Great video. I would add one step. Before inking up the pen, dip the nib in ink and then write a few lines with it. If there are any gross problems with the nib, they will show up, and it is easier to clean and if necessary to return a pen that has not been fully inked. Also, I have found that when first using the pen, using the included cartridge is a good idea. The manufacturer's ink will likely give the best experience. After that, comparing how different inks affect the writing is fun.
I DID SUCCESSFULLY PEN-ABLE A FRIEND! They had expressed interest in my collection, so I bought them a varsity when I went to a pen show. After using that (the ink was finished in a week or two) they realized that their wrist was less strained, and we went through different starter pens together. They ended up with a Lamy Safari which they love
Lamy Safari are fantastic pens. I have more expensive pens but, somehow the Safari is the pen I prefer. Inexpensive, a clean industrial style and an ink window. What’s not to love?
One thing I would add to using the bulb syringe: hold on to the grip section when you squeeze. Otherwise you might send your grip section flying - worst case into a hard surface nib first. I know I tend to use maximum pressure on the bulb when I use it to get through it faster. I'm not patient enough to watch it trickle through ;).
“You might want to enable a friend” was me right after I got my Kaweco. 😂😂 I was like “YOU NEED THIS! HERE ARE THE INK SAMPLES TO TRY WITH IT!” It didn’t work. But I’m not giving up!
As someone who bought my first fountain pen before the internet, I'm so glad I happened upon your video, Drew. These are excellent tips! I guess I'm lucky I haven't had problems. Loved seeing you laugh!
Truly. I recall not thinking when I squirted a leisurely drink of water into my mouth at choir rehearsal, and then wondered, briefly, why the sopranos were laughing.
This video couldn't have come at a better time! Just got my first pen, and I've been so anxious I haven't even unboxed it yet 😬 Thanks for the push! YAY! P.S: that slow zoom tho 😅🤣
Hope you've unboxed it now! Have a good play with the pen and figure out what you enjoy about it. Then if you go shopping again, you have a better idea of what you'll like. Got some good inks? Definitely try more than one ink in your pen. Some inks aren't a good match with any one pen, so try out 2 or 3 from different brands to get a match you like. :)
@@kittiekat16 I've never had the fountain pen from LAMY, but I have a pencil that my husband found on the ground one day. I stole it and now it's my go-to pencil, although I hardly us it because I'm a pen girl.
To clean the pen, hot water with a little dish soap might do a better job of removing any oils left by the manufacturing process. Fill the pen with this instead of ink a few times; then rinse out the pen with plain water.
I always tell my husband; “I married a 7 year old” ( Due to his goofy sense of humor). I now realize there’s another “grown” 7 year old out there. Lol! Keep us chuckling Drew! 👍🤣🤣
There’s one thing that makes me cringe and that’s using paper towels on a pen. They’re loaded with lint that, after time, could jam up the works. I use a paper napkin instead. Just as good but with a lot less lint.
Great video! I had no idea about the cartridge in the barrel, my pen had two. Also, I didn’t know you should clean your new pen before inking. I always trust Brian and now you Drew when it comes to pens or ink. Never a problem with Goulet pen co. Thanks guys
you want to blot the ink from the section when using bottled ink too. you only say the nib and feed. why get inky fingers if you don't have to? Why not pull the feed and nib (presuming they are not glued in/on) and clean them with a soapy old toothbrush (DAWN dish soap on the old toothbrush works great, and breaks down any residual machining oil and/or died ink that may be present) and running warm/hot water, and run warm/hot water through the section and if applicable the nib/feed housing? Scrubbing the feed ensures there is nothing between the feed fins or in the ink channels to impede the ink flow. Scrubbing the top and bottom of the nib also gets rid of any residual oil, any grit that may be in the slot, and any dried ink in the slit, tip, and the underside of the nib.
Thank you for the reminders. How simple it sounds but one forgets the basics. Nothing worse than to skip a step out of excitement. Patience needed for a good writing experience. Subscribed. 👍
All of the educational videos from Goulet Pens are very helpful and entertaining. Thank you very much! It's a real bonus that the information is presented in such a hip, colloquial way that makes fountain pen use feel much more fun.
I would add that one should look under any parts of the inner pen box if applicable. Sometimes the manufacturer will include cartridges or other items under the platform holding the pen.
I'm writing fanfiction and since the stories are always better when I pre-write them on paper, I found that I enjoyed using fountainpens. Also, writing with different coloured inks just makes me happy. However, when I'm in 'the zone' I notice that heavier pens always hurt my hand after a while. Could you recommend a high-quality pen that's actually not heavy? I'm aware that quality materials are usually on the weightier side, but I was wondering if there is some middle ground where I don't have to write with a piece of plastic and still don't cramp after a few hours. Thank you for all the efforts you make in making fountain pens accessible, even for 'non-professionals'. I enjoy your videos very much.
I penabled a friend for their birthday, and my mom and I are planning on penabling 4 other friends for Christmas. Might need to keep this saved to send to all of them. Your shipping department must think we’re obsessed. Between the two of us there have been 6 packages in the last 2 months. And we need to make at least 2 more to order
Always learning something from your videos, will remember to try the pen uninked on paper next time I get a new one! Also glad to know I'm not the only one making faces when using the bulb syringe. Thanks Drew :]
This is the first video of yours that I've watched. As I listened, I noticed that you utilize vocal inflection well. I noticed that you have a very natural speaking tone. It's a pleasure to listen to a good speaker.
Drew, I started laughing while you were using the bulb syringe just about a half second before you did. And, again at the "saturated nib" sound effect. Nicely done with some good tips.
I am soooooo bad about skipping the 'rinse the pen before you ink it' step 😅 I know I'm supposed to, but I'm usually so excited to try out the new ink I invariably purchased at the same time that after the initial once-over I go straight to filling it. Must try to do better!
@@Gouletpens nah man you and Brian are the foremost, the premier, the preeminent, top-tier elite fountain pen gurus and channel on the web. Your vast library of information and unbridled knowledge and passion shows through and helps countless amounts of people. If you told me 3 months ago that I would go from never using a fountain pen to writing exclusively with a fountain pen I’d probably ask if they even still make fountain pens. Because of you and Brian and to a lesser extent other channels and communities, the noob-iest of noobs can go from clueless to confident, from oblivious to adept. Thank you. You guys are one of like 3 channels that I actually look forward to an upload and watch right away. I absolutely love fountain pens and the accoutrement. Keep it up and write on! Paul
I've seen the pens used with acrylic watered down for art on nails, would you suggest a pen for. I saw a glass one; so pretty 😍 what would you suggest?
Flushing your pen using water with a tiny bit of dish soap can be helpful, but fountain pen nibs don't need to be prepped like dip pen nibs do. With many dip pen nibs, they're not stainless steel so to prevent deterioration they're coated in a thin layer of oil that needs to be removed prior to use. Since fountain pens nibs are usually either stainless steel or gold, that's not necessary. Great question! - Drew
Thank you am Currently getting a fountain pen set for Christmas! I think it has different things included in it with around 40 cartridges included. With a box to keep your items stored in. Very fancy box😀
This reminds me that I still need to make time to play with the pen that came with the wet erase ink... I guess I should have cleaned and prepped the pen beforehand. I better go put that on my calendar for this weekend before I forget again.
Rewatching this because the pens I ordered from you guys came in 3 days early! Thank you so much I couldn’t be happier with my new little shark buddy and I’m sure my friend will love hers for her birthday :)))
Thank you for this!! It was really helpful i was planning on getting a fountain pen soon but didnt really know what toe xpect and how to put in the ink cartridge!! Once again thank you very munch for helping
Honestly there are some really nice pens on the market that are very cost effective. I have a feeling many of my friends will be receiving fountain pens for Christmas. Thanks Drew. Enjoyed the good humor.
So is it normal for the end of the pen to stay "wet?" I just got my first fountain pen; it has a cartridge. When I opened it after about an hour or so it has a couple little blobs of ink on the nib, like it's just hanging out in the cap like that. Would be messy if I just started writing...
Omg I’m getting Big Bang Theory vibes except this in the pen version 😆 i ordered two fountain pens from Etsy and they are on their way to me very soon 😆 I only bought them because my support worker used them and she reminded me of my dad because my dad used them and loves them too! I feel like a right geek but I can’t wait to start using my pen 😁😁😁
Lamy tests all their pens with a machine and should always have a tiny bit of ink, what would probably be fishy is not to have the ink. As for gold nibs I'm not really sure if they test them also.
I got my Kaweko pen's spare cartridges stuck in the barrel when I first got it. I was upset cause I didn't know how to get it out (it was tight) and it was a gift. I took the pen to my son (who have never use a FP) and he flick with some tool he had so easily.
I just bought the Duke 551 Confucius Fountain Pen today but it doesn't work, I washed it but the ink barely go through and I don't know why. Any suggestions?
Does Brian know you're in his office, Drew? Also great timing! Saw this just as I got a new pen delivered! I follow all of these steps except the cleaning... I just get too excited!
