Can you guess my TOP 10 Fountain Pens & Inks of 2023?

[@cerealnana]

You have such a gorgeous collection! I adore that Kilk.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thank you 🙏 this kilk would be so nice in your collection, too! Very happy you like it a lot!

[@pacpac1997]

The Bic 6 pack of green pens for 2$ is my fave! ❤

[@KenchanKrafts]

I'm so happy for you that you love the Bic 6 pack! 😂👍

[@inkyfingers1045]

Life is to short for cheap pens lol

[@KenchanKrafts]

@@inkyfingers1045 hahaha!!!! That’s my non-fountain pen friend, he’s such a troll! I love it

[@impish22]

how fun, been waiting for this one, thanks for sharing

[@KenchanKrafts]

Yay! I hope you enjoyed it!

[@afountainpenawakening]

that Kilk!!!! it's to die for 🤩 Happy New Year Lao

[@KenchanKrafts]

Mmmm yes the Kilk is so to faint for! Glad you love it!! Happy new years, Katie!!!

[@Topscura]

What an amazing collection!! You really have some fine writing instruments Ken. My mind was blown by that Pelikan M600. I’ve never seen that particular trim before. Thanks for sharing!

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thank you, Michael!! ♥It's such an honor to see you here and watching where I've ended up after this whole year! I've finally gotten my own Pelikans and I'm so thrilled and happy with them all! This Glauco Cambon is so beautiful - I just got it and like it more than my Tortoiseshell Black and the M1000. Although I may prefer the EF nib SLIGHTLY more, this fine nib is perfection. It's got a bit of a scratch to it, but...i'm not sure if that is scratch or feedback. Will need to keep testing. Aside from that, wow, what a beauty this one is. I'm happy the very first pen showcased caught your eyes!! :)

[@cindihinnendael6197]

Beautiful pens and inks!

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thanks so much, Cindi!

[@crafting_mari]

I have enjoyed watching your videos all year long! Happy new year!! 🎊 🎊 🎉

[@KenchanKrafts]

Aww thank you so much, Mari! I’m so happy to hear that you’ve been with me through my whole journey this year! Happy new year!

[@marilyngardner4269]

Thanks for sharing some highlights from your stunning collection. I've been kicking myself for not getting the Leonardo Forest Umbra. It's completely up my alley and I talked myself out of it because I have so many Leonardos that I love but rarely ink up. A big regret. I also love your Kilk. Happy new year!

[@KenchanKrafts]

Aww Marilyn xD I say, if it's an exclusive Leonardo in a colorway that resonates with you (and I KNOW MANY DO because we both have a lot), I'd get it asap, OR wait a day. If it's not sold out, don't let it sell out! Wait any longer and you'll regret. I regret not getting Euphoria from Stilographica T_T and knowing that I have not enjoyed my gold nibs as much, I should have been very content with the steel version of Euphoria on FPD. Thank you for watching my videos as always and have a wonderful New Years day!! :)

[@Volkmannx]

Thank you. Happy New Year!

[@KenchanKrafts]

Happy New Year, Volkmann! :)

[@soyouwannamokatiki]

I finally have had time to watch this, as always it's wonderful to hear you talk about your pens. We have a couple of siter pens, though my leonardo mother of pearl has a silver trim. one of the few pens I don't mind it on! I definitely agree that rose gold is my top preference. I am not suprised the aurora is number one, I have had it in my list since your first video with it, I definitely want to pick it up this year!

[@KenchanKrafts]

Yes rose gold is the prettiest finish on a pen. I really like pens that have those metal pieces to complete the look of the pen. My Kilk and the Atlas Exclusive I discussed in the video are probably two of very few silver trims that I’ll love because gold wouldn’t look good with the whole aesthetic of the pen. And you have the Hachimonjiya pens I’ll be looking for, so we’ll have even more sister pens this year! :)

[@amandak.4246]

i also love that montblanc red fox ink! i received it as a gift and had no idea it was limited edition, so i was using it with wild abandon. when i found out, i decided to use it only for special occasions, since i'm afraid to run out!

[@KenchanKrafts]

Omg I'm so sorry I forgot to respond when I read this last month! Thank you for sharing your experience with red fox, Amanda! I'm so amazed with that ink, but there's so many inks to try that I can't possibly try red fox in every pen i want to try it in. But yes, cherish your sample! They take a while anyways unless you write a ton! Thanks for watching 😊

[@robertholden4586]

Been waiting all day for this Lao!! 😅 I love these videos and what a beautiful top ten you’ve picked! I love that your parents brought a rooster with them hahahaha 😂😂😂

[@KenchanKrafts]

Yessss, Bobby! It was supposed to come out on Saturday, but I got so busy!! I'm hoping this follows well with the trend that everyone's doing - but this is my first complete year of sharing pens on KZbin, so I had to share my top favorites with you all!! :) The rooster....ahahah

[@michellek649]

That Pelikan is gorgeous! :)

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thank you!! It’s definitely become my favorite Pelikan and I’m surprised anything can top my tortoiseshell! 😺

[@Ursulas_Odds_and_Sods]

Of the pens, my favorites are the Leonardo Foresta Umbra, Pelikan, and Kilk. One of my own favorite pens is the Foresta Umbra. I had to get it after seeing so many positive reviews in a bunch of different videos. I'll be doing my own favorite pens video sometime in the new year. Besides the Foresta Umbra, it'll feature the Leonard Rangoli, Retro 51 Autumn Leaves, Opus 88 Blizzard, and the FPR Jaipur Version 2. I'll have to think about the other pens to include in my personal Top 10.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Ooo, can't wait to see your top favorite fountain pens!! :) I'm glad you like my Umbra, Pelikan, and Kilk!!

[@Tina.Journals]

Love the Kilk! I debated on that one and then it sold out, so I guess my final decision was made for me.😅 Happy New Year to you and the Rooster.🐓

[@KenchanKrafts]

Aww, well, you know what, that's not a bad thing for a sellout to make the decision for you! Especially if it sells so fast. The Andromeda and Milky way from Stilo e Stile sold out in the first hour (well, the Milky way at least), and I didn't really care for Andromeda's look, so that made my decision for me! Another beautiful Kilk will come to you someday! Happy New Year and yes, the rooster had a wonderful new year day haha ♥

[@journalwithtiff7221]

You have such a beautiful collection! Great video!!

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thank you, Tiff!!! I’m glad you’re here! Happy new years!

[@HistoricGentleman]

Happy New Year, Hope to see you in Chicago this year sometime

[@KenchanKrafts]

Hi Friedrich! I hope to see you at the Chicago pen show, too, if you go! Otherwise, I'll visit Atlas during that weekend, it'll be so much fun! Thanks for stopping by my videos ^_^ Happy New Years!

[@HistoricGentleman]

@@KenchanKrafts Yes, either way we will figure out something. There is also Pelikan hubs later in the year as well.

[@phoebecasin]

Hi, Lao! Happy new year! Your top 10 pens are gorgeous, but I’m biased towards the Glauco Cambon 😉 That was my last purchase of 2023 and is my first Pelikan, and it quickly became a favorite. Inked mine w Diamine Astral from the Inkvent 2023, and the EF writes so juicy and shows off shimmer consistently. ✨ Here’s to more fountain pens this year! 🎉

[@phoebecasin]

Gena’s journaler nib’s the best! I have it on my Estie Botanical Garden-my top 1! 🤍 I also have the scribe and techo, but the journaler’s my go-to.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Ooo you have the very dark interesting black ink in your Pelikan! I’m always afraid to use shimmers in my delicate and expensive gold nib pens, but I can assume that Pelikans can handle shimmers very well anyways. I should try shimmers someday since my glauco cambon is a broader Fine nib. That pen is just so so beautiful and oh so perfect of an M600. I couldn’t not have it in my top 10! Also very happy that your favorite is a journaler! Every time I write with my Journaler sailor I am always happily surprised and excited to write!!

[@plannermumsy]

The way you pronounce everything so well, is impressive! Nice collection. TFS!

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thank you! :D I took Japanese for 2 years, so I have basic pronunciation of Japanese and I also love it so much. So it helps with all these Japanese pens and inks that I love! And I try to pronounce my Italian words as best I can haha! I have so many Italian pens - I must try to do them justice. Thanks so much for watching!! ♥

[@amyelr]

Lol I have the Aurora too, so I was rooting for it to win. 😂 It's lovely! The green-in-the-right-light flecks are my favorite part, and the nib is wonderful.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Yay!!!! I'm excited to know another person with this GORGEOUS Volterra! I agree with you, the chatoyant green flecks are what pushed me over the edge to buy this pen! I've seen it before and in stock photos, you don't see those gorgeous greens! Then I saw it in a reel, and I was SOLD! :) The nib is perfection! For me, at least. Thanks for watching and commenting and rooting my pens along!! ♥

[@paperfrâiche]

When I grow up, I would love to have any of those pens 😂Great choices and beautiful colours - I love green ❤. Thanks for sharing.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Hahaha, when you grow up ♥What are the pens you like using right now or have in your inventory? :) Thank you for watching and enjoying my collection! Glad to see you love green, also!

[@paperfrâiche]

Oh I’m just weeks into learning all about FP. I’m still figuring out what to use as a newbie and learning all the ‘terminology’ lol. I was looking for other alternative pens to use on my Tomoe River paper planners and this has lead me down another rabbit hole obsession 😅. I’m learning lots from you and the FP community! Thank you for the inspiration 😻

[@jeanrobinson6584]

Love the video…. guessed the Aurora and teal shade of ink …. but was surprised and very amused by …… the rooster 😀 Here’s to a great 2024 🎉

[@KenchanKrafts]

Hahaha!! Thanks for having a blast listening to that Rooster! 🐔 you have watched me throughout my whole journey and you guessed right!!! Good job 😊 thank you for all the super support, Jean, and happy new years!!

[@gihanzohdy3284]

Fountain pen collection curated in great taste! I too share a love for the turquoise/teal coloured pens and inks, and thanks for the listing of inks in this colour range. I currently use Scribo Verde Mediterraneo, a high quality bluish green ink of great quality and housed in a gorgeous bottle.

[@KenchanKrafts]

I just looked that color up, it kind of looks like Pilot Iroshizuku Ku-Jaku when it dries green on some papers. Gorgeous deep teal - I'll have to try a sample! Thank you for your kind words! I'm happy with my curated top 10 :)

[@deniseplasse5126]

Nice top 10! Perfection in a lineup!

[@KenchanKrafts]

Yasss!! Thank you, Denise! ♥

[@stationerystream]

I love the curated look of all your pens together. I think we have similar tastes in pen aesthetic preferences and also what goes into the top 10 pens. My favourite pens are also the most prettiest to me (even if they might not be the best writers). Turns out the look of a pen adds to the writing experience! Who knew? The grey inks are an interesting area. I don't generally like grey inks, so I get annoyed when pens are sold as "purple" or "green" on a broad swatch, but turn out to be just grey when written with. Very annoyed. Montblanc Emerald Green is the first teal ink that I absolutely fell in love with. I got an imitation Diamine Soft Mint, which is far more affordable and close enough to the underlying tones for me to be happy. I also like bluer tones to minty-teals. I find if I stare at teals too long, my brain thinks they turn green, so the bluer the teal, the better for me. It also led to me getting Pelikan Apatite, because it looks the same to me as Diamine Soft Mint in my writing samples. Robert Oster Rose Gold Antiqua is an ink I'm trying very hard not to buy a bottle of. It's my favourite pink. I've almost run out of my sample. However, I'm committed to finishing off a few of my other pink inks first. I only want the Rose Gold Antiqua because it matches one of my fountain pen colours exactly, and I know I won't use it as much in my other pens. So I'm holding off on this bottle for bit longer. :D

[@KenchanKrafts]

That’s so awesome! I’m happy to hear we have similar interests!! That is very true, having a beautiful utensil in your hand increases the quality of the experience! I take it you haven’t found or owned Montblanc emerald, or have you received a sample before? It truly is so unique I haven’t found any ink similar to it. I love diamine soft mint as well. All the blue teals are so good!! I also don’t like grey inks, but I can handle them with a good shimmer that makes them stand out a bit more. But that does mean I need wetter feeds and nibs. Those tend to be quite dry. A lot of beautiful dusty or soft colored Inks in general that are very pretty on large swatches tend to be very diluted in color once it hits the nibs, so I do agree that is so very annoying! I did get enough of the green shimmers in my writing with wuthering heights to make me happy! Good luck with your goal on rose gold antiqua! I bought a full bottle on impulse but I don’t regret it. I’ve shared a lot of it with my friends, so the 50ml bottle came in very handy!

[@stationerystream]

@@KenchanKrafts Montblanc Emerald was the first sample I ever received! It was when I attended my very first pen meet in 2022, and one of the people there wanted to share their favourite ink (the MB Emerald). I've done a few sketches with the sample, and written pages and pages until all the ink ran dry. I've inadvertently created an aqua-teal sketch page because over the span of a year, next to the Montblanc Emerald Sketch, I happened to add a Diamine Soft Teal sketch, a Pelikan Jade Sketch, and I thought by that point, "what the heck" and added a Pelikan Apatite sketch to the page. There's still room for more aqua-teals to add to this page. As such, I've been able to compare the colour differences. The thing that saves grey inks for me are the multi-shading ones. It's the hope of seeing a colour other than grey that brings me back. Thank you on the luck for RO Rose Gold Antique. Let's hope my willpower remains strong haha

[@amitanshuv]

wonderful collection.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thank you, Amitanshuv! 🥰

[@deniseplasse5126]

I also have several Leonardo pens. So in regards to loving the SS nibs more than the gold. For me it’s similar, as I adore the SS . However the gold in EF is even better! (They write a similar line). The aurora? WOW, she is a beauty… I dont have one yet! 😊

[@KenchanKrafts]

I may have said mixed messages regarding jowo steels and gold nibs in previous videos, but in general, I don't find a stark difference between the two. My Leonardo gold nibs all are WAY wetter than the steel nibs, which help me with drier inks, so I like that :) but I've made a vow not to use shimmers in my Leonardo gold nibs haha!! For fear of ruining my gold nibs. Someday you might get to try this Aurora ♥She's a timeless beauty!!!

[@Quiney08]

I just wanted to comment for your wanting to swap nibs on your 823's, Pilot nibs are super easy to pull and they are keyed to the feeds, so you can't really mess it up when you put them back into the pens. I've rehomed several Pilot nibs into Jowo sticks using the housings in Flexible Nib Factory. I know you mentioned not feeling comfortable with the process of swapping nibs, but I just wanted to let you know they pull out super easy. Separately, Aurora's top my list as well. Not a surprise to me at all that your Voterra would be #1. Great video. thank you for sharing.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Hi Quiney! Thank you for your input! That's reassuring to know :) as for the aurora, oh boy that pen is so hard to come by sometimes. Gotta be quick on the restock and sales if that's going to be in your wishlist ^_^ I hope you'll be able to enjoy your own volterra someday !

[@FountainPenNews]

The ROOSTER!! I just died laughing!!

[@KenchanKrafts]

The best part! :D

[@karamishmash]

I’m using my paraiso for 2024 in my 5-year hobonichi. I’ve inked it with noodler’s turquoise. Such an amazing combo!

[@KenchanKrafts]

Ooo, I have a sample of navajo turquoise, I'm assuming that's the same one haha! It's a great match indeed! :) That's going to be such a great combo to write with all of 2024 xD I might challenge myself to have one pen inked up all the time with the same ink for the year. Wonder if I'll be able to do that.

[@MissMarilynDarling]

HAPPY NEW YEAR LAO

[@KenchanKrafts]

Happy new years, Miss Marlyn!! 😙😍

[@anitaanglin]

I loved the pens - especially the Leonardos- but the inks! I have a list I love all the blue-greens! 💙💚💜💚💙

[@KenchanKrafts]

Yay thank you! Glad the Leonardo’s are getting love! I always thought Leonardo’s were underrated since people tend to prefer pilot and lamy or twsbi more since they are more affordable and popular. Would love to checkout and watch your list!

[@rds4629]

Just a suggestion, but an italic nib combined w/ flex can be a good combination. It's actually an advanced nib and can be tricky to use. You may find in a year or two that Visconti may end up being your favorite b/c the flex feels great. I have some pens where it didn't gel w/ me at first when I had a heavier hand, but now they are awesome. BTW, I haven't found any better performance from Gold vs. steel nibs just that the nibmeister adjusts it or grinds it.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Hey thanks for that sound advice! I know that the root of the issue is my heavier hand when I write because I can hear the loud feedback from the pressure of my writing when I tried to record the issue I had with it. The tines would press on each other and make clicking noises because I was either using too much pressure in my natural writing OR I was trying to create line variations through flexing the nib while writing (because I'm used to softer gold nibs being able to do so). I definitely will need to train myself on how to write lightly with this nib - lightly, slowly, while adding flex if I can master that, someday. Thank you for the encouragement and reassurance! As for Gold vs. Steel - I agree with you, that is why I don't really find myself loving the gold more than my steel nibs. They seem to write fairly the same (at least, the gold vs steel jowos), except that the gold would be naturally a bit softer.

[@deniseplasse5126]

So I have a question, because you have so many shimmer inks on the top of your list, do you use shimmer inks in your top 10 pens? I have recently put a shimmer ink in my Sailor Pro Gear 😱 I know I know, but OMG what wonderful flow….. I find it shows off the shimmer better than any other pens in my collection. I am STUNNED!!! (I don’t have much luck on the Yowo nibs… they clog and the shimmer doesnt stay consistent.. )

[@KenchanKrafts]

I think Sailor Pro Gear Mediums and Broads are the wettest juiciest pens I've ever tried. It is soooo darn surprising because MFs and below are so dry you'd think that ALL sailors were dry. No...LOL! Because of that, I can pretty confidently say that Sailor Pro Gear Mediums will have little issue with most well behaving shimmer inks. All my Leonardo Mediums (jowo) have handled shimmers well, too! My Atlas Lake Effect pen is a Fine jowo, and it's handled Tokyo Bay Blue SOOO well, and that nib has clogged my TWSBI jowos. I will probably have to say that TWSBIs are a hit and miss with shimmers because their M nibs can either be very wet or very dry - the drier ones will eventually clog. Shimmers require so much more knowledge on every single nib/feed that you have, so I've had to experiment a lot with my pens and shimmers to find the perfect pens for shimmers! It's worth it in the end, since...nothing really beats a beautiful shimmer ink with tiny particles that shine in the light.

[@kcaltura1625]

I love all of these. I am also a Blue/Green ink lover. Those are the colors I own the most but I plan on expanding my violet/purple colors. Are there any ink/pen wishlist you have for 2024? That could be another great video.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Oooo, I love that idea!! It's going on my list to research what I want and then I'll make it! Thanks for the suggestion! I, too, will hope to increase my pool of purple inks - from dusty to vibrant and pastels! For one, I want the Hachimonjiya pens like I mentioned - the Jellyfish, Amethyst, and Ginzan Snow. XD That'll be a feat to accomplish. Thank you for watching and stay tuned for that 2024 pens and inks wishlist!

[@kcaltura1625]

@@KenchanKrafts Can't wait for more videos!

[@littlehootcrafts6183]

Robert Oster is my all time favorite brand of ink and Rose Gold Antiqua is next on my list

[@KenchanKrafts]

Woohoo!!! If you’ve been eyeing RGA, it’s so worth it! Very beautiful color and ink for daily writing and journaling!

[@radiofreealbemuth]

18:03 is there a reason why you prefer steel jowo over gold? Is it because you prefer stiffer nibs?

[@KenchanKrafts]

I do prefer a stiffer nib, I think that’s why I preferred Aurora, Sailors, and Pilots. So steel nibs are great. I have some steel nibs that are quite soft too, and have some give to them, which is very interesting, but I tried my Leonardo gold jowo nibs and they haven’t really felt drastically different or superior to my experience with the steel jowos. Perhaps I also may have not tried the right inks in my gold Leonardo nibs yet, so for now, that is my experience. :) that’s a great question, thank you for asking and watching! 😇

[@MrPNioVideos]

How does the yu yake compare to noodlers southwest sunset?

[@KenchanKrafts]

I believe Noodler's Southwest Sunset has more shading since it's not as wet as Yu-yake. Yu-yake will show the most shading in a drier nib/feed combo, but it should dry faster than Noodler's. Their overall base color is basically the same! Both have a lot of yellow undertones and are reddish orange in their most saturated or wettest parts.

[@MrPNioVideos]

@@KenchanKrafts thanks!

[@liagonzalez-g5m]

Did you print or buy your swatch cards? I adore them!

[@KenchanKrafts]

I bought these from endless pens during their sale for a great price! These are the Wearingeul cards :)

[@liagonzalez-g5m]

@@KenchanKrafts thank you!

[@lizdelisle1912]

My number one favorite of 2023 is the Esterbrook Candy(B) nib!

[@KenchanKrafts]

Oooo, that Candy Estie is very pretty! :D Thanks for sharing your favorite, Liz!

[@mavleashutosh]

The barrel of M600 GC is made in brass. Not sure about piston mechanism

[@KenchanKrafts]

You're right about that, actually. The piston knob probably might not be brass either, otherwise it would make the pen too heavy. When i held the m800 and this m600 glauco cambon together, the m600 felt slightly weightier and the body material felt much more substantial (since the m800 body is still made of resin). It's so amazing that they decided on making this m600 barrel out of brass, thus innovating the feel of the m600s!

[@gristlevonraben]

very cool

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thanks, Gristle! 🫶

[@BhavyaLapasiya]

You seem to be a great green fan 😅

[@KenchanKrafts]

I am a big big green fan indeed! XD

[@ChaoXiong-pt4rg]

Good job son!

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thank you, Auntie!

[@ItsEveristo]

Where can I buy the Aurora pen? Can someone send me a link please.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Hey Everisto, it's sold out almost everywhere! This was a popular pen. You can try the official Aurora website or email Joost at Appelboom.com. He can sometimes get them straight from aurora for you but at the moment the only one available is a BB at appelboom.

[@ItsEveristo]

@KenchanKrafts Thank you! What's the Aurora pen called? I think I'm looking up the wrong one.

[@KenchanKrafts]

@@ItsEveristo Aurora Volterra

[@KenchanKrafts]

@@ItsEveristo if you happen to get one from Appelboom, remember to use the code, FRIEND, at checkout for 10% off. I have other discounts in my description boxes of my videos if you ever shop at any of those stores, so check them out. :)

[@ItsEveristo]

@@KenchanKrafts You're amazing, thank you 🙏

[@roynaw7902]

Oh my goodness! I just knew a Leonardo would be your number one. So surprised.

[@KenchanKrafts]

I know right? Super shocking! Hehe 😉 thanks for watching, Royna! Happy new years!

[@inkyfingers1045]

😂STOOOOOP you just made me spend more money

[@KenchanKrafts]

Lololl!!!! The Aurora is my most expensive pen in my collection, so it’s fitting to have top spot and make others spend money, 💴 haha! But which pen did you just buy?? 😅😊

[@inkyfingers1045]

A Leonardo and the purple ink

[@inkyfingers1045]

I got the last bottle from jet pens

[@KenchanKrafts]

@@inkyfingers1045 Yes! Hydrangea! It's gorgeous! Pair it in your Leonardo or any purple pen, you'll love it! (it's slightly dry, so a broader nib size or wet pen will make this shine!)

[@KenchanKrafts]

@@inkyfingers1045 Love me Leonardos :)

[@jmearig]

1:38 pun intended?

[@KenchanKrafts]

xD You know it !😜

[@masoodkhan427]

Nice vlog ..please have name displayed on screen while reviewing…audience will connect more

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thanks for your recommendation! I’ve started to do that more now in my new videos!