Hands-on With the Heaviest Pen We've Ever Held | Pencast 134

[@donnas9599]

OMG, Brian - am I old or what? On the demo for Frankenstein's monster pen, when you pointed out the electricity - all I could hear was Gene Wilder & Marty Feldman yelling at each other. "Throw the 3rd switch"! "Not the 3rd switch?" "Throw it, I say, THROWI IT"! Thanks for the chuckles, as always.

[@ALM22523]

The Pencast has been my lifeline during postpartum. I don't know how I would have handled the last 12 weeks of minimal sleep and little caffeine without the humor and long episodes 🙏🏻 and I hold in all of my sneezes now that I have a baby, it is crucial!

[@Gouletpens]

Yay! Happy to be of service! - Drew

[@K_rye]

Once you have children, sneezing becomes a whole new adventure.

[@Hakuroc]

Murasaki Shikibu is the name of a Japanese writer who lived during the late 10th century. She wrote the oldest romance novel in the world, ''Genji Monogatari'' or '' The Tale of Genji'' in English!

[@Hakuroc]

The name of the ink may come from the plant named after her, which is called the Japanese beautyberry in English.

[@manuelsalazar3938]

​@@Hakuroc No, it's not, the Iroshizuku ink is named after the writer, I read it somewhere but can't remember where 🤔

[@Hakuroc]

@@manuelsalazar3938 Yeah, looks like you're right. I found a Japanese website that said that this ink is the only one that's named after a person name!

[@mariexlupin]

The destruction of the playhouse was INCREDIBLE. The music was so perfect!

[@Ybalrid]

O Fortuna!

[@ExiledExia]

I’m on my new meds, feeling nauseous, writing poetry while listening to the podcast. You guys are saints, thank you for making our week better!

[@stopaskingmedumbquestions]

Hey, I'm also nauseous! I'm trying a new protein powder and I'm super anxious about it. The boys are helping! Hope your tummy feels better soon.

[@meepmorprobotcaptain]

Feel better soon!

[@ExiledExia]

@@meepmorprobotcaptain thank you so much!

[@kart182]

I hope the meds work and the nausea goes away. Take care!

[@ExiledExia]

@@kart182 thank you! I hope I feel better soon

[@johngrubb007]

I'm currently using my Lamy Aion for my daily journal. I love that pen. I think it's one of the most comfortable pens to write with due to it's shape, weight, and matt finish on the grip section. I've always been surprised that there's not more 'buzz' about this pen and there should be.

[@Furriner]

Murasaki Shikibu wrote The Tale of Genji. In English translations, they usually put her as "Lady Murasaki.". Murasaki does mean purple, though.

[@kennethepps3425]

I think the Goulet exclusive Delta should have been named. "Goulet & Brown, Stationers"

[@acidzen]

Astrogems are gorgeous. It would be really cool to have an interview with the guy from Benu who designs them all. I'd like to meet the mind behind those shapes and sparkliness.

[@Gouletpens]

I would love to do that one day! - Drew

[@penguin1780]

The Frankenpen has its own playset, like He-Man & Castle Greyskull!

[@Gouletpens]

YES! - Drew

[@s.n.11]

Omg! Imagine a Montegrappa inspired in He-man and Greyskull!!

[@richardrubin7867]

Levenger's sells index cards that do well with fountain pen ink. They are also customizable.

[@rachaelsable8661]

As a serious appreciator of the spooky, I wish I could order that Montegrappa Frankenstein pen (not actually to write with, the pen is objectively too big for my hands) as awesome office decor 😂

[@tiantuatara]

I've been listening to a bunch of classical music lately, including all of Beethoven's symphonies. Brian's random fact about CDs is just great.

[@ronaldarca]

Finally a Chrono Trigger comparison! I knew you’d carry on our torch for that, Drew! Thank you! Magus as the Mythos Poseidon is so spot on, I’d now want one for myself. You made this fan’s day. Thanks Pencast!

[@Gouletpens]

Yay! That's great to hear! That's an awesome pen and I don't think you'll be disappointed in that one. - Drew

[@krys6461]

That IS what you do, Brian. You're probably the world's top fountain-penabler!

[@GummyBear1972]

Thanks for discussing the Lamy Aion. I didn't know about this lovely pen and intend to order one soon.

[@TheWanderingFire]

Fun tractor footage, Brian. It made me think of when we tore apart our old house (100+ years old, dryrot was going to make it unlivable so we built a new one). Once most of the outside walls were taken down, my dad took out the main support from outside the house with his shotgun. It immediately collapsed in on itself. 😂

[@Gouletpens]

WOW! - Drew

[@1950bpm]

When you mentioned that the company in its current form was started in November 2009, I realized that your 15th anniversary would be this November. I recently got Edison’s new model, the Jameson, which has a wonderful #8 nib and is a beautiful, well-writing, comfortable pen. It would be great for you do an exclusive 15th anniversary collaboration with Edison on a Jameson. Hint, hint…

[@ryanwong9857]

Absolutely one of the best pencasts made! You had me laughing out loud in the first 10 minutes of the pencast. I had to look around me to see if I bothered anyone walking around me😅. The info you gave was also interesting and informative. The playset video was epic!😅 Please keep up the great work you are doing!

[@meepmorprobotcaptain]

Hard recommend the Lamy Aion. I like the nib mich better than the Safari/Al-Star, and it's a joy to hold. Unsung hero of the FP world. I hope they stick around.

[@_Wolfsbane_]

On writing experiences: I was filling out a form at a shop the other day, and I got to use their ball point. It was such a struggle to write with it. It was rough, and skippy. It actually strained my hand and it was only a one page form. I litteraly regretted not bringing *any* of my fountain pens, which are - compared to that horror - really, really smooth and pleasant writing experiences.

[@giselesmith7795]

That incredible Frankenstein pen setup is diorama; it needs it's own house space. On Beethoven...according to a Smithsonian article I read recently, they found mercury, arsenic and lead in samples of his hair (no wonder poor guy was having health issues). And...I have always loved that the film "Die Hard" has the "Ode to Joy" music as the villain's theme. Brian, that was so fun watching the destruction of the playset. Keep having fun, y'all.

[@NatalieTheTree]

Thanks for replying to my question guys! When I went to Anderson Pens to purchase the deep dark blue Aion before it was gone, I was told they only got a few and that they heard the Aion line in general is getting discontinued soon. This was a few months ago though, and I since got my blue Aion from you guys, so now I have the blue and the green :)

[@othersheep5491]

You guys are awesome! Thanks for all the great information and training. No detectable accent from Brian, but seriously Drew? I’m a retired Delta flight attendant, and although from way out west, pinpointed your dialect immediately! If you wanna know the tell, say the word “on”, and then tell me exactly how many syllables you hear. 2+? LOL don’t ever change! Your whole team is awesome. All y’all.

[@edwardstaats4935]

That was spectacular. Thank you

[@GingahSnapsArt]

I'm thankful there was not a double whammy of sax-on-a-tractors. That demo was beautiful.

[@lesleymcln]

Love the Astrogems! I can't decide which one.

[@Gouletpens]

They're all pretty great! - Drew

[@kristiw.1823]

Watching Brian disassemble the Frankenstein pen is giving me Mom vibes of "You break it, you bought it, kid." 🤣

[@jcortese3300]

I needed that Benu Echo. Don't give me that look. 😀 Just ordered one -- I love converter pens, and now I have a fine, a medium, and a stub all in converters. 👍

[@schmoopyboopy]

OMG the gameboy watch! Great show as always.

[@beckyisj]

That tractor footage was so epic!!

[@fiddletwist]

Omg the music with the playset demo was perfect. I love Carmina Burana anyway but now I will always think of the playset when I hear it. 😅😅

[@annestrasko7581]

I'm pretty sure the Frankenstein's Monster pen would only look like it was a normal size in Andre the Giant's hands. That is hilarious!

[@freyaswhisk]

Question for a future pencast: if you have a significant amount of ink left in a pen and decide to swap ink colors, do you empty the old color back into the bottle?

[@emmac5442]

Brian should learn to play THE song (from last week) for real and then show him playing it for a double whammy 🤣

[@HeadbangerTomcat]

Hi Drew, could you post the Frankenstein Pen Spotlight as a separate KZbin video? I'd love to be able to link it on social media to my non-fountain pen friends to amaze and shock them. They all know me as the "pen guy", and I'd love to be able to show them just how fun, and crazy the fountain pen world can be.😊 Many thanks.

[@Harrinoz]

The Tesla Coil thingy, I think the name Brian was looking for was 'Plasma Ball'.

[@Gouletpens]

Yes! - Drew

[@0r_1x]

New to Fountain Pens, ended up here looking for something to "motivate" me to use my bullet journal. Goulet has received a few orders from us after hours of invaluable info from Brian and Drew over the course of many hours of YT videos. The recent Opus 88 Demonstrator and Transparent Purple Eco (the wife can't get enough Eco's) just came in, and I've finally found a pen for my big hands! That aside. Thank you Drew for giving attention to a shared love of mine, good ol' retro games! I would love to see you bundle pen, ink, and paper for various characters of different games!

[@HisNibs1]

I trust you'll be sending me one complimentary. I'm distantly related to Boris Karloff (real name William Pratt), from my maternal grandmother's family. He of course played the monster in the 1930s -- as well as the original Mummy. 😊 Regards, Norman Haase

[@chillausmc]

Retro 51, as your name implies, make some throwback video game limited releases. A FF7, Super Metroid, Chrono Trigger ect.. Great pencast guys.

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

SBRE Brown did a review of the astrogem pen that made me very concerned for the long step down to the grip section-but all is well! The pen is very comfortable to hold-quite unlike the grand scepter XI that is practically unusable due to the intense step down from barrel to grip section.

[@Gouletpens]

I agree! I find it to be quite comfortable! - Drew

[@davidottman9501]

Drew, several times you've mentioned an interest in pocket knives. What's in your pocket right now? What's your favorite? Brian, it's hard to imagine you without such a useful everyday tool like that, what's yours? Frankenstein pen, wow! It's not a $10,000 pen, it's 10k minus whatever that incredible diorama costs, it's a work of art in its own right. The details are incredible. Imagine heaving that out of your oversized pen pocket to sign some important contract - now there's a power move!

[@ZenofThePen]

Drew! I had the same issue! My Dad's family is from South, but I grew up later years in New-England. I said "wooder" too, and my friends mocked me relentlessly until I now say "WA-ter"... But at least I don't say "Wha-ta" like many around here! 😂

[@Gouletpens]

Glad to know I'm not alone! - Drew

[@tootsfour956]

Great. Video guys. Thank you. Liked the tracker video, Brian. Blessings

[@geralyng]

That pen was very precision! I'm glad Brian's tinkering led to fountain pens

[@alexandro_coutinho]

I have two problems with real life: no slow motion and no soundtrack.

[@skviviangeauxz]

Love the pencast but I'm very surprised about something. You guys didn't show or mention the monster's head on the nib. Awesome pen, glad I'm not in a position to explain to my wife why I spent $10,000 on a pen.

[@j.s.matlock1456]

Frankenstein versus Frankenstein's Monster: It can be argued that both Dr. Frankenstein and his creation were monsters. The question is which one was the greater monster. Frankenstein's creation should not have existed, and he did monstrous things - mostly out of revenge for the monstrous things that were done to him. Dr. Frankenstein, on the other hand, tried to take the place of God by creating life. Then he promised to create a companion for the lonely monster and went back on his word. The creator broke faith with his creation. In this sense, Frankenstein is both the doctor and the monster. IMHO

[@marcelamartinez413]

Hi Brian and Drew. I love listening to the Pencast Friday mornings when im going about my day at work. I had a question that I was hoping you might be able to answer. I have some pens that tend to dry out/ hard start when I carry them nib up in my shirt or pocket. What are some reasons that may happen to some pens and not others? Also, is there another that can be done to remedy it so those pens can be reliable EDCs?

[@EmperorLeyba]

The playhouse destruction was glorious!!

[@gypsyfroggie]

OHMYGURD!!!!! That Montegrappa Frankie (I have always called the monster Frankie) has me crying and my want button is stuck on please fulfill!!!! Frankie has been my pretend boy-fiend since I was around 6 yrs old and fell in love with the movie!! I love him SO much and this whole set up has me in a twirl! I hope they come out with the bride as well! AND it would be SO cool if they sold the nibs with Frankie (and the bride) on them for other pens! SWOONING over here, and wishing I was rich for a day because I would SO get that set up and pen!! It so appeals to my love of Frankie and being an artist the "set" is SO good!!! Great job showing it off! What a fun Monster of a pen!!!

[@shazzagirl9803]

Hi Brian and Drew just wanted to let you know that I got some ads in the middle of this pen cast just around where you introduced the Frankenstein pen. I've been very slow this week and haven't finished watching as yet.

[@slane_design]

Legos and Pen talk in the same podcast...love these guys 🥰

[@laoc5270]

You guys got me! I went back to let week’s video to watch the saxophone 🎷 tracker!!!

[@TheWanderingFire]

59:16 "I am a servant of the people..."😬 😂😂😂😂😂

[@brodor6277]

Be sure to make a Short with the batteries in the Frankenstein display so we can see that in action!

[@kimberlyhuffman3115]

Hi Brian - As someone who's a Lefty, I hold my pens at a higher angle than average. You mentioned in the "Pilot Falcon Explained" video that the FA nibs are better held at a slightly higher angle. Are there any other nibs you recommend for people who hold their pens at a higher angle? Thanks!

[@caleba9648]

The blue lamy dialog cc is the pen I plan to buy for myself to celebrate getting my masters degree when I finish up my MLIS program. I’ve been looking forward to it for a year now.

[@blythetretick7081]

Tractor attack, best use for Carmina Burana ever! Loved the music trivia, wouldn't Beethoven be surprised at his influence two centuries hence! Additional info re my completely infallible TWISBI Precision, its brown octagonal shape is a comfortably familiar reminder of my cello bow. (I'm a professional musician)

[@cynajoy433]

I can remember back around ‘81 hanging with a bunch of friends, chatting and listening to an LP playing on a turntable, when someone brought up the topic of some amazing new technology in the works called the Compact Disk. How much things have changed, yet stayed the same since then……

[@iterationomega]

Happy Weekend!

[@crystalca9082]

That Montegrappa has me crying. What an amazing setup! I love all the details and, as a horror fan, I’m desperately looking around for something to sell in exchange for that beauty. Sadly, I’d have to sell more than 200 paintings to get that much.

[@grkvenus7275]

I could be wrong, but I believe it is pronounced Leeto. From Greek mythology, Leto is a goddess and the mother of Apollo and Artemis. And the Dune royal family, in the book, is traced to the ancient Greek Minoan civilization.

[@Gouletpens]

That makes sense! - Drew

[@edwardstaats4935]

Happy Birthday to Rachel

[@MexieMex]

That Frankenstein pen (and diorama) is fantastic! Fingers crossed I win the lotto so I can get one.

[@JefferyHall-ct2tr]

Hi Fellas! +1 on video games for relaxation! Who needs competition!? Brian, that video was just awesome! Only thing I can say about that Frankenstein pen is. . .MRRRRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHH! (Hopefully close enough to what the monster sounded like in the original movie!) Thanks for the head's up on the Lamy Aion! That one might just have to find its way to my place! (Especially the blue one!) Have a wonderful weekend, Guys, and don't forget. . .Call your MOTHER!

[@philnaunton7181]

Why, for Heaven's Sake, does the "Franken-Pen" have a pocket clip? The massive machine would probably tear the shirt right off my back if clipped to a shirt pocket. Personally, I think it's a great tribute to Boris Karlof, who didn't even get screen credit for playing the creature in the film.

[@Gouletpens]

Good point! - Drew

[@dangonzalez3505]

Yes to other Lamys! Yay!!!!

[@georgedavis1678]

The Aion is a really nice pen. Most of my pens were, for better or worse, a good bit more expensive than the Aion, but it's the standard one that I keep inked up at my office. I don't see it talked about much, but it's a sturdy, dependable workhorse of a pen. Mine is the dark blue and I have people compliment how nice it looks. "that's a nice pen you got there."

[@arsenic3208]

Hey drew, if you want an unsolicited game recommendation, Sable is a beautiful game all about exploration, and has no combat.

[@mikideez623]

Re: index cards: Kokuyo has some under their Campus line. I've never used them before, but I've had good luck with Kokuyo products generally, and they're under $4.00 (USD).

[@spoonierv1543]

My hockey injury was from tripping over a curb last year. 🙃 Due to ill health and previous disability I won’t be having surgery, just more disability.

[@Gouletpens]

Hockey injuries can really sneak up on you! Haha - Drew

[@EdoDoe613]

Drew! As consideration for an upcoming Q for you both to A… I’ve lately seen a lot of fountain pen peeps talk about culling large collections, changing their minds about culling large collections, should they feel guilty? Feel pleased? We know you essentially said a 10 pen collection could cover all the bases. What I think is those who have do big collections would love if Brian was the Patron Saint! How many fountain pens does Brian own personally? Even a ball park figure may assuage their anguish and I think we’d all be impressed!!!! You both are just the very best, btw!

[@kart182]

I think Brian owns more than a hundred, but he’s said a lot of the pens are for reference for the company. So a little different to than just an enthusiast hoarding a bunch of pens

[@EdoDoe613]

@@kart182 All that’s a given; we’ve heard him say as much several times. My question is far more for fun than anything academic. My guess is in the hundreds.

[@0r_1x]

@@EdoDoe613 I swear he said it recently in a video and it was somewhere well north of either 400 or 800.

[@EdoDoe613]

@@0r_1x I easily believe that!

[@Gouletpens]

I've noticed that too! We'll chat about this. - Drew

[@yoshi555king]

I never thought fiddeling with my pens at youth was a sign that I would become interested in Fountain pens at all, now it does make sense to me. Currently I have “starter” Fountain pens. The 3 most expensive I own are: Lamy Safari M-Nib (Violet Blackberry), Kaweco Collection Sport 2022 M-nib (Mellow Blue) and Jinhao 100 F-nib (Black). Currently debating to either get a vintager Parker (pre 90’s) or a nicer type of new Fountain pen (max €140), what would you recommend and why (Only had M-nib Asian/European and F-nib Chinese/Japanese (Preppy/Meteor both as M/F).

[@winter5774]

I did the same thing with taking apart my pens in elementary school! I wonder if it could be a predisposition for interest in fountain pens.

[@kwokyingcheng699]

Von Karajan music was always a little slower than other conductors's, it's fitting to have him there to make sure the whole Symphony Nr 9 fit into a CD.

[@vjmtz]

Drew, you have awesome tastes, from pens to inks, to chrono trigger to Brak. The best times watching classic Adult Swim watching Space Ghost coast to Coast and Home Moviez with Sealab

[@Gouletpens]

Yay! You must have good taste as well! - Drew

[@vjmtz]

@@Gouletpens Most 80s kids do it seems

[@Silent-Ink]

that Frankenstein pen looks more like a light saber than a fountain pen.

[@jasonbraggs1]

I want a spotlight on that cool Gameboy watch!

[@hollybasiuk2824]

For the first time ever (i think) I got ads on the pencast. I know you had previously said that you wanted to know if we were getting served ads cause you had purposely not monetized the pencast, so just FYI.

[@Gouletpens]

I think it may have been because we used that music. - Drew

[@brutusiacobus]

Murasaki Shikibu was the author of "The Tale of Genji."

[@crystalca9082]

Also of note for Drew: The Tale of Genji is considered the world’s first novel.

[@nicksg3002]

What a cute watch Drew!!!!

[@Gouletpens]

Thank you! - Drew

[@FountainPenNews]

Nice use of Carmina Burana, friends!

[@HGua]

I'm late to this party, and I'm too lazy to sort through all the comments in the earlier episode... --- Did anyone mention Richard Binders page on Japanese date codes to you all? It's fairly concise, yet also fairly comprehensive, and it covers both nib and body date codes for the Big Three Japanese pen makers, and I think another few as well. It's definitely *my* go to resource on the Pilot date codes.

[@scottbaker2451]

What a great game :)

[@Reevahn]

I was NOT expecting a bionicle namedrop right there at the end of the pencast! As someone who had the luck of growing up right when Bionicle was coming out; it breaks my heart that Joseph won't get the chance to. Then again, i'm glad he found a way to pursue this interest nonetheless. Some might say it's a bit like getting into fountain pens in an era of increased digitalization ;-). Bionicle is actually quite interfaceable with technic, so you might find a common point and endup building something together! I know Brian's thing is more machinery; but, judging Emmet's yellow construction mech from the lego movie that has been in the background of some of your videos, there's still hope!

[@maggsmick]

Whelp. Philly here, we fully accept you saying “wooder”😂😂

[@Gojenjen84]

Hey Drew, is that a Rocko’s Modern life shirt!?! I’m in the awesome pawson 40yr club.. I love this Pencast ❤️

[@Gouletpens]

It's similar! His is a light blue base, with purple triangles, I think? - Drew

[@ZiaLinkZen]

I appreciate a softer, waving-at-us Drew on the open. I always swear I'll write some "real-time" comments, but not today. I'm off to relax (aka lie down) and watch 😸 New Benu! I have two and that will do: one F pt and M on "Earl" (which I wish were reversed.) I think #5 med nib and Fine on the #6 would be more pleasant. So, at some point (pun fun?) I guess third could be the CHARM. ha ha Thanks guys and write on 🖋

[@johntwahl]

Drew! As a fan of Chrono Trigger, I think you would adore “Sea of Stars” - highly inspired by CT with some of the soundtrack even being composed by Mitsuda. A bit of a slow start, but a game that’ll stick with you and bring back all those warm and fuzzies

[@Gouletpens]

I've had my eye on that one! - Drew

[@warblerab2955]

They need to do a Dracula pen, and perhaps a Wolfman and Mummy one as well.

[@S.L._]

Definitely! And a Phantom of the Opera Pen based on the Lon Chaney version.

[@warblerab2955]

@@S.L._ I agree. I also wouldn't mind one base on the Michael Crawford version.

[@LegallyLlama]

Is Montegrappa also selling shirts with reinforced pockets or is Brian going to get some small rebar and weld something himself? 1:34:53

[@oldladywcamera]

Was on a pen video hiatus last week, so did not see the other tractor video. This one gave me a good laugh. It's amazing that you actually own a tractor. Re: Frankenstein, i thought that someone at Goulet had designed a set for the pen.😂

[@archivist17]

Could we have 'I'm like "Argh! Kumquats!"' merchandise, please? 😉😄

[@faerie-carrie]

Drew, love the Chrono Trigger segment. You have to do Metal Gear Solid next!! Please!

[@Gouletpens]

The Pencast audience is not ready for me to drop my Metal Gear lore. In fact...neither am I. I need scissors. 61! - Drew

[@jacobling2119]

As the screen fades before the play house scene, I was so worried to get r rolled again!

[@heathergleiser]

I suspect the Technic excavator scheduled to be released August 1 will be right up Brian’s alley 😁 saw that crane in the Lego catalog and it’s 2883 pieces. Totally doable!

[@vcrouch6041]

That Montegrappa is the most fascinating pen I have evet seen.

[@marcbloom7462]

"Puttin on the Ritz!"

[@jggimi]

I happen to have the Beethoven's Ninth CD that Brian mentioned: Karajan's Berliner Philharmoneker recording published by Deutche Grammophon. And thanks for using the O Fortuna movement from the Carmina Burana!