Altering Nibs & Using High Maintenance Ink | Ep. 285

Great Q&A Brian! Thanks!

That Lamy bit was spectacular! Thank you!!!

Honestly, I started my pen journey with you Goulet Pens. :) I'm recently venturing out to Navahlur (I think I'm misspelling that) and there's obviously always amazon...

I've been watching your videos and buying pens etc. from you from the very beginning. I intend to continue watching and buying until I don't remember what a fountain pen is. All the best.

I have a similar issue with my brass sport, but it's not the cap that unscrews it's the section coming out of the body. I think the problem is brass is basically like a bearing metal and slides very easily against itself when it's cycled through warm and cold, the very short threads don't help either. But that said it's still a great pocket pen.

I wonder if anyone has a similar problem with the bronze sport?

Hey Brian, my wife and I are currently watching through Avatar: the Last Airbender (again) and it got me thinking, which pens would you pick to represent each of the four nations: Fire Nation, Earth Kingdom, Water Tribe, and Air Nomads? I don't know if you've seen the series yourself, but I thought "Hey, that'd be a fun question to ask!" So, I did. :D

Those who want a pocket-size pen with a truly premium nib might consider the Sailor Pro Gear Slim Mini. Millions of beautiful colors, overpriced, I can't stop buying them.
Thanks for all the info.

I don't really know what happened in your personal life nor your business, but I miss the other dude ❤❤

Longest on line retailer? I started using Amazon in 1995 when they only sold books.

Regarding your question at the end of the video. Other than Goulet, I am fond of Crutchfield. I grew up in Virginia (Charlottesville), and I get a real warm and fuzzy when I buy from a small(ish?) business from back home (Uttermost is another one, and I'm closely related to the owners). I live in Florida now, but it makes me feel closer to the state I love so much, and will always feel is my true home. I'm not gonna lie, however, as much as I love Goulet's customer service and order fulfillment, I will shop around to see if another retailer can significantly beat your prices. By the way, I come from a family where everyone is a Hokie. I went to VMI. So, take my comments with a grain of salt. Clearly, I'm not right in the head LOL.

Love your episodes and yes, please unreliably commit to more because your unreliable commitment is more reliable than most. You asked about where I shop and the answer is Amazon. I have been shopping with them for decades, for pens, like my Waterman fountain pens but also for USB hard drives etc. I would love to buy from you but now that I am in New Zealand that is not possible. I certainly wish you the best of luck.

In the theme of business questions: I once asked what specific plans the Goulet Pen Company was having for the new year (mission/values-wise/attract new brands/any other new or new-ish things. If you can share about that at the start of '25 I would really enjoy that ❤️

Am so happy to see a new video this week! :) Online retailer I use the most is JetPens - I am far from any stationary store and they are my go-to stationary shop. For fountain pens and inks it is Goulet because you have such great tools to compare and get an idea of a pen/ink is like before I buy. Love the Swab Shop and Nib Nook.

What is a lower priced fountain pen option that gets along great with Studio Nitrogen ink - I would like to dedicate a pen specifically for this ink.

Not stocking the green Lamy 2000?

Good show, Brian and crew!

Lately I've been enjoying shimmering ink. Given that frequent motion is required to distribute the shimmer, this makes it necessary for a pen to have a certain "fidget factor" when selecting a pen to fill. Some pens just can't stop moving on their own, and others prefer to just stay put in their preferred writing grip in the hand.

It's also helpful if the pen is designed to come apart for cleaning.

Would you have recommendations for pens that would meet both these criteria?

Another great video, very informative, relaxed and fun. Keep up the good work.

Probably the most retailer for the longest time I have purchased from Goulet. I think I purchased my first pen from you guys maybe 2013.

A question about ink mould or contaminated growth. Should the ink be discarded immediately, or should it be saved by microwaving it to a high temperature or boiled in a container of water on a stove-top? I have read that this remedy can work, but I am wary of results.

Many years ago I used to mix a small amount of Pelikan 4001 Black with Pelikan 4001 Green to creat a deep Green Black. Then Pelikan seemed to change the formula of one of those inks and I got giant bottle of goop. So much for that. Eventually I found Diamine Green/Black ink.

Happy to see the Goulet Pen Company family in any configuration. I too love MV Blue Skies, brought to my attention by Brian K who helped with a leaky H S Dark Crystal. I’ve bought 3 bottles of it and a Twsbi diamond inkwell and it’s my go to ink.

GOOD Stuff Brian! Watched both of the latest Q&A episodes today, and they are really interesting. I like the shorter format. Interesting as the pencast was, 2 hours plus is just a little too long for me. I would often fall asleep during various sections of the program, and it was usually topics I was REALLY interested in! So, I would have to go back and rewatch. I DO have a question. I know that Jowo nibs are available, at different places (including your Goulet branded nibs), but do they sell matching feeds for the nibs as well?

Thank you for another awesome Q&A, Brian! In response to your question about online retailers: my mainstays have been Amazon, at first for books, and The Goulet Pen Company since 2019 for my first fountain pen🙂

Yesss! Keep these commin’!!!

I do have an interesting issue related to inks. I am currently completing my penmanship certification submission materials for IAMPETH. We are only allowed to use dip pen or fountain pens so naturally I am submitting my materials using my Fine Pilot Falcon.

My question is this: Although I’m submitting my entry in Platinum Carbon Black, I would like permanent inks in every color so that I can add color to my practice and enjoy it. I also know I will be completing some pieces in the Champion method done the road and I would like permanent inks color choices. Basically, I want the most saturated and long-lasting, permanent and waterproof and lightfast inks in every color so like that I can build up my collection of penmanship inks for my studio!

Any suggestion will be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance! 🖋️✨✒️

Hi Brian! Great video today. I would like to say that I would like it if you would give us a writing prompt once in a while, or more oftenn. I liked them, and used them often. I am always looking for a new topic on which to ponder and write, besicdes what goes in my journal. I alwso do like a spotlight, especially when you get a new model of pen or new manufatcturer. Certainl not as in depth as the video you all generally produce to intoduce neww products. But maybe a lot shorer so that we can get our whistles whetted!!! Also, on another topic, do you have any ideas for getting the shimmering bits out of a bottle of ink??? Putting it through a coffee filter is not an option. There are some beautiful colors of ink out there that only come with shimmer in them. I intensely dislike shimmer and glitter in my ink. It looks pretty. But it mucks up my pens and I have no desire to disassemble a pen and nib to be able to put a toothbrush to my feed. Nor do I have the patience to continue to move my pen around while writing. I just want great color inks. Not sparkling inks. I get the sparkle in my collection of BENU pens. :) And last, but not least, How about an Opus 88 Mini Goulet exclusive???!!! I have purchased some beautiful exclusive minis from two otherr online stores. And the pen is fabulous! An exclusive might bring some more attention to the two you already carry...one of which I purchased from you. Great pens! Thakns a bunch.

I'm so excited that you brought the Q&A back! I have a question - but I feel ridiculous asking. Why is the first line of writing usually darker, almost like the ink oxidized in the pen? It happens on various pens from various brands. I notice it the most with shimmer inks. Is it my fault, am I not screwing the cap on all the way or is it just that the cap doesn't have a good seal? What is this strange color magic?

Schon Pocket 6! Metal, sturdy clip, EDC.

I love the music bookends and witty intro! Well done!
I've noticed the necessary orientation for Safari vs AL-star threading but didn't know why, and I really appreciate Brian's detailed explanation.
I have a Kaweco Steel Sport, and I love the weight and feel, but the nib section unscrews at least 1 turn from the barrel every single time I uncap the pen, so I don't use it as much, and I sympathize with the cap unscrewing from the Brass Sport.
Thanks for a great Q & A!!! Seriously, the positivity in your videos is such a blessing for my mental health. Thank you!

I love the long videos. Miss the personal life updates.

The online retailer I’ve shopped with consistently over the longest time has to be Amazon. In fact, when I first started, they were a book retailer only. Who’s old enough to remember that? 😁 I think Bezos may even have had hair back then!

Are there any rules for mixing inks? I mixed Waterman Blue with Skrip red for a lovely burgundy I put in a French vintage pen. I didn’t have a sample vial at the time so I had to use an empty prescription bottle. I was able to write on the label what two inks I mixed and what pen I put it in. Are there any no nos when it comes to mixing brands as well as ink colors?

Hi Brian, since TWSBI has spent time and money developing its own ink cartridges and converters, do you think they will develop a second cartridge/converter pen in the future? Personally I don’t foresee them letting the cartridges languish in the Swipe only, and see a ready made product lineup gap for a more office/professional environment appropriate pen to sit alongside the Classic. Assuming that their cartridge or converter could fit in an empty Classic barrel, would it need much retooling to make a sibling pen for the Classic? If a new barrel and section are needed, TWSBI could still make a similar Classic inspired pen to be a companion at the same price point for customers who like the look of the Classic, but want the convenience and versatility of their cartridge system. Do you think this could be a relatively low risk winner for TWSBI, which could also revitalise the often forgotten Classic?

Powell’s Books is the online retailer I have shopped with for the longest-although they have stores about 20 miles from my home. They have all the books new and used. I prefer not to shop on Amazon, I don’t like their business model.

Another video, my weekend is saved! Your videos are my feel good window to the fountain pen world and its news, as there are hardly any specialized stores in my neighborhood or those with standard knowledge of fountain pens. So, thank you for all the information and effort that you and the team have provided over the years and in the future.

Of course, after a while some questions and information are repeating, but there is still always something to learn, to memorize again or to just enjoy listening to your explainations. ❤️

Retailer used for the longest time? Amazon to get all my books worldwide and stuff that is harder to find as more and more real shops are closing, also CDJapan (for more than 10 years), C&A for clothing.

Hi! Happy to see you again! I would love to see the Whats New aswell. Such a lovely way to be introduced to your new products. All my best! /from the kingdom of Sweden

Hello! I have a question about J. Herbin inks. I have two of them: Lie de the and Poussiere de lune. I think they are both so beautiful but I have a hard time using them. They seem so dry for me and I tried them in couple of my pens like Kaweco Sport and Ferris Wheel Press Carousel - both F nib size but they are skipping so much. What pen should I use to enjoy those inks? Because i don't want to abandon them, colors are too pretty. What pens are afortable and have a good flow of ink?

Hi, Newbie here. Loved watching this Q and A. I don't want to show my ignorance about fountain pens just yet, so I will just answer the Retail online store used the longest. It would be Amazon, Jet pens , I love pens in general and just recently got into fountain pens... and Plant Therapy for essential oils. I guess I have a thing for small bottles in general. 🤣🤣

Hello :)

I have a Lamy Joy 1.1mm. I put a shimmering ink on it and even using the pen everyday, I started having flow issues. The ink I used was Wearingeul Dracula.

Did someone experienced similar issue with lamy Joy? Also, I think lamy's 1.1mm nib feels a bit dryer. I have a broad nib that seems wetter 🤔

literally as you started reading the Lamy logo question I have been assembling my Safari and had to screw the body on 3 times to get the logo where I want it to go .. I usually start with the logo pointing "down" but it no always threads right because I sometimes twist my wrist a bit before I start - unless I am super intentional it never happens right on its own :D

Cult Pens United Kingdom

first time watching QA and i've learned SOOOOO much! thank you!
also im on team metal!😊 my sewing machine is metal and it will outlive us all. 😉

The most and most often? Amazon. 😊
JetPens was my introduction back into fountain pens several years ago. I had been shopping with them for gel pen refills and notebooks. I soon picked up a Pilot Petit1 and a Platinum Preppy, quickly followed by a LAMY Safari (Charcoal) and a bottle of Noodler's Bay State Blue ink.
BTW, outside of occasional cleaning, that Safari has been inked with BSB every since.

QUESTION ARE THERE ANY OTHER PENS BESIDES LAMY who make triangular grips?

Omg the Kaweco brass sport always comes unscrewed in my pocket. Actually all of them do it, but the brass does it all the time and the clip also comes off. I may have to try the Traveler’s or something.

I'm looking for an ink that has shimmer, fluorescent under UV lights and if possible, water resistant. What do you recommend?

we want the guy with the funny shirts back thanks :)

I know this is a weird liminal space where you’re trying on new formats and approaches after some major changes on your end, so I really appreciate that you’re including people in that process. I happened to like this format of the Q&A (though to be very clear, I have no expectation that this would be more than a once a month thing), and it’s very very clear that you’re trying. So I wanted to say that I appreciate it, Brian. I know it’s got to be extra hard this time of year, too, for someone also running the retail end of things. You’ll find new footing again as time goes on, I have no doubt!

I like your Q&A format. Since you're interested in what viewers would like to see in these, my preference would be for more frequent, shorter programs. Maybe a half hour twice a week. A lot of the questions from people new to the hobby just don't interest me, so maybe if you answered those types of questions in one broadcast, and showed off new products and gave us news of the pen world in the other. That would suit my interests and needs better. But I'm still willing to scan through a weekly broadcast to find topics that interest me and skip those that don't.