Is There a Pen That is Universally Appreciated? | Pencast 115

[@mayneric]

Drew, as a person that suffers from depression I appreciate you being open about having the occasional battle with the blues. I have longer term struggles but it’s important for people to know that most people struggle at times.

[@ntaylo6299]

No matter the holidays are hard. A million things coming at you all at once, way too much Christmas music and so much pressure to get it right. Dude this viewing family appreciates your humor and vast knowledge. Rock on.

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks! Yeah, 90% of the time I'm upbeat and positive, but I get hit by the fog every so often. It sucks, but that's life! Carry one, sally forth, and be honest & transparent. :) - Drew

[@mini_maven]

I LOVE that Goulet Pens was recognized with awards! The customer care award is absolutely well deserved. I appreciate everything you do.

[@Gouletpens]

Thank you!!! - Drew

[@Inkrover]

😊 😊qqq

[@CrazyBirdNerd]

Guys, you got me in trouble! Watching TV with my hubby the other night and he noticed this weird triangle-shaped burn-in on our older TV. Was watching the Pencast today and he came over and pointed to the Pencast sign in the background - "Look! The triangle!" Looks like I'll be relegated to watching on a tablet once we get a new TV, lol!

[@seancoyote]

Bump! get them a pen or something~!

[@kristiw.1823]

2.5hours of Pencast - what a treat! Then you add on 2 pens that are making me drool - Beach and Earl Grey?!? It must be almost Christmas. 🥰

[@emmac5442]

Fun fact: the International Organisation for Standards is actually called ISO because the English abbreviation would be IOS, while the French abbreviation would make it ION. To prevent the name/abbreviation being different in different languages, they decided to go with the non-acronym version ISO, to make the name standard across all languages! :)

[@ili4707]

ISO works as "Internationale Standardisierungsorganisation" in German though🤣

[@AlexanderJarboe]

It's the same situation that gives us UTC for Coordinated Universal Time. A lot of international things the "acronym" is a mash up between the English and French version of the thing.

[@kathyfannon7563]

Baffle vs Waffle: I once had a boss named Bonnie. A coworker wondered aloud one day why Connie was short for Constance, but Bonnie isn't short for Bonstance. Bonnie was not amused! That question was posed 35 years ago and it still makes me laugh! 🤣

[@Gouletpens]

LOL I love that! - Drew

[@m00nwise]

A big hug for Drew, Buttered popcorn discontinued … so sad to see you in tearns ❤

[@Gouletpens]

Thank you! 😭 - Drew

[@fiddletwist]

Clearly Shannon is not the only actor in your family!

[@BlinkiesNoGood]

The question of vintage build quality and materials is an interesting one. I have a treadle-powered sewing machine built in 1914 that I got from a thrift store -- a little cleaning, a little oil, and a new belt was all it took to get it sewing as well as it did a hundred years ago. And it uses the same needles as my modern electric sewing machine, which was built 100 years later on the other side of the Pacific, just like my 50 year old Parker 75 uses the same cartridges and converters as a modern Parker. The treadle machine was designed so the average housewife could maintain and repair it. The manual has a complete part list so you could order replacements for anything that broke, and replace it yourself. It's made from steel and cast iron, and will probably still be sewing a hundred years from now. Replacing the belt was trivially easy. I've never even SEEN the belt on my electric machine and would have to take it to the shop to get it fixed. And will all that plastic still be intact in 100 years? Who knows. We need more items that combine vintage repairability with modern materials technology!

[@peteazouz6072]

Just want to take a moment to thank you both for reminding us to take time for ourselves mentally, it's really important to do so just so we can stay balanced and able to help those who we love, as well as us as individuals. Much appreciated as I have to deal with family who are disabled, which is challenging, and I have to be healthy in order to help them as well as myself.

[@jimcordes3375]

“Your spending an hour and a half on the preamble to this question” by Drew made me laugh along with the torturous faces Drew makes when Brian gets going on a deep dive. The chemistry of you two despite the differences between along with the deep dives is why I look forward to these pencasts! I love nerding out with y’all and everyone else who enjoys watching.

[@kaivynweissinger]

Drew, thank you for your candor about mental health

[@JerryBearry]

Regarding paper smoothness; I would ask Drew to rank popular paper by doing a subjective smoothness test using his favorite Japanese EF nibs. What are the smoothest papers, Drew?

[@s.n.11]

I'd like that one! Keeping in mind the ink would affect the answer thoug, I'd like to have a 3 test version: one with a standard ink, one with a chromoshading ink and one with a permanent ink.

[@persolberg6623]

Being a watch enthusiast, I'd say you nailed the Omega Speedmaster (aka. The Moonwatch) "comparison". The Lamy 2000 was the very first pen that came to mind when I heard the question, for pretty much the same reasons you offered. I don't own a Lamy 2000 (yet), but it's on my list of future pens precisely because it's a timeless icon which everyone respects even if they don't like it for subjective reasons. The Rolex and Mont Blanc analogy was also spot on.

[@Gouletpens]

Thank you! Good to know we weren't too far off! - Drew

[@theresa_lili]

It sounds like there are many here that need cereal keepers as gifts for Christmas? I can't imagine storing cereal in the original packaging. My mother had them, thus I did. Cereal gets stale so fast. Also, my four children could easily close them to keep their cereal fresh. Congratulations on your awards!! How exciting!! Thank you all for all that you do. You are appreciated!

[@Soyokaze404-yc1dt]

Oh man! I've been bed-ridden these days. This honestly made my morning. I've been wondering when you guys were gonna upload! I've already received my holiday orders from you :)

[@MillieVanillie92]

Oh my goodness!!! I gasped so hard that I got a bit lightheaded. I am an avid fountain pen user AND a "tea over coffee" person (with Earl Grey being my absolute favourite, everyday go-to)... and I didn't think the perfect pen existed, UNTIL today! I have never felt more seen ❤ A million thanks for coming up with this brilliant BENU collab, you guys are the absolute best 👏 P.S. One of these beauties will be traveling to Amsterdam veeery soon ❤❤❤

[@Gouletpens]

YAY! Thanks so much for the support! - Drew

[@edwardstaats4935]

Muppet Christmas Carol is wonderful, a classic

[@da2357]

Drew, I just ordered Buttered Popcorn from the Ferris Wheel Press website. They had only 45 85-ml bottles left, so if you want one more bottle, it’s currently still available. Shipping IS expensive, but you’ve shared so much love for this ink that I felt it worthwhile to go ahead and order it anyways. Thanks, Drew, for the love of Buttered Popcorn! Brian, congrats on the Best In Biz awards… well deserved wholeheartedly!

[@MrMaelstrom07]

I ordered an 85ml. Beast!

[@j.s.matlock1456]

Okay, I guess I'm the old fogey who gets to explain aluminum Christmas trees. We had a 4 ft. tree when I was a kid - about the time of the first Charlie Brown Christmas special - and I'd love to have another for nostalgia's sake, but they're crazy-expensive on Ebay. The trunk of the tree was a wooden pole painted silver with holes in it, and the branches were all the same length with pom-pom ends, stored in paper sleeves. The angle of the holes determined the triangular shape of the tree. The last branch stood straight up from the top of the pole. The rotating color wheel light was mainly because electric lights on a metal tree would be a safety hazard, but it was the 60s, and we put on twinkle lights anyway. (Those were a relatively new thing too.) The effect of blinking lights on a shiny metal tree was hypnotic, to say the least.

[@fiddletwist]

We had that tree too! And the color wheel!

[@blondescales1]

We still have my dad's little table top silver tree. I used it when I was in college many years ago.

[@Quiney08]

My solution for the cereal box raptors, is to transfer the cereal to a plastic container. Looks tidy and the cereal won’t get stale.

[@JefferyHall-ct2tr]

Hi Guys!: Except for the boring paper section, another GREAT pencast! That Montegrappa pen is a JEWEL! I wanted mainly go give some feedback about the pens that stand the test of time. I'm glad you mentioned the Parker 51, as this is (at least for me) THE pen that has stood the test of time. I was blessed that my first vintage pen was a "P-51". it is an aerometric filler, which was the system after Parker decided to do away with the Vacumatic. The bladders on these are semi transparent and last for YEARS. All I had to do to my 51 was just flush it out thoroughly and fill with ink. And the pen was one of the early Aerometric ones as well. So around 1950? Still writes like a DREAM and no servicing except for regular cleaning. The newer Wing Sung 601 is a modern Chinese version that is also VERY NICE, but it has a different filling system. Drew, I am disappointed that you didn't bring up the Pilot E95s as being one of these timeless pens, as various versions have been available for just as long as the Lamy 2000! Richard Binder recently had a nice write up on the vintage Japanese "Pocket Pens" that is a good read. Anyway! It's great to have you guys back this week! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

[@naahhhhHHHHHHHHHH]

how awesome that y'all won! congrats!

[@ritamcgregor9103]

Congratulations on the awards!!!! Well deserved!!!

[@tlr9230]

Yay! Congratulations! Delighted to hear about your big wins in the 2023 Best in Biz Awards 🥇🥈👏👏

[@cmbrez]

2 and a half hours? YESSSS!

[@philnaunton7181]

Many years ago I was a Customer Service Representative for paper. It was often a total nightmare because there is an incredible amount of things which vary in paper manufacturing. From texture, smoothness, cut variations and irregularities, weights, color inconsistencies, watermarks, flatness, susceptibility to humidity and temperature, stacking evenness, warp factors, curl differences within lots, susceptibility to static electricity as determined by mixtures and changes in pulp content, incorrect additives, age processes, odors, fragility, capabilities of accepting inks, batch inconsistencies, cost vs. values, tooth inconsistencies between one side and the other of the same sheet finishes, grain inconsistencies, and literally hundreds of other manufacturing variables. And you guys were only talking about smoothness. I had to take every complaint and issue to the Supreme Court of measurements and evaluations. Every issue ended up resorting to a coin flip of determination and resulting argument. Eventually I quit in frustration lasting three years of accepting or refusing thousands of tons of paper. Nightmare!

[@dawngilkison6123]

Wow-I didn’t know it was so complicated! I can understand why you quit.

[@born2bebon]

Regarding the Lamy 2000 (1:03), I hesitated a long time before getting one because i thought it was a little …(wince)…ugly. But it intrigued me and finally I got one. That same day, i found myself thinking, “did I really just spend that much money on a pen that looks like this?”. But it didn’t take long for me to change my mind. It writes beautifully, it’s SO well made, it feels great in the hand. I love the weight and texture of it. Now it is beautiful to me. Regal, classy. One of my faves. It’s a classic for a reason.

[@Gouletpens]

That's really well-said! Thank you for this! - Drew

[@mf--]

ISO was concerned about acronyms being different in other languages. ISO is derived from the Greek "isos" meaning equal. ISO is officially not an acronym. (This may be an adhock explination.)

[@N1inSK]

ISO wouldn't be an acronym anyway, because we pronounce each letter. That makes it an initialism. Other examples of initialisms would be IRS, YMCA, CBS and IBM. When you pronounce the letters as a word, like NASA, UNICEF, Radar (now a just a noun on its own, but it's an acronym for RAdio Detection And Raging) and SCUBA (also reduced in status to a common noun, meaning self contained underwater breathing apparatus), it becomes an acronym.

[@mf--]

@@N1inSK I do not pronounce every letter. "Are we ISO certified?" or "Are we I.S.O." certified?" I use the first one.

[@N1inSK]

@@mf-- Okay. So if you pronounce ISO as a word, then it's an acronym. I've not heard it pronounced that way, so to me, it's an initialism. But YMCA and TSA are still only initials, nt words. :)

[@michaelmedlinger6399]

Congratulations on the awards! Well deserved!

[@acidzen]

Congrats on the awards! Fully deserved.

[@heartoflyn]

1. I love Grape Nuts too! 😬 2. Gongrats on your awards and recognition as they are very well deserved! 3. Thank you both for showing your full humanity and trusting us with it. Merry Christmas!!

[@alexr.3504]

58:06 Drew’s face sums up all my feelings about paper smoothness 😂😂😂Somewhere between confused and dying 😂Thanks for suffering through all that for us Brian lol

[@LawryBoyer]

From a design standpoint the Lamy 2K is a perfect match to the Speedmaster. Sleek mid century modern design, black matte, space age futurism, all that good stuff. It was the first thing I thought of as well, and people will say everyone needs to have one in their collection even though plenty of people have no interest at all in owning one. The Montblanc 149 is probably more comparable to a Rolex submariner

[@dianamerlusca6444]

You guys should do a video with all the fountain pens tips and tricks for experienced users, we all could appreciate some of your tricks after all these years of using fountain pens.

[@gv0861]

I had one of those aluminum trees back in the 70's. You store it by pulling each branch off and putting it into a sleeve. Question regarding the log graveyard: won't the logs decompose after a while and create some sort of sink hole on your property?

[@varadharajannadarajah]

MB 149, Black/Gold trim, with EF nib ❤

[@shazzagirl9803]

A big congratulations on winning these awards that is fantastic to have the recognition that you deserve. I've recently had dealings with Kay and she absolutely went the extra mile for me. I know this is a a week old post but if there is a way of thanking her I would really appreciate it. My parcel had to c8me to Australia 🇦🇺

[@hawkowldolphin]

as the "Carl" in Carl's question, you both handled it great. Thank you. Brian you came very close to what I was thinking. Drew, always getting right to the point, also nailed it. When I formulated the question, I had just gotten back a fully restored Sheaffer Snorkel (a pen Brian featured in his collection). I thought what modern pen would anyone want to own and restore 50 or 100 years from now. My picks (Drew agrees), Lamy 2000, Vanishing Point and I say a Bronze Age Homo Sapiens. The real hope is that a future generation will still enjoy fountain pens. I think if there is ink and paper around I am hopeful that my grandchildren or great grandchildren will be writing with one of my pens. Out of my modern pens it will likely be a Lamy, Visconti, Pelikan or Pilot and I hope they will be writing in cursive, and the world is healthy and at peace.

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks, Carl! Great question! - Drew

[@bemusedshaman6266]

Umm, guys, Earl Grey tea is made with bergamot oil from the bergamot orange. There isn't lavender in there at all. Those blue flowers in there are from an edible flower garden plant that's not related to the orange but is also named bergamot.

[@Gouletpens]

Oops! Thanks! - Drew

[@ssfoster95]

You can still get 85ml globe bottles directly from Ferris Wheel Press. It is my understanding that the reason Buttered Popcorn was discontinued is because a pigment used to create it is no longer available but I am not 100% sure where I heard that. But I have been an ambassador for them since December of 2022 and the 85ml bottles were available then and I have purchased at least two since then.

[@debhan]

The Elmo beach resin reminds me of the gorgeous Kanilea Pen Co. Kahakai

[@krys6461]

Buttered Popcorn doesn't have to be discontinued. We all have more than enough ink as a community to squeaky wheel FWP into giving us at least another release to stock up from.

[@kristiw.1823]

Also, it seems that Winter Spice (another Drew favorite) is out of stock at most retailers. Do you know if that one is discontinued?

[@Gouletpens]

I don't believe so! I certainly hope not! - Drew

[@stampedinhisimage1]

Love you guys!!! I am so happy for the awards you've won. I know first hand that it is well deserved!!! Awesome service, I've often wished you had an office near me so I could work for you. A bunch of my income would probably never make it home, just spent on the job. LOL

[@mArMyHope]

Im so sad to ear that buttered popcorn will discontinue! I jyst got my 87ml bottle(coming in a cute little soft bag) it was the last one on ferris wheel press web site! Though i eould never have it! Cant wait to try it and give you a hint of what I think of the colour. Sending love to all of you!!❤

[@s.n.11]

Q&A: when are we going to have an ink with "glow in the dark" shimmer? I understand that glow in the dark ink is difficult to create but the glow in the dark shimmer should be easier. Am I the only one waiting for it? What company would be more fitting for this ink in your opinion? Loved the show! It always amaze me how you keep the quality of it through the time. Thanks for your work and good energy.

[@mellow-jello]

As a collector of fountain pens, and watches, the Speedy of fountain pens is the pick between the Pilot Custom 823, or Lamy 2000. Montblanc 149 is a Rolex Oyster Perpetual, entry level of the brand. BTW Montblanc also offer their own watches.

[@MDisaster]

Hey guys, love you all and wishing you a happy Christmas! Just wanted to point out that the fins on the feed are actually to collect and recycle ink that is pushed out due to air expansion when you first pick up the pen cold. I have pens, mainly vintage pens and simple designs like the Noodler's Charlie, that need to be held in the hand to warm up, before being turned nib-down. Gotta let the air expand and exit the pen before plugging the holes with ink. I think ebonite is more forgiving because it's porous and absorbs some of the ink. The gaps between the fins are always (if it's designed correctly) connected in some way to the main ink channel, so that the overflowed ink can find its way back into the main stream and get used up instead of just drying up there. Hope that clears it up! No professional experience here, just years and years of using fountain pens and tinkering with them.

[@MSchipper]

There should not ever be lavender in Earl Grey tea. Hopefully it's bergamot and not lavender, Drew!!

[@danisbookshelf3167]

I bet Benu was inspired by the blue cornflower petals included in a lot of loose leaf earl greys. But agreed, it's usually not lavender!

[@LittleKikuyu]

Lady Grey is not supposed to have lavender in it either. It contains only black tea, lemon peel, orange peel and bergamot, as well as cornflower petals for fanciness (they don’t really add flavour) 😌 But bergamot tastes very perfumy to some people so it’s easy to confuse with lavender 😅

[@theresa_lili]

Earl Grey is one of the most recognized flavored teas in the world. This quintessentially British tea is typically a black tea base flavored with oil from the rind of bergamot orange, a citrus fruit with the appearance and flavor somewhere between an orange and a lemon with a little grapefruit and lime thrown in.

[@theresa_lili]

Lady Grey tea is similar to Earl Grey because it's a black tea flavored with citrus, but the black tea tends to be lighter in flavor and reddish in color when steeped properly and more citrus is typically added. In addition to the bergamot oil, Lady Grey tea will have pieces of lemon and orange peel too.

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

There is absolutely lavender in earl grey!

[@oldladywithacamera]

Fun, as usual. Ooooh, Drew. Love the Kakuno.

[@MissMarilynDarling]

Waterman 12 eyedropper still works today no maintenance required

[@karisbarfield8948]

Thank you for doing a "deep dive" on the paper...maybe make this it's own video? Thank you so much for doing this!

[@spiderwrangler4457]

How long until we have a completely subjective, but correct ranking of papers by Drew based on how they feel on his face?

[@jess53nz]

With his own, original terms!

[@bensmith-mannschott9640]

The Preppy feed has lots of fins (they're all in the grip). I can see some in the Lamy Vista's grip too.

[@ProofByConundrum]

Great to see you again! I laughed a lot during this one.

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks for joining us! - Drew

[@alexanderalfaro8314]

Have you considered those Oxo storage containers for your cereal box dilemmas?

[@Gouletpens]

I am now! - Drew

[@davidottman9501]

Regarding paper... My photographic interest is in creating photographs using methods developed in the origins of photography itself. Hand coating an emulsion (of which there are many) onto paper, then processing it to give a more-or-less permanent image is very rewarding. Choice of paper is vital. Coatings, pH, and other chemical and physical factors add to this already complicated question. Thanks Brian for the tough research you've done!

[@GummyBear1972]

I used to be a Grape Nuts fan, and I like to keep some crunch as well, but lately I noticed my IBS acts up more whenever I have a bowl, so I had to give it up. Not sure what about it bothers me, but I searched to see if I was alone and I have some company out there. Something about it just hurts my belly, unfortunately, so I had to quit.

[@josephcocker4184]

Also with temperature changes inside the converter, the ink may be under pressure and needs to overflow somewhere. Rather than coming out into the cap, it can flow into the spaces between fins.

[@monkpato]

Grapenuts have to be about the best value inn breakfast cereal around. I remember my first time having them and I poured a whole bowl full like I would with Cheerios. My aunt told me not to add milk because I wouldn't be able to finish, but my pride kicked in and I sat there at the table working on them until she left and I could throw them away.

[@sharonatchley4760]

me, too. lol

[@ImCFoxx]

I have a problem with Oxford, blue Ink. behind the piston of my 823. there are several condensation type droplets behind the plunger, and I don’t know how to remove them. My 823 is a clear.demo w an FA Nib. Can you help me or give me some advice on what to do?

[@ejourneys]

Congrats on the awards! Thoroughly deserved!

[@theduck7940]

Watches and fountains pens. My two favourite things to collect and use🙃

[@psa7211]

We had an aluminum tree when we were kids. The limbs had to be stuck into the trunk. We had that rotating light also. Later versions the limbs folded up. I can't remember if the tree rotated or not. Now to paper....artist paper is rated smooth medium or course. Each is used for different mediums. I'm surprised the manufacturers dont describe them as such for writing paper. Probably wouldn't help much because smooth would probably be designated for most fountain pen papers. It's the degree of smoothness we argue which is personal preference and the nib used on it that make us choose between a Clairfontaine, Rhodia, Tomoe River, Maruman Mnemosyne or anything generally considered suitable for fountain pen use. Really I think most fountain pen users just want a good paper that doesn't bleed or feather and shows any special properties and is a pleasure to write on.

[@heathergleiser]

Petition for Brian to play Careless Whisper live on the show when he feels he’s ready to perform! That would be epic.

[@ntaylo6299]

For good info on paper order the paper pamphlet from Jackson's art in the UK.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Just started listening and already commenting. Drew, we have very similar movie tastes. Muppet Christmas Carol is a must (I cannot watch any other version without breaking into… “We’re Marley and Marley!”). I also love Klaus. Okay now to continue watching.

[@Gouletpens]

You have excellent taste, Karyna! - Drew

[@hollyb4055]

Congrats on the awards! So deserving!

[@philnaunton7181]

So, who knows which side of a piece of paper is the best side to write or print on?

[@stephenbaluran3298]

In terms of brand recognition, I think the Montblanc - Rolex analogy was spot on. The 146 is maybe analogous to an Oyster Perpetual, while the 149 is maybe analogous to a Daytona. I'm only a newbie watch guy, though it seems like everybody lusts after the Daytona and its various iterations, but also complains about how difficult it is to get one. The Lamy 2000 and the Vanishing Point would be analogous to what's called a tool watch because both pens are valued for their utility, not their aesthetics. The Omega Speedmaster (or even the Seamaster) works as an analogy, but because the 2000 and VP are both more affordable gold-nibbed pens, I think something like a Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic or a Khaki Field Murph works better. They're not as expensive, but watch collectors would still recognize you as a "watch guy." To me, the Speedmaster would be something like a Pelikan M800 - a step up in price and build quality, and definitely recognizable.

[@McAmeron089III]

My favorite Ferris Wheel Press ink is a giant grenade-shaped,85ml bottle of Bleu Ecarlate/Tanzanite Sky. It is a cherished ink in a beautiful, globular bottle;well-protected in the black velvet bag. Thankfully the bottle is half-full. Sad to hear they don't make the 85ml bottles anymore. Oooh,Urushi Kakuno. Why am I so looking forward to the hammer pics...?

[@ssfoster95]

They do still have the 85ml bottles on their website. I have been an Ambassador for them since December of 2022 and have ordered at least two colors in that size since then. They have several colors available in that size and recently started offering limited quantities of the fairytale inks in the larger size.

[@judyjacobs5827]

Regarding paper smoothness, other factors might be more relevant for fountain pen users, for example, tendency to absorb, feather, or retain surface tension. How about bleed-through? Is the surface of the paper coated with something, and will it dissolve on contact with ink? How much will fibers grab nib slits?

[@Ybalrid]

1:01:41 I have not yet listened to your answer about "the pen that everybody should have in their collection" question. But I feel like but the Pilot Custom 823 and the Lamy 2000 are very strong candidate as they are: - very classic models (especially the L2K. Been there forever. But the C823 is 23 years old so) - very recognizable designs - very good 14K gold nibs - self fillers (not cartridge converted) - this "feels" more premium (to me) - not *that* expensive, all things considered

[@oldladywcamera]

As always, enjoyable. BTW, do you know of any eco-friendly paper which works with fountain pens? Would appreciate any examples. Appreciate you.

[@s.n.11]

Q&A: For the yellow inks, I'd like your opinion on Candle light and Three kings (both inkvent Diamine inks) as they seem really nice and close to Buttered Popcorn.

[@Tiss17979]

My M400 from around 1990 is still doing fabulous and I'm pretty confident it will do 67 more years without any bigger exchanges! If I will reach my 110th Birthday I can tell you.

[@Gouletpens]

Keep it going! That's awesome! - Drew

[@arlenealennox3136]

Now I understand a little better about feeds and how they work, but what about the breather hole? Where does that fit into the equation? I bought a Pineider Avatar Twin Tanks Touchdown this summer and when I tried to floss the nib with the brass shim I couldn’t insert it in the slit, and that’s when I noticed there was no breather hole. All my other brands of pen have breather holes.

[@Gouletpens]

Breather holes sound a lot more important than they are. It's likely that a very large one versus none at all would have a noticeable impact on the writing experience, but from what I know, mostly breather holes were used as "stop here" points when cutting the tines. - Drew

[@fiddletwist]

Also - the Beach resin was made by Tim Crowe of Turnt Pen Co - it does say this on your website... I don't know whether Montegrappa worked with you when sourcing the resin from him, how did that work? He makes gorgeous stuff.

[@augsburgbiblechannel9246]

Bought a lamay 2000 but is inexplicably started to leak where the two black pieces screw together -- just two years old. Gonna try a bit of plumbing tape

[@goldenking2046]

Have you tried adding silicone grease?

[@augsburgbiblechannel9246]

@@goldenking2046 no but that is a great idea!! Thanks

[@renorrc7222]

I appreciate your deep dives Brian! You think like me. I am so nerdy about doing deep dives on everything that I decided to just go get a PhD because it's the right outlet for people who like to do deep dives on things, LOL. I'm on page 125 of a 300-page dissertation right now on something random but I love it. BTW Drew, I think we should hold a wake for buttered popcorn ink. It was gone too soon. The world didn't deserve it.

[@LucyLu_meztli]

1:44:30 Welcome to Mexico! 🇲🇽 Where we love candy that is salty, spicy, and sweet all in one bite 😅🌶️

[@philnaunton7181]

Do you fill up your pen only when it runs out of ink -OR- top it up on a regular schedule -OR- do you only refill it when you happen to think about it?

[@fiddletwist]

When I was a kid, a local ice cream place made grape nuts ice cream. It was awesome!

[@Bradamante116]

I'm sure someone's mentioned this but Wearlingeul's A Star Spattered Hill is out of this world. It's similar to Golden Beryl.

[@LucyLu_meztli]

Congrats on the awards 🥳🏆🏆

[@mikideez623]

Brian: please cite your work. I really want to go back and dig through some of these articles on the measurement of paper smoothness. Thanks!

[@hawkowldolphin]

As a watch and pen collector, Omega and Rolex are both swiss brands. The Speedmaster Pro is a model in the brand. Often compared to the Submariner by collectors. The "Speedy" is an Omega fans go to choice. Rolex collectors want a Submariner. But if you have either they are "collectible." The Montblanc 149 is the submariner of the pen world in my opinion. To make the comparison, I went to other German brands, Lamy and Pelikan. My pick is the Lamy 2000 or Pelikan Souveran M1000. Although, based on the history of Submariner and the Speedy (sub for diving)(speedy accurate timing used by Apollo astronauts), they are "tool" watches that later became symbolic with luxury and wealth for the masses. So my pick is the Montblanc 149 vs. the Pelikan M1000. Both are German and would have a place in any collection and are representative of wealth and luxury. The Lamy 2000 honorable mention.

[@darrelmorris808]

I have to side with Brian. Grapenut cereal is one of my favorites. In fact, there is a local ice cream shop that makes Grapenut ice cream, and it's delicious.

[@upsadaisy16]

I have a small, antique feather tree. My mother has a larger one as well a small one.

[@fiddletwist]

Quote of the week: "I spend a lot of time in my life managing filters." 😅 Tomorrow I'm going to go through all the gift bags and wrapping paper in my basement.

[@blktauna]

I need an irushified Kakuno. The OG Grinch and Charlie Brown and The Alaistair Sim Christmas Carol are imperatives for the holiday season.

[@makim21]

I'm at a point in time where, when someone ask me a question I have to give a little giggle when my answer starts with a "it depends". My answers almost always start with "it depends" 😂

[@KenVanderheyden]

Hi guys, received a notification that there will be another batch of 100 Ensso Urushi fountain pens sold. Does anyone of the Goulet Pen Company or the community have some experience with pens from this brand ? Maybe someone had the opportunity to check out one of the first batch made? Not much independent reviews of these pens are available. Looking for some info on build quality and the use of german made nibs.

[@MohamedSamyAlRabbani]

Goulet pens should come up with tbe Drew test for smoothness, and Drew has to rub his face on each type of paper and give it a number on the Drew scale.

[@shstapleton]

I have a Mabie Todd dropper filled pen that is going strong 110 years later with no replacement parts.

[@philnaunton7181]

In my experience Blu Tack by Bostik does not harm walls or posters if used properly. Just don't stick a glob on a poster or a wall and attach it that way. Prepare a very thin piece and place this on the wall or poster. Roll it out with a dowel or round pencil ✏ maintaining the stickiness without adding oil from your fingers. This will not contaminate the wall or poster and will hold indefinitely. Also don't use cheap substitutes which are often greasy.

[@roiphoenix5789]

As a watch collector, I would say Montblanc is totally the Rolex of the pen world. For Omega, as a brand, I would think Pilot with each having a large catalog and fairly recognizable brand to the general public and extremely well liked/respected by the community. For the direct Speedy comparison, the Pilot Vanishing Point. For a bonus, Sailor = Seiko. A bunch of special editions and different lines at widely different price points.

[@broken_solenoid]

omg, Sailor is totally Seiko, also with increasing the prices of their inks, similar to the increase for the Seiko 5s and Prospex. Do Sailors come with misaligned finials, though?

[@NuryPPanaligan]

I would argue that Pilot is the Seiko of the pen world. Namikis are the Grand Seiko.

[@seraphdarknon]

Omg Drew we are also playing Ghost of Tsushima. It’s amazing! What an interesting story with a colorful cast of characters.

[@unice5656]

I think the equivalent to the Speedy watch would be a TWSBI Diamond 580 or TWSBI Vac 700 - even for people who don't like demonstrator pens, they're phenomenally priced for what you get and no one can fault their filling systems and build quality. Question for a future podcast: Why does it seem that only lower end pens have push caps and when you get to collector pens, it inevitably turns into screw caps? I like push caps because they're faster to open and you don't have to deal with the threads in the grip section but it seems I'll never find a really nice pen that has it.

[@itsmeLori]

Glad I snagged buttered popcorn when I did!