From Me to You, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hi, my name is Monica! Whether it is writing a few simple words or something epic, this channel is for those who enjoy writing with fountain pens. We enjoy collecting them, and all that is fountain pen related. We enjoy expressing ourselves and we have the desire to inspire . Feel free to share your thoughts with me in your comments. It's exciting and I enjoy hearing from you. May God bless!
Hello, thanks for watching. This lovely dependable darling is a medium. Just the other day, I pulled it out to sign something at the dentist and got complimented on it.
Thank you for sharing. I’ll have to subscribe. I have a 1951 Sheaffer Sentinel Snorkel, and every time I write with it, I find myself wondering what it’s written before, and who wrote those words. It’s the best part of vintage pens for sure!
Hi, thanks for watching. Yes, it is indeed is the best part of owning vintage fountain pens. My imagination goes into overdrive about love letters, poems, school essays, and everything in between.
Great pens! The 61, David Nishimura of Vintage Pens in Rhode Island (has an online presence in a website and eBay store) had replacement capillary capsules for them, last I knew. The Moore looks like the spring clip for the lever is weakening. Don't know how to replace those, but reputable restoration experts (there's plenty 😉) could help. Probably around $40ish. Getcha about the Touchdown filler. Combined with a Tip-Dip feed, almost as mess free as the 61 or a Sheaffer's Snorkel. (They're not the only ones that used a tip dip system. Later on, Esterbrook nibs have the opening in the tip of the feed for the same purpose, though still generally a lever filler.) Hmmm... What would be my choices? 🤔 First and foremost, because it's been a favorite since 1983, an Esterbrook J in gray. Generally with one of their medium nibs, as the 2668 was the first for me. Though there's SO many options. 69, according to Brian Anderson. From extra fine accounting through stubs of various sizes and angles through broads (3, far as I've seen, though there might be a palladium alloy 8xxx version. I have the 2968, 3968 "sunburst" from between 1938 and 1940, and the 9968.) Plus a "signature" broad stub.😁 Then, a Parker 45. Just because they're vintage, but still the same basic system Parker uses today. And they write so nice. And a Sheaffer's Balance Junior, which can come with several types of nibs, but I like the Junior nib. Not what I'd call "flex," but vintage semi flex. And can't forget my personal favorite gold nibbed pens, the Wahl-Eversharp Skyline. Currently using one with a flex nib. Really closer to semi, but any Eversharp gold nib is just a pleasure to write with. Smooth, wet, just a treat! Hmmm... one more... Definitely a Touchdown filler Sheaffer's. From the cheaper ones through the Snorkel and PFM, I agree about the ease of filling, and I like the way a Sheaffer's writes in general. Many are just nails to write with, but I'm okay with that. Thanks for sharing your pens!
Hi there, thanks for watching. Yup, I am gonna have to send my Moore off to adjust that lever. I will miss it away from home dearly. Thanks for the tips. You are appreciated.
If you don’t like the con-40 converter in your Decimo (who does?), try filling an empty Pilot ink cartridge filled with the ink of your choice. I use a blunt nosed syringe and you can also use an eyedropper to fill it. Great video by the way!
I was gifted a Scriveiner for my birthday. It is a pen I had not heard about prior to receiving it as a gift. It is a beautiful pen and an excellent writer.
Nice review! I was expecting you to feature one of your vintage pens as well in this ensemble; but I was surprised that none were. Eventually you say in the end (to my relief) that another video with vintage pens will be made.. Thanks!
As I've been trying to get a better place to live (disabled, and my place is NOT handicapped friendly), there's been 2 pens getting most of the use right now, by me: a 1970-74 Platinum pocket pen with Carbon Black ink, for when I need permanence, and a 1948-52 black Esterbrook J with a 2550 extra fine posting nib, with Waterman Mysterious Blue (for originals. 😁) At home for correspondence, it is a more modern pen: a Jinhao Dadao 9019. Currently with KWZ Spruce Green ink.
Hi friend, most assuredly writing with fountain pens that you know won't slow your creative thinking is an inspiration in itself. I do hope you have success in finding a place to live suited for your needs. Comfort and ease in one's living space is indeed good for mental and spiritual health.
Thank you this review. I’m new to fountain pens. I have a Scrivener and it is lovely. My Beiluner is coming Saturday. The company must have heard you, mine is not silver, it matches the color of the pen.
I got a black one some time ago, and it has worked perfectly for me ever since. The only downside is that the finish can get scratched pretty easily. But I didn’t get it for looks or to impress anyone, so I am still delighted with it. And I just recently got the newer brass version. I've seen some people complain about posting issues and also a loose clip. There isn't the slightest hint of those problems with my pens. And like the other one, the writing performance is a joy! And it is beautiful! The "bird" on the cap is a dove, and I'm pretty sure it is a Christian symbol - a symbol of peace or the Holy Spirit. The brown ink is really nice. I think I would like to get some or something similar. I just love these modest pens that perform so beautifully. I have two others. One, which is nearly identical to one sold today under the HongDian brand (Model 517), but had a different brand name when I bought it ("Scapuz," which I can't find now) has a very plain look buts writes just as beautifully as the Black Forest one, and is still only 16 dollars. I got it on whim to replace an Aurora that cost well over eight times that price, and which had a catastrophic chip in the barrel after I droped it from a height of about two feet onto a thick rug, i.e.,virtually no cause. I found out that repairs would cost as much as I paid for the pen originally, and it would probably take months. And guess what? I prefer the feel and nib performance of these Hong Dian pens over the expensive Aurora, no contest!
Hi, thanks for watching. I am often dumbfounded when the less expensive fountain pens outshine the one that cost a hefty price. It negates that saying of more expensive means quality. Yes, sometimes that's true, but NOT always. Ingenuity has come from the need to get a good product to people for less. I too am pulled in by classic clean designs. Nothing outlandish for me and that basically goes for anything in my life. I have discovered the hard way simplicity is often best with things. I don't have a problem with the cap either, and the clicking sound when closing I so enjoy. I keep my fountain pens in a fountain pen holder when carrying them around or store them neatly away to prevent scratching. Again, thanks for watching and God bless.
Hi, Solferino is lovely. It looks so soothing to me. In my videos I always comment that purple is my most favorite color. Darker purple for fall months and lighter purples for spring and summer. Thanks for watching.
That toolbox is beautiful! I love that it has space for ink and other odds and ends. I would have thought that something like this was out of my budget, but it's actually less expensive than the 36 pen display case that I have. Your husband made a good call. 😀
Hi, thanks for watching. I agree. It was much less than many pen cases I have seen and holds more pens, plus can be used for holding inks. Even the one's on Amazon have hefty prices. I am glad hubby, even in a tool store, thought of me. ;)
Love the toolbox for storage! I've been considering virtually the same type for my pens. For those interested, about $85 from Harbor Freight. Because of the original use of this type of toolbox, they tend to have flocked/velvet lined drawers already. Even if you cut up some of the plastic flocked pen tray liners available for around $8 online for additional pens than one per drawer, still, for the amount of storage, well less than any purpose made pen storage. Another option, when ending up with a huge amount of pens would be vintage map storage cabinets. Map or architectural drawings size drawers that are shallow, so should hold several of the aforementioned plastic tray liners for fountain pens. Not mistaken, it's what "Mr Vintage Esterbrook," Brian Anderson has, and his collection numbers in the thousands. And I agree with the reuse of, especially the cedar ones, cigar boxes. Or if you can find them cheaper than fountain pen cabinets, humidors. I think I'd recommend the "Churchill" size cigar boxes, as they're 6" long, and many pens should fit. And the single layer cigar boxes. Usually hold about 20 cigars, should probably hold as many pens, even with adding dividers. (Do I smoke? Nope, but I used to have the occasional cigar 20+ years ago, so I've dealt with the boxes. 😁 A far cry from the cheap cardboard boxes that you can still find, some cigar boxes are cabinet grade construction and would be awesome for storing pens.) Your video is pushing me to get a toolbox! Thanks for sharing this! God bless!
Hi friend, so much helpful info. Yes, when my husband saw it, he called me already certain I would love it. He's not even into fountain pens, and an old "bic" pen is all he uses. The chest is heavy when filled, but great. I found a perfect spot for it, so it stays in place. I like the look of the Churchill cigar box. Thanks.
Your Videos are very interesting...❤ I am also a Pen Collector, Ballpoint, Rollerball & Fountain Pens... Keep posting interesting videos... Best Regards, Siraj (,South Africa)....
Hi, my oh my, I enjoy each of them in its own way so much, but yes, I will make the other fountain pens jealousy by doing a top favorites video. Coming soon ... ;)
@@writeralwayswriteI look forward to diving into your vids. A treasure trove. I currently own; the MB 149, and the TWSBI diamond & Classic Black pens. All with Custom XF grinds from the Nib Grinder. Because of you I'm chasing a Parker 51 ❤
I can only vouch for the vintage Parker 51. I have heard many express disappointment in the new 51's not meeting the standards of the old. I think it's the quality of craftsmanship of old compared to new. That feel when the nib hits the paper. I think of it as, depending how old you are, we all say how things lasted longer and were made better, before mass production and cost cutting got in the way.
Hi, thanks for watching. I have no idea, but what I decided to do to get an idea was go on a writing binge. I wrote for a full week on one fill in my journal. I think that may cause anxiety for some not knowing just how much ink you actually have, but for me I am enjoying mine to the fullest.
@@writeralwayswriteMy set is en route from Goldspot. Almost purchased last fall then it was unavailable. Got restock notice and said YES! This pen meets all my criteria: flat beautiful finial, plain clip, gorgeous Laban FP (I got Med nib) plus Tamoe River paper! (in journal), art by Sanyu is divine -- cat motif and page clip. Even gray ink, which I need. I was so happy to view this lovely video and confirm my choice. Wonderful presentation. Thank you and write on 🖋
Great pen! Rainbow cap easily doubles its value. And that the inlaid arrow is still in place? Awesome! They have a reputation for coming off. Capillary filling is possibly the hardest to get completely clean, but it can be done. Just can take FOREVER. Replacement capillary units can be found on occasion. Last I heard, David Nishimura of Vintage Pens in Rhode Island had a few. Since you seem to be sold on it, might be worth getting a backup where available, as they are not made anymore. Did you pay too much? Well, that really depends on what you were willing to pay. Was it worth it for you? Less than $300, I'd say that you weren't ripped off.😁 I'd agree with you about how Parker pens write. Some can be dry writing, but not a hard start. Least the vintage ones.😉 (The 51 especially. They are from when a fast dry time was paramount, so they were slightly stingy with ink. Got one that isn't dry, someone "fixed" it later on. ) BVP (Big Vintage Pen😂) has you in its clutches. 😂 It's nice to see someone who also has the "bug." Hope you have a wonderful weekend! God bless!
Hi Paul, Thanks so much! Yes, I got this darling at a really good price. It's been a writing delight. I am going to be very cautious about my lovely arrow and on the capillary with the inks and letting it sit and dry. Have a great weekend as well.
Good review. I'm something of a Waterman lover, but haven't tried any Waterman pen with a steel nib. Have been considering the Hemisphere to give that a shot.
Although I'm not a fan of the stub nib, it's still nice to see you demonstrate attractive handwriting. So many fountain pen reviewers on RU-vid talk about these beautiful and expensive pens, but when it comes to scratching out a writing sample their penmanship is so horrible it reminds me of how I used to write when I was in the 3rd grade. My thinking is this: What's the point of writing with a fountain pen if your handwriting sucks wind?
Hi thanks for watching. I love writing by hand. It's my passion, but I so wish I could do the fancy writing I see calligraphers do. One day it's my hope to do a video on that after I get some more years of practice in.
Resin can also mean plastics in general. Though it was originally meaning some kind of vegetable sap.😁 Well before fountain pens. "Resin" seems like it became the term with Montblanc and their "precious resin." (Which is more of a standard plastic than an acrylic.) Iridium is a metallic element that was used in tipping alloys until around the 1920s. The current alloys use other metals from the "iridium" family, as iridium is very scarce. Great "glossary" of fountain pen terms! Though there's another "chapter" for vintage pens. Sheaffer's alone has quite a few. 😉
Hi thanks for watching. Thanks for the correction. This lovely darling is indeed a 145 and not a 144. Each day I learn more in my love of writing with and collecting fountain pens. My burgundy one is indeed the 144 which is a push/slip cap. Thanks again
@@writeralwayswrite The burgundy 144 <M> is my grail pen. I would certainly love the black&chrome just as much; but,it's difficult to find a nice one for sale of either finish. The slip-cap is a feature I love. Also cartridge converter is my preferred filling method.
@@McAmeron089III Hi, thanks for watching. I have a burgundy 144 too. It is indeed a pleasure to write with. I enjoy slip-caps also there's something about that smooth open and closure that I like. My black Montblanc is actually a 145, but a cartridge filler which I like because it's easier maintenance.
