Q&A Returns! Daily-Writing Nibs and Top Sheening Inks | Ep. 284

[@HeadbangerTomcat]

“I do keep spreadsheets of my various jokes and puns” is such a Brian thing to do!🤣🤣🤣

[@Dosbomber]

Every one of his awful jokes belongs in a Dad-a-base.

[@HeadbangerTomcat]

@@Dosbomber 😁😁😁

[@michellecanfield8013]

@@Dosbomber😂

[@ChavaJ77]

@@Dosbomber Gold!

[@EquipInstitute]

Love Q and A. It’s how I found Goulet pens.

[@MadameM.]

Me too!

[@neshobe]

When I went looking for info on fountain pens, I stumbled across a vid by Brian and crew and knew I'd found home. I'd been given a good fountain pen when I entered high school, and loved it. College introduced computers, but I still preferred to do notes and first drafts in longhand (transcribing became first revision). Work provided good ballpoints and my fountain pen went missing somewhere along the line. In grad school I learned that I have Duputren's disease, and by middle age it was an issue. That's when I returned to fountain pens, because they are much easier on my hands - and I can choose the ink. But Dupuytren's progresses, and I'm in limbo now, forced to type, as I can no longer use a pen. This is not my idea of writing. So again on search for the right pen to use until I can get the surgery that hopefully will help. In the meantime, I still follow Goulet Pens, watch the videos and look through all the new pens. You all are simply one of the fun and good parts of life.

[@aprilsando555]

Me too! ⭐️

[@tangerinegin4568]

Me too😍

[@CristianoHFerrazKBSBrasil]

Welcome Back, Q&A! This is my favorite show. Never missed a single episode. Keep it up!

[@calsimon7975]

As always, thank you for sharing your experiences and expertise. I have learned so much from your videos.

[@scribe_samples2309]

Glad you are back! Love the puns.

[@DT-622]

Great to see you back, in whatever format -- but yes: Q&A is perhaps the most unique and helpful part of your KZbin presence. Not sure where best to submit a question, but I finally have one, regarding fine-tuning of the flow of inks: Pilot Iroshizuku inks have long been favourites of mine, and I sometimes darken a colour slightly with a dash of the Iroshizuku black (Take Sumi), generally by syringing a tiny bit of black directly into the converter. My recent purchase of a fantastic Custom 742 with the (wettish) Soft-Fine nib brought me to the realisation that these Pilot inks can be TOO wet for Japanese paper if the nib itself has a lot of flow (I use this pen in a Hobonichi journal). Research led me to a drier brand of Japanese ink: TAG Kyoto, which is actually a bit TOO dry for me. So now I find myself darkening one of those colours with the Pilot black, achieving not only a different colour but a slightly higher flow. Because I'm doing this one refill at a time -- I don't want to mix up a whole bottle of a certain colour -- I don't think I could achieve this control of flow by using an ink wetting agent, which is pretty powerful stuff designed for mixing through an entire bottle of ink at a time. So far, I'm happy with this system, and I don't mind getting slightly different results each time -- but my question is: is it OK to mix different BRANDS of ink? Is there any combination which might harm a gold nib, or any types of ink which will be incompatible? Thanks!

[@annieniland8153]

So glad you did this!!

[@therealinak]

Glad to see the content coming back. I do miss the pencast though; while it’s hard to replace the dynamic of the classic duo, the format was really great and gave more insight into the personality and people of the GPC. So while I’m happy to see you back at it, I really hope you can get back to a format with the engagement and production quality you had before, sooner rather than later.

[@connieanderson6339]

I enjoyed this Q & A and would love to see it continue. Thanks, Brian!

[@ash16lily23]

Question: What do you MEAN when you say an ink is "high maintenance"?! I hear that term a lot, but what does it actually mean?? That it's hard to clean? That it gums up pens? Or just don't leave it inked up for a year without using it frequently? It makes me so nervous to try some really amazing looking inks!

[@tlr9230]

Yay! It’s so good to see you! 🙂Please keep the QAs coming.

[@wdstauter8429]

I enjoy whatever mode you are able to provide, but I travel and podcast format allows me to easier listen in a car or plane.

[@steamdome9162]

Hi Brian, I have a question. After flushing a nib section with a bulb pen multiple times why do I find ink hiding in the nib section?

[@lauramoore7078]

Yay!! I enjoy audio and listened to the pencast on audio/spotify almost every night. I struggle falling asleep and it’s perfect for winding down. It’s something that I’m very interested in but something that won’t stimulate my mind a ton and keep me awake. 👌🏼 So, love the audio but you do what you can handle! Glad you’re back!

[@missfl0werstar]

Do you guys have any deeper insight on what's happening with Tomoe River Paper? Apparently many notebooks and planners that are coming out for 2025 are having paper quality issues (and some variety) in that the paper's no longer truly FP friendly. Samzen's remaining silent but I'm wondering if you've heard any insider info. Thx!

[@kathyfannon7563]

My current favorite ink/pen pairing is the Lamy Autumn Pink with Diamine Writer's Blood. Great combination for fall! It's comforting to see you back, Brian. But not going to lie, I'm still in tears very much missing Drew. I hope he's ok.

[@shinji6999]

I love that you bring back the Q&A did miss them 😄

[@lilyplants6266]

You asked for questions: what woods are used for fountain pen paper vs office or school paper and what is the purpose of using different woods? Also, what is the purpose of cotton in paper? Some stationery says 100% cotton rag. Next what material is used to coat fountain pen paper? Thank you.

[@ichirofakename]

So far, no themed pen has spoken to me. I used to think that, being a pens-as-tools guy, I was immune to theming. But now I think I just haven't encountered one yet with a theme I care about. So maybe some day. Thanks for coming back to KZbin.

[@LucyLu_meztli]

Glad to see this new phase 🙏 Sending much love, tolerance, and compassion 🫶

[@michellecanfield8013]

Good to see you back online!

[@danbradli4970]

Welcome back! So glad to have more Goulet videos!

[@brendadalton4706]

Glad to see you back, ive just ordered some sheening inks including diamine polar glow.

[@inkyfingers1045]

Great to see you Brian

[@suitnutt1070]

Q&A’s are the best! I have a few thoughts I’d love to share. 1) The Q&A format has always been one of my favorites and I’ve listened to the vast majority of them while cleaning and tinkering with my pens. It’s a great learning experience and you’re a great host. 2) I love that you used to end with some business questions. I think the fountain pen world tends to attract those people that are intentional in what they do, and I think there’s overlap with how many people are interested in growing a business. 3) My question for you Brian, Have you seen TWSBI disrupt the market for fountain pens? I’m probably not alone in thinking that they’ve brought a consistency and reliability that’s almost unmatched in other brands at that price point. How has TWSBI influenced the market, if at all?

[@hoyukie4852]

Welcome back!!i started my fountain pen journey from q&a days,it is basically where i gather all my pen knowledge from!❤

[@JonDiPietro]

Q&A resurrection is a great call! The pencast was all about the interaction between you and Drew. Audio-only doesn't make sense, especially now with the Q&A focus. Pen Question/Topic: How much line variation is there between the same nibs on the same pens? I had two recent experiences that have me wondering about this. I bought a Scribo La Dotta (extra-fine flex) that I ended up exchanging for a different color. The second version I received was MUCH wetter than the first and had a slightly wider line width as a result. Also just received a Montegrappa Tarvisium that barely wrote out of the box, as it was super-dry. I performed a nib adjustment to widen the tines a little and now that it writes wetter (I overdid it a little), the lines are much wider.

[@theprof_001]

Glad you are back with Q&A. In your opinion, what gold nib pens would be best from a value standpoint for someone buying their first one? Keep the Q&A going!

[@lilyplants6266]

After 4 years of writing with good fountain pens, I suggest a Pilot Custom 74. I have and use: an E95s F, two custom 74s (*M), a sailor progear slim MF, a vanishing point EF, a decimo F, a falcon F and a platinum 3776 F. I bought a lamy 2000 F which I gave to my daughter (my fingers slip down grip). The custom 74 cost a little more than the e95s F but one can write with it a long time due to its design (size, nib, converter). My first 74M was too slippery; the 2nd out of the box was just right. Gena Solorino ground the slippery pen into a *MF and introduce a little feedback. The 74 is a little stiffer than some, so doesn't tire my hand. The Sailor, VP and Dec. are the least used due to designs. I am a Pilot person for many reasons - quality, design, quality control, extraordinary service which cannot be said of Sailor. My tuned 3776 is uniquely perfect for my hand.

[@theprof_001]

@@lilyplants6266 Thanks for such a thoughtful reply. 👍

[@lilyplants6266]

@@theprof_001 delighted to be of use. thank you!

[@MelanieSullivan]

Kudos on the episode; I enjoyed it very much!

[@the_full_time_coach]

Yay! Loved this! So, I’m someone who listens in audio because I listen while I go on walks, but the Q&A is great! I really enjoyed this! ✨

[@lesleymcln]

Welcome back! Almost feels nostalgic to have the return of the Q&A 😀

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

People tend to think gold is better but for pure writing pleasure I’m always reaching for my Benus and TWSBI diamond 580s.

[@CreativeSherry]

I've missed the Q&A! ❤ Glad to see this episode and hope there are more to come. 🎉

[@brianlenz244]

Glad to see you back! Right now, the pairing of my Opus 88 Jazz - Solid Black with Pilot Iroshizuku murasaki-shikibu is a perfect pairing. The medium nib is behaving beautifully with this ink and I find myself wanting to write with it throughout the day. Hope to find similar "perfect-pairings" with other pens.

[@elliward283]

It's good to see you back!! I hope we will still get the put a finger down challenges from Jenea and the meet the team segments. I've learned so much from the Q&As and the Pencast alike. I just recently purchased my first holiday themed pen (the Esterbrook Camden Oktoberfest) and I don't think I will restrict it to just fall. I love how the pen reminds me of fall because its my favorite season and writing with it feels like the leaves are starting to turn and its time for me to make a nice chai.

[@annespaperspot2747]

Thank you, Brian, for an informative and entertaining video. I don’t have any holiday pens (yet), but I did buy some sample-size orange and brown inks to use this fall.

[@tangerinegin4568]

Great to see you and the return of Q&A useful and fun 😍🖋️ Question: Would you consider any nib, on purchase and assuming undamaged, correctable/ personalisable by layman pen users without seeking out a nibmiester?

[@ChristopherLee-d5n]

I was so excited to see your video pop up on my youtube home page :) Enjoyed the format too!

[@OceanMikey]

Q&A is great! Obviously I would love to see the pen cast come back, and maybe you could do it with random employees until you can find something more permanent.

[@ChanelthePomston]

I enjoyed this, I had to paint my doors and trim and I was entertained listening all the way through.

[@kangyeog]

Oh yay! You made my day. Thank you Brian!

[@nathanr8819]

Fun episode, looking forward to Q&A Ep 285!

[@LesterBeasley]

Hi Brian, I got a 30ml bottle of Goulet exclusive Monteverde Blue Skies ink with the purchase of a pen. I really like the ink. Does it come in larger bottles? Glad to see Q&A make a come back.

[@oscarmedina1597]

I mentioned in a comment to a previous video that you can contract with Ben Walsh to design a pen in CAD and then send the specs and files to an OEM manufacturer. That’s how he produces Gravitas pens. After the initial design, you can just change the color and/or material of the barrel. It would be fairly easy to do. With your large following, you would have no problem selling them. It’s money in the bank.

[@colossigh]

Thank you so much for this, Q&A is very welcome

[@franziskaschwarz9556]

Holiday themed pens: Jupp just bought a halloween ballpoint set form legami because they are cute. Fountainpen wise: I got the Esterbrook Oktoberfest and yes I tend to use it in the fall because the colors match. Matching pens to the season or a holiday is fun because it somehow makes my writing and using it more intentional.

[@BC-ky7ps]

This is regarding pen leakage in Airplanes. My theory is like this:- If a cap of the pen is air-tight means - no air goes out or coming in - how can cabbin air pressure affect the pen since the nib of the pen inside the cap doesn't subject to fluctuations of air pressure. Except taking out and writing during the flight. Recently I tested, but there was no leakage after the journey. I kept pen pointing upward in my shirt pocket. What is your opinion?

[@Buzzwindrip]

Thanks for this Q&A, Brian. 🙏🏻 I also went through a McLaren F1 fanboy phase, and thought about how many hours I spent watching ride-along videos on KZbin. My absolute favorite was the Zero F1 GTR doing hot laps on the Suzuka circuit in 2000 - totally mesmerizing. Look forward to future Q&A’s!

[@jolienkrispijn]

Yay, thanks for the Q&A session. I think it’s a great follow up now the Pencast as it was isn’t possible anymore. I don’t listen to the audio version, so video is totally fine. Keep up the good work!

[@da2357]

Thanks, Brian! I enjoyed this Q&A format (I’m still a relative newbie) and hope you continue it. I do miss the What’s New portion from the Pencast (and stand-alone What’s New videos), though my wallet appreciates the absence of What’s New! I never listened to the audio-only podcasts. Thanks again!

[@rogerstenstromk5mow715]

Great show. Still would love to see the pencast eventually, but love Q&A back in the day and now.

[@TonyProctors]

I for one am so glad to see Goulet Q&A return… never wanted it to leave! Just starting to watch this episode but couldn’t wait to respond… would give three thumbs up if I had more than two thumbs! No audio podcast for me.

[@cynajoy433]

So glad to see you back!

[@michellet5978]

Yay! Love the Q&A!

[@vanessaburling5832]

Great to have you back and really enjoyed the Q&A format. I love Pilot nibs they are my favourite along with the Lamy 2000.😊 not a fan of holiday themed pens but if it looks good and I have pen envy then I probably will have to add it to my collection😅

[@an-magritt2887]

Q & A was always (and still is!) a quality program, and it was how I discovered Goulet Pens; great to see it back; excellent choice. Halloween themed... I like browns and oranges and reds, but they follow me throughout the year. Maybe I'm more aware of the colour-connection during October, but it is probably for me a more year-long thing :)

[@jennirhodes]

QUESTION: Generally, are feeds different from one nib size to another, or are the feeds the same and only the nib changes? I have wondered about swapping nibs, in pens like the Safari, if I would run into a feed being too slow if I swapped from a Fine or Extra-Fine nib to a Broad. Thank you!

[@crystalca9082]

I have a few Halloween themed pens and yes, they are exclusively used from September through November. I cycle through my entire collection anyway, so reserving those is not that awkward and it gets me in the seasonal mood.

[@bluejchou4404]

So good to see you Brian! I am looking forward to hearing your Q&A's again. I've listen to them all since I started the hobby and learned sooooo much. Thank you!

[@xTeeak]

Halloween themed anything is not really what I am after, but give me anything autumn inspired perhaps a lil´ bit witchy and/or spooky vibes or anything goth (does not have to be black - deep reds, pearly whites etc.) and I am hooked. :)

[@jhpyle2]

Yay, a nice long video from Goulet on a Friday!

[@lilyplants6266]

I am THRILLED TO HAVE YOU BACK!!!! Looked at KZbin not expecting to see you. .... AND here you ARE!! I need this. Thank you. Now to watch (no podcast).

[@differentkindofGEKE]

I’m normally not too picky on inks, but two pens require certain inks. My Pilot Falcon and my Pilot Capless need wet inks! My Falcon is pretty much dedicated to Diamine Writer’s Blood. I don’t worry too much about being professional, but it is a work appropriate ink. It’s my only gold pen, so it stays at home anyway. 11:00

[@Gouletpens]

Those are good pairings. Writer's Blood is a nice dark red, I think it's work appropriate for most workplaces unless it's something strict like government or something where there are rules about only using certain colors. -Brian Goulet

[@jamieloom22]

Q&A is great and what's new videos would cover it for me. I don't use specific pens but I do change my inks seasonally. Its seems to happen organically as I gravitate toward different shades for Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer.

[@frederikbruck5210]

First of all. Thanks a lot for reviving the format, Brian! I really enjoy Q&A and watched almost all of them. I'm rather a scrooge and have a lot of pens with really big bellies (nasty thirsty: 1.5 up to 3 ml) Is it advisable to empty a pistonfiller back into the ink bottle when cleaning the pen for longer storage? Or gets the ink damaged when it was subjected to evaporation in a pen for like a month? I did it repeatedly and so far had no issues with hard start or skipping... Besides visiting the LAMY flaggstore at Heidelberg pretty often (charming people there, always up for pentalk...) I tend to walk past it, if it wasn't for the giant 2m Safari standing in front of it. The shop is really tiny and easy to oversee.😁 So, a giant Safari that's made of normal Safaris seems a great idea.

[@tangerinegin4568]

Q. of the week: A: I wouldn’t have a Halloween themed pen because it isn’t such a big thing in the UK but I do have Autumn/fall themed pen and ink and Christmas themed and Winter themed and Spring themed, not got a summer one yet😂

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

One of my most favorite pen pairings is the baby beluga opus mini and Ganges blue! It’s a mini stub too and is so lovely!

[@hoosierulangler6965]

For me, my Pilot Vanishing Point in EF finds its way into my hand and my planner more than any other pen. Although it is a gold nib, it is perfect for my Hobinichi with Tomoe River 52gsm. With Iroshizuku Ku-Jaku., it is the perfect pairing for my small handwriting.

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

Agreed! Love the VP EF for my hobonichi as well!

[@jennirhodes]

and answer to the Question of the Week: Personally I usually try not to buy much of anything seasonal (pens, clothes, decor, etc) unless it's consumable (muffins, lattes, post-it notes...). I would not want to use them year-round, and then I feel it's not as much "bang-for-the-buck," plus I have to keep up with it and store it for most of the year.

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

Glad to see you, bud. Keep your chin up. Keep moving forward.

[@franziskaschwarz9556]

so glad you did this. Gotta bugging question: I hear you guys talk about penshows so often. But I live in Germany and I have not yet found out how to get to know about pen shows. By accident I heard about one but it was too late to go there. So where and how do I get the info from? any tips. Googling did not get me very far.

[@Pepingco]

Amazing to see these Q&As come back again! Can't wait to see more!

[@AlejandroPato-Fuego]

Thanks Brian for getting back out here. It’s all good. Speaking for myself. I need to get used to something new and be patient. Again it’s great to hear from you and I look forward to the next time. The an and a was good made me think about picking up red dragon or nitrogen, but had to kick Mosel I have enough ink. Holiday themed pens. No. I have the skulls and roses benea pen. Just luv the skulls. Did not think about Halloween when I bot it. I Would use it anytime. Skulls are bad ass.

[@MadameM.]

Great to see you and Q and A! Like many, this is how I found you and the rest is history. I also like hearing about your personal life - otherwise I’d never know you love cargo shorts, carry the world in your backpack, or eat lunch like I do (jelly beans, a bagel, and skittles lol). Here for the long haul. Hang in there and write on! ❤

[@Bear-house]

Have always enjoyed Q & A because it’s less performance and genuine knowledge and…you. I also think it’s write on!

[@Allthough]

I like the podcast format. It's a thing that I can enjoy while driving or working on something. The video requires more undivided attention. So, I probably won't catch them all if that's the only option. So, my vote is keep the audio format as well. No worries, either way :)

[@ldynasty]

26:41 That LAMY al-star sculpture looks like coral! Very cool indeed.

[@SassyScentsTM]

I dig it! Do more Q&A! And bring on guest hosts, if possible! As for the question: I do use my Nahvalur Obsidian Pumpkin for more than just Halloween time. It's a beautiful pen! But I keep it at home due to its rarity and the weight is pretty impractical (considering that it has a sterling silver barrel). Hope to see you next week!

[@Jay-ql4gp]

Thank you Brian! Do you all have any plans on stocking Narwhal (Nahvalur) pens? I got one recently, the Lovina, and fell in love. It's the smoothest writing pen I've ever tried. Being autistic, the feedback on pens has caused me to say no to a few unfortunately. But not Narwhal! They wright, just as they say, as smooth as glass. Thank you!

[@Jabdragon]

I love holiday themed pens. I have a good bit of Halloween and Christmas pens from retro 51 and Benu and use them mostly around the fall and winter

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

Confession: I never clean my pens! I keep the same color ink in most of them and i clean only when I refill. Been doing this for years and I don’t care. I’ve experienced no issues🤷🏼‍♀️

[@stareenafraser]

Hahahaha loved the pen puns 😊😊😊 keep them coming 🤣

[@DLFfitness1]

I like short and simple these days. 5 minute videos unless something requires more time. People could submit questions that could be answered in a short video. Let the comments section be used for longer debates and feedback.

[@ErFopi]

HI Brian, I was missing the Q&A format!!!! I wait for the Ep.285 next week.

[@willk4599]

Happy to have you back! I don’t have a Halloween themed pen, but my daughter gifted me the Diamine Pumpkin and Diamine Autumn Oak inks, and they’re perfect for the season!

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

I wouldn’t put a sheening ink in a vintage pen with a rubber sac.

[@drnaturalist]

I need a suggestion for a pocket pen. I've been using a Kaweco Brass Sport for about 5 months but the cap uncrews in my pocket too often. The clip slides off too. I've added loctite to the cap which has marginally helped. The clip has to fit over thick jeans.

[@aprilsando555]

Love the Q&A format! I’m a fan of KZbin vs. audio only. I love holiday and/or seasonal colors for the ink and pen body, but I don’t necessarily need a pumpkin or Christmas tree graphic on the pen itself. ❤️🧡💛

[@wildbill23c]

I enjoy the Q&A sessions, always learn something, although most of your questions/answers are far above my knowledge level LOL. Always enjoy the videos you and your team put up for us.

[@Sakurapedaler]

I like this shorter format rather than the 2-hour pencast. Though, if you do bring back the pencast, please have a female sidekick.

[@marcs6928]

Hi Brian, please consider keeping these going! A relative “newbie” to fountain pens and loving this new hobby, I find these Q&A video sessions, and your other pen videos, entertaining and informative ! I’ll add that I have ordered several pens and accessories from your company and really appreciate the information and details available on your website- thank you! Here’s a question for you: if you were to curate a pen collection of only a dozen pens, what would that look like?

[@differentkindofGEKE]

I’m starting to think more about holiday inks. I’m using purple because that’s the Hobonichi color for the month and vibes with spooky season. I love fall, so browns and greens are great and something I may gravitate toward in the future. 43:35

[@followyourbrush]

I am using different colors and pens for autumn. I’m still fairly new to the fountain pen “hobby/addiction”. But I’m catching up quickly! 😊

[@janwilson9485]

Glad you're back. I miss the pencast, but this one was fun and informative, I'd love to see more.

[@fossilimprint2954]

Thank you for bringing back the Q&A. To answer your question about Halloween pens, no something I am interested in. Am more into Autumn ink colors. Audio podcast, not interested. Question for you: will Goulet Pens add to the Swab Shop, searchable category for Shading and/or Sheen - under the Property filter?

[@laoc5270]

He’s back! I’ve been watching your videos since 2010 and very much missed the Q&A videos. I remember the first time you picked one of my questions during the holidays and was excited you answered my question in Q&A. I think that was in 2013

[@FPFriendlyMomma]

So glad there are no more 2 hour videos!

[@followyourbrush]

Great Q&A I enjoyed it!

[@davegoodridge8352]

Informative video, thank you. Question. Which pen or cap design is best to prevent the pen drying out? Thanks

[@fionalorimer4127]

Love this online store. In the future will you start to ship to Australia.