5 Steps For Getting Started With a New Fountain Pen

[@SamFerguson]

"Whether it's your first pen /or your 84th pen/..." Dang Drew, why you gotta call me out like that :p

[@Gouletpens]

Haha! Yeah definitely a personal Sam attack there! ;) - Drew

[@mrjamesbrandltd]

I felt he was watching Me 😂🤣

[@thecatofnineswords]

What I’m hearing is that I’m allowed, nay expected to acquire more pens

[@mikesmith8187]

Top tip: When filling a pen for the first time with a converter or piston filler. Draw the piston up and down several times to fully fill the chamber.

[@Kixperience]

Hi Mike! We are complete beginners and need some extra info. Do we need to break the filler somehow?

[@mikesmith8187]

@@Kixperience simply firmly push the filler or cartridge into the pen barrel.

[@JM-zq8rm]

Great video. I would add one step. Before inking up the pen, dip the nib in ink and then write a few lines with it. If there are any gross problems with the nib, they will show up, and it is easier to clean and if necessary to return a pen that has not been fully inked. Also, I have found that when first using the pen, using the included cartridge is a good idea. The manufacturer's ink will likely give the best experience. After that, comparing how different inks affect the writing is fun.

[@Gouletpens]

That's a great suggestion! - Drew

[@naomijadotte9183]

I DID SUCCESSFULLY PEN-ABLE A FRIEND! They had expressed interest in my collection, so I bought them a varsity when I went to a pen show. After using that (the ink was finished in a week or two) they realized that their wrist was less strained, and we went through different starter pens together. They ended up with a Lamy Safari which they love

[@gary-pv8vz]

Lamy Safari are fantastic pens. I have more expensive pens but, somehow the Safari is the pen I prefer. Inexpensive, a clean industrial style and an ink window. What’s not to love?

[@a22lotti]

One thing I would add to using the bulb syringe: hold on to the grip section when you squeeze. Otherwise you might send your grip section flying - worst case into a hard surface nib first. I know I tend to use maximum pressure on the bulb when I use it to get through it faster. I'm not patient enough to watch it trickle through ;).

[@Gouletpens]

I've definitely done that before! I definitely recommend holding on to the grip section as well! - Drew

[@chriswilson3126]

Having a fountain pen is like having an automatic watch. It's awesome.

[@auberjean6873]

As someone who bought my first fountain pen before the internet, I'm so glad I happened upon your video, Drew. These are excellent tips! I guess I'm lucky I haven't had problems. Loved seeing you laugh!

[@controversyV4S]

Drew just looked deep into our soul's while using the bulb syringe LOL

[@ScottMcCormick12358]

To clean the pen, hot water with a little dish soap might do a better job of removing any oils left by the manufacturing process. Fill the pen with this instead of ink a few times; then rinse out the pen with plain water.

[@shewife]

Thank you scott

[@ghostyplans]

“You might want to enable a friend” was me right after I got my Kaweco. 😂😂 I was like “YOU NEED THIS! HERE ARE THE INK SAMPLES TO TRY WITH IT!” It didn’t work. But I’m not giving up!

[@Gouletpens]

Yay! Keep spreading the good word! Haha! - Drew

[@nordlyselsker]

I heard "penable", which is a great word. Did I just imagine that?

[@karma13612]

@@nordlyselsker that’s what I heard also! “Penable” is a great word for this situation 🤣🤣🤣

[@Gouletpens]

@@nordlyselsker That's definitely what I said! - Drew

[@vageli]

Drew makes everything so much more enjoyable 😉 even using the bulb syringe will forever now make me giggle 😃... moar please!

[@Gouletpens]

Haha! Thanks for watching! - Drew

[@SirIsaacTheRed]

Ahh a fellow Greek pen lover. Here in Cyprus though I’m afraid we are a rare breed - I barely know of anybody else ! And yes, Drew is a star 💫.

[@vageli]

@@SirIsaacTheRed Greetings Sir Isaac The Red - χαιρετισμούς απο το Σαν Ντιέγκο - Drew is the 🌟 indeed - Watch out Brian!

[@SirIsaacTheRed]

@@vageli Να’σαι καλά Βαγγέλη. Χαιρετισμούς στο όμορφο San Diego από τη Λάρνακα!

[@crouserm]

Truly. I recall not thinking when I squirted a leisurely drink of water into my mouth at choir rehearsal, and then wondered, briefly, why the sopranos were laughing.

[@mrchristian0457]

This is the first video of yours that I've watched. As I listened, I noticed that you utilize vocal inflection well. I noticed that you have a very natural speaking tone. It's a pleasure to listen to a good speaker.

[@Gouletpens]

That's very kind of you! Thank you - I hope the video was helpful! - Drew

[@texasboy5117]

I bought one of those syringe bulbs a few years ago. It has made an unpleasant task of cleaning pens a tolerable chore. They are worth every cent.

[@Gouletpens]

Absolutely! We keep three here - each one clipped to a different extent to make cleaning easier depending on the diameter of the section! - Drew

[@arlenepadden1243]

Great video! I had no idea about the cartridge in the barrel, my pen had two. Also, I didn’t know you should clean your new pen before inking. I always trust Brian and now you Drew when it comes to pens or ink. Never a problem with Goulet pen co. Thanks guys

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks for watching! - Drew

[@carolmelancon]

I would add that one should look under any parts of the inner pen box if applicable. Sometimes the manufacturer will include cartridges or other items under the platform holding the pen.

[@whypatplans]

This video couldn't have come at a better time! Just got my first pen, and I've been so anxious I haven't even unboxed it yet 😬 Thanks for the push! YAY! P.S: that slow zoom tho 😅🤣

[@ghostyplans]

What pen?! You NEED to try it out. It’s a waste not to ink up and use something so beautiful.

[@angelaking9619]

Hope you've unboxed it now! Have a good play with the pen and figure out what you enjoy about it. Then if you go shopping again, you have a better idea of what you'll like. Got some good inks? Definitely try more than one ink in your pen. Some inks aren't a good match with any one pen, so try out 2 or 3 from different brands to get a match you like. :)

[@whypatplans]

@@ghostyplans got a LAMY Safari as per master Goulet's suggestion!

[@whypatplans]

@@angelaking9619 oooh! will definitely keep that ink tidbit in mind. thanks!

[@ghostyplans]

@@whypatplans I've never had the fountain pen from LAMY, but I have a pencil that my husband found on the ground one day. I stole it and now it's my go-to pencil, although I hardly us it because I'm a pen girl.

[@jrdavisphd]

All of the educational videos from Goulet Pens are very helpful and entertaining. Thank you very much! It's a real bonus that the information is presented in such a hip, colloquial way that makes fountain pen use feel much more fun.

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks so much for saying that, John! We really appreciate the kind words! - Drew

[@meghan7545]

I genuinely wanna buy a gouet pen just because of this guy, he is hilarious.

[@ReformedPiper]

Amazing!! Loved the long stare into the camera while the water trickle happened.

[@JerryBearry]

If I did that, the water would be trickling all over the desk!

[@JerryBearry]

Did Drew do that in one take, I wonder?

[@U_the_artist]

I bought a fountain pen when I was 18 (over a decade ago). I absolutely loved it but had NO idea how the internal workings functioned and was gutted when it seemingly “broke” (because after many attempts of trying to “learn” which evolved into trying to “fix” I was covered in ink and it still didn’t write.) This short video cleared SO MUCH up for me 😭 (and gave me a giggle)

[@Anchanee2008]

I'm writing fanfiction and since the stories are always better when I pre-write them on paper, I found that I enjoyed using fountainpens. Also, writing with different coloured inks just makes me happy. However, when I'm in 'the zone' I notice that heavier pens always hurt my hand after a while. Could you recommend a high-quality pen that's actually not heavy? I'm aware that quality materials are usually on the weightier side, but I was wondering if there is some middle ground where I don't have to write with a piece of plastic and still don't cramp after a few hours. Thank you for all the efforts you make in making fountain pens accessible, even for 'non-professionals'. I enjoy your videos very much.

[@retardno002]

Hey, I'd look at some aluminium options from Kaweco and Lamy.

[@Abdullah-zr7mw]

Lamy safari is inexpensive and really light

[@retardno002]

@@Abdullah-zr7mw true but it's plastic I think

[@retardno002]

@@Abdullah-zr7mw the AL-star is the aluminium version of the Safari 😁

[@Abdullah-zr7mw]

@@retardno002 👌

[@DrLampshade]

I penabled a friend for their birthday, and my mom and I are planning on penabling 4 other friends for Christmas. Might need to keep this saved to send to all of them. Your shipping department must think we’re obsessed. Between the two of us there have been 6 packages in the last 2 months. And we need to make at least 2 more to order

[@mik20241]

I always tell my husband; “I married a 7 year old” ( Due to his goofy sense of humor). I now realize there’s another “grown” 7 year old out there. Lol! Keep us chuckling Drew! 👍🤣🤣

[@Gouletpens]

Glad to hear I'm in good company! My 7 year old appreciates my humor more than my wife does! Lol - Drew

[@peterhess2610]

There’s one thing that makes me cringe and that’s using paper towels on a pen. They’re loaded with lint that, after time, could jam up the works. I use a paper napkin instead. Just as good but with a lot less lint.

[@jeremyedowd]

What a delight--Drew did a wonderful job adding his enthusiasm and humor. ☺

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks so much, Jeremy! - Drew

[@viclucyzia]

Thank you for the reminders. How simple it sounds but one forgets the basics. Nothing worse than to skip a step out of excitement. Patience needed for a good writing experience. Subscribed. 👍

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks! I think some might think I'm joking about the first two steps, but they're legitimately important! I appreciate the comment! - Drew

[@krishnadasnair8765]

84th pen? I genuinely have no idea where that reference comes from. I mean I haven't listened to the 15th episode of pen cast so how would I know?

[@Gouletpens]

Just my favorite number! - Drew

[@samanthanicholson9015]

I've seen the pens used with acrylic watered down for art on nails, would you suggest a pen for. I saw a glass one; so pretty 😍 what would you suggest?

[@nunubennet21]

I can't believe I just intently watched Drew pour water out of a bulb syringe for 15 seconds, thinking that something will happen.

[@Gouletpens]

Gotta keep you guessing! - Drew

[@vaporwave_boi_92]

Lol

[@MWHAAHHAHA]

Thank you am Currently getting a fountain pen set for Christmas! I think it has different things included in it with around 40 cartridges included. With a box to keep your items stored in. Very fancy box😀

[@lexbrunov]

YAY! (c) Drew, 2021

[@Gouletpens]

Yay! - Drew

[@Mythosidhe]

I am soooooo bad about skipping the 'rinse the pen before you ink it' step 😅 I know I'm supposed to, but I'm usually so excited to try out the new ink I invariably purchased at the same time that after the initial once-over I go straight to filling it. Must try to do better!

[@Gouletpens]

Honestly, I could be better about that as well! - Drew

[@angelaking9619]

Me too!

[@auberjean6873]

Me too!

[@Heidejournal]

Now I want a bulb syringe ! :D

[@Gouletpens]

They're super helpful! - Drew

[@harrykane3840]

GOOOUUULAY! Thanks, Johnny, it's good to be back! How's Ed?

[@samanthareimerart4627]

Great timing. My first fountain pen arrives tomorrow:) Yay!

[@Gouletpens]

That's great! We're here for you if you hit any speed bumps! - Drew

[@franciscoshirley8129]

my first time to have today a fountain pen then I am looking for topics on how to use it then I found this video of yours! I am totally entertained from your video and how you demonstrated the cleaning and refilling process :D

[@shashijain5084]

It's like a pen ema !!!! Works very well .

[@andrewleonardo9079]

I don't know about this but there just something with Mister Drew that makes me happy. Maybe the humor. Maybe the eyes. Idk

[@Gouletpens]

Maybe the name? Thanks, Andrew! -Drew

[@pjchacon]

The stearing at the camera while flushing the nib was so funny. Cought me by surprise and it was great to smile to start the day.

[@EngeneStayCarat]

Do you have a tutorial for using quill pens/feather fountain pens?

[@avgjoeshow4208]

Great stuff man. Love the energy and the goofiness.

[@Gouletpens]

If I have nothing else, I certainly have those two things! - Drew

[@avgjoeshow4208]

@@Gouletpens nah man you and Brian are the foremost, the premier, the preeminent, top-tier elite fountain pen gurus and channel on the web. Your vast library of information and unbridled knowledge and passion shows through and helps countless amounts of people. If you told me 3 months ago that I would go from never using a fountain pen to writing exclusively with a fountain pen I’d probably ask if they even still make fountain pens. Because of you and Brian and to a lesser extent other channels and communities, the noob-iest of noobs can go from clueless to confident, from oblivious to adept. Thank you. You guys are one of like 3 channels that I actually look forward to an upload and watch right away. I absolutely love fountain pens and the accoutrement. Keep it up and write on! Paul

[@Gouletpens]

@@avgjoeshow4208 Wow! Thanks so very much, Paul! Seriously! - Drew

[@jess53nz]

Omg drew staring at the camera is the best thing I've seen all day!

[@Gouletpens]

Haha! If you survived that, you can face anything else that comes your way today! - Drew

[@rhythmtato]

Step 1: Know what a fountain pen is... pen is...

[@v-buckschan111]

HAHAHAHA APENSIS PP JOKE AHAHAJA AHOOHPJPHPHOOHOOOOOO 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣💀💀💀💀🙏🙏🙏😭😭🙏😍🙏😭🙏😭🙏

[@wemcal]

Wonderful information and great video

[@ItsKay11]

Thank you for this!! It was really helpful i was planning on getting a fountain pen soon but didnt really know what toe xpect and how to put in the ink cartridge!! Once again thank you very munch for helping

[@ExiledExia]

This video is everything! 💥

[@karma13612]

Drew! The bulb syringe demo was hysterical!!!!!!!!! 🤣

[@unkemptplatypus1607]

Always learning something from your videos, will remember to try the pen uninked on paper next time I get a new one! Also glad to know I'm not the only one making faces when using the bulb syringe. Thanks Drew :]

[@Gouletpens]

Lol! Thanks so much! - Drew

[@crouserm]

Hilarious, but sound advice. I do these things. Today. Got a Jinhao with a 14K nib today. Already using it. An amazing reverse writer!

[@nevamoore5192]

I didn't rinse mine out before inking it. 🙈 Is it okay if I just do that after this cartridge is finished?

[@rakeshlink]

Love the watch!

[@julieholt2864]

Such a quirky personality! Love it

[@WilliamParmley]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@juliosantiagom]

Great info! LOVE the face during the flushing!!!!!

[@ScreaminEmu]

So is it normal for the end of the pen to stay "wet?" I just got my first fountain pen; it has a cartridge. When I opened it after about an hour or so it has a couple little blobs of ink on the nib, like it's just hanging out in the cap like that. Would be messy if I just started writing...

[@sadmanislam5111]

@Goulet Pen Company. Drew you are a great presenter. Thank you to you and Brian for all the helpful videos.

[@Gouletpens]

Thank you for saying that! - Drew

[@saxonsmith1475]

thankyou for teaching me how to use the pen

[@randy-9842]

Drew, I started laughing while you were using the bulb syringe just about a half second before you did. And, again at the "saturated nib" sound effect. Nicely done with some good tips.

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks for watching! - Drew

[@Smash0pe]

Why bro staring at me like that 😭😭. Great video though Drew. Cheers for actually giving some good tips as i’ve recently just gotten my first fountain pen with a converter so i’ve just been watching videos all day on how to use it properly lol. Thanks again Drew!

[@drsaadurrehman8830]

yeyy ! Came here to hear the sounds he make with his sound apparatus.And yes i have some interest in the pens as well. :D

[@LiberalSoldier1]

Honestly there are some really nice pens on the market that are very cost effective. I have a feeling many of my friends will be receiving fountain pens for Christmas. Thanks Drew. Enjoyed the good humor.

[@WhereWhoMe]

This reminds me that I still need to make time to play with the pen that came with the wet erase ink... I guess I should have cleaned and prepped the pen beforehand. I better go put that on my calendar for this weekend before I forget again.

[@DARTHMASE27]

dont you have to prime the nib, washing with soap?

[@Gouletpens]

Flushing your pen using water with a tiny bit of dish soap can be helpful, but fountain pen nibs don't need to be prepped like dip pen nibs do. With many dip pen nibs, they're not stainless steel so to prevent deterioration they're coated in a thin layer of oil that needs to be removed prior to use. Since fountain pens nibs are usually either stainless steel or gold, that's not necessary. Great question! - Drew

[@stevehuffman7453]

you want to blot the ink from the section when using bottled ink too. you only say the nib and feed. why get inky fingers if you don't have to? Why not pull the feed and nib (presuming they are not glued in/on) and clean them with a soapy old toothbrush (DAWN dish soap on the old toothbrush works great, and breaks down any residual machining oil and/or died ink that may be present) and running warm/hot water, and run warm/hot water through the section and if applicable the nib/feed housing? Scrubbing the feed ensures there is nothing between the feed fins or in the ink channels to impede the ink flow. Scrubbing the top and bottom of the nib also gets rid of any residual oil, any grit that may be in the slot, and any dried ink in the slit, tip, and the underside of the nib.

[@aresaurelian]

Great tips. Thank you.

[@basprad1563]

Just ordered more nibs in every size for my Lamy Safari and cant wait to try them out!!

[@houghwhite411]

Surprisingly Lamy nibs are not so consistent in size, flow and smoothness. Each of them have character. I hope you find at least one you love

[@LuigiRBG]

Thanks for the information 😊

[@catherinehubbard1167]

I’m surprised you only wash with water, since that wouldn’t remove machining oils. What do you use when water isn’t enough?

[@jrosalia]

3:58... Great, now I have the urge to go pee.😅😂

[@elschaetty]

I put the ink straight into the converter, not through the nib. Is that bad? What effect will that have?

[@gary-pv8vz]

Oh Drew, flushing that pen. It’s wonderful to be in touch with your inner child. Something I should do more often!

[@PascalGaggelli]

I just bought the Duke 551 Confucius Fountain Pen today but it doesn't work, I washed it but the ink barely go through and I don't know why. Any suggestions?

[@joeljmathew5476]

which is the demonstrator pen you showed in the video

[@JerryRW3750]

That endless stare when running water through the pen just killed me! 😂

[@LucyLu_meztli]

Perfect timing! Just received my latest Goulet order today!!! 🥳

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks for the support, Lucy! - Drew

[@rickshawbagworks]

Hey Drew! You’re a natural performer. Awesome video! 👏👍👍

[@Gouletpens]

Haha thanks so much! - Drew

[@SuvinRK]

Haha Great video! Thanks for the info Drew!

[@Gouletpens]

You betcha! - Drew

[@_TSC_46]

Rewatching this because the pens I ordered from you guys came in 3 days early! Thank you so much I couldn’t be happier with my new little shark buddy and I’m sure my friend will love hers for her birthday :)))

[@FrankHartley]

Extremely good video for beginners…gonna share this with dear ol’mom.

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks so much, Frank! That was the goal! - Drew

[@margyb7469]

I got my Kaweko pen's spare cartridges stuck in the barrel when I first got it. I was upset cause I didn't know how to get it out (it was tight) and it was a gift. I took the pen to my son (who have never use a FP) and he flick with some tool he had so easily.

[@alanpareis734]

Well done Mr.Brown.

[@wilhat]

Art by me thank you great video got my first pen today going to give it ago .

[@TheStitchWitchPodcast]

one of my new pelikans came with an issue where the ink wouldn't travel down the tines or down the feed... in any case it wont write properly. ive already inked it and want to send it back. is taht poor practice, or can it be done if the user cleans thoroughly??

[@Gouletpens]

It certainly doesn't hurt to clean it (kinda like restarting your computer). If that doesn't do anything I would contact the store you purchased it from. - Drew

[@deborahpercell321]

Fountain pen novice here…. Thanks for the excellent advice, Drew! I love to laugh as I learn! 😂

[@thejournalnook]

Omg I’m getting Big Bang Theory vibes except this in the pen version 😆 i ordered two fountain pens from Etsy and they are on their way to me very soon 😆 I only bought them because my support worker used them and she reminded me of my dad because my dad used them and loves them too! I feel like a right geek but I can’t wait to start using my pen 😁😁😁

[@agnesrambling]

Loving the tips!

[@carpediem3593]

FRIDAY IS NATIONAL FOUNTAIN PEN DAY.......I hope you guys got something special planned....

[@Gouletpens]

Not really! :) - Drew

[@LisaRSArt]

Love your videos. ❤😁

[@Gouletpens]

Thank you for taking the time to pass along the kind words! - Drew

[@Wanda-R-etc]

Not just friends but family and caretakers also. I've been working on getting everyone excited about fountain pens!😂

[@harryvandevorst1812]

Great video Drew, technical, but also 🤣🤣 I hope you make a lot more of these!

[@Gouletpens]

I appreciate that, Harry!

[@Siloguy]

Which model pens were used in the video? Particularly that blue demonstrator? Thanks

[@Gouletpens]

That was a blue Pilot Custom 74. Thanks for watching! - Drew

[@xezzee]

So, is it normal that the box says " 4 X CARTRIDGES " three are full and one inside the pen is empty?

[@bleukreuz]

I try not to blot my pen because it's a waste of ink. I would lightly remove the messy ink from the nib, avoiding the tine 🙂

[@asheirahs_nook]

Huh, I didn't know you had to clean the pen before inking it up for the first time. Guess I just get too excited to use it 😂

[@Gouletpens]

It's definitely a good idea! Sometimes you don't know whether or not the pen has been tested at the factory! - Drew

[@dugspookie217]

Thank you for the post. I am new to the fountain world. Will I need to take then pen apart after a water flush?

[@Gouletpens]

If it's easy for you, taking the pen apart to dry it will minimize how watered down your ink is at first. So sure - it could help! Not 100% necessary, though. :) - Drew

[@dugspookie217]

@@Gouletpens thank you so much

[@hannahmalcolm6683]

Does Brian know you're in his office, Drew? Also great timing! Saw this just as I got a new pen delivered! I follow all of these steps except the cleaning... I just get too excited!

[@Gouletpens]

The cleaning step is an easy one to bypass! I do it too often as well! - Drew

[@tortoiseperson]

Oh yes I've been there with the hidden cartridge which got firmly jammed in the barrel!

[@smart4141]

Step 1 and Step 2 are so hilarious. Thanks for making me laugh 😂🤣 Who will not unbox his pen 😂🤣

[@nancymcnee2707]

Keep making those ink fart sounds and eye movements! The information was vital but you managed to entertain at the same time. Bravo Drew!

[@escott3466]

Awesome video! Wish this would have been out when I got into fountain pens!👍

[@Gouletpens]

That's the idea! Thanks for watching! - Drew

[@jayme3557]

Water bulb.... Aka: Baby Snot Sucker 😊😂

[@sunnycharacter]

Haha, yeah to the baby snot sucker. I’m sure all my kids could attest to that horrid memory.