#1 Will Surprise You - 2023 Top 10 Fountain Pens

[@archivist17]

I wish I'd been in a position to take advantage of that amazing Capless offer 😞 But I'm very happy for the seller, and the DoodleBud viewers who snapped one up. 😀

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

I'm really enjoying seeing everyone's top of 2023 lists. One thing all of your choices have in common; they're all interesting from an engineering standpoint.

[@TheNightowl001]

I bought probably my one and only Montblanc pen this past year. I bought a Montblanc Noblesse silver-colored, chrome trim (my favorite color scheme), EF nib. I found one at a pretty decent price and made sure both the snowcaps on the finials were intact. I've also always been a fan of slim form-factor implements, like the Cross Classic Century line, Sheaffer Targas, the Faber Castell Neo Slims, and the Lamy CP1s. That's another reason this will probably be my only Montblanc pen in my life.

[@aaaronlemay]

Thanks for putting this together. Indeed was surprised by #1.

[@themisterchristie]

Excellent list and nice pens My top 10 pens list (10-4 in no particular order) 10- Jinhao 100 Centennial Mini 9- Wing Sung 3013 (Doesn't post) 8- Sipliv Classic/Hero 616 7- Jinhao 80 6- Jinhao x750 (better with a Jowo medium or fine flex, have both with Goulet branding. Posts, but not well.) 5- Majohn A1 (Used until I broke the door) 4- Vintage Sheaffer Imperial II My Top 3 - drum roll please 3- Vitage Sailor Mini Pocket Pen 2- Vintage Platinum Pocket Pen 1- Vintage Pilot Elite I really seem to have a thing for the pocket pens. I swap between the three often, but the Pilot is used the most. Use them at work all the time.

[@randomrandomizer]

I got a noblesse in 2023 and quite agree with your assessment. It’s pretty smooth for a slimline pen.

[@davidthefat]

I have a similar pen to the slim line. It’s a vintage Cartier de Must trinity. I’ve read that Cartier pens are often manufactured by Montblanc, and this pen looks very similar to the slim line. Except the nib has a more traditional nib shape. Same with you, I have big hands and prefer bigger pens, but love writing with it. Just feels right. Similar girth as a wooden pencil, so that might make it seem more natural.

[@edclevel402]

You just *exude* passion in this video. Very cool.

[@blktauna]

LOL I have 5 Noblesseses. I LOVE them. I have a steel, a blue lacquer, a red lacquer in stainless, a gold one with 14k like yours, and a blue lacquer 18k. They are wonderful writers and no one knows about them anymore.

[@Doodlebud]

Its like a little hidden pen secret LOL. Unassuming looking pen, but man it feels just perfect when you start writing!

[@soapingirl2358]

The Montblanc Noblesse and earlier versions are my favorite - I have tried collecting them mostly because they are not the typical, fat fountain pens. My second favorite the vanishing point - I would love the thinner, vintage version, too! Great review of your 2023 favorites!

[@MaryShelleysNib]

That vintage noblesse is absolutely stunning, imagine Liz Taylor pulling it out to scribe a love letter to Richard Burton 😍

[@jeanpetiton4060]

Beautiful pens, the ensso is my favorite one, but all of them are very nice. Happy New Year to all of you. I am looking forward to seeing what 2024 brings to the fountain pen community

[@PalashBackup]

Good list DB, and so close to 25k subs. I still recall first finding you with near 1k subs and being fascinated with the awesome, weird Canadian fountain pen guy. Still going strong, still awesome as always. Have a happy new year bro. Wishing you all the best and more success. That being said, I totally don't agree with any of your lists if it doesn't include the Lamy 2000.😂

[@Doodlebud]

If I did a top 10 overall, good chance my L2K would be on the list

[@ofeykalakar1]

I like the Y Studio brass lacquer pens- fine nibs. My Lamy2k is nice but not as forgiving as the Y.

[@williamcatalano1762]

The Diplomat Excellence A2 is such an underrated pen. It never gets enough credit for being a workhorse pen. Writes very good for a steel nib, snap cap doesn't dry the nib out. It's a heavier pen, but extremely durable to be a workhorse or a work pen. Great video Doodlebud!

[@Doodlebud]

Love my A2

[@williamcatalano1762]

@@Doodlebud I just finally got a Homo Sapiens Bronze age with a 23k Palladium medium nib and just got a Visconti Opera Gold... Love them dearly. Top 10 pens in my collection for sure! Have a great New Year Doodlebud and cheers!

[@cynthiaalvarado8610]

Great list of pens, what a terrific collection during the year. I had fun watching these pen’s reviews and look forward to more fun. Thanks DB

[@Doodlebud]

I have some stuff coming up with weekend to get things started for the year :)

[@jpfanfic4226]

I preordered an ensso urushi after watching your full review. Can't wait to use it!

[@Doodlebud]

Hope the wait will be worth it 👍

[@LVA22-y1m]

About the 360 tendency to skip--YES, mine does and I've heard other people say the same. Is it the angle of the nib? BB nature of Omas nibs? No one seems to know why but I have a feeling you're going to figure it out! Thanks for all the great content!

[@Doodlebud]

I have a feeling I know what it is so just need to set aside some time to do it. I have a feeling it will take some time and patience to get it just right. I'll post a video when its sorted out

[@LVA22-y1m]

@@Doodlebud Thank you! Appreciate it!

[@ilikepens]

Happy new year doodlebud! Thanks for all the work you put in during 2023. Looking forward to what you have to share in 2024!

[@Doodlebud]

Have some fun ideas planned for 2024 👍

[@derekdavis5720]

Brilliant top 10. My top 3 from your list would have to be Montegrappa James Bond, Omas 360 and the Pineider. I’m not a mad James Bond fan but the Montegrappa stands on its own for me. Lovely list, great video. Thanks DB

[@KnightJRL]

We'd love back to hear from you, too! 😅 Love the list, and all your reviews, as well! I mean, I've loved all your videos. As I said in another video comment, you're the reason for me buying a vintage Pilot Elite AND an E95s! Quite honestly, you're one of the main people responsible for me diving into the world of fountain pens, to begin with! Thank you for all your amazing videos, and I look forward to all the spectacular content you'll bring to us in 2024!

[@Doodlebud]

Good to hear my vids have helped you out in the hobby 👍

[@fossilimprint2954]

Nice video, I must still be new to this universe of fountain pens - over half of the pens you showcased I did not know anything about the company.

[@the1styrian634]

I bought a MB Noblesse in Chrom around 1980. A great Writer and my only pen in Highshool and at the University. I still use it sometimes today.

[@999tinman]

What an Awesome collection for 2023!

[@elainenabors9832]

I always enjoy your videos!!!!! Thank you and Happy New Year!

[@Doodlebud]

Happy new year!

[@kimkristensen5476]

Nice list .. Btw. I have been told that in the bottom of the rifeling in the 007 cap is a mirror so you can see yourself as a real double o ... well anyway like start of the movies...

[@majajamie]

Happy New Year! Thank you for all the wonderful videos you posted in 2023, and for this best of. Looking forward to more videos from you this year!😁

[@Doodlebud]

Same to you! Hoping I can make it to another meetup sometime 😁

[@majajamie]

@@Doodlebud Hopefully!🤞

[@brightonbabe2139]

Thank you for your mix of new and vintage pens. I adore my Waterman Carene's. I have two, fine and medium. One was second hand the other new. I also love the pilot Elise and have bought one from an auction site and awaiting for its delivery. It has been upgraded with maki-e so I am interested in seeing how it looks in real life. Thank you for your sessions and I look forward to more in 2024.

[@Doodlebud]

I can't get enough of that vintage Elite!

[@brightonbabe2139]

You would salivate over this one. Its arrived and the cap is covered on one side with maki-e in reds and golds. The nib is fine as well and it rights like a dream. I have never seen one like it. I dont think it was from the factory, I think someone had it done privately. AND NOW I HAVE IT. 😁@@Doodlebud

[@paulmchugh1430]

This is quite a selection. I had the Elite with the same metal body. I now kick myself for selling it. I should find another or perhaps go for the E95S. You like the older Elite over it. The ēnnso Urushi is stunning. Hopefully there will be more in the future. The Noblese is a fantastic pen for its time. I do wish Montblanc would make it and other models again that would be more affordable. Surprised that there are no pens from China. There were some fabulous releases this year.

[@Doodlebud]

Had some fantastic Chinese pens this year but there was some pretty big competition for the top 10 list

[@13noman1]

What a nice selection -- but even better is the steady parade of top notch reviews you post! Thanks so much and Happy New Year! I think the two most "challenging" pens (for the rest of us) on this list are the 007 -- VERY NICE, cool and tempting and your discount code helps but it's still painfully pricey for me. The second was the urushi piuma. I was sorely tempted but while grappling with myself, I didn't move fast enough so they're sold out.

[@Doodlebud]

Oh I hear you about the 007. Wasn't expecting that one to come across my desk

[@ichirofakename]

1. Thanks again for introducing me to the L130 , which is my favorite drawing pen for 2023. Currently I am debating getting another, if I can come up with some sort of justification for having two, which I will. With ease. 2. I've been craving an Ag pen, not unlike your successful Au craving. Maybe a Pilot Silvern. No vintage for me.

[@Doodlebud]

Ag pen has been on my mind for some time now too. The pilot is on the list as well. Still not exactly sure which one it should be

[@ichirofakename]

@@Doodlebud any Ag pen content greatly appreciated.

[@Volkmannx]

Thank You & Happy New Year!

[@Doodlebud]

Happy new year!

[@kevinu.k.7042]

What a lovely selection of pens. Some I knew, many I didn't. An enjoyable video. I wonder if you would enjoy the Otto Hutt Design 4 - I have one with a teel nib. It's every bit as good as my G.V. Faber Castel Classic gold nib. F.Castell have just bought them out, but I hear they will continue to produce their own pens as a sub business.

[@slo_carry]

Fantastic selection of pens! I'm excited to see what 2024 brings to the collection.

[@Doodlebud]

Same here!

[@JSGilbert]

Some interesting choices here. While I like the looks of the Pineider Modern Times, it just doesn’t feel like a $275 USD+ pen. You would expect a 14k nib at that price point too. As for the Omas, I’m curious if you have spent any time with the reissue that cane out in 2008. It divided the pen community at the time, with most saying they didn’t care for it. I may be in the minority, and I like it better than the vintage 360. It seals better, has more modern styling, fits well in my big paws and despite a dramatic change to the nib, I love how it writes. I think it’s great that we’re seeing some nice, real Urushi pens that are affordable. While I don’t own any yet, I’ve seen quite a few that were $200 USD or less. And I also love my Noblesse pens. I got a deal way back from a MB collector and got 7 pens total, as well as a watch, several wallets, etc. He had collected some things that were still in boxes, but was in ill health and wanted to sell. I guess he took a shining to me and when he gave me a price, I asked him 5 times if he was sure. I doubt I’ll ever get another deal that even comes close. Even at garage sales and charity shops, the vultures seem to perpetually be circling. And congrats on that Montehrappa.

[@caseyjp1]

Interesting choices. Of course when one lives on the "low-end" as I do, these really didn't trip any 'ooooh!" EXCEPT for the 007. That is a gorgeous pen...that I'll never own. My top three would be #3 Majohn A1 'Fishscale'. #2. The Hong Dian N7, and #1. Jinhao 9019. (I like the look/n/feel of the N7 better, but the 9019 just writes like a dream.)

[@Doodlebud]

A1 fish scale is my favorite of all the A1,A2,A3 they offer, just an awesome pen. Haven't used the N7 but the 9019 is fantastic as well. Writes wonderfully!

[@santauxia]

Nice selection. The Urushi is gorgeous but the Carene its really nice as well.

[@moonlover1313]

Great list Mr. Doodlebud! I'm a recent subscriber, and your videos helped me really get interested in fountain pens. I ended up picking up an Esterbrook Raven because of your review, so thank you so much for that! It's one of my absolute favorite pens and gets regular use still! The Waterman Carene (sp?) is now on my list lol, so thanks for another good suggestion, but that has to wait until I pick up a Visconti Mirage Mythos Happy new year, and i can't wait to see more awesome suggestions and reviews this year!

[@Doodlebud]

Happy to hear my vids have helped you out with the hobby 👍

[@Mr.H-YT42]

After your Ensso Urushi unboxing I went straight to the website and got on the “notify me” list. The very next day I got an email that went with a second round 2024 offering of 100 more pens (not numbered). They were going fast, so I jumped on it. Shipping in July. Can’t thank you enough for the video!

[@Doodlebud]

Good to hear you got on to the list!

[@judyjacobs5827]

Congratulations on getting some high-end pens you've been wanting at prices that don't make your eyes roll back in your head. Thanks for sharing them with us, and having so much fun doing so. Do I have any of these? Uh, no. But I do have several of the pens referenced in the list after the video, like the three Jinhao models and pens from Wingsung. There are a couple of Majohn/Moonman pens in process somewhere. Thanks also for those discount codes which, had I any sense, I could have used in the past few months.

[@JefferyHall-ct2tr]

Those are some pretty interesting pens! Have to say, the triangular ones are quite fascinating to me!

[@DanielFSmith]

My Noblesse nib is a little scratchy, but the way it softly "lands" on the paper, rather than bumping down, makes it calming to write with. (Flighter style, not very expensive, used, bought from Japan.)

[@Doodlebud]

Mine has a hint of tooth but it comes from the architect style grind on the nib. But if feels just perfect and every time I write with the pen I always go WOW this feels fantastic!

[@wlbrockman]

Interesting approach to a top 10 list. I enjoyed it because it got me thinking about my own collection. I'm also budget minded, but able to splurge now and then. I, too, like pocket pens & unique pens. So, allow me to commend to you the Otto Hutt Design 5. I just got mine a week ago, but already rank it at the to of my list of pens I would take anywhere. It's my first Otto Hutt & will probably be my last because their other models are largely beyond my reach. This one, however, is less than $100. It is a pocket pen with a spring-loaded clip, a superb nib, excellent craftsmanship & a unique finial--a touchscreen stylus. Sounds gimmicky, but it works great for me. You & your viewers really should give it a look. Wish I'd known about that $100 gold MB. However, I picked up a vintage gold Caran d'ache Ecridor last year for$150 & am very fond of it. Great 18k gold nib. Looks very like your MB. I agree that I would not consider a "serious" collection complete without a gold pen.

[@wendyholiday2021]

Great selection. 👍 Happy New Year

[@Doodlebud]

Happy New Year

[@shermanlee8108]

Unexpectedly that you will choose Montblanc Noblesse especially you have bigger hands than mine! I have collected a few Slim Lines only and love them so much, especially they don’t break the bank that hard, wohahaha… none of them are fully gold, wohahaha…. Anyways, great sharing and thanks very much. PS: I love your Montegrappa 007! So cool. I only have a Parola with steel F nib, so thin the line and stiff in writing…. Still need to adjust my mindset to love it…. The OMAS 360 is on my dream list since 2020…😜😭 I look forward to watching your next review! Cheers!

[@Doodlebud]

So many great pens in 2023! I think what put the Noblesse to #1 was it was a great price, and odd pen for me, and the nib was unexpectedly good. And the cap seals wonderfully! The 007 is a fantastic pen. I have to keep refilling it because the moment its full I just keep writing with it and I empty it in no time!

[@ironmic9244]

I have a couple of 360s, and I don't recall them having start up issues as a result of sealing. They get going the moment the nib touches the page. I hope you get it how you want it.

[@Doodlebud]

Ok thanks for that info. I have a feeling is the taper from the breather hole to the nib. Seems like needs a fine adjustment. This one is a bit tricky because things move when you put the nib back in because its such a tight fit. But I can't really do the adjustment with the nib installed in the pen so its be a bit frustrating. But I'll get it there eventually!

[@ironmic9244]

@@Doodlebud The nibs are really hard to pull out on the standard model, unlike the Magnum which is friction fit, the standard model needs that tool, but I guess one can pull it out, and I believe you have the standard model right? Yeah I am sure when you get the pen writing the way you want it'll jump to top 3 if not number 1. :) No OMAS bias here LOL

[@PenFriends]

The Enzo is my personal favourite!

[@Richard_Barnes]

I find it hard to often believe in so-called unbiased reviews when items included are free and or of higher value too, because that invokes an emotional response by nature of that, ergo leads to it meaning more than others because of it. That in and of itself is biased and I feel in this one has led to the two most expensive ones being in the top 3. As always, my opinion only. I enjoyed the video 👍🏻Nice pen choices and I didn't even realise there were vintage vanishing point pens! 😄The virtually all black 007 appeals a lot, as does any urushi as that's something I like too. I am finding myself at the limit of buying more metal gripped pens now though as I've overdone the EDC kind of ones. 😆The vanishing point has ended up being one of my most used pens for it's absolute ease of deployment, like turning a cap for 2 seconds on other pens is inconvenient! Ha.

[@Doodlebud]

You'll never find an unbiased review no matter if something was paid for or not. All people have biases in everything we do, its what makes us who we are. Reviews are essentially "opinions" and an opinion will of course have a bias. The best thing someone can do is watcha few videos reviews, read a few posts, and then use that info (each one with its own bias) to try to help with a decision

[@graylingboysalisbury]

The Racquel Welsh........ I mean the Carene (same thing) for me, just the sassiest pen ever. ❤

[@Doodlebud]

Its a beauty!

[@KingFroglet]

Hey doodlebud what would be a good starter to draw with something that could hold a moderate amount of ink and is comfortable in the hand with the $20 price range

[@xmanual]

Omas 360 owner here. Nib dries out in a day or less on mine. Also have a 360 Lamborghini edition and it’s a little better but still dries out in less than a week.

[@Doodlebud]

Thats not good to hear. I received some new 3D printing material and was wondering if I might be able to design some type of cap liner to improve the sealing

[@xmanual]

@@Doodlebud I'll be interested to see what you come up with.

[@johnantonioni9654]

I love that 007 pen. I’m also a pistol enthusiast, but the Canadian feds are making managing that collection more difficult these days. I think I will make an investment in one of those pens.

[@Doodlebud]

Canadian government might have to slap on a warning on the box saying there are design elements of a pistol and make you register the pen LOL. The worst is what they have done to cigars!!!! All the lovely work into the boxes, bands, packaging etc is all gone. They say its not to attract young smokers LOL. Yeah, 16 year old kids are going out there and buying $40 a piece cigars because of the fancy cap band........ typical brain dead bureaucrats "fixing" an non existent problem and making something worse for everyone

[@maxti2172]

Interesting review, would be even better if there were writing samples included. I personally were a bit confused, why no Montblanc in the review, until have reached No1 :) and tadaa! here it is.

[@Doodlebud]

The vid was already pretty long and I have individual reviews for each pen with writing samples. So no need to make it a super long video I figured

[@Mr._Polly_Potts]

Happy New Year!

[@Doodlebud]

Same to you!

[@technoraptor7778]

Your reviews have the most scientific evidence of quality pens...I trust your opinions.

[@Doodlebud]

Glad to hear they help with your purchase decisions👍

[@impish22]

how fun, I've been waiting for this one for sure

[@Doodlebud]

I was debating about doing this vid at all since there have been so many done on the same thing. I figured people were pretty much done with watching vids on this topic LOL

[@archivist17]

Cool cigar box.

[@Doodlebud]

This is how I make them kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH-8qpaqrrSZh8k

[@philnaunton7181]

Yes, #1, the MontBlanc, is surprising because it's so skinny. I, in my late years now, would not be comfortable using it. I'm somewhat amazed that you can. It has been an enlightening year 🎉, wishing you a Good New 2024.

[@Doodlebud]

Its an odd little pen but every time I use it I'm pleasantly surprised! Its great that its affordable for more users as well

[@Innieminnie]

Are the nibs on Excellence A2 the same as the ones on the Aeros and Eloxes?

[@Doodlebud]

Not 100% sure but about 99% sure they are

[@marilyngardner4269]

I believe they are. At least that's what I was told by a very experienced Diplomat retailer. I love the Excellence A2 as well ... I have two of them and they are incredible pens.

[@pepperpath]

Thanks 🙏 Is the montblanc and ef?

[@Doodlebud]

It's a fine. Here's the review kzbin.info/www/bejne/epKzh3VunbuVZ6M

[@robsterTN]

That Ensso Irushi pen is just sexy. I love the look of it!

[@JandLP]

And not a single Pelikan? Kinda odd, but still a solid list. At least you got the Caréne, that’s a fantastic choice.

[@Doodlebud]

I didn't get any new Pelikan pens this year. I have some, but as I mentioned this was a list of pens I received in 2023

[@JandLP]

@@Doodlebud Ohhh, sorry! That’s on me.

[@Doodlebud]

@@JandLP no worries buddy 👍

[@EnCwoisant]

Dooooodlebud! Happy New Year 🎉

[@Doodlebud]

Happy new year

[@JMBalaguer]

Thanks for the video. I bought the Faber Castell Tamitio (fine nib) and I deeply regret it because it always has a dry start after 2 or 3 hours of not using it. I tried with different inks without any success. 😢 I have Chinese fountain pens 10 times cheaper that work perfectly with a fine and extra-fine nibs.

[@Doodlebud]

Did you ever reach out to the retailer you bought it from? Thats the first thing I would do. 2-3hrs and having it dry up seems really bad. Possibly a faulty cap liner or assembly

[@inharmonik]

What’s that nice green case?

[@Doodlebud]

Here's the video, comes in a nice salmon color too kzbin.info/www/bejne/noKvm4qcbM2mes0

[@aioobalharash1341]

hi guys , I was looking at fountain pens allot lately, I saw a fountain pen in a KZbin short a while back , and got so obsessed to get on , I'm very picky so I took allot of time to pick mine, nonstop I was looking and extremely obsessed ... I finally got one I really love , but I'm still obsessed ....HELP !

[@XtianApi]

That, doesn't look like a vanishing point. Isn't that a decimo?

[@Doodlebud]

Its a vintage VP. Style and dimensions have changed over time. The modern decimo is closer to the vintage ones

[@channelwonnews4322]

You're a fountain pen fella and you leave your fountain penS full of ink, UNUSED for over a month!? Oh the carnage D,:

[@channelwonnews4322]

By the way I'm just pullin' your leg Bud :D I hope you have a wonderful rest of the year!

[@Doodlebud]

I live on the wild side

[@JMaxwell1000]

Too long-winded.

[@mar-mar-marina]

The Modern Times is such a cool pen! 🩵💙

[@sporttowy]

no to oglądamy