New flexible nib fountain pens, Tom's favorite flex nib - The Write Stuff ep. 29

[@pacools]

Love seeing all the new pens.

[@MarshaLove0723]

7:09 Wow, Tom-collection worthy. Nice!

[@joefaracevideos]

I always enjoy these informative videos ,Tom and just placed my first-ever order with Goldspot. Can't wait to try my new pen!

[@GoldspotPens]

Awesome! Thank you. :-)

[@juicylouisey]

Another good pen brand to take your Jowo flex nib is the Opus 88. It has the sort of ink capacity required. You can also make it write wetter or drier depending on how much flexing you plan to do.

[@tinacampbell2610]

Love seeing the pens those flex nibs are beautiful... and the Monteverde Monza 3 Set has been on my want to try pen list. My question is what is your favorite shading inks that are not blue (LOL Isn't your favorite color blue) from the past year or all time? Thanks for the informational video on flex nibs. My current most flexible nib is on my Pilot Custom Heritage 92 F/M Black Transparent and I am still getting used to writing with it after having it for about 2 weeks...

[@GoldspotPens]

I do love a dreamy blue or turquoise ink. I've been writing recently with Aurora Purple and really enjoying the shading of that ink, especially in a flex nib.

[@spalyamburger6648]

I just started exploring different fountain pen nibs and ink combinations, and I’m loving this journey. I’m intrigued by the winter white Estie - it’s lovely - and I hope one is waiting for me when I have the funds to purchase! Also, I’m fascinated by the flexible fountain pen nibs - I have a decent collection for pointed pen calligraphy, but not fountain pens - and I am curious about the Pilot Falcon nib. I’m excited about the Sailor nib you’ve shown here, too!

[@spalyamburger6648]

Thank you, Tom, for another great video! I commented elsewhere, but I wanted to leave my question under a separate comment. Question: Are you able to do a comparison of bestselling purple shimmer inks? I’m searching high and low for a beautiful, dynamic, and intriguing purple shimmer ink with depth and “a pop of pizzazz.” I hope to find one that is fun for journaling with a broad nib, but sophisticated to work with in a pen and a medium nib for writing letters and professional correspondence. Thank you for your time.

[@thomaspowers5915]

Thank you for the informative video. Would Vanishing Point ever get flexy?

[@barryporter6993]

interesting video. I would enjoy seeing a video on the choices for "pocket protector" cases for safely carrying around 5 or 6 fountain pens in your shirt pocket.Also somethinkon cleaning ink stains from clothes :):)

[@mreed247]

What entry-level pens do you think give the best representation of the brand? I like the idea of entry-level pens and exploring the different brands.

[@followyourbrush]

I’m enjoying your information and videos. I just received one order, first time, and turned around and ordered again. Questions? I am loaded with them, I’m new to fountain pens in this “wave”. I learned on them as a child in the 1950s. What comparison is there to our old pens, available now?

[@NotesFromPastAmy]

Happy Spring! We are definitely feeling the warmth and enjoying the sunlight but I am a bit concerned about my inks. I leave my favorites conveniently within reach, in spice racks under a shelf on the side of the room. I didn't think they were getting much light, but found a luminous Benu that is kept in the same area, quite bright when I went to use it one evening last week. Do my inks need to be moved?

[@GoldspotPens]

The luminous Benu's could charge under sunlight or indoor lights as well. As long as your inks are not being exposed to direct sunlight for hours each day (along with significant changes to temperature and humidity) you should be alright to keep them there.

[@NotesFromPastAmy]

@@GoldspotPens I hadn't thought about it getting charged with indoor lights. Thanks for the reply!

[@swadventurer6624]

Tom, my question for a future episode is does humidity make a difference when storing fountain pens? I live in NM and my home humidity is often less than 20%. Thank you. Dan

[@The_PenCharmer]

Wow, lovely collection Tom! My question for you is, Do you enjoy Flex nibs or regular nibs better? I hope you respond byee

[@alexandro_coutinho]

Just watched making some notes to practice my penmanship. :D

[@jodya.vonwahl2413]

The pro gear "RS" is very interesting and a very beautiful pen. But I'm not at the point of my fountain pen journey where I'm ready to get into flex nibs yet. Key word being yet lol cause I know it will come sooner or later.

[@anaouzounian1557]

Thanks for another very interesting video, Tom. Do you have a favorite stationery or do you chose one based on the pen and/or ink you are going to use for your letter?

[@judyjacobs5827]

Tom, you spoke a bit about nib switching. But we know that not all nibs, even nibs whose shoulders are about the same size, will fit into all housings that have nibs of like size. What do you suggest for penpeeps that will minimize risk to nib, pen, and owner?

[@GoldspotPens]

I would suggest doing some research before attempting a nib swap. Do a quick google search or ask someone on a fountain pen discussion group like the PenAddict Slack or the Pendemic Discord Group, or the /r/fountainpens subreddit.

[@luvlybella6238]

Hi Tom, great video today. Loving the demonstration of the flex-nibs. I am very new to fountain pens and have been researching a lot. I still have a lot of questions..LOL. Of all the inks on the market to use with all the expensive pens, is there a recommendation for a newer user to help educate them when you do not have an actual stationary store or fountain pen vendor locally to test before you purchase? Any books available?

[@GoldspotPens]

Am I understanding correctly that you want more education about fountain pen inks? Or just general education about fountain pens?

[@luvlybella6238]

@@GoldspotPens Yes, there are so many inks out there as well as pens. It’s overwhelming.

[@gv0861]

Great content as always. What is your favorite collaboration pen and why?

[@stationerystream]

I really love flex pens for the line variation it gives, but it's definitely not an effortless writing experience even with super flexy nibs like in a dip pen with a purpose built super soft flex nib. My personal favourite is the Omniflex because it's firm enough to use as a normal fountain pen, but can flex a tiny bit for headings and things. If I want a super wide line variation between thick and thin lines, I go for my dip pen. It's also an issue that the vast majority of papers cannot handle the ink dump of a super flexy nib, in which case a purpose built calligraphy ink is so much better. Question for you, Tom: What was a fountain pen misconception that you thought had before you tried fountain pens? For me, it was that all fountain pen nibs flexed. Because all the social media I'd ever seen was of people using flex nibs in calligraphy, I thought dip pen nibs and fountain pen nibs were the exact same thing. I also thought that "calligraphy nib" was synonymous with "flex nib" and both could be used for Spencerian script. Yes, my own calligraphy set was quite a shock to me, but also got me to learn Italic and Blackletter Calligraphy that I would have never thought to try had I not mistakenly thought calligraphy meant "flex" nibs.

[@JordanQueiroz]

Excellent video 👏😃 Question: Does a nib with feedback is the same as a scratchy nib? For example: Sailor 1911 Music nib is made of gold, however, it has feedback. Does it provide a scratchy writing experience because of the feedback or soft because of the gold? Thank you 😊

[@GoldspotPens]

Thanks, Jordan! Sailor nibs are known for their pencil-like feedback. It's how the nibs are designed and finished at the factory. For some people, the feedback feels "scratchy," especially when you consider the F and EF nibs. Others like to feel the nib on the paper and the feedback is welcomed.

[@ColoringAddict]

Hi! My question is, what would be your recommendation as the best pen for using with shimmer inks?

[@bethg7026]

How much easier are vintage flex nibs? I love the idea of a flex nib. I bought a noodlers konrad, and then discovered how bad my hand strength has deteriorated. It's not just uncomfortable to push hard enough to make it flex for me - it's difficult at first, then painful very quickly. I started using fountain pens because I had heard you don't have to grip them so hard or push down on the page so hard, and that's absolutely true... but now I'm down the rabbit hole!

[@stationerystream]

In my experience, Vintage flex nibs are much softer than modern flex nibs, but they still require effort and pressure to use. Just...less pressure. You don't really get an effortless calligraphy look without tons of practice. The greater the flex, the higher the risk of railroading. I personally don't have the patience required to use flex writing in my daily handwriting. The downstrokes require you to slow down to apply the pressure and also reduce any railroading if the feed cannot keep up and you need special paper due to the amount of ink that gets laid down in a flex pen.

[@bethg7026]

@stationerystream thanks! Slow is not my problem - to write neatly I do slow down. It's really is the muscle strength of gripping the pen and pushing down. Maybe some day I'll get a vintage pen to try out.

[@dianedemasi]

Hi Tom, I love these videos where you show us the new pens. My question is: How do you know (or find out) what nibs would be compatible with what pens? Is there a resource somewhere that you can cross-reference? I currently have an older nib (14K Weidlich #2 - amazing nib!) and I'm looking for a modern pen to house it in. Thank you!

[@GoldspotPens]

There isn't a reference, especially with older pens. Much of it is trial and error. The only time we can feel confident in nib compatibility is when the pen uses a standard #6 size Jowo, which is fairly common among several pen manufacturers.

[@dianedemasi]

@@GoldspotPens Thank you for taking the time to respond. Side Note: I really enjoy the videos: they are a great length for viewing during a lunch break, they have the labeled timestamps (?), and a nice selection of pens. And the short videos of writing samples - fabulous!

[@LisaRSArt]

I just got back into this fountain pen writing and purchasing again after 10 yrs break; & I had a Noodler’s Ahab & I was wondering why it didn’t seem very flexible or what advice you would have about using it. I also, recently bought a Monteverde Omniflex type of nib but still not having much flexibility with it. Perhaps I am not used to it just yet. Anyways, love your videos of pens. ❤️😊 Will you be getting a piston Kaweco as an exclusive to you all in the future in terms of colors your company chooses? Thank you.

[@GoldspotPens]

The Royal Amethyst Sport will be our last Kaweco exclusive for 2024. Depending on how well the first piston Kaweco Sport is received, we will consider having an exclusive color for next year. Hopefully, Kaweco will continue allowing retailers have co-branded collaboration designs.

[@pilesofthings]

Nice pens! I have been considering a flexible nib...my question for a possible future episode is this: is a gold nib better suited to iron gull inks (such as the Platinum classic line) than steel nibs? I have read that gold is resistant to the corrosion that might otherwise affect steel?

[@MDaniels1776]

Thank you for the video. What ink brands are recommended for flex nibs? I have a flex pen and have found some inks to have a lot of stopping and skipping. Thank you!

[@marjoriemarlowe8978]

Has the Pilot Iroshizuku line of inks ever released new colors? While having been in fountain pens a while, I just tried some of them and I love them. Wishing for more.

[@GoldspotPens]

Over the last several years, Pilot has introduced new colors to the Iroshizuku line. Sui-Gyoku, Hotaru-Bi, and Hana-Ikada are the three newest colors introduced in the last year or so. They don't introduce new colors nearly as often as other ink manufacturers (like Sailor).

[@inuaxzm]

How do you make sure you are getting the most out of your fp ink collection!? I have many and want more...

[@trying_ceratops]

What would you suggest for a “next step” pens? Level above beginner but still below $300

[@HandmadebyLorelei]

Hi Tom. My question is How do you tell the difference between a Jowo and Bock nib?

[@ecclessiastes]

Great video! Is the new Pelikan (copper) a steel nib at M200? Thanks!

[@GoldspotPens]

Yes, the Pelikan Copper Rose Gold has a rose gold-plated stainless steel nib.

[@Asvoria]

How early should I try to get my son into (or let him try out) fountain pens? And what sized nib would you recommend? He just turned 8 and I am trying to find ways to make writing fun for him.

[@GoldspotPens]

I brought my kids to pen shows when they were about 6 & 8 years old. I think it's a good age because many kids in Europe still learn to write using fountain pens in primary school. I'd suggest a Fine nib because the ink flow is more controlled and would be more adaptable to various types of papers.

[@Scout5150]

What are the best mid-end pens with nib units that are easy to swap out? I’m thinking of full nib units rather than just nibs.

[@lowelldenning8557]

Tom, great presentation. Is a particular type of paper best for flex nib pens?

[@stationerystream]

Depends on if warping is an issue for you. In my experience, I prefer 300gsm hot press water colour paper. No warping, sits on top for a long period of time. Branding varies depending on your local art store. I find that Tomoe River tends to warp too much for my enjoyment, but the sheen is fantastic and it does show colours well. The bleed through is pretty epic on Tomoe River, though. Especially with super super flexy fountain pens, or dip pens.

[@lowelldenning8557]

@@stationerystream Thanks!

[@GoldspotPens]

I would say these recommendations for best notebooks will point you in the right direction for flex nibs as well - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqmqZ5Z8jJWaY6c

[@jpanthony]

Are there differences in the most popular color sold during different times of the year?

[@ronwoch]

If you could bring one vintage pen back into production, exactly as it was originally made, which pen would that be? (hypothetical, assume you can get the correct materials, etc.)

[@GoldspotPens]

Parker Vacumatic, hands down!

[@ronwoch]

Oooooo, nice choice! I have yet to get one into my collection, but I like my Duofolds and 51's, so the Vacumatic would be lovely. I will cheat my own question slightly and say I want to bring back desk pens as a functional category. I see little holders on the market that grip the cap so you can use your pen like a desk pen, but it's not really the same as having a nice Wahl or Parker desk pen at hand ready to write. @@GoldspotPens

[@lynnhardy2221]

As a very new fountain pen user what is a good, fast drying ink?

[@joshuarice85]

What would be a good starter fountain pen for a child (elementary school) and what nib size would you recommend? Thanks!

[@DarkLaiX]

Lamy has one just called ABC that's geared towards children so could be a good place to start!

[@RichardVillarreal]

My only "flex" a Pilot Falcon SEF. What is your favorite Italic or Stub nib?

[@brianthefixerofthings6536]

Are there any titanium flex nibs you can recommend?

[@aqtcnja8430]

Do you have recommendations for pens that can be used by people with arthritis?

[@ash16lily23]

I've been dying to try a flex nib but have yet to find one with an "affordable" price tag (

[@GoldspotPens]

You could try the Conklin Omniflex nib on a fountain pen we have on sale. Or a Noodler's pen. They aren't as great a representation of what a flex nib fountain pen is capable of. Alternatively, you could get a Brause Blue Pumpkin dip nib with a wooden dip pen handle to try flex writing.

[@zoot9393]

Hi, Tom. I have an ink question: How do I get all the stubborn ink residue out of my pen after washing it??

[@GoldspotPens]

I'd use a pen flush next. Or, give the pen a bath in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner.

[@JerryCarter-xu6rs]

Hey Tom, what materials used in the body and cap of a pen are unique and rare?

[@GoldspotPens]

I think celluloid ranks very highly in this regard. Pens made of solid precious metals (like platinum, gold, or sterling silver) always maintain a high value due to their materials.

[@MrG0CE]

RE U AFRAID OR NOT OF USING BAYSTATE BLUE IN PRICIER PENS? I DON'T, I EVEN USE IT IN A LE DEMONSTRATOR, DILUTED 1:1 WITH WATER, JUST PERFECT !

[@stationerystream]

I know of a person who loves to use Noodler's Baystate Blue in his Pelikan m600 or m800 fountain pens. I was shocked.

[@Artemis_Pens]

What is the feeling difference between the gold nibs, titanium, and palladium nibs?

[@Allthejournals]

Im a newbie to fountain pens and inks! Is it true that fountain pen nibs "wear in" to the angle you use to write with them???

[@GoldspotPens]

I don't notice this myself. But, other people do say this happens to them.

[@fuindes_batwings]

Do I have to disassemble a fountain pen for cleaning if I use a shimmer ink in it? I'm a pen newbie and I have no experiences with shimmer inks. :D

[@GoldspotPens]

It depends - I usually do take apart the nib and feed of my fountain pen to clear out the remaining shimmer particles that did not rinse out when flushing the pen.

[@fuindes_batwings]

@@GoldspotPens Thank you! I will try that.

[@raqq3t]

How did you get into the hobby of fountain pens?

[@rponnie]

If you want an affordable proper wet flex pen, get an Ackerman Manga G.

[@sruckel]

Why do some inks feather more than others?

[@FountainPenNews]

Happy friday! What do you think is the most underrated pen you carry?

[@GoldspotPens]

I think more people need to check out Kilk pens (from Turkey). Incredibly underrated.

[@mgapagnolo1819]

Does Visconti offer nibs in 1.1 stub separately ?

[@GoldspotPens]

Visconti does not offer replacement nibs for sale.

[@PencopiaPictorial]

Omniflex really doesn’t flex. I had one on a Ritma and was so disappointed in it, I sent it back to Yafa.

[@paulmchugh1430]

I have an Estie in Nouveau Blue. I would love to get the Elastic Extra Fine nib for it. Is it a available separately?

[@vandelsoproductions]

What's your go to system for cleaning your pens?

[@heatherburke7312]

What was the first fountain pen? What was your first fountain pen?

[@AMusset]

How does the Magna Carta 600 flex nib compared to the Ikkaku Regalia flex nib?

[@GoldspotPens]

I'll have to do a detailed comparison of this when we have regular availability of both nibs - both tend to sell out quickly whenever we get more of them in stock.

[@AMusset]

@@GoldspotPens BTW I just ordered a Nautilus Horsehead Nebula, do you know if the TWSBI piston tool fits the Nautilus?

[@mamahnita]

Nice! How are you doing today Tom?

[@GoldspotPens]

Hanging in there, you?

[@mamahnita]

I am very happy @@GoldspotPens

[@arihantvats4187]

What are some best vac fillers under 100 dollars

[@GoldspotPens]

Check out the Nahvalur Original Plus - it's only $55 goldspot.com/collections/narwhal-nahvalur-original-plus

[@arihantvats4187]

What about some other brands? Do they have any options to explore except TWSBI?

[@Infamus21626]

What is your favorite green ink?

[@jamesbarrett1590]

What is your favorite pen-ink-paper combo?

[@arghyadipghoshg18]

What is the Ultimate Blue ink? ❤ Please

[@GoldspotPens]

One of my all-time favorite blue inks is Sailor Souten - it shades with just a hint of sheen.

[@arghyadipghoshg18]

@@GoldspotPens Thank you sir for replying...🙏🏼

[@morbiusthelivingvampire8665]

What fountain pen are you most excited about being released this year?

[@GoldspotPens]

There's a new Lamy 2000 limited edition color coming later this year that, I think, everyone will go nuts about.

[@zeus52452]

We know you like writing with a flex nib, but do you like writing with a stub nib? If so, what size stub do you enjoy writing with the most & why?

[@GoldspotPens]

Yes, absolutely! I enjoy a 1.1mm stub, as it gives just enough flair while being easy to write with. The wider stubs can be a little difficult to write at my usual handwriting speed.

[@kimberleebrooks-trakis9563]

Anything affordable?

[@rponnie]

Ackerman Manga G pens are extremely flexible and cheap. Great for drawing and writing.

[@MrsAlchemist]

Is it true, that Jowo changed the nib housing and the „new“ Jowo nibs in the new „white winter“ Estie don’t fit in the older Esties?

[@evanbasnaw]

What was your first experience with flex nib writing?

[@GoldspotPens]

When I was a young'un inking comic illustrations using a flexible dip nib, accidentally spraying ink all over my drawings.

[@skviviangeauxz]

What is your favorite daily carry pen?

[@stickinthemud23]

Um... things are based *on*