What Makes This Fountain Pen So Popular?

[@duchaneaux]

Look at that subtle ivory coloring... the tasteful thickness of it... oh my God, it even softly posts!

[@armandblake]

Let’s see Paul Allen’s pen

[@kenneth.h]

This is also one of my favourite pens and colour. In an extra fine nib, it lays such a beautiful thin line with natural variation depending on each person’s habits in writing. That gold nib is such a soft and bouncy writer.

[@X1GenKaneShiroX]

I know of a fountain pen that have that nib style but got a real solid 23k gold on it and it’s very expensive.

[@error.418]

k?

[@X1GenKaneShiroX]

@@error.418 You made such an asinine comment today didn’t you.

[@error.418]

@@X1GenKaneShiroX k?

[@X1GenKaneShiroX]

@@error.418You obviously don’t seem to have a point here. All you say is “k?”

[@error.418]

@@X1GenKaneShiroX k?

[@sajjadhusain4146]

I have the E95s in both black and burgundy. I bought both directly from Japan for exactly $100 each. Absolutely unassailable in quality, performance, price and value. I only wish a stub or italic and other nib options were offered for this really stylish, lovely pen.

[@donna30044]

I'll 2nd the desire for italic and stub nibs!

[@sajjadhusain4146]

@@donna30044 …Thanks! It would be so swell to have the E95s with either an italic or a stub nib. I’d buy it in a heartbeat. And oh, a few other attractive colors, too.

[@error.418]

@@sajjadhusain4146 The Nib Smith does those nibs for this pen

[@sajjadhusain4146]

@@error.418 ..Oh really? Never bought from them yet. But I know they are specialists at customizing nib grinds according to customer preferences. So, thanks for the tip. Maybe I’ll get one of my two medium nibs on the E95s ground to a cursive italic. Though it would be even better to have it done on a broad nib if it was available for this pen.

[@error.418]

@@sajjadhusain4146 Sadly they stopped doing send-ins, you can only buy new with custom instructions. :(

[@mrfoodarama]

Reminds me quite a bit of my Parker 51 in Burgundy. That pen is the reason I first got into Fountain Pens, after my grandfather passed and I inherited it. What a Journey its been!

[@Hollowine]

This is my absolute favorite pen. I've owned other more expensive and bigger pens of incomparable reputation, and while I love and cherish them dearly...the Pilot Elite 95s was the first fountain pen that I fell in love with--and you never forget your first. That Burgundy/Ivory color combo and that sleek, retro style and that exquisite capping experience akin to a woman sliding a long white opera glove up her arm, and the smooth and elegant way it makes contact with the metal and snaps shut. And the nib. That glorious nib. The fine is superb, but the extra fine is amazing. Absolutely love writing with it.

[@PixelateForWork]

Since high school, this has been a dream pen, especially in black. I used to think of the E95S design as the “witch’s finger”, and I mean that as the highest honorific. Only sliiightly beaten out by the Falcon, since I draw. But nothing can replace either pen!

[@xxflipchick22xx]

Drew, you got me to buy this pen a few months ago. It’s definitely one of my favorites. It’s a different writing experience compared to my other Pilot pens. So fun and bouncy to write with. Highly recommend this pen.

[@Gouletpens]

LOL You're not the first person to say that in the comments here! Maybe I need to find a different pen to yap about! :) - Drew

[@WMARUoriginal]

Spot on Drew! Years ago the burgundy E95s was the first fountain pen I paid $100 and first gold nib and to this day it's still my absolute favorite. The EF lines it lays down and just the overall feel writing with it are unbeatable.

[@Gouletpens]

It's so good, right?! - Drew

[@pac1fic055]

I have the burgundy. Got M nib, smooth as butter. Excellent construction and balance. Outstanding value. One of my faves.

[@psa7211]

I have an E95s in Burgandy with an EF nib. Purchased based on Drew's and Brian's recommendations on previous pencasts. This is also one of my favorite pens, I love the classic profile. Both of you have never steered me wrong. This is one of my go-to pens and it is just great for journalling, especially with 5mm grids. It's great for long writing sessions because it is so light and writes like a dream. I love mine with Diamine Writers Blood. Even though I have many more expensive pens, I go to this one a lot. If you are thinking of upgrading to a gold nib, you can't go wrong with this one. This pen sickness I can blame on both Drew and Brian. I don't always love the expense, but love the pens. I always love it when a new video drops.

[@InkandFiber]

I bought this pen from Goulet on Christmas Day as a gift for myself. It had been on my wishlist for years and I finally said heck with it. It is now, if not my favorite of all time, at least in my top 3. I have it inked with Montblanc Wm. Shakespeare Velvet Red and it is like writing with silk. I carry it everywhere.

[@error.418]

What are the other two pens in your top three?

[@InkandFiber]

@@error.418 I would have to say my Sailor Pro Gear slim and my Pilot VP decimo. It’s hard to say, but those are the three I seem to reach for most often.

[@MichaelRLozano]

I bought one a little while ago but finally got around to inking it up last week. It's so light! It is a stand-out pen, and a joy to write with.

[@fossilimprint2954]

Drew thank you for a most enjoyable overview of the E95S, your enthusiasm is so delightful !

[@joanwerthman4116]

I love mine. Since I’m a woman with smallish hands I can use it unposted comfortably , which is my default, but I prefer it posted. I also prefer it to the Platinum Century #3776 as starter gold nib pens go and I have a few Platinums, so I like them fine, especially when I want to have something of a pencil feel. But this feels better overall. With the medium nib it’s very smooth.

[@Sonicman415]

I have both.. just had Mike Masayama grind one of my M nibs to a cursive italic. Gorgeous pens. Capping mechanism.. sleek look.. and a beautiful nib. Smooth writer.

[@clarkbilgrav]

A few years ago I was able to get mine for under $90. Also, I use a Pilot cartridge that I refill over and over with a syringe. I get twice as much ink as the converter and I can actually see how much ink is left. It’s one of my favorite pens.

[@tt-gt9ll]

Got them both. They’re beautiful and the most comfortable pen I write with. They cap beautifully too. They ‘swoosh’ open and closed. Gorgeous.

[@Gouletpens]

Yes! Swoosh! - Drew

[@akaErma]

I've been eyeing this for a while. I love the shape of the nib housing and the seamless silhouette. It looks so classic and sophisticated. And it's a Pilot, so I have no doubt about the quality of it.

[@Gouletpens]

I doubt you'd be disappointed! - Drew

[@staryxzc]

My E95s (and my sister's since I got her one too) came in yesterday and I could not be happier! The nib is so smooth and it feels much nicer than my TWSBI ECO that I usually use.

[@eddybax1]

Love this format, a nice detailed review by someone who is really enjoying himself and and has a passion for fine writing instruments!

[@lesliejohnson6326]

I have been drooling over this pen ever since I first saw it. And I elatedly received it as a Christmas gift last month. I love, love, love it! Some pens that really attract me have disappointed me when I finally have gotten them. This did not. It’s just as wonderful as I imagined. I got the same color Drew showed except I refer to it as deep burgundy and champagne. So elegant and writes so wonderfully.

[@Gouletpens]

I'm glad you love it! - Drew

[@margalo399]

You nailed every aspect of what makes this pen so special-nicely done! 👏🏻

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks for watching! - Drew

[@ProducerBoy650]

Love the pen, and really love the video production of these shorts!! Makes the already great content maximum-watch worthy!

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks for the kind words! - Drew

[@BMT3691]

Have the burgundy in Medium. So smooth and consistent which makes it One of my favorites. He’s also right about how satisfying the feel of posting and capping the pen is.

[@grumblekin]

I picked up several of these used in Japan for about 50 bucks each. I love them and use repurposed empty carts to hold ink. The Tsuwairo black ink is very smooth and makes the experience even better.

[@TheRealOfficialGator]

I remember back about 6 years ago I was considering getting one of these as my first gold nib pen. In the end I had found a new old stock Lady Sheaffer online, which also has an inlaid nib and an absolutely gorgeous body design and was eventually gifted a modern Parker Sonnet Ciselle which has an 18 kt nib. To this day though, every time I see this pen pop up I think about it and how much I still want to experience it. Inlaid nibs just look so wonderful.

[@faisalaminrabbi5366]

I own the black one in a medium nib! It’s such an amazing writer! It’s my first 'proper' gold nib pen! Though I have really big hands, I just love it’s balance and everything 😁

[@Gouletpens]

Agreed! - Drew

[@cerealnana]

I love this pen! It is the only pen I feel comfortable writing small print in my hobonichi and large script in my journal.

[@coling1258]

I LOVE my E95s. It's next for rotation into the pen pouch

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

Gorgeous pen. A little expensive for me, but I'd love to own one

[@QuirkyQuillify]

The only reason why I haven't gotten a E95s is because I have a few similar vintage ones from Sailor and Pilot. They made a lot of those in the 60s, and all are great writers to this day.

[@kimberleemodel7182]

I picked up my e95s in black, mainly because I thought it looked super pretty, not knowing it has a gold nib or really that gold nibs were a thing, and the first time I wrote with it was a really eye opening experience in how it felt so super smooth in writing.

[@budgiethebirdiebreadkiller4300]

I never like this pen’s look but I bought it , took your recommendation and I do not regret. This is the best EF pen I ever owned. Thank you.

[@Gouletpens]

Yay! That's great to hear! - Drew

[@tootsfour956]

Drew it's my favorite pen. I have them both one fine ,one medium. Thanks for this review. Love to hear you talk about it!

[@Gouletpens]

I love talking about it! - Drew

[@NGMonocrom]

Just a fantastic, very light-weight, EDC fountain pen you can take anywhere. I love mine.

[@j-6301]

This is my favorite pen and I think it’s great for anyone with small baby hands and short fingers like me lmaoo . I usually write with my pens unposted but the lightness of the cap makes this pen feel well balanced when when posted, which never happens for me except for with a Kaweco Sport

[@rebeccahall4825]

Totally agree! I have small arthritic hands, and this pen is the most comfortable pen to write with that I own, and I have a lot of fountain pens.

[@Kimberley_Veronica]

Thank you so much and thank you to Jessica who helped me narrow down to this pen as my 40th present from my family (not for a few months yet!) now I have to have patience!!!

[@AntlerMoth00]

I love this pen so much, the nib is unmatched

[@907bigdog]

This is on my list to get. That black one is gorgeous!

[@mmmssbb23]

The most beautiful full FP i ever comr across.

[@Soul_Watcher]

I love the E 95S! In fact, it is my favorite pen. Hands-down. Every single time, all the little joys of it, bring me back and make me happy. It’s like the one you love and come home to every night. Lol. Cheers

[@KendallW]

Been on my wish list for a while now. Great video as always Drew.

[@Gouletpens]

Thankya, Kendall! - Drew

[@kathycullenstern9652]

Love this pen. I have the burgundy in F.

[@brucejohnson7944]

I 1st bought the burgundy in a medium nib. I so loved the E95S that I bought the black and extra fine I have no complaints at all.

[@bluemusic039]

I just bought one in black ef and when I opened it the first time i was quite impressed, but felt like i had something in hands before that closed and opened softly like this. Thought about it a little bit and came to the conclusion: it feels like opening and closing a good lipstick!

[@annew4356]

I am a complete fountain pen newbie, but the burgundy/ivory Pilot E95s is definitely on my wish list for when I gain more experience. It's got such a elegant vibe. I purchased my first (well, first non-Varsity) fountain pen last autumn and just received my first order from Goulet Pens which included a LAMY AL-star, so I want to become more familiar with these beginner pens before I dare try a nicer pen. With more experience, I'll have a better idea of which nib size to get. Great job on all the Goulet Pens videos-I've been binge-watching them since the holidays!

[@Gouletpens]

Needless to say, I think this is a great option for your first gold-nib fountain pen! - Drew

[@shirley9240]

I just received my TWSBI Iris today and I am in love!! Now, I see this video!! Someone stop me (well, maybe not) Thanks, Drew! Another beautiful pen!

[@Gouletpens]

Yay! - Drew

[@marshamcginnis3748]

Note to Drew: This was a great video on the E95s, but I am thinking about getting the Vanishing Point and would love it if you could do a video on that one sometime soon. Thank you -

[@redson39]

I own both Pilots E95s one with a medium nib and the other with a fine nib and I love them both

[@ichirofakename]

It's popular because it is the most beautiful pen in the world, and they still make it. And the price is not crazy. Get one, already.

[@Gouletpens]

Seconded! - Drew

[@pmccord9]

I love my E95s, but the cap is very thin. Mine got a mystery dent pretty quickly, and I don't bang my precious pens around. Good review of a great pen.

[@michellecanfield8013]

Fun video, Drew, because I agree with you that this is a really fantastic pen. It quickly became one of my favorites, and yes, one of the best things about it is the "soft" cap. I am worried though: could that lovely feeling ever "wear off" or fail somehow over time? Any chance it could become too loose, for example? Mine functions perfectly right now, and I hope it always does. If you are going to do more pen spotlights like this one, I vote for the Pilot Falcon, any Edison, or the underappreciated (in my opinion!) Pilot Metropolitan for starters. Or for a different take on it, let's see your collection of favorite brown pens!

[@QuirkyQuillify]

I have a couple of similar style vintage pens from the 60s with tension caps. Despite the pens looking worn and the caps dented, they still cap tightly. I don't think you need to worry about the cap loosening at all.

[@Martiniization]

Got one. My favorite, too. It's my go-to. Very reliable and efficient. I think about buying another, just in case I lose the one I have.

[@Bhratri]

I didn’t know I needed this…and now this is the only thing I need!

[@steamdome9162]

I bought this pen based on Drew’s advice. It’s one of my favorite pens.

[@Gouletpens]

Nice! - Drew

[@lucasrios2089]

this is the one pen that makes me want to break away from my TWSBI Ecos, I have always loved the style and the form factor. I want it less now than I used to, since I have begun to gravitate towards larger nibs over time, but I still am quite drawn to the medium nib. maybe one day.

[@strshooter7399]

I’ve got a number of fountains pens, and this time Drew got it right! This is a fantastic wonderful, priced just right (depending where you purchase of course) simply GREAT fountain pen. I’m seriously considering getting another, as they make super gifts for someone who might not use a fountain pen normally. This one works so well, it will make them cross the street… 👍👍👍👍👍😎😎😎😎😎🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@debcarroll8192]

I want this pen so much! It is at the top of my list.

[@shamariv]

Such a classy stunning pen!!!! Goshhh!!

[@LaurenFairwx]

It’s like you knew I was considering buying this one. 😂 Thank you for this!

[@dominitrov]

I already have this pen in Black and EF. In the first few minutes of this video I ordered a new one in gold/burgundy and M from Goulet. Screw you Drew, and your Corgi shirt, and your totally unbiased opinion of this pen that you love. I’ve been resisting temptation for two years!

[@Gouletpens]

[DIABOLICAL LAUGHTER] - Drew

[@IsonDaya]

I have a vintage Pilot Short that telescopes and a Platinum PK-2000, and this seems like basically a modern version of both combined. If the nib is anything like the semi-hooded one in the Short (which unfortunately isn't stamped with a size), I definitely understand. Despite it needing a tune and being a bit hard to start, I can't seem to leave it uninked just from how nice the natural bounce looks.

[@Quinkerbell_3604]

It is gorgeous!

[@joneskat4]

Oh Drew! WHY? I already had both of these (with Fine nibs) but you just had to go on and on about the extra fine nib. Now I have 3. And that EF nib is glorious!!! Thanks?

[@SuperQueenV.]

Very cool! I've been sceptical about inlaid nibs but this one looks classy. I like it!

[@bikkies]

It took me a very long time to commit to buying an E95S (called the Elite here in the UK). As soon as it arrived I took it out of the packaging, posted it, capped it and then cursed at myself for waiting so long. It craves to be held and to be used. When called upon, it always works and it always delights. It really is THAT good.

[@Gouletpens]

Mine is actually an Elite (I like that name much better)! - Drew

[@am_ma]

One of the most elegant fountain pens ever made.

[@cmw9876]

As an L2K 'fine' fan, I'm sold on the ink converter with the steel balls in it to mix ink and break any airlock. Great looking pen that works. Not a "nail" either.

[@acts9531]

I have one of these and it's one of my favorite pens but ... The nib is held on by adhesive and mine popped off when I was getting that 'little bit of flex" out of it. I was able to clean it up and reattach the nib with pen lacquer and have had no problems since. That was 3 - 4 years ago and the pen looks and has been writing like it did when it was brand new. It's definitely a very high quality pen so it could have been the ink I was using dissolved the adhesive but being as it was Pilot Iroshizuku Kon Peki I doubt that was the cause. Most likely I just got one that didn't have enough adhesive. After repairing it I continued to use it the same way I always did and it is working just fine.

[@jackieshields]

Nice! Added to my wish list for later!

[@nyzrh]

How does one use ruler with a fountain pen? 🤔 Is there a specific technique or material of the ruler?

[@sathishrao7926]

I love mine which was made in 70s - probably before I was born !

[@ironmic9244]

We gotta find Drew a shirt with a brown fox, a lazy dog, or muffins with smiley faces on them.

[@Gouletpens]

Happy muffins! Yes! - Drew

[@danielk.288]

Thank you for this review! A size comparison to other pocket pens like the Kaweco Sport or the Sailor PG Slim ( Mini ) would have been nice.

[@Gouletpens]

That's a good suggestion! Have you seen our Pen Plaza? You can compare it to any other pen we sell: www.gouletpens.com/pages/pen-plaza

[@CinkSVideo]

I have been eying this pen for a couple of years. Time to pull the trigger.

[@karmesindryade]

Since Christmas, I finally have both of them (in Europe they are called Elite 95S not E95S) - the black one in M and the other one in F. The nibs are amazing and the design of this pen is so clever and stylish. I have way too many pens to call them my favourites, but they are always in my Top10.

[@Gouletpens]

I know I wish the ones in the US were called the Elite. That sounds so much cooler! - Drew

[@steve2256]

I've been convinced; I'm going to buy this in the next day or two but I can't decide on which nib size. I wish I could afford one of each

[@MaryShelleysNib]

the colour combo looks like a vintage Parker that my Grandma used to use.

[@galaxiesareborn3797]

Hi Drew! This one is on my wish list. The most I've ever paid or a pen is $50 so still got a ways to go. Tight budget, but boy do I sure love me some pens and inks LOL! I love the burgundy one. I'm not one for black pens. Am I weird or do others not care for pens that look like regular old ball point pens? When I get a pen I don't want it to look like a regular pen but look SPECIAL :) I have the Lamy 2000 on my list too because you guys speak so highly of it, but I wish it didn't look like a typical pen when capped.

[@cdc558]

Unfortunately unable to get this in the uk, cannot find them anywhere

[@RogerMeinert]

Have a couple of E95s' and love them. My Medium Nib is so buttery smooth to write with, but is far too wet to really enjoy. Because of the hooded nib, I have been unable to tune it to make it drier. Just can't get my big mitts to manipulate the nib because what shows is so short. Any suggestions or would a nibsmith be my best option? Any that specialize in E95s pens, if that's a thing?

[@ricardochavez8623]

whatever price range, pilot just makes dam good quality pens.

[@mohammadkamelan1047]

Thanks for the video. I'm looking for a fountain pen with an ergonomic grip like Lamy Safari so that my hand doesn't cause fatigue after extended writing, but with a classic design. any recommendation?

[@clintondavis3363]

I bought mine from Goulet Pens two years ago in EF nib. Love the looks and feel of the barrel. Mine writes a tad scratchy, though, so it’s not a favorite for daily writing. I use Rhodia and Midori paper. I can hope that over time the nib’s tip , the scratchy bit will wear down from use. I wonder if I should have gotten the fine as I enjoy my Metropolitan pens’ fine tip. Sad that the much cheaper pen is the better writer, but I’ve found that this can sometimes be the case.

[@Gouletpens]

Mine is an EF as well - and it's one of my absolute favorites! - Drew

[@TheWanderingFire]

Can you take the nib and feed out for cleaning? It seems pretty *set* where it is...

[@pattymk13]

I love my E95S. It is always inked up. And I can leave it for weeks and it writes as if I left it 5 minutes ago.

[@randy-9842]

pattymk13 - that's another valid and very favorable point!

[@kimberlyhuffman3115]

I have the Burgundy/Cream in EF... the nib seemed kind of stiff to me. Then I realized that I'm holding the pen practically perpendicular to the paper, which isn't conducive to using the "flex" in th gold nib. Being a left-handed over-writer, it makes it difficult to flex the gold nib. Saddens me somewhat, but I do enjoy the look and the feel of the pen otherwise! Any tips on using a flex nib for lefties would be appreciated.

[@davegoodridge8352]

I've just recently found out how great gold nibs are. Nice pen. Great Corgi shirt.

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks, Dave! - Drew

[@d2row96]

Wow! I would love to have this pen. Is there any brand that comes close to Pilots reliability?

[@sajjadhusain4146]

Awesome Aurora sure does! 👌

[@ichirofakename]

Most would say the other two dominant Japanese brands are completely reliable (Sailor and Platinum).

[@sajjadhusain4146]

@@ichirofakename ..Very true! It’s just that I’m still an Aurora fanboy of a kind. 😋

[@ichirofakename]

@@sajjadhusain4146 Hey I'm not doubting you, I just know nothing about Aurora.

[@szannereynolds1381]

I need your corgi shirt! where'd you get it? I have a cardigan welsh corgi...

[@asdfg5674]

I ordered this pen just minutes before this video was published!

[@Gouletpens]

What a great idea! Haha! - Drew

[@PsychoGemini]

I haven't had a premium Pilot in a while and the E95s is looking to be the next purchase down the line.

[@MJK2600]

totally agree! excellent FP

[@ryandargue9292]

It reminds me of the Parker 51 - why I honestly cannot say but the two are interlinked in my head (if anyone can explain I'm curious myself why I think of the two together)

[@rajpersonal1]

Pilot pens are the best.Known to me over 50 years .

[@niftytubeman]

Best converter for this pen? It is an amazing pen.

[@AncientNovelist]

This is my favorite pen of all time, but I had to wait until early last year (Jan 2022) to discover it. I tried the Pilot Metropolitan in 2017, and the experience was so negative that I thought all Pilot pens must be equally bad. So I never tried another Pilot. Bad mistake! I've taken other people's recommendations and tried many other pens, both gold and steel nibs, and was never really awed by anything. I tried the Vanishing Point, not knowing it was Pilot, and the experience was okay, but I've always gravitated toward narrower grip sections, so I purchased a Decimo. Better. Definitely better. At that point I took a hard look at the Elite 95s, purchased one, and--WOW. Just WOW. It was and is perfect. There's something about the magic of that curved grip section and complete lack of ridges anywhere that make holding this pen so easy. I need something like this since I typically write for hours on end (I am a novelist). The Pilot Elite 95s is far and away the best pen I've ever used for long writing sessions. I keep the Decimo at my side so I can jot down telephone notes, and I will take a Black Forest or Platinum Preppy in my pocket, but for everything else I use the Elite 95s. It's just about the perfect pen.

[@agnesrambling]

I own this pen in medium. The unpost and capping sensation is just so unique, like what Drew said. But I’ve been battling to decide to add F nib or EF nib for finer line variation? I am usually M nib writer and I usually don’t like anything finer. Which nib size was in the writing sample?

[@justnoted2995]

EF as he said in the beginning

[@sakshinash]

Drew: You need this pen (with subtle jedi palm flick) Me: I need this pen! 🤩