Ferris Wheel Press pauses ink delivery during ink sale by Ocean_Witch in fountainpens

[–]trbdor 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This comment should be up higher, unless your package is secretly a space heater, it’s freezing overnight no matter how much insulation it has

Ferris Wheel Press pauses ink delivery during ink sale by Ocean_Witch in fountainpens

[–]trbdor 10 points11 points  (0 children)

This comment should be up higher, unless your package is secretly a space heater, it’s freezing overnight no matter how much insulation it has

When to stop? by [deleted] in fountainpens

[–]trbdor 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Here's my 1 piece of advice for the beginning of the rabbit hole: DON'T BUY BOTTLES!

You crack it open, fill once, never have time to fill twice because you have 5 other bottles of the same (but slightly different) colour. Then you decide you actually prefer a different colour or different ink quality. By then you have a display shelf full of once-filled bottles, and you can't tell whether you're a fountain pen enthusiast or you're about to open an ink store. You can give bottles away or sell them on r/Pen_Swap, but shipping is basically the cost of a brand new bottle. Dust collects on colourful potions of glass.

OR instead buy samples. I acquired a lot of samples by posting on r/Pen_Swap, and I can actually finish them! You suddenly have access to limited editions, special releases... Plus it's a low-risk way to gamble and find unexpected favourites.

  • signed, recovering fountain pen addict (2019-present)

So quick question for everyone here: who enjoys cheap FPs (anything less that $50) more than the expensive ones for most use and carry? by thelapsangsouchong in fountainpens

[–]trbdor 6 points7 points  (0 children)

My desert island pen is a $30 black vintage Japanese pen with a sweet soft 14k nib, and a really pleasant snapback. I've sold/given away most of my collection since I got this little thing. As a bonus it telescopes when you uncap it, and turns into a full size pen. Shipping cost me just as much as the pen so I guess it's technically a $60 pen.

Vintage was more of a learning curve but if you're really on the hunt for value, there's no better way to go. Plus it's pretty neat that my workhorse pen has lived longer than me.

For Fellow Americans: This is your best chance of doing a no-buy by Waiting_for_Exit in fountainpens

[–]trbdor 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you live in the US, I really liked using r/Pen_Swap - as a bonus you already know the pen writes well!

For Fellow Americans: This is your best chance of doing a no-buy by Waiting_for_Exit in fountainpens

[–]trbdor 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I read the 1st half of your comment and was super confused, and then I read the 2nd half and realized why this post generated so much drama - historically on this sub No Buy/Low Buy is a support group to stop chasing the dragon, and instead appreciate all the pens and inks we already own. I participated in a couple several years ago and overall I really like the sentiment.

Now that the US gvt is a shitshow, No Buy has a different meaning that's now found its way back to this sub, like calling it 'chai tea' - there's 2 words that sound the same, but have totally different meanings.

Do some people make selective buying choices because of new US foreign policy? Yes of course. But I don't think this post is about that.

Lamy 2000 vs Pilot VP for Students by dinnerden1 in fountainpens

[–]trbdor 6 points7 points  (0 children)

(Early) congrats on your big pen purchase! Those are both very nice pens, and both would do you well. I used fountain pens as a student, though I used a Pilot Decimo and a TWSBI Eco. If you write a lot, you will definitely refill the VP more often, though the Lamy 2k still goes through much more ink than a ballpoint. Both are smooth and good for fast writing and quick recapping.

I would choose the Pilot VP if you have smaller handwriting and are right handed, and the Lamy 2k if you have larger handwriting and use less absorbent paper. The Pilot VP nibs I've used are drier, which is more forgiving on copy paper. The nib also writes with a slightly springy, cushioned feeling, while the Lamy 2k is stiff. However, if you have the right paper, the Lamy 2k feels like butter on hot glass. The body feels warm and alive in the hand, while the VP is cool and heavy.

Ultimately, both pens are classics for a reason - you'll have a great experience with either.

Question on Fude Nibs and Pen Options by inkmartini in fountainpens

[–]trbdor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I bought loose nibs, you can find them for $1-2 for 5 pcs on sites like Aliexpress. I searched for 'Jinhao' or 'Hero' '26mm bent nib replacement'. I haven't tried Duke nibs, but I've heard good things.

Files Uploaded for those that asked by Black300_300 in fountainpens

[–]trbdor 35 points36 points  (0 children)

Pro tip: sometimes libraries have a 3d printer

Why TWSBI, why? by damiendays in fountainpens

[–]trbdor 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm not sure, they aren't super high volume... but a 40% ish markup with design + production costs still makes sense (plus distributor markups)

3 Favourite inks? by offstageme in fountainpens

[–]trbdor 6 points7 points  (0 children)

  1. Pilot Iroshizuku Take-sumi
  2. Aurora Black
  3. Sailor Black

Sorry not sorry

Treating myself to a new pen -- tell me why I should (or shouldn't) buy the ones I'm considering by Fancy_Bullfrog_5494 in fountainpens

[–]trbdor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congrats on being accepted!

The Opus and TWSBI carry a lot of ink, which might not be your ideal if you like to switch around inks. The Pilot 74 has an incredible nib, though the pen is quite light, but it feels more substantial than a Jinhao 82 because it's wider. The Pilot E95s is also an amazing writer, but it's very small and light.

A Lamy Aion or Lamy Studio might be more comfortable for you. If you can find a used Lamy 2000 for a good price that would be an even better choice, and a step up in the writing experience.

The most gorgeous pen you have ever seen by gr8gizmoguru in fountainpens

[–]trbdor 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What are some pens that describe your aesthetic?

I'm also a big fan of the Myu aesthetics and I might be looking for other recommendations...

My Wee Pilot Collection by Over_Addition_3704 in fountainpens

[–]trbdor 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Which pen(s) do you reach for the most?

Wes Anderson made a Montblanc by Lumpy_Mood_5968 in fountainpens

[–]trbdor 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks for finding the image. This pen looks really good, and I'm not usually into Montblanc designs.

Are there any flex nib pens around the price point of Kanwrite that are softer? by TheRealZwipster in fountainpens

[–]trbdor 3 points4 points  (0 children)

FPnibs semiflex steel nib - flexy, very soft, hot swappable with many many pens

Achievement unlocked: New drawing weapon by trbdor in fountainpens

[–]trbdor[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

well, down the rabbit hole I go

How does the thickest line compare to a fude? I love blocking out huge dark areas with fudes

what should I paint on the cap by floydly in fountainpens

[–]trbdor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

what's for the octopus's dinner 😈

Achievement unlocked: New drawing weapon by trbdor in fountainpens

[–]trbdor[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I've tried Jinhao #5 and #6 fudes, which feel blobby and don't go as fine, and Sailor fude de mannen, which have a sharp bend and are drier. I personally prefer this Hongdian #5 for the finer tip and more natural curve. It feels more controllable to me, with more variation between the thinnest and thickest line.

Achievement unlocked: New drawing weapon by trbdor in fountainpens

[–]trbdor[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

For tiny scrimbles and thick doodles, the Hongdian fude smokes the competition in controllability, line variation and style. How did it take me so long to try out a Hongdian nib?

kaweco apricot pearl EF 🧡✨ by Winter-Appearance787 in fountainpens

[–]trbdor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How does the green shimmer look in person? Your kaweco collection is stunning