Tips for Buying Vintage Flex Fountain Pens on Ebay

[@JamieLaval_official]

It's so nice to see a pen review by someone who can actually write with nice penmanship. Thank you!

[@ThiagoMedeirosGeo]

Dude, your eyes look like Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-Peki! (random comment)

[@blackletter2591]

Nah, Amo-Iro

[@therewasatime8777]

excuse the language, but you got some kick ass hand writing skills. very nice collection as well.

[@forestntt72]

That sure is a lot of practice right there.

[@Coasterdude02149]

Beautiful handwriting man...and that Roherer & Klingner Solferino....WOW....have to have that! What a great purple!

[@AJMangino]

Thanks for watching. Solferino is THE best. Amazing flex ink.

[@agabrielhegartygaby9203]

This is so helpful: I realized that the key is knowing your pen ....I am new to the hobby and treat e bay as a gamble....for fun and if I get lucky and it's authentic and writes - its fun. LOVE your pen case.

[@Dexterdevloper]

One of the best hand writing I've ever seen

[@rup4l]

Used some of the tips given in this video, got myself an awesome & easy to flex 1930's Swan. Thank you Sir!

[@AJMangino]

That is awesome. Very happy to hear that. In terms of budget, quality flex; nothing is better than Marie Todd.

[@chrisrap52]

Great video. The Conklin is very very WET. From video it appears the nib on the 54 Red could be aligned better with feed. The nib is out in front of the feed, long distance from end of feed to end of nib. I just inked up a Mabie Todd Swan that has a nib I expected to flex based on your criteria & it does. It have verified your flex criteria. Now I will go through my pens & nibs with a different eye. Thanks.

[@AJMangino]

Chris, I was interested to hear your thoughts. The Conklin is indeed super wet; it's a lot of fun. The 54 was absolutely misrepresented in this video. The pen has zero flow issues when any ink without a suspended flake like the one seen is used. That being said I have not tried to seat the feed and nib yet and so there may be room for improvement. Thanks as always for watching and commenting.

[@JackZimmermann]

Now I just must have a Waterman's flex pen! Thanks for the information on how to spot a suitable nib. Your handwriting is great! Just started to collect fountain pen and write like crap, but I'll continue to practise.

[@OofusTwillip]

Flex-nib calligraphy is about 20% nib and 80% practice. It took me about 2 years of daily practice, starting with 2 Jinhao+G-nib frankenpens that sacrificed their lives, and some semi-flex vintage pens, before I was ready for a Waterman's 52 with 18k wet noodle nib. My calligraphy's getting impressive, but I still have a long way to go.

[@kerry5586]

These tips are great. Thank you! I am just looking for a flex nib fountain pen, but was more than slightly lost as to what to look out for. You have lovely handwriting as well which really makes your video more enjoyable.

[@rustyhowell8229]

Thanks for the great tips! Incredible flex skills!! Makes me want to practice more.

[@raphael52]

That waterman. WOW!!!! Need to get me one.

[@TheTubeTube2]

My favourite instrument is my frakenken Pen, a hard rubber Waterman’s 52 with a wonderfully flexible Mabie Todd number 1. Lovely stuff!

[@nitin6616]

Your handwriting is divine

[@cidneywilliams6304]

Could you tell me the name of the guy on eBay you said you bought your Wahl 73 from? I couldn't find him

[@drexplordinaire]

can you teach us how to write? or pt us to some tutorials?

[@AJMangino]

+Ethan Yang I plan to do a handwriting video at some point. Not so much to teach how to write, but to explain the small things I have picked up. Learning to write is really just that. I have picked up small things that make my writing more beautiful. But most importantly, and I am sure you have heard this, but you need to practice. Practice for hundreds of hours. Write how you enjoy writing. If you noticed a certain letter you do not like in your alphabet, change it until you like it. At first lowercase r's were hardest for me; now lowercase r's are my favorite letter. Have fun with it and make your own style. Oh, and get your hands on some nice nibs! ;)

[@rustyhowell8229]

Lower case r's are my hardest. Still practicing; almost perfect.

[@Yuzu-dw8zh]

Can you show the link where you bought the pens from? I would also like to purchase one myself, my modern flex conklin duragraph is a disappointment

[@saltemann3581]

finally some decent penmanship! I'm amazed at these pen enthusiasts with terrible handstyle....

[@AJMangino]

saltemann Thank you! The hand is far more important than the pen...

[@doodletime9041]

There is no need for perfect handwriting if you like fountain pens

[@Shortcutguitlssns]

Agree

[@lord_haven1114]

You don’t have to be great at something to enjoy doing it. That’s such a silly way of thinking.

[@saltemann3581]

@@lord_haven1114 Of course not. I just prefer seeing videos of people who actually master the craft. Unlike many youtubers out here.

[@TheTubeTube2]

Thank you for this episode, it’s really useful advice.

[@dragorsi]

Can't afford to buy a vintage flex pen yet, but keeping this for future reference, thanks! :)

[@halomoon1193]

I got an osmiroid set with 6 nibs one being a copperplate nib for 60 bucks on eBay not too long ago. Also some people sell vintage pens w flex nibs for way cheap on eBay or etsy. If u want a cheaper flex pen Noodlers makes flex pens as low as $20. They aren't vintage but they work very well! Happy Writing! ✍

[@rayfraser1773]

Beautiful hand mate ! Seriously nice !

[@chrismitchell7198]

Hello, this video was very interesting and helpful. I think I want to find a vintage Waterman now. I started looking around this morning and I notice the prices on these pens very wildly. Do you know what a good average price range for one of these pens should be? Thanks for your help.

[@Robert-zb5ep]

What an incredibly informative review!!!!

[@ShahriarFarkhan]

This is a great video for those of us who are totally new to flex pens. I heard you mention two of the inks the Sunset and the sparkle ink but can you please list the inks because they look amazing with your handwriting. Thanks!

[@AJMangino]

+Shahriar Farkhan Noodler's Apache Sunset, Pilot Iroshizuku Asa-Gao, J. Herbin Stormy Grey, Rohrer & Klingner Solferino, Waterman Harmonious Green. Thanks for watching :)

[@ShahriarFarkhan]

+AJ Mangino Sweet, thank you!!

[@sen795]

thank you for a great video. would you please recomend me some ebay sellers for flex pens? i am new to this hobby and it would be wonderful if you could help.

[@MrAdamthegrim]

Link to that guy's ebay? EDIT: also, link to your ebay?

[@by_di3go_usa96]

Mykdonna

[@OofusTwillip]

Myk Daigle sold me my favourite pen: a Waterman's 52 Red Ripple with 18k wet noodle nib.

[@dharyalrasheed557]

What were the inks used in this very inspiring video?

[@richardsims6016]

Really enjoyed your review! I am interested in purchasing one of the pens, especially the Waterman 55 & possibly the Conklin. Please advise how I proceed? Thank you.

[@AJMangino]

Richard Sims Richard you can email me at [e-mail]. Thanks for watching!

[@rohitpid]

Are any of these still for sale?

[@Text.__.]

hey, im looking for a wahl 73 fountain pen. Do you know where I could find one in this colour?

[@day_dreamer_]

wow is your eye color really that blue green aqua color? I've only seen this one other time before but it was in person, 17 years ago, just amazing.

[@PatrickDKing]

Yeah he's hot. They should make an ink the color of his eyes.

[@13noman1]

Cool writing!

[@charlesjacques750]

Man is there a suggested book on these? We think alike! Would love to see a vintage music nib full flex.

[@ewe392]

Do you have a video with recommendations for script/handwriting books?

[@terryglenweaver]

A fountain pen can usevarious size nibs? I am still trying to understand this stuff and learning to write in copper plate.

[@bonnieshapiro3511]

Do you happen to know the spelling of the man on eBay you suggested for flex pens. I’ve been trying to search for him. McDonna?

[@ElieZ]

Man, you write so nicely! Thank you for this video. Any advice for a lefty over and sidewriter? I am comfortable with stubs.

[@BIBLEBELIEVERSVIDEO]

I am a lefty also, and overwriting is generally a useless effort for flex. If you can convert your sidewriting to underwriting, you will have arrived. With a reasonable amount of effort I changed over, and now it feels like the natural way to write. Best of luck Elie Z.!

[@ElieZ]

@@BIBLEBELIEVERSVIDEO thank you very much for your comment. Yes, I have been working on underwriting but as you say, it is not very easy to transition. I'll keep at it. Cheers.

[@shychameleon]

BIBLE BELIEVERS VIDEO - MARK VARNEY Underwriting!

[@apurvatr2u]

Nice video. From where I can buy waterman 52…

[@jojojames217]

GOAT video! Glad I found this channel !

[@abbeyv4148]

Simply lovely! Would you post a link to the inks used or add a list of names to the description box? And do you have any suggestions for paper to use for flex pens that deposit SO much ink?? My normal fountain pen paper can't take it:(

[@rawbase8393]

Looks like Rhodia

[@yuklimka7251]

Have you tried Tomoe River paper?

[@ypure3859]

dam..u have great nib control

[@DrinkWater713]

Are there any options that don't have a super thin body? My hands are large and those would make me cramp

[@Ryan_H22]

What is the second pen with the blue ink? A Wahl?

[@kamankay]

thanks for your feedback and time. there are many on ebay i will contact a seller.

[@AJMangino]

Good luck my friend!

[@riyakumar8932]

What kind of paper are you using? If I ever have such wet ink on paper it bleeds and feathers like crazy! I'm having trouble finding good paper for fountain and dip pens :(

[@AJMangino]

Tomoe River

[@rubenbajapantydj]

I have a 52 waterman bhcr but I’ve been looking for a flex nib very hard to find

[@donaldwood7005]

Beautiful pens and beautiful handwriting. I have a slightly off topic question for you. Any recommendations for teaching materials for learning this type of shaded lettering style using a flex fountain pen in lieu of an oblique nib holder? Thanks and hope you are having a great holiday.

[@AJMangino]

Donald Wood Hey Donald, thanks for watching and happy holidays. I really don't have any recommendations I can make. I am completely self-taught and all I can say is that I watched writers I admired (mostly on KZbin) and focused in on their strokes. Then put in thousands of hours. That's my recipe. Again, thanks for watching :)

[@donaldwood7005]

Very will taught indeed. Looking forward to future material. Thank you.

[@meljenkins1016]

What about the Waterman 3V? It seems that the 52V and the 3V have the same flex nib.

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Thanks. What is the best full flex gold nib of all time for you (regardless of brand, price, body barrel clip trim material, age and looks)? God bless, Proverbs 31

[@AJMangino]

Waterman made the best gold flexible nibs, in aggregate

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Hi Thanks. What model, what year? I hope it's 100% ebonite and is chased (not a fan of resin/plastic/celluloid- maybe celluloid is tolerable since it's just semi plastic).

[@AJMangino]

@@SevenDeMagnus They're all different within each model number and year of production. Hence this video...

[@meesteryeyeye]

What inks were the purple and green inks? Nice video and writing by the way.

[@AJMangino]

Thanks. The purple is Rohrer and Klingner Solferino and the green is Waterman Harmonious Green.

[@daltonsego2019]

I noticed you use Noodlers ink in the pen, I have to ask, are Noodlers inks dangerous to put in vintage pens? I mainly have Noodlers inks but heard they can ruin the pens

[@AJMangino]

Dalton Sego Noodler's definitely can damage latex bladdered pens. I think in most cases it happens when they are mixed with other residual amounts of ink not cleaned out 100%. I just have no problem replacing the bladders on my pens so I don't mind using Noodler's. They will not cause damage to any other part of the pen.

[@daltonsego2019]

Are bladders especially difficult to come across, or are they expensive?

[@AJMangino]

They're easy to find and inexpensive. Thanks for watching.

[@kamankay]

Great video and thanks for the info. I saw a Montblanc 254 on ebay. Is it also a flex nib or have you experience with it.

[@AJMangino]

+kaman kay Some of them are flex, some of them are not. It is hard to guess without seeing the listing myself! Use the rules and make your best guess. If you are unsure it is also a good idea to contact the buyer and ask them if the nib is flexible. Never be afraid to ask seller's questions. Do you have a link to the listing? Thanks for watching my channel.

[@lexi29]

what ink is in the wahl? your handwriting is beautiful, and so are the pens

[@AJMangino]

Thank you Alexis. I believe that ink is Iroshizuku Asa-Gao

[@lexi29]

+AJ Mangino It is a beautiful shade. what do you normally search on ebay when looking for pens?

[@AJMangino]

I normally search "Waterman" "mabie todd Swan" and "Conklin"

[@berryj.greene7090]

Excellent video. Thankyou.

[@naraenderramraina]

Iam having 100 sheffar fountains pens..1960s..can I sell them sum where?

[@Nome_utente_generico]

I, there are some prewar italian very flexy nib as Ancora , Columbus , Omas, Minerva , Mondial ecc ecc.

[@aswanson42]

Hi, thanks for informative videos. How can I find you on ebay?

[@paulfiorino7463]

Wow. Amazing.

[@greyareaRK1]

Great tips, thank you!

[@fakhertoumi9691]

Can I do fast writing with these pens using just a bit of flex ?

[@peterjpuleo4133]

You are the Rembrandt of flex hand-writers. How much practice did it take you to develop your skills?

[@AJMangino]

Peter J Puleo I probably have 1000 hours in. Thank you but they're are people much better.

[@peterjpuleo4133]

An admirable commitment to your art.

[@diana3599]

Nicely presented. Thanks so much.

[@UrbaNSpiel]

Very nice, i need to try 1.

[@ProximaCentauri88]

Sir, why did you stop posting videos?

[@cosmo6536]

Is the nib on the first pen a waterman ideal new york #2 or canada #2?

[@drennyvision6141]

What is the difference? ?

[@acmullane]

@@drennyvision6141 a lake or two

[@Baroqueartisan]

I recently purchased a Waterman Ideal fountain pen 52 1/2 V - my only experience with fountain pens has been non-flex Sheaffer pens - I am taking a chance this one will work (I got a deal as pen was sold for parts or restoration) do you know where I can get the work done? What is the best ink for this type pen (I use permanent black) I appreciate any info you can share~

[@AJMangino]

+Baroqueartisan I do my work and really always have, so I can't say I have looked into where to have pens restored too much. I do know of Ron Zorn at Main Street Pens. I would look into him. Unfortunately I do not have experience with using permanent inks in these pens. I will say I rarely use Noodler's inks in my bladder pens and especially do not mix noodler's inks in bladder pens because I have ran into issues there. Hope all goes well and apologize for the delay. I thought I had answered this.

[@Baroqueartisan]

I appreciate the info! Best Regards.

[@owaissiddiqui7313]

Wana buy some vintage pens from waterman.. sheaffer.. Ford... Swan.. can u help me out sir..

[@abrusticrelics5808]

if your interested in Parker, stores.ebay.com/simplyabrusticrelics is the place to go. Seller is based right out of the home of Parker Pen.

[@gills3141]

whats the best ink for these pens?

[@galahad9853]

Loved the video

[@3hsmarthandwritingacademya181]

How can I buy it from Bangladesh plz?????

[@lexhoward5337]

AJ, I have done Spencerian for the past year with dip pens but would like to have a fountain pen I can do that with. I need one that could go from xxxf-bbb. I am having a tough time. can you help? What kind of pen should I look for?

[@AJMangino]

Hey Lex. Fountain pens that go from XXXF-BBB with ease like a nib dip are difficult to find and expensive ($500+ typically). If you are prepared to spend that much then just do some digging on Ebay and find a pen with a writing sample that demonstrates how flexible it is. If you're on a budget a Desiderata Daedalus may be a good option (fountain pen with a dip nib in it). Good luck :)

[@grammarnazi7428]

AJ Mangino I find this very helpful. Thanks.

[@ShadowoftheDude]

Sorry, I don’t understand what you mean with the V or ridge on the bottom of the nib. And I can’t see any difference between the nibs in the picture at 11:04.

[@thisoldchevy2371]

The lazy eye adds a finishing touch to the video!

[@AJMangino]

Lol. Yes I agree. Thanks for watching.

[@grammarnazi7428]

AJ Mangino it's cringe

[@jesuspaton4075]

excelentes estilograficas.

[@drexplordinaire]

which waterman do you think is the best? ive only seen videos- of 52, 55 and the ink-vue.. it looked like ink-vue was far and away the best but im not sure the reviewer is biased.

[@AJMangino]

I am sorry Ethan but without a definition of "the best" I cannot answer your question. I think my answer will be that it is personal preference and mostly comes down to which size fits you the best.

[@drexplordinaire]

+AJ Mangino you are right, sorry havent really touched a vintage wet noodle yet. not sure how to make a purchase- prices to start, on ebay prices vary a alot, etc. most of what you show here look pretty good and you did say in one review that 12 was 'unbeliveable'.

[@AJMangino]

+Ethan Yang Yes that 12 was unbelievable. I'd buy a 52, they're s gtr at size. Use the information in this video to try to determine nib flexibikity. A super flex 52 will typically set you back $200-400.

[@richardnoa598]

what blue is that? really nice!

[@AJMangino]

+Richard Noa That is the highly regarded and universally loved Iroshizuku Asa-Gao If I am not mistaken.

[@richardnoa598]

really nice deep blue, thank you. your videos are great too what is your eBay account if i may ask?

[@AJMangino]

+Richard Noa Sorry I did not see this comment. www.ebay.com/usr/ajmanthmang

[@warrior8170]

Does anyone know a pretty good, but cheap fountain pen? preferably under $30 AUS. I'm just starting, I love my nikko g nib dip pen but it's not great for travelling due to possible spillage so I want to get a fountain pen for out and about use. Any recommendations?

[@abrusticrelics5808]

I would check out stores.ebay.com/simplyabrusticrelics they have some pretty great fountain pens

[@breckbreckenridge8501]

Has anyone expressed to you their fear that some inks are injurious to the sacs of these vintage pens? I have had such fears expressed to me with the recommendation that I only use inks made by companies that actually make pens, e.g. Sheaffer, Parker, Pelikan, and so on. (I am not including in this category such ink makers as Noodler's who do make pens as well. Some of Noodler's inks in particular were cited as culprits in dissolving sacs. I am not sure whether the sacs in question were rubber based or the new silicon types. Any and all knowledge you have on this would be appreciated!

[@adriantwiss980]

The chap who services my Montblanc and who restores vintage pens suggests that older pens are best used with water based inks such as Diamine, Pelikan Edelstein, J Herbin and Pilot Iroshizuku to name but a few. Many older pens have ebonite feeds that work well with "traditional" inks. He suggests that "shimmering" inks will clog feeds and may damage sacs in time. I would not use the likes of Noodler's Baystate Blue in any of my high end pens. I keep and old low end Cross just for that purpose.

[@AJMangino]

Yes some of the inks definitely do cause damage. I personally am comfortable replacing sacs in my pens and so I use any inks I desire. In general you should stay away from Noodler's inks, Private Reserve, and other really saturated inks. Clean the pens regularly. Worst case scenario, learn to replace the sac.

[@DahHar117]

Mic Donna? Mick Donald?

[@AJMangino]

Mykdonna

[@1mcclg1]

what was the name n color of the last to inks?

[@AJMangino]

Hey, I listed all of the inks used in the video in a comment below. Check it out! Thanks for watching.

[@d_15745]

what style of handwriting are you doing ?

[@OofusTwillip]

It's "pointed pen" calligraphy, but in his own personal style. Copperplate and Spencerian are the most traditional pointed pen calligraphy styles, but there's also Engrosser's Script and many other styles.

[@d_15745]

@@OofusTwillip three years after I’m saying thanks 😅. Thank you!

[@jayleno1121]

Fountain pens are more enjoyable to write with than the crappy ball points we're all used to.

[@drexplordinaire]

i have the same apache noodlers ink.. is it me or does it feel diluted compared to montblancs ink?? it writes like watered down... something wrong with it?

[@AJMangino]

I do not feel the same way. It is rather deeply pigmented and viscous, I feel.

[@AJMangino]

I should mention that the only Montblanc ink I have direct experience with is Irish Green. It and Apache Sunset are actually strikingly similar in behavior, ironically. Again, only my experience.

[@drexplordinaire]

hmm i ll call them tomorrow it is railroading a lot with my noodlers creepler. that happened when there was some water in my pen + montblanc ink

[@AJMangino]

Typically it is not a very good flex ink for me. Lots of railroading unless in a very good flowing pen.

[@drexplordinaire]

hmm some mentioned that its proly bc it was just washed out with soap and water and i have to refill it. that made sense

[@AshleyEDOJ]

Link to the eBay seller please? ^=^

[@AJMangino]

+Ashley Evans www.ebay.com/usr/ajmanthmang Pens going up for sale tonight Mar. 14th

[@AshleyEDOJ]

Thanks! ^-^

[@johnhayes6414]

How do you spell the sellers name for Ebay

[@AJMangino]

www.ebay.com/str/madmercantile

[@budthecyborg4575]

Pro Tip (Ok not really "pro" but still a good tip). Never put a light directly in front of yourself to light a video (except Ring Lights which are designed to be used head on). Put the light to the side, ideally two (one on each side), and maybe one from below (also to one side), and also set up a bed-sheet with some lamps behind it to give some soft light (reduces harsh shadows)... that is if you're willing to dedicate an entire room to lighting.

[@chris.struwe]

You somehow said about every pen that it's you favourite 😂

[@AJMangino]

It is amazing how they each do that me. So much character in each.

[@isabelmcconnon3064]

I couldn't understand what you wrote after This is a ........aterman's 52 Size "2" nib.

[@althomas7977]

The best pen wrote the worst.

[@I..cast..fireball]

fix your freacking focus

[@rawarhii8206]

Nice video but pleease fill in your eyebrows👌🏻

[@cumsoup8]

weirdest video ever

[@TheRealJanKafka]

Here's my tip: Don't buy shit on the Internet. If you can't buy it face to face with a real live human, you don't fucking need it.

[@AJMangino]

That is a bad tip, Jan.

[@markem9415]

Total bullshit Jan. Sorry.

[@IAT1964]

what about if you are in a location with no such option? Although it is great to deal with humans, I dont agree with your comment...

[@TheRealJanKafka]

Mark EM1 month ago "Total bullshit Jan. Sorry." You're right. Your comment is bullshit.

[@TheRealJanKafka]

AJ Mangino1 month ago "That is a bad tip, Jan." My advice was excellent and I stand by it. If you can't buy something from a human, face to face, don't do it.

[@Azazel-jw3zb]

great flex nib Conklin 1925 #3 wont be disappointed