Goulet Q&A Episode 150: Fountain Pens in Space, Vac-Filling from Samples, and Eco Replacement Nibs

[@montyhasanewphone]

Congratulations on your 150th, have many more. love your show and reviews.

[@Shub99]

Please don't reduce the time... It's wonderful to be on the receiving end of your love of what you do... 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@BillBaran]

Speaking of engagement, I love these videos and all your emails. You do an amazing job at making your company feel like 'family' even without any direct interaction.

[@Gouletpens]

+Bill Baran thank you! -Brian

[@KenCrooker]

Don't apologize for going long. When I see a 75-minute Q&A, I feel like it's a bonus (and I'm sure the majority of your viewers feel the same). :) QOTW - People already made good points on a Goulet app and carrying Sailor (I know, not your decision but theirs...keeping my fingers crossed). What I *would* like to see is a larger selection of ink. Thrilled to see Robert Oster added to your lineup (his inks are fantastic), but there are some other great ones out there like KWZ, Akkerman, Papier Plume, Callifolio/L'Artisan Pastellier, Blackstone, Toucan, Levenger, and Bung Box (made by Sailor). Plus, other brands have been emerging that I haven't tried (but would love to), like Bookbinders, Kobe (also made by Sailor), and Seitz-Kreuznach. I also noticed you're not (yet?) carrying the rejuvenated Organics Studio line. So that's what I'd like to see in 2017: an inksplosion of new ink brands. Congrats on 150 episodes! Looking forward to the next 150!

[@abc-wv4in]

More inks are always good. Levinger and bring back Private Reserve. Too bad about Sailor.

[@carlosvillegascarlosvilleg8408]

Congratulations for 150th episode...I wish you had Sailor fountain pens to offer!

[@gobot90]

To answer the QOTW, it would be cool if you could somehow create a forum to connect people with local nibmeisters, repair shops, restorers. So if for example I bought a pen that needed work (not a Goulet pen, obv), instead of hunting around on FPGeeks or using the yellow pages I could go straight to Goulet to get a name or two. And since I'm on Goulet already, maybe I'll just grab a bottle of J Herblah Sparkley Unicorn Tears or Noodler's FreedomBlood or Pilot Irishuziku Old Man Walking Along the River, etc. Do you guys not carry those?

[@Gouletpens]

Well those ink names just made my day. All too accurate. - Colin

[@HarryRunes]

I completely agree. While I don't have any need for that personally (I'm just a newbie), I would definitely feel more comfortable having the Goulet stamp of approval on a nibmeister, so to speak. It's just hard to tell from online the quality of a workshop. Maybe have one particular service that you pay for, and then have Goulet send it out to a nibmeister or repairman that is within a network of other nibmeisters and repairmen that Goulet also sends pens to. That way if anything goes awry, Goulet pens can have more influence on the repairman than one person leaving a bad review could. I think that most nibmeisters are great, but of course there are always bad apples. Just a little insurance I guess. I think that many nibmeisters would be interested, as it would create a more steady flow of business. I don't really know much about how nibmeisters or repair shops work though.

[@bmmcwhirt]

Now I want to buy 'Sparkley' Unicorn Tears ink!!

[@Starguard5]

As far as the question of the week, the announcement of the premiere of Robert Oster inks would have been the one, but since you have already done that Akkerman inks would be my second choice.

[@kylekieffer2648]

I think you guys do a great job of serving us. I know you have talked about an awards program in the past Q&A's but that is the only thing I can see you doing that would be practical. On second thought, maybe a mobile app that lets us shop and browse through different things such as the swap shop. It would be really cool if you could do augmented reality with the pen plaza to see in real time what a pen would look like next to one you already have in a more personal setting.

[@Gouletpens]

Reward/Awards program is a good idea but can be a logistical nightmare. It's something we would want to do 100% right if we did it. The mobile app is definitely on our radar! - Colin

[@k.m.alleenaofonemorechapte532]

It has been a crazy busy holiday season for me! My computer broke, awaiting replacement or repair; I've had a lot of busy days at work, and today was the first day I had a chance to sit and watch a Q&A. I miss it! So thank you for an amazing episode, once again. QOTW: Replacement nibs for Lamy Vista/Safari/Joy/Al-Star/Studio but the gold ones... (: There were a few Studio Limited editions that had those nibs, and some of my friends swapped them between their other Lamy pens. I hear it writes way better! But then again, who would use such an expensive nib on a plastic pen?? I think the option to buy the gold spare nibs at whatever the cost would be excellent.

[@MichaelSoulier32Pens]

Hi Brian. Congrats on the 150, and thank you for the honest comments on yourself and the business. In answer to your question, what I'd mainly like to see Goulet Pens expand on is perhaps a larger selection of Pelikan, as well as #5 replacement nibs (not many options there). Also, have you considered stocking books on fountain pens? Da Book is somewhat difficult to find and order. I figured you'd appreciate books on the inner workings of fountain pens, in any case. Thanks again for all you do.

[@AceyMo21]

Yeah! I have been ill for 2 days. I was so waiting for this video, I'm going to enjoy the best part of the week. Congrats on the 150!

[@Vegetablefather]

Yay!!! You hit the big 150!!!

[@Gouletpens]

I know, can you believe it? Can't wait for Episode 200 already. - Colin

[@jamesh2649]

Thoughts and prayers brother. Thank you for helping to normalize the heavy stuff. I am certain you are helping many people. Well Hannah Grace is, through you and Rachel.

[@Morthy125]

Congratulations on the 150th! :) Thank you for everything you do, you are the reason I got started on fountain pens. Sadly, living in Eastern-Europe, the shipping costs are insane, and ordering from you guys would be a little problematic, but I recommend you to every single one of my american friends. :) And you know what is worse than getting started on fountain pens? Not being able to leave this money-draining madness. No regrets.

[@johndally7994]

As someone wrote below, an on-staff nibmeister would be a good addition to your staff. I wouldn't mind paying extra for that service. The only other suggestion would be for you to carry Sailor pens and inks.

[@Gouletpens]

+John Dally noted. What would be a fair price for you to pay for nib tuning? And on which pens would you want it done? -Brian

[@johndally7994]

The Goulet Pen Company: It would depend on the situation and how long it takes to tune a nib. I bought a Kaweco Brass Sport from a different retailer. It would not flow! I spent hours working on the nib myself, a rank beginner, after watching your videos and few others. Finally, I bought a new KarasKustom nib from you for ~$25. I would have spent that much to have a nibmeister fix it. The KK nib is fine, but I'd rather have a pure bred Kaweco. If I wanted a $400 pen I would pay an extra $25 for a nibmeister to check it out and polish the nib to reduce feed back, if it had any, as a kind of insurance policy. I hope this helps.

[@kennethclayton4]

John Dally I think having options like having a nibmeister basic tune up option for $10-15 to ensure nibs aligned, ink pen and make sure filling mechanism working and pen writes would be something many would pay for. You could also go up from there offering special grinds and adjustments

[@mwaseem6]

Q: What happened when the ship carrying blue paint and the ship carrying red paint crashed into an island? A: The sailors were marooned.

[@TheDavidOrion]

I would love to see Mont Blanc inks. I'm aware of the B&M policy but with closing of Paradise Pens stores around the country announced, they might be more open now then ever to reach out to a web presence like Goulet.

[@SixDasher]

My condolences, Brian. Sad news, I hope you guys get through it.

[@Gouletpens]

+SixDasher thank you -Brian

[@Stitchxavi]

I second the ink drop idea. I think there was a video segment about why you stopped, but with the amount of time I spend sorting through ink samples, I would totally pay in the range of 20-30 usd a month for the ink drop (especially if throughout the year, you ensured there weren't duplicates)

[@Gouletpens]

It's definitely a logistical hardship. One thing I've been doing is ordering the 'Random Ink Sample Package' (www.gouletpens.com/package-inksamples/p/Package-InkSamples). It's not perfect or curated but still gives you some unique inks to try. I just got one today and was stoked at some of the samples. - Colin

[@Shub99]

QoTW: goulet pens has customers at different levels of experience and skills with respect to fountain pen maintenance, modification or ambitions in terms of writing or developing new skills... One thing that could enhance the customer experience would be if Goulet pens could either offer its own nibs modified by a nib Meister and offer italics/ architect etc grinds or an association such that we could order a pen AND get the nib grind customised at one place..... The other would be to have lecture series with calligraphy experts or artists who could offer courses for a fee under the Goulet banner... Not only would we be able to get the pens we need but also enhance how we use them ...

[@nullispointer]

In answer to the question of the week, I'd love to see Goulet offering custom grinding/tuning of the nibs and pens you guys sell. I can see how this would be difficult to arrange, though.

[@Gouletpens]

+gregisaunicorn I've talked about being kind of a dream for me, and very difficult to arrange, logistically. I'd love to see this tho -Brian

[@Stitchxavi]

Oooh wait, another one would be a better mobile experience for the website. That would be awesome. I only buy from GP on mobile.

[@scorpiointuitiontarot9392]

xavi x I second this. But also maybe make the website a bit less buggy. I know with all the products that's probably difficult to do. But if possible it would be great.

[@AiLake]

Two things come to mind: 1. Customization options, like engraving. This is completely pie-in-the-sky thought, but I thought of it when my sister mentioned that she'd love to have her Kara's Kustom's pen engraved. 2. Calligraphy supplies. It's a very tangential practice, but I'd like to get supplies like this from Goulet.

[@Gouletpens]

+Ai Lake thanks for the suggestions. For calligraphy, where are you going for them now, and how could we offer it better than existing suppliers? -Brian

[@AiLake]

To be *completely* honest, I'm currently not into calligraphy because I don't know where to begin! It's because of your videos and your education that I knew where to go down my path of Fountain Pen Love. (And I'm planning on attending my first pen show in February!) Calligraphy is something I've seen and is of interest to me, but I don't know where to really begin and I wish that you/your team could be the ones to set me on the right path. XD +The Goulet Pen Company

[@mandorang]

Jetpens has quite a good selection of calligraphy supplies to meet and beat.

[@stusantos9504]

Hi Brian! Can you do a two-camera setup with the second cam on an aerial view. You'll just need additional editing/splicing of shots. It would be more viewer friendly and would be easier on your part. Just suggesting ;)

[@dragorsi]

Space pen question is the most relevant for me since one of my main character (in my novel) is gonna be fp user. I already decided her pen would work, but at least now I know it's not a big stretch. So thanks for doing my research for me :D

[@jacobrperry]

Orsi Dirda just remember that you couldn't use a fountain pen on a spacewalk because liquid ink would boil away in the vacuum of space ;-)

[@dragorsi]

Jacob Perry thank you! And no worries, my character is not the space walking type ;)

[@diserasta1]

Not entirely true. What makes blood and bodily fluids boil in space is catastrophic depressurization, which only occurs under certain conditions, similar to what causes a plane to get torn apart. So long as you don't have a puncture somewhere in an artery (which cause enough for concern on Earth), you're pretty safe. In fact, someone jettisoned from an airlock is more likely to choke from lack of oxygen than die from bodily fluids boiling away. You'll probably die from radiation poisoning from being bombarded by a nearby sun first. Back to the real question, a fountain pen is not a sealed system (due to the filler hole), and as such, the pressure will quickly equalise with the vacuum of space. This may crack some more delicate pens and cause ink leakage, but is otherwise harmless. After this, the fountain pen will work as advertised, even if just floating through space.

[@bmmcwhirt]

Like Brian said, the biggest issue will be keeping the ink against the feed. This is one of the main reasons they are not used on space missions as much as felt markers, pencils and grease pens. That and open liquids, and yes a fountain pen is really an open liquid as it can freely flow out the nib if left uncapped, are frowned upon. You do occasionally see open liquids used on the space station but not very often. Watching a lot of the videos that NASA posts from the space statin would be good research imo.

[@Stitchxavi]

Another request would be an ink mixing kit. You had mentioned in one video that you could mix with cmyk. A lot with a syringe, mixing vile, would be awesome.

[@Gouletpens]

There was a lot of comment in that Q&A asking for something like that. I think it's definitely feasible so we might be able to figure that out. - Colin

[@jacobrperry]

I know it's unrealistic, but it would be great if you could sell refurbished pens somehow. Offer a service to buy back used pens in decent condition for a few bucks then fix any problems and sell them at a discounted rate. That would probably be a nightmare on your end, but as a fountain pen enthusiast on a shoestring budget I'd really appreciate it. I already really appreciate everything Goulet does and sells (videos, and pen tuning and cleaning kits especially). I also love the idea of American made pens, I just bought an Edison from you guys, and I love that you carry Tactile Turn and Karas Kustoms as well. So I'd appreciate it if you keep your ear to the ground and try to carry more American made brands that might pop up and who's values align with your own.

[@Gouletpens]

+Jacob Perry refurbished pens would be really tough to do economically. To be a broker for a used pen, we'd have to buy the pens for really cheap to make it worthwhile (and sell at less than a new pen) so it wouldn't really be worth it for the seller...-Brian

[@domzals1]

QOTW : I would love to see Goulet carry KWZ inks. Aside from Robert Oster (which you now carry, yay!) KWZI is my daily go-to for some of the more unique colors including Honey and Brown Pink.

[@Vegetablefather]

QOTW: Akkerman inks. They're just gorgeous. They only have a few colours so it would probably be easy to sell too.

[@AndrewZander]

QOTW: In house nib tuning/nib smithing. To include nib tuning option when purchasing a new pen or the ability to send in pens for nib work.

[@ZKeros]

I wouldlike If Goulet Pens would have a European warehouse or shipping place. I really love your videos, your site and every bit of knowledge you offer. Unfortunately i do live in the EU and it is not doable for me with my student income to purchase anything from your site due to extreme high shipping costs...

[@banihex]

I'd like to see some more pen cases, specifically non leather/animal product cases. I know you have the nock, but it would be cool to see a single pen sleeve!

[@Gouletpens]

+banihex let me know if you find any good ones! -Brian

[@notconvincedgranny6573]

I have to agree with the list of local nibmeisters with the GSA - Goulet Stamp of Approval. (And any chance you might have of carrying KWZ ink.)

[@Shub99]

The Waverley nib seems to be designed for Kanji where both fine and broad lines are needed in the same character... ???? Maybe???

[@matthewbeddow3278]

Thanks Brian , interesting as always

[@mikepsumner]

QOTW: I'd really like to see an expansion of the Goulet nibs. I'd like to try some different grinds on pens but I don't necessarily want to spend the money on a whole new pen just to see if I like them. Maybe something like a cursive italic, architect grind, or maybe some other materials like a titanium nib? Also I know on your site you can sort all of the pens in MANY different ways but I'd like to see a way to sort pens by nib size. (Maybe nib size isnt exactly the correct wording. I dont mean EF, F, M, or B) But if I know a pen has a number 6 size nib and that I can swamp it out it makes it much more appealing to me.

[@RZ-xq7zt]

In 2017 i would like to see Ink Drop come back!!!

[@isturma]

That'd be awesome, but since it was cancelled d/t cost, I think it might be unlikely.

[@wildbill23c]

Lee G. I make pens and I can say that its more of a hobby than a business. Unless you go all out and have a website and sell online, the likelihood of having a productive business is very slim. I tried it and when people can go to the store and buy a pack of 12 pens for a buck, they sure has hell aren't going to buy a pen for $20 on the cheap end of the hand-made pen industry. You can't make any money selling pens by the time you figure in the time, labor, components, etc. there's no money in it in the real world. Very few have been able to do it and be able to make any money...they are able to go to every pen show around and travel, and have a website. Just trying to sell locally isn't going to gain you much. I made a bunch of different pens last year for christmas gifts...spent over $300 on components alone just to use them as christmas gifts.

[@mikew9537]

For 2017 I would like to see you start offering Kaweco bottled inks, in particular their Pearl Black. I will be making a decent size order for some samples, but also some bottled inks that I know I will use for a long time, and I would really like to be ordering from one company if possible. Looking forward to a new year!

[@SaintKodiac]

I'd love it if you could carry Sailor pens!

[@Gouletpens]

We've reached back out to them recently since they dropped us a few years back, hoping something can happen in 2017, we'll see. - Colin

[@johnkerr4097]

Hi Brian, Congratulations on your sesquicentennial episode. Re your QOTW, as an Australian customer the biggest thing would be if you could reduce international freight. I understand this may be out of your control, but if you could offer a cheaper delivery, even if much slower, it could well increase overseas orders.

[@Gouletpens]

+John Kerr that was our goal with offering FedEx options. Unfortunately, I know no cheaper way other than to subsidize the shipping cost (which is not a wise business decision on my part). I'm afraid especially with the strength of the US dollar right now, this isn't likely to improve in 2017 -Brian

[@mandorang]

It would be nice to have some flexibility in this direction when possible. I asked about shipping some tiny unbreakables - mylar, mesh and a grip, in an envelope, hoping to get a break in shipping expenses. Not everything needs to get the ultrasecure Goulet packaging treatment?!

[@Apav]

For the question of the week: So far I'm loving the Nemosine stuff! And for the far further if Sheaffer ever moves production back to the states I'd love to buy one of their pens lol I swear I usually have more things on mind but right now I can't think of anything, sorry :/

[@Gouletpens]

+Apav5 thanks for sharing! -Brian

[@davidknapp928]

QOTW: As long as you're bringing in new inks, I'd love to see you carry Akkerman inks :)

[@amybrazelton6825]

QOTW: I would like to see Goulet Pens carry calligraphy supplies such as nibs, nib holders, calligraphy paper, etc.as it would be great to get my calligraphy supplies and fountain pens from the same company. Thanks for the great Q&A!

[@Gouletpens]

+Amy Brazelton thanks for the feedback. Where are you currently getting these supplies? What could we offer that other calligraphy retailers aren't doing already? -Brian

[@amybrazelton6825]

The Goulet Pen Company - I usually get my supplies from John Neal Booksellers and Amazon... art supply stores do not carry the supplies I need. I use Mitchell nibs, Gilbert bond paper, Winsor & Newton inks - I tend to go thru a lot of paper and ink. I do use Rhodia dot grid also.

[@paddrino5991]

Congratulations on all the success you have had this past year 'brain' :) I wish you the best for 2017! As far as products I would like to see you offer. Lord I would love it if you all could get some more Pilot pen and nib options. The second you would offer the 823 in the clear / gold with an FA nib, you would have at least one instant purchase from me :). Yes I know they don't offer that color in the US, and I know they don't offer that nib natively with it (although there are some places that you can get it swapped out), but that is the pie in the sky request :)

[@MR2Davjohn]

QOTW: The one thing I would like to see Goulet Pen carry is more offerings on lower price pens. I don't know why some people intentionally avoid many Japanese, and almost all Chinese pens. The only Chinese pens I've seen are the Jinhao 159, x450 and x750. Even if you don't carry the pens to sell, what about reviews and information about them. I know how much it hurts when people undercut the business, but I can't afford to continue to buy from Goulet on a regular basis. It's not because the prices are so high, but because the catalog of items carried are mostly moderate to high end pens.

[@Gouletpens]

One thing to consider is the distributors for these pen brands. They might not be set-up for US distribution. Jinhao is one that allows that (but even then, not every model they have). Also, from an inventory standpoint, carrying every pen out there is difficult as they don't all sell, so it's about fine-tuning what the demand is if that makes sense. Our bandwidth doesn't allow reviews on all the pens we do carry, let alone those that we don't. The Fountain Pen Network, Stephen Brown, R/fountain pens are all great resources for some of those other pen brands. - Colin

[@MR2Davjohn]

R/fountain pens?

[@Gouletpens]

The fountain pen subreddit: www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/ - Colin

[@ftamayo]

what to offer? Ever since that Q&A question of pen grabbing/hold i've been searching on how to properly hold and write with fountain pens. I've used them for years and have writen literally over two thousand pages... on 2016 alone i wrote 13 300 pages journals, and thats excluding to do lists, penmanship/handwriting practice, notes, letters and so on. Point is: what if i have been doing it wrong? How can i be better? There is no one place that has all the information compounded. So, for me its a tool/service to be offered: How to hold the pen and how to write with it PROPERLY. Just because "it works" doesnt mean its right.

[@Gouletpens]

+Federico Tamayo wow!!! Well if you've written that much and your hand hasn't fallen off, I'd say you're doing just fine! Thanks for the suggestion. I don't know that there is one perfect way for everyone to hold it, but certainly we could cover this subject more -Brian

[@Tealosaurus]

I have a Diamond 580 in Green (The Tealy color!!) and am wondering what size the nib is, because I would LOVE to use the double fired re-entry Nemosine nib with it. P.S. Brain Goblet is a great metal band name

[@animejunkie10]

so safe to say if you use a pen in space, have a piston converter for full function.

[@NatalieBland]

Archimage's second question on screen is not the question read/answered (1:01:50)

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks for the heads up. Archimage had a lot of questions this week, Jenni must have grabbed the wrong one! - Colin

[@Alex-mp4kl]

I wanted the london fog so bad. But couldn't even come close to affording it. I don't have any visconti yet. But it's one of my favorite pens. Close to the bronze age homo sapiens

[@frizzen]

what I would like to see? You don't sell any #5 replacement nibs. Also a cheaper shipping option (slow is OK).

[@abc-wv4in]

Ditto esp on the shipping.

[@brenndesigns2737]

I'm curious, has there been a change in the snap-cap of the Pilot Metro? One of my most recent ones is requiring much more effort to cap & uncap then my older ones; interestingly it's the one that was purchased with a stub nib, so I know it must be from a newer stock of the pens. I have a fine from the same order with what feels like the "normal snap", so I don't believe the issue is with my old pens having worn-down. Am I going crazy or is this a change in the manufacturing design or a normal tolerance?

[@Gouletpens]

That's interesting, I haven't noticed the problem myself! I think they're just using the Plumix nib and manufacturing is all the same, but I'll check with our Customer Care team to see if they've heard anything similar. - Colin

[@SixDasher]

FP in space. Not sure they would allow a fountain pen aboard due to the pressure changes and how the cartridge/converter will react. All the food needs to be dehydrated before it can go up.

[@Gouletpens]

+SixDasher probably true -Brian

[@mikhasan2]

Brian, is dry skin abrasive enough to scratch/damage pens? I've had dry hands all season and have been scared to use some of my resin and celluloid pens. Thanks!

[@jacobrperry]

mikhasan2 the Mohs hardness scale rates resin and keratin (the hard protein that makes up hair, fingernails, and the outer layer of skin) both between 2 and 3 so it might be possible for skin to scratch resin. That being said the grit of the dried up skin cells is fine enough that it would just polish the resin it to a mirror finish. So write away!

[@CembaloMeister]

QOTW: When the average person hears the word fountain pen, they think of one thing: Montblanc. I know they are sticky about selling in an actual brick and mortal retailer but if you started carrying Montblanc, I think you would own the fountain pen market (even more than you currently do). Also while Montblanc is at a higher price point, you could use your social media presence (with special demonstrative videos) to further explain about Montblanc and what has made them to be the ubiquitous fountain pen.

[@inerlogic]

we didn't realize how common miscarriages were until we had one, and heard stories from all of our friends/family members.... we lost our "Dragon Baby" (was due in the year of the Dragon.... i'm a dragon as are both my parents, the world was just not ready for a 3rd generation Dragon) and were devastated. But then we had our Molly..... and when we wanted one more so Molly would have a brother or sister, we ended up with twin boys. something was wrong and it wasn't the time for that soul to be born...

[@michelledelecki6224]

same. we never realized just how common they were until we went thru them (2 in 3 months) and people came out of the woodwork to tell us their stories. 8 years later and it still hurts. 😢

[@michelledelecki6224]

had our rainbow baby exactly 2 years to the day of my first positive pregnancy test ❤ He will be 10 this June!

[@She-wolf3636]

There have been a couple of limited edition pens that have caught my eye (Game of Thrones pens by Montegrappa), but my student budget just can't handle it. A girl can dream though.

[@Gouletpens]

Those GoT pens do look amazing, but out of my budget as well! Call it a 'Grail' pen & learn to love what you have. :) - Colin

[@pjculbertson55]

Good tips on filling the vac filler, however, they don't really work for the Visconti Homo Sapiens. It is even more difficult on the HS because of the larger, longer nib. It bottoms out even in many bottles. It was really disappointing for me to spend so much on a pen and have difficulty filling it. I've often wondered if it was deliberately designed as it is in order to promote sales of their Traveling Ink Pot. If you have any hacks to help, I would like to hear them rather than have to spend another $80 on the Visconti TIP.

[@Starguard5]

I use my TWSBI inkwell, it's a decent shape (and does a great job filling TWSBI pens especially) and is deep enough you should be able to fill from it without much trouble.

[@pjculbertson55]

Thanks Katherine. I haven't seen it before now. I did a quick search. Is it the VAC 20 that you are using? Also, are you using it on a Homo Sapiens?

[@Starguard5]

No, not the Vac 20, that can be used like an inkpot, but it's mostly for the TWSBI Vac 700 & the Mini Vac. I'm talking about the regular TWSBI inkwell. Brian Goulet has a video on how to use it, you should be able to use it with a Homo Sapeins.

[@gammondog]

You should look into those cones. One type goes into the ink bottle and you work it by sealing the cap on the ink bottle and turning it upside down. When you turn right side up again the ink that filled the cone will be displaced upward in height due to the shape of the cone to allow a better fill. The cone that's used outside of the bottle is filled with an eyedropper and also displaces a small volume of ink upward in height. If you get the inside the bottle cone make sure that it will work for your type of bottle. They are much cheaper than that Visconti whosy-whats-its.

[@pjculbertson55]

Thanks to both Katherine and Albert. Your posts made me recall that I had five old bottles of Levenger ink from several years ago. The Levenger bottles had that same cone inside and yes, it is a perfect fit for the Homo Sapiens pen. I can fill the cone (inside the empty bottle) with my ink of choice and insert the HS. Naturally, it pushes a little out the holes but that goes into the empty bottle where I can use a syringe to retrieve and reuse it. It is an extra step in the process but beats spending $80 on the Visconti solution! Thanks again.

[@MrSethHikari]

Hey Brian, you havent mentioned cycling in awhile,what bike do you have? TT/Tri/Race/Aero?

[@Gouletpens]

+MrSethHikari I have a Fuji Gran Fondo 2.0, which is a slightly less aggressively positioned racing bike for more comfort over long distances. I'm 6'1" 225lbs at the moment, getting an aero bike would be a bit silly :) -Brian

[@JustinBakerDeDav]

Hey guys! Quick question, do you have any idea when the TWSBI Vac 700 will be back in stock?

[@Gouletpens]

Should have them back in-stock sometime in mid-February! - Colin

[@thepenultimateninja5797]

I don't know if this will help you cope, but my wife also had a miscarriage. We subsequently had our daughter, and if that miscarriage hadn't happened, we wouldn't have tried again, and thus wouldn't have the daughter we have now. Kind of a weird way of looking at it I guess, and I'm not superstitious about things 'happening for a reason', but things do always seem to work out ok in the end.

[@clairity_dx5552]

01:13:42 Don't you mean insight into the brain of Brain Goblet? :3

[@pvs18]

Clairity_DX nice pic. I actually play euphonium.

[@dhyeyamlani9307]

I grew up writing with ball pens. However lately fountain pens have fascinated me alot. Due to this i bydefault put a lot of pressure while writing spoiling the nib. Please suggest a solution and a pen.

[@Gouletpens]

Unfortunately, there isn't such a magic solution, its practice makes perfect. Make a concerted effort to write with less pressure until it becomes 2nd nature. Using the more affordable pens to start as they have more sturdy steel nibs that are resilient to pressure and its not a huge loss if something were to happen. - Colin

[@Stitchxavi]

dhyey amlani I had the same problem initially. It's affectionately referred to as a death grip. The way I fixed it was to make sure I was sitting at the desk properly (not hunched over) and also fixing my grip (google calligrapher's grip). Also, being self-aware and imagining the pen was made of glass (and would break if too much pressure was applied) Another note, the heavier the pen, the more I would grip. It took working with the Noodlers creeper, kakuno, and some other lighter pens (e.g. Pilot varsity) for me to ease up enough to be able to approach the heavier pilot met, etc.

[@parastie]

The Parker 180 was designed specifically for this problem. It's not made anymore, but you can usually find one on Ebay. parkerpens.net/parker180.html

[@jacobrperry]

dhyey amlani practice practice practice

[@airycages]

QOTW: Monday Matchup note cards available as stationery!

[@MultiRusGamer]

Are you going to review new Parker IM(new nib)

[@Gouletpens]

Nothing planned as far as right now as we aren't currently carrying the new IMs. In last week's episode, Brian did go over the Urban. - Colin

[@ThrowingItAway]

FOUNTAIN PENS IN SPACE! Sadly Pilots were the start of the ball point pen and NASA is full of X aviation buffs, and thus the space pen was to be a ball point. Honestly though, you just want something that works 100% of the time when you're not able to get anything else. Water based ink is heavy and often uses excessive amounts of ink to achieve the same task that a ball point does with a thin layer. Some space pens are able to write for so long with their ink cartridge that you likely will never run out in your life time.

[@knifeguy9928]

QOTW: I would like to see more bundles on the website.

[@Gouletpens]

Is there anything in particular you'd like to see bundled? We haven't utilized package sets completely, so this could help. - Colin

[@knifeguy9928]

The Goulet Pen Company I would say like a student bundle. Have a notepad, like a lamy safari or all star, the care kit and an ink.

[@NatalieBland]

QOTW - more ink brands: KWZ, Bungbox, Sailor, Akkerman, Papier Plume.

[@Gouletpens]

+Natalie Bland Bungbox, Akkerman, and Papier Plume are all retailers like us, not likely to wholesale to us -Brian

[@kennethclayton4]

Vaness, and Anderson sells them. I hadn't thought about them being retailers as well. I wonder how they worked it out

[@NatalieBland]

yeah, that's what I was wondering, too

[@Gouletpens]

Brian has mentioned the possibility that they buy directly from these inks at retail cost. Because of that, they might be a net-loss just for them to have it available. That's just a guess though, not 100% sure. - Colin

[@dhyeyamlani9307]

Thank you! I am based in india. Please suggest amy such pen which i can use to practice!

[@Gouletpens]

The Pilot Metropolitan is definitely the top recommendation. Great affordable writer that's durable. Check it out: www.gouletpens.com/pilot-metropolitan/c/191 - Colin

[@pabloguardia5933]

hi from argetina. on the intro we see january 6th 2016 it's ok i can't to let it go too hola desde argentina. en la presentacion vimos 6 de enero del 2016. esta bien, yo tampoco me acostubre a dejarlo ir

[@Gouletpens]

+Pablo Guardia oops! Thanks for the heads up -Brian

[@isturma]

Great QA like always, and it's nice to see you mention your pen-turning ROOTS (pun intended.) As for the QOTW, I have a couple things I'd like to see happen, and I'll offer them up in order of practicality. First, I'd like to see a notification when something is OOS that indicates A) if it's being restocked and B) a possible back in stock date. I know that some things are volatile - like when you were affected by the dockworkers strike - but I've reached out to customer support more than once to ask if a limited edition ink or pen was gone or if it was coming back. Just a thought. Secondly, and maybe this is coming, but I'd love to see some kind of stand or holder coming. I love my new nock case, but I've looked at stuff like this -> --www.jzpen.com/collections/pen-holders/pen-holder--

[@rayyan6486]

do you ship to the uk

[@Gouletpens]

+Rayyan Deen sure do! USPS and FedEx -Brian

[@rayyan6486]

The Goulet Pen Company that's great

[@rayyan6486]

The Goulet Pen Company your the most trusted website and u seem like a very nice person so is rather use your site !

[@Steady_Hands_]

Restock the De Atramentis Alexander Hamilton

[@Gouletpens]

We're hoping to have more late-January/early-February. Be sure to sign up for the email notifications on the product page so you know exactly when we get more in-stock. - Colin

[@Big_Tex]

In space, no one can hear you write.

[@andreascammin5619]

Open a EU warehouse!

[@George-lt6jy]

Sponsor an astronaut before he goes up to space. Give him a fp.

[@Gouletpens]

We did have scientists in Antarctica test out Noodler's ink (blog.gouletpens.com/2017/01/noodlers-polar-ink-goes-to-antartica.html). Space seems like the next logical step! :) - Colin

[@George-lt6jy]

Ill sponsor it, Ill send my twisbi vac 700.