Catching up with past videos this morning, as I clean my BBQ grill ('thoroughly,' as my wife demanded). I bought it. Damn it Doug, thanks to your videos I've spent my budget for heroin this week!
@InkquiringMinds8 ай бұрын
Keeps ya off the streets!
@TroubledCarOwner10 ай бұрын
On a whim I bought an Explorer just today when I was looking at a Kakuno. I'm a beginner and it's only my 3rd fountain pen. The first is the Parker IM Vibrant Blue and the second is a Lamy Safari. This is the cheapest of the 3 and feels the cheapest but writes like a more expensive pen. VERY smooth. Smoother than the Safari (Fine), very close to the Parker (also Fine). It's a Medium but writes like the Safari's Fine nib, which is fine since my handwriting is small. I've only used the standard Pilot Black cartridge it came with, but I will be getting the Iroshizuku cartridges. It's twice as expensive as the Kakuno where I am but I think I made the right choice. Still thinking about that Kakuno though. Might be fun to let friends at the office borrow a fountain pen with a smiley face. My only gripe is the narrow sweet spot, but only a minor inconvenience that I got a handle of in minutes writing with it. But Pilot will now be in my radar. What would be the best next step up from the Explorer?
@MrAndrew19533 жыл бұрын
I like the way you can fit a con 70 converter. This makes it a standout entry point fountain pen you can try out some Iroshuzuku inks with.
@InkquiringMinds3 жыл бұрын
I agree!
@misswoodhouse57204 жыл бұрын
Thanks for a great look at the Explorer. I consider this as a great pen for a starter, they are pretty available, kind of cheap, best bit a new fountain pen user doesn't need to wait 6 weeks to get one haha. My first pens were Lamy Al-star and Metropolitan's then moved on to eBay Chinese pens now I'm into next level Chinese pens :)
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
Totally agree! IF not for the barrel step on the Metro, I'd recommend the Metro over the Explorer. But the Explorer - especially with a Con70 - is an excellent workhorse pen. We'll have to see if that finish comes off.
@agradoville4 жыл бұрын
Another nice detailed review on a nice looking pen. I might have to look into this pen a little closer. I am really enjoying my TWSBI eco at the moment though. I thought you might have gone with a nice smoke grey ink on this one Doug! ( I do like the ink when seeing it written) As always you actually get a great review with a few LOL moments . Thanks Doug.
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Andy! I'm glad you're enjoying the Eco - it is hugely popular. The only grey I have that I was thinking of putting in the pen is Take-Sumi. I'm not a huge fan of the grey scale.
@JoelTurrell4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for another engaging review. My own take on the matter of objectivity is borne out of decades of photo magazine camera reviews: what matters is not neutrality, but consistency and honesty in your biases. A truly neutral stance would amount to 5 lbs of rug fluff. (Other than James Dyson, who could use 5 lbs of rug fluff.) Because you give us your standards and they remain constant, we can judge whether or not we will enjoy the lab specimen you are dissecting.
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much, Joel! Your support has meant a lot to me and my channel.
@bill_jennings Жыл бұрын
This was a good review. I was leaning toward the Metro, but I think you may have swayed me toward the Explorer instead. Time to go shopping! Thanks
@InkquiringMinds Жыл бұрын
Glad I could help!
@jeffroberts5324 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Doug, for another Super Quality review!
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
My pleasure! Thank you, Jeff!
@stampinsan4 жыл бұрын
It does have a nice sleek look. I love the Rober Oster Fire and Ice! 😊
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
Thank you!! 😊 I'm glad I have a full bottle of the Fire and Ice!
@bikkies3 жыл бұрын
I've always given the Explorer a miss so far, as it looks ...."cheap". However finding out it takes the CON-70 makes this a different proposal. I have a boatload of Kakunos all with CON-70s and love them all. So I actually just might actually have to actually check this out. Actually.
@InkquiringMinds3 жыл бұрын
The addition of the cursive italic nib (from the Plumix) and a Con70 has made the Explorer an awesome pen.
@scribemike Жыл бұрын
It says "Japan" on the side of the cap's metal clip, and even a quick internet search would have shown that the pens and nibs are made in Japan.
@bikerjon8934 Жыл бұрын
@5:55 you can clearly see "JAPAN" stamped on the clip
@joseparada44303 жыл бұрын
Great review I have enjoyed it a lot. Thank you. My only wish is Explorer cap could be inserted more deeply. All the rest is fine in referenece to design.
@InkquiringMinds3 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@joseparada4430 Жыл бұрын
@@InkquiringMinds You are the best reviewer for me, sir. I bought a CON-70 for my P. Explorer but those sold in Europian Union take international cartidge holder. They do not say anything and you have to learn the hard way those details. Very bad. Regards from Ibiza.
@InkquiringMinds Жыл бұрын
@@joseparada4430 Perhaps you can sell the Con70 on eBay? They are very popular. I had no idea the specifications were different in the EU. Thanks for the information.
@greatlakescruiser57204 жыл бұрын
Great review....as always! Happy Father's Day!!!!
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! :) (got your second letter)
@paulopacheco3944 Жыл бұрын
Hello. I enjoyed the video as alway. Yet it and several other of your past videos left me with a question. Why do most people make the writing sample only draw vertical and horizontal lines not diagonal?
@InkquiringMinds Жыл бұрын
I do the vertical/horizontal to measure the lines for thickness. The other strokes (alphabet and cursive writing) determine how well the nib performs on the paper.
@deanandreoli19753 жыл бұрын
i can vouch for the Plumix italic nib fitting beautifully into the Explorer. So much fun. I got a pack of 3 Plumix pens for under 20 bux and had a nib swapping party. *Brown-chicken-brown-cow*
@InkquiringMinds3 жыл бұрын
The Plumix nib in an Explorer with a Con-70 converter is a great upgrade.
@deanandreoli19753 жыл бұрын
@@InkquiringMinds It is! And that pen body is really comfortable for long sketch sessions. Such a pleasure.
@willtato87784 жыл бұрын
I have the plumix. I like the cap. In my family, we call it the squid pen (especially the pluminix). Because of the italic nib, it is a bit finicky. You can't write with an angle close to perpendicular to the page and you have to write flat. I write with a low angle, so the experience for me is better than for others. However, when I have the specific spot, it's really smooth (since it's just basically a nib with the tip cut off). It might also be me, but I found the metal to be soft, since there's no iridium etc tip for example. Soft being it wears down easily (nib will overall change shape /angle the more you write), and not about springiness. The pensmanship is the standard variant of the plumix, but with a more 'rocket' cap than a 'squid' (still more subtle than the 993 though lol). I wanted a pilot EF, but I opted for the kakuno rather than the penmanship for no bigger reason than the smiley face on the nib. If you don't feel like reviewing the plumix, then I'm sure no-one here's going to force you to. ; )
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
I'm going to look for a Plumix, Willtato! Even if just to swap the nib in the Explorer to an italic.
@robertreid72214 жыл бұрын
Love this pen Doug and thankyou for yet another great review. Add the Con 70 converter, and the whole pen takes on an erotic quality (but that may just be me)? Peace and love as always✌❤
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
Erotic!? You've been inside with your paracord way too long my friend! LOL
@countduckula99773 жыл бұрын
Hi Doug, Great video. I am glad you thought that the Platinum Plaisir is better than this pen. What was the name of the Ice Hockey film in this video? I have a Pilot "White Tiger" Metropolitan which I bought from a bricks & mortar shop here in the UK. The strange thing is that it takes standard international cartridges, so I stuck in a Pelikan extra long cartridge [they only sell medium nibs in the shop].
@InkquiringMinds3 жыл бұрын
The film is "Slap Shot" with Paul Newman. Fantastic film!
@countduckula99773 жыл бұрын
@@InkquiringMinds Thanks for the reply & reminding me of that brilliant film.
@tbayless8324 Жыл бұрын
Which pen would you recommend? This pen or the Diplomat Magnum. I am torn. Even though the magnum does come in a broad Nib
@InkquiringMinds Жыл бұрын
I've not used a Diplomat Magnum, but the Pilot Explorer is a different animal completely - both in the hand and in cost. The Explorer is better than the Metro in my opinion.
@tbayless8324 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your answer. It's a guessing game, isn't it ? @@InkquiringMinds
@jacobus574 жыл бұрын
Those mixable inks are far and away the worst ink I've ever used. It feathered on everything, so I dumped four cartridges and refilled them for my parallels, and they now write beautifully. I'll look forward to hearing what your experience is!
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
I'll have to give them a shot. Perhaps once I've swapped the nib to an italic from a Plumix.
@ichirofakename4 жыл бұрын
Reminds me how much I like my Preppys.
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
The Preppy writes okay, I just don't like the white paint that chips off and the horrible cap.
@geomancer6371 Жыл бұрын
There are now Iroshizuku inks available with Pilot cartridges. They heard you. At least here in Asia...
@InkquiringMinds Жыл бұрын
I've seen that!
@gurtana2 жыл бұрын
Hello, great review! Does the CON-70 fit into the Plaisir OK? I watched your Plaisir review and that was great too - with excellent suggestions on how to interchange parts and inks, so wondering whether the CON-70 fits it well if the CON-40 is universally hated.
@InkquiringMinds2 жыл бұрын
The Con70 and Con40 converters are from Pilot and don’t fit Platinum pens.
@gurtana2 жыл бұрын
@@InkquiringMinds Oh I'm sorry - I am getting the "P"s - mixed up, Pilot, Platinum... 😓 Many apologies - and good to know!
@InkquiringMinds2 жыл бұрын
@@gurtana No worries!
@billclockwell2 ай бұрын
Pilot does sell iroshzuku cartridges, not in America I guess
@InkquiringMinds2 ай бұрын
They do now. But not when I made this video.
@March220124 жыл бұрын
I like the Plumix. It lends to an elegant hand. But I like finer nibs and lighter pens so this one may be ideal to throw in my bag. Thanks, Doug.
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
Thanks, J. Where did you get yours? Kensington?
@March220124 жыл бұрын
@@InkquiringMinds, yes.
@anitasamuel-george57884 жыл бұрын
My favourite cheap Pilot is the Kakuno! I have a bunch...love them...especially to use at work. I also love the 1.0 stub. I replaced all my Metropolitans with the CM nib from either Plumixes (found cheap on Amazon or Stylo.ca in Montreal sells the nib/feed separately).
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
Right on! I'm expecting a medium italic Plumix in the mail any day now and anxious to try the nib in my Explorer!
@anitasamuel-george57884 жыл бұрын
@@InkquiringMinds Super! 😊
@Dobj3194 жыл бұрын
I got one of these when they were first available. I had a Con-70 converter. I tried it and it wouldn’t stay in place in the section. I hope you have better luck.
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
It surprises me the tolerance differences, Darold! The Con70 should fit snugly inside any Pilot pen that accepts a Pilot cartridge (even if the barrel won't close on it). My Con70 won't stay in place on the section of my Metro but it does fine on the Explorer.
@Dobj3194 жыл бұрын
I bought another explorer- one with the squeeze converter. I tried the con-70 in it and it wouldn’t fit (too small). So maybe it is the converter. Nevertheless I tried something: I put a small strip of paper medical tape around the opening of the con-70 and now it fits. I suppose I’ll have to wait to see how long term this fix is.
@davidmcguigan54974 жыл бұрын
You have chosen well, grasshopper. Thanks, Doug! The Explorer looks nice enough, appears to be a kid/ student pen, which is fine. I am waiting for a pen that I am eager to measure against the lot of them. But, it is from China, sshhh. Another fun ride in your basement. Cheers!
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
Right on!
@bikerjon8934 Жыл бұрын
Japan(@5:55)
@beemrb4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Doug, good video
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
@mGARANDEUR14 жыл бұрын
My prera ivory color has a super quality nib. Even the american demonstrator versions at $50 have it. I’m not sure it indicates chinese manufacturing because you will see both nibs at different price points. They’re both good but i find the nib on my prera to be nicer with its “super quality” nib. Maybe it’s just normal variability though. What’s really frustrating is how inconsistent fountain pen nibs are in general. Everyone who uses fountain pens has got one with mis-aligned tines. By the way i love the quotes. It’s more interesting than everyones favorite lazy dog.
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
Oooh I want a Prera ivory! They look so small though. I might have to go to my pen shop and try one out posted. It if is good in my hand posted, then I'll get one. The difference in nibs is quality control. Any nib can be misaligned or need a little micromesh polish. Mass produced pens will not get that individual attention.
@amjadali-tv3si2 жыл бұрын
Highly impressed. For signature on documents what brand you suggest. By the way I have also purchases this today see how it will write.
@InkquiringMinds2 жыл бұрын
Pelikan M800!
@amjadali-tv3si2 жыл бұрын
@@InkquiringMinds Thanks dear 😘
@InkquiringMinds2 жыл бұрын
@@amjadali-tv3si you’re welcome sweetheart!
@amjadali-tv3si2 жыл бұрын
@@InkquiringMinds just ordered
@Raul1971xxx4 жыл бұрын
Saludos Dough, Greetings Dough. That Pilot explorer is a very good looking pen. ¿It have number 6 size nib?. 🇪🇸🇪🇸
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
No it is a #5 size identical to the Metro.
@Raul1971xxx4 жыл бұрын
@@InkquiringMinds Aha, good.. 👍
@thatfluffeebunneh4 жыл бұрын
I've only gotten into fountain pens for about a year now, and I agree that my Metropolitan is my least favourite pen. Too heavy, and I can't get over the horrible step-down. I much prefer the Kakuno which is a similar situation to the Explorer. Same nib, but with a cute plastic body and about $10 cheaper (looks cheap too IMO). That being said, I'll take my preppy over any of these Pilot pens. We'll see how these compare to my PENBBS 355 and 500, when they arrive...
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
The Platinum P's write better than the Pilots do in my opinion. It is unfair to compare the Penbbs 355/500 to the Metro/Explorer or the Platinum P's. They are in a different class.
@thatfluffeebunneh4 жыл бұрын
@@InkquiringMinds For sure! I'm expecting them to outperform my Twsbi Eco - which they already do in aesthetics
@luciuszha40574 жыл бұрын
It seems there’s some variation among “Pilot Super Quality Japan” nibs. My 78G Medium from 2012 writes like a western medium.
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
Interesting. I"m surprised at the variation. Not so surprised if they are indeed made in China. I would expect a Chinese made Pilot to have a bit less QC than one made in Japan.
@luciuszha40574 жыл бұрын
Douglas Rathbun I think it’s the difference between old and new. The tipping material is significantly bigger than that on the other Pilot steel nibs I have used.
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
Lucius Zha Interesting. I would think bigger tipping material would mean a thicker line.
@luciuszha40574 жыл бұрын
Douglas Rathbun And that’s what happened.
@luciuszha40574 жыл бұрын
Douglas Rathbun I should clarify that it is the old 78G that has a bigger tipping than the other Pilot steel nibs.
@koskey063 жыл бұрын
I like that ink.
@jamerelbe4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Doug, for sparing me the expense: This is another pen I'd considered trying (though I was a bit hesitant) - on the strength of your review, I think I'll pass!
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
Glad to help!
@calebkiller973 жыл бұрын
he said "does not", not "doesn't", so don't put that in quotations, quotations are for EXACT quotes. excellent review, subscribed.
@InkquiringMinds3 жыл бұрын
I'll speak to the powers that be at BrainyQuote.com! Thanks!
@meh89824 жыл бұрын
Ugh, looks like a disposable rollerball that should be sold in packs of 12. If it feels better than it looks, I guess that helps, but it's hard to take it seriously as a real pen. That Metro style packaging seems like overkill for this thing. I prefer the Kakuno - at least it isn't pretending to be better than it is, and it's a comfortable size and shape, and certainly less generic in appearance. The Plumix is good though for a cheap crappy pen. Funny-looking perhaps - I think it's meant to vaguely suggest a feather, and it is a calligraphy pen after all - but to me, it is comfortable in the hand and well-balanced. The Pluminix (a Plumix with a tiny tail) cursive italic F has a wonderful nib that can be switched onto other steel-nib Pilots (and has the identical section to the Plumix). But I like fine nibs. The tiny cap is the result of the unusual design of the section, which is not covered by the cap as in most fountain pens They are cheap pens and don't last forever, but the nibs are often very pleasant.
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
It DOES feel much better than it looks, although I like the way it looks. I'm going to get a Plumix to review and swap the italic nib to the Explorer. The extra weight of the Con70 makes a big difference as well.
@donseglio2 жыл бұрын
A Japanese Medium nib is like a Western Fine nib,
@InkquiringMinds2 жыл бұрын
Very much so.
@ArtistWizardry4 жыл бұрын
Ahh.. Fire and Ice is a beautiful ink.
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
Isn't it though! I have a full bottle of this stuff. It will go as fast as my Kon-Peki.
@jose8311174 жыл бұрын
Nice
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
Thanks
@archivist174 жыл бұрын
I love my Metropolitan/MR/Cocoon. Sure, it would be great if it would take the larger converter, but I can live with it. Explorer seems OK, but, as you say, boring. Oh - as for 'boring' inks *checks shelves* I have black, black, black, black, black, audacious red and Beautyberry (purple). Guess I'm boring, too ;)
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
Some blacks are more interesting than others. And what is the "beautyberry"? Have you tried Diamine Bilberry? It is a deep purple that dries almost black. Love it.
@archivist174 жыл бұрын
@@InkquiringMinds It's Pilot Iroshizuku Murasaki-Shikibu. Gorgeous deep purple. I've been meaning to investigate Diamine inks, so I'll have a go at that when my stocks of the Iroshizuku run out (which is soon).
@warblerab29552 жыл бұрын
To the reviewer: Japan nibs are different from American/European nibs. Usually a Japanese medium = American/European fine, and a Japanese fine = American/European extra fine.
@InkquiringMinds2 жыл бұрын
I am very aware of this thank you. That's why I show line widths using Richard Binder's line width chart showing the differences between Western and Japanese lines.
@warblerab29552 жыл бұрын
@@InkquiringMinds Okay then. Question: when you said the nib writes too thin for a medium, did you mean too thin for a a American/European medium or too thin for a Japanese medium?
@InkquiringMinds2 жыл бұрын
@@warblerab2955 A Japanese medium is supposed to be between 0.5 and 0.6mm and this is almost 0.5mm.
@warblerab29552 жыл бұрын
@@InkquiringMinds Okay.
@stargazer13594 жыл бұрын
Oh, good old Honest Abe.
@stargazer13594 жыл бұрын
Educating Rita, love this film...
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
As a university professor, I've watched this over and over again Stacy. I love when she runs across town like it is an emergency to tell her teacher that she "Get's it". Those moments of insight are beautiful to watch and happen so rarely in front of you.
@InkquiringMinds4 жыл бұрын
I think Abe would be shocked at the his party in 2020.
@stargazer13594 жыл бұрын
@@InkquiringMinds It's truly an excellent film and a favorite.... I can only imagine, that !must be a lovely thing to witness Doug. As for Abe, and the rest of our forefathers.... Well, .....
@stargazer13594 жыл бұрын
We live at nearly complete opposite ends of North America...A shame we live so far...I like shooting the breeze with you.