Top Five Favorite Fountain Pens! Shocking!

[@adventuredenali]

Dynamic is a great word! Nice to be able to announce favorites, while still recognizing the changes that can and will happen. I love when a pen surprises you, especially when an impulsive purchase! The Waterman is of course so beautiful. I think the Sheaffer Oversized Balance was what your Waterman is for me. Really want to try that Visconti one day. And oooh that Montblanc. It is such a gorgeous pen, and most certainly a grail. Thanks for this video!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks so much for the kind words. I am so glad that you enjoyed this one. It was super fun to make. I love lists! It’s fun to make them and fun to make them challenging for myself. Yes! Is there a connection between a pen calling to you and then an impulse purchase and then our subsequent enjoyment of it? Is there something going on there. I think so. I love your Shaeffer Oversized. That is so beautiful and has perfect balance. Thanks so much!

[@Volkmannx]

Nice selection and well put introductions! Thank you, Hemingway!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you!

[@CHUCHOCAICEDO]

Hi for all, my top five is: 5. Lamy 2000, 4. Waterman Carene, 3. Parker 51, 2. Parker vacumatic and the winner is 1. Montblanc 149. Thanks for this video.

[@HemingwayJones]

Carene… Excellent choice! Vacumatic, MB, well done!

[@amyalphabet722]

So fun, HJ. This video is fabulous, it had the same vibe as a live, I felt like we were in the same room talking pens over a nice tea! At the beginning you said, let's get the unsurprising one out of the way. Me talking to the computer: this going to be the Montblanc 149, right?! You: the TWSBI Eco! Well, I didn't see that one coming, hahah! I really like that you have a vintage pen on the list and loved that it even sort of surprised yourself! I love the green-friendly aspect of vintage pens and this coupled with knowing the pen has had a whole secret prior life has me keeping an eye out for just the right one.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you so much, Amy! I appreciate that so much. Wonderful of you to say. Nice! I am glad I was able to be evasive with the 149! I even showed it a few times! I have to keep things fresh. The Waterman 5 has really surprised me. It snuck up on me and is always within reach. Thanks so much!

[@davidprewitt1050]

Such wonderful choices! Thanks for giving the Eco plenty of love.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks, My Friend! One of my favorites.

[@brettcody76]

Wonderful choices! You inspired me to go browsing! Your videos always offer inspiration, my friend. And though I knew the Egyptomania was coming, you didn't settle for the same highlights you've given in the past. Great video!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks so much! I strive to keep it fresh. Thanks for the kind comment.

[@fossilimprint2954]

I enjoy how the top five evolves/changes, thank you for the thoughtful video.

[@HemingwayJones]

My pleasure!

[@KendallW]

Great video as per usual. The music was especially good for me in this one. Thanks!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks so much! I had a lot of fun with the musical choices.

[@Safther]

Love all your videos, very sophisticated and to the point

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you very much!

[@Mr.H-YT42]

That Montblanc just became a life mission. Thanks for posting! Fun list. ❤️

[@HemingwayJones]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@wendellbooth7735]

Once again great video. I always enjoy watching the videos I always learn from you.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you so much! I am so glad that you enjoyed it.

[@kimmcgarry8305]

Thank you for another lovely video experience. I love your choices. They are very inspirational. My top 5 pens, limiting myself to one per manufacturer, are 5) Kaweco Sport 4) Lamy Al -Sport 3) TWSBI Diamond 580 (the way inks, especially shimmer inks, sparkle in the faceted barrel and the tactile sensation as I roll the pen; justifies the price increase over the Eco), 2) The Arizona (which is handmade out of copper, mesquite wood and inlaid with turquoise) thus its uniqueness and 1) Edison Menlo Sweet Honey which looks like it is lit from within. I fully expect this list to change as I just purchased an 1856 fountain pen (technically it is a dip pen) with a 14K A. Morton, New York nib (Kaweco bought the Morton factory and rights in 1913) with a Mother of pearl handle. It has its original leather case, and the case has the address of the bijoutier (jewelry store) it was purchased from in Montréal inside. I am looking forward to dipping it when it arrives from Montréal. I find myself wondering about the Victorian era lady who once used it, the letters she must have written, the calling cards, etc. You, sir, understand. And, yes, I have yet again bought a pen without trying it first. Bon week-end ! Cheers !

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you, Kim! You have a great list! I am currently editing a video on the Kaweco Sport, so stay tuned for that! I need a Menlo so much! Wonderful pens. I do understand! That vintage pen sounds amazing! All the best to you and thanks for watching!

[@kimmcgarry8305]

@@HemingwayJones I’ll be staying tuned.

[@donnaellis3314]

Your videos are so refreshing to watch! 5??? Tough one: Waterman Carene L'essence du Bleu, F, 18k Caran d'Ache Léman Amazon Green, F, 18k Maira Alpha Capri Blue, F, 18k Pilot Vanishing Point, Navy, F, 18k Pilot e95S, Burgundy, F, 14k Just have to add some honorable mentions: 1946 Sheaffer Triumph F, Gold Nib Lamy 2000

[@HemingwayJones]

Hi Donna! I think your comment disappeared. I always love to hear from you. Wish you all the best!

[@PuttinOnTheSpritz]

Great video. What ink are you using with the first Twsbi? Thank you 🙏🏼

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks so much! That looks like Oxblood from Diamine. Thanks for watching.

[@jimpfeifer7922]

Wonderful choices!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you!

[@salvadorluquegarcia2159]

Good evening from Jerez de la Fronetra (Spain) Now we are with the Spanish motorcycling Grand Prix and the noise around here, in the center of the city is deafening, but I love all this movement, although I also like the tranquility. I like the passion you convey when talking about fountain pens. We share the same passion. Greetings and congratulations on the KZbin channel.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you, Salvador! Enjoy the Grand Prix! Sounds wonderful. Thank you for taking time out to watch. Thanks for your kind words. Stop by again soon.

[@impish22]

love it, thanks for posting !!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you for being here!

[@debbypodgorski4144]

Like to see the pens others use. That Egyptomania is one beautiful pen. I wasn’t surprised to see that as the top pen!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you, Debby! I was surprised that it rose above my beloved 149, but there it is. Thanks so much for watching.

[@patrickblindeman5847]

Watched with great interest your renewed top 5 fountain pens. And indeed it varies from time to time. But with the wonderful MB Egyptomania and the Waterman included in your choice, surely you now enjoy more satisfaction from the vintage feel.

[@HemingwayJones]

I do indeed! Very good call. Thanks so much for watching and I hope that all is well.

[@hossamnabil6306]

nice selection and great FPs.... I am little baised for the MB Egytomiania...as I am Egyptian...mine is inked with Edelstein Tanzanite right now....

[@HemingwayJones]

That sounds like a wonderful color for it! Brilliant! Warmest regards and an excellent choice!

[@donhall-aquitania1025]

Awesome list but the TWSBI Eco does not compute for me on this list. Thanks for the video!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks Don Hall for watching! I appreciate it. What is your favorite pen? Thanks!

[@donhall-aquitania1025]

Hi HJ, my favorite pen is a Montblanc 146 my wife gave me on our first wedding anniversary 34 years ago. It says “MY LOVE 1989” on the clip and I had it ground from a medium to a 0.6 mm stub in February by Michael Masuyama in Los Angeles.

[@HemingwayJones]

That sounds wonderful! I love that pen. Yours is even more special considering it’s history. Wonderful.

[@Calcprof]

OK, I'll do 5: Nakaya in Aka Tamenuri, Pelikan 805 in Dark Blue (B). Schon DSGN with monoc nib (the nib actually travels around various pens). Ensso Pocket Puma in Titanium with (Bock) soft titanium nib. Pilot 742 with Waverly nib. Honorable mentions: Pilot 912 with WA or FA, Platinum 3776 (various nibs, M, B, Music), TWSBI ECOs and 580s, and most of the Opus 88's.

[@HemingwayJones]

Great list, Tom!

[@wolf_ceit_witch]

Wibbly wobbly timey whimmy indeed.. Someone watched Blink! The Visconti Homo Sapiens Dark Age == is going to be my next big pen I get. I love the all black look of it. The Egyptomaina is still on my list, I am just worried that it will be small. If you can can you do a picture on Instagram of it next to the 149 and the 145??? The Twsbi -- I think is perfect. I might be biased because I have all (except two colors) of the ECO (I am pleased to announce that TWSBI has come out with a new color in a mini, and I am not getting it! LOL) Love you selection, I don't know if I could just select just 5 with just one from a brand. Love your collection!

[@HemingwayJones]

I am so glad that you caught that! Usually my Easter Eggs are missed. Interesting that this episode is about Easter Eggs! The Egyptomania is small. We next we are in the same place, I will bring it with. Thanks so much for the kind words!!!

[@leisiashopik1118]

Hi! Are you able to speak to how the Waterman 5 nib’s flex compares to the Pilot falcon flex nib? This is a fun video with some great new to me pens! Visconti homosapian Bronze Age is a pen I’m excited to try out!!! It’s just SO cool!!!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks so much! I could do a video on that. I can say that the Waterman 5 is JMW Turner to the Pilot Falcon is Thomas Kincaid! Nothing comes close to Ideal nibs. Visconti HS is such an original! Thanks so much for being here and for watching.

[@mellow-jello]

My Top 5: Pilot VP Black RT, Lamy Studio Brown, Lamy Al-Star Petrol, Monteverde Ritma Carbon Fiber, and Kaweco Sport Toyama Teal.

[@HemingwayJones]

Great list!

[@andrewscott9610]

As always, I get drawn into your videos and just love them. And feel sad when it comes to an end. My top five Pilot Elite 95 S Waterman Carene Sailor 1911 with the zoom nib Lamy Sufari Monteverde stealth black I found the reason I didn’t like the Sailor 1911 with the zoom nib is because of wrong paper. I bought thick paper and I love it now. As always keep up the amazing videos that you do.

[@HemingwayJones]

Aw, Man, thanks so much! I am so happy to have you here. Excellent list!

[@terenehidia]

Newbie here! I know fountain pens are as diverse and vast as there people who write & it's a personal preferences, choice, use and etc. But I would love to get your feedback on this. I have a special birthday coming up this year so my present to myself is a special 5 pen collection. These are my categories, for now. 1. Pocket: kaweco bronze sport (just purchased) 2. Custom: Edison Mina Extended Level (in the works) 3. Demonstrator 4. Vintage 5. Classic I am open to suggestions but I am interested in Schaefer Oversized Balance, Pilot Vanishing Point or a vintage Montblanc 146 or maybe 149. Or a surprise I don't even have on my radar. This is a special 5 pen birthday collection so pens I can get at anytime can wait. I have a Lamy Ix in marron I use every day. Would love your thoughts! Thanks so much. 🙏🏾🌺✍🏾

[@HemingwayJones]

Special Birthdays are fun. Congratulations. My favorite demonstrator is probably the TWSBI Eco, but you could look at the Diamond 580 or the Twin Tank from Pineider if you want something more posh. Vintage, Waterman 52 with an Ideal Flex nib or a nice Parker Duofold if you like stiffer nibs. Classic, MB 149 or 146. You’re on the right track. I did a video on the Perfect Five Pen Collection: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGTcaaSfobmtfpY

[@terenehidia]

@@HemingwayJonesOh these are wonderful suggestions! Thanks so much and I’ll watch that video right now. 🙏🏾🌺✍🏾

[@HemingwayJones]

Wonderful! Happy to help! @@terenehidia

[@Liza-hx2zx]

So fun to see & listen to your reflections on your favorite pens. The Egyptomania wasn’t really a bombshell 😉! Here are my current ones (after some pondering), from top 1 to no. 5: Sailor x Hachimonjiya Pro Gear ‘Kubozakura' Pelikan M200 Café Crème Waterman Goutte Black Visconti van Gogh 'Pollard Willows' Lamy Studio Terracotta (with gold nib)

[@HemingwayJones]

Nice list and thanks for watching! Terra Cotta is very nice as is Cafe Crème! Well done! Thanks!

[@richardzak2140]

Hello HJ. This video was both surprising, and predictable. How could you not go with your Egyptomania pen. It was born a classic. The Waterman was a surprise in that you choose a vintage pen to favor. This was a great nod to a by-gone era filled with opulence. Great choices.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks so much! I am so glad that you enjoyed it. I wish you all the best.

[@ichirofakename]

1. Fun list, thanks. Conway Stewart for the win. 2. Interesting that Japan makes no appearance. Too staid, is my guess. 3. For the idly curious, here is my list, as of today: 1. Platinum Carbon Desk Pen ($15) 2. Walltown Brass Copper ($15) 3. Rotring Primus ($25) 4. Pilot Parallel nib in Pilot Spare Sign Pen body ($8+$20) 5. Kaweco Special ($100) 4. Self-Knowledge Epiphany: lately I have only bought pens in the $150-$250 range, based largely on looks. None of them are favorites. I am wasting my money on pretty faces that do not provide appropriate performance or hoarding value. Shame on me.

[@HemingwayJones]

Hello My Friend. I am glad that you enjoyed this. Yes, no Pilots. What was I thinking? I need to use my 823 more. It is pretty awesome. Your list is excellent. I am a fan of the Kaweco. I have been trying to reign in my acquisitions too. We all fall for beautiful pens. I am so tempted by the Kaweco Bronze. I have the Brass though, so do I really need the Bronze? Then AdventureDenali holds it up and it glows with ethereal light! All the best.

[@ichirofakename]

@@HemingwayJones go bronze

[@HemingwayJones]

Do you really think so? I definitely have FOMO! 😂

[@peterpuleo2904]

What is a "Pilot Spare Sign"

[@ichirofakename]

@@HemingwayJones to my eye the bronze makes the brass look so... brassy.

[@LaddGardner4]

Love the ascot; love the musical scores attending each pen; love the super-articulate (without being forced or self-conscious) verbiage. This is your best video to date, Cool Hand. Really, REALLY, good. I'm sorta pissed that you continue to highlight a pen that absolutely deserves its preeminent rank amongst your favorites, but won't fit in my Magilla Gorilla mitts. The Egyptomania literally hurts me to look at, knowing I can't post it because it's just too small for me to write with. Sometime, if you haven't already, tell me what glove size you wear for context. A 2XL glove is tight on me. Arrrghhh..

[@HemingwayJones]

Ladd My Friend! I love your comments. It’s always a pleasure to hear from you. I am so glad that you enjoyed this! I’m an XL usually. The Egyptomania is small and elegant. It just about works for me. All the best, My Friend. Always a pleasure. I appreciate you.

[@BenChefsKnife]

Ok heres mine top 3: pelikan 2000 kaweco brass supra (f gold nib) kaweco brass sport (B gold nib)

[@HemingwayJones]

Wonderful choices.

[@peterpuleo2904]

To my eyes, tortoiseshell, which I admire, makes almost anything look vintage and old-school elegant.

[@HemingwayJones]

Very good point.

[@sathishrao7926]

Honestly this list isn’t a surprise except that I expected 823 instead of the Twsbi. Also, note that Twsbi Eco Royal Jade Rose Gold + Midnight blue ink is priced at 150 USD here in India 😞

[@HemingwayJones]

I cannot believe how expensive that is there. Thanks so much for watching. The 823 is excellent. Maybe next time. Thanks.

[@jacobus57]

​@@HemingwayJones take a look at Gravitas Pens' new vac. It's MUCH less than the 823--albeit with a steel nib--but with beautifully machined optical acrylic and titanium reinforcements. Ben will be releasing titanium and gold nibs soon, as well as an Ultem version. All that said, the steel nib on mine is exquisite, as good as any gold I've ever used. I'll never again spend big bucks on an injection molded pen when higher quality alternatives are available.

[@HemingwayJones]

@@jacobus57 Sounds well engineered and interesting. Thanks for the tip!

[@bellboots]

The E95s is such an undersung hero! Why does any shop recommend newbies buy the Pilot Falcon instead of the Pilot E95s??? I am so sad that my first experience with a pen retailer was an enormous disappointment when I now know that it could have been so much fun! Similar price, totally difference experience. The E95s is the Mary Poppins of pens, practically perfect in every way.

[@HemingwayJones]

Hello Bell Boots! Thanks so much! I agree! The E95S is brilliant. It just missed this list, but I showed it up front, both as a fake out and to get it in the video! All the best!

[@sajjadhusain4146]

Very surprised and quite disappointed to see the Twsbi Eco feature in an elite Top 5 favorite list, of all things. But conversely, equally happy to see the magnificent, inimitable Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age make the list. Not surprised at all to see the uniquely wonderful MB Egyptomania in pole position in your list of favorites. My own list would probably look like this: (in random order) Aurora 88 (all ten I own) Montegrappa Queen: Night at the Opera Stipula Etruria Alter Ego Visconti HS Bronze Age Sailor KoP (King of Pen) Sheaffer PFM (Pen For Men) I know I named six, not five. 😋

[@HemingwayJones]

I am glad you named 6! That is what I normally do! I love throwing in extras. Excellent list. Wish you all the best!

[@frankshifreen]

Why don’t you give prices?????

[@HemingwayJones]

Because I’m not selling pens and this video is not about value. This is about my favorites. Price has nothing to do with it.

[@Raj-viz]

kids surprise others. Legend suprises himself!!!

[@HemingwayJones]

You are entirely too kind. Thank you so much for watching.

[@ed3432]

Best writing pens are made by Pilot. Not the 823, etc. Talking about the G-2 rollerball. Reliable, refillable, never skips and writes on toilet paper as well as Rhodia high end stationary. Also cheap and no big deal if you lose it. ✍️

[@HemingwayJones]

Whatever makes you happy. Enjoy! Thanks for watching.

[@Vermiliontea]

These are actually not my top favorite pens. I have changed the rules for me, to only include pens which are possible to reach on the market: I won't bother to put them in any order, because that changes every second. The top five would probably then include my Pelikan M800, my Visconti LE Medici, my Visconti H.S. Bronze Age, my Montblanc 149. Then it starts to get hard, because there is no lack of candidates for the fifth. Basically like at least a third of my pens are 'my favorite pens'. So I'll leave it at that, except to say that it includes a lot of cheap pens too.

[@HemingwayJones]

That is a wonderful list and you are so correct, it is tough to pick 5!

[@Vermiliontea]

@@HemingwayJones It recently came to me, that it's much easier to list favourite cheap pens. Not 'beginner' pens, but cheap pens.

[@vancitycanucks]

No Lamy 2000, no bueno.

[@HemingwayJones]

I’m not sure I owned one then, or maybe I had just received it.

[@SemiProFilmShow]

I hate pens

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks for watching!