Platinum President Fountain Pen Unboxing and Review

[@gadgetstop321]

Doug, I loved your satirical rant...you nailed it! 😂 And congratulations on scoring a good deal on this beautiful pen.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks so much Kathy!

[@user-br3sl9go3b]

What about replica pens? Like the Yiren and Jinhao versions of the Lamy Safari, or any number of other examples? A-OK?

[@c.johnmason322]

I do LOVE your channel and always learn something from you. You've helped me in many ways to be a better fountain pen user, to understand them better, to repair them, and to enjoy them. And I completely agree with you when you rant, tongue in cheek, against those who have nothing better to do than denigrate clones. For it is true, there is nothing new under the sun. Keep up the good work Doug.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you so much, John!

[@fossilimprint2954]

So funny, even now I laughed so hard at your humor. :) Thank you for this, all this time my ignorant self thought that the Platinum President was the same size as the 3776. I am now a bit more educated.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you!🙏

[@geslinam9703]

Now that I’ve been using fountain pens a few years, have tried many brand, it’s Platinum that I like the most. Size and nibs just perfect for me. I have a President with a medium nib, the nib is just right, with a slight variation - just a little thicker on downstrokes. I have been wanting a President with a broad nib ( have a 3776B and it’s awesome) but they are getting much harder to find! I ordered one yesterday direct from Japan for $138, which is a great price. (I think I paid $220 a year ago from Cultpens for my President M) My new pen has already been shipped but not due to arrive till 4/18 - guess someone is going to walk it here??

[@timothymay9646]

This is the next pen I want, I'm just not certain what type of nib. Loved the review and your indignation over the styling, cloning, etc.

[@JuceePeachz67]

Oh my gosh!!! Love your tongue-in-cheek rant!!! As always, we got a history lesson along with the sarcasm. Loved your video, as usual!!!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davecharvella4854]

Excellent! Entertaining and informative as always! And, good timing for me ... inking up my 3776 for the first time, as part of November's rotation.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Very nice! Thank you, Dave!

[@yominrak7975]

I went through your playlist and was surprised you do not have a sailor xD. But you do have a lot of Pilots and Platinum videos. I went to a Japanese stationary store, and settled myself with Sailor Professional Gear, I spent about an hour trying Platinum President, 3776 century, Pilot Custom heritages and Sailor, finally I got the Sailor ProGear, the M nib is soft though not flexible and hence no line variation.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I do! I just received a Sailor 1911 Large for my birthday. Review will be up this Saturday morning.

[@oscarmedina1597]

Doug, you’ve quickly become my favorite Fpen reviewer. I enjoy PenBoyRoy and Figboot quite a bit, and SBrown a little. But your humor, sarcasm, aesthetics, and sensibility are closer to mine. (Which means you must be brilliant.)

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Oscar, my Brother from another Mother.

[@venkatachalaravi8414]

Hi Doug. Nice presentation of fountain 🖋️, Deep analysis and your knowledge on the pens are awesome. Good videos with in between funny videos...

[@InkquiringMinds]

Many thanks!

[@OdE-ObjectosdeEscrita]

Hi! I enjoyed the video and your talk on copies and fakes. I agree with you. This is a subject in which I'm very interested in and sometime soon I'll need to address in my videos. People go crazy about copies. If people looked more into the car industry they would see that to a much higher level. The function as well as the cultural aspect of it (the consumer's expectation) play a major role here. So, thanks. Useful and entertaining.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, OdE! Most anger and hatred comes from misinformation and ignorance.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

Nice discussion of one of my favorite pens! Mine is the red finish and the broad nib is a cursive italic. And I loved your discussion of knockoffs, even though MY Pilot 823 is a vacuum filler. I stirred up a hornet's nest on my channel just by mentioning that Figboot had an interesting video on the topic. So, of course, I'll be reading through your comments.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks Jason! That’s good to know. I was unaware there was a soft medium as it isn’t part of the test kit. I’ll have to put a 3776 back on my wish list!

[@WaskiSquirrel]

@@InkquiringMinds They're a little hard to find. So if you can't find one, let me know. I can temporarily hook you up!

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@WaskiSquirrel Thank you so much, Jason! :)

[@zenink2654]

Loved this video!!! You're killing it, Doug!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, J!

[@duc_le_photography]

Love the rant. I'm just coming back to fountain pens after a 20 year hiatus. Back in the day, there weren't Chinese pen makers so the whole anti-clone movement didn't exist. Seeing it now I, like you, find it ridiculous that people don't see how all these cigar shape pens are "influenced" by older pens. There's only so many ways you can design a cigar shaped pen (just like with a sedan). I love the Chinese pen makers, especially Asvine and Hongdian. It's great to see this hobby become more accessible. Btw,, I have the Platinum President in the Purple Passion color (Circa 2002). Great pen!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Awesome!!

[@SoulWatcher72]

Oh boy well I just went back to the future with this one. Watching on 11/19/22 This was a riot of a review. I haven’t had this much fun watching one, well, EVER! I just happened upon someone’s Platinum President’s review from 9 days ago. I felt compelled to watch. As I always do with fountain pen videos. And I’m glad I didn’t pass it up. I found out that they were discontinuing the President. I love fountain pens, but I don’t get all the memos. Problem because I don’t know where to join all the online fountain pens clubs. Otherwise I would have known about this sooner, I’m sure. Well I felt a rising panic. I began looking up where to purchase one. Funny enough I could only find them on EBay and Amazon. I wasn’t happy with that. But I had no choice. I went with Amazon. That way if there is a problem, they will correct it. I bought a black one in Ultra extra fine. I usually go with a medium that way I feel that I can always send it out to a nib meister to have something done with it. But I went with something different this time. I wasn’t happy. And I couldn’t get it out if my mind. I had really wanted the burgundy one as well. It just wouldn’t leave me alone. So I went back on Amazon and hunted down one. Now I have two Presidents on the way to me soon! This brings me joy. Considering I have not missed out on a pen that I have never had before and that is discontinued. My only gripe is that the nib is a nail. But I just couldn’t pass these up. What a deal. I paid $121 for the black one and $109 for the burgundy one out the door! I’m shocked that they aren’t going for way more honestly. But I have seen it go for a bit more then these. So, all in all, I think today is a good day. Cheers 11/19/22

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks so much! Yes, the President nib is a stiff one!

[@raclark52]

I love my President. I have a blue one which is available in Japan still but not in the US now. Great review, as usual. And I agree the nib is very stiff. But I do enjoy it.

[@InkquiringMinds]

The lack of bounce on this pen does not detract from its performance in the least!

[@tobymulder196]

As usual you out did yourself. Thoroughly enjoyed this. I agree with you on this ripoff craze going around. Owning a MB 146 and 149 and a President among others I have never been confused that one is like the other. They are totally different. So are the Chinese pens. Nobody ever complains that my cheap aspirin looks just like the Bayer or my generic drug performs the same as the name brand. Keep it up. Thanks again. I look forward to your reviews more than anyone’s.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, Toby!

[@robertschaeffer5861]

AWESOME comment..

[@user-br3sl9go3b]

Oh, yeah? There are dozens of presentations on line about knockoffs. Here's just one of them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3aoZHeqp6-fe6M .

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@user-br3sl9go3b Yeah, FAKES are a completely different kettle of fish. I have one in a Parker Sonnet.

[@user-br3sl9go3b]

@@InkquiringMinds Well, how about the next iteration: replica pens? Like the Yiren and Jinhao versions of the Lamy Safari? Or other numerous examples?

[@wwbdwwbd]

The Platinum President is a great pen. It seems Platinum has the best nib quality control of all the manufacturers. I don't recall hearing any complaints about their QC - that's saying a lot. All seven Platinum pens I own wrote perfectly out of the box. The only minor quibbles I have with the President is the occasional cross-threading when capping; also the inner cap liner doesn't seal perfectly so that ink evaporates quite a bit after a couple of weeks of disuse, but even then, the pen still writes first time every time, which is amazing and a testament to the feed design.

[@InkquiringMinds]

They probably have some of the best nib quality because they control it themselves as they make them in-house. And you are right. All the Platinum pens I have from the Preppy to the President write very well.

[@mellow-jello]

Jinhao X159 has enter into the convo. As a ink converter pen, its design cues mimic the Platinum President to a T, even more than the MB149.

[@InkquiringMinds]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKvHpHZ5m56bjZI

[@bunnyb3760]

You've got me into fountain pens and writing again. I had to write few lines a short while ago and realised that due to emails, Microsoft Word, texts, et al, I was losing the ability to write 'manually'. My writing didn't flow as it used to, partly perhaps because of my age. I'm 75 and haven't written regularly or at length for some years, in fact since I retired from my career in 1995. I used a fountain pen extensively at work, partly due to wanting my reports to look different from those written by others, partly because I enjoyed writing with a fountain pen. I fished out my three old Elysée fountain pens and cleaned them thoroughly, and filled them with some ink I had around, Herbin, and Mont Blanc. Unfortunately although they all write well, they leak, so I've treated myself to a Carène, on your recommendation. I have an old Diplomat that works perfectly after 25 years + of little use, so I'm buying a Diplomat Excellence A2 on the basis of my experience. It would be interesting to get your views on the Diplomat brand. Also on my list is Platinum President, on your recommendation. Keep up the entertaining reviews.

[@InkquiringMinds]

That’s awesome Mel! Thanks for sharing! I started journaling every night before bed to practice my cursive and remember what happened today! The Carene is an outstanding pen. I have it in its own special leather case.

[@therealjenso]

Loved the "satirical rant" about ripping off designs. I've been tempted to get this pen and you've just flamed the fire. My wife will not be happy. Thanks for sharing.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Go for it! But don't blame me! LOL

[@Adriel-ze6lw]

Now this, this is gold. I've always wanted to see a review on this. Thank you Sir Doug

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks Adriel!

[@aag24]

Lord Douglas, love love love love your videos. Not only funny and tremendously witty you never take yourself too seriously. You are undoubtedly my highlight of 2020. Thank you! There was another Singaporean/Hong Kong/Mainland Chinese chap who reviewed Chinese pens and said exactly as you do - the Chinese pens are just inspired by the other pens. It’s the same for other countries. Japan was considered a place for taking advantage of the relatively cheap labour not too many years ago. I do think Chinese manufacturers are getting better and more consistent. Nibs are way better too. Their “bent nibs” are just superb. The Platinum 3776 pens have a much wider range of nibs. You can get soft fine and fine, medium, coarse (ie broad), music, extra fine and ultra extra fine. They are worth trying just for that. They really aren’t too small. I have big hands and I don’t tire using them at all.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks! I'm also told the 3776 is available in a soft-medium. I'll have to check that out. Unfortunately, most people have limited memories or interest in recent history. It used to be that anything built in Japan was considered cheap. All of a sudden we started seeing Japan manufacturing the best electronics, cars, cameras and fountain pens. The same is now happening in China.

[@aag24]

@@InkquiringMinds quite so … I remember an ancient (no doubt racist relic of WW2) laboratory technician was very dismissive of Japanese products, and he had conniptions when we got a Korean “Lucky Goldstar” computer … (this was in the late 1990s, not that long ago).

[@zchen358]

I do enjoy Doug walking through the snow to the mailbox. all pen video needs more sceneries.

[@zchen358]

Also I just like to add, there is a previous generation of Platinum President from the 1950s and it looks very much like a famous Parker pen...so there's that too.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Good to know!

[@jorge23483]

Ohohohooo, Doug. How curious, I remember certain well known fountain youtuber talking about the same "copy/intellectual design" infringement issues... Yeah, that pen youtuber. But I found your review a refreshing and delightfully satirical answer to his video (just my opinion). 🤣 Thank you for the video Doug. That's a Platinum pen🖋️ I would like to write with🤩. Although, now I'm thinking (and saving) on a Sailor pro gear slim Yukitsubski😍. Nice video 😎. 👍

[@InkquiringMinds]

I don't know what you're talking about! 🤔😉

[@anniebus105]

That was fantastic! Loved the history of pen designs, and that you were able to great a good deal on the President. I'm so tickled you like the Platinum broad nib as well. I just adore mine. I also ordered a Platinum double-broad/coarse nib. Wow, that sucker provides for a very, very broad line...I wouldn't call it a double-broad, it's more like a triple-broad. It's fun to write with. Very much a signature type pen. I missed the pen body bag crinkles right into the microphone. I just LOVE that sound. Hehehehe! I must say I don't like politics. It's been a tough 3.5 years. It's so nice escaping that stuff and enjoying pen reviews.

[@InkquiringMinds]

You'll have a paintbrush next Annie!

[@Mattw1987]

Received my 2nd president president in medium after my fine nib today love the pen, writes so well and goes well with my pilot 743, love the rant about pens copying other pens that gets some people in a big old fit ha.

[@InkquiringMinds]

It is a perfect size and a very unique nib.

[@samyg123]

It is incredible how many pens share this design (and their price range). Careful disassembling the wing sung 699 piston filler. I followed What I Ink's directions and ended up cracking the barrel

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for that tip Sam! When and if I get it, I'll keep it in mind.

[@zarkon4372]

I loved sarcasm about copy vs inspired by pens. Great review.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks Zarko.

[@greyareaRK1]

Excellent editorial; very enjoyable. I would have liked to see the Jinhao 159 included as well.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yeah, I thought about it John. But although the Jinhao 159 might visually look like a MB 149, it is so far removed from the Platinum President as to be ridiculous. And once you've held the heavy 159 in your hand, any comparison with the MB is also ridiculous. I love my 159s though. :)

[@greyareaRK1]

@@InkquiringMinds I disagree. I prefer the weight of the 159 over the Meisterstuck, and my admittedly self-modified nib is both smoother and bouncier. I find it odd that brass pens play second fiddle to plastics, especially of the injected moulded variety. I would prefer a piston-filler, of course, but then the President doesn't come with that either.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@greyareaRK1 No I wasn't knocking the weight of the 159, just saying it makes the 159 totally different than the 149. I have a Zebra G in one of my 159s and use the other to experiment with #6 nib grinds.

[@misswoodhouse5720]

Hi Douglas, I totally agree. I think there is only so companies can do with a pen shape and look, and it so happens to be the cigar shape in black is very popular. If the Chinese make some pens in black with a classic gold band people say they are copies or rip-offs but when a large company does it and charges premium prices they celebrate the pens. Anyways, back to the pen at hand, great video Doug, I most enjoy your videos :) chels

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks Chels!

[@misswoodhouse5720]

@@InkquiringMinds Your welcome, I enjoyed your exploration into the black cigar pens. I have a sailor 1911 standard in black with 14k EF nib its like fine needle that doesn't tear the paper up haha. After the Monteverde monza video I found my Monza in box unused maybe I should get the Jinhao instead haha. :)

[@ronaldjensen8451]

My 3776 has a soft-fine nib that is wonderfully bouncy at 14K. Clever review again!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes, the soft fine is the only one in the line that has some bounce, but it is way too thin for me.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

@@InkquiringMinds They do have a soft-medium nib.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@WaskiSquirrel Thanks, Jason! I didn't know that. I'll have to look into a 3776 again. The Soft Medium was not part of the test kit.

[@johntoledo4438]

In this endless debate what we fail to see is that there is a simple solution to all of this. We need to evolve beyond the hand. Really, if it weren't for the limitation imposed by those pesky fingers and palm I'm sure someone would come up with something novel. Great video!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thought writing! What a great idea! I could get Rich along with inventing something I’ll call thought check instead of spellcheck.

[@Braynstorm]

I'm waiting to evolve that third prehensile tentacle so that I can write with multiple pens at the same time

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@Braynstorm LOL!

[@guillermocruz2169]

loved the outrage hahaha. I am here taking notes with a jinhao 992 which has a similar shape.

[@graham8932]

That is a lucid, intelligent, well-thought out review......so, I've bought one! It arrives next week! You'd betta be right though Dougie, 'cos I just burned my Montblanc 149 as a protest at its exorbitant price.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Hehe... I thought you were then going to say "Overruled!" (My Cousin Vinny). NVM. You should have shipped the MB to me in protest! LOL I'm glad you got a President. It is an AWESOME pen for the price!

[@graham8932]

@@InkquiringMinds Superb film! Marisa Tomei completely deserved the oscar

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@graham8932 Absolutely! "Now I aks ya. Would you give a f*** what the sonofab*tch that shot ya was wearin'?" kzbin.info/www/bejne/epKaeIavYpuggLs

[@graham8932]

@@InkquiringMinds You're leaning on an open door here! Please come to York (the old one), share some wine and let's discuss this thing properly

[@Braynstorm]

Once again, you absolutely nail it. To me, the reason why people give Sailor a pass on their criticism is because their pens are expensive. I recently came into a 3776 and a Sailor Pro Gear on the cheap and they're basically the same pen. Not to say that I don't love writing with them, but there's something about a company selling a $200 14k nib holder that suddenly changes everybody's tune. Maybe that's just it, though. Maybe the offering of an expensive pen signals to the elite collectors that the company is now a serious company worth looking into instead of just clucking and looking down on them?

[@InkquiringMinds]

I think you’re right Mark. As long as it’s a $300 pen, it isn’t a rip off!

[@archivist17]

@@InkquiringMinds Perhaps the Chinese manufacturers should review their prices. Adding a coupla hundred dollars each should get them away from accusations.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I’m collecting PenBBS as fast as I can!

[@yuklimka7251]

I've recently had a chat with Taiwanese nibmeister Tommy Zheng about the 3776 during a pen club meetup. According to him people either hate it, chuck it in the bin and never touch another one or they're ardent fans and collectors. I'm in the first group for the contemporary ones. I got one in black with a SF, and it just couldn't handle my writing angle. Tommy has since done some smoothing out, but I'd like the pen a bit wetter to tick all my boxes. The old style, however, not only perform better for me, but are also slimmer which makes them a better fit ergonomically. So, it's interesting to see how the different versions of a pen find their intended users. And the rant was funny! I'll re-watch this video just for that. Thanks, Doug.

[@InkquiringMinds]

That is the one thing about the 3776; there are SO many variations available. The President is much more limited in variation.

[@yuklimka7251]

@@InkquiringMinds And matchy-matchy people like me who like the look, but prefer mini fude nibs, grab up the Natami Flight of Time pens.

[@frankbruno7122]

Loved it Doug.. you are doing very nice work and helping people sort through the Choices.. I want to love a 3776.. I'm not sure why I don't.. I think it is simply a centimeter or two short.. I prefer the design of the President.. I also loved the rant.. hey, when did the Aurora 88 come on the scene in terms of copying design and adding nuance! Well done Doug! Frank from Boulder, Colorado, usUS

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, Frank!

[@dimhelmet]

Great review as always! But the Pilot 823 is a vacuum filler, so your current Wing Sung 699 is already a knockoff. I have two of them (699s, not 823s) and they're okay.

[@InkquiringMinds]

You’re right of course. I’m so confused in my rage!

[@dimhelmet]

@@InkquiringMinds 😂

[@WhatIInk]

Great video as always. We seem to be on similar wavelengths, wait until you see my video for next Friday! Except my President is coarse. (Both the pen, and, well, you know...). PS, The Pilot 823 *is* a vac-filler.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yeah I realize my mistake. I'm outraged! ;)

[@TweakMDS]

Nice video Doug, I can see quite a bit more work than normal went into this! As a frequent commenter, I would hesitate to advise you to spend even the little bit ($20?) on the Wing Sung 699 piston, if you already have the vac filler... I bought it, because in every day writing, I find a piston more practical than a vacuum filler. It's not a bad pen, but has some flaws... For one, it's a bit on the light side. It lacks the sense of weight that the vacuum filler rod gives you. The plastic feels cheap-ish, and kind of tends to stick to itself when capping or posting. I got a version with a medium nib, which writes OK-ish on uncoated paper, but has baby's bottom which tends to cause a lot of skipping on Clairefontaine or Rhodia paper. Perhaps a fine nib would be better here. I tried to replace it, but the wing sung nib is shorter, so I couldn't comfortably fit a Jowo nib in it. Maybe I'll try to replace it with a PenBBS nib, which is also on the shorter side. I do have the brown version, which pairs nicely with what has become my favorite ink category. Otherwise I'd say it's the same pen as the vac filler version. Compare this with a Moonman T1 for the same price (completely different pen of course): This does the same thing functionally, it wins in every aspect apart from looks, and fits Jowo #6 nibs without problems.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I'm not overly impressed with my 699 vacuum filler's nib and other #6 nibs don't fit well in replacement. I might get the piston filler as a mate for it and it would make a nice video comparison.

[@Galois1683]

@@InkquiringMinds is this pen better than the wingsung 628?

[@Galois1683]

Can you post the link to buy this pen?

[@robertreid7221]

A very clever person once said that "there is nothing new under the sun" ! which is obviously the case with fountain pens, but wow, what a pen the Platinum President is, you lucky fellow ! A word of warning though, Ixnay with outragenay its not good for your blood pressure! Great vid as always Doug ✌❤

[@InkquiringMinds]

ankyuTHay!

[@ThePengineer]

Loved the rant! I always felt the sailors, pilots, and platinums were expensive clones of the MB. That being said, I picked up a couple sailors recently and LOVE them. Dare I say more than my MB 144? Have been wanting a Platinum President now too. I love the look of the nib and the clip. More so than pilots take on them. either way I dont think you'd be disappointed with any of them. The chinese ones on the other hand? no thanks.....

[@FrancoisTHX]

I don't blame those who would say Wing Sung pens belong in the bin. Platinum, Pilot and Sailor actually produce - and want to - quality pens ; I have yet to find a chinese made fountain pen that did not have horrible threads or threads cursed by the crossthreading plague, or had a snap cap mechanism that did not make me fear of the (often white) cheap soft plastic inner cap cracking. Then there is the infamous quality of chinese metals.... I firmly believe that you can convince people that a copycat design is an homage if the product is qualitative ; that might be because the idea of "stealing" a design that is a somewhat grave offense in western cultures, can be overshadowed by the appreciation of quality and the respect a quality product (or luxury product) warrants. (Even though Platinum pens trims have absolutely horrid gold plating that could almost wear out just by watching them sit on the desk too much, the brand seems to have an aura around them that was gained - and very well deserved - by being excellent in other regards, and by so putting weight on the side of the scale that makes most people say "homage" instead of "ripoff".)

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you for your opinion. I think it is too much of a broad generalization however.

[@donnapartl4448]

I Might have to see what bargains come my way on fountain pen day...I might get the platinum President in B also! I do shop at cultpens too, can’t believe the low prices on diamine inks.

[@InkquiringMinds]

It is fascinating how different vendors have great prices on some models and not on others.

[@raypra2]

Great video. May the copy tradition never stop. If it ever stopped we would have pens, well we would have pens shaped differently. Wait that would mean we would have paper cut to different sizes. I blame it on Xerox, its a conspiracy I tell you... No wait it goes further than that. I blame it on cookie cutters... If great great great grandma had not wanted to make cookies all the... oh wait maybe it was biscuits. If she had not wanted to fit just the right number of round biscuits in a square/rectangular pan then....

[@InkquiringMinds]

reductio ad absurdum

[@ichirofakename]

Pretty, with a pretty gold nib. But I'm gonna stick with my Pilot Petit1.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Small pen! I like my Pilot e95s because it is a small pocket pen but becomes full size when posted.

[@edisontrent5244]

Where does the Pelikan 120 fit in the cigar shaped copy chain?

[@InkquiringMinds]

I think it is way too small to be in the ballpark.

[@edisontrent5244]

@@InkquiringMinds True.

[@edwardwiper1323]

Excellent as usual Doug you had me in stitches with the copycat section in fact you lost me at one point😂.I`ve been useing the President 2weeks now & i dont want the ink to run out as i will have to clean it & give it a rest for a while.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks Ed. Enjoy your president!

[@coachperry6123]

Professor Doug you seem to have missed my Jinhao 159 surely you mock me (I do love it, the size and weight are most comfortable). I do not remember the comedian but he does a bit about fonts that should exist and he declares the need for "Sarcastica" I know it would be my choice and suspect it would also be yours. And thank you for getting back to basic black my head was spinning with colour. Enjoy fwinter, I arose this morning to 4 inches of snow on my van here in Aurora. 1 Million Dollars......

[@InkquiringMinds]

Hey, Coach! Yeah, the Jinhao 159 might look visually like a MB 149 but it is such a stretch when you held the boat anchor in your hand. I've owned four of them and given one as a gift. They are cheap enough to throw out when the cap cross threads and just get another.

[@davidmcguigan5497]

Lol! Thanks for the latest installment of "When fountain pen nerds attack." I enjoy the way you describe the parts of a pen, say what you like and don't like and provide a writing sample....wait a tic...Enjoy your President.

[@InkquiringMinds]

You accuse me? How dare you, Sir! LOL

[@davidmcguigan5497]

@@InkquiringMinds Wonder who was first? I think SBRE has reviews from 8 or 9 years ago.

[@vincentguida1125]

why do you say that no duties are paid with applebom. I just purchased a Opus Bella and I was charged duties through UPS

[@InkquiringMinds]

It was a mistake. I had forgotten that I had prepaid the duty before it arrived.

[@Detman101]

Doug...I take it back...I do not want to be adopted to Canada. Snow in october is waaaaay too early for me lol.

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL! It is a lovely day today here though!

[@mlkrborn]

Thnx

[@w.j.m.91]

The rant about design copying is priceless. And this vile activity of copying the "cigar-shaped" design made almost a full circle a few years ago, when a US based brand stamped their logo on a Jinhao pen and sold it as their own model.

[@InkquiringMinds]

And Parker is releasing a reissue Parker 51 next month that is their brand on a Jinhao 85

[@w.j.m.91]

​@@InkquiringMinds Parker is a sad, sad brand, isn't it? They created some of the most iconic designs in fountain pen history, like Vacumatic, Duofold, 51 etc. Nowaydays they became a source of designs to be copied by Chinese manufacturers, who make pens as useful as the originals but way less overpriced. The community of fountain pen enthusiasts 10 or 20 years ago was rather prejudiced against the Chinese copies, but nowadays many of us are more interested in the Chinese copies than actual Parkers. The only exception to that is I believe the Duofold, which still remains very popular and well respected, I suppose at least partially because of it's historical roots and nostalgia. It's just a timeless classic, like Pelikan 400 or MB 146. So Parker decides to make a comeback with another timeless classic - the 51.... and the Chinese release their version of the new 51 first. Is it known where the new 51 is being manufactured? Because it's well known that Parker makes some of it's models in China, and I distinctly remember that one of the first ads I've seen of the new 51 was, in fact, in Chinese...

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@w.j.m.91 I have no proof but I’m convinced the new Parker 51 is already on the market as the Jinhao 85. I’ll have a review of it soon. Parker has also announced a reissue Duofold for the 100th anniversary. I wonder if they will call it the “re-centennial “ and if it too will be made in China.

[@w.j.m.91]

@@InkquiringMinds I have a 85, it's a fine pen but I wouldn't like to pay $100 for it... We'll see how the new 51 will compare to it.

[@tomshult3044]

I did enjoy the rant.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, tom! So did I!

[@ExiledExia]

great review!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stargazer1359]

The pen is great, but I am also tickled that some folks here have followed in my early footsteps and call you.......Sir Doug. 🤓😀😸🖋😉

[@InkquiringMinds]

Copy Cats!!! Burn them!

[@stargazer1359]

@@InkquiringMinds Agreed! Sir Doug (Douglas) of Canada. 🇨🇦

[@JoelTurrell]

Great fun !

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Joel. Great fun was derived in the making.

[@MukeshGupta-mk4bh]

Awesome...

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks 🤗

[@andrewanddewi966]

Thanks for the refreshing rant Douglas. You may wish to extend your rant back to 1915. Daniel Kirchheimer' makes a case for the Balance design having been "borrowed" from a much earlier pen. (Yes!) The Houston Pen Co.’s 1915 “Balanced Pen” appears to have served as the template for Sheaffer’s flat-capped J74TR, the immediate Sheaffer Balance model predecessor. danielkirchheimercom.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/origin-of-the-sheaffer-balance.pdf

[@InkquiringMinds]

About a year ago I did a research piece on the history of the Duofold and the Balance and it is really fascinating how both Parker and Sheaffer borrowed heavily from earlier forms.

[@davidmathews2124]

I regret that you totally missed the boat this time around. And it was so shockingly obvious. The “real” rip off within your video was the Akkerman ink! That same color (blue) has been used by many other (well, actually almost every other) ink manufacturer in the world. I’m quite disturbed by your suspicious reluctance to point out this obvious rip off. Be that as it may, I quite enjoy my black/silver (medium) and burgundy/gold (fine) Presidents. They’re excellent writers in every regard. Actually, so are the various Century 3776’s I use. And the ink never dries out in their special sealed cap. Good stuff. 😉

[@ayannawilliams2068]

So, who was the first youtuber to review pens, go over the parts of the pen, do a size comparison, say what they like and don't like about the pen, and do a writing sample? Because, anyone else is just a ripoff channel if they copy that formula, even if they change the wording a bit or move the steps around a little. Yes, joking mostly, but if someone is really going to get mad about ripping something off, they should be sure they are totally original.

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL. Yup. But project David back to where his style evolved and you'll find other reviewers like Matt Armstrong. And David freely admits that. This is not intellectual property. And you are missing my point because I was being sarcastic. I don't believe those pens are rip offs of the previous designs. I believe they are variations of designs that have evolved from earlier forms.

[@ayannawilliams2068]

@@InkquiringMinds I agree with the thought that they are not ripoff pens. To me a ripoff would be a lAmy brand, or Platinuum, anything that is trying to sell as if they ARE the other brands.

[@MrAndrew1953]

There is more Irony in this video than a Harley Davidson 883 Irony made out of chocolate!

[@InkquiringMinds]

I'd buy that for a dollar!

[@jamesjacocks6221]

Great video Douglas. Duty! For Pete's sake! You are always entertaining and I watch your vids as much for that as for the pen reviews but when you said "there's something about the President that morally offends me" I instantly knew that we shared strong values. Cheers!

[@InkquiringMinds]

I appreciate that! Thanks, James! (my middle name)

[@xerxiusmaximus]

Doug, Doug... you are a card!!! LOL! I SO ENJOYED YOUR "RIP-OFF" SPOOF, I know of whom you were MOCKING!!!! I so love your intellectual candor... and of whom you are poking fun... shame, shame, shame... lol!!!! Stop it, stop itc😀🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robertschaeffer5861]

After a very decisive history in a very competent review it's most embarrassing to comment in electric ink. No minor matter for your detailed review.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, Robert!

[@edisontrent5244]

The lack of slip n seal cap is a bit confusing.

[@InkquiringMinds]

It is an interesting choice since the Slip 'n Seal seems to be quite the winner for Platinum

[@edisontrent5244]

@@InkquiringMinds It is definately a brand differentiator, which actually does work -Wasaki squirrel was brave enough and had enough 3776s to do a comprehensive test. I think the only other to offer a similiar cap is Wancher / Fine Writing International - but it has much cruder operation.

[@edisontrent5244]

Really the Sailor Realo would be more of a knock off since it is a piston filler.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I was mistaken (not the first time or the last) and the Pilot 823 IS a vacuum filler of course.

[@RBartsy]

That lineage is darn near Biblical in proportion and certainly divine by design. Skipping over the 3776 to go directly to the president-aptly fitting tribute for the fini of the worst presidency, ever.

[@InkquiringMinds]

It was just good timing that the Platinum President arrived and my review went up right around the election. :)

[@archivist17]

Sir Douglas Rantburn!

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL

[@grabkor]

Hahahahaha! Lov U Doug! 😂

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, Karol!

[@vageli]

The hilarious copycat rant is vaudeville sharp. Thank you Sir Doug, the Muse is strong with You!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you sir!

[@richardc6932]

The sad thing is if the buyer starts thinking he or she has a pen equal to the original. I am still aiming for a 149 ( NO knockoffs thank you). Just can’t see the sense in the overinflated price. I do like the looks of this Platinum though.👍🇨🇦 Shocking Blauw is my favourite ink

[@InkquiringMinds]

Not to mention the fact that there’s a big bold platinum president label right on the pen. I’m thinking of painting a snowflake on the end of this pen. Talk about self delusion!

[@richardc6932]

@@InkquiringMinds Hey Doug, thanks for the idea. 🧠👍 I think I’ll just buy another 1911L 🖋 and do the ❄️ . It will probably “flake off” unlike the real McCoy! 😂🤓 But there again it’s a third of the price.

[@williamcrane1]

Pilot Custom 823 is a vacuum filler; other than that, great review and always entertaining. Now where’s the guitar review?

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL! The one guitar video I made has only 200 views in the month since I posted it. So, the guitars are going to remain on the wall and in the odd intro. :)

[@Thesmpc]

3:43 Ghosts!!!

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL Just glare from my lights.

[@Thesmpc]

@@InkquiringMinds I meant the book in the back lol

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@Thesmpc LOL. Oh! It just fell over that's all.

[@thepenfeed.6753]

the rip off rant was too hard to follow, i will be reevaluating this video and taking detailed notes so i too can file complanets about a bunch of well known complanies ripping off Shafer.

[@amandajstar]

'the pen in its condom' : heh heh : )

[@InkquiringMinds]

Safe penning!

[@Detman101]

Woooow...familiar and overdone design notwithstanding, that nib is beautiful! I'm really not certain why the cigar shape is so widely loved by the pen community. There are soooo many other choices for shape design using just a minute amount of imagination...pure laziness by all the pen companies? Or simply marketing to the lazy public?

[@InkquiringMinds]

Good question!

[@k.manikantantirumulpad4865]

Sir, Japanese pens are more authentic compared to the Chinese pen. Most Chinese pen are rip-offs of pens from other countries. Funny part is that they sell it to the same country from where it is copied 😁😁. Even though, most of the time they're inferior in quality compared to the original, they give tough competition in the market. But, unfortunately many small pen companies loose their market and close.☹️ Its just my opinion from my study and views, Others may vary.. I still have great respect for few authentic Chinese manufacturers.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I’d say that that PenBBS rivals some of the big western names Of fountain pens.

[@amyr.862]

Oh man, I think I watched the video this parody is based on. Some if it at least, based on the little red bar in my history. I figure if that's all a person has to worry about they're doing pretty good. Pen drama, sweet Jesus. Someone's got to be the gatekeeper, I guess. Just don't let it get to Star Wars fan/whiny gamer dude level.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I'm a Star Trek (TOS) fan myself. Star Wars, not so much.

[@amyr.862]

I'm a weirdo and like both but I'm not rabid to the point where I'll tell someone how to make their movie. Fan clubs can spoil a perfectly good hobby sometimes.

[@nickelazoyellow7360]

Anybody rich maybe (your quote.) 3 days.

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL