2021 TWSBI Swipe Fountain Pen Unboxing and Review Prussian Blue and Smoke EF and 1.1 Stub.

[@MrCabimero]

Sir- at this point I am so happy you are back I could care less if you reviewed a box of cereal. My Saturday mornings are back to normal and the earth is spinning on its axis again. Thanks for all you do!!!!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you so much, MrCabimero! I'm glad to be back. I have a number of reviews already lined up ready to go for your Saturday morning entertainment! :)

[@MrAndrew1953]

I have a Prussian blue stub. I have tried both the spring 🌼 loaded converter and the cartridge with the spring. The new cartridge is very good that comes in a coffin box of 10. Another ink you could try is Diamine Prussian blue. There will have to be a red as there are red cartridges available. I’m using the clip on my t shirt. No cracking issues. I have 2 TWSBI ‘GOs’ rugged little guys- use and love them both.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Good to know! Thanks, Andrew!

[@eyemelkay]

I have the Swipe stub 1.1, and do not have the scratchiness you encountered. It also does not skip. Using the provided cartridge. I agree that the clip is not useful.

[@jeffroberts532]

Nice review, Doug, as always. Thank you for pointing out the flaw with the clip. I found the clip to be extremely stiff & difficult to use, but did not realize the potential stress cracks. Also, I purchased the fine nib expecting it to be an Eastern fine, but it's much more medium, even a Western medium to be honest. Disappointed with that & will probably park the pen until I can purchase an XF nib. I'm so glad you're back! Oh, and loved the Triumph! One of the most underrated bands of superior musicians!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Right on, Jeff. The nibs tend to write more like western sizes. I know my TWSBI 580 Broad was a paintbrush!! Triumph is an awesome band. "Magic Power" is an amazing song with many levels, tempos and styles.

[@edwardwiper1323]

Hi Doug so glad to see you back on Saturday with another frank & honest review.I only own 2 Twsbi's a Go & Classic they are both retired to the bottom of my pen drawer,mainly because they are dry & scratchy .The swipe appears to be more of a gimmick pen with the different filling systems instead of concentrating on the pen itself.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks 👍 When I think I can get a Jinhao Centennial for half the price of a Swipe, I just feel it is a bit over-priced for what you get.

[@humanfirst11]

What are your favorite pens now?

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@humanfirst11 My in-use all the time top pens currently are; Pelikan M800, Pilot e95s,. Leonardo Furore Grande.

[@hamana2011]

I have many TWSBI Eco but this one surprised me the color is nice the nib writes better snap cap is a plus price is cheaper I just like it lol Thanks for all the details

[@deloresazary2960]

There is something about the sound of a 12 string guitar - love it!! Thanks for taking the time for this video.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks !

[@MeteCanKarahasan]

Sir you are an inspiration and composer of fine musical introductions!

[@oscarmedina1597]

You are in top form, Doug. You whipped out another winner.

[@deanandreoli1975]

Got my wife a Swipe with the stub nib. She's got beautiful penmanship and loves to do calligraphy. (she just tosses her pens in her bag and never uses the clips, so no worries there) Doug, that 12 string you were playing is gorgeous! The only 12 string I own is an electric sparkle white Daisey Rock. lol (really tho.)

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Dean! That is a Gibson Custom Hummingbird 12 string. Very rare. I got it on an amazing deal because it was never quite right from the factory. I had an expert luthier work on it and it is incredible now!

[@deanandreoli1975]

@@InkquiringMinds it's gorgeous. 🔥👑 nice score. (no music pun intended 😉)

[@daviddyer2607]

I use the 1.1 Swipe on a daily basis, it is a wonderful writer.

[@andrewsobey2873]

Hey Doug you missed one key pro about the smoke grey swipe. The colour, clip design and the red cap finial make this pen resemble a cylon centurion from the 2003 series of battlestar galactica! This would be the main selling point for me if I do pull the trigger. Great to see you back!

[@knsbbq1951]

I have the Prussian Blue in a F nib and I love it. Writes as well as my Lamy 2000 just not a gold nib. It doesn’t skip like the 2k either. I think the clip is more of a roll stop.

[@frankbruno7122]

Hey Doug.. nice job.. just received my Jade Eco.. very nice.. hey.. May 21st, 2022.. 8 inches of snow here in Boulder.. it was 89 degrees F. Two days ago.. crazy man, crazy! Love your work! Frank in Colorado

[@InkquiringMinds]

Very nice! I was getting a sunburn just a few days ago, now there's snow in the forecast!

[@machiatt0079]

We missed you, Doug! Thanks for the fab review! :)

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, Machiatt00!

[@sathishrao7926]

That ‘Bio-hazard’ logo is intentional - looking at the amount of plastic used in this model and the other Twsbi modes in general ! This is the most unexciting pen whose review I’ve seen in recent times ! Looking forward to your upcoming review on the most disproportionate (and fattest) pen in the history of fountain pens !

[@InkquiringMinds]

I haven't even inked that Moonman Q1 yet! I'm afraid of what my video might turn into! LOL

[@tdowling149]

Thanks for this subtly framed review of the Pilot Explorer and Platinum Prefounte. You're right, those pens are excellent values .

[@InkquiringMinds]

My pleasure! You saw that eh? :)

[@MrDanthelan]

As always Doug very insightful. I couldn't agree more.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you so much, Daniel!

[@lucm6476]

Can't wait to see if the spring in the converter will rust over time . thanks for the video

[@martinlebl631]

The pen will crack before then. Shouldn't if it is really nice stainless. I mean nibs don't rust in most inks.

[@hriveran]

I have a comment not about the swipe but the Platinum Prefounte. Sadly, I got the opposite experience to yours. My Prefounte dries overnight. The same happens to my brother’s. I swapped the section with a Preppy and works fine.

[@miltoncano8670]

Hey Doug, FYI I saw this pen in “Salmon” color. Great video BTW. I’ll check the Pilot Explorer. Thank you for another informative video.

[@tiantuatara]

I'm glad to see your comparison with the Explorer. I'm an Explorer fan and love Pilot nibs.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Me too!

[@marcihummel9715]

I have a TWSBI Swipe with a fine nib and love it. It writes very smoothly and doesn’t skip. The grip is perfect for my hands. And, by the way, the “blue-green” color you referred to is Prussian Blue. Not green at all. I don’t care about the clip - I never use them anyway.

[@JuceePeachz67]

As always Doug, another entertaining and informative video. I have a few TWSBI pens I need to sell however, I truly enjoy my Vac 700 R Iris. I did order this pen just to have an EDC plus something for my grandchildren to practice with; they’re 4 & 5. I have to try it out once it arrives to compare against my Eco’s. Looking forward to the next video. So good to have you back.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for sharing, Marianne!

[@qvisionstudios]

Doug, you must spend just as much time sourcing out the clip inserts as you do on the review. It certainly adds to the entertainment value and we appreciate it. Thanks for the Swipe review and comparisons.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Sometimes! I've sometimes searched for an hour for a particular clip that is in my brain but can't find.

[@Cocobird5]

I love the short video clips.

[@jorge23483]

TWSBI never have been my cup of tea, and the Swipe doesn't really change my opinion🤔. And I agree with Doug, making a comparison, the Explorer is a better option. Thank you for the video Doug.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you for watching and being a member!

[@tictac9074]

Great review, love the intro

[@ichirofakename]

1. That's a good review, thanks. I particularly like you including a comparison pen that you approve of. 2. Kudos to TWSBI for bringing out something different. 3. Love that huge cartridge. It looks like hard plastic that would last through many refillings. (is it?)

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Ichiro! The converters are very well made and sturdy.

[@gertahnstrom784]

Thanks for a very nice and balanced review! Cheers from Sweden.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jamerelbe]

Thanks for the review Doug - I've got a collection of TWSBIs, and was thinking of adding one of these. I think you've convinced me to look at the Pilot Explorer instead though... Unless you wanted to recommend the TWSBI Classic?? 😬

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad to help! Take a look at my TWSBI Classic review. It isn't a bad pen. The section is a bit small, the cap doesn't post and it doesn't take a lot of ink for a piston filler (captured converter).

[@Gamez4eveR]

I have just got my first fountain pen, the Lamy Safari with the Extra Fine nib! I am very much a fan, but even the EF nib on the Lamy is too thick for my writing, so I am looking at getting the EF Swipe, very excited to see your review!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Great to hear!

[@WhatIInk]

"Magic Power"... Great song, and thanks! (How about some Rush next?)

[@InkquiringMinds]

Wow! Talk about raising the bar! Alex is extraordinary!

[@HJKelley47]

I'm finding my Swipe med. nib to be dry and a bit scratchy, requiring some nib tweaking. However, the Go (1.1 stub), is writing wet, and smoother than the Swipe. Have not had any problem with "drag" across the paper with the Go. Like both the TWSBI 580 mini and the 580. Currently have 12 TWSBIs and have not had any cracking problems with my Eco's (10) nor the 580s (2). Will have to try the Pilot Explorer. Have the Pilot Metropolitans, Pilot Plumix, Pilot Prera, Pilot Kakuno, Pilot 78G and the Pilot Lucina.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Nice to see you Helen! The Explorer is just a great, sturdy, versatile, knock-about pen IMO. Tough to beat.

[@paulherman5822]

I'd thought about getting a Swipe, as I hadn't tried TWSBI pens, yet. I liked what others have said about it. The clip being basically a roll stop, instead of a practical clip, didn't bother me. However, if I want to get a pen that gets stress cracks in the cap, I can get a Wing Sung 3013/Paili 013 for less, that'll do the same thing. Looks like I wait to dip my toes into TWSBI, once again. Thanks for the review.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Paul. They DO seem to be having continuing issues with the brittle plastic on their pens.

[@martinlebl631]

Ironic as the clip might be the single most expensive part of the pen.

[@namope359]

Huh. Thanks for mentioning the stress cracks on the cap. Have a lot of cracking in my collection, and that will be something to consider. I would also like to know how a swipe can clean up. While the pilot explorer might be a option in the future, I find pilot pens a pain to clean without a blue bulb you can get from a parallel set. The standard bulb syringe might be the trick for the swipe as a converter pen this time around, but I wouldn't mind to know. Thanks for the video. ^^

[@InkquiringMinds]

The nib and feed pull so easily from a Pilot Explorer (any of the five Pilots that share the nib/feed actually), that it is very simple and quick to clean.

[@seanthomas8864]

Thanks for the review Doug. Glad you're posting reviews again. I'm curious if the EF nib is basically the same nib and feed as the eco ef nib. I may be better sticking with my Kakuno M with the con 70 or grabbing an explorer...just because.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I don't have an Eco to check unfortunately. Perhaps Janice does.

[@davidmcguigan5497]

Thanks, Doug! Not cracked ice, just cracks; good eye. TWSBI is probably selling a lot of these, but not to me. Enjoyed your Pilot Explorer body slam of the Swipe causing even more cracks, no doubt. Cheers!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, David. I just think it is a no-brainer when the pens are roughly the same price. Plus, buy a Plumix for the stub nib and you're in business. Pilot is adding four new colours to the lineup in just days.

[@andrewcamacho4092]

There is a new pen called the Swipe About the stiff clip Doug would gripe. A sad cracking plight From a clip oh so tight Is unfortunately true, not just hype.

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL! That's awesome, Andrew!

[@martinlebl631]

Very clean for a limerick...Unless the crack leaks some ink.

[@Detman101]

Hahaha...awesome!!! =]

[@santauxia]

Great honest review.

[@AdamGoodson]

The Prussian Blue color on the pen looks great.

[@InkquiringMinds]

It is a lot more blue/green than what it looks like on camera.

[@AdamGoodson]

@@InkquiringMinds interesting. So it isn’t the same blue as the TWSBI Classic Blue Fountain Pen.

[@RichardSmith-uw6st]

Doug nice to again look forward to your Saturday review videos. Great job on the video as always. I might be wrong, but I believe twsbi uses jowo nibs and the size is actually a number 4. As a result the lines they produce are truly western size and not Japanese. Thanks again for the great review and entertainment.

[@i.c.3157]

It's pretty easy to mistake the size of the nib but Twsbi does indeed use #5 nibs on all their models except for the Vac-700 but the D-580 uses a wider #5 which does kind of make it proprietary to that model alone however other standard #5 nibs fit it fine.

[@TweakMDS]

I've always found TWSBI's pens quite compelling, but now that I've somewhat expanded my collection of pens with some more reference materials, this doesn't really offer me anything worth spending the money on. I LOVE that it comes with a stub, but if it's the same as on my ECO, it's a bit on the dry side for a lot of inks. One advantage of the ECO is that you can easily prime/soak/saturate the feed while you're writing, but this one doesn't have that option (practically speaking). When you're used to #6 nibs, the #5 nibs also feel small. It changes the writing angle a bit, and feels off. It seems like a nice "toss in the bag" pen, but I don't think I'd pick one up unless I happen to come across one in a store while buying stamps or something.

[@ChrisM-st1pw]

I think out of a Platinum preppy and this, I would go for the preppy. I do like the converter though.

[@cmptar]

I love TWSBI pens, but there are certainly better better values at this price point! I love your reviews!

[@stevenjohnson2806]

Thanks for the review . For me I like the blue colour and the box .Thats about it . The finish is not great . The clip personally I would have left off or made a clip that slides on Kaweco style . If they put that colour on an Eco I'd be very tempted .

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes! I actually thought that was going to be possible with the clip. But on closer inspection, the clip is on permanently.

[@Richard_Barnes]

“The clip looks great, but practically it’s crap…….. it is actually worse than crap….” Hahaha, Epic Doug! 😂 Fantastic. I enjoy someone who just tells it like it is. No messing. To the point.

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL Thanks.

[@williamcrane1]

I’ve missed your reviews since your hiatus. Now that you’re back my evening ritual watching my favorite reviewers is complete. I’ve been curious about the swipe, but am no currently looking for entry level pens; the pilot explorer is tempting, however. Your reviews are consistently among the best produced on KZbin.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Wow, thank you, William!

[@willieb918]

I'm not a member yet. However, I'm trying to find a website that I heard you talk about. I think you said ink blotter but I'm not seeing it. Any help would be appreciated.

[@InkquiringMinds]

No problem. It is inkswatch.com

[@bradbeth63]

This review had a cornucopia of nostalgia for those of our “vintage”. I had the adapter for 45 records played on my “Decca” stereo Got to love Cleavon Little from blazing saddles Yes! Twsbi logo = ☣️ You don’t I find this stuff in your Funk and Wagnalls. 😜

[@Guderina]

Thanks Doug for your honest review. Have to admit that this pen confuses me (I'm confused ). Why the cartridge + spring contraption? Is the cartridge prone to get loose? I don't know.... I'm confused. Anyway another twsbi pass for me

[@InkquiringMinds]

Good question! I never pushed a cartridge in to see if they were loose at all (not my pens) but Janice did say the spring converter was loose and leaked on her when she first tried it.

[@martinlebl631]

@@InkquiringMinds Shame. One would think making a proprietary cartridge it would improve on existing ones, and not be worse and need extra pressure to prevent leaks.

[@vageli]

The Thespian Pen Barb is back in top form! Thank you for the great review, and the bit about using a pencil eraser to remove the cap seal. I ended up with 3 Swipes (I know, don't ask), a M, B and Stub and they all had ink sploshes on the cap I did not know how to clean completely. I had to stop your video when I saw that and go wash all three, before coming back to watch till the very end. A life-saver and a Scholar you are kind Sir! The TWSBI-JoWo nibs are so inconsistent, but all the three Swipes I got are actually great for a change. Can't say the same for all the 12 TWSBI's I own. My Dirty Dozen, filled with all murky and pigmenty inks, yay. I guess like you, I think the PenBBS FP's are the best bang for your buck, hands and feet down 😺 Our Saturdays are full of Fountain Pen Voyeurism again, thanks you You Sir.

[@nancymilawski1048]

I think the Waterman Allure is a better buy. $26 on Amazon. All brass lacquer coated pen. Waterman cartridges are standard international size and you can get a converter for it. Wrote first time right out of the box. I don't understand TWSBI pricing. Should be closer to Jinhao prices if everything is plastic. 😀

[@olegsolomonik6594]

Thanks for another great and informative review. Thankfully I don't like design so I didn't waste my money.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Me neither! I let Janice do that! LOL

[@BC7Bill]

I like my Swipe, but thanks for the warning @ the clip. It will now be a"desk pen". Thanks for the Pilot revommendation!

[@InkquiringMinds]

I give the Explorer out as a gift and include the Con70 converter. Four new colours coming out in just days; clear, copper, gold and silver!

[@kevinlandon7578]

Another wonderful review, Doug! I own a TWSBI Diamond 580 Red/Blue and the only original part is the piston. It leaked because of a crack in the grip section and i replaced everything until I found it. The last one of this brand I almost pulled the trigger on was yhay maroon/burgundy special edition that went for around $150 US. This Swipe does not make my trigger finger itch. Thanks for confirming my initial impression.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for the info! The good thing (if something that is prone to cracking can be considered good) is that TWSBI is excellent at standing behind their products and will replace cracked parts.

[@kevinlandon7578]

@@InkquiringMinds You're welcome! The cracking issue seems to be a thing of the past. Good customer service is rare and always appreciated. My 580 is 1 of 4 pens on my desk that are always ready to write: Opus88 Bela, Lamy 2000, and Namisu Orion are the others. The 5th pen on my desk is an X50 engraved with my name which was a gift from my cousin Stormy as part of a 2 pen set, the other being a rollerball. The X450 needs to be encouraged with more ink if left too long.

[@AdamGoodson]

Hey Doug, I’ll take that TWSBI 580 Rose Gold in Broad off your hands. How much do you want for it? Should I just email you directly for it?

[@InkquiringMinds]

Drop me an email Adam. It is still available.

[@LuvsSno]

What is the brand and color ink he was using? Something Waldo? I couldn't read his handwriting..thanks

[@InkquiringMinds]

Leonardo Smeraldo

[@LuvsSno]

@@InkquiringMinds thanks!

[@cathiescott7382]

According to Reddit there are orange and green models in China. I’m guessing like the ECO more colors will be coming

[@InkquiringMinds]

I KNEW it!! Thanks, Cathie! :D

[@ajiusasikander1701]

Watch a pen review, get a shower-song for free! Great to see you back, Doug.

[@i.c.3157]

It's a little disappointing that they didn't introduce the Draco to their line of pens even if it only has aspects of the Draco like take away the fancy (overpriced) acrylic, change the piston filler to this C/C system, get rid of those useless triangle bits on the section an opt for a round section, and maybe use that god awful/ugly clip or stick with the Draco's clip and wallah a pen with a solid look and foundation but maybe change the plastic that they're using or better yet stick with the plastic for the Eco, haven't heard many issues with that in recent times. Thanks for the informative video Doug, this Uggo pen didn't peak my interest but I sure did enjoy your review on it.

[@yd3941]

Super great channel!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you very much!

[@yd3941]

​@@InkquiringMinds Thouroughness, passion, everything is in this channel, and the passion and wit into the bargain. It's well deserved, Sir.

[@samyg123]

Never could bring myself to keep a TWSBI when PenBBS offers such a better value

[@martinlebl631]

So true...own many PenBBS pens, and not even one TWSBI.

[@galcarm1168]

I'm just going to wait for your reviews before I purchase another pen. I wanted something very light with adequate ink to use at work. I purchased a Twsbi Swipe medium and inked it up last night. The ink capacity is great and the nib is smooth. But it runs dry and then there'll be a thicker (not quite globby) bit of ink while writing, and it skips a lot in every sentence. Very frustrating and disappointing. The nib is unforgiving as one must keep it at a certain (uncomfortable) height angle for somewhat consistent ink flow, and that produces a poor script as well as tiring my hand. I'm not sure what I don't like about the medium line itself but I simply do not like it. I used it for notes on a book I'm reading and after a couple of pages I switched to another pen. In my side notes I wrote, "has hard starts; dries out; skips; inconsistent ink flow; I don't like the grip; this pen is difficult; I'm not liking the nib nor this pen." It's a disagreeable writing experience. I searched your videos this morning and, sure enough, you experienced the same problems. Which only proves the point that I must check your reviews before purchasing another pen. The clip is so tight to the pen that it cannot be used as a clip. It does, however, make the pen look more interesting. Because of its ink capacity, I'm thinking of switching the nib for a 1.1mm that I have in my stock. If that doesn't improve the pen, it'll go into my "yuck pens" where I have a couple of other duds. PS: After some consideration and your positive review, I may splurge and get the Pilot Decimo for my birthday.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Nice choice of the Decimo. You won't be disappointed. As to the ink flow with the Swipe, try rinsing the pen clean, then soaking it overnight in a glass of water with a drop of dish soap. Then rinse clean the next day, dry thoroughly and add your ink. That might help.

[@galcarm1168]

@@InkquiringMinds Thank you. I'll do that.

[@Wreneagle]

A real shame about the cap. TWSBI seems to have a knack for including fatal flaws in otherwise great pens. In the comparison with the explorer is should be noted that the con-70 is very pricey compared to the pens, but I ultimately agree with your assessment. The explorer + con-70 makes for a much more compelling package though I applaud TWSBI for the efforts here in including top tier converters in a budget pen.

[@MisterChris1978]

suscribed. thank you

[@InkquiringMinds]

Welcome! Thanks for the sub!

[@Detman101]

The only things thinner than TWSBI plastic are grocery bags and condoms...lol

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL

[@martinlebl631]

And yet condoms seems sturdier, and don't crack...

[@stefanwood2182]

This one gets a hard pass from me. There are so many options available now, especially among Chinese made pens, that are equal or lower in price that are better made and are better writers. I hope you are looking at reviewing the Fuliwen 017 which is an outstanding pen that punches way above its budget class.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Been there done that! LOL Thanks, Stefan! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aabPe2OfgqxsipY

[@stefanwood2182]

@@InkquiringMinds ah must have missed that one!

[@EastLancashireJohn]

👍🏽

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, John!

[@AdamGoodson]

So the clip is really just a roll-stop instead of it doing it’s job of being a clip. That is too bad. If it didn’t look so much like a student pen, the clip would had made for a cool jacket pen for a hip millennial office attire.

[@InkquiringMinds]

They actually look very cool! I bet they come out with more colours soon.

[@AdamGoodson]

@@InkquiringMinds I was thinking a green one would look nice or yellow one with a nice sports jacket and slacks to match. It would pop and could match the tie. It would be a unique look for sure but that clip is too unique to be left alone.

[@andream3568]

@adamgoodson i think it will hold up fine if youre just sliding it on some thinner fabrics like a thin cloth pocket or cloth pen loop.. from the looks of it i would be concerned with attaching to something thicker like leather pen loop, or thicker elastics like in a case. But its slimlined enough that it would easily go under one of those, maybe.

[@andream3568]

it works fine on the fabric penloops of my hobonichi cover for instance.

[@hectorrosario8447]

Lol

[@manoloyloles]

The spring makes the pen awful-looking.

[@InkquiringMinds]

And here I thought it was the pen's redeeming feature! LOL