Is This Just Too Much Fountain Pen???

Getting Comfortable With The Platinum Kanazawa-Haku Matsu-Tora Fountain Pen!

[@richardsimms251]

I never liked Asian art until I visited a museum at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York in December of 2022. The Johnston Museum had a fascinating exhibit of older Asian arts ( paintings, crafts, sculptures etc ) of Japan, Korea and China. My eyes were opened to this part of art history. RS. Canada

[@HemingwayJones]

Wonderful! My wife is a co director of an Asian Art department and so there is a lot of it in this house. I’m glad you enjoyed the video.

[@taylorhuxley5737]

This is a beautiful pen! I think this is my favourite of all the pens I've seen you writing with, it's just so pretty.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you so much. It really is gorgeous. It’s such fine craftsmanship. Thanks and all the best.

[@adhdoneplans]

Wow, what a fantastic video! I just received my own Platinum 3776 Ascending Dragon, quite similar to yours. I inked it with Yama-Budo before even watching this video--great minds! I'm uploading my first impressions video tomorrow! It's a stunning writer, and definitely worth the price point for such a work of art. --Kim

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you so much. You are too kind. Congratulations on an excellent pen. I wish you all the best with it. Thanks for watching and good luck with your video!

[@stephanie1400]

Would love an update on this one. You are a joy Hemingway and I have been devouring your content. I am a proud owner of my first fountain pen, a Lamy Safari!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you, Stephanie! I appreciate that. I sometimes feel like I am making these just for a small group of aficionados . It’s great to hear that some one enjoys them. I should do an update to this. I promised a review. I’ll do something soon.

[@cisp360]

WOW, impressive collection of inks. I have many fountain pens including some vintage pens with flexible nibs that I had once been crazy about. Now, for some reason I am so attached to my Pilot Custom 74 with a broad nib. It's a pen that is with me all the time and I just hold it in my hand when I am at my desk or at school.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks for the kind words! I love Pilot! Well done.

[@aakashmohapatra6437]

the moment I saw royal blue next to the pen, i knew that would be it. the instinct. You chose the same. good choice, i must say

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you very much!

[@frankbruno7122]

By the way.. Keith below.. I'm 66, and have a similar story.. I too can go on! Loved your story Keith! Frank in Colorado

[@lynnhayes5514]

Stunning! Montblanc Purple for me!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you! That is an excellent choice.

[@davidblack8174]

I really liked the purple! I saw you on Tiktok and saw that you also had KZbin, so I had to subscribe! I have always wanted a fountain pen! I had a yellow and blue plastic one when I was a kid, and it always intrigued me, even though it was an awful mess 🤣 I am active military, so black ink is about as crazy as I can get. Love the channel! Try the dark purple!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks very much, David, for the kind comment. The purple is a good suggestion. Diamine is pretty great. I’m glad you like my TikToks. I appreciate it. Check in again soon.

[@davidblack8174]

@@HemingwayJones Certainly! Thanks for the response!

[@simonkrupa9524]

I might go with Colorverse ‘Redwood Forest’. The blues would be great though as well. I love the content! I’d like to see a video on different filling mechanisms or favorite paper/stationary!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks very much! I love Redwood Forest. It is such an underrated color. I think that Colorverse is underrated in general. That is a great suggestion for a video. Thank you!!!!

[@caspardrummond1733]

What a beautiful pen I have Herbin Saphir and it is a lovely vibrant blue! Diamine Majestic Blue I think would look amazing aswell, but I do think imperial purple is the best match for the pen! I love your videos keep it up! What about an ink collection video ?

[@HemingwayJones]

Hello Caspar! Thank you very much for the kind comments. I really appreciate it. I am glad you like the channel. I think those Ink suggestions are great. A video on my ink collection sounds like a great idea. Thank you for that too.

[@keithwhitney7491]

Interestingly (to me, if no one else), we come from similar backgrounds. However, I am ancient now (still hit baseballs at a local batting cage; occasionally shoot some hoops, but 3/4ths the way to 100!). Began life in banking, tax accounting, and law practice, but really had little passion for the work, so I returned to academia and to ministry (with an occasional legal project now and then, often pro bono. My passion is C. S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the other Inklings of Oxford. Anyway, I shared more than you or anyone else wanted to know, just to say, “I found my way back to fountain pens (when I first started practicing law, the senior partner insisted we use fountain pens for signing wills and trusts and other estate planning documents, because (so he said; I never checked, fountain pen ink could be scientifically dated to a period of time while ballpoint ink could not. After ruining an expensive suit when the cap of my Montblanc 149 came off, I abandoned fountain pens. [Ancient and Verbose go together!] An alumnus sent me a Japanese art pen (probably around $150 in mid-1990s). I have the same tension you do. The art pens become more art than fountain pen, so I seldom use them. Most are probably fountain pens in the $50 to $70 range with Urushi and maki-e. If I could afford the real art pieces, the fantastic beauties produced in one of the art districts where the most amazing artists work or one of Namiki’s series based on the 7 gods, I would be insane to do much other than buy a lighted display case and hold it for investment purposes. So, in the end, I own 3 or 4 inexpensive ones (not even near the price of yours), which I never use for anything other than an example of the art form. I do have some urushi-finished pens (Pilot Custom 845 and a Wancher) that I will carry. Both are fantastic writers. [Anyway, KZbin just suggested your channel to me, and I subscribed after watching the one they fed. I get the need to have a creative outlet; I just do not want to learn to edit (yet). Look forward to more on pens and life! Have fun always!

[@HemingwayJones]

Hello Keith, thank you for the thoughtful and interesting comment. We do have a similar background and many of the same interests. I am glad that you have found your way back to fountain pens after a bit of journey. It’s good to have interests and passions. I hope that you will check in again sometime soon. Until then, all the best.

[@texasboy5117]

I have a similar Platinum pen, but in red. I find then a little over top, but still use it once in a while. I have gone for the Urushi lacquer pens over the last two years, and now have 4 of them. I find the understated look is perfect. If I want "flash" I whip out my ASC Bologna Oversize in Arco Bronze. It is designed to impress those who are in the know! And it's rare.

[@HemingwayJones]

That pen sounds really wonderful and interesting. It’s good to have a wide variety of pens and that includes ones that are a bit much.

[@frankbruno7122]

I really enjoy your channel.. you do a very nice job with the camera and content. I think it is wonderful that Helen is so positive about your hobby.. feels goofy to say:that's sweet.. but it is. Well done! Frank in Colorado

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you so much! I appreciate that very much! I try to make things compelling.

[@playthinksfuncreations1777]

I really enjoyed your contents - thanks for sharing

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you for watching!

[@maxwells789]

Beautiful pen - I would have probably gone with the Yama-Budo for the first fill or MB Royal Blue. Btw, if you are a fan of purple inks, both Cross Violet and Waterman Tender Purple are under-rated inks that I always enjoy using.

[@HemingwayJones]

Yama-Budo is Top Shelf. That’s a good take. I’ll do that soon. I need to get that one out again.

[@AndresGarcia-du5xi]

Dear Mr. Jones: A delightful, inspiring and great video. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING! Sometimes I have the same problem to decide the best ink for a pen (new or already owned). In this case, I would go either with a brownish or sepia color, maybe a Pelikan Golden Beryl (even considering the rich shimmer in it), or Lamy Mango to match the pen's body. Both would do the ilusion of leaving a track of your pen everywhere. Greetings from Mexico.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you, Andres! I appreciate your kind comments. Stop by again soon

[@MrJungleman1]

Try J. Herbin Vert Empire with your pen. It will go well with the green and gold of the pen. It’s a muted shade of green. I have been using it in my Platinum 3776. Love J. Herbin inks as they are not overly saturated, but have just the right amount of shading and color. :)

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks for the tip! I think I have that color too. I love J Herbin. They are amazing inks.

[@robertosans5250]

Wonderful pen, so nice I just ordered one for myself. Regarding the decoration I think it is a wonderful example of gold leaf in a style which is different from the european style like Versailles. The piece of art from which the decoration takes inspiration is really spectacular. And it is a platinum nib, so it is very similar to Nakaya. I am sure there is a good balance between form and function.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you so much, Roberto! Congratulations on a great purchase.

[@johntaylor2054]

Hi. That's a very flashy pen, being a minimalist my Black Montblanc pens rule.🤗 Cheers

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks! Haha, nothing wrong with that. I was getting a little bored of the plain black pens in my collection, but then the pendulum shifts. I am back in the office and now I am back to plainer pens. All the best.

[@umpapamaomao]

Purple would pair nicely with that pen

[@HemingwayJones]

I just did it with the Imperial Purple. Thanks!

[@jorge23483]

It's a very beautiful pen, and I think this kind of pen has a purpose, but I think it's in the more recreational and self-indulgent way. There are pens we consider beautifully made but are more in the utilitarian form, like the Lamy 2000 or even the Montblanc 149. But this Platinum, I think is made to look good in hand. I have a Sheaffer Snorkel in Buckskin tan color, which is a pinkish beige and I really love it but haven't ink it since I bought it, so I understand the feeling of doubt you have 😂. Thank you for the video. PS. I personally would use Yama Budo or montblanc purple.

[@HemingwayJones]

I agree. It’s much more decorative over function. I am trying to reconcile this with the Cartier Diabolo. Stay tuned for my next KZbin on that. That Sheaffer sounds amazing. I completely understand. All the best.

[@mlbarker4962]

The "nice guy" ink. Oh boy, I have a lot to learn about ink but enjoy the nuanced descriptions of what are clearly old friends.

[@HemingwayJones]

Waxing poetic there! Thanks for the kind comment.

[@Davidfromsaskatoon]

I know other videos out their, but you could totally do a comparison of the different type of ink filling pens and what you like and dislike about each, I don’t think I’d want an eye dropper pen

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks very much! Great idea. I am with you; eye dropping pens scare me a little!

[@Raul1971xxx]

¿Only 400$?.. There are pens with that design that cost 10.000$. And the 10.000$ pens with that paints are, I think, limited editions.

[@janicehussock7735]

Wow. Gorgeous

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you!

[@richardsimms251]

Additional comment : A great video as usual. RS. Canada

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you!

[@SUSSDUE]

A lovely pen! I have a " cousin", the ascending dragon. I really love it but feel a bit worried the gold might wear off if I use it too much, probably a stupid worry to have! A fun thing is that I think the barrel feels warm to the touch, perhaps because of the gold leaf retaining the warmth from the hand as other pen materials do not, or is it imagination?

[@HemingwayJones]

That is an amazing pen! Great purchase! I worry about that too and use it far less than I would otherwise. We are both just too paranoid! All the best, My Friend.

[@SUSSDUE]

@@HemingwayJones Yes, you are so right, one ought to take proper pleasure in the beautiful things rather than tuck it away for being too precious and worried about it!

[@thereisonlythecave]

Gorgeous pen, many ink colors would complement the finish. By the way, what color ink would you recommend for the Montblanc 146? I have Aurora Black in it now, But I'm getting tired of it. Thank you for the video.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks so much! How about a nice sapphire blue? J Herbin makes a very nice one.

[@johnnyragadoo2414]

Nice comments about those who get good service from pens others would consider modest. My own collection is small and budget-limited - and I have a couple of TWSBI Vac 700R's that work great for me.

[@HemingwayJones]

Those are great pens and some of my favorites!

[@thuntz29]

Twsbi ecos are really amazing, beat up, delicious caping sound, massive ink capacity, cool colours. My favourite pen right now is the Pilot custom 823 in Fine. :)

[@HemingwayJones]

So true! Eco pens are awesome. The Pilot 823 is such a perfect pen. That’s a great choice.

[@methylatedspirit6810]

@@HemingwayJones I’ve just gotten a Twsbi Eco! I am worried about it cracking a bit, but I know I’ll just fill it with superglue and still use it.

[@HemingwayJones]

@@methylatedspirit6810 Did it crack? It’s pretty hard to do. I think. I am pretty rough on mine. All the best!

[@methylatedspirit6810]

@@HemingwayJones not yet, I’ve only had it for to weeks, I‘ve just heard rumours on r/fountain pens

[@HemingwayJones]

@@methylatedspirit6810 I hope it doesn’t. None of mine have ever.

[@Scouzeboy]

Hi Hemmingway, Greetings from Australia. Great Video. I think with your pen the cost is for the artistry not so much for the pen. With the ink. For me it screams orange. Think of the colour of the tiger. Noodler's Dragon's Napalm is a GREAT colour but I wouldn't put it in an expensive pen Diamine Pumpkin would be very nice. Lamy Bronze would be too light. Robert Oster Orange Zest would be Great. So for me it's a toss up between Diamine Pumpkin and Robert Oster Orange Zest. The answer is Orange Zest by Robert Oster.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks for much for the great comment! Oster inks are great. I do need to buy Diamine Pumpkin. I am so glad you enjoyed the video. All the best.

[@mellow-jello]

At the end of 2022, Montblanc looked at the market drive, and decided to place their very limited editions of offerings past US $100K threshold, so though this pen is well above my preferences, it is not yet too much pen.

[@allenl391]

Lovely pen Hemingway. But that music and your voice make me thing of Mr. Rogers. LOL

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks very much. The new opening theme is license free from YT. It’s called English Garden, I believe. The rest is Satie.

[@TheVictory666]

I would say Diamine Oxblood, Diamine Imperial Purple or Sea at night. I sometimes have to retain myself from changing ink every day with my Twsbi Eco especialy. There's just too many gorgeous inks to discover!!!

[@HemingwayJones]

Diamine Oxblood and Imperial Purple are two of my favorite colors. I know how you mean. It’s so easy to clean and refresh a TWSBI too.

[@TheVictory666]

True! I am wondering if the same thing happened to you but when I flushed my Twsbi Eco which had Imperial Purple in it, i noticed the inside of it got stained. After a couple hours of soaking it finaly came clean. Could Imperial Purple be a damaging ink overtime?

[@HemingwayJones]

@@TheVictory666 I am always a little worried if they stain like that. I would consider not using it if you want to keep the pen pristine.

[@Icetigris]

I found this video because I'm considering one of these for my first Platinum pen. I'm with you, I don't care about pens as status symbols; I want this pen because I love tigers. It would be a big departure from the theme of the rest of my collection, which is mostly purple, but what an interesting contrast, don't you think? I'm looking into getting it with a soft fine nib because I'm a flex fiend and a few retailers offer it with the full line of Platinum nibs, rather than just the F, M, and B options. How did you like the M nib?

[@HemingwayJones]

Hello and thank you for commenting on this video. It's funny that you mention purple because I often fill this with purple. I feel as if it compliments that color well. I love the medium nib. It is very smooth. I highly recommend it. If you purchase it, please let me know what you think. Also, consider subscribing, if you haven't already. I'd love to have you on this journey with me. All the best!

[@mollyb9757]

Ancient Copper is one of my favorites.

[@HemingwayJones]

That is a great color!

[@RightWing1]

I would like this pen or at least something similar BUT I am unsure how robust the decorations are to the oils on your hands & fingers over time as well as its resistance to chipping or scratching if you dont always put it back in its pouch or box after each use? Will the gold wear off or is it under some lacquer or protective layer? I'd hate to spend good money only to have the design wear off. I'd appreciate some replies from anyone who has these types of pen.

[@HemingwayJones]

All valid concerns and for me, only time will tell. So far so good. It may look beautiful work a bit as well. We’ll see. Thanks for the comment.

[@zach9320]

I love writing with the pilot disposable fountain pens (varsity pens) but I have yet to see a reusable pen have a similar simple shape, do you know of any?

[@HemingwayJones]

The Varsity is unique. The Waterman Charleston feels a bit similar but it is gold and from 15 years ago.

[@zach9320]

@@jamesaritchie1 mate no offense but i've reused varsities and never thrown one out but are you really saying that a 2$ disposable pen is killing the environment? such a strawman statement that doesnt address the real problem of the rich who dumb oil into the ocean, fly their private jets every other day et cetera but yeah the plastic pen is the problem

[@amoledzeppelin]

9:48 I see what you did there.

[@HemingwayJones]

Yes! Rick is sprinkled all over my Channel. Thanks for noticing!

[@stewartobrien7447]

Mr. H. I have the same conflict as I consider a Namiki Urushi...it would be a financial and stylistic leap of the highest order, but aching to satisfy the temptation. However, I am sure that anything I would write with it would be unworthy of the elegance of the pen's art. So, for now, will live vicariously through you.....please ink it up (with Sea at Night), and let us know how it goes!!! (Saite in the background...perfect!)

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you very much, Stewart! I ended up putting Diamine Royal Purple into it but I’ll do Sea At Night next. You are more than worthy of this pen. It’s all about process. My handwriting is not very good. All the best and speak with me again soon.

[@stewartobrien7447]

@@HemingwayJones I meant to comment also on your excellent video about the artistry in the engravings on the nibs, but now can't find it again. I totally concur with your judgments and would include the Visconti Wall Street LE and Opera celluloid nibs which are just gorgeous. Although technically not a nib, the engraved silver section (or chromed) of Mont Blanc's Anniversary White fountain pen depicts the silouette of the Alps adjacent to MB with name and heights. Extravagant but stunning, and the nib writes as you would expect from MB.

[@stewartobrien7447]

@@HemingwayJones Somebody is secretly channeling you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGi9coqQf7h9ack

[@sotocine99]

Pink or Purple!

[@SunshineFL]

New subscriber

[@HemingwayJones]

Welcome! Happy to have you!

[@michelgolabaigne595]

Honestly, overpriced fountain pens are a thing of the past for me... The reason is very simple...: I'm disappointed with famous fountain pens. I cannot share the excitement or admiration of Mont Blanc, Sailor, Pilot, Visconti, Monte Grappa, Leonardo etc. Neither MB149, nor MB146, nor MB Bohème (also doué) nor Pilot with gold feather, nor Sailor with gold feather have ever satisfied me as much as Preppy, Kaküno, Jotter, Kaweco Sport, Lamy Vista and TWSBI Eco. I find your Platinum with tiger not attractive...It's for me, as a gift for children. This is only my opinion and I have no intention of criticizing the big brands. I also don't want to criticize ancient Japanese painting and its continuation. I love the simplicity, reliability and joy to write that the affordable brands (above mentioned) all offer. Thank you for your wonderful videos !

[@HemingwayJones]

Hello Michel, We would all be better off with such a modest approach. My vice is curiosity and it has led me to some interesting places and to some disappointing ones. For me, the TWSBI Eco is so good, if you have that you really don’t need any other pen. Thanks for watching and for the great comment. Check in again with me soon and all the best.

[@michelgolabaigne595]

@@HemingwayJones Thanks for your answer! It's very nice of you ! Besides, curiosity... is not a vice, but a great virtue…:)

[@HemingwayJones]

@@michelgolabaigne595 That’s what I am here for! All the best.

[@getmartincarter]

In my opinion all value is subjective . There is no such thing as intrinsic value . Whether the decoration on the painted pen is worth the premium on the plain black Platinum pen is subjective . Whether it be gold , WTI , Bitcoin or ground Angus or an option to purchase wheat , the price is a collection of the subjective views of those effective market participants at the given time . As an active market participant in the new pen market I would not pay more than a 10 % premium to the regular price of the regular Platinum Pen. Presently I plan to purchase the Platinum President in Jade Green should it become available and pay a 10% premium . My own view is that once the cost of the decoration becomes more valuable than the cost of the underlying then the item ceases to be a pen but an item of jewellery . My Sterling Silver SHEAFFER encrusted with diamonds on the clip is so ostentatious if not vulgar I never use. In public. Martin 1947

[@HemingwayJones]

A very comprehensive opinion. Personally, I would pay more for artistry then 10%. I value the decorative arts greatly. Especially in this case since it doesn’t affect the function of the pen like say the Cartier upper end pens with ether panthers etc. it’s always fun to debate these things. Have a wonderful day.

[@aadityakiran_s]

You're scared to fill it but okay to post it?

[@HemingwayJones]

It’s about commitment not damage.

[@aadityakiran_s]

@@HemingwayJones But if you post it then you'll damage it, which is irreversible but if you put ink that's inconsequential. I didn't understand the logic. No disrespect but.