Love your videos. You are one of more honest people here reviewing pens. Regarding your observations, I agree with the Gouletpens situation and their lack of backbone. I always thought people who are into fountain pens are the ones that are free thinkers and have some critical thinking abilities. But when I joined reddit and saw the "Hivemind" mentality, I came to my senses and realized the enlightenment days are gone and people are just followers now.
I predict that Jinhao keeps up it's shift into some more higher quality pens (hopefully their nibs keep up), Hong Dian and Moonman keep putting out some of the best pound-for-pound pens in the hobby, Japanese makers keep gouging on price for their (admittedly good quality but fairly uninspiring) pens, and European manufacturers keep resting on their laurels while moaning about Chinese manufacturers, rather than upping their own games. Free market baby!
Not being a Facebook, Reddit, or Instagram user I have missed these controversies but I am disappointed to hear what is going on within the fountain pen community. Keep up the good work as I enjoy your channel. Your honesty is refreshing in your reviews and I appreciate it.
I wish you the best in the New Year. I a gonna keep fooling around with the used and vintage pens. I like living on the edge. I hope the fountain pen community has room for all. As far as +1000$ pens, well if they can afford it ok, but not for me. I don’t drive Porsche either.
Jinhao need to release a full range of #8 nibs. I would like a 1.1mm italic for my X159. You can now get the full range of Jinhao #5 and #6 nibs so i can't see why they would hold back with the #8's now that they're putting them into their pens. Only a matter of time with that i hope.
Thanks for an interesting overview and predictions. Your observations on the nasty side of the pen world are sad but pretty accurate. Still I find the pen world rather safe and friendly, if compared to my other interest, the wrist watch world. The toxicity of the watch community is far beyond the pen community.
Hi Rob. Thanks for your predictions for 2023. It sounds like you've gone all astrological and psychic. On the Chinese front I am guessing you are aware there are more new Jinhao designs on the way this year. I believe an X850 and an X350 if I remember correctly. Probably lighter (plastic) versions of the X450 and the X750? My one wish would be if Parker could introduce some new inks. I like their ink but the choice is so limited. Hopefully Parker will get a bit more adventurous in 2023.
