2023 beginner fountain pen collection & currently inked ✸ my first fountain pen video!

In today's video I'll be sharing my fountain pen collection and the pens that I've been using as a beginner!
✸ My Patreon ☁️ 🌟 www.patreon.com/user?u=81172456
✸ Shop my handwriting and cursive worksheets here 👉🏻 www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ShopKait...
✸ Supplies Mentioned
- Twisbi eco rose gold (medium nib)
- Kaweco sport in dark olive (broad nib)
- Kaweco sport in frosted coconut (broad nib)
- Lamy safari in cream (medium nib)
✸ Where I Live on the Internet
Instagram: @itskaitlingrey
Etsy: ShopKaitlinGrey
Pinterest: kaitlingreylikesgrilledcheese
Make sure to subscribe!
Big thanks to Epidemic Sound for the amazing tunes ⚡️
Referral Link* - www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
*DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description indicated with a '*' are affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I receive a small commission, however there is no additional charge to you! If you choose to use my links, thank you!

[@xxflipchick22xx]

For me, I made it a rule that I have to finish 2 sample vials of ink before considering to buy a bottle. I realized that this method tells me a lot about whether I really love the ink. If after 2 vials I still want it, then I can buy a bottle. I started out my fountain pen journey buying 3 bottles, which I regret because the bottles are huge and I don’t know when I’ll be able to use them up. And after implementing this rule, I have only bought 1 bottle of ink that I really love. Hope it helps you as well!

[@KaitlinGrey]

That sounds like a really good strategy! Thank you for sharing 💞

[@haldouglas4773]

something that can help use up expiring ink is using them for ink art! they can be painted with and watered down to make lighter washes

[@urbsketch]

I think this is the most I've ever written in a comment. Essentially an essay. Feel free to not read - but if you do read, I hope it helps. With that - apologies in advance for the ramblings... Dip Pens: Something I'd really recommend, especially if you want to jump into getting different inks - and testing LOTS of nibs - is to also get into dip pens. Dip pens will allow you to try so many inks, or to switch between many inks easily - versus having to fill a "cartridge" with sufficient ink for fountain pens. Also - there are so many different types of nibs available. This allows you to get a good feel for what you like so that when you go to buy a new fountainpen or a nib for a fountain pen, you'll have a better feel for what you want. - Fine & Extra Fine Nibs (Gold metal, although not necessary) You mention you don't like fine or extra-fine nibs (and you mentioned you like seeing the sheen from the thicker lines from the broad nibs). I wonder if it's because you weren't getting much line variation (and thickness) from your fine nibs. BUT if you get the right type of fine or extra-fine nib, you can get an extremely broad range of line variation from a fine or extra-fine nib (possibly even more than a broad nib) - IF you get a nib that has lots of 'flex'. Not all nibs have lots of flex, so I wonder if the ones you used did not (I have the pens in this video, and the extra-fine and fine nibs they come with do NOT provide much flex). You usually get more flex (in fountain pens) when you use gold-nibs (note - not all gold-nibs provide the same flex, so you need to do some research - and there are some non-gold nibs that DO provide lots of flex). Many dip pens (fine & extra-fine) nibs do provide lots of flex since they are usually used for calligraphy. - Regarding your pen-case: Something to keep in mind - especially as you get into more expensive pens - is that if the case does not have slots for individual pens (to keep them separate), it's possible the pens will mar/scuff each other either when they are being carried (and rubbing against each other), or when they are pulled in/out of the case. I don't mind when the pens get this character, but some people really get upset when they spend $200, $300, $500, etc... for a pen, and they immediately start showing scuffs (there are videos online discussing this) - and I've seen videos where they were surprised because they were being extra careful with their (relatively) pricey pens, and they find out it was due to their case not having separate slots. If scratching the pens is not a concern, your case is great. I like it very much and wouldn't mind picking one up. - Pen Price The cost of a pen does not guarantee that it is a good 'writer' pen. Sometimes people collect expensive pens mostly because of the looks/ aesthetics and not necessarily because of how well they write (which is fine, people collect pens for different reasons), but some of the better 'writers' fountain-pens are actually not as expensive. For example - your Lamy is a very excellent writers pen and is noted in many reviews as being one of the best writers pens; it is one of my favorites; the ink flows very smooth; I have a couple Lamy pens with fine and broad nibs. Some other excellent writers pens include: Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen Lamy Safari Pen Pilot Falcon (Gold Nibbed 🙂) - it also goes by a different name: Pilot Namiki) I'm sure you've already done research, but just in case, do a search for "best writers fountain pens" for other ideas. - Nibs - Again - I highly recommend getting dip pens so you can try the plethora of nibs available. It's addictive. =) Try different metals. I think you'll start to gravitate towards golds (whether yellow or white - it's mostly a preference, but I think you'll like the flex (line-weight variation) you get from gold). You can get other metals that are not gold, that offer great flex, but you need to do some research. Other types of nibs to consider: Music nibs, architectural nibs; you already started trying broads - so depending on how big you write, you'll decide which size of broad you prefer; I would suggest you reconsider extra-fine and fine BUT choose a nice quality nib (gold likely, but not necessarily). If you find a beautiful e.f. or fine nib, I think you'll fall in love with the range of line thickness the one nib will give you (super fine, to VERY thick). Oh - and a bad extra fine or fine nib is more likely to catch and scratch on paper (but it could also just be your paper). - Ok - I enjoyed your video. Apologies again for the rambling.

[@KaitlinGrey]

Hey! Thank you so much for the long message, I feel like you dropped 10 nuggets of wisdom and I’m over here taking notes! Some very helpful tips here, also you’ve reminded me that I really need to invest in a dip pen so thank you 🤗

[@rakisk8r]

Thank you for writing this and sharing with us!

[@linedmusings]

My favourite pen is my Sailor Pro Gear Slim, if you love feedback - give this pen a go! It feels like writing with a pencil ❤️ I also find the best paper to write on to show the colours and sheen is Tomoe River paper ☺️

[@KaitlinGrey]

Oooh very cool, that sounds really nice to write with! I love Tomoe River Paper too! The travelers company lightweight insert using TRP which is 👏

[@notablyemily]

Yayyy I'm so glad I convinced you to give fountain pens another shot!! Loved seeing your collection and hearing about the inks you're using currently 🥰

[@KaitlinGrey]

hahaha thank goodness, I would have missed out on so much! Thank you so much friend!

[@mhmartiste4771]

Happy for you that you've entered the wonderful world of FP! Welcome, enjoy and keep sharing and combining with your inspiring journaling videos 🤩🎶

[@KaitlinGrey]

Thank you! That’s the plan ☺️ looking forward to bringing more cozy journalling and fountain pens videos 🍵✨

[@sandysjournals]

This is a great beginner collection! Looking forward to seeing more pen videos. I think you’d like a fude nib. Stub nibs are also so much fun. Enjoy!

[@KaitlinGrey]

Thank you! I shall have to check out both of those nibs 😄 Thank you!

[@JournalSunshine]

Ahh I'm glad that my traveler's co brass pen video was helpful! I love watching videos like this (and making them) whether people know a ton about fountain pens and inks or whether they're brand new to it. It's really personal to each individual person and I love how we get to customize our own collections! Even the paper you use makes a difference. Favorite fountain pens at the moment: Pilot Custom 74, Sailor Pro Gear Slim, Kaweco AL Sport, YStudio Classic Revolve, Traveler's Company Brass.

[@KaitlinGrey]

omg yess, without your video I would have given up on my TRC fountain pen so I am forever indebted to you 🤗 Ooooh and thank you for sharing your top pens, I’m curious which colour of the AL sport are you liking right now?!

[@JournalSunshine]

@@KaitlinGrey The gold AL Sport is my favorite -- it's satiny smooth and so pretty! It was a limited edition though, not sure if there are still some out there. I also recently got the new Ruby which has the same feeling material as the gold! The vibrant violet has more of a grainy, matte texture I'm not as into (but writes beautifully) and my stonewashed black one is so cool looking but I'm thinking about getting a different nib for it because the one I got is a bit scratchy.

[@KaitlinGrey]

I didn’t know they had a gold one!! Only seen the brass, I’ll have to look into the metal Kawecos 👌🏻

[@TheNerdyNarrative]

I love, love, love, my Diamond 580!! I’m rocking the medium nib because I use it daily in my Hobonichi. It and my Sailor Pro Gear are my top 2 favorites that I write with every single day without fail.

[@KaitlinGrey]

Ooooh ok this is good to know, I’m thinking of getting a diamond 580 in the mini size soonish 🙃 Thanks for sharing your favourites 💕

[@camillemcintosh7765]

I have always loved fountain pens. Ther is something about how you feel when you write.

[@KaitlinGrey]

Yes!! I 100% feel this too, every time I use one I feel like 50% a literary genius and 50% like wanting to write my friends letters using my fancy pen 🤣

[@pbnjezly404]

You have a great collection of pens and I love the inks.

[@KaitlinGrey]

Thank you!

[@SrirachaSandvvitch]

Welcome to this awesome hobby! I think you'll like De Atramentis inks, most of them are waterproof (their document line), even the pretty colors like purple.

[@KaitlinGrey]

Wow! Waterproof?! That’s serious business haha, I will have to see what their inks look like, thank you!!

[@HEYitsTRAV]

The TWSBI Eco line is such a great value for your money! The Eco was my first fountain pen. My favorite fountain pen is also a TWSBI, it’s the 580ALR fine nib with the nickel trim.

[@KaitlinGrey]

OOOh very cool! Nickel trim!

[@HandmadebyLorelei]

Great video! I like broad nib pens as well. My favorite pen right now is my TWSBI Rose Gold Royal Jade Eco.... Something about it - on Tomoe River paper if feels like glass which I am also a fan of. I do also really love my Pelikan pens- German pens are the best. Nice wet broad nibs.

[@KaitlinGrey]

I am making a mental note that German nibs = wet writers, thank you so much for the tip!!

[@JosephDickson]

As long as you keep the pens upright and capped. Nib and feed properly set you won't experience a leak going beyond the cap.

[@KaitlinGrey]

That’s is good to know, thank you for the pro tips!

[@makennamcelwee8909]

It’s so crazy how similar our pen cases are! I am also a fan of broader nibs. The only pen I have that you do not is a Platinum Plasir in Lavender. It is SO smooth and a very juicy writer. It is an aluminum pen and very very affordable. I think you would really enjoy one. I bought mine from Tokyo Pen Shop online for about $17 dollars and the converter is about $11 dollars. It’s always cool to the touch and a joy to use both posted and unposted

[@KaitlinGrey]

haha I love it, pen twins unite 👯‍♀️ I have heard of the Platinum Preppy, but I’ll have to check out this one, thank you so much for the recommendation 💞

[@joegriggs7809]

My favorite pen is the kaweco brass sport! I work a blue collar job and that pen is with me every day. It’s held up great. I have the travelers brass fountain pen, but the sport is just so much more substantial. My favorite ink is diamine ancient copper, which goes amazingly with brass pens. Honorable mention inks for me would be noodlers liberty alyssum (the bluest blue you’ll ever see) and private reserve avocado (a really solid green). Good luck on your fountain pen journey! It’s a fun hobby.

[@KaitlinGrey]

I need to look into the metal Kawecos, I love the plastic sports and I imagine the weightyness of the metal ones is lovely. Thank you for all the ink recos, I haven’t heard of that private reserve ink so ill have to look it up :)

[@forestofthings]

Hi Kaitlin! I really enjoyed your video! You don't need to apologize for having just a few fountain pens, I think it is the rational thing to do! I have 10 fountain pens and I don't plan on buying any more pens. All my pens are from Kaweco (Parkeo, classic and Sport) and I use them in Pearl Black, Caramel Brown, Palm Green and Smokey Grey, all cartridges from Kaweco. I am not a very adventurous person, if I like a pen, I use it and don't look for other brands :) So I needed ink in my favorite colors (green, black, brown, grey) and loved both the F and the B nibs so I got each nib for each ink. This is why I have so many. I'm not planning to buy other inks. Really happy with what I have :)

[@KaitlinGrey]

I am the same way, hence all the kaweco pens! I just love how they write and I don’t need to worry about them. How do you like Caramel brown, I’ve heard that’s a really nice brown ink 👀

[@pappytinkers]

Nice video! I have made a few fountain pens from kits but just started playing with other inks and stuff. I just always thought there was only black and paper didn't matter lol. You can see a few of my pens on my channel and hope to have a video of making one soon. I'll be checking back here to learn about the paper, journals, and a better look at that leather case

[@loveys_plans]

My favorite 😬 it's a Sailor fine fountain pen I got from Amazon and I love Diamine ink. The lighting looks great. You did a perfect job 👏🏾

[@KaitlinGrey]

Oh wow! Thank you and thank YOU for the pen reco! I’ve been holding off on sailors because some of them are a step up in price BUT I have a feeling I will get one at some point 😅

[@loveys_plans]

@@KaitlinGrey I'm going to message you the one I got because it was on Amazon and I think it was Sailor lol

[@Eversew139]

Hello. My favorite pen is the pen my husband gave me to commemorate another decade on this planet. It is a Sailor Pro Gear Every Rose Has a Thorn in MF nib. It is a beauty. The description says that it is a shimmery light catching ivory pen but I always thought it looked like a very pale lavender, which attracted me to the pen. Does anybody else agree or is it just me? I love the size and weight of the pen. I am a fan of Sailor inks. It was the saving grace of a Mont Blanc pen that was gifted to me by my husband who regifted it to me and probably never cleaned it.

[@albarodriguezcollantes5615]

Honestly, it's really refreshing to see a woman who shows earthy ink tones instead of pinks and teals and shimmering ones. Don't get me wrong, I love pink and teal, but this was a lovely mix 😊

[@KaitlinGrey]

Thank you! I’ve always preferred subtle, earth tones so happy to share 🤗

[@dandelionpuff]

If there's a sample of the ink available, I will never buy a whole bottle without trying the sample first. I'm pretty new to fountain pens too, and I'm trying to not have a huge collection of inks I'm meh about. Great video!

[@KaitlinGrey]

This is the goal, I don’t want to have to ever worry about giving away inks, also I feel like even if I really like an ink, getting through a bottle will still take a really long time, so samples are my new best friend 🙌🏻

[@pappytinkers]

I'm new too. Well new to the fact that there is more than just black ink! Lol I just bought my first batch of samples from Goulet about two weeks ago

[@Dreblueskies]

I recommend a beautiful green ink called by Monteverde in California Teal. I bought mine from Goulet Pens. Now I just need more pens to fill up 😅 I also feel like a broader nib is nice. I like a medium for Lamy and going for that size or bigger next on my TWSBI 580 Diamond. Love your collection and choice of inks!

[@KaitlinGrey]

Thank you for the ink recommendation! I am adding it to my list as we speak! I love broad nibs, it’s so buttery writing with them and I love how they show off the inks :D

[@marachristian8726]

Good choices! TWSBI Ecos and Kaweco Sports are great, affordable options to try out different nib sizes! Japanese nibs will likely be "noisier" and more fine than European nibs. If you like "wet" writers, you might like a Diplomat Traveler or Cross Century--they are slender pens, and you can often find them for under $50 as closeouts from various sites. They only offer 2 nib sizes (fine and medium,) but both are nice! I also like the Platinum Plaisirs. As for inks, Diamine comes in smaller size bottles and are quite affordable with lots of colors to choose from! Krishna brand, while more difficult to find, also come in small bottles for less than $10. I rarely buy samples, but they are a great way to try before you buy, but I generally spring for full bottles. Welcome to the club, and happy writing!

[@KaitlinGrey]

Hey! Thanks for sharing your tips and recommendations! I think going for smaller bottles in general will be my approach, I’ll definitely check out diamine’s inks (I already have Autumn Oak on my list 🤗)

[@LlamaAlpaca8]

Omgggg so jealous u have da clear sport kaweco version!! I wish they still made that version. Sadly, they discontinued it 😢 Nice collection btw!!!!😻

[@KaitlinGrey]

My dog ate my clear kaweco sport so I don’t have it anymore rip :( But I agree, wish they still made it!

[@MissMarilynDarling]

I do a different ink video live on my youtube channel every day at 1pm pacific so come say hi :)

[@Cherry-co6bw]

Broad nib rules❤❤ I love it too! my favorite FP is Opus88 Demo(red) and Pelikan M205 Apatite, TWSBI Roseglold White ! also Broad nib😘 I Love Inks. There are ton of them. If I choose A little. Diamine Pelhem blue, Syrah, havasu turquoise, delamere green. Iroshizuku Hana-ikada, Fuyu-shogun. Pierre Cardin Havana vintage pink. Sailor Manyo series “Hinoki” I bet you’ll Love it❤

[@KaitlinGrey]

haha yesss broad nibs rule!! I can’t wait to try out a TWISBI with a broad nib, I bet it writes so nicely 🙌🏻 Thank you so much for all the ink suggestions, writing them all down right now!

[@kcaltura1625]

I love your FP collection. I am a big Kaweco fan, I have the Olive one too and might buy the coconut. We are quite different on the nib though. For just simple writing I would prefer a fine or a medium (ef is too scratchy for me) but for headings and more decorative writing, I agree that a broader nib would be great that's why I bought a Sailor Hocoro dip pen with a 1.00 mm stub nib. Also, I saw in a shop here in my country that some TWSBI models has replaceable nibs.

[@KaitlinGrey]

Thank you so much!! Ohhhh really, I’ll have to do some more research on my Twisbi nib and double check if I can replace it

[@kcaltura1625]

@@KaitlinGrey you're welcome! Hope you could find a replacement nib instead of buying a new pen but I always advocate for "you can never have too much fountain pen" lol

[@KaitlinGrey]

@@kcaltura1625 OK so update, I was able to find a seller who had a grip section with a nib, so it’s on its way to me now and I’m so pumped to covert my clear kaweco into a fountain pen! But of course, one does not simple have too many fountain pens hahaha

[@waahtever]

This video has me so confused 😂 not in a bad way, it was very informative and clear. I’ve just never seen medium and broad nibs writing that finely. I guess it really depends on how you write. I’m not sure which size to get for myself I’m in that stage of shopping for my first fountain pens. I know I want a twsbi eco with a fine nib, because I tend to write relatively small and densely. My issue is that I want two pens so I can have two colours inked up at a time (I’m really in this for the ink possibilities more than for the pen) and I can’t decide whether to go for an EF or for a M for my second pen (and which model to get). The appeal of the medium nib would be to get a better look at those gorgeous inks, but I am a bit worried about it being too broad for me. On the other hand your writing is still so thin even with broad inks! So many things to consider 😅 Open to suggestions for my second pen and nib selection if anyone has any

[@KaitlinGrey]

Something I found helpful as I started using fountain pens was testing out pens that friends had, or in my local stationery stores. Every pen can vary so if you have the ability to hold them and write with them in person I found that made it much easier for me to make a decision on a pen and be happy with it. Also I will add, in my experience I tend to move about nib sizes depending on my mood so I prefer to have a variety of nibs when it comes to my pen collection

[@jduarte1506]

Good video I am between the Lamy Safari, Lamy Safari LX and the Lamy cp1

[@KaitlinGrey]

Thanks!

[@stationerystream]

I don't have a rule for sample to bottle conversion. My rule is more limiting purchase to only once a year, or if I find something at an extreme bargain. The bottles I've purchased are mostly work appropriate inks and inks in colours I knew I'd love.

[@KaitlinGrey]

That would be a great way to keep your ink collection in control!

[@stationerystream]

@@KaitlinGrey It is! I tell myself that if I go slow, I can "organically" acquire new inks over a period of years rather than months. :D

[@michellesmith7979]

The diamond 580 is totally worth it. I have 2😁. Check out goulet pens if you haven't already. I think they ship to Canada. Thanks for posting🙂.

[@KaitlinGrey]

oooooh thank you for sharing! Which colours do your have in your diamond 580s?? Love Goulet pens, their podcast is so nice to listen to while working!

[@michellesmith7979]

@@KaitlinGrey I have the iris and the smoke and rose gold. They're gorgeous!😍

[@felaine17]

Hi. May I know where you purchased the clear kaweco sport demonstrator from? I've been looking for it everywhere

[@KaitlinGrey]

I got it a long long time ago! I don’t think they sell it anymore unfortunately

[@swimmstagal]

I’m just as nervous about my pens leaking inside the rickshaw bag I purchased 😅 I haven’t had any issues thankfully 😊

[@KaitlinGrey]

let us hope that our luck continues for us 🤞🏻🙇🏼‍♀️

[@rakisk8r]

Thank you for this helpful video. Not related, are you Cdn? I’m in Victoria. Thanks again!

[@KaitlinGrey]

You’re welcome and yesss I am Canadian! From Toronto 😄

[@MarysInks]

Kaweco pens have a screw in nib unit. You can unscrew one and screw in another. You shouldn’t have to pull the nib out. Friction fit pens do have nibs that you just pull out.

[@KaitlinGrey]

I believe the metal sports are screw in, but for the plastic sports, I did have to pull the nib unit out :)

[@AverageZoeBlogs]

I came to say the same, I’m in the UK and found a white nib unit for under £10. I’m sure you can get them easily in Canada too.

[@AverageZoeBlogs]

Nope I looked again and they have loads of colours, not just white. They even have coconut. You can choose the nib size too.

[@KaitlinGrey]

@@AverageZoeBlogs I was able to find one in coconut with a broad nib, so was able to fully convert into a fountain pen ☺

[@urbsketch]

I’m still watching, but you mentioned the FerrisWheel ink - so wanted to mention there’s been a good amount of discussion on how this company does an excellent job of marketing and making pretty/ beautiful looking packaging BUT the pens aren’t quite good, but more importantly that their inks have been clogging a number of pens (and that the ink in general does not flow well). So, wanted to mention so you were careful with your pens - especially if you start buying more expensive pens (mainly good writer type pens / nibs). My experience with one of their inks was not good, and I looked up more information afterwards, and was disappointed by what I found. Ok. Back to your video…

[@KaitlinGrey]

Oh wow, I did not know that about their ink! That’s really good to know, thank you so much for telling me!

[@queenbuzybee4074]

I think that’s the issue with a lot of sheening/sparkling inks. They have particles that can/will clog pens. Imho, they work best with broad or stub nibs. I also tend to flush my pen thoroughly before each refill when using such inks.

[@urbsketch]

@@queenbuzybee4074 correct. It shouldn’t happen with non-sparkly inks especially if specifically labeled as fountain pen ink; and yet, it did, and that’s been mentioned by others. So, mostly a ‘be careful’ note…

[@yangsu2235]

Why not try music nib, which you would like if you want to see more sheen.

[@KaitlinGrey]

I’ve never heard of those! Definitely need to research those next 🤓

[@urbsketch]

@@KaitlinGrey and architectural as well! Oh - and don't give up on the extra-fines and fine. If you get a quality one of these it can give you more line variation than a broad.