape and feel in the hand is quite similar to the 1911S/146.
Pros: excellent feel and high quality materials; lightweight (which I prefer); steel and 18k nibs available. Many interesting colors available. Good customer service. Made in England. For a fee, specialty custom grinds are available
Cons: very expensive, and the cap requires 4 full turns.
This is my #1 pen. The 18k nib writes like a dream and, hugely important to me, it is supremely comfortable! This is a pen I could write a novel with and never be uncomfortable.
Their nibs are easily swapped in and out as they are screw-in types. Knowing me, I would probably just buy another pen to house another (stub) nib type. 😎
@@JerryBearry Thanks for the reply. I have loads of threaded-section pens but my 1911 Standard is far and away the most punishing. Usually I can get around this by moving my grip (which is a pretty conventional tripod) further back. This tweak also applies to the Metropolitan (MR series over here) with its fierce step down. This change of grip causes a shallower angle between nib and paper. That's not problematic tor most of my pens, but on the 1911S it's a show stopper. For the hack to work, the pen needs to be a deep and confident poster, which my 1911S is, but should not then present weird sensory distractions where the posted cap meets the barrel. My 1911S does exactly that. It's a shame as it is otherwise a nice pen. My only B&M store is a fair distance away and their droids return a blank stare and open-jawed confusion when questioned over anything more complex than an HB pencil. I have no means of trying before I buy. Neither are there any FP clubs/groups in this region as far as I know. So, all this can be rolled up into me being disinclined to get another 1911S or others in the 1911 range. Pity really.
@@bikkies Thanks for the heads up about the threads on the 1911S. Pen comfort is my main priority, even edging out the perfect nib. At 61 years of age, I am unwilling to conform my grip to any pen. To me, a fountain pen should be made for a novelist and have no threads or steps in the grip section. A fountain pen needs to be comfortable for those all-day sessions.
So I've been watching almost 2~4 videos/per day of your channel the last few days, getting back into fountain pens again. And this is hands down one of the most useful and entertaining ones!
Coming from a European country, I'm used to writing with fountain pens since 1st year of Elementary school. At the time, I didn't have a clue whatsoever about brands, so I used no name pens I got on the streets (lol, literally trying out questionable sample products my father got at his workplace from pharmaceutical companies!).
Later on, I tried for the first time the German ONLINE pens. Specifically their 'school fountain pens' which I really loved writing with, but now you made me want to try out a REAL brand with a converter so I can switch colors over time (and which seems like a much more durable and environment-friendly option to me on the long term, compared to cartridges). So I decided to try out for the first time the Lamy Al-Star and can't wait to get started with it!! Will probably upgrade to better paper too! ✨
Thank you so much for taking the time to say that! I really do appreciate the kindness! - Drew
As a fountain pen newbie, this was very helpful. But why no mention of Waterman? (Are these no longer as popular?)
Fantastic video, useful yet captivating, utterly enchanting! Thank you.
I agree! Pilot pens are my most consistent and reliable pens!
This video was right on points and such a good overview!! I shall be filling my shopping cart keeping your advice in mind! ☺️
Very well done video, Drew! Much appreciated.
Wow, Drew, you covered a lot of ground fast and you're not even breathing hard! Great job.
My personal favorite tablet / paper brand is Mnemosyne, though I like a lot of others too. Pilot, as a brand, simply cannot be beaten. Others may have a few magnificent pens, but Pilot, imo, rules the roost from top to bottom (goodness, I'd love to have one of Namiki's top tier urushi pens). If you limit it to the under $100 range, though, I cannot disagree with your conclusion - TWSBI !
I had to get some pretty airtight notes prepped, but I'm happy with how it turned out, Thank you so much, Randy! - Drew
Some of the brands I was not aware of. Thank you for this video.
You're very welcome! Thank you for watching! - Drew
My favorite is Cross, how come I don’t often see it featured on lists like this?
Excellent, video Drew. Very good job.
Excellent rundown!
Out of the “generational pens” is there a recomendation for buying used? I just picked up a used Visconti Voyager for $150, normally around $600 new. What brands will stand the test of time and will most likely not arrive broken or need nib work?
amazing exposure of master pieces of writing and it’s components
Loved this video! It was a great way to introduce the passion and intent of each brand. A delightful and fun watch 🖋
Thank you, Leanne! - Drew
Waterman, Parker, Montblank??? The 3 most iconic pen makers! 🧐
Just bought my first BENU and I’m in love. Glad they made your list. ❤️
I think this is one of the best videos that you guys have put out, Drew. Concise yet detailed, and so informative. How long do you think a Brian version would be? 😂
Probably about a month and a half. - Drew
This video was really good Drew and useful! Thanks
Nice little overview. You left out Apica notebooks that you sell. These seemingly simple notebooks are extremely durable and wonderful for fountain pen use. Their A5 size is perfect for a short story length writing.
I feel it would be a really nice life to get to test out each of these pens!
My Lamy 2000 rollerball is in my list of top 3 pens I've bought. I love fountain pens, but I can use that pen every day without any issues.
I have the Lamy 2000 mechanical pencil, and I love it. Rollerball would complete the set 🤔 😂
@@Sonicman415 I just got a Pilot E95s so I definitely can't buy a Lamy 2000 fountain pen right now. It will definitely be my next pen purchase though.
“Not that it restricts your writing freedom in anyway.” Love this comment so much because it’s so relatable! I want the structure to be there in case, but not to be forced to follow it 😂
SAME! - Drew
Since I received the Sailor Pro Gear Slim Fountain Pen - Northern Lights Purple. My first expensive (for me) pen. I bought it couple weeks ago from you all. And Wow! The 12k nib is so smooth. I didn’t understand gold nibs, until now. For me it is so special. Thank you for opening up this side of the writing world for me. It is special and so is Goulet Pens. Thanks
You meant 14k nib. An obvious typo, I’m sure.But yes, the nib is great. Sailor’s 21k is even better.
@@sajjadhusain4146 I sit here corrected
Perfect summing up. It's a very diverse and worldwide hobby, bringing people together particularly at a time when many have felt isolated and alone. There's something for everyone (even clumsy caggy handers like myself) in fountain pens!
Any fountain pen list without Parker is incomplete!
I always enjoy your videos, Drew. You have a way of describing the products in a very colorful, and entertaining way while you educate. Thanks again. BLESSINGS
Yay! Thank you! - Drew
Some lines a Day - A great idea for journal/ memory keeping. You won't find difficulty in filling up the space. What's so great about it, is that you would end up with a five-year overview of your memories per page, on any given date. Great for trying out different pens and ink colours too! Made by Leuchtturm, using quality paper and comes with a hard cover. Also great is the ribbon place holder and the elastic that keeps the book neatly shut.
Thank you for mentioning the Aurora Pen Company ! I LOVE the Talentum black with gold trim with italic nib.
Damn I didn't know so many fountain pen, nip, ink and notebook brands are from Germany. As a German, this really makes me happy ^^
Yes! Germany is crucial to the industry! - Drew
I know it's not quite Goulet's forte as a retailer, but a video on vintage pens would be pretty cool.
I would if I knew enough about them! - Drew
Yes !!! Please
That would be glorious. At least the best inks to use with vintage pens.
As informative as they are, Goulet produces these videos to sell products. If they don't sell it, you won't see much about it in a Goulet video.
Wow I LOVED this video! Great intro to a lot of brand I had heard of but didn’t know much about. It worked, you have me intrigued…
This made me smile! Thank you for taking the time to pass along that kindness! - Drew
That was great, Drew; thanks for such an informational video.
I didn't know how much I needed this video until I saw it. Thanks oodles!!
Thanks for watching! - Drew
Why you don’t have Parker pens in your offer? They are extremely popular in Europe.
We used to carry them, but they actually weren't very popular with our customers. - Drew
@@Gouletpens That doesn't mean that they don't exist.
Actually, PARKER is the only brand that most people in Europe associate with expensive pens. From the brands mentioned in this video, I only recognize Pilot and Montblanc, which is associated with Bond films. I watched this video because I’m looking for a fountain pen that looks good, feels comfortable in hand, writes nicely, and doesn’t cost a fortune.
Amazing video! I just got into the hobby this summer and thought I knew a decent amount but you guys showed me there's so much more discover outside of the pens themselves. Looking forward to ordering some new notebooks and hopefully the inkvent calender :)
That's amazing to hear! Thank you so very much! - Drew
My first experience with fountain pens was the Shaeffer No Nonsense. It was affordable and wrote well. It forms my baseline expectation in a fountain pen. Would it be possible for you to do a video comparing pen characteristics directly to a particular brand / style, like flexibility, feed, overall quality, etc?
Nice down to the ground resume!!! Well done!!
Would you consider doing a segment in the pen cast in which you talk about some inks? You have a pen of the week, but you could feature inks with a theme. Like the ink subscription but virtual and free. I’m getting the invent calendar and I cannot wait!
Maybe I missed something, but you don't have Retro 51 in your list of brand names in the shop by brand tab.
It's right at the top of the Q-S column.
@@Mythosidhe You are right. Definitely just looked over that. Thanks.
Another great video Drew. You always knock it out of the park. Thanks for including paper. I’ve not tried Maruman, I’ll have to change that soon😊
Wheee! Haha thank you so much for taking the time to say that. :) - Drew
I think I will buy a Pelikan M800 or M805. It can be one of the bests.
I watched a lot of video about them.
obviously hard to choose a number one, but i’ve been really loving my ystudio resin lately, it’s a shame they discontinued it. all about the tactile experience of the pen-the heft of the bronze body paired with the warmth and soft texture of the resin coating is just really ideal to me. shame they discontinued it
It's a confusing love - hate relationship with Goulet Pen Company videos. I hate watching them because then I see additional fountain pens I want to buy and love watching them because then I see additional fountain pens I want to buy so maybe it's a love - love relationship? Either way I'm not confused with the fact that I'll be buying new fountain pens because of these awesome videos. I wish everyone had the passion Drew and Brian have for all things fountain pens as to state what Sam Cooke sang, oh what a wonderful world this would be
Haha! You're welcome and I'm sorry! :) Thank so much for the kind words - it puts a smile on my face! - Drew
This video is really good it shows all of my favourites ❤
Well........... this is a wonderful video but entirely too much information for me as Im getting started. I have practiced feather pens. I write and go through pens like people go through bottles of water. Need a good fine nib pen, ink and paper for beginning. What would you suggest?
Great video, great job, Drew!!! You are amazing
You're too kind! Thanks for watching! - Drew
Nice job, Drew! I am surprised that you didn't highlight some of Goulet's collaborative efforts with Stipula or Conklin; but, I suppose, time was short.
Always great content and presentation, thank you!
Thank you thank you! - Drew
Hey, Drew: can’t believe you started with Aurora - will eventually own one of their lovely pens (milestone birthday, me thinks; love both Pilot & Sailor but also huge fan of Midori and their traveller’s notebook; also Colorverse, Diamine and J Herbin inks rock; finally Hobonichi Techo’s: know you don’t stock these yet but you really should!:)
... its alphabetical?
@@plkrtn oops!: too advanced for us poor maths teachers!:); they also missed Belomo which makes the best loops imho:)
I would be tickled if Goulet stocked at least the Hobonichi books. I’ve got a cover I love so all I need are the books. I tried the new Tomoe River paper they’ll be using for 2024 because a sample came with my 2023 book and was very happy with it.
@@heathergleiser was a bit concerned that the review I watched said that the same pen will put down a broader line on the new paper which is not good news for those of us with small handwriting; have a sheet of new stock which came with my Hobonichi 5yr planner but haven’t tried it out yet - hopefully I can find an ink that writes pretty much the same on both papers!:)
@@anguswhite8233 I tried my Pelikan 205 with Diamine Green-Black in it and didn’t see any difference between it and using the same pen and ink on a notepad. It was a medium nib and my fairly small handwriting looked OK. I tend to stick to fine or medium for that reason.
I was born and lived in Bassano del Grappa, so thank you so much for calling it lovely... Well I assume that the compliment extends to the town.
Yes! Bassano del Grappa was absolutely stunning - I enjoyed every minute of it! - Drew
I was under the impression that Conklin pens (except for the nib) are USA made - did you omit this?
Thank you very much for the precious advices!
Wow I should have been taking notes!! I now want more stuff hahaha time to rewatch
Goulet does NOT carry Waterman? No Waterman pens? No Waterman ink? What? Such an iconic "French" brand.
Yeah such an "iconic" brand that today only makes variations of a black//GT corporate gift pen in slightly different sizes and weight... Literally, the Carène is the only slightly excting pen, the rest is soooo forgettable...
All of these pens are great but I prefer to use some of the vintage brands with one of them being a Mont Blanc 320 in Bordeaux. Even though it is almost 40 years old, it writes with the crispness and ease of some of the newer brands of pens.
Fantastic video. Thank you!
Thanks for watching! - Drew
No mention of Parker?
What’s with the metal knob/wheel on the Traveler’s Notebook?
Well done! Only one thing: you didn't mention Monteverde inks! I really like them and I think they are underrated.
I mentioned them very briefly. :) - Drew
@@Gouletpens I will go back and look--thanks for saying something about them.
Why no Waterman, or Montblanc or Cross pen for that matter?
Robert Oster ink is glorious! Makes me glad to be an Aussie.
if anyone here has hypermobile ehlers danlos, arthritis, chronic hand pain, basically anything at the hand level that makes writing painful, try fountain pens! you dont have to press hard like with ballpoints and in my case (suspected hEDS) they totally help with my finger hyperextension and writing posture
I also have joint issues and using a fountain pen has really helped.
i fell into a fountain pen rabbit hole thanks to Ferris wheel press.
i love their inks. and bought one of their pens. found 2 vintage fountain pens in a box i got at a thrift store, but i am unable to get them to work, yet don't want to throw them away.
There are just so many great brands I have come to love!
Indeed there are! - Drew