Top 5 Pens of December 2023, Tom's Franken-pen - The Write Stuff ep. 22

[@PalashBackup]

My question: Is it possible to obtain the supplies for basic tuning and repairs of one's own pen? And is there a chance the Goldspot will be selling spare parts?

[@paulmchugh1430]

I like your frankenpen a lot, Tom. I think that I have to ask a question that I had not considered previously. I know that Goldspot delays with new products,but is there a pen that you wish you could have that is not being produced or one that you wish that could be produced?

[@matthewscott3689]

Your frankenpen idea is awesome! I'd love to get the Lamy 2000 is a makrolon demonstrator model with maybe upgraded metal interior components. Since we know what pen you'd like to build, what about your perfect ink? If you could make your perfect ink (color, properties, and bottle design), what would you make? Is there already an ink you think is perfect? Hope you have a Happy New Year!

[@nixternal]

Which fountain pen & ink combo would be your go to "front pocket of the jeans pen"? And how about a matching notebook for said pen & ink that would fit nicely in that front pocket. Thanks & Happy New Year!

[@vandelsoproductions]

Nice selection! I too wish Pelikans were more easily accessible to everyone. My question is about ergonomics and hand fatigue. What would be your suggestion for the best pen when it comes to ergonomic design? - Vesta

[@kavanpreetsingh2743]

Hi Tom. Hope this channel gets to 100k soon. My question is do you recommend flex nibs for lefties?

[@lifeinspiresdesign]

I am looking to save up and purchase some really nice pens next year. What are your recommendations for addressing FOMO at every new pen release?

[@organfinatic04]

My employer has asked that I start using more of a permanent ink for paperwork. So my two part question is, what is the difference between document vs permanent inks? Also, how hard is it to clean out one of these inks? Thank you for taking the time to make these videos, and for answering my questions.

[@allmight3412]

If your favorite fountain pen could tell stories, what do you think would be its most memorable adventure?

[@alonsoteran3264]

As always, great vid!! My question, what would be your go to pen for a kid that has a safe age to use a fountain pen, and how would you encourage his love for writing instruments to keep him close to books and handwriting and a bit away from screens? Would love to here from you!

[@acbaarstad]

Question: could you do a comparison of the similarities and differences between the pilot pens (such as the custom 74, custom 743, custom 823, custom 845, custom 912, and custom heritage)?

[@davidbusse8900]

If you prefer a wet writer are you more likely to get it or be able to more easily adjust the nib if the pen has an ebonite feed?

[@DougYerger]

That's for the wrap-up. I always enjoy your videos. My question concerns inks and nib sizes. What would you consider the effective smallest size nib to use for a sheening and a shimmering ink? Considerations in my head include ink flow/blockages and flow deposit rate in order for the effects to be visible. Thanks

[@GoldspotPens]

I'd say a medium is the smallest I'd go.

[@janewilliamson]

Hi Tom. Thank you for putting together all of your very informative videos. I'm loving each one. My question is about inks - mainly shimmer and sheen inks. What is the best way to clean fountain pens after using such inks. I've had a lot of trouble getting the shimmer inks (Diamine, Ferris Wheel Press, etc) to come completely out of the feed of a couple of my pens and now do not want to put those beautiful inks in my higher value pens which bums me out as I'd like to!! Thank you so much for any advise.

[@GoldspotPens]

Most welcome! It's my pleasure to entertain and inform. I did share my thoughts on using shimmer inks safely in a previous episode you can find here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHObo5yPpaqCY6M

[@retro51fan]

I love my new Retro 51 ‘Tis the Season’ Tornado rollerball! Thank you for choosing such a beautiful material for it 😊My question of the week is: how do you store your fountain pens at home and/or at the office?

[@lifeinspiresdesign]

What pens would you recommend for someone who was new to the pen hobby, and now wants to upgrade their collection?

[@Alliejay-C]

Great video! What fountain pen goals/resolutions do you have for the new year?

[@heartoflyn]

Happy New Year! I’m newish to the fountain pen world and I’m ready to branch out and try a flex nib. Would you recommend a vintage pen/nib over a modern one? Thanks!

[@alexandrapirvu7945]

Great video, Tom! I loved your Frankenpen idea! What inks would you match it with? Btw, which were your favourite inks of 2023?? Many new launches this year 🎉

[@baltrade5637]

Fountain pens are here to stay according to me. 😊❤

[@wlbrockman]

First question: what rhymes with "orange?" Now for something you can answer: Since our tastes in pens appear to me to be similar, what are your 10 favorite inks & why? Thanks & happy new year.

[@angelomicciulla]

Great episode. Speaking of frankenpens, what would be your ideal nib, if you could design one yourself? Color(s), logo, tipping, flex, etc.

[@seaner64]

The new ebonite body Kaweco Sport surprised me. What other new material would make an interesting pen body? Maybe something that shapes to the owner's hand over time?

[@joebaker5421]

First, my question. Amongst Goldspot Pens employees, what is the statistics on favorite nib size? With that, what is their most desired nib characteristic, such as smoothness, feedback, singing, etc? Second, my Frankenpen. Craftsmanship and body build material of a Nakaya; a modern constructed 18k broad nib with all the characteristics of an old German luxury pen (two tone nib, naturally); for a twist, styled like a Waterman Carene only about 5-10% larger complete with the inlaid nib; for color/look, as close to the amber Carene you could do with Urusei. Basically a French designed pen made in a Japanese way with a classic German writing experience.

[@TimmerH]

question: why are vintage flex nibs so difficult to manufacture these days that only a precious few manufacturers offer them? Is Magna Carta using a different metal alloy and/or shaping them differently?

[@Yeseer_metropolitan]

What is your favorite Nib material choice? The majority of my collection has been Stainless steel nib and I just got my first gold nib pen and I'm in love with it and may want to expand my collection and get more gold nib

[@GoldspotPens]

Gold is definitely my favorite, but there are plenty of steel nibs that I enjoy writing with as well.

[@filipverbeke7468]

Hi Tom, ik you could only choose and use one pen and one ink from the current goldspot inventory, which ones would it be and why?

[@oscarmedina1597]

Wow, you came up with a great idea for a Franken-pen.

[@marionevarez1540]

What are your thoughts on offering long blade nibs?

[@evanbasnaw]

For the Mag 600 (and other flex pens) what's the best line of ink to get the full performance out of the box?

[@elizchan1]

I would like to know since you do write with most pens, what does your hand and mind feel of using the magna carta 600 flex nib compare to ikkaku "crossflex" from Ragalia writing lab made by Reyes nibmaster? What are your thoughts? Thank you!

[@NotesFromPastAmy]

Happy New Year! 🎉 I received my first gold nibbed pen for Christmas and am surprised to say that it seems dry. What can I do to make it write wetter without damaging my beautiful new gift?

[@judyjacobs5827]

Your Dream Pen construction looks wonderful, Tom. At today's pen club meeting, after which I penabled the guy at the eyeglass makers, there was discussion about favorite pens that have been discontinued. What would it take for a re-introduction of, say, the Faber-Castell Loom, with its fun design and that great nib? Why don't pen makers use ebonite feeds nowadays? Plastic is usually less conductive to many inks, can't be heat-set, and the channels are difficult to modify. Even expensive, "high-end" pens are usually equipped with cheap molded plastic.

[@inuaxzm]

I recently got into fountain pens this and have been looking for more resources to learn about fountain pens so I'm glad I've just encountered your channel! So over this year I've been collecting many pens ranging from pretty much only TWSBI ecos, Steel Pilots and 2 LAMY safaris . I even picked up a Pilot CH92 F and Falcon SEF which I've fallen in love with! But I find most of these pens are pens I've picked up, I chose because they were reliable pretty universal pens. I'm looking to spice my collection up for the coming year and was wondering what are some wild pens that I could add to my collection? Pens that would spice up my writing experience, maybe class up my collection or make my collection more awe inspiring when people look at the collection even if they do have knowledge of fountain pens?

[@GoldspotPens]

I think a lovely acrylic Leonardo or a bright and shimmery Benu will be in your feature. They both have awe inspiring visual appeal with ample writing ability to boot.

[@jozefcibulka9437]

Hello, please, i have off topic question...can i fit TWSBI cartridge into Kaweco Sport ? I would like to order them to my Kaweco but i am not sure if they would fit...thank you for advice ! :)

[@dr.d723]

As we go into 2024, what would you change about how your journaling habit? Or, would you change anything? What would you recommend? Please include pen, ink, paper, where you might like to journal, etc. - the basic what, where, how and why?

[@bryanmarsh9886]

What pen, ink, and paper trends do you expect to see in 2024? More collaborations? More sheen, shimmer, or other ink effects? Etc.

[@lflines]

Which pen company would you most want to do the next exclusive Goldspot collab with?

[@CatherineC.2123]

Will any manufacturer start making #8 size stub nibs? I would certainly purchase a few.

[@joshuarice85]

Hi Tom. Thanks for the recap and all of the top 5 videos for this year. My question is what American made, US Fountain pen company has the greatest following outside of the United States? I just purchased the Conklin All American Matte Black and I didn’t realize that while they are an American Fountain Pen brand, the pens aren’t necessarily made in the US. I still love the pen, but would love to know more about US made fountain pen companies. Thanks and have a great New Year!

[@GoldspotPens]

Right now, I would consider Franklin-Christoph, Edison Pens, Schon DSGN, and Fisher Space Pens companies that truly make their pens in the USA. There are plenty of independent pen makers and individual pen turners who would also qualify as well. I am not sure who would have the greatest following outside of the USA.

[@Gojenjen84]

If you could bring back any fountain pen from any company with any nib what would it be? For me the Pilot MYU would be it!!

[@tamramyers5841]

Recently, I made the mistake of leaving my vanishing point in reach of a 5th grader, and ended up with what appears to be a reverse fude nib ( I am considering it a learning experience and waiting for a nibmeister to come back to town to get it fixed). My question is--- what "I can't believe this happened to my pen" story are you willing to share?

[@GoldspotPens]

Fortunately, I don't have a traumatic story about my pens. I'm sorry to read about yours. Thank goodness for nib meisters!

[@DemonZapan]

What is your opinion to custom ground nibs and what is the easiest way to get a nib ground if there are no nib smiths available in the country…

[@fionaleung7924]

I agree with comment regarding Pelikan’s pricing. I’m happy with the M605 green stripe that I picked up sometime ago. The question that I have for Tom are what are your all time favorite inks?

[@GoldspotPens]

I share my top 5 favorite inks of all time (as of 2023) here - goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/top-5-fountain-pen-inks

[@Emperor-Titus70AD]

You say tomato and I say Tom Otto. Are there any risks to leaving filled fountain pen in car during winter overnight? Wondering if ink could freeze and cause damage. Thanks

[@loukios]

Thank you Tom! Here’s my question: My New Year’s resolution is to penable a friend. What are 3 things that you would tell them about concerning fountain pens? Staying inky!

[@johnnywalkerblc]

For Givaway:- Why do most modern pen companies shy away from making flexible nibs for their fountain pens. I use a dip pen but need a pen that would perform like a dip pen.. I gather the magna carter 600 will do the trick. Thank for the opportunity to own one.

[@donnapartl4448]

what is your suggestion for an ink that has the best flow?

[@jodij.8074]

Is there a way to tell if a nib has a special grind on it just by looking? For example, do the nibmeisters leave a signature mark on their speciality nibs?

[@GoldspotPens]

Generally, they don't. However, the new Esterbrook specialty grind nibs are now laser engraved with a logo from the nib meister that worked on the nib.

[@idipbananasintocoffee]

Question: if you fight a witch and lose and get cursed to have to cull your collection to only one fountain pen forever, which one would it be? You can’t obtain any other pen ever and it has to be one of those you already have.

[@GoldspotPens]

I cast an Uno reverse card spell on the witch and can get as many pens as I'd like. Also, the witch is now trapped in an ink bottle for eternity.

[@jojo486-]

What are some of the most popular fountain pen inks and how do they differ in color, flow, and performance?

[@playingcardsasmr7751]

Tom I’ve always wanted a Schon DSGN pen. Will you guys ever get into their pens? Maybe someday I’ll get lucky and you’ll decide to unveil a collab with them for a future mystery pen 🤞🏽

[@Trainlosophy]

Can the use of a fountain pen be interpreted as a form of resistance against disposable culture and for a deeper appreciation of objects? Thanks for your Videos. I loved the one with Ralph!

[@GoldspotPens]

I wouldn't go any smaller than a medium nib.

[@charlesramsay7987]

Why are cartridge converters on Pilot pens so small in capacity?

[@davidgray9816]

Hi Tom My problem is bleed through. What is the best pen that is for every day writing and I don’t have to worry about bleed through, especially when I’m at the office Thank you and happy new year David G.

[@GoldspotPens]

I'd suggest a thinner nib size and an ink like Noodler's Anti-feather (also called X-Feather) inks that will play nice with all types of papers, including the ones with high recycled content.

[@Lepvelx]

If you were to design a fountain pen inspired by a work of fiction or a particular genre, what would be the source of inspiration, and how would you envision the design, color, and features of the pen? Additionally, which existing inks do you believe would complement its aesthetic? I imagine a vampire-inspired demonstrator fountain pen with a gold nib, matte black accents, and a large transparent window revealing a small crystal skull floating inside the ink compartment. It would be so cool if there were a pen series with little 'treasures' inside. I'd be looking, holding and moving the pen all day in awe!

[@jerrycarter8210]

Hey Tom, it's Jerry. I'm sorry you keep missing me, but that is the cat and mouse game. 😂 Great video! My question of the week, why would someone pick a rollerball pen over a fountain pen?

[@Goldilockszone123]

How does the Magna Carta m600 compare to most vintage flex nibs? How does it compare to vintage Waterman flex nibs? 9:43

[@szaggasd]

What is your favourite vintage pen? Mine is the Aurora 88

[@brianrose340]

Like many fountain pen enthusiasts, I have acquired more pens than I can practically justify. My question is whether there are other or better avenues for re-homing the pens I’m not using than the virtual pen show on instagram?

[@GoldspotPens]

Here's an article that Tom wrote for InkJournal that should help provide additional resources to re-home your pens - www.inkjournal.com/blogs/news/how-to-sell-a-fountain-pen

[@jag-justaguy]

What brands, and specifically pens, generally have the smoothest, steel and gold (not vs.), fine nib from the factory, and which seem to sell better smooth nibs or those that provide more feedback?

[@GoldspotPens]

Diplomat and Waldmann seem to have the smoothest steel nibs. Pelikan, Montblanc, and Lamy have exceptionally smooth gold nibs. Smoother nibs tend to be favorited more than those which are known to have feedback.

[@jag-justaguy]

Thank you. Not having a pen shop within a reasonable radius reduces opportunities to physically test how pens feel and write prepurchase. Your opinions on this are appreciated. It's interesting, but not entirely surprising, to learn that smooth nibs are more favored. @@GoldspotPens

[@beedee4466]

In your opinion, which modern flex pens/nibs offer the best flex experience?

[@jamesbarrett1590]

With revival of Delta, what pen or pen company would you like to see return?

[@StephLane]

Tom, you always give your disclaimer at the beginning of each video that this is not your personal choices, but based on sales…So I would love to hear what are your true top 5 (or 10) favorites out of your own personal collection???

[@mahdigharavi8425]

I want to write with my pens, not keep them in storage. I toyed with the idea of paring my collection down so I use the ones I keep more, but don't want to part ways with them. How does one balance an ever-growing collection with the desire to use every pen in the armory?

[@theopower6843]

Hi Tom! If you could pick just 3 inks (including a daily driver ink) which ones would you pick?

[@GoldspotPens]

I list my top 5 all time favorite inks here - goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/top-5-fountain-pen-inks

[@theopower6843]

​@@GoldspotPens Brilliant thank you! New question (if that's allowed)... What's your favourite ink brand for each country?

[@alexandro_coutinho]

I was wondering about which modern fountain pens would be considered future proof... to still be considered stylish and timeless after many years, so.... If you added 3 pens to a time capsule as a gift for yourself 10 years in the future, which ones would you choose.

[@GoldspotPens]

Lamy 2000 Pilot Custom 823 Montblanc 149

[@keithwhitney7491]

Thanks, Tom. :) K

[@kamakazee2bird]

Happy New Year everyone! Question: if you were to write by hand a transcript of your own book, if one were to write one, what fountain pen, notebook/paper, and ink would you choose? You could only choose 1 of each.

[@playingcardsasmr7751]

My question: Have you guys ever done a March madness bracket for fountain pens? What would be in your bracket Tom?

[@huimeisan]

What was your first fountain pen? And which pen was the one that made you fall in love with fountain pens?

[@anaouzounian1557]

Tom, your videos never disappoint. My brother gave me a bottle of Platinum Chou Kuro. What pen do you recommend to use with it? (Nice brother, right?)

[@GoldspotPens]

Awesome brother, indeed! Chou Kuro is pigmented, so you may want to be careful about putting it in your nicest fountain pen. Personally, I put it in a Kaweco Sport and it worked out well for me. It flowed nicely and I was able to clean it out easily. I would recommend using a straw or bottle brush to clean the inside of the cap and the nib feed as well.

[@anaouzounian1557]

I put it my TWSBI Eco and it cleaned out without any problems. I used distilled water as recommended and didn't need a brush. @@GoldspotPens

[@SHMPhotography97]

I would love to know which models from each of your represented brands offer your favorite writing experiences!

[@Ursulas_Odds_and_Sods]

Are there any pens, brands, or nib sizes you used to not like very much, but have grown to really love over time? What made you change your mind?

[@rroymorenoo]

Hey Tom! Question: What do you think was the most unique pen material/color of 2023?

[@thomaspowers5915]

What is your wish for pen creators new year's resolution be? What would you like them to create?

[@LauraKnotek]

What are some rumoured new pens that you are hoping will be available in 2024?

[@HiBlock1]

What are the most interesting releases we should expect in 2024?

[@wendyholiday2021]

What trends do you see for the upcoming 2024? 2023 was a fun year for fountain pens. Thank you for adding to the fun.

[@charlesramsay7987]

How do you repair a scratchy nib?

[@marjoriemarlowe8978]

If you could do any job in the fountain pen creation, production and sales, what would do? Thanks

[@GoldspotPens]

I'd like to be the one that dreams up the new pen designs and let other people worry about the logistics of how that would work.

[@Chiku.347]

Which is your most grail worthy fountain pen

[@mfschannel5176]

Which fountain pen is affordable for all?

[@FavoritesPersonal]

What’s the most popular pen color and what’s the least popular? I’m guessing blue is the most popular and yellow is the least.

[@Wyonephron]

During World War 2 our soldiers fought in Germany, France and Italy carrying American made fountain pens to write their V-Mail letters home. What fountain pen made today can stand up to D-Day, Anzio or the Battle of the Bulge?

[@rbg-redvelvet]

I've never been to a fountain pen show. Among all the shows in 2024, which one would you recommend for a first time attendee?

[@GoldspotPens]

It depends on how far you're willing to travel and what shows are available nearest you. There are plenty of great, smaller shows that are a good fit for first timers. The biggest ones tend to be overwhelming, even for experienced pen show attendees.

[@arghyadipghoshg18]

Can you please compare the fountain pen inks of Waterman, Pelikan, Parker, Sheaffer etc. I will be very grateful 🙏🏼 ❤

[@HiBlock1]

And what are the pens you're taking on a travel with you whenever you need to go somewhere? Do you take expensive ones or only the pens you're ready to lose?

[@Juan_C84]

Tom, that’s a very nice Franken-pen you came up with. My question to you is, “What are your fountain pen resolutions for 2024?”

[@GoldspotPens]

Find more creative excuses to use my fountain pens.

[@romanp.71]

What was the last sentence in your 2023 notebook and which pen did you use to write it?

[@Mydogcandrive101]

Hello Tom, my question is: out of all the pen brand releases in 2023, which brand surprised you the most in this last year?

[@spiderwrangler4457]

Question(s): The flexibility of vintage nibs is often remarked on, and various modern companies have attempted to recapture that feel. Are there any other features of vintage pens that you'd like to see brought forward in modern pens? What features of modern pens do you hope or think will still exist or be well regarded by fountain pen users 70-100 years in the future?

[@GoldspotPens]

The only thing I can think of is the stacked celluloid material that Parker made the Vacumatic from.

[@inuaxzm]

Having spread the joy of fountain pens (congratulations by the way!), what do you think are some of the best ways to get all of my friends to use fountain pens or what do you think in your experience has had the best success? I would love to talk to more people about fountain pens and compare pens and writing together! All of the people who have seen my fountain pens have either called me old fashioned or may be fascinated, try it and never pick one up!

[@jpanthony]

If your personal collection of fountain pens was returned, and you got back all the money you had spent, how similar would your collection be rebuilt with the newly acquired funds?

[@kakiYork-u4n]

Are there pen brands other than Benu that use Schmitt nibs?

[@GoldspotPens]

At the moment, no.

[@kakiYork-u4n]

My Pininfarina pen came with a Schmitt Nib.

[@akiqbala3361]

What is your favourite fountain pen?

[@whereisbobidontknow]

My question: In your experience, what is the finest nib available?

[@GoldspotPens]

Either a needlepoint custom grind or a Sailor extra-fine nib.

[@KennyLarson]

Question... If in a 10,000 years the only clue that humanity ever existed was a fountain pen, which pen would it be and why?

[@MrsinTN]

Do you foresee Pelikan fountain pens becoming more affordable with the change of ownership?

[@Ross1950art]

Riddle me this Tom, what is a lubricated ink? I just now heard of it and all I heard was 'lubricated' and I replied..'what???' Lubricated with what? Why would my pen need lubricating? I've never had a pen that squeaks Lubricated ink. I never!