Pen Battle: LAMY safari vs TWSBI Eco

[@billclockwell]

The ink window is kinda pointless when the competitor is transparent lol

[@whooobie]

Lol I was just about to say this too

[@TJulieta]

😂 my thoughts exactly

[@Normy12]

but it is the clearest ink window possible! That was one heck of a argument, I was laughing my butt off.

[@Duyanh2806]

Lmao

[@JosueRodriguez08]

There are transparent lamys​@@Duyanh2806

[@TJulieta]

"Where are you pulling that data from, Drew?" "My brain." 😂😂😂

[@rangeldi]

Source: voices in my head. 😂

[@TJulieta]

@@rangeldi 🤣

[@Volkmannx]

Came for the arguments, stayed for the facial expressions. Anyway, thank you!

[@taimdala]

Brian and Drew certainly do not disappoint in the expressions department!

[@5peeeedy1]

I FULLY BLAME THE ECO FOR SENDING ME DOWN THE ROAD TO FOUNTAIN PEN TOWN. Safari was my first fountain pen, but it wasn’t until I got the ECO that I realized what a magical, fantastical world the land of fountain pens can be. The ECO forced me to buy an ink- which was oh so enjoyable to watch sloshing around the barrel. 3 more TWSBIs and 4 new bottles of ink were ordered a week after acquiring my TWSBI ECO and my collection continues to rapidly grow. With the Lamy Safari, I dutifully used the included ink cartridge… completely oblivious to the wonders that awaited me. ECO was the pen that got me addicted.

[@ArpanBhattacharyafindarpan]

100% agreed. I too blame TWSBI ECO to make me start spending a huge chunk of my hobby money to fountain pens..😊

[@slane_design]

same

[@devanshi2193]

I am officially scared. I have 2 safari’s use them on and off, alternating with my normal Muji. but for the first time i have ordered TWSBI Eco with Pilot Yama buds ink… I cannot afford a new hobby :P

[@5peeeedy1]

@@devanshi2193 Your fear is legitimate! 😂. There seems to be no end to the discoveries with pens, ink, paper, etc. For me personally, I find this hobby satisfies my need to be organized and my need for a daily dose of creativity.

[@LedgerAndLace]

This was FUN! Rachel needs to be outside holding up a poster through the window about Lamy's unfriendly grip for her kind of writing. And others can join her for that "morning news" vibe.

[@leanngoodall7602]

I have TWISBI Ecos (6). I have LAMY Al-Stars (6). Each pen is filled with a different colour. I use five of each in my artwork. Half are filled with waterproof inks and half with non-waterproof. I have a LAMY in my home office to write with. I have a TWISBI at my work office. I don't m8nd refilling the Lamy at home frequently (necessary because it holds so much less ink). I use the TWISBI at my work office because it holds a lot of ink and I can easily see how much is left. This is essential so that I don't head off to a meeting with a nearly empty pen. I love the triangular hold on the Lamy...it lets me have super control when sketching. I love the ink capacity of the TWISBI for long sketching sessions. Love them both.

[@LittleDogsHouseholdStaff]

“More cartridges than the Eco has” 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣 Drew is hilarious! I love it!

[@danielklopp7007]

I have multiple copies of each of these pens (in various colors) and I tend to prefer the Safari. The ABS plastic used in the Safari makes it a better knock-around pen (ABS is a much tougher plastic than acrylic). Another feature that's overlooked is the ability to "hot swap" nibs on the Safari (i.e. no need to de-ink the pen). Long live the Safari !!

[@raeedibnzaman1]

Do you know if the Lamy Vista also uses ABS?

[@danielklopp7007]

@@raeedibnzaman1 - I am not privy to the resins used by Lamy, however my guess is the Lamy Vista is not made from ABS (clear ABS is generally "milky clear", not crystal clear like acrylic or polycarbonate). If I were a Lamy engineer, I would choose polycarbonate, since polycarbonate is much tougher than acrylic (i.e. more in keeping with the rest of the Safari line)... but I am not a Lamy engineer so the short answer is, I don't know what resin they use for the Vista.

[@raeedibnzaman1]

@@danielklopp7007 Thank you so much for your comprehensive reply!

[@midnightprincessful]

TWSBI Eco all the way!! ❤

[@aaabbbccc176]

Totally agree!

[@josh_002]

Sure, until the pen cracks..

[@dragonfly656]

Totally agree. I started with 2 Safaris and then found the Eco. Eco all the way. So reliable and so beautiful.

[@el-mustaphastudio]

I love watching calligraphy writing clips on KZbin but down here in Maiduguri, Nigeria no fountain pen in our markets.

[@js4637]

I considered the TWSBI Eco, Lamy Safari, and Kaweco Sport fountain pens (after almost giving up the hobby on a Preppy) as a beginner. I went with the TWSBI Eco because of the color variety and I adore my two glows. I also now own a bunch of Kaweco Sports because of their color variety, ease of nib changes, etc. I am a tinkerer who enjoys variety. Taking them apart, cleaning, using bottles of ink, buying a limited edition that calls to me.... that is where my joy is.

[@LaurenceWillis]

I love how Brian tried to wrap it up when Drew started talking about the disassembly of the ECO. LOL

[@oscarmedina1597]

You guys have to keep doing these. This was hilarious!😂

[@joanwerthman4116]

When I gifted my friend’s children with their first fountain pen I gave them all Safaris with bulb syringes and a bunch of different Lamy cartridges so they could change ink colors as kids love to do. I have a number of ecos, but they aren’t as easy for beginners, the feeds are delicate and the nibs often write like nails. Lamy nibs are far better save for the occasional lemon who is easily replaced.

[@alohaboy96]

I've never had a twsbi nib write bad. I do almost always use broad nibs though.

[@joanwerthman4116]

Actually, I don’t have a problem with them either. But for beginners, I expect something more likely to be smoother is better. Good fountain pen friendly paper is also a must, so I included small journals for each which I forgot to mention. I wanted to make things easy as possible for them and it worked out nicely.

[@yangsu2235]

@@alohaboy96 I have three of them in EF/F write horrible recently. Two of them almost are writeable at all. I emailed them, they were eager to make an exchange for the nibs. I did have others several years ago. They work fabulously.

[@alohaboy96]

@@yangsu2235 interesting. I've never used the smaller nibs. I just like the look, feel, and juiciness of broad nibs

[@akaErma]

Safari was my first fountain pen and I have no complaints about it, *except* that it dries out if left unused for a while. I have *never* had the Eco be anything but juicy wet every single time I uncap it.

[@smokeyoak]

It's the Eco for me hands down, no contest. I had an old Eco on my shelf filled with ink for a year, it didn't dry up or clog, and I brought it to jury duty still writes great without any fuss. My first FP was a Safari and while it was great to get me into the hobby, I grew disappointed in them once I experienced other pens. I collected a decent range of pens since then. My favorites for a while were Sailors, but no matter what I'm carrying I also always carry an Eco. I feel they are reliable and satisfying to fill, hold, and to look at the ink swishing inside. It's a great FP experience IMO. The only thing I prefer about Safaris is that they use cartridges / converters. I like to syringe clean and refill cartridges / converters because I'm overly cautious about contamination. The ink capacity of the Eco is definitely a double-edged sword, but if you have a favorite ink, with an Eco you have it available year round

[@judyjacobs5827]

Sloshitude? Brilliant! Thanks for that, gentlemen.

[@travelminipainter]

"OPERTAOIN & USE" - Made me crack up with a good heartfelt chuckle! I have both pens and love both equally. I went through uni with my Lamys and have many fond memories of study sessions with this fountain pain.

[@Jay-ql4gp]

I have Goulet Pen's Lamy Vista in black. And I absolutely adore it. And I have a TWSBI Eco in Orange and I absolutely adore it. I carry my Lamy Vista to work with me because of that nice click on cap. It really is a workhorse especially with that mountain climbing crabiner-like clip. The TWSBI I leave at home (I'm worried I'll over torque the cap and ruin the threads-so I don't use it as much)

[@robynjohnson5750]

Please do more of these! 👍🙌 Totally entertaining with great humorous banter and I learned a bit more about each pen. Thanks!

[@Gouletpens]

We'll have another one this week! - Drew

[@deeess3305]

I love the trivial and entertaining bickering! You two are absolutely awesome! Thank you!

[@penelopewarren3168]

Own them both. both good value for the price. If I could only keep one it would be the Eco. Feels better in my hand--more substantial. Love being able to see the ink.

[@ronhori]

I love the creativity and humor that both of you brought to this video! And you made good comments about both pens. I have several TWSBI and Lamy pens and enjoy both brands and models for different reasons and different writing needs. I also have other pens and learned that each brand and each pen has a special personality that attracted me to add to my collection.

[@lobstershorts1]

You two are looking dapper today

[@jankafka7330]

Between my wife and I we have at least five TWSBI ECOs, with the full range of nibs, all of which get used on a regular basis. There's one Safari, in the house a pen my wife bought because it was yellow, which never gets inked because neither of us like the grip section and the way the pen writes.

[@karendavidson6580]

Im a both/and. Love them both

[@sunnycharacter]

Wow, suits! Fancy 😎

[@helloitsjordan]

I’m waiting on the arrival of my first TWSBI Eco in the mail, ordered from Goulet! Perfect timing.

[@sounddude177]

I have one safari. I have 29 ecos in 29 different colors. Pretty obvious whose team I'm on!

[@heathergleiser]

Same! One Safari, eight Ecos.

[@WoWHunterkari]

Ok first, I’m definetively Team Both. As germans we used Fountain pens since 2nd grade (i got a Lamy ABC while my brother got the Pelikan Junior), in 5th grade we got the Safari like almost all our Classmates. I think i got my first TWSBY Eco 2022? Don’t remember, but it was when the Glow in the Dark launched. And let me say, it writes reliable, for a long time, the weight is ok, but i just wished it didn’t come with a screw-on-cap. That’s the only reason it will never be my designated diary pen, cause when i want to take quick notes i just don’t have the patience to unscrew it every time. And yes, when i leave it uncapped it gets dry. Also, if i want to see the cartridge/converter better i just use the Vista (that IS a demonstrator Safari, same build just clear)

[@aresaurelian]

Love this surprisingly agenty style. Love the variations and contrasts of sensations. A great "opertaion" to see the merchandize, and compare.

[@pastelpinkfairy]

My favorite thing about the Eco's clear barrel is that you get such an unobstructed view of the ink leaking all over you when it cracks.

[@rangeldi]

😂😂😂

[@thalion2011]

That was fun and entertaining. I have both of them but since childhood I always return to the Safari. So, Team Safari, of course 👍

[@varadharajannadarajah]

Usually Brian will speak formally and Drew will make funny faces. This time roles are reversed 😂

[@tawnyalege5314]

I think you've found your next sticker! Sloshitude! Love it!

[@stareenafraser]

Can't unsee the potato peeler hahahahhaha oh my!

[@jonathan1636]

I love these guys. Truly inspirational what the Goulets have done with their business. I mean, I still remember when Brian started. And when the gentleman in the video started as well. As for the pens here: they cater to different types of users. But both can be enjoyed by all. If you like tinkering, then twsbi. If you want a classic design (the safari has been around a *while*), go safari. If you like pens and all that goes with them, get both.

[@adinbradley98]

I like the lamy and appreciate the fact that they are still made in Germany

[@JavierCasillas]

TWSBI - smoother writing, longer lasting, cooler design. Lamy - really great video ads.

[@vilevile9922]

😂

[@eunicefazzi6697]

As a new person to the community/Hobby I have both. But I was disappointed how quickly I ran out of ink in the safari and I write a lot by hand. So yes I had to get acquainted with bottles quickly so I could refill the safari and use the Eco. Especially since the cartridges are so small for Lamy, I think bottle is the more efficient way to go. So because I write a lot by hand I would say Eco because of the higher capacity it will hold.

[@saraho92]

I got a little shiver at 0:52 when the blue behind the words 'Pen Battle' was the exact same shade of blue as Brian's shirt.

[@TheStockwell]

I had the same Yves Klein blue moment. It's like one of those Kubrickian details which conspiracy addicts can't get enough of. 😏 Best wishes from Vermont ❄️

[@DougYerger]

Or when "Round 2: Opertaion & Use" came on the screen. 🙂

[@vermis8344]

Now that you mention it, I think that's a white shirt that Brian spilled Baystate Blue on.

[@tamantha]

Lamy all the way!

[@LucyLu_meztli]

Big fan of both! Lamy might not include the converter, but it comes with an ink cartridge, which is pretty beginner friendly. Twsbi Eco, you would need to buy ink, and that can be overwhelming…

[@cmw9876]

I'm delighted you two are having an argument about pens. That's what normal humans do. We know everyone argues & would be surprised if you never did. I started on a brown medium Safari. Bought other Safaris (one is bright RED ! !) plus cartridge converters. When I got comfy with the notion of taking one to bits, I got a TWSBI 580 Diamond. It worked well with very little use & then the cap broke in two. Hmm. I won't be buying another TWSBI. I have splurged on a Pelikan Souverän M805/800 - nice pen but irrelevant to the discussion .... but it does work. That's important.

[@RogerEhinger-tg1hv]

I own a couple of Ecos and one Safari, I use the Ecos far more often. In part because of the visibility of the ink and they always write when I need a pen. The forced grip on the Safari may be an issue too, I just gravitate towards the TWSBI s.

[@Jazmin_Ortega]

You guys crack me up. Drew seemed fully committed to his role, and Brian looked like he was trying not to laugh throughout. The Safari was my first writing fountain pen, have had one for more than 12 years, and more recently added the Twsbi Eco for sketching. I agree that the Safari is the better entry-level pen, and appreciate the Eco's ink capacity, but the lack of ease in switching out nibs is a limitation that I hope Twsbi can solve in the future.

[@sharkpopsicles]

I'm not sure how you mean lack of ease switching TWSBI nibs. I don't have any issues removing and swapping them and I don't really hear about people having issues with it unless they're being extra rough.

[@Jazmin_Ortega]

I mean the ease of changing nibs in the sense that they don't sell spare nibs (8:42), where you have a variety of nibs to choose from with Safari@@sharkpopsicles. As a sketcher my dream would be to put a fude nib on an Eco... (someone may have done this but I haven't figured it out).

[@taimdala]

TWSBI did solve the nib-swap limitation but did so with their Diamond 580 model. The nib/feed unit unscrews from the grip like a vintage Esterbrook nib unit. If you keep your 580 in nib-up position when you do this, you don’t even have to empty your pen of ink before swapping the nib. If TWSBI did this with the Eco, they would have to remake the Eco mold/machine the pen differently by adding a set of threads for the nib/feed unit to screw onto. That may incur extra expense in the pen’s manufacture and would raise the cost point on the pen itself.

[@Jazmin_Ortega]

@@taimdala good to know, thanks for sharing!

[@taimdala]

@@Jazmin_Ortega you're welcome! 😊

[@SeaweedKisses]

TWSBI all the way!!🖌️❤️👏 I’m with you, Brian!

[@43pages55]

I got a Lamy as my first pen. It writes amazing straight out of the box, not a fan of the grip though. Got into Kaweco Sports and been using those. Although they are not as reliable nib wise. Just ordered a Twsbi mini. Excited for it to get here. I’ll come back with my winner once I’ve had a week or so to test it out.

[@0walleye0]

How'd it go?

[@dorothykern8537]

I completely agree with the giftability of the Safari!! Now I'm looking into the Eco and i'm excited to get into this world!

[@rctrombone1]

This was a fantastic discussion. I also own both of these pens. Safari was my first and I would still suggest it to anyone. Having said that, my Twisbi is the one that stays on my desk constantly. And of course the Kawco sport in my pocket. Nice work guys!

[@ellisp1nk]

Really wishing this video came out before I bought my Safari. I love the Safari, but there’s so many things about the Eco I didn’t think about that Brian mentions and it blows me out of the ink jar

[@tommyballou]

Hot swapping the nibs on an inked-up Safari is a nice feature.

[@berolinastrassmann]

18:38 Combinations: if you have a few Lamys, you can DIY change barrels and sections to match your taste.

[@berolinastrassmann]

This was hilarious and useful! Endless one liners: "LAMY Safari: no malarkey" 😂😂

[@spiderwrangler4457]

Opertaion is the new comp-nay.

[@sadieengland8743]

That cracked me up too

[@TaraHornbacker]

I use stub nibs and so I have to order a 15.00 nib + converter with every Safari...so, the eco wins since the stub nib isn't an extra 15. But I still order a Safari now and then...loved the new blackberry/pink beautiful with blackberry ink...such a win!!

[@emarino9805]

NEED MORE OF THESE!!!! Hilarious and informative

[@KendallW]

SO GOOD! I've always loved these type of debates, but extra fun with the suits and stacks of papers. Also, love the idea of a poll for the community to decide. Super cool!

[@alexbond03]

Twsbo Wco White Rose Gold (About 70USD if u buy in India: while Lami costs almost same), however, its still worth it. Granted i almost messed it up while cleaning bcoz i forgot which way the piston opens, and i had a hard time putting it back (to the extent i was willing to take it to a pen hospital). That being said, its one my of my best pens (baring Metropolitan for its smooth nib). And i realise 1 thing, after few days, the nib of Eco is really really really smooth too. Also, its very flexible considering its a steel nib

[@kart182]

Started off with a TWSBI 580ALR, stuck with a Lamy Safari because I can just yank the cap off and write. Love both, but I use the Lamy more day to day

[@shazzagirl9803]

Oh my Gosh 1 minute in and you guys have me in stitches 😂

[@dbrickner5292]

Eco all the way.

[@juliewillson3378]

I prefer the satisfaction of snapping the cap onto the Safari, but I love the sloshability of the Eco. I enjoy seeing Noodlers SW Sunset in my Eco, but it doesn’t write well. I love the stub nib on my Safari. It really shows off the sheening of Birmingham Tesla Coil, and the nib is smooth as silk.

[@annespaperspot2747]

This is the best debate I have watched in a long time since I am avoiding all political debates. 😅

[@user-zl5cr7cr7j]

I love my Lamy and ALWAYS have it inked. I plan on getting a TWISBY soon.

[@madisonlerma6939]

I got an extra fine TWSBI and expected it to have quite a bit of feedback. To my surprise, it was so smooth and I couldn’t believe it was an EF!! I love mine!

[@billclockwell]

The interesting thing about the safari clip is that its both big and simultaneously small On the pen it's huge but clipped on my sweater it legitimately disappeared I had to feel around for it, the wire is pretty thin

[@user-qw2ns4oe7i]

This is so amusing! My first Fountain pen i bought is a Lamy Safari and my second one is a TWSBI Eco and I like both for specific uses. Also, love the facial expressions. Thank you! ahahahah

[@reneehawkins7266]

Order my first Lamy Safari this weekend. Super excited for it ✒✒✒ Of course, I ordered from The Goulet Pen Company. I am one of your Hampton Roads neighbors.

[@fountainpenink6593]

i giggled the whole video, Brian your commentary to Drew's speech had me on the floor

[@drthomas4179]

I enjoyed the video, but one important thing that was not covered is the writing feel of the nibs. Here the TWSBI pens are far and away the smoothest.

[@DestroyerOfWords]

Buy BOTH. My first Lamy was a gift in 1987, I've got close to 20 Lamys altogether. Also have a few TWSBI Ecos, they are also great. They rarely dry out and hold tons of ink.

[@purlmonster]

The showdown I didn't know I needed LOL I've been a die hard Lamy Safari supporter since I was... ahem... 10??? But you know, maybe I should try the TWSBI Eco to see for myself.

[@anneK3801]

TWSBI for the win! I only have one, because of the price tag, maybe? I have 6 LAMY and I like the colors and finish, I even like the line...when I finally get them to write! They are the worst, right up there with Jinhao, for drying out and hard starting. Even then, I think the nib feels smoother and more juicy on the Eco. Love the capacity, and the option to totally disassemble because I have about 50 pens inked and sometimes they get crusty (who would be like that, right?).

[@dragonabsurda]

I started out with Lamy (and even digitally modeled and 3D printed a nib holder for quickly sampling inks with each of the Lamy nib sizes), buuuut.... ever since I got my first TWSBI, I've hardly touched my Lamy's. One of the biggest winners for me is how reliably the TWSBIs write and how they never seem to dry out, even if one of them gets neglected for a bit. I like the convenience of the Lamy Safari snap cap, but the TWSBI Swipe scratches that itch with a much better seal (and it takes cartridges AND comes with TWO different cartridge converters). The Swipe feels less durable than the ECO or 580, but it easily gives Lamy Safari a run for its money if you're talking about starter pens.

[@michaeldugger7716]

Very good video gents! You guys both look very sharp in those suits, classy! I have both the Lamy and the TWSBI pens and I learned a couple things I did t know by watching this video. Thanks again for doing these videos. They are educational as well as entertaining!👍

[@mrjughead87]

I own both, buy both, be happy both. Both both = smiles

[@MariaReyes-xy6hj]

Nice talk guys! But my favorite is kaweco! Kicked myself when i bought all the nibs( now i just want pen bodies)

[@renorrc7222]

I love the suit and ties! I love when you guys debate which pen is the better pen. I did buy the Lamy Dark Lilac ink and I love it! I am wondering what is the best paper to use it on, I notice the shimmer doesn't shine on many of the papers I use.

[@ZWolfgang]

Iroful will show the shimmer. Most other papers cannot compare with regard to displaying color and shimmer. And, it's great paper in all the other aspects, as well.

[@busternineshoes]

My first fountain pen was a Stypen at Secondary School here in the UK in 1973. We had to write with a fountain pen in English lessons. The Stypen used short IS cartridges. I soon changed to a Platignum Varsity that took the long IS cartridge. Cartridge pens are by far the best to start with. I do have a load of Lamy blue cartridges in my drawer that have never been used though...

[@roberteidsa8130]

My first fountain pen was a Lamy Al-star with a converter, basically a metall safari. The second pen was a TWSBI eco 🤗 Both pens are really good, but I really liked that the eco never dried out. The third pen and most recent is the TWSBI 580 Diamond. At the moment I have the 580 Diamond and the Lamy inked up, both are reliable and good writers 😊

[@pontoon_cat]

Somehow missed this when it dropped two months ago, but it's aged pretty well. Both TWSBI and Lamy have been prolific this year with these models, Lamy dropping 6 new editions of the Safari only half way in. I kind of forgot about my Al-Star, came back to it today, threw some Pilot Iroshizuku Yama-budo in it; what a pleasant pen to write with. Only wish the Z28 converter came apart (like Platinum and Sailor converters do) for ease of cleaning.

[@XtianApi]

As someone who has many thousands of dollars of pens and both of these pens for some reason the Safari just works for me. I love the clip is pretty much indestructible and I love that it's a snap cap. If I'm using a cheap pen I don't want it to be some imitation of a better pain where the threads crack and things break. I have so many broken Diamond 580 it's ridiculous

[@corysoxydiaries]

who’s idea is this anchor news setting?!? brilliant!!! u guys made my day😍🤩🙌🏻

[@dtaggartofRTD]

The ABS of the Safari is certainly tough. Never had any cracking issues with them. I've had multiple Ecos crack in the section near the sides of the nib in normal usage. Love them both though. If you don't write much, the Safari's cap seal can be a potential problem. The TWSBI caps do seal nice, so they seldom develop problems drying out. I did find the huge capacity of TWSBI pens to be a little frustrating starting out since I frequently wanted to try different inks.

[@gigglingchicken8444]

I love both but if I had to choose the Eco for sure. I tend to always have at least one eco inked at all times.

[@penguin1780]

Team quad grip who finally was converted to the cult of TWSBI by the beautiful and buttery smooth 1.1 mm Indigo and bronze. I used a whole sample of De Atramentis Columbia (local river) Blue Copper.. I was skeptical, as I had heard about the cracking issue, and I am mostly a vintage person, but it’s the prettiest non gold nibbed pen that I own. For Lamy, I prefer the cp1 with a z57 gold nib, fits my weird grip well, and the 2000.

[@slowfootlabeef704]

TWSBI- I don't have to pay extra for a 1.1 stub. I tried the special lamy cursive nib. Writes exactly the same as the fine.

[@ahmetahmet9673]

Absolutely love the setting, both of you are looking very dapper too. Really enjoyed this thank you. #teamsafari over here 🤓

[@rhondacarlock6735]

So entertaining! My cheeks hurt from laughing.

[@7_v610]

Guys, thanks for the insightful video. I just purchased a TWSBI Eco with a Fine nib a few days ago. I inked it with a Jacques Herbin Terre d’Ombre. Guess what? Starting writing in the office, initially (the first few minutes), I kind of impressed by its smoothness. Keep writing, with a normal note-taking pace, the flow started drying out. Gradually, the letters started becoming thinner and thinner; I started reaching a point where there was a readability issue coming out clearly! With continuing writing, in addition to that “thinning” of the letters (not aware whether there is a dedicated term for that), I started having skipping problems. Today, I referred back to the retailer (a UK retailer, since I am in England) for giving me a solution. Conclusion: I am not sure if it happened I was that unlucky to end up with a problematic pen (i.e., the way it has been manufactured by the company), but if not, there is no the slightest comparison with the ample flow capacity of a LAMY! Not the slightest chance! I own like 6 LAMYs so far, and had never had aaaaaaaaanyyyyy issue with them! Their reliability is to be studied. On the contrary, the aforementioned TWSBI is my first ever TWSBI, and come out either problematic, or not a fountain pen model with sufficient flow capacity to support everyday writing activity in the office. I highlight that the TWSBI has a fine nib. I do not know if things would be different with a medium. However, even if they would, the fine nib option would not be a suggestion from me as a “workhorse”, … except (of course), if I had been that much unlucky with my first TWSBI Eco purchase! In any case, though, this first TWSBI purchase of mine came with a disappointment. 😢😢😢

[@dr.d723]

I must admit that I agree with Drew here. I find the Safari to be much more durable that the Eco. All of my Ecos have cracked in different places despite my being very gentle with my pens. Also, recently I gave a Safari and an Eco to a friend who had never used a fountain pen before. After a few months, my friend returned the Eco to me. He said that the Eco wasn't very comfortable to use and he didn't like the Eco piston sticking and didn't want to take the pen apart. I agree.

[@joaofromthesea6488]

"More cartiridges than eco has' - critical dmg +1

[@ngetal]

You guys!!!! I love this video so much! MORE MORE MORE!

[@TWTourist]

Love your battles. I’m just starting down this rabbit hole and can say it looks a lot cheaper than the knife I’m trying to get out of. 😁. As for the battle, Drew wins from a beginner’s point of view. One thing he forgot to mention was it’s easier to travel with ink cartridges than ink bottles. With that said, you guys have convinced me into ordering a eco as my next pen. 😁😇🤣

[@jungroe]

Agree, both are great entry level pens. The ECO is the better value, but I like the tactile and precise feel of the Safari more. My vote goes to the Safari by the thinnest margins.

[@denisekinsley3554]

Fun segment. I'm Team TWSBI all the way, mainly for the convenience. I know when I grab it that it's going to write immediately and write well. The LAMY writes ok once I get it going, but if I haven't used it for awhile there will be several minutes of sweary struggle to get the ink flowing.

[@tuckerplum8085]

Is the Lamy Safari the "entry point" for people "all over the world?" Yes. Has the Safari played that role "for decades?" Absolutely. It's totally iconic. IT IS the "first step." The TWSBI Eco feels like the "next step." Elegant nib. Piston filler. Able to be disassembled in a way that teaches the user about more substantial fountain pens. Both are worthy points-of-entry. I made my "first steps" long ago. I enjoy something a bit above both of these models. Yet, I still love my Lamy Al-stars. They are wonderful. I love my "next step" TWSBIs even more. My Diamond 580s, Minis and Vac 700s are a joy to use! Solid and beautiful.

[@pamelahermano9298]

Owning both I can say that I love the Eco’s ink capacity, but I do prefer the LAMY Safari’s steel nib.

[@davegoodridge8352]

You both bring up reasonable points, in defense of each pen. But, please give me a couple of moments. Just imagine you purchased your dream car. You sit there bathed in pride and great awareness as you turn the key for the first time. And as you start to drive into your new beautiful future with your dream car. Someone runs out of the sales office and hands you a box of tools! And tells you you are going to need these tools for your new car. Tools, Tools why would I need tools. My car is brand new. I just traded off that old unreliable car that I had to carry around, everywhere I went a box tools just to help me get home. But now, not before I signed that contract but after, a box of tools. My visions of cruising down the highway with the wind in my hair, and my honey snuggled up beside me. All because this new car doesn't need a box of tools. It's perfect! But now here I sit, dethroned, deflated with a NEW box of tools. My vision fades. As I now see all the times I'm going to be using my new box of tools. And start to question my choices I've made.

[@cindycat8528]

I’m glad to hear Brian has ruined the Eco feed because I just ruined mine yesterday trying to pull out the nib. Ugh.

[@ChristopherBogs]

I adore my TWSBIs but for a starter pen I think I have to go with the Safari for ease of use and indestructibility. (I'd send them to the TWSBI Diamond 580 as a great followup pen, though!)

[@vjmtz]

I bought both for my first time.... after watching Hemingway Jones's video guide. I have to say that the Lamy Safari is definitely the most user friendly pen, you pop the cartridge it came in - in, and your off to writing....once the ink gets to the nib. But still its like buying a Bic pen that you pop a cartridge in. So its no fuss and easy. Lets you learn how to use it with its grip. So it wins on practicality and beginner mode. The ECO though is superior overall, but its the next step up on the journey, requiring a bottle ink purchase and while the wrench, lube, and guide is nice.. it can be daunting for a new user (who doesn't even need to use them yet) just by looking at it - a pen with a manual and tools can be very imposing.... imagine if a sponge cam with a instruction manual and equipment. But the thing that makes the ECO really shine is that since its a demonstrator pen... you technically can have any color pen you want with it being transparent. And its a absolute workhorse.. solid seal, never false starts as far as I've had mine and holds a ton of ink. It is the superior pen. Lamy doesn't require care, its more of a utility that you can make it more than that IF you desire. The ECO is what it is, no upgrades needed.