One Of My Favorite Fountain Pens: TWSBI Diamond Mini Review

[@JournalSunshine]

Did you stay for the big announcement at the end? 🤩 Also, who else thought the thumbnail made this pen look like a sonic screwdriver?

[@DFTBEmi]

Can’t wait to see the inside!!!

[@JournalSunshine]

@@DFTBEmi We're saving that reveal for closer to launch, but I will tell you, it is VERY me.

[@Mandimentionschannel]

I highly recommend the Diamond 50 inkwell. TWSBI also has an ink wand that can go in any inkwell and has the connection like on the Diamond 50 inkwell. It makes it so easy!

[@JournalSunshine]

WAIT I didn't know this existed and I just looked it up and it's amazing! Do you just dump in whatever ink you want to use and clean it out each time? I had seen the TWSBI pipe, and that might be better for me. So cool!

[@jaimespearman8328]

I had to stop and comment on your brilliant way to swatch the ink, instead of dunking the cotton swab in the ink vial! So much less waste, and a more accurate result. Exactly what I needed to get motivated and finally start my swatch book! (I just knew there was a better way😏) Ok, now to go finish the video 😁

[@jaimespearman8328]

Also, Love that stamp set! I've been trying to find something similar and this is perfect. Off to go order one right now 😊 thanks for the recommendations!

[@JournalSunshine]

It doesn’t always work, depends on the nib. Some nibs don’t leak out enough ink that way, for whatever reason. But I’ll do it this way if I can get enough ink for a swatch! Works well for cartridges too, which you can’t get a swap into. Thanks for watching and commenting! I’m happy that the video was helpful.

[@littlebearries]

LOL, I'm going to end up ordering one of these because of your videos XD

[@thomas-marx]

Thank you for sharing happiness and peace!!!! Sometimes it is sorely lacking in my life. You always bring it! Bless you journal sunshine!

[@JournalSunshine]

Aww, you’re so welcome! I need it sometimes too, and comments like this brighten my day.

[@mapdtuber]

Found my answer down below...Luckily someone asked about your great stamps - I love them too! Thanks for a fun, informative video. You really help a LOT!

[@Mandimentionschannel]

I highly recommend the Diamond 50 inkwell. TWSBI also has an ink wand that can go in any inkwell and has the connection like on the Diamond 50 inkwell. It makes it so easy!

[@JournalSunshine]

Ooh, thank you! I’ll have to check that out.

[@5t4n5]

Twsbi also make a filling pipe that plugs into the Diamond (and also fits international standard converters as well). Really good quality too, it ain't flimsy. With the pipe you can suck the ink from the very bottom of any ink bottle into any diamond or international cartridge - no fuss and no mess. It works super well if you have a few inks and a few pens and you don't want to keep decanting into the Diamond inkwell.

[@AileenTownsend]

I have been buying most of the rose gold TWSBI Ecos lately as I start getting "deeper" into the fountain pen rabbithole. I didn't know this mini existed, and of course it is now on my wishlist. The color combination and EDC size is really hitting! The funny thing is that just today I was wondering why my ECO was not posting. The cap was just loosely sitting on the back of the pen. Then I read that there is the tiny black o-ring that helps it post. Lo and behold, the back of my ECO was missing its O-ring! I was very lucky to find it at the bottom of my Galen leather single pen holder. I'm glad I found it, but it made me worried now that this is a piece easily lost, and maybe not easily replaced? I will have to look and see if they sell these separately. Thank you for your review!

[@emmanemsl]

Oh my gosh! I'm so excited for you and for this collab!!!!

[@JournalSunshine]

Ahh thank you so much!!

[@marybaker8582]

Good to see these side by side. I have the 580 white/rose gold version, as well as the 580 rose gold/smoke version.

[@JournalSunshine]

Ooh, nice! I don’t have a full size 580 yet but I have my eye on the new Iris 580 and am hoping I can snag one.

[@AbundantlyBlessed573]

I love love love this pen, it's also one of my favorites, I've been using it daily for about a year or more now. I have it in a medium nib and whoa your ink makes it way thicker then the line I get, definitely not the pen. It goes to show that different inks can make a huge difference in how the pen writes. I was afraid my medium was going to be too thick but actually it is more like a fine Eco to me. Very lovely pen for sure, I love the size, I love how smooth it writes and I love how cute and portable it is. I'm not a fan of thicker lines so Extra fine and Fine on a rare case, most of my Twsbi's are EF the medium was a hasted click and a nervous wait but it turned out well. Love to see someone who journals like me. I agree pen reviews do not give us enough of how the pen and ink would look in paragraph form, swatches are excellent but I love that you actually wrote with the pen more than the usual quick brown fox sentence. Thank you for a nice video.

[@JournalSunshine]

This is like a dream comment. Thank you for sharing about your medium nib - that’s really good to know! I do prefer a thicker line, but mediums vary so much across brands and even within less consistent pens of the same type. I’m glad that the journaling sample was helpful to you too! I’ve ended up with inks that were less usable for what I typically do because I couldn’t find someone writing more that that one sample line.

[@AbundantlyBlessed573]

@@JournalSunshine I agree I have done the same with inks because of reviews and ended up not so fond of them. Your video was very helpful for sure. I wish I could find more like it. I love to journal and colorful inks and fountain pens make it even more fun. I agree nib sizes do vary across the board and that can be a huge disappointment for sure or a great surprise. I never in a million years thought I would enjoy a medium nib but on this pen it is perfect. I would love more colors in the mini size. I just recently purchased this size in clear with a fine nib and it is just as lovely...now I need an extra fine to add to my collection. Pocket pens are so fun, I have a kwaeco and next I want to try the liliput.

[@JournalSunshine]

I’m working on making a bunch more videos like this! Feedback like this is really helpful. Mini pens are my faaaavorite! The Lilliput is way smaller than I was expecting but it is very cute. If I could only keep one though, I’d go with my gold Kaweco AL sport! The medium nib I ended up with is exactly the way I like it (they tend to be inconsistent though so that was just luck, I have a bunch of Kaweco sport mediums I don’t like as much).

[@JobsJournal]

Yay congrats on the Chic Sparrow notebook! How exciting!

[@JournalSunshine]

Thank you, Job!! A dream come true, really.

[@ZolaneG]

I was so excited to see your video pop up since I just ordered the TWSBI diamond mini in clear with a fine nib. I can hardly wait to receive it. I do have the TWSBI Eco in Rose Gold in EF and love it and was so tempted to order the mini in Rose Gold as well. In the end, I decided to go with the clear and try a fine nib and also order some ink samples, but the Rose Gold is definitely on my wishlist. I wondered how difficult it would be to fill from a sample and am a bit nervous since I tend to make a mess regardless! You did a great job! Congratulations on your collab! Chic Sparrow in a Butter Rum pocket was the first TN I ever owned, and it's still a favorite! Great idea to make your pocket a pen/ink sample journal! Watching that setup video next! Thanks always for your positive and helpful videos!

[@JournalSunshine]

Wow, what perfect timing! When I get near the bottom of the samples (where the fill hole doesn’t reach), I use a syringe to fill it by removing the nib/grip section on this pen and carefully putting the ink in that way. Aww, thank you! They’ve had so many beautiful leathers over the years. So glad that you’re enjoying the videos! It’s been so much fun getting to chat with people who like this stuff as much as I do.

[@littlebearries]

OMG, that's so awesome that you got to design your own cover!!!!

[@JournalSunshine]

Thank you!! It's been really exciting.

[@stareenafraser]

Enjoyed this review, if it was in yellow gold plating i would want it more. It is a beautiful pen and you can really see the blue ink, the purple just looks black lol

[@JournalSunshine]

I would totally buy a yellow gold plated one if they came out with one! All of the other ones they sell have silver-colored metal accents, so I was excited for this rose gold one.

[@stareenafraser]

@@JournalSunshine hopefully if they do come out with the yellow gold its not on a black or white, :)

[@CreatingCuteArt]

I really enjoyed this review! I just bought this and have been watching reviews and unboxing videos with it while I anxiously await its arrival!❤

[@susanscandles]

After watching this, I want this one. Set a goal that I would treat myself to it when I reach business team goal in my own business. Can’t wait! Really like TWISBI’s!

[@JournalSunshine]

Ahh yay! I've been really impressed with all of my TWSBI pens, even the less expensive ones outperform ones $100+ over them. I recently managed to snag my first Diamond 580, the new Iris limited edition! I sold one of my journal covers to pay for it. So excited for it to come in the mail.

[@susanscandles]

@@JournalSunshine I watched Brian and Drews newest utube and they talked about the new 580. Wasn’t sure I dare get or save money for my rose gold white mini.🤷🏻‍♀️

[@susanscandles]

@@JournalSunshine also wondering if I should try a Kaweko sport. Really wanted the violet magenta AL but thought I’d try sport if they are even similar a writer. I don’t like really lightweight plastic if feels “ cheap” but know these pens, the Sport, are popular. Help!!!🤣

[@JournalSunshine]

I much prefer the AL sport to the plastic sport. If you don’t like lightweight plastic pens, I’d save up for the AL sport (my favorite fountain pen at the moment!).

[@susanscandles]

@@JournalSunshine ok. Will save up or set business goal for that one too. What I really would like is to find open pen holder for beside my bed to just pull pen out easily like you have from an insert.

[@maegn]

Omg! I am so with you! ♥️ I have two of these minis in most of the main colors and have at least one of each of the special colors. I would completely freak out if they released this in the iris colorway! I’m not a big fan of purple but I do love the iris iridized look! This pen has ruined my ability to enjoy other pens! It really ticks all my boxes. I’m so happy seeing it get some love on some KZbin channels! Ty for your video! ♥️ As far as the nib is concerned- it does write broader and juicier than a Japanese nib, but the lovely smoothness of it is worth a little compromise. I also like to write microscopically but have learned how write in a way that makes me happy with the TWSBI. Don’t forget, if you really want to experiment, you could always have a “nib moister” grind the point down a bit finer for you or into a neat shape, like an architect nib! ♥️

[@JournalSunshine]

Ahh your collection sounds amazing! I’d love to get a custom nib grind someday. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and time with me!

[@MarcellHobbs]

I do have the TWSBI Diamond Mini in Stub 1.1. I am new to Stub and absolutely love it. So fun!

[@JournalSunshine]

Ooh, that's so cool! I haven't tried a stub nib yet. Maybe someday! How long did it take you to get used to writing with it?

[@Laly7]

Wow!! Can’t wait to see the inside of that!! Love the look of it, and I loved the outlander line when chic sparrow had them. 😍😍😍

[@JournalSunshine]

It's very me on the inside, and we'll be offering two different options for the inside that you can choose between! I sadly missed the Outlander leather when they had it, but I snagged a used Outlander Claire in a BST group after six months of trying and I love it. I may have begged her to bring back a similar leather for this collaboration. 😂

[@Karenm1969]

Can’t wait to see more of the colab CS cover!! Might just have to pick one up; two of my favorite people (you and Jennifer) !!!

[@JournalSunshine]

Aww! I hope you like it enough to buy one. We’ll be sharing more about it in the lead-up to the launch!

[@ShenanigansinMotion]

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE COLLAB! I am so happy for you! It's so exciting! A B nib on a TWSBI is almost a BB, and I've had all inks FLOW like crazy in them. I'm pretty sure the TWSBI eco T is my favourite kind of pen on the planet now (I just wish it came in nicer options than it does).

[@JournalSunshine]

Ahh thank you! I have a broad nib on the smoke/rose gold Eco I compared the mini to in the video and it’s delightful for writing out headings and things like that. I might try a medium next since that’s the one I don’t have yet! The Diamond 580 is the next step up from the Eco and they’re beautiful, if you’re looking for nicer options. I also spotted the TWSBI Precision recently, which looks like a completely different pen brand for another style entirely!

[@Shananigans6978]

Congrats on the journal cover! I have the Twsbi rose gold mini in white with a broad nib. It’s a super wet writer but I have found that it kind of skips sometimes so it might need some tuning. Beautiful pen.

[@Shananigans6978]

I also have purple ink in mine too!

[@cathycarr3625]

I thought about getting a white TWSBI but I was worried about the ink staining it. I'm glad you showed that the ink will wash off.

[@JournalSunshine]

It might stain eventually, but I’ve had good luck with cleaning it immediately when I notice ink on it!

[@marybaker8582]

The built in piston fill mechanism is great for traveling too. It eliminates some of what you need to carry in general.

[@JournalSunshine]

I tend to be really careful with mine! I guess I'm nervous with the piston knob exposed that it'll get twisted in my bag and a bunch of ink will come out. 😂

[@leslieyudman3156]

I love this pen as well! I have the medium nib. It's much more broad than I expected, more broad than my ECO medium nib (which I have trouble discerning from my TWSBI ECO fine nibs!), but I still love it. Right now I have Noodler's Mata Hari's Cordial in it. :) Thanks for all the journaling and fountain pen inspiration! Can't wait to hear more about your Chic Sparrow Collaboration - congrats!

[@JournalSunshine]

Oh wow, that’s really good to know! Weird how unpredictable nib/line broadness can be sometimes. Medium is usually my favorite but they can vary so much! Really glad you’re enjoying the videos - thank you for commenting. I’m excited to share more about the Chic Sparrow collaboration too! I still kind of can’t believe it’s real. 🥹

[@muskadobbit]

The “rubber band” is an o-ring. It seals the pen when capped and helps keep the pen from drying out. The one on the back helps keep the cap from coming unscrewed when posted. Think of them as part of the beautiful function of this beautiful pen..

[@JournalSunshine]

Ooh thank you!!

[@shamtoy20]

Ohhh twsbi mini is my favorite pen just the right size as i have small hands i believe anderson pen has a coming soon mint blue one. I already have the rosegold,black and silver. Really nice pen love it…

[@JournalSunshine]

Oh my goshhh that is one of my favorite colors! Thank you for the heads up! I know TWSBI had a mint blue AL one that is no longer available but I just checked out Anderson Pens and they have it listed as coming soon!! 🤩🤩🤩

[@magnoliamike]

I have the TWSBI Eco and TWSBI CLASSIC both in white, they are a hot to write with. I want this one as well. The medium is a little too thick for me so after using fountain pens for a little while I think I like the extra fine and fine Nibs the best

[@homecareful]

I love the mini's too. I don't have this one yet, but I have a clear mini and a smoke vac mini (actually I am waiting on a new cap for my vac mini, but it will be here soon). The vac minis are excellent: 1. Holds more ink. 2. Easier to fill. 3. Much easier to disassemble and clean.

[@mopete9830]

i love my mini pens and my favorite is this on amazon "MAJOHN Wancai Mini Fountain Pen Transparent Clear Pocket-Size Travel Pen (Fine Nib 0.5mm)" it never dries out ever. I go a couple weeks without using it and even months ones and it worked just like when i first inked it. It is so small and It doesnt have a pen clip but it works fine and never leaks when thrown into a bag or pocket. I get complements on it all the time and people even ask what it is like they have never seen a fountain pen before.

[@marachristian8726]

Anytime I see "Rose Gold" I want to buy, but I just can't justify purchasing a smaller version of the ECO I already have that cost less. I will pass on this one for now, but I am glad your experience was that it writes well!

[@JournalSunshine]

I do have trouble resisting small versions! And I personally enjoy trying new pens. In this case, for me, it actually helped because it’s a step up from the Eco which I was looking for anyway - it’s a scaled down version of the more premium Diamond 580 which has upgraded aesthetics, scratch resistant plastic, and removable/replaceable nib units.

[@born2bebon]

I adore the stamps that you use! Where did you get them? TWSBI minis are so much fun. Thank you for all the work you put into this!

[@JournalSunshine]

Aww, you’re so welcome - it’s nice to know it’s appreciated! Those stamps are from Everyday Explorers Co! That set is the Pen and Paper set: everydayexplorers.co/products/pen-paper-4x6-clear-stamp-set?_pos=2&_sid=b27431b62&_ss=r

[@theartesana]

I bought the same pen, I love it as well. Enjoy! 🖋❣️✨

[@JournalSunshine]

It’s such a great pen. I can’t wait for them to release another color, assuming they eventually do.

[@xxflipchick22xx]

Omgosh I have the same exact pen in EF as well and it’s also one of my favorite pens. We have similar tastes 😊 My favorite pairing with this pen is Pilot Iroshizuku Tsuki-Yo (or Yama Budo). Try it out sometime if you have a sample of it. And I had the same problem as you when I dipped the pen directly in ink, it stained my white grip section a little bit. I still can’t get the stain out. I wish I used a q-tip right away like you did. And I also wish they had more color selection because I want to buy another one with a different nib size.

[@JournalSunshine]

Ooh, I do have a sample of Yama Budo! I’m imagining it - that does sound like a beautiful combination. I did end up getting a small blue stain on the end of the pen that I didn’t notice right away, but that’s something I bargained for when I asked for a white pen 😂

[@stephchildressrn]

I have this pen in EF and it is very fine and a little scratchy! I can even use it in a field notes book that is not usually fountain pen friendly. Mine is even thinner than the second ink you tried! Interesting 🤔🤷🏻‍♀️

[@JournalSunshine]

Oh, that is interesting - and good to know for anyone potentially looking to buy one! Sounds like they can vary.

[@stevekail4543]

Since you like small pens you may want to consider getting a Laban Expression. It only accepts small international cartridges so cleaning is really easy. The only Twsbi pen that I own is an Eco in transparent blue with a fine point nib that was given to me as a gift. I use it with Monteverde Blue Velvet Cake ink and it writes as I would expect a fine nib to write.

[@JournalSunshine]

Ooh, that sounds great! I hadn’t heard of that one before. Will have to check it out!

[@beepear]

Looking forward to hearing more about the collab. I have the clear version of the diamond mini with a fine nib and it doesn’t look any different from my extra fine eco. They currently have two different inks so maybe that’s why? But I love this pen so much and would love to see more colors.

[@JournalSunshine]

Will be sharing more about the Chic Sparrow collab in the coming weeks! I still kind of can’t believe it’s happening. Ooh, good to know! Could be the inks, could also just be differences in the nibs from pen to pen. With the ebony purple ink, this EF is broader than my Eco-T fine nib but with the shin-kai ink, the EF is considerably finer.

[@GenieGallaher]

I have had my eye on this pen for awhile. I also wish it came in more colors like a pastel pink. I have the Twsbi Iris and it is my favorite pen to write with.

[@JournalSunshine]

That would be so cute! I’d love a mini version of the Iris.

[@GenieGallaher]

@@JournalSunshine I didn't even think of a mini Iris, that would be amazing!

[@Amyduckie]

I personally prefer the Eco (though I do love removing the grip section for cleaning purposes on my Vac 700R and Vac Mini), and found that you can remove the nib and feed fairly easily to clean the pen out. Goulet has a video about how to change the nibs in the Eco that demonstrates how to do it without damaging the fins on the feed. I found that SO helpful.

[@JournalSunshine]

Ahh that’s exciting! Goulet Pens has such a great channel for stuff like that. Thank you!!

[@stephanieswearingen1796]

Did you see they are coming out with a purple one? I have the white/RG and can’t wait to order the purple. 😁

[@JournalSunshine]

Ahh yes! So exciting.

[@AbundantlyBlessed573]

Congratulations on your collab, I've always wanted a chic sparrow, maybe one day. The one I wanted has been long discontinued and the others just haven't spoken to me like the aburgene ( I may have spelled that totally wrong, I'm so sorry), that color was just beautiful. A deep crimson red or burgundy would be lovely with scalloped pockets....LOL a girl can dream. Anyway Congratulations to you.

[@JournalSunshine]

Thanks so much! Ah yeah, I managed to snag the one that got away (a retired outlander Claire deluxe) in a BST group after like six months of trying for one, but it can be a bummer when they retire one you love. My other favorites, Jaffe and Derby, are also retired. But it does mean they get new stuff all the time and that’s pretty exciting!

[@Allthesmallteas]

Where did you get that ink sample stamp?

[@JournalSunshine]

It’s from Everyday Explorers Co, part of the Pen and Paper set. everydayexplorers.co/products/pen-paper-4x6-clear-stamp-set?_pos=2&_sid=569d5c0cc&_ss=r

[@christinec3382]

Do you find the full size and mini are similarly comfortable to write with? I really want the mini bc it is so cute but i have been having some discomfort writing with my Kaweco Sport and I’m wondering if it’s the small size…

[@JournalSunshine]

I find the full size Diamond 580 just slightly more comfortable to write with now that I have one, but for me it’s less about the size (when posted it’s large enough) and more about the placement of the threads where the cap screws on for the mini version. The mini has a shorter grip section, putting the threads under some of my fingers, where the full size 580 has a tiny bit more room. Before I got the full size, I was planning on getting a second mini in a different color/nib size, but now that I have the full size I will likely stick with the bigger TWSBI pens for future purchases.

[@christinec3382]

@@JournalSunshine thank you!

[@ohbaananaa]

Have you tried using the ink shot wells from goulet pens?

[@JournalSunshine]

I haven’t! Do you like them?

[@ohbaananaa]

@@JournalSunshine So far I do like it for my 3oz Noodler's ink. They aren't completely mess free but stop me from dipping my pen in too deep when refilling. Only downside I found is that the ink bottle needs to used a couple times before inserting the ink well, or else it spills over.

[@magnoliamike]

Yeah that's pretty broad for an extra fine, I would probably have to make my writing stance a little bit more stiff and at an upward angle

[@siddhartham507]

I don't like fragile items, looks nice though

[@sushanart]

😇🩷🙏🙌

[@viarnay]

I find this scary your notebook looks like pen paganism