Internet Scam or Hidden Gem? Ellington Fountain Pens

[@ChristopherMay]

I picked one of the Stealth models on a lark since their marketing was so omnipresent; I figured it was worth the pretty low price of admission. It's not bad. It writes pretty smoothly, especially considering that I got the EF nib and getting that size to write smoothly can be a challenge. There are a few downsides for me. The first is the balance when posted. That octagonal decoration does add a lot of weight. Posting the cap throws all that weight on the wrong part of the pen and it's hard to exercise control. There are some situations where I almost always post my pens, so this one joins the ranks of pens like the Diamond 580 ALR that are a little more limited in where and how I use them. The second minor issue was that the ink in the supplied cartridges is pretty awful. It feathered like mad for me and took more than the usual effort to clean out. For any would be buyers, I'd suggest throwing the cartridges away and sticking to a good bottle ink (I have Iroshizuku Take-sumi in mine). The last and biggest issue for me is that the cap is probably the worst sealing of any pen I own. If I don't use this pen daily, it starts drying out and hard starting on me. That's kind of a shame. I have $6 Platinum Preppies loaded with notorious inks like Nitrogen that I can leave for weeks without troubles. Definitely not the case with this pen. Because of that, I tend to use it sporadically. I'll ink it up and use it heavily for a week but then will clean it out and let it sit for months because it's hard to use it so exclusively. Maybe I should try one of the Private Reserve Infinity inks in it and see if that makes it a little better behaved. All in all, for the price point, I'd rather have a TWSBI Eco, though I do admit that the Stealth is a more elegant looking pen and might do better for certain environments. Another nice video, Hemingway. I enjoy that you will look at pens at any price point and give them a fair shake. There aren't too many channels where you can see a video on an Ellington Pen and then find another talking about Montblanc's. Kudos to you for spanning the spectrum of our hobby!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you so much! I try to be balanced and fair. It’s a fine pen. It’s just their outrageous claims that are odd. And the squeakiness. Thanks for the kind worlds and great comment!

[@BullheadedGiovanni]

I hate lying to sell a product, it's disgusting.

[@HemingwayJones]

It’s a curious choice. I’d rather the real story and to know the real people.

[@TheStockwell]

Figboot gently blew the whistle on Ellington a year ago. It's an AI company in every respect, from the fictional "Ethan Ellington" - and his painfully AI voice - to the breathlessly synthetic, AI quality of, well, every aspect of the company. There's no crime in marketing a generic, entry-level pen as affordable luxury. Creating a fictional character who tells of his dogged determination to create said pen is another matter. It seems to be a functional, made-in-Asia contraption. My worry would be people getting one, hating it, and deciding the whole "pen thing" isn't worth their time. Thus Spake Reddit: "Based on a UK business and trademark search, Ellington Pens is owned by the same person who own(ed) Dryden Designs. Neither Ethan Ellington nor Michael Dryden actually exist. The person behind these two brands has other e-commerce websites with fake employee profiles and other unsavory business tactics. And that's just what I dug up in an hour's worth of internet search." Have a safe and interesting week, Ye People of Pens. 😺 Best wishes from Vermont 🍁

[@HemingwayJones]

I hope you enjoyed the video!

[@kitgenz1114]

And if you google the two addresses on their website then what you get is...in the US a fulfillment center; in the UK a co-working center.

[@AlessandroVolta1]

Just a tip, when you take off a pen cap, the way you are doing it, you risk hitting the nib. I would suggest laying the pen across the palm of your hand and grasp it in a fist. With your thumb and pointer grasp the cap and gently push it off. It is a one handed operation. The cap only unsnaps a few millimeters then you can just slide it off. This will protect your nib. Removing the cap is a one handed operation and it is impossible to accidentally hit the nib and knock the nib tines out of wack. I very much enjoy the content. Saw you at the show but didn't want to interrupt you. You are now a celebrity.

[@HemingwayJones]

Always interrupt me if you see me. I would love to meet you. Just catch my eye. I’m sure there would have been time to say hello.

[@fletcherchambers7175]

For my money, I'd opy for a Lamy Al Star or Twsbi Eco. Heck, Pilot Metropolitan... Great review!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks for watching! It means a lot.

[@_Moondancer]

Very fun review! You know, if we didn’t try out those squeaky, mediocre pens at some point, we wouldn’t faint dead away at the quality of staggering Egyptomanias, buy greeting cards just to sign with silky stub-nibbed TWSBIs, or EDC the writes-as-good-as-the-14kt steel nib Kawecos. (As far as whether it’s worthy of review-the same was asked of the NYT review of Guy’s American Kitchen in Times Square. The place is thankfully now gone, but omg, Pete Wells’s takedown was one for the ages, and still a great read.) Would I want a squeaky pen? Hell no, but watching & hearing Hem endure one is very entertaining! Thank you, Mr. Jones!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you very much! This is a fantastic comment! The Guy’s Review is incredible! That is a great analogy. Thank you. I am so glad you enjoyed this. Making interesting and entertaining videos is my goal. Thank you!

[@sunnycharacter]

“It’s a demonstrator so it’s REALLY transparent…” haha brilliant!

[@HemingwayJones]

I need to watching this one again! Thanks!

[@sunnycharacter]

@@HemingwayJones lol yes!

[@jpfanfic4226]

A very fair review. Nice job. I agree it is a pen of conflicts. Good and bad. An ambivalent pen. Mine was an everyday carry when I didn't want to risk damaging a more expensive pen. But alas, they are not made for longevity.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you very much! I am so glad you enjoyed the video!

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

It's brave of you, to spend your pen dollars on an unknown brand. I'm glad it wasn't a disaster.

[@HemingwayJones]

I hope I said in the video, but they gave these to me to use and review.

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

@@HemingwayJones I must have not heard that part. But that's great.

[@andrewbrendan1579]

Thank you for the detailed review of the Ellington pens. I've been seeing the company's advertising on Facebook recently. As I think you said, these could be good entry level pens. Not the very best, but a good, solid pen that could be used a lot.

[@HemingwayJones]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@pzosburn]

To add a little balance to the comments ledger. 😊I have had a good experience with my black & copper Ellington “Midnight Rose.” Just lucky, I guess. My “EF” nib writes smoothly, but too wet and wide of a line for my taste. Not surprising since I prefer Japanese Pilots in EF or F. No squeaking observed. The snap-cap is stiff, and it is too back-weighted when posted, as others noted. I don’t plan to buy another Ellington. I am much more impressed with my Scriveiner between those 2 brands. Or certainly TWSBI Eco at comparable price. Thanks for your always interesting, entertaining, and educational videos, Professor Jones! - Pam

[@HemingwayJones]

Pam, thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed this! I also like Scriveiner better. They just have a more elegant design. Thanks so much for being here.

[@davidparrishproductions5082]

Really nice music work here my friend! You really pack in a ton of visuals and sounds, so impressive! 🎶

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you very much!

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

Thanks for the great video, HJ! I like the 'Stealth' pen. I'll order myself one in a few weeks. I like the fact that the cap stays on tight. I usually push the cap off with my thumb on the bottom of the pocket clip to try not to rub the nib too much on the inside of the cap. And the heavy cap won't bother me much since I don't like to post them anyway.

[@HemingwayJones]

@@robertcalkjr.8325 Mine is so tight, so unnecessarily tight! Thanks so much for watching!

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

@@HemingwayJones At least we shouldn't have to worry about the cap coming off in our pockets or cases.

[@fossilimprint2954]

When a company lies so blatantly on their marketing, I avoid. I vehemently detest those tactics.

[@mellow-jello]

When you hear affordable luxury, you know it's sus. If it is luxury, it is definitely not affordable. Jowo is smooth, but not the smoothiest pen. $34 USD manufactured in China is steep. Imo it reminds me of DW watches, all marketing, nothing impressive.

[@HemingwayJones]

I brought up David Welling in the video! Wellington / Ellington Suspect!

[@kitgenz1114]

Hemingway Jones, I so much appreciate your honest reviews and your ability to always manage to infuse some type of humor in them. This video does not disappoint. I'm one of those people that just cannot use a pen with a metal grip. I have one - otto hutt series 06 - that I purchased before I knew this about my preferences. I love the pen and will not get rid of it but I do have to put a piece of washi tape on the grip in order to be able to write with it. Thanks for the video. Cheers edit: cool playing cards!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you very much! I can appreciate that about metal grips. I was like that for a time, but I have so many gold grips -Egyptomania!- and whatnot, that I changed. Still, they can be slick sometimes. I am so glad you enjoyed this video!!!

[@lisawilson7889]

My sister bought me a boxed set with a bottle of ink, one Ellington pen, and a set of nibs. Clearly she saw a Facebook ad. Let’s just say I was not impressed. This will be donated.

[@HemingwayJones]

It’s a nice thought though! I think I’ll give mine away too. Thanks!

[@peglegpiraterooster]

Looks like a mace in case you need to defend yourself. 😂😂 Love that one!

[@HemingwayJones]

@@peglegpiraterooster You never know when the need arises! Thanks!

[@ammonjensen6950]

Great Video, interesting pens. Love your commentary and video styles. Thanks Mr. Jones!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you for watching!

[@Mala7185]

I love the ellington pens..love the balance..the flow of the ink..it's soft and simply glides on the page..I've used parker, sheaffer, lamy and other fountain pens..ellington and lamy are the ones I bought again for work..

[@alanpareis734]

Thanks for this one. Not one for me of course, metal section, to thin, and metal all no goes for me. Most importantly good job at exposing the questionable aspects of their advert program, thank you. On another subject: did you get my IM to your IG account? I’m Edgar to get the pen sent off to you.

[@HemingwayJones]

Hi, I’m not sure. I’ll go check. Messages do get lost sometimes. Thanks! Thanks for watching.

[@lizpilgrim1]

Not familiar with this brand. Probably won't buy one. My latest pens are a Scriveiner and my husband bought me a Conklin 1898 14 Kt Orange Misto Omniflex.

[@HemingwayJones]

I’ve had a great experience with Scriveiner! Thanks for watching.

[@lizpilgrim1]

@@HemingwayJones I am happy with it. Writes beautifully.

[@JefferyHall-ct2tr]

Hi HJ! While the Ellington pen is not a bad pen, I think that I would spend my money elsewhere. Not long after I got back into pens I bought a somewhat similar pen from Amazon. Metal body, same type finish as the red Ellington you show, but green. And its not a bad pen, either, but I almost never write with it! I believe it was in a similar price point as the Ellington pens you show. Thanks for the interesting video!

[@HemingwayJones]

@@JefferyHall-ct2tr Thanks for watching! I appreciate it very much!

[@BOH1995]

Now we need to see a review on the Webson Gill fountain pens. This was great I've been curious about these Ellington pens.

[@HemingwayJones]

I don’t know those. Hmmm…. Thanks!

[@edcpreacher]

I got one of these as a first pen. I bought the stealth pen and got it in medium. I’m a journaler and don’t like a medium nib. The Ellington customer service was excellent both with follow up after purchase and with helping get a new fine nib. That makes a good company regardless of the marketing.

[@HemingwayJones]

@@edcpreacher That counts for a lot. Thanks for getting that information in the comments.

[@blktauna]

I have a blue one of these. Perfectly adequate for the price. Its decently made, writes nicely and I didn't believe a tiny bit of the marketing. I don't post so that's never an issue for me. Its a shade heavy for me so I don't use it much.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks for the great comment! It's good to have your perspective in the comments.

[@paulherman5822]

First to be balanced posted or not posted... One of the first I've seen is the Parker 51... Their claim that they came up with the design. I'm certain it's made in the same Chinese factory as the Ferris Wheel Press pen. They look almost identical. But, then, overblown claims have come from almost every pen manufacturer, over the years. 😁 For the price, I could probably recommend these for a beginner or everyday pen. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this pen! For super long, posted, try the Parker Duofold from any era, Sheaffer's flattop from the 1920s, Esterbrook "Dollar," and so on. I personally have a Sheaffer's 3 that could double as a light pole in length, posted... And I think backweighted some cases can be a good thing, as you're supposed to have a light touch using a fountain pen (which not everyone has.)

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks very much for the wealth of information! And for watching.

[@oldladywcamera]

Got one when I was first getting into inks, actually. Needed something not too costly. Don't go to it often. Has the fude nib in it right now.

[@HemingwayJones]

@@oldladywcamera Very Nice! Fude Nibs are interesting.

[@karenholden4740]

I have never heard of Ellington!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks for watching!

[@judyanderson1329]

I have seen their ads and did not trust them. I wouldn’t buy one of their pens now considering all the excellent pens I own! If I was just starting out I might try one. Thanks for the review!

[@HemingwayJones]

@@judyanderson1329 Thanks for watching! I am so glad you enjoyed the video!

[@AndrewWertheimer]

Happy to see another video calling the maker out for false advertising. Yes, it could be worth more, but so much hype. I aimgine the main victims are people who might consider a fountain pen. These heavy things make me yearn for vintage pens like a Parker Vacumatic. Such a different experience.

[@AndrewWertheimer]

PS The DW comparison was spot on. I remember being surprised by how popular those watches were in Japan. I suppose they (and I ) like a clean Bauhaus dial. JUst too bad the movement was such overpriced junk.

[@HemingwayJones]

Yes! Exactly! Thanks so much!

[@MackRodose]

Hi, Tim, I really enjoy your content and style. I’m curious how you acquired your very unique and pleasing accent, were you educated in Northern Europe? I particularly enjoy your “hard t” sound. What most American and many Commonwealth accents would render as a d sound becomes a true t, bottle often pronounced as “boddle” is preserved in your style as “boTTle.” Thanks for the channel.

[@HemingwayJones]

@@MackRodose Thank you very much for the kind words! I am from the US and educated here at Rutgers University and Catholic High School. I do have a touch of a speech impediment, which has me thinking about annunciation a bit more, but I have mostly moved past it. Thanks very much for the kind words.

[@MackRodose]

@@HemingwayJones, you speak closer to the actual structure of the language than anyone I know, it’s really cool. Would never have guessed in a million years, sometimes struggle invites strength, and you’re a very strong communicator. Keep up the awesome exploration of what moves you and the world will benefit.

[@HemingwayJones]

@@MackRodose Thank you very much! You are very kind. Thanks for watching.

[@penthevision4706]

Very good video. Thanks

[@HemingwayJones]

Glad you liked it! Thanks!

[@frankmarek9921]

Great video,I like the red pen,frank in Oswego,ill

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you!

[@memjarias2]

Great video thanks for posting. I was just looking into one of these pens. I think I’ll try one. On a sidenote, there’s a pen that’s been going around in my feed called the webson Gill Admiral.. Have you ever reviewed it? What’s your thoughts?

[@HemingwayJones]

Sadly, I don’t know that one. So sorry. I do try to keep up, but miss some now and again. Thanks for watching.

[@Vermiliontea]

It's seems like a decent, solid practical pen. You can get decent metal pens, including converter, from a number of Chinese brands for ~$10-15. They won't have Jowo nibs, but that doesn't need to matter much. The tests here are: How well sealed is it? How fast will it dry out? And - do you like it? I like Baoer 801 and 388 a lot. And they are solid, smooth, very well sealed and typically cost less than $10. And that's just an example. "Luxury"? Obviously not. Luxury normally implies most people can't have it. ...Or shouldn't have it. If that Ellington can do lying on the desk for two-three months without drying out, I could have one.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks very much! I always enjoy your comments.

[@foxtrotelement]

'if you need a mace'... sold!

[@HemingwayJones]

Nice! Love it!

[@dailycharmaddict]

Excellent, honest, fair review. It is what it is. The Stealth sounds like a skate blade on ice, to me. The red one? 🐁 Squeak! Squeak!

[@HemingwayJones]

So so squeaky!!!

[@dailycharmaddict]

@@HemingwayJones😂😂😂

[@dhoward8816]

I own a stealth. It seems really heavy to me too. Thanks for the review.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks for watching!

[@danielrivera1700]

I know someone who was using it as an everyday writer and he says there are signs of rust

[@HemingwayJones]

That’s insane. Thanks for this comment

[@nilcesoares9708]

I have 2 of them (pink + silver) and they serve me just fine

[@HemingwayJones]

Wonderful! I am glad you’re happy with them.

[@yobanyhernandez125]

To me it seems like they are similar to Monteverde pens, where a Ritma will go for $50 and mostly made in china, this isn’t a bad alternative no?

[@ernestop6501]

Sounds like the marketing campaign they had about Mvmnt watches. They were garbage.

[@HemingwayJones]

Yes! Or Daniel Wellington!

[@thomasquinn284]

Lovely review. Very fair comparison to others in same price point.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks so much!

[@donaldnewton4947]

Maybe the cap has a surveillance chip inside😮

[@HemingwayJones]

😂 😂 😂 love it!

[@PiersStudio]

Unless that company does something special to the nib, I can’t see how it would be smoother than any other pen with a similar nib.

[@HemingwayJones]

An excellent point! It’s an extraordinary claim.

[@davidgray9816]

Hello HJ..love the review. I was tempted to get one but now have changed my mind based off of the AI comments. I do like the pens though. My question is have you ever done a review on the Lamy Aion? For me the grip is to wide and too slippery. See ya up the road 😂

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks so much David! I appreciate your watching. I have not reviewed that pen. If I get one, I will. Thanks so much!

[@danielmccann4055]

So, aside from pens can we assume from the actions of the JGB that fountain pens are going to become nominally more expensive: as in hyperinflation and if so do you recommend more gold nibs?

[@HemingwayJones]

JGB as in Japanese Bonds making credit more expensive for Japanese companies and then Pilot becoming more expensive, or am I missing a acronym? Remember, I am in finance, so I see everything through that filter. I love gold nibs because they afford a different writing experience, a uniqueness and one that can be had in a Pilot VP or E95S, or a Waterman Carene, and many other excellent and affordable gold nibs. Thanks so much for watching!!!

[@blythetretick7081]

You always have great background desk surface coverings. What are these charming little playing cards?

[@judyanderson1329]

They are Tarot cards.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you very much! These are reproductions of Medieval Italian playing cards.

[@judyanderson1329]

@@HemingwayJones Sorry I thought they were tarot cards. My apologies.

[@HemingwayJones]

@@judyanderson1329 you don’t have to apologize for that! They look like Tarot cards. I bought these in Florence. I’ll put them all in a background soon so you can see them. You know that I do have a lot of Tarot Cards here.

[@richardsimms251]

An enjoyable video

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you!

[@nrs6956]

Is the red pen squeaky or do you have mice? Thank you.

[@bovnycccoperalover3579]

Thank you for keeping us from buying an unremarkable pen. It was you who encouraged me to buy a TWSBI Eco. Arriving next week. It will be my first stub nib. Really exited. Thanks!

[@HemingwayJones]

Wonderful Choice! That TWSBI Stub is top tier!

[@arguchik]

Both Scriveiner and Ellington are "white label" brands that purchase pens from a Chinese manufacturer and resell them at inflated prices. Scriveiner puts German-made nibs on their pens, but the pen bodies, just like Ellington pens, are made in China.

[@arguchik]

P.S. You can purchase a Wing Sung pen, of equivalent quality, for a lot less money.

[@MichaelR-kl6hk]

Good video

[@HemingwayJones]

@@MichaelR-kl6hk Thank you!

[@pageeater]

That’s particular scratch sounds too much. I love a scribe sounds but the black in the vid made me cringe. But I have to confess I won’t purchase a pen under $100. Just hasn’t proved a good tools for me.

[@HemingwayJones]

I appreciate you watching! Thank you! Means a lot when someone watches a video for entertainment. That’s my primary goal. Thanks!

[@pageeater]

@@HemingwayJonesYou make informative vids, HJ, and you are a premium entertainer. It’s a gift to be able to watch you. Live or premade, you deliver!! 💖💖💖

[@reneejones6330]

I got one a while back. It's okay, but nothing special. For the price it's okay.

[@HemingwayJones]

Agreed!

[@christophermckellar1352]

Thanks.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you!

[@alexmood6407]

It’s 5 dollar pen selling for 50 dollars.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks for the comment and for watching!

[@robinpennell1594]

The Ellington looks like another knockoff pen...maybe Scriveiner? I have a couple Scriveiners but no need for more heavy metal rock fps. I like a thicker pen.

[@tgfflynn]

Silicone on the threads will handle the squeaking.

[@cheesim]

It is excellent to see fountain pens gaining popularity, and more companies are putting out these entry-level pens.

[@HemingwayJones]

Yes! That’s a very good and optimistic point.

[@cheesim]

​@HemingwayJones we all ended up buying more expensive pens afterwards 😂

[@raventhelight9357]

Hey HJ. Just wanted to know how the jinhow boheima was working for you?

[@HemingwayJones]

I like it, but it has a few things. Should I review it? I bought this one for me, but I’m wondering if I should do a review.

[@raventhelight9357]

@@HemingwayJones Yeah, I think you should. I probably am not the only one interested in it. It seems to be one of those pens that is just strange enough to be worth a buy if it functions well.

[@HemingwayJones]

@@raventhelight9357 I’ll try to do one. Thanks!

[@raventhelight9357]

@@HemingwayJones No. Thank you. I very much enjoy your reviews on things. You have a way of taking about things that sets you apart from everyone else. You don't just tell us what the pen is. The website normally does that.

[@kellydunn7113]

I smell a lot of snobbery in these comments -- I love my Ellington Emerald Enigma.

[@ChristopherMay]

I'm curious which comments yout think come off as snobbish? I see some honest appraisals but nothing really struck me as snobbish.

[@kellydunn7113]

@@ChristopherMay ok, not snobbish to you.

[@kellydunn7113]

These are opinions, are they not? I gave my opinion - nothing more, nothing less.

[@ChristopherMay]

@@kellydunn7113 My comment was genuine curiosity, not accusatory. I didn't see anything that struck me as snobbish and was curious what you did. It wasn't meant to cause any distress. Apologies if it did. I'm glad you like your Ellington. As I stated in my comment -- mine has a couple of flaws from making it something I keep in regular rotation. Not sure if that makes me a snob but if so, I tried to support that position with the reasons for my disapprobation. Have a good day.

[@kellydunn7113]

@@ChristopherMay I'll agree that you didn't sound accusatory, but Jones did, well, he wanted to bait listeners to watch the video (in my view) What irritated me was that I took your question as "defend your position" I frankly did not want to "defend my position" I just wanted my statement to stand as it was intended to, my opinion. Please don't hear me criticize Jones, I enjoy his videos and accept his views as they are. -- which is fine by me. My apologies to you, sir.