Fountain Pens I Would Not Repurchase //

[@impish22]

I had to comment again because I think this was a very interesting video. It's so amazing how personal a fountain pen collection is. One person's favorite is another persons not favorite at all. I have kind of settled on some very different pens. I have fallen in love with the simple TWSBI Eco, in certain colors. I don't have all the colors, just the ones that speak to me. And I recently got a TWSBI Eco stub nib, which I find pretty close to my preferred nib because I am an artist and I love the way I can "draw" with it. I also am collecting the Kaweco Student fountain pen in Soul and Swing. The Kaweco student has such a vintage feel that I just love. Even though the Kaweco nibs can be a bit challenging (I so far like the medium size, tempted to try the broad). It really is a learning process when finding the perfect fountain pen for you. I had no idea how much the combination of pen, ink and paper will determine how enjoyable the writing experience is. I have not ventured into the gold nib world, but may at some point. And I am also being tempted by the Franklin-Christoph pens. This was such a helpful video.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thanks for taking the time to share what works for you! And this is the great thing about the fountain pen hobby - is that there are so many variations of fountain pens out there that we will all end up finding the ones we like, and no two collections will look the same.

[@MrsinTN]

I had to work and work on my TWSBI Eco stub nib before I could get it smooth enough to write with.

[@princessbernadettemanlapaz3768]

Can I ask what a Franklin Christoph pen is? Is it a Franklin covey?

[@impish22]

@@princessbernadettemanlapaz3768 It is a brand name. If you look up Franklin-Christoph, you should be able to find the company

[@MummyBrown]

That white tortie Pelikan M400 is the one that got away for me. OMG, I love it. I found it on the resale market for $160 and I ALMOST got it, but I really don’t need another pen so I passed on it. I’m still so bummed about it, ugh…and at that price too 😭

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

It is a beautiful pen - and how many of us really "need" more pens? 🤗

[@bovnycccoperalover3579]

Pens must have gotten much more expensive lately. I bought the M400 White Tortoise at least a decade and a half ago for $123. Love it!

[@CreatingCuteArt]

I’m always a little nervous to watch these, but they’re always so interesting! It’s a fun thought exercise 🤗👍❤️ I was super surprised by the inclusion of the M400 and M605, and the PM! I agree that buying a PM sight unseen is risky, I like to pick the particular pattern so you can see which colors are predominant. Your on the edge of oopsie is one of my favorites of yours, and I’m so excited to see which ones you pick for the would repurchase video!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I was hesitant to film this video as well because I didn't want the message to come across that these are bad pens. They're not at all bad pens - they're just ones I've outgrown.

[@CreatingCuteArt]

I think you did a great job! It’s a tough line to walk!

[@MrsinTN]

Thanks for the video! Of course, I don’t have the funds for the level of pens you have, but I have seen (online) some of them. I have stayed away from both Platinum and Sailor pens as I don’t think I would like how they write. To be fair, I did try out a Platinum 3776 and hated how it wrote - a lot of resistance - so I chose a Pilot Vanishing Point instead. I’ve dreamed of owning a high end Pelikan pen, but I haven’t been able to purchase one over a 120 and 205 model. Of the latter, the Pelikan 205 Petrol, I despise how the medium nib writes: dry and stiff (I generally prefer a medium or broad nib). At least the 120 with a broad nib is wet and fun to write with, but these models are quite small. I agree with you on the busyness of the Primary Manipulation pens as well as the honeycomb pen ; I haven’t been a fan although I have looked at them. Although my pen buying days are pretty much over as I have arrived at my retirement era which entails a greatly reduced income, I have a couple or a few pens that I really haven’t liked, with the Pelikan M205 being at the top of the list. Second would be a Maiora pen (unsure of the model), but it dries out quickly and is a very dry writer. I love the size of it, how it’s made - a beautiful blue resin - but it’s right behind the Pelikan Petrol in the I really regret buying category. I’m really disappointed in the Pelikan M205 because the Pelikan brand has been my grail pen. And I like a Pelikan student pen no longer made, a gray soft plastic pen, a precursor to the Pelikan Style pen, in a medium nib that outperforms the Pelikan Petrol by light years! And that’s a sad commentary about the Pelikan 200 level pens at least, IMO. The most expensive pen I have ever purchased was a Pineider Full Metal Jacket with a gold nib; and I have two other Pineider pens. While I love two of the Pineider pens, the FMJ with the gold nib is way too gushy (Stub nib), but I was warned. What I don’t like about it is that the piston knob is really hard to move, and seems overly so; so I wouldn’t purchase it again, although I don’t think I would sell it. I also wouldn’t sell either of my other two Pineider pens as I love them, a FMJ with a medium steel nub and a Pineider Avatar UR (F) with such a wonderful gold nib. On the cheap end of my own collection, I love my Kaweco Sport pens with a broad nib as they, too, write very smoothly. 😊

[@oldladywcamera]

So interesting. Got me wondering whether some of my wish list might not be great choices. Trying not to buy anything til the SF Pen Show since I'm hoping to be able to try some out. Thanks, Karyna.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

It's always so hard to tell unless we try a pen. A pen show is great for trying all of those out! I'll see you there!

[@oldladywcamera]

@KarynaLovesToPlan I'll be on the lookout for you. My first pen show. It'll be so great to be amongst my pen people!

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

The PM's, especially PM 1 are my favorite resins. They look organic; like a lovely garden grown wild. That M600 special edition is such a beautiful pen.

[@ichirofakename]

1. Useful topic, thanks. Sounds like you have really zoomed in on the size you like. 2. I for one would be interested in seeing a list of what you have already sold and maybe why. 3. Recently I gave away roughly half of my pens, basically all those I actively disliked, and some duplicates, so the 48 remaining are all quite good in my eye. I wouldn't replace pens that functionally duplicate others in my possession that I prefer: 1. My carefully curated collection of slender metal cylindrical pens, as I am no longer convinced they suit my hand particularly well. This includes Faber-Castell Neo Slims, Lamy CP1, TiLiners, Muji. 2. All Kawecos without BB nibs. 3. My collection of 13 (every one I could find) Beginner Pens (with special nib). I still think the is an amazing nib, but they are all functional duplicates for me, so out they go. 4. Two of my three remaining flex nibs, a Waterman 52v and a Pilot 743. Because I slightly prefer my Franklin-Christoph Pocket 66. 5. My other three Franklin-Christophs: Model 20, Pocket 20, and Model 31. Great pens, but I now know that I prefer my Sailors which they duplicate.

[@MrsinTN]

What is an nib?

[@Bobbiemp]

Although it’s a grail pen for many, I sold my Pilot Custom 823 because the nib was a little large for me. I really enjoy my Pilot Custom 912 with a soft FM nib, but most only talk about the Falcon nib. I highly recommend the Pilot soft nibs if you love the feel of an E95S.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Some people love the feel of the #15 nib. I want something a little softer, closer to the 18k nib on the Pilot VP! I can't wait to try these in SF!

[@ericj2798]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan Curious if you found a Pilot or any other brand with a feel like the 18k vanishing point. I too, love the nib on these! Just wish they were available in a more “normal” pen along with the VP.

[@ironmic9244]

I don't repurchase any pen. The only pen I have multiple models of are the OMAS 360, and I'll gladly purchase more. If any pen had to be replaced for some reason, there are very few pens I'd actually replace out of my collection. Part of the issue is that a lot of my pens are not in production anymore. So out of the pens that are in production, it would probably be 5. While I have yet to sell off any of my pens, as time goes by, I have been more and more selective. And I was selective to begin with :) I tell every newbie, be selective, be selective, be selective, because you just end up with a whole of pens. Figure out what you really find comfortable in a holding and writing with a pen, and that usually comes down to dimensions of the pen. Pretty pens will come and go. A nib can always be worked on to one's preferences, but you can't change the body of the pen once it's bought.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you for this! I know a few people who, when they find a pen model that just works for them, they have multiples of that pen in various colours and possibly nib sizes. And being selective is key, but it can be tough when you don't have a place to try out different pens in person before buying. Which leads to acquiring - thankfully, I've been able to sell of what no longer serves me, and really hone in on the size of pen body I like!

[@ironmic9244]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan You are completely correct about not having a place to try pens. A shame really. Despite being really selective, I have fallen victim myself. i don't fault anyone who chooses to buy only one model, or have many pens of the same model that just works for them. After all these years, I'll probably be focusing on a particular brand now too.

[@kcaltura1625]

I have sort of the same issue with my vintage Platinum. The F nib is just too thin for me. Pens I would not repurchase would probably be the Platinum for the same reason and TWSBIs. I've tried the diamond mini and the Eco/Eco-T. Those large ink capacity pens are not for me since I would love to switch out my inks as much as I can or else I'll be inking up a lot of my pens.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I no longer have any TWSBIs in my collection and I wouldn’t repurchase them either. I don’t need that much ink and the nibs have been inconsistent for me. Thanks for sharing!

[@kcaltura1625]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan you're welcome! Can't wait to see thr next video about the pens you would repurchase!

[@sunny8254]

Great video! I actually did this exercise with my collection earlier this month. It affected me so much that I ended up selling 9 pens pretty quickly. Why keep a pen that I wouldn't repurchase? Better to get the money back. One pen I sold was a PGS. I agree with you- too small and hurts my hand. But- a definite keeper was my M400 ironically. It is a F and it writes so smooth and wet that I can grip it loose and write with that pen for hours. It's my one and only gold nib. I've tried 2 other gold nibs and nothing compares. Anyway, the collection is down to less than 10 pens now. Feels really good.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

At first, I was hesitant to do this video because I thought I would feel that way, that I had to sell the pens that were on this list. And maybe I eventually will. But for right now, I appreciate them for what they are and will enjoy them while I can. And if I did need to re-start my collection, I know that these pens would not be among them and I'd be okay with that.

[@marilyngardner4269]

I find these videos so fascinating -- both the pens that one would repurchase or not repurchase. I think I said the same thing on one of Simone's videos, but I tend to be tolerant of variations in pens and am willing to accept some quirks as part of the pen's uniqueness.I don't have particularly narrow criteria in terms of what I keep. That may be because I'm a collector and not just a user. That being said, I have some of the same thoughts you do. I also stopped buying Sailor Pro Gear Slims because they are too small, and I also wouldn't buy a pen in an extremely variable resin pattern sight unseen I don't buy pens in variable pours unless I can see and approve the exact pen. Fortunately, some custom pen makers will allow you to do that, and those are the makers I prefer to do business with. Finally, I agree that a sharp step-up can be uncomfortable. Thanks for the video!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

You're so right about us all having different tolerances when it comes to the variations in pens. I am a collector, but I won't keep something that I'm not using. So on the scale of collector to user, I'm leaning more towards user. And yes to the variable resins - so hard to buy without seeing them because of the huge variations. So I really only try to buy them from smaller makers or if the retailer is willing to show me a few photos. Thanks for your input, Marilyn!

[@vict2805]

Thank you for your Video. We grow at our pen taste. I guess most of us goes through this phase. Great honest opinion. Cheers

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

You are so right - what may have been my grail pen over a year ago is now a pen I've outgrown as I've tried other pens.

[@NotesFromPastAmy]

I'm not surprised the MZG angel skin was included. Youve mentioned it's too big for you on more than one occasion. I was surprised at the Sailor PGS nuts and Pelikans! I hadn't realized those were too small for you. Size matters so much!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I completely agree with size making all the difference - I'm kind of glad that the Sailor Pro Gear Slims are too small or I would be tempted by all the new colours released all the time! Thanks Amy!

[@sylviarienzo6955]

I am interested to see a couple of pens I recognize on your list of pens you wouldn’t repurchase because I not only agree but I have returned both of them. First is the Sailor Pro Gear Slim known as Sound of Rain, a very pretty teal blue. I thought it was surprisingly small, but more significantly, I hated to write with it. It was so scratchy it adversely affected my penmanship. I just couldn’t get the pen to move where I wanted it to go to form a letter. Second is a Pelikan M600 in Turquoise and White. Yours was a lookalike in design but an M400. I could almost cut and paste my comments about the Sailor here because my reaction to it was so similar to the Sailor. But in addition, even though I had gone madly in love with its appearance from photos online, when it arrived it was a “meh”. What really surprised me are your comments about the Pilot Custom 743! I absolutely love my 743 in Verdigris. It and the Pilot Custom 845 are the grail pens in my collection and the 743 writes like a dream and as a bonus is the most beautiful green. I can’t imagine not rebuying this pen should something happen to it.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I definitely agree with you about the size of the Sailor Pro Gear Slim and the size of the M400 and the M600. Too small and uncomfortable for my hands. I now have an M800 and an M1000 and those are both so much more comfortable. As for the 743, I was not wowed by the nib and it was just kind of meh for me. I prefer the 18k nib on the Vanishing Point.

[@Topscura]

Another great video Karyna. I was surprised to see the Pelikans in there before getting to your rationale. I have to check my own biases and ensure I’m not projecting as this is your ‘would not purchase’ list after all. ;) As you know, I’m a Pelikan fan but I only go for the longer and heavier models (M800 or above). I’m still not getting on well with the Sailor Pro Gear (too small for me). It’s the only one I wouldn’t repurchase in my collection.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you, Michael! It really was a surprise to me as well when I thought about it. Especially since the Pelikan M400 was a grail pen. But it also shows how much I have learned about my personal preferences. I am currently saving up for my first M800! 😁

[@ironmic9244]

Have you tried posting the pro Gear? I generally don't post my pens, but in the case of the Pro Gear I post mine because I am not afraid of micro scratches on the barrel. I also got the Pro Gear Realo so it is slightly longer than the regular Pro Gear. You might like the KOP more. While it is a wonderful pen for the dimensions and the nib, the small converter is still something that really pisses me off.

[@tawallah77]

This is a great video along with pens you would repurchase again. I think that you use more fountain pens you get to better know what works for you. The nib sizes, special grinds and filling mechanism, etc. This can only come with experience, I think, rather than going with buzz or hyped pens. For me, I prefer fine or extra fine nibs, medium can be okay. And I’m not a big fan of shimmer ink. The only pens I probably wouldn’t purchase again are Monteverde - getting trouble with feed and TWSBI 580 ALR in fine nib, it’s too wet for me, maybe the extra fine nib instead.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

You are so right - the more pens you use, the better you get to know your preferences. There are a few that I've sold that aren't on this list that I wouldn't purchase again - any TWSBIs, the Pilot Metropolitan and the Pilot Decimo are some that are not on here that I wouldn't purchase again.

[@kathleenschmidt1489]

Not surprised about most of them. The Pelikan’s and Sailor are too small for me. The Leonardo did surprise me. This is a good process to do periodically. Thanks.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

You know me, Kathleen! This may look completely different next year, who knows?

[@amyelr]

Me with a Leonardo MZG in PM1 on order. 👀😅 I totally understand what you're saying though - the shop I ordered from is supposed to send me some photos to choose from, because I was hesitant due to all the color variations too! Hopefully the size works for me; I do have giant hands which helps here. 😂

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I was tempted by that MZG in PM1 but I am grateful knowing that the Momento Zero Grande is too big! 😅

[@fountainPENdulum]

Completely relate with the experience of having a quality, beautifully made fountain pen and still not find it to be a good enough fit for your personal preferences. For me, often it is a matter of build comfort and step ups being undesirable also. Thanks for the video!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Well said! For some people, the TWSBI Eco is the pen that works for them. For others, it is the Montblanc 149. While on paper, one might be "better" than the other, it is all down to our personal preferences. Thanks for watching!

[@ironmic9244]

I still have to see your NWP show video. Glad to see your vial and pen rests showing up in videos.

[@fountainPENdulum]

@@ironmic9244 thank you!

[@AshleyRebecca]

I saw the sailor and died lol I love the pro gear slims lol

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Haha yeah that one surprised me, but knowing what I know now about the size of pen I like, the Pro Gear Slims are just that bit too small!

[@amyalphabet722]

The Leonardo was unexpected, you really surprised me, and yet I get it. The size is everything! I recently purchased a Momento Zero Grande with a steel nib. I had been taking a hard and long look at the Angel Skin but was apprehensive to spend so much on a pen that I haven't held. Now that I have my MZG 2.0, I cannot put it down. I love the oversized grip and while the nib it came with is wonderful, I had to pair the pen with an EF Franklin-Christoph nib with a SIG grind. All this to say, I have learned that won't bother with gold nib so unless the Angel Skin is re-released with a steel nib, it will will remain a pen I admire from a far.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I do want to try a Momento Zero size as I think it would fit better in my hand, but I have not seen any come out recently. I do love the rose gold nib on my Angel Skin, but you are right - if I hadn’t got it for such a great deal, I wouldn’t have bought it.

[@amyalphabet722]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan I just realized I put the wrong model name! That should read Momento MAGICO. I also have a MZG 2.0 and I do love it. But the Magico model's grip section is 10.9mm - funny how 1.3mm can make such a difference!

[@PlanYourOneLife]

It’s funny that you said that the SPGS was too small for you. That’s like the Benu pens for me. They’re pretty, but those are too big for me. 😊

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

The Benu Euphoria would be in this list if I hadn’t already sold it! 😂 That one is big for me and the facets on it are uncomfortable for my hand.

[@PlanYourOneLife]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan 😲😂

[@cerealnana]

This was an interesting video! I need to take a look at my pens and have a good think. I'm in the mood to purge.

[@amaliahardy4627]

liked your video. you mentioned selling the custom 743, where do you sell your pens?

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Sorry for the late reply. I sell on Instagram (the account Virtual Pen Show), or through Reddit r/PenSwap.

[@amaliahardy4627]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan thanks, I'll be on the lookout!

[@benkempermagic]

It is so true that our tastes change and evolve. I would not repurchase the Pilot Metal Falcon myself. I find the nib to be so scratchy. I’m very definitely hunting for that particular Manyo Nuts. Let me know if you want me to take it off your hands, let me know. Thanks!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I've heard various things about the Falcon - and if I ever do sell Manyo Nuts, I'll keep you posted.

[@MrsinTN]

I bought a red Falcon with a SM nib, and haven’t been crazy about it. Love the Vanishing Point nibs much better.

[@impish22]

I can't wait to watch, but first coffee !!

[@Inazarab]

I'm just curious why do you keep your piston pens piston extended when your not using them?

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I didn't realize there was a right way or wrong way to keep them when not in use. It's because when I clean it, after I've pushed all the water out, that's the last position it is in and then it's the position I need it in when I change ink.

[@Inazarab]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan I don’t think there’s a right or wrong way, I just usually put them back when I’m done so I was just curious if there’s a reason.

[@marym.1567]

The tailor pen co in honey malomar is my next pen! You influenced me

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

It is one I may consider selling. It is beautiful but the step is too much for me.

[@marym.1567]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan 🤩

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

@@marym.1567 email me at shopkarynalovestoplan(at)gmail.com - I think I am ready to sell this one if you are interested.

[@Bo_Yeshua]

Yoooo I'm not a fan of Laban either. I have kilk. Only have two pens but love them not so much Laban but love kilk may get another soon

[@blodman7441]

Video on Pens you Would repurchase PLZ :))

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

It's coming!

[@ramonafirehorse]

The FWP. Ruch pen! Way too narrow for my hand

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Totally get that. Kind of why I avoided it altogether!

[@ricfraser7436]

Great video, do you think that owning so many pens has influenced how you picked the pens, let's say you only had 20 pens, would the list be the same. For me I wouldn't re purchase the Custom 845. It's a glorified 743 and the writing experience doesn't justify the materials.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Oh absolutely! What I acquire and how many I acquire will definitely influence what I choose for this list. This list could be completely different this time next year. I'm the type of collector where I am still trying and acquiring a few to find what works for me, and I am able to let go of what doesn't work for me. Good to know about the 845!

[@ironmic9244]

I don't know it I would say the 845 is a glorified 743. I am sure the writing experience is much the same given the nib and the nib size are the same, but you are getting a two-tone nib, and more importantly, the 845 is urushi over ebonite, not injection moulding plastic.

[@MissMarilynDarling]

I have a lot of pens I would not re purchase I will have to make a video :)

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Would love to watch yours!

[@MissMarilynDarling]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan it's going to be tomorrow when I do my currently inked

[@Bo_Yeshua]

If you feelin froggy n wna give a fan one of these feel free to leap ❤

[@inksplat]

I’m surprised by the m400 only because it seems like you use it pretty often! If the m400 is too snall, that would also rule out the m200, because it’s the same size as the m400. I’m still waiting (impatiently) for my black tortie - it’s been 4 months, but the shop I ordered it from said it would ship this month. 🤞🏻

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I was surprised by it too but the more pens I have tried, I have learned I like bigger pens, and the M400 is just too small! Hope your M600 arrives soon!

[@sushanart]

😇🩷🙏🙌

[@gofusmoholl3462]

So her main complaint is most of these pens are too small for her hand

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Not entirely true.