Goulet Q&A 161: Great Blue Inks, Reviving a Lamy 2000, and the New Aurora Flex Nib!

[@HarryRunes]

3:12 I really love the way that swab looks! Especially with the shading!

[@ThrowingItAway]

I really like the new navigation for pens on the site. Good job team!

[@bencatastrophe]

The yearly / periodic releases of Pelikans in special colours are particularly exciting :) Thanks for the great video as usual!

[@breadyegg]

The way you stow the syringe nib into the plunger unit @ 30:12 - Genius - I'll be using that method now!

[@Gouletpens]

That's how we ship them out, it's such a simple way to do it! - Colin

[@ZachsXeZach]

I'm dying for the new Petrol ink and to see the new seasonal Edison Nouveau Premiere.

[@Gouletpens]

If the Petrol ink is even close to how awesome the Dark Lilac ink was, it should be pretty great. The new Premiere will be here next Tuesday! So keep your eyes peeled for that. :) - Colin

[@charlesdyfis]

With respect to low ink levels -- one of the places where I really love Visconti's SmartTouch nib and mosquito filler is that the combination is *great* for being able to ink their internal-reservoir pens from a sample bottle!

[@shayantani81]

Wow are the Faber castell Blue and the Lamy blue. I used the cartridges that my FC loom and Lamy 2000 came with and I quite like it. I am a sucker for blue inks too. Thanks Brian!

[@Apav]

I never took Brian's pen problem seriously until I realized he has TWO Lamy 2000s

[@inksplat]

I totally snagged a purple TWSBI on eBay this week. It wasn't $300 but it was spendy. Purple is 💜 and I just found it thanks to Instagram. 😂 I also have my mini AL blue that I got from GPC (thanks, email notification!) and I'm using the diamond shimmertastic Blue Pearl ink in it so far. Super fun. Answering the QOTW, I'm newer to fountain pens (about a year now), and I'm totally a sucker for the Special edition Lamy AL-Stars and Safaris and the matching inks!. I have the dark lilac (with matching cartridges), the pacific (matching cartridges and bottle) , and I can't wait for Petrol! 👏🏻 and then I think I'm going to have to stop buying pens for a while 😂

[@MaryKDDRozario]

I have to have the Lamys. Fortunately that's one of the more affordable fountain pen collecting obsessions to have.

[@Gouletpens]

Yeah, I think that's why they're so popular. Affordable, yearly special editions. Definitely adding the Petrol to my lineup! - Colin

[@shelleymaher1590]

Kon peki has a red sheen if used on the right paper!

[@sharingtimeagain]

Personal Q: Brain, you often refer to purchasing pens and inks on the Q&A. Even at cost I assume your expenses in that area can add up fast. I think it would for me unless really careful. Without giving too much personal information how do you handle not buying every cool pen related thing you see?

[@jessicatvordi]

I haven't really gotten into collecting special editions-I have the Dark Lilac Safari, and am seriously thinking about getting both the Petrol pen and ink. But now that you've teased the Pilot VP Special Edition, that might be a possibility.

[@maryharper9321]

I began my addiction with Lamy al star love the Lamy

[@Gouletpens]

Definitely a good place to start! Did you get the new Al-Star Pacific? - Colin

[@inerlogic]

just got my 4.5oz Bay State Blue, put it in the Charlie pen that came with the ink, LOVE the blue..... it's not green, but it's a nice color.... Question of the Week: nothing yet...... :(

[@ColonelJellybean]

My safari and the field notes! I'm new to the fountain pen world and it didn't take long for me to get hooked on something. I'm sure the list will grow, though!

[@Gouletpens]

The yearly/special editions of those are great. Love the Field Notes Lunacy! - Colin

[@rebeccag.8398]

Love the site tweaks.

[@Gouletpens]

Yeah, I'm pretty pumped about it too. Makes finding certain pens a lot easier! - Colin

[@helgeb5906]

I've already got my Lamy Safari Petrol! It arrived yesterday, bought from a Norwegian online store.

[@Gouletpens]

Well, that's pretty crazy. They must be the first ones to have it! Can't wait to see the Petrol in person. - Colin

[@helgeb5906]

Here's pictures and a small sample writing: helgeb.net/lamy-safari-petrol-pen-and-ink/

[@mikew9537]

QOTW - If finances allowed I would be more attracted to new inks. I want to expand my pen collection, but that's a slower and more methodic process. I think the Diamine 1864 is a cool idea. That full collection would make a nice display, eh?

[@Gouletpens]

Yeah, that 1864 collection is sharp. Love the pie look when they're all together. Some great inks in there too! - Colin

[@mikew9537]

Yeah, I'm really looking forward to trying out the Blue-Black

[@willrideout4999]

No love for Diamine Asa Blue? Nice deep color, shades nicely, and cleans out of pens super well!

[@Gouletpens]

Well, I think Brian's love for Kon-Peki is enough for the entire Iroshizuku line. Asa Blue is definitely a good option as well. - Colin

[@lizcolton9936]

Thanks again for all of the information you provide! I was not aware that the Noodler's Baystate Blue has special cleaning needs - that is the first Noodler's ink I have ever purchased too. Are their any others with this need? I would have stayed away from it had I known. My must have needs - new paper - love the paper! Mostly journals.

[@Gouletpens]

Beyond those Baystate inks, the other Noodler's inks are relatively easy to clean out. Obviously the permanent inks might stick around a bit longer, but nothing too serious. What yours favorite paper? Have you tried our Notebook Sampler yet? (www.gouletpens.com/package-notebooksampler/p/Package-NotebookSampler). - Colin

[@QuickQuips]

Pilot 70ml for a practical ink bottle and well behaved blue inks (though it's not a showoff like Baystate or a Emerald of Chivor level of rich sheen).

[@She-wolf3636]

I only own one blue ink, Upon the Plains of Abraham, a Noodlers Canadian exclusive. I haven't been compelled to buy another blue ink. I think the main reason I bought it was to support a Canadian exclusive.

[@Gouletpens]

Do you prefer other ink colors? As you can see, so many great blue inks if you want to try them out! - Colin

[@RyGeye]

Is it possible to manually paint and finish a fountain pen with a custom color (i.e. using acrylic paint)? If so, what is the process? The Pilot Metropolitan has become my everyday go-to pen, however its somewhat limited color selection is challenging to pair with different variations in ink colors. For example, I currently have the red retro pop Metropolitan paired with Diamine Red Dragon, but would like to paint a Metropolitan burgundy to match Noodler's Black Swan in Australian Roses.

[@paulkelly6217]

important question: I have 2 fountain pens and 2 bottle of inks, Kon peki and noodlers heart of darkness. I have noticed that the noodlers heart of darkness skips in both pens even though the kon peki writes smooth. Should I water down the heart of darkness, what could I do to fix this problem?

[@Julian-bq9qv]

Great video as always - love your videos, and I have a related question for future. I note that your fingers, like mine, often show the signs of your ink addiction. Have you found a way to thoroughly clean your hands before you go to some public venue? I have learned ways to keep my fingers and thumbs semi-concealed in some situations, so people do not assume I have an incurable skin condition which causes faded green and blue blotches!

[@Gouletpens]

There's not really a magically solution unfortunately! Shampoo does work pretty well though. Brian talks more about that in a previous Q&A slice: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zne2dKlsi6uIf8U - Colin

[@pat999x]

But there IS a magical solution. There is a tool I've used for my crafting (Ink and paper there, too. What a surprise!) It is from the Ranger Ink company (no connection other than as a long time customer) They call it the Craft Scrubbie. It feels a little like pumice stone, but not as rough. It's meant to be used wet, which makes it even feel smoother. But it is an ink eraser! I get my fingers all inky when I fill a pen, and the scrubbie just takes it all away. Oh... and QQOW - I am hooked on the Lamy Safari and Al-Star special editions, and when my budget allows, the Edison Premiere seasonals.

[@billyjoebob998]

Julian 3 -

[@MrGyges]

In order of importance Bri: ... pens, inks, dogs, and families ( oh, yes ).

[@Bibbibbobbib]

The Edelstein inks-- I don't even like the Smoky Quarts, but I am getting a bottle anyway.

[@Gouletpens]

The ink grows on you. At first glance, I thought it was a boring brown, but it definitely has some shading to it. - Colin

[@robyn_roamz]

I live in Australia. I recently went into a Monte Blanc store to buy a converter for an older Monte Blanc fountain pen that had been gifted to me by a friend who was down sizing. The young ladies in the store showed me the Monte Blanc inks and suggested that they would be better to use in my pen to protect the feed. I am very fond of my pen and don't want to do anything to harm it but I don't know if this was just sales talk or if it really is the case. What is your opinion?

[@Gouletpens]

Without knowing Montblanc pens & inks that much, or vintage pens either, I can't say for certain. But, in general, any fountain pen ink should work well with a fountain pen. Some may argue that brand ink in the brand's pen is a good combination, but to me that sounds like sales talk. - Colin

[@StrangerCoug]

What can I use to wipe off my nibs that won't get my fingertips dirty and that can be easily carried in a tote bag pocket? I want to get away from using Kleenex for this purpose since ink bleeds through it *VERY* easily, and a paper towel roll is too big for me to want to carry it to school.

[@hwang1607]

Are waterman inks not being carried anymore?

[@Gouletpens]

Unfortunately we had to closeout Waterman due to poor sales. - Colin

[@wendybowman5871]

The olive will come in passport size?! When!?

[@Gouletpens]

Unfortunately it'll only come in the 'Regular' size, not passport. But it should hopefully be here late next week! - Colin

[@wendybowman5871]

The Goulet Pen Company Ah. So Brian misspoke in the video. Bummer.

[@Gouletpens]

Yeah, didn't realize he mentioned that at the end. Sorry about that! Just the Regular (www.gouletpens.com/traveler-s-notebook-olive-regular-special-edition/p/TN15218006). - Colin

[@darkinertia2]

whats the name of that crazy bottle ink? i couldnt catch the name, i thought i heard aquaman lol

[@jeannineelliott9437]

darkinertia2 though I would buy an ink called aquaman (who wouldn't) I think the one you want to know the name of is Akkerman ink.

[@Gouletpens]

Yeah, that's Akkerman ink, super cool bottle design! - Colin

[@jonathanaharonov4409]

what is a good ledgable gray ink?

[@Gouletpens]

+jonathan aharonov Diamine Graphite, Noodler's Lexington Gray, Faber Castell Stone Grey to name a few -Brian

[@katiewikle6449]

question: I bought a Lamy Safari off of amazon a year ago when I just started getting into fountain pens, not knowing that Amazon is a TERRIBLE place to get a safari. Most of the reviews on the page where I got my pen claim that they got fakes, and that got me worried, even though my "safari" has always written just fine. I just bought the pacific AL Star from you guys, and even though i know there are some slight differences, the AL Star is taller than the safari in the body. Is this normal, or is my pen a likely counterfeit?

[@Gouletpens]

I wouldn't say necessarily that the Safari is counterfeit. When posted or capped, the Al-Star does have just a bit more length to it. You can compare for yourself with our Pen Plaza feature (www.gouletpens.com/pen-plaza). - Colin

[@chrislj2890]

Anyone notice the color of Brian's pullover? I'd say it looks suspiciously a lot like the upcoming Lamy Safari Petrol. Could this possibly be an attempt at a subliminal prompting to get us even more stoked for that pen? Hmmm .... 🤔

[@pinkbadger89]

What pens would you recommend for around 50-120 dollars? I'm thinking twsbi diamond 580, monteverde invincia, conklin nighthawk, karas kustoms fountain k. Which is the best out of those?

[@Gouletpens]

They are all so different. What are you looking for in a pen? TWSBI has high ink capacity and interesting filling mechanisms. Karas Kustoms is extremely durable. The Nighthawk has the unique carbon fiber material. It just depends on what's more important for your pens. - Colin

[@niksnic86]

Is there a real difference between inexpensive & expensive inks? I have one equivalent to US$1.50 (the Hero brand) that stood up surprisingly well to water tests and has very decent dry time. #GouletQA

[@Gouletpens]

Amount of ink, the ink bottle itself, and special properties associated with that ink are all factors when it comes to cost. Diamine is one of our more affordable ink brands, but it just comes in a no-nonsense bottle. Something like Pilot Iroshizuku or Caran d'Ache has a much more elaborate design. Properties like water-resistance can add to the price as well like the De Atramentis Document Inks. - Colin

[@niksnic86]

Hi Colin thank you so much for the RSVP. I was really trying to figure out if there was a link I was missing with respect to the quality of the ink but I guess it really is a packaged deal. The hero ink is good but the bottle is definitely one for the desk drawer.

[@mikew9537]

It's disappointing to hear of the extra measures to clean out Bay State Blue. I'm wondering if other Noodler's colors need the same bleaching? In particular their 54th Mass, Gen of the Armies, and Bad Blue Heron?

[@Gouletpens]

I've only heard of those stories with the Baystate inks (www.gouletpens.com/search?query=baystate&facetValueFilter=). While other permanent Noodler's inks can be tricky to clean, not on the level of Baystate Blue, especially in terms of staining. - Colin

[@lez7767]

I enjoy your video's and reviews, the flex nib was interesting but the pens will disappear and I think they will be beyond my budget,,, SO, I'm experimenting with Ahab nibs to make them more flexy without breaking your wrist, maybe if all goes well I'll apply the flexie to one of my Goulet nibs, maybe... Diamine is prounounced in the North West of England, Dia-mine as in coal mine not Dia-mean... But you say it however you want as we say aluminium differently, whatever. Thank you again for your contribution to the fountain pen syndrome / virus. Best wishes to all pen people. LeZc @@

[@Gouletpens]

Brian used to say it that way in the really old videos. I think he switched when other people (maybe even Diamine themselves?) said it the Dia-mean way. Either way works for me, it's just a name! Best of luck with the flex experiments. :) - Colin

[@lez7767]

oh right, well thats news to mean about the pronouncing of the name...as you say, its just a name and everyone will know the ink. Its just me being an ink hole... I dont mean to upset anyone. Thanks. LeZc

[@gregburbach4140]

If each word you spoke cost $1000 each, would you still waste so many words to say soooo little?

[@Gamingoodz]

Brian, A little disappointed in something about this video. I know you are a business man and I know you want to promote products that you carry. However, when you were talking about inks you didn't even mention a single Private Reserve ink in the video at all. I know you don't carry them anymore but you used to love Private Reserve Electric DC blue and in fact when you used to carry it promoted it in an older video about sheening inks. Now that you don't carry it you are not even mentioning the brand at all. If your aim with these videos is to be educational then I think you have done a disservice by not wanting to mention Private reserve inks. I doubt anyone would disagree that Private Reserve Electric DC blue should have been on the sheening blue inks list. I love your videos and I love your store and I know you are a good guy, so please don't fall into a corporate mindset and pass on the educational value of these videos for monetary gain. I've been watching these videos for a long time now and you guys have done great, but this video just bothered me because of that. Look I know Private Reserve has some issue, I'm not a PR fanboy and I have no loyalty to their inks, I just think it is unfair to not represent them at all when they clearly have a ink that you like that should get some credit in this video. Thanks!

[@Gouletpens]

You make an excellent point. I think with that question and similar questions, Brian uses our website to really find products that answer the questions. It's not to say PR inks don't belong, it's more of an 'out of sight, out of mind' with them. Love when commenters have other great recommendation outside of what Brian mentions, and Election DC Blue is certainly worthy. - Colin