This month was eye opening. I kept a 'pentations' (pen temptations) journal and wrote down every single website, pen item and dollar amount that caught my eye. Then I managed to talk/journal myself out of all of them.
If I wasn't on a No Spend, I'm sure I would have spent several hundred dollars by now. I need to lean into my other hobbies when I am bored and not turn to online window shopping. That's my goal for February.
I also had the opportunity to hold and try a Pilot Elite 95s. While the nib/pen quality was absolutely lovely, I'm happy to say that the grip section is too slippery and I found myself gripping it too hard, causing hand fatigue. Yay! Not going to be tempted by that pen anymore.
TLDR: I've been successful with my No Pen Spend for 6 weeks so far.
That’s awesome, great work! I love the idea of a pen temptations journal, documenting those times you thought about it but didn’t actually buy anything!
I think it’s good to write about temptations, especially about things we don’t need. Helps to make you think about it rationally, rather than falling into the FOMO or that compulsive (“I must have it!”) buying thought sometimes! 😎
It also helps if you can see a trend of what tempts you, and then get a nice one that fits the trend/attributes maybe, after a good time of no buying!
I just found this sub in late December after my wife gave me a Platinum Preppy as a stocking stuffer for Christmas, so I'm just getting started and while I'm not prohibiting purchases, I am very wary of another expensive hobby rabbit hole.
In January I asked my parents for a Platinum 3776 Century for my birthday, so now I have *two* pens...of course I needed to buy ink, which meant buying converters for each of them...
So in short, I haven't purchased any pens at all, but I have purchased two converters and two bottles of ink (Diamine Oxblood and Majestic Blue) so I think I'm doing pretty okay on the spending front.
My evolving pen wish list is starting to look alarming, though.
This was me last year XD Regarding the wishlist - if you go slowly and get to know each new pen, you can learn which features you don't prefer before you buy any more with that feature, and the wish list will shrink to suit your actual usage preferences rather than just the initial 'ooh shiny'.
Definitely good advice! I'm still learning what nibs I like and for what purpose...I'm finding the SF nib on the 3776 to be a challenge even though I enjoy the precision it offers. It's fun to get into it as I work on my handwriting.
FWIW I love the 3776 so much! That's a great choice and should give you a solid idea of what you like. You'll be able to choose carefully from there. What's even better is if you can make any local pen friends to try things out rather than buying them. I wish I'd had that, I think it would've saved me a lot of money.
Good recommendation on the local friends...i need to see what is out there in my area.
On the 3776 - I'm struggling with it! It's beautiful, but I'm afraid I made the wrong choice in nibs and it doesn't look like Platinum sells them separately to allow me to tweak it.
Part of this whole pen journey is a resolution to improve my cursive, and the SF is very unforgiving - it shows all of the flaws very clearly. I haven't decided if I like it or hate it yet, or maybe both...but I find myself tensing and really working to get consistent pressure and line weight making the writing process less enjoyable. I think I need a larger, wetter nib to help me be smooth and force me to write larger. My preppy has the 03 nib and I don't struggle so much with that one.
Oh dang, that’s too bad. :( I find the Platinum nibs very fine too, my favourites are actually B nibs. I had a similar issue with a Sailor pen, and had to just trade it for another.
I also love my 3776, especially my F nib, but the build quality of the body is just bad. I have owned my pen less than 2 months, not traveled with it, but already there are scratches on the body
No inks or pens!! I bought a converter for my friend and two passport traveler notebook refills for my traveler notebook when my partner took me on a date to the stationery store aha. I've been using my notebooks and writing a little bit more since I've been in a bit of a funk.
Thanks! I hope you've been well this year! I always get so excited for the holidays, I guess the post holiday season always hits me hard haha. Keep up the penabling :3
Oh yes, definitely >:3 I happen to live half an hour away from a cute little stationery store that has tester fountains pens and notebooks. It's absolutely wonderful and this was the first visit I managed not to buy any ink!
First got here by being penabled by my twin, I resisted for quite a while though 😝 I loved the smoothness and colour variety of gel pens (and still do!) but once I was gifted that purple Pilot Metropolitan I just fell in love with the writing experience all over again.
Would I penable my best friend? It was hard enough to get myself onboard so probably not LOL but if they approach me out of curiosity that's another story 😎
Yay! I'm glad to see this is returning for 2023! I'll probably do a low buy instead of an all out no buy this year. I also want to use at least one bottle of ink this year.
As for January, my fun money went towards another hobby and travel expenses and my short trip happened to coincide with my hometown's pen show. 😅 My only stationery purchase was a tiny memo pad from Daiso. Also I successfully resisted temptation when I went to Kinokuniya and saw lots of pretty stationery on display.
>**"How did you first get into the hobby? Would you penable your best friend, and why?"**
My first fountain pen was some Tachikawa thing that came with a manga drawing kit. I didn't really get into pens until years later when I randomly added a Platinum Preppy to my Jetpens order because it seemed neat.
If my friends show interest in the hobby I'd probably give them a pen. I've let them try my pens out but none have converted to fountain pens. One of my family members is a big stationery nerd and we gush over pens and inks together.
It's so fun to talk with someone else who loves pens and inks. :D one of my husband's coworkers got into and so I text with him and he tries to tell my husband pen things but he's not interested. I'm happy folks wanted to have the NBFP thing again!
I did pretty OK! I'm limiting myself to three pens this year and making sure they're really special pens. I found one on buyee, a fude de mannen in a very pretty demonstrator-ish body.
I also finished 3.5 sketchbooks of different sizes so far and refilled my fudes over 5-6 times. It's been a little empty not buying anything and window shopping is losing its charm too, but I'm really happy with how much I'm drawing and using my supplies.
I got into fountain pens because of my art wife, haha. We share a lot of art supplies and I remember her bringing a 55 degree fude two years ago. At that time I didn't really know how to use it but it piqued my interest in fountain pens. I picked up the fude again last year to see if could use it better and now it's the ONLY thing I use for drawing. I love the 55 degree one.
Yah! I've been seriously drawing a ton since December. Each notebook is around 60-80 pages and I'm actually working on form and foundation. It eats up a lot paper but I love seeing the progress and changing up the inks.
i'd say this year i'm on a "low-buy" trying to steer away from impulse purchases and stick to my wishlist. this month i ordered two pens i'd been planning for awhile (before price increases put them out of my budget for good) and repurchased two staple inks i'd run out of. i've budgeted for 2-3 additional pen purchases this year but for the most part i'm trying to let go lesser used pens and get to know my collection and tastes better.
i got into fountain pens because my mother always used one growing up. she kept a leather datebook that i thought was so glamorous and i remember her making orders from gouletpens and jetpens when they first shipped to international addresses. i've tried to penable my closest friends with little avail, hence me turning online for community and meeting others who enjoy the hobby. i've met some lovely folks here and i'm grateful to be part of this sub. :)
Isn't it such a great group of people? I don't have any local pen friends either, so I really appreciate the community here. I can picture your mom's fancy datebook, and why it made such an impression on you!
I've stuck to my no-buy for fountain pens themselves, which is what I'd set out to do :D we'll see how long I make it (I have one exception I've allowed for, but haven't found a pen that fits it, so the no-pen-buy continues!)
I came really close to breaking it for one of the new hongdian year of the rabbit pens, but so far am resisting\~
Hehe, well, i just got into fountain pens in January, so i did the opposite - bought 4 pens, two notebooks, ink cartridges, converters and of course bottled ink and two more nibs. So now i feel i have enough to explore... However, now i can say that I'm not going to buy anything more for the rest of 2023 and all my additional wishes go on my wishlist for family and friends to take care of ;)
My 'no buy' is going quite well from the pen perspective. I bought another Prera CM overnight 12/31-1/1, so I don't count that (let's hear it for late night amazon shopping).
I didn't say that I wouldn't buy INK this year, though I think my recent Olivine purchase may be it for some months. I have a lot of samples to get through.
Whenever I see something on here that I think I want, I write it down in the back of my journal. If I still want it months later I may make a purchase... and I've left an out for me to buy a pen for my birthday in September, if there's a 'must have' out there. Thus far there isn't.
I was looking through an older journal, and noticed Robert Oster Smokescreen - a past fave which wasn't currently in a pen. I inked up the grey Decimo, and it made me so happy! This morning I picked up a different pen that I hadn't used in a bit - total joy. So I think that 'shopping' my own stash is going to be the way to scratch that itch this year.
Shopping your own stash is a great idea. Someone else has a “pentations” journal too, to keep track of what they’ve been tempted by. I think it’s a great idea!
Oh, Is that what January is? ... oops. I have 9 in my current rotation, soon to be ten with the arrival of new inks ( love ya Birmingham pens)
I first got in to the pen habit via a lovely boyfriend when I was in high-school. It was a valentines Lamy bundle from Dromgoolies in texas. I no longer have that pen, or boyfriend, and I'm currently trying to bring my current boyfriend into the habit.
Bit of a note, if you go on and on to a significant other about pens and they just gawk at you like you've grown another head and are spouting nonsense in Aramaic, leave and find another partner, that one is trash. Current boyfriend pays attention, asks questions about what is, or why is, and couldn't make me feel more heard as a person.
Every month is "no buy" month if you join the no buy group, haha. Otherwise there are no specific requirements. A mark of a good partner is definitely being willing to listen to what interests you!
To recap, my rules/exceptions:
* I may request one new pen (no ink!) from my parents for my birthday or Christmas but not both
* Any ink I finish may be replaced with the same pack size or the next pack size up of the same ink, except Livid Lime which would be replaced with 30ml Kelly Green
* I may buy fountain pens from charity shops if their features are new to me (e.g. piston fill, Japanese EF) and/or likely to put them in my top 4 pens
* If I want to make any further exceptions I must debate them in two of the monthly No Buy threads first
I have actually found my first month of firm no buy vastly, vastly easier than the previous year of 'OK but do it sensibly'. Apparently an automatic no saves me a lot of brain cells XD The Petrol Al-Star was briefly somewhat tempting but I already have two Lamy pens and I don't love their nibs that much. Didn't spot anything remotely interesting in the charity shops.
I do need to debate with you all one exception as per my fourth rule, but I don't actually know what it is yet - I'm having trouble with one of my converters, and I suspect the solution is going to be buying some silicone grease and toothpicks, or buying a new converter. Foolishly I have not yet presented the problem to the sub at large yet for further opinions on the best course of action. It's not entirely unmanagable though, so I'll probably press through another couple of months.
Bonus - update on my second [IDIC challenge](https://i.imgur.com/VCCqkhk.png) status as of today! Yes there's a new ink at the top there - Diamine Little Lou was gifted to me (used) by a colleague without any further use for it. I'm not going to make myself complete that row if I don't feel like it as I go as it's not one I would have chosen for myself, but it is a nice buffer against any feeling that I might need to get something in that part of the colour wheel.
As for how I got into the hobby, I was not penabled; I discovered fountain pens myself from a sustainability perspective (ha!). I would however without hesitation penable anyone who sounded remotely interested in a heartbeat. The more the merrier!
I don't think requiring maintenance items should count against your no buy, since it's just keeping your regular stuff working. I'm not the person to troubleshoot with but I will say as someone who is NOT mechanically inclined that I've managed to take apart and grease several TWSBIs without incident, and it made me feel very pleased to fix them. Love your IDIC chart!
I guess the purpose of this kind of check in is to make my spending decisions in the best way possible - yes, maintenance bits are fine, but there's a risk of stretching that definition without a sanity check. And for example right now, as things stand, any purchase would be a bad one because I haven't investigated what the actual problem is deeply enough yet.
It is so satisfying to get a thing working \^\_\^
The IDIC seems like a fun challenge. I don't really have a problem with buying ink/pens/stationary, so I'm not doing a no buy. After approximately 5-6 years into the hobby I have 6 pens, one of which was a giveaway win, and depending how you count 12 (if counting colorverse sets of the same colour as 2 bottles) and some samples. The 2 2 bottle colorverse sets I have my partner got me for Christmas. But I think I may try the IDIC just for fun and to change up Ink/pen combinations as I tend to stick with certain inks in certain pens. Thank you for the idea
My no buy is in the style of I have a set small list of pens to save for or grab if I see a mega deal etc that I can't deviate from (it's around 7 pens long and meant to last the whole year if not longer).
I did get one pen in January but it was one from that list, so I'm pretty pleased with myself.
It was the Jade Eco, there was only one left in stock and it was the only place I knew that still sold it. I had my eye on it for ages so as soon as it got to 1 left in stock, I weighed up if I really was going to get it and I did.
I've used to every day since getting it so I would say it was well worth it :D
Same! All of mine have been amazing writers out the box and I've never had any cracking. I prefer my ecos to my 580 too. I've had bad luck with Lamy and one bad nib from kaweco so I do get why people don't like twsbi from QC but I've been very lucky with Ecos. It was also part of my list that didn't break the bank so was good for the mostly no-buy ;v;
Hey, Ty, please don't beat yourself up. If buying a bottle of ink could help you through a really rough time, that's alright. I get anxious too, so I definitely get it. What colour of Manyo did you get? I love those inks so much. I'm glad that you still have your job but I'm sorry there's so much pressure for you there.
If you felt better after buying it (and thankfully it was a bottle of ink and not an expensive pen!), then therapy worked! Congratulations on falling into the Sailor rabbit hole :) It's great you got such a bright and cheerful colour too!
Hey ty, I’m previously from the tech industry, so I do read about the news on it. I won’t say I understand your worry, but I hope that you’re feeling better as you use the ink. My sister is in said industry, and I see her stresses as well.
While we are being mindful of our purchases, I would think of this ink bottle as a reward for getting through the situation, and handling being in the office after so long. And green’s a good colour!
I got into the hobby through my parents. I always used a fountain pen for writing (I just learned with it at school and never stopped) and when I was about 18 my teachers were complaining about my bad handwriting and my broad lines. So my parents decided to give me a good pen with a fine nib. After trying a few at the store, I got a GvFC Intuition. Over the next 5 years, I broke one, lost one and got one stolen, buying a new one each time. After the third one, the Intuition was discontinued so I had to get another model so I got a Pelikan M600 which is still my workhorse ten years later.
I still wanted to give fate the finger and get a last Intuition, so when I got my first substantial paycheck, I looked for it. That took me down the rabbit hole, I discovered reddit and this sub, but I have my M600 and my Intuition, so I don't have a strong urge to get new stuff (except one or two 'grails'). In the meantime I discovered the world of inks and I just moved to the US and I couldn't take all my inks. I got a few samples in the secret santa and I really like some of them, so i will probably relent at some point, but so fat I try to hold off, moving to a new continent is expensive.
Would I penable my best friend? They probably already know about fountain pens, if they don't want to use them, it's their choice.
I got into fountain pens back in 2016, the same year I got a TN. It just felt like if I get a TN, then fountain pens would just naturally follow! My first pens were the Lamy Safari, Kaweco Sport and Pilot Kakuno.
2023 will be a "no buy with exception" year! The only exception was hunting down the Sailor x Yoseka refresh and I gave myself a year to get it, except luckily (?) I managed to get it this month. I'm really hoping this will be the only pen I get this year, but since I will be in Japan, I'll allow myself to get a few bottles of ink. Budget will depends how well my Etsy shop does!
No fountain pen purchases for me this month! 🥳 I did do some damage on Sticker Day, but kept my total stationery spending below €100. Which I realise is still quite a large sum, but progress is progress! I'm so glad you're still doing this "series" in 2023!
As for my journey down the rabbit hole... I actually bought my first fountain pen on a whim quite a few years ago and was perfectly happy using it with just black Pilot cartridges up till February 2022. The thought of trying more pens and inks had been at the back of my mind for a long time, and I don't know what clicked then but one day I just found myself taking the plunge and making my first ink sample purchase...
I actually have a planned purchase coming up to penable my partner. I will probably be getting him the new Lamy AL-Star in Lilac and a black Pilot Lightive, and he will of course have access to my inks 😊 Contemplating getting the Petrol AL-Star for myself and I'm also very tempted by the Pilot Prera with a nib, but I'm not sure if I'm comfortable spending €45 on a pen I've never tried in person (mostly worried about it being too small). I'm still in the process of setting my low-buy parameters, but my tentative goal is to cut my stationery spending in half compared to 2022.
It's funny. It would be easy to lie on the internet. But this wonderful camaraderie we have all built encourages us to be honest and transparent.
I broke my no buy in January. I limited myself though to a limited edition ink. Or rather one that I have trouble finding. I have learned I cannot just window shop (at least when it comes to pens) So I've told my partner - no more pen shops unless I'm prepared to buy. So no more pen shops.
I do know I will also break my no buy for the al star special editions. So that is my allotment for the year. Last year was 9/12 months no buy. I'm going to try and stick to 10 this year - so reduced buy?
I got into fountain pens because I started journaling. I had to do it for therapy/mental health reasons to try and kick my absolutely awful anxiety problem. I wanted a nice pen to write with. So I got a metro.
I would penable a friend! But none of them so far are interested.
There's no need to lie, it's all good! 9/12 months is still a really good success rate. I hope you'll enjoy the ink! Going into a stationery store is so fun, I really can't blame you. I haven't been to one in ages. :D
On the other hand, getting into pens has helped cut back other impulse buys considerably: that bottle of wine? I could buy a bottle of ink for that! Even if I don’t pull the trigger on buying something pen-related, I’m stashing aside some extra cash for the moment that just the right item appears….on sale…with a coupon…in the basement.
Impulse purchases can definitely be an issue for many things! Being mindful is tough but really pays off, I think. (I’m still not there myself, but I’m always trying to improve too!)
Well, on the subject of the no-buy: How much did I spend on things that were not essential? 120.01€. Well, maybe more like 98.50€ if you count new undershirts as essential, haha! How much of that 120 was on fountain pen or stationary stuff? None.
I wanted to start on a no-buy not because of budget concerns, but because I wanted to start appreciating what I own more - particularly my very large collection of inks - and because I wanted to save up for one very big pen purchase in November for my birthday (a Lamy Dialog CC, to be exact). What I found was that when I stopped looking at pen / stationary stuff, I started looking at my desk and what I had more, and almost all of that 120€ was spent on actually organizing my stuff so I could use it more - basically, storage and organization. Oh, and a good chuck of it was on stamps for letter-writing, haha! I now ink fewer pens up, and use them more as a result, since I've made a pleasant space for myself to write in.
So that's basically what I discovered on no-buy month no. 1: I have so much stuff, I needed to get organized, and now that I saw it, I'm using my desk more. I like that not buying new things has made me start to use my existing things, rather than just admire them as shelf possessions. We'll see what happens after February!
To answer the specific questions:
My sister penabled me while visiting me in Germany. She could absolutely not believe that I was here and not buying Lamys, especially since the local pen store in my town still had a few Lamy Safari Dark Lilacs left (I think they were 2 years out of production by then?). She bought one for herself, "convinced" me to buy one for myself and told me I wouldn't regret it, and off we started on a long slide downhill, from extra-fine nibs to double broads.
Would I penable my best friend? Why yes, my husband saw what I was doing, dug through his grandfather's collection, and pulled out all the inherited Gehas, Pelikans, Osmia, and Montblancs... and then decided that he liked the colorful AL-Stars better, and off he went. Now we're just two big fountain pen nerds sharing a collection bigger than anything our local shops carry!
That's a really sweet FP story, both your sister and your husband. I'm glad that organization has helped you see and use what you have! Having your things arranged in a welcoming way can make such a difference.
Hi! Happy January to you & to all the no/low buy friends new & old. :)
I didn't buy anything pen-related in January, and honestly I didn't even feel overly tempted. As I've mentioned before, I'm determined to use up at least one bottle of ink in 2023 (I've never emptied an entire bottle - just samples), and I've definitely been getting a dopamine hit each time I refill a pen from my Sailor Shigure bottle (the one I'm working on first.) It feels similar to the joy of a new ink, just in reverse!
Unfortunately, I really succumbed to other sorts of impulse purchases this month (clothing, way too much takeout, etc.), so I'm disappointed in my January budget & spending overall, but I'll just try to learn and move on.
I first got into the hobby during 2020. I had already been using a Hobonichi Techo for several years as my planner, and kept reading how great the paper was for fountain pens. Being stuck at home & wanting some extra beauty in my life during that time led me here! And I've penabled several close friends, two of whom have stuck with it as far as I know. :)
Happy January to you, too! I'm so impressed you're working on emptying a bottle, when you finish it, feel free to link here to your triumphant "Bottoms up!" post. I'd love to see it but can't guarantee I will, otherwise.
It's been a rough month for takeout here, too. We spent half the month sick. What can you do! That's the first time I've heard of someone starting with the Hobonichi to fountain pen pipeline instead of the other way around!
I bought two inks which broke my 'don't buy ink until you empty a bottle/sample' rule. But I am close to emptying two samples, so I don't feel too bad about it. Plus I'd been looking at those inks for a while.
I've not used them yet though because I've been busy trying to empty two samples >.< Soon I hope. In any case, the lack of immediate use was a good reminder that I have this rule for a reason. I can't use all the inks all the time. I might as well go slow and work through my sample first.
No pens were purchased and no pens were lusted after. Having a 'don't buy pens aside at pen shows' rule has been really good at making me focus and appreciate my pens more. I took one pen out of rotation, put one back in, and fiddled about with nib swapping. It's been fun.
**How did you first get into the hobby? Would you penable your best friend, and why?**
I learned to write with fountain pens and I've always written with them, but didn't get into the hobby per se until about a year ago. I treated myself to a new pen after getting a raise at work. I was bored one day and wondered if there were other inks than blue and black out there. And wow! Was I in for a shock at just how much is available!
I'd penable a friend but only if they showed interest. Most of my friend don't, so I don't. I do have a friend who likes nice stationary and I consider penabling her every now and again but I have a feeling she'll always prefer her other pens.
Some folks are well-suited to fountain pens, and some just wouldn't enjoy them, and that's fine! My husband gets frustrated now when there's no "normal" pen available in the house for him to use, haha.
Don't buy pens aside from at pen shows sounds like a solid rule!
True. I suspect my friend would find it too much faff, and I live to far away to take care of maintenance for her >.<
Thanks :) I figured it would help with making an informed buying decision as I would get to try the pen and hold it to check it's right for me. Plus I can save up for something nice if I want.
I've been reading through this thread, and I've noticed our responses would be eerily similar. I got roped into re-filling my "fun-coloured" ink stash early this year because of a sale at a local retailer, but I haven't touched any of the new bottles yet. I'm using up the last droplets of my old stash first, they might last me untill the end of this week. There really is no rush. I love the colour I'm using currently and I'm sure I'll enjoy writing with the next one as well. I'm trying not to let the anticipation of future joy overshadow and spoil the joy of today.
I saw a coworker in passing with a Safari dangling from their lanyard and got curious because it was my first time seeing it in person. I'm content with my current pen lineup though.
I've also learnt to write with FPs, so they were always a part of my life as simple tools. Only a few years back Reddit opened my eyes that there's colour in this world - that was the real start of thinking about FPs as something more, something that's not only comfortable and utilitarian, but can also be fun. On the other hand, they're still just tools.
I wonder, is it easier for us - people who know FPs from outside the hobby - to keep the balance between buying and actually using FPs, inks and paper?
I might have been kind of "passively influencing" my friend who likes stationary and art to try fountain pens, mentioning them from time to time, just like they gush about their pencils and watercolours, even though I'm probably the least artistic person they know. We all like our favourite tools and I respect that. It's fun to learn new things and share stuff that might broaden the other person's horizons, even if we might not catch onto every hobby or preference the other person has.
> I'm trying not to let the anticipation of future joy overshadow and spoil the joy of today.
A hard lesson to remember at times.
>I wonder, is it easier for us - people who know FPs from outside the hobby - to keep the balance between buying and actually using FPs, inks and paper?
It could be.
In a sense, it's probably easier to remember that, as you said, they are just tools to be used.
I like your technique of passively influencing. We've definitely gushed over various bits of stationary with my friend, especially notebooks. We each have far too many notebooks >.<
Started out with a metro and a bottle of waterman for maybe 40$ total. I used a little less than half the bottle before I decided this was something I wanted to stick with/ spend money on.
Now I’ve found myself spending too much this month, but this time of year I buy myself things for birthday/ Christmas. So I can say certainly I won’t be spending money on pens until the fall. Still it’s hard to see spending so much in a short amount of time
I bought a pen that was already on my wishlist before I started, then decided to add ink. My first utter failure in an ink bottle. At least I learned something about myself I can apply to future shopping. If it's not high contrast I will not like it better in person. Pale inks no matter how beautiful do not belong in my journal.
I bought my first pen as a young teen to write my first novel. Then learned what I was writing was a journal with stories in it. My best friend runs screaming into the night when I start talking about my writing hobby at all, but I'm having good luck adding ink to my daughter in law's life.
Aw, I'm sorry to hear that the ink didn't work out. I hope you can trade it maybe to someone for something different, or sell it! I'm glad your daughter-in-law likes ink, at least, haha.
Haven’t purchased this month and Penchalet is onto me. Just received an email from them telling I have a %10 discount. I won’t fall on that evil trick.
You're only saving 10% of your money if you were already going to buy that item at full price (which you weren't going to, that's why you are here!). You save 100% of your money if you just don't buy it at all.
Oh no! I found I had to unsubscribe from all my favourite shops, last year at the start of this. It's a lot harder to resist temptation when you're getting offers right to the inbox.
I'm not on a no-buy, but I stopped myself from buying some inks. Theres the pressure of discounts, but I reminded myself that there will be another opportunity. Also in the meantime I can try my current inks in different nibs and explore them more.
I've been good this month! I didn't purchase anything new, I generally avoided the temptation to browse-with-intent-to-buy, and I only seriously considered purchasing something a couple of times. Overall, I'm happy with what I've got! I wouldn't mind a couple of new inks (mostly to replace "old" ones I'd be using/giving away), and I'm still eyeing that Opus 88 Koloro. This is probably the most contented I've been, however, so I'm fairly happy.
To answer the question, I got into fountain pens while I was helping out at a local wood shop. I was browsing through a catalogue one day, a fountain pen kit caught my eye, and since I had wanted to get into fountain pens for the last couple of years, anyway, I bought it. It certainly wasn't the best pen money could buy, and I don't really use it anymore, but it got me in the door (and now I can say I made my first pen, which I think is cool). It took me a couple of months to place an order with Goulet, but once I did, I knew this would be an unending obsession for me.
Well, I've already penabled my best friend, so yes I would! I was in Cincinnati earlier last year, and since I was aware of a pen shop there (Appointments), I had to visit. Funnily enough, the day before I visited the pen store, I got a text from my friend (who knew I was into FPs) with a link to a podcast episode about air travel and fountain pens. That led to a conversation about what made fountain pens so different from "normal" ones, and since I could tell she was interested, I decided to buy one for her. I ended up choosing a Kaweco Sport with an extra-fine nib (I felt comfortable doing this because I could inspect the nib myself), and she loved it! (It just felt appropriate to get a Skyline Sport in the Skyline city!) Since then, she's gotten almost as into them as me, which has been really fun.
Congratulations on the solid month! I love the intro story and to hear that you already penabled your best friend. I didn't know it was called the Skyline city either, haha. What a gift to share such a neat hobby with a great friend!
Oh god, has it been a year of these no-buy posts now? I remember these from last year. I don’t think I’ve spent on anything stationery related since last March (Toronto Fan Expo) because I reduced my notifications from this sub. Anyways, I’m on a no-buy at least until July for Comic-Con.
i started my fountain pen hobby in 2017 cos i wanted to level up on my colour pen obsession. i write a journal daily and trying to use up all my ink (about a dozen bottles) - i use different colours for different things
So far I’ve gotten nothing, and probably won’t until at least March when it warms up. It doesn’t stop me from looking at pens and inks, though.
I first got into the hobby when I started noticing posts from the subreddit showing up every so often. Eventually I decided to get a pen and see what all the fuss was about, and it just took off from there. The end of February marks two years since I’ve been penabled!
The 50% off platinum curidas bundle at Goulet and the new 1/100 Peter draws limited edition killed me, but starting in February I’m on no buy strictly.
I graduate college in may and will probably need to move and I need the money for a new place to live!
I have neither the inclination nor the willpower to go low- or no-buy, but I'm super proud of all my pen friends out there who are making those goals and working towards them!
I AM trying to get more use out of my huge pen/ink/stationery stash, though. I have crazy amounts of swatching to do, for one thing. And I started using an A6 Hobonichi for ink purposes--I'm using the monthly calendar pages to swatch different color families and then will use the daily pages to write about the corresponding ink. Like why I bought it or what the color reminds me of or something having to do with the name of the ink, etc. Not being able to come up with anything to say about an ink when my brain just naturally finds connections between things whether I want it to or not is probably a good sign that it's an ink I should sell or give away.
Yay I made it to the end of 2 months not buying anything. But I think some time this month I will take the plunge towards getting one of my grail pens. Its a shame Conid's returned at a $1000 price point
2022 was the year of the pen for me. Really put a dent into my budget. I decided that while I wouldnt no spend in 2023, I would be more reasonable. Only going for a couple pens if they were at a certain price point, no more ink until I go through a full bottle, etc. I got a lamy 2000 for a little over $100 this month with a free bottle of ink, so I'm satisfied. That's my only pen purchase this month.
As for how I got into pens, I went to a local college for a regional club event/competition in highschool as a freshman. In the little store it had a bunch of pens, and a no name fountain pen starter set. I bought it hoping to look sophisticated to all the girls at the event. Didnt work how I wanted, got ink on me, and fell headfirst into the smoothest writing experience possible. Still enjoy the hobby 10 years later.
No fountain pen-related purchases so far in 2023! I don't buy very often anyway, so that helps. I first got into fountain pens around 2019 because of my bullet journal. I've been bullet journaling almost 6 years, and over time, I've tried different supplies to find my style. Fountain pens have an important place now (hello pen loop!)
I know my best friend well enough to know it isn't exactly their thing, but I will happily penable some coworkers that have expressed interest in my pens.
I’m on a low buy this year as I have almost filled my pen case. Only a couple more spots and the rule after we that is one in one out.
This month I did buy a pen, but only after selling of four others. So my wallet ended up with a surplus, which was good and instead of going to pens, it went to work that needed done on my car. Only other purchase was two samples to avoid buying two bottles. I have previously bought ink without samples, and those are the bottles I’m trying to finish this year as well.
I’m only planning on getting one other pen, whenever Gravitas makes their Ultemate Vac available.
It does feel good to wait and remind myself that I want exactly one pen. I know the price and it can fit within the cash back budget I have saved on my credit cards. The rest of the cash back will go to ink, but not now. Im practicing patience and buying little to nothing.
I got into fountain pens on a whim twice. The first time I filled up three journals with one pen and one ink, oblivious to this sub and the wide world of fountain pens. The second time, five years later, I dove in head first after a pen that showed up when I was looking for “EDC” ballpoints/rollerballs and I’m glad I went this direction (despite what my wallet says) because I don’t really like all metal pens and I much prefer seeing the ink sloshing around and the like.
I'm not officially in this, but I didn't buy any fountain pens in January. I did buy some paper and other stationery related supplies that rang up about a $60 bill.
I did buy a pen in November and in December. I'm really trying to hold out for something special for my next pen, so I'm not opposed to maybe going to a pen show to look and try a lot of things and more "make a list" for when I am more ready to pull the trigger. I didn't buy many pens last year, and I'm at a good place with my pen collection. It's really a matter of getting one or two more pens that really speak to me and that's it. I may start selling some that I don't use as much.
Ended up breaking my no-buy for a pen I'd been wanting (Narwhal Key Largo) BUT I sold multiple pens before I bought it. I also went through my collection and gave pens I no longer wanted/didn't use to my sister, which saved her some money as well!
"How did you first get into the hobby?"
I noticed my coworker using one of his pens one day in 2021 and asked about it. Then I found a couple of cheap Zebra fountain pens and a Pilot Varsity at a craft store, bought myself a couple of Diplomat Magnums from Goulet...and fountain pens quickly became an obsession lol
"Would you ever penable your best friend?"
I have penabled one! I got her a pink Varsity when I visited and she messaged me a couple of months later saying "where can I get more of these pens I used up all the ink in this one" Next time I came down I gave her a couple of Sanrio Platinums I bought off AliExpress
As for another of my best friends...she's a big fan of Pilot G-2s, so I might have to introduce her to Pilot's fountain pens someday...
I failed almost instantly when the month started, but it was only to replace a broken pen and to get some ink that wasn't black or blue. Still under 10 pens and I'm going to keep it that way, but would prefer to bring it below 5. Once I dip below 5 pens I'll look into buying more, but for the time being, I'm good with what I have.
I first got into that hobby back in 2019 because I wanted something less wasteful for work. I would always use the Pilot V5 and was constantly throwing them out until I discovered fountain pens. Later found this sub and stumbled upon my first 2 fountain pens, Pilot Metropolitan and Petit1(4 pack). I now have added a few more Pilots(2 Kakunos, Parallel, Falcon) and Majohns(A1, C4). The Kakunos were to test out other nib sizes in the Pilot entry level family to figure out my preferred size.
That 4 pack of Petit1s helped me penable a few coworkers and my supervisor. I also refill their cartridges when they run out of ink, so they're helping me use up my ink to make room for more. I'd love to penable more people at work, but they're not really interested.
I bought my last 2 Sailors in Dec so I can say I am still in the no buy zone this year. Got a bottle of ink though a few days ago. I think I am good for at least until early summer. My weakness is normally some special edition Platinum or Sailor which I got way way too many already. I still have a few I got last year that I haven't opened yet. What I want the most now is a nice quality pen case to organize my collection.
Steady as she goes. The other day I looked at but did not buy a bottle of Waterman serenity blue, even though it's one of the least expensive ink options around here. 😄 My fountain pen journey started with being given a family heirloom (a Sheaffer 5-30 flattop) and restoring it. Heck yeah I've penabled my besties, most recently in the form of rehoming pens culled from my collection. Just sharing the joy of writing with analogue tools. 🖋️❤️
Ugh, if you were local I’d just give you my bottle of Serenity Blue. I just don’t reach for it often! I’m glad you have friends who now like fountain pens too, haha.
Am trying to do a no buy for the rest of the year after realising that how much I use FPs (though definitely drying to do so more!) and how much I have is enough without buying more inks that'll take me a while to use up. I did not manage it in January - no pens, but one order made for some pen supplies, which I did want for various reasons, and then two bottles of ink to make up shipping costs, one to make another ink I have a more favourable colour and the other because I had a sample and really liked it and the ink seems to be going out of production. Were they really necessary? Not really, but I'll enjoy having them, and getting them really solidified the 'okay, now you really have to just window shop and no buying no matter how much. So, next month, hopefully I'll be back with no money spent on anything FP related.
As for me getting into the hobby, that was strictly last year June or so when I was looking for rollerballs as I realised liquid ink pens were better for my handwriting, and then threw a stub nib fountain pen into the mix because it looked pretty and didn't realise it was a stub until later. It spiralled from there - I'd used FPs about 5-7 years ago, but I hadn't known that inks beyond Parker Quink existed, and I'd only had like three pens, two of which didn't suit my tastes anymore. (The last was given to me by my father when I'd lost a Lamy AL-Star back then, because he was also an FP user and lover many years ago - as is his sister, my aunt, so it's been really fun connecting with them through this unlikely shared hobby - which I still love and use to this day.) Now I got to buy pens that I liked aesthetically and explore the world of inks (of which I now have enough that it'll take me several years at least to use them all. Hence, this year's attempted no buy.)
As for penabling others - my close friends listen to me ramble even though it isn't for them, but I sort of penabled another friend who wants to do more calligraphy but wanted to see what it was like with a flex fountain pen, since they found dip pens a bit of a faff, and I was able to rec them some brands and sites, as well as some advice on taking care of a pen especially with shimmer inks they're planning on using. Their first FP is arriving soon; so, that was fun!
I didn't fail too badly in my no-buy, and got 1 ink that I know I had sampled, used up, and loved. The Pilot Decimo is still looking so tempting though, I am deciding to at least hold off until my birthday.
I got pen-abled by my friend's mom - she got me a Pilot Metropolitan CM nib which was so fun. I would not pen-able my best friend as she works in a hospital, and ballpoint is required for most documents.
Oh yeah, that makes sense about the hospital. A few doctors on the sub use them, I guess it must depend on the specific rules! The Decimo seems like it’d be so handy. I hope you enjoy it if you get one for your birthday.
I found this sub interesting, and I have 3 fountain pens (all Cross). I've been tempted a couple of times to buy another pen (and I didn't put any restrictions), but I've bought a converter, and my first bottle of ink. I bought a bottle of Thornton's Brown ink. I've been very happy with it, and that may have eased the itch for a while.
I did purchase a pen and replacement nib this month but I feel okay about both because they replaced holes left by selling pens I wasn’t using at the tail end of last year - I sold like 12. The goal is to maintain a no buy through to the holidays where I might gift myself one of my remaining wishlist pens.
My introduction to the hobby was about 3 years ago after I asked my brother about pens I saw him unboxing. He gifted me a Benu pen a while later for my birthday and I dove headfirst in. I amassed a lot of pens quickly before finally whittling down what I would consider my priorities to be in a pen and selling the rest. My best friend is a much more pragmatic person than me lol, I can’t imagine her picking out a bunch of inks and leather accessories like me but I could see her being a 1 pen with black document ink kind of fountain pen user so maybe I’ll pick her brain about it and consider a gift down the line.
"One pen with black document ink" is such a character study, haha. I feel like I know her a little bit just from that information. I kind of love this idea of "describe yourself as a fountain pen user in a few sentences," that could be a fun topic...
Aww, that story about your friend is really cute! A few of my friends have expressed interest. One asked about pens last night as a general question in our Slack, and when I replied, they said "I was wondering how long it would take until I saw '\[Sea\_Hawk\_Sailors\] is typing...'". I felt very seen. I hope I was able to help them get started, and I've invited them to come by and try my pens if they so choose. My selection is more limited now, because I've been getting rid of pens I don't reach for, but I think I still have enough for someone to get a solid idea of likes and dislikes.
I have bought four pens this month, but they were all some variety of pre-planned. The first three were wish-list items from late 2022 and the fourth was the exception pen I'd left in my 2023 no-pens resolution. I've been writing with it since Sunday and I love it.
I've been feeling stressed and have been unwell, and I know those two things lead to me buying things I don't need. It's much easier to avoid looking if I'm out and about, or to focus on personal projects if I'm not stressed. So it's something I need to be wary of. I'm counting on my wish-list to get me through.
I love that your friend knew, haha. "The Pen Whisperer has arrived..." I'm sorry you're under stress and not well lately. Focusing on your wish list is a good strategy, or giving yourself love and care in other ways! I hope things will get better soon.
Got through the month without buying anything! I was tempted a few times by some vintage and custom pens, but they were all just a bit more than I really wanted to spend on them, so while I may never see those specific ones again, I remain content.
As for penabling, I got one friend into fountain pens last year, but the rest don’t seem interested, but that’s already one more than I expected. They rest will simply get occasional fountain pen letters instead.
I cheated a little bit by ordering two pens in late-ish December so I got to enjoy their arrivals this month. Honestly haven’t really been that tempted though — I think it’s been helpful just to have the “no pen spending” rule in place. I also have some clothing shopping rules in place this year — no new clothes, secondhand only, with exceptions allowed for “slow fashion statement pieces” I really love — which have been a little less successful because I’m spending more time shopping for secondhand clothing online, haha (and individual purchases are often easier to justify since they tend to be relatively low-cost). The “no exceptions” pen rule is working much better!
I forgot to include my answers to the questions, haha!
I was interested in fountain pens as a kid, and my brother and I both convinced our parents to buy us pens from the Levenger catalog. I think I used mine a little, but got frustrated with the “messiness.” When I was in my early thirties I took a summer class (prereq for grad school) that had me taking lecture notes 3-6 hours per day every weekday. I used a ballpoint pen. My hand started aching all the time, and I looked around for better options. Got a Lamy Safari and the rest is history!
I’ve tried to penable my best friend, but it didn’t stick. He got way more interested in drawing inks, though, and now does frequently use dip pens in his artwork!
Doing great ! I don't have impulse issues right now. I online shop and I'm fine. No new additions to my wish list either.
I'm enjoying using and getting to know what I have. I'm almost through my endless journal. So I'll be picking the next one. Just picked and inked my pens for February. I'm excited.
Emptied a sample bottle in January too.
How I got started...
I've always journaled. Wrote poetry and stories. I just happened upon a pilot metropolitan and got several nib sizes and Yama budo ink, I believe it was. Used them for years. A lady saw my pen and recommended Twsbi. From there I added a few more pens and inks. Discovered TRP and midori. So, I discovered the notebooks and planners through my pens.
I do try to penable anyone who is interested in my pens or ink. One was successful. She currently uses disposable fps. Maybe one day I'll get her in a preppy or kakuno.
My friends support me for sure. I've got a giftcard I'll use at some point for new ink, maybe a pen. I've gotten pickier about my pens since I know what I like.
Not really a theme. I picked writers blood for February letters to friends and personal journal. In Lamy 2000 so i can get to know it more. Haven't used it much. For accents and cards caramel shimmer. Sailor 1911 broad. Faith journal and notes will most likely be syo ro. And thinking of using the prera again this month. Only combo I haven't inked yet so it may change.
I'll try to post January inked later. I'm trying to evaluate pens and inks.
I’m trying a low-buy with a $40 monthly budget for art supplies & pen stuff to be more conscious of my purchases. I can put money towards larger purchases but any money not spent or allocated at the end of the month goes into general savings.
Went a bit over budget this month because of an unexpected opportunity to buy an EF petrol Safari (a pen I’ve wanted since I found out it existed) for a reasonable price. And I don’t regret it at all, I love the pen and it makes me smile every time I look at it on my desk. It also means that I will not be purchasing the Al-star Petrol, which was going to be my February purchase. I also bought a drawing glove to help with smudging and skin oils and a replacement set of empty pans for my travel watercolor palette. I’d hoped to be able to put these on February’s budget but they’re from an independent maker and his leadtimes are a bit extended right now. I need them in time to get them filled & dried before I leave for my trip at them end of the month so they got ordered this month.
Next month will hopefully just be a thin travel journal that I can tuck in the back of my sketchbook and another sample vial of DA document fog grey so I can mix another batch of the color I’m taking with me.
As to the topics:
I got into fountain pens last May when I was looking for waterproof brown ink that wasn’t as much of a pain to use in my dip pens as acrylic. Discovered that ink samples exist, bought a bunch, and started exploring pens as a way to use my ink on the go. Bought my first pen (Pilot metro F) when I was in NoLa and got try it out at Papier & Plume.
Would I penable my best friend? Only if they expressed interest first- I’m weird about trying to get others interested in my hobbies. I always feel awkward.
I haven't bought any pens this year, because I've been buying some records. Although, being my birthday 2 weeks ago, my friends surprised me with a Visconti travelling inkwell! The price always put me off and I could never bring myself to buy it, so I'm super grateful for the gift. Now I can never worry about my Homo Sapiens running out of ink.
As for the question, I started off with fountain pens when I saw a Pilot Metro at my local bookstore, which I had the mechanical pencil variant of. So, I decided to buy it, and the rest is history. My best friends are already deep into this hobby, so it saves me some hassle....
I penabled myself and my younger sister (she has my Kakuno and preppy now, inherited from yours truly)! A close friend too, with some Lamy. I’m getting her to test out for one that suits her grip better now when there is time hehehe.
It’s a good success. I received things from last month ordering, and I refreshed a [buddy](https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/10pzpk0/not_new_pen_but_refreshing_an_old_buddy_with/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) just yesterday before the beginning of February, so it’s new yet not new. Just a new barrel, not pen. And that’s part of my rules this year so it counts 😎
Hopefully I’ll hold out till my birthday at least, and also October (got on waiting list for a custom one from Turnt Pen Co). Since the start of last week, I’m also beginning on something that I was afraid of doing perviously, which is [plotting and attempting to write a story now](https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/10p5pju/end_of_the_first_month_so_started_making_my_goals/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf). And pens seem to be helping 😃
No purchases this month!! My 2023 goal is a super specific low buy: only the Diamine Reddit inks and a Pilot Vanishing Point.
Just saw that the Diamine inks will be available in March so looking forward to that… also looking forward to the “right” vanishing point color to go on sale. I don’t know what that is yet- but looking forward to investigating this year.
As for how I got into fountain pens, I’ve loved stationary and pens for years. Previously was using Muji gel pens and Uniball One pens and thought, “there has to be a better way!”— specifically to buy in bulk and have a consistent pen to use (I’d started to run into issues finding gel refill cartridges from a consistent vendor locally.) I decided to check out the local LAMY store and bam, the rest is history~
I bought ink on penswap. Bargain carts and Bungubox inks at discount which would normally be more expensive due to shipping from Japan or marked up by local retailers due to shipping from Japan. Aside from those purchases I was good. Pen show is next month. I expect I’ll be buying things next month. 😅
I’m not sure if I’ll buy anything at the pen show. Lately I’ve been feeling like I have enough and I need to spend the year trying out what I have and determining what stats and what goes. Even the last few sailor and pilot limited editions haven’t caught my eye despite being cute. So maybe I won’t buy anything at the pen show? The exception might be storage or if they have like REALLY GOOD DEALS. I guess we’ll see what happens when you make this follow up post next month. 🤣
I definitely broke my no spend earlier this month. But have been doing well! I've resisted getting the new benu pen, kiwi inks and new notebooks. Pretty proud of my restraint!
I already failed :( I was not thinking about or desiring any particular pen, as my collection grew significantly last year and I truly am content with it.
A YouTube Short of the Narwhal Nautilus Year of the Rabbit caught my eye just before bed a few nights ago.
I love white pens. I do not like colorful pens and I wish all my black pens were white or a light neutral color.
Went to bed without ordering, but as soon as I woke up I placed the order. Honestly, I felt a little pang of regret minutes after buying the pen. That was a big impulse purchase!
My goal for this year is to get enough karma on this account so I can start selling the pens that don’t spark joy. So, I am telling myself that I can undo this later if I don’t enjoy the pen.
Congrats to everyone who has made it through January without caving in!
I hope you’ll really enjoy the new pen! Just a little bit of posting and interacting should get you the karma you need quickly. I hope this post helps and you can use penswap soon!
My no-buy is going well so far! I'm really glad there's a group of us that want to minimize buying, whatever the reason. I realized last year that I have more pens and inks than I use, and it was kind of overwhelming me to think about taking care of a small gaggle of pens. Even though I have a comparatively small collection and there are a bunch out there that are gorgeous and that I want, I want to really use and love the pens and inks I have. The only things I'm planning to buy this year are refills/replacements for ink if I happen to finish a bottle (I may allow myself to count finishing one of my Sailor tester vials as finishing a bottle, if there's one I really want a full bottle of and would use), as well as any maintenance items. I'm even contemplating trimming my collection this year.
I first got into the hobby about fifteen years ago by a friend who gifted me my first pen, a silver-green Lamy Al-star. That was my only pen for a while, until another friend in one of my classes showed me her pen collection a few years ago. I 100% would penable my best friend - I've been penabling my dad.
I haven't bought a pen since July 2022. The new Leonardo in house nibs are tempting, but I have other priorities for the moment.
I got into fountain pens after trying to write thank you notes for an employer I was leaving back in 2015. I started out trying dipped nibs and it wasn't a fun experience. I picked up a Pilot Metropolitan and it's quickly grown from there to a collection of 209 pens. I rotate through them all often.
I unsubbed from Penswap middle of last year. Much less buying since then. My husband bought me ink late 2022 and that’s been the last pen-related new items.
I got into the hobby because of a Levenger catalog back in the day. Started off with a Rotring 600 that Levenger showcased. If people seem interested in fountain pens, I am happy to discuss and buy them a cheap pen. I’ve given away a couple to friends.
I was wondering why everyone was talking about no buy this month. i've inadvertently been doing a no buy since last may when i got my pilot custom 823. but damn i've been trying to get my hands on a mb 149, aurora 88, gold nib leonardos, etc.
MUST. RESIST!
Be strong! I think the posts from last year kinda crept into the collective consciousness. I feel like I’ve been seeing more people talking about their spending? But also, inflation? I didn’t mean for it become a whole thing, but enough folks seem to appreciate it that I’ll keep it going for this year. :)
I've amassed a bit of pens lately from kind redditors sending some / Christmas, and I feel ready to whittle down the collection - eleven is overwhelming for me. I'm not technically on no buy, but it feels good to know I've hit an edge. I have a Galen case in the mail, and I think I'll restrict myself to that + the one I've already been using (seven or eight pens?) and save the stub nib for special occasions.
It’s good to choose a benchmark “maximum amount,” helps you to know when it’s time to shuffle some. I found I couldn’t appreciate them all once I reached 15.
In February I'll be making my first fountain pen purchase since September-- my partner and I are going to a town with a fountain pen store and I will be buying some ink in person! Pretty sure they have Diamine and Herbin so I want to get Diamine in dark blue and dark green (two colors I don't have in bottles; I've sampled some options and not fallen in love with any so I'm going with Diamine since it's cheap) and Herbin Terre de Feu if they have it for sentimental reasons.
No samples used up lately. Two of my pens are inked from bottles-- Kon-peki and Green Goddess-- and my Metro has Taccia Sharaku Koiame which I *want* to get in a bottle but am hesitant because I do have Lamy Bronze (though I prefer Koiame).
January was an easy no buy for me but it always is. I’ve never seen a new color or limited release around this time that has tempted me. But I struggle so hard in the spring and summer. Spring because I love all the pretty pastels that come out. Summer because I love the bright colors. I’ve got a list of like three pens I’ll allow myself to buy this year if I happen across them at a good price and the correct nib size. Otherwise no new pens and no new ink for me. I have a stash I will gladly use since it hasn’t gotten as much use as it could. I do need to buy a converter for one of the pens I have but I need to figure out which size first to hopefully prevent myself from buying multiple that don’t work.
As for how I got into fountain pens, that was back when I lived in Japan. I had a good sized friend group into all things stationery. It started out as a planner group but we expanded pretty quickly from there into everything else (washi, stickers, gel/rollerball pens, cutting machines, and down the rabbit hole we all went). I’ve been into those types of things since I was a kid. Some in the group were using fountain pens at the start and I went into a local Japanese stationery store and saw these cute little Pilot pens with smiling faces on the tip in pastels (those pastels man, they get me every time). So I bought a purple one with purple cartridges and off I went. I loved it immediately and used it exclusively for like a month. I didn’t buy any more fountain pens while living in Japan and I deeply wish I had. Sailor fountain pens are some of my favorites and I just know there would have been gorgeous limited edition ones if I had looked for them. But now I own many pens and use them as often as I can. My whole stationery friend group has moved out of Japan and in different directions (that military life tho) but we still keep up with each other and penable each other often. I’m currently wait to find out how much longer we’ll be living here before I go making another local pen group and start penabling more people.
That sounds like such a fun time when you were living in Japan! It’s cool that you keep in touch with the other folks, too. I hope you’ll be able to make a local pen group wherever you land on a permanent basis!
I made an exception, since I have been meaning to pick up some Tomoe River since early December but things just kept getting in the way. I actually finally got some today, but other than that I've bought nothing.
No temptations to buy any new inks so far. It's been nice actually going through all of my samples and trying to get a new ink in my rotation every week. I've actually even developed new love hate relationships with my pens too! My workhorse Safari that I used through college for note taking has become my least favorite pen in my collection and I'm considering just giving it away. I also regained my love for my Pilot Falcon and have been sketching with it daily.
So far, unless I find a crazy good deal on my list of grail pens, I'll probably not buy anything else this year! Except to just restock my paper.
I managed to make it through January without buying any pens and only 2 bottles of ink. It probably helped that I got a Pilot Custom 823 for Christmas so I feel somewhat satisfied for the moment.
I bought my first fountain pen 20+ years ago. It was a Sensa Meridian. I knew nothing about fountain pens but I had to have it. I somehow lost the cap to it. Determined to never spend that much money on a pen again (lol!), I got a couple of Nemosine Singularities. I still have them almost 20 years later. They were at my office when we went full remote in early 2020. I went a few months with no fountain pens when I found this sub. Thanks? The TWSBI Vac700 Iris had just been released and I kept seeing posts about it and it was that same feeling of I have to have it all over again. I keep having that feeling. So now I have a lot of pens.
As far as penabling, I got my boyfriend with my TWSBI Swipe with a stub nib. Now he has a lot of pens. My youngest son uses a glow in the dark Eco all the time. I gifted Platinum Plasirs to 3 of my coworkers for Christmas and they are hooked. I think there are worse habits to have.
Last pen related thing I bought was in mid December, a pineider arco for getting into college. This is entirely bc I’m broke lol. I only buy pen things every few months, for my bday or Christmas or another special occasion.
oooo I love this idea! I'm currently restricting my future purchases to one pen a month (*if I remember to buy them)* ! To make it a little more fun, I decided to match the inks I have already have in my collection. (luckily I have only a few lol)
For Feb, I got a TWSBI Diamond in Punch Pink with a broad nib, just so I can finish this ink ( *J.Herbin Rouge Grenat*) by the spring or summer time. :D
I got into this hobby pretty randomly. I've always wanted to use pens like this for a looong time, but I never really got into it until last October. With all the colors and features of the inks, i found it therapeutic to sketch or draw with them. I wish I had someone to share this with, but most of my friends are not into fountain pens and are far from enjoying it ;-;
I wish everyone well during the year!
I only did so so. I slowed way down, but still bought five pens and a bottle of ink. I find it so hard to not buy a new vintage pen when I see it. It may not be there the next day and so I pull the trigger. I need to stop looking…….,,,
Quite well so far! Everything I've been tempted by I've put on a list and I'll examine later - for example, the lilac Lamy Al-Star. I already have an Al-Star I don't really reach for, so I can either get rid of that to make way for the lilac, which I like better, and make it one I do reach for, with the nib and right ink pairing (I haven't found it yet), or just have neither. And Pelikan's Rose quartz ink - I'll wait for proper swatches because I already have lots of pinks!
One thing I have done though is get in touch with someone to have some work done on the nibs on pens I already have. Love the pens, nibs are meh, so I'm thinking that once that's done, I'll be so pleased with them I won't be always wanting to try new pens. Famous last words! I made a list and there's actually only a few pens I would really really want, at least until any new ones come out!
This Month was interesting for me.
On the whole fairly positive with only 2 Fountain pen-related purchases in January. Some Sheaffer Ink Cartridges as I only had one I've been refilling for several months, but I now have several Sheaffer pens, and this was cheaper than getting a converter. (The Piston ones are about £17-20 now, which seems excessive). I also bought a device that should allow me to convert my parker 61 from capillary filler to Quink Mini cartridges, this was £11. I was quoted £65 for a full conversion that includes carefully drilling the barrel to accept full-sized cartridges or a piston converter. So this seems like a worthwhile option to try if I can't get the capillary action working again. (I'll be picking my pen up at the march London Pen show along with a couple of my other pens that I sent for repairs/ servicing as I don't want to risk the postal service again). Total Spend for the month: About £20
I feel kind of bad however because I have bought a couple of pens on r/Pen_Swap earlier today. (But it's 1st of Feb so I can say that it's feb that's been ruined, not January🙈) It was a Majohn/Moonman P136 and a Jinhao 95 Fude for a total of £22 inc postage. It was just too good of a deal not to go for. (I've never tried a Fude Nib before, and I'm looking forward to having a stub nib pen to use while I wait until March to get back my stub Parker 51 that went in for repair).
I'm very tempted by the New Purple Lamy Al-star, and my partner has forbidden me from buying more pens as we are currently in the process of buying our first house. (Don't tell her about the P136). However, my parents said that they might get it for me for my Birthday.
To Make up for the P136, I will probably relist some my pens on penswap to thin my collection a bit. I think I will also take them along with me to the pen show in march as I may be able to offload some there.
As for your questions, my first introduction to the hobby was in school I had Lamy Al-star silver blue that I used for ages until my pencil case got stolen. (I've still not replaced this pen) I then stopped for a while. When I started my teacher training in 2020, I went digging through some drawers of old stuff and found a pack of Lamy Cartridges and decided that I should buy a pen to use them with. I picked up a Green Al-star on Ebay. Shortly after, I decided that I needed matching ink and so bought a big bottle of Diamine soft mint. And then the rest is history.
As for penenabling others, I have tried to get my partner into the hobby, but it doesn't seem to be for her. the best I've been able to do is give her a rollerball Al-star. She has tried some my pens, but can't see the point in them and is perfectly happy with a biro. That being said, I've successfully penenabled some of my colleges at work with Disposable Safaris, Preppys, etc. And my students in Y11 always seem to be interested in whatever pens I'm using, (I had loads of comments about the Shark pen I was using this week.) I've also sent pens and ink in several redditgits/givingifts exchanges as part of bigger gift under the guise of sharing my hobby with others.
So far, so good. No new purchases here. Tempted to get a sample of Kon-Peki, but I didn't, and it was nice to learn that it is very similar to the Crystal Planet I do have and like.
The fountain pen no buy has turned into a low buy this month. I’ve been excessively scrolling on fountain pens, but only pulled the trigger on a Pilot Capless. Some last year purchase is finally on the way, so I shall be occupied for a while lol.
> “How did you first get into the hobby? Would you penable your best friend, and why?”
I was randomly on Reddit homepage and saw the post from this sub, which is still the highest voted post of all time as of today, that introduced me to this hobby. I had been carrying my Lamy Safari for about 8 years then, and the spark was almost instant.
I probably would not penable my best friend, because he doesn’t really care about material stuff and loses/breaks things all the time. I let him use *some* of my fountain pens in my presence (͡•_ ͡• ) for emergency. I might consider penable him once we run out of gel/ballpoint pens.
The pen exception from my no-buy is on the way. Still deciding on the ink exception. My no-buy extends to other parts of my life as well as this hobby and the temptation is real, but so far, so good.
My first pen was a Lamy Safari in Pink. Hated it, really did, so I jumped right into a Twsbi and that was it, I was in love. I think I must have seen the Lamy on social media or something, I liked the aesthetic and remember thinking “damn, $30 for a pen is a lot” LOL oh man, little did I know. It did take me a few years into the hobby before I jumped to pens over $100 and then to gold nibs.
My friends love my pens, they love my inks, but they have not been interested in really trying them out. I think there’s gotta be something different about us that love fountain pens.
I’m doing a donate/sell/low-buy year.
I donated a bunch of beginner pens to 2 teachers. I listed some inks on r/Pen _Swap and mailed out 3 boxes yesterday. I still need to list and sell some little-used pens.
I did make a few purchases: replacing 10 inks I didn’t use with 2 bottles of ink that I’ve sampled and loved (Yama-Budo and Sei-Boku). Also got a Jinhao 80, ordered 2 new nibs for existing pens, and made 2 pens from kits. Goal is no more pens until Chicago Pen Show—I’d like to try a vintage Sheaffer 440 in person or a handmade pen, but not buy unless they are in my budget.
Also in the next year, I’d like to find either a camping pen—something solid aluminum or brass that can take a beating—or a chatelaine pen that is more delicate and can be worn on a pendant.
My rules for buying are that any pen must have a decent grip, be easy to clean and must be significantly different than all the other pens I own—no copies in different colors.
Also trying to spend less than $100; if I want to spend more, then I need to sell something.
I’m trying to reduce my collection down to fit in the 24-pen case that I have. This is harder than it should be!
I’ve tried to penable family members and friends, but so far, I’m alone in my pen obsession, haha.
I got into fountain pens in art class in college. My drawing professor had us cut dip pens from reeds. I loved the ink and then found out about fountain pens, but didn’t get really into them until the pandemic.
Cut dip pens from reeds! That’s amazing. We didn’t do that in any of my art classes, now I wish we had. We did potato print portraits, haha.
I think your goals sound very clearly defined and achievable!
I’m being tempted by either a Kaweco Special Brass FP or a Copper Liliput. I’d love either by trying to talk myself out of both.
My first pen was a TWSBI Eco followed by the Brass Wave Liliput and finally a Sport. I haven’t really touched the TWSBI or the Sport though, the Liliput is just so lovely.
So I’m trying to ask myself if I don’t use what I have, why’d I buy another pen? I’d surely end up neglecting either the new pen or the existing Liliput. But then there’s the temptation that I could have *two* lovely metal pens inked by classy dark inks. And the Cult Pens winter sale doesn’t help either.
I need help.
My honest thought is that two pens are not necessarily better than one. I've had too many pens inked (15) so that the ink in some of them would start to dry up and then they actually became a problem. It got overwhelming. Enjoy the lovely metal pen to the fullest, maybe give yourself something to write about? Otherwise, there will always be another sale. You can wait a few months and see if you still really want what you thought you did right now!
This month was eye opening. I kept a 'pentations' (pen temptations) journal and wrote down every single website, pen item and dollar amount that caught my eye. Then I managed to talk/journal myself out of all of them. If I wasn't on a No Spend, I'm sure I would have spent several hundred dollars by now. I need to lean into my other hobbies when I am bored and not turn to online window shopping. That's my goal for February. I also had the opportunity to hold and try a Pilot Elite 95s. While the nib/pen quality was absolutely lovely, I'm happy to say that the grip section is too slippery and I found myself gripping it too hard, causing hand fatigue. Yay! Not going to be tempted by that pen anymore. TLDR: I've been successful with my No Pen Spend for 6 weeks so far.
That’s awesome, great work! I love the idea of a pen temptations journal, documenting those times you thought about it but didn’t actually buy anything!
Pentation journal sounds like an awesome idea! Thanks for that...
I love this idea!
Totally digging the pen temptation journal! I love this idea. Thank you!!
I think it’s good to write about temptations, especially about things we don’t need. Helps to make you think about it rationally, rather than falling into the FOMO or that compulsive (“I must have it!”) buying thought sometimes! 😎 It also helps if you can see a trend of what tempts you, and then get a nice one that fits the trend/attributes maybe, after a good time of no buying!
I just found this sub in late December after my wife gave me a Platinum Preppy as a stocking stuffer for Christmas, so I'm just getting started and while I'm not prohibiting purchases, I am very wary of another expensive hobby rabbit hole. In January I asked my parents for a Platinum 3776 Century for my birthday, so now I have *two* pens...of course I needed to buy ink, which meant buying converters for each of them... So in short, I haven't purchased any pens at all, but I have purchased two converters and two bottles of ink (Diamine Oxblood and Majestic Blue) so I think I'm doing pretty okay on the spending front. My evolving pen wish list is starting to look alarming, though.
This was me last year XD Regarding the wishlist - if you go slowly and get to know each new pen, you can learn which features you don't prefer before you buy any more with that feature, and the wish list will shrink to suit your actual usage preferences rather than just the initial 'ooh shiny'.
Definitely good advice! I'm still learning what nibs I like and for what purpose...I'm finding the SF nib on the 3776 to be a challenge even though I enjoy the precision it offers. It's fun to get into it as I work on my handwriting.
FWIW I love the 3776 so much! That's a great choice and should give you a solid idea of what you like. You'll be able to choose carefully from there. What's even better is if you can make any local pen friends to try things out rather than buying them. I wish I'd had that, I think it would've saved me a lot of money.
Good recommendation on the local friends...i need to see what is out there in my area. On the 3776 - I'm struggling with it! It's beautiful, but I'm afraid I made the wrong choice in nibs and it doesn't look like Platinum sells them separately to allow me to tweak it. Part of this whole pen journey is a resolution to improve my cursive, and the SF is very unforgiving - it shows all of the flaws very clearly. I haven't decided if I like it or hate it yet, or maybe both...but I find myself tensing and really working to get consistent pressure and line weight making the writing process less enjoyable. I think I need a larger, wetter nib to help me be smooth and force me to write larger. My preppy has the 03 nib and I don't struggle so much with that one.
Oh dang, that’s too bad. :( I find the Platinum nibs very fine too, my favourites are actually B nibs. I had a similar issue with a Sailor pen, and had to just trade it for another.
I also love my 3776, especially my F nib, but the build quality of the body is just bad. I have owned my pen less than 2 months, not traveled with it, but already there are scratches on the body
That stinks, I’m sorry to hear it. :( Mine are doing fine, but they spend most of their time in the leather case.
No inks or pens!! I bought a converter for my friend and two passport traveler notebook refills for my traveler notebook when my partner took me on a date to the stationery store aha. I've been using my notebooks and writing a little bit more since I've been in a bit of a funk.
Great work, I hope that the writing helps with the funk. January always feels like a rough month to me!
Thanks! I hope you've been well this year! I always get so excited for the holidays, I guess the post holiday season always hits me hard haha. Keep up the penabling :3
A date at the stationary store? We can do that?! Definitely dropping that hint with Mr Boo! Also, I hope the writing is helping with the funk...
Oh yes, definitely >:3 I happen to live half an hour away from a cute little stationery store that has tester fountains pens and notebooks. It's absolutely wonderful and this was the first visit I managed not to buy any ink!
Ahhh, bliss!
First got here by being penabled by my twin, I resisted for quite a while though 😝 I loved the smoothness and colour variety of gel pens (and still do!) but once I was gifted that purple Pilot Metropolitan I just fell in love with the writing experience all over again. Would I penable my best friend? It was hard enough to get myself onboard so probably not LOL but if they approach me out of curiosity that's another story 😎
Hah! Your twin knew what was up. I'm glad you're enjoying writing, though. I love how FPs make it an *experience.*
The purple Metro is awesome,isn’t it!
Yay! I'm glad to see this is returning for 2023! I'll probably do a low buy instead of an all out no buy this year. I also want to use at least one bottle of ink this year. As for January, my fun money went towards another hobby and travel expenses and my short trip happened to coincide with my hometown's pen show. 😅 My only stationery purchase was a tiny memo pad from Daiso. Also I successfully resisted temptation when I went to Kinokuniya and saw lots of pretty stationery on display. >**"How did you first get into the hobby? Would you penable your best friend, and why?"** My first fountain pen was some Tachikawa thing that came with a manga drawing kit. I didn't really get into pens until years later when I randomly added a Platinum Preppy to my Jetpens order because it seemed neat. If my friends show interest in the hobby I'd probably give them a pen. I've let them try my pens out but none have converted to fountain pens. One of my family members is a big stationery nerd and we gush over pens and inks together.
It's so fun to talk with someone else who loves pens and inks. :D one of my husband's coworkers got into and so I text with him and he tries to tell my husband pen things but he's not interested. I'm happy folks wanted to have the NBFP thing again!
No new inks. I am going to hold strong on that one.
You've got this!
I appreciate the support! I will need it later in the year, I'm sure.
I have purchased neither pens nor inks this month. :)
Nice one! 🙌
I did pretty OK! I'm limiting myself to three pens this year and making sure they're really special pens. I found one on buyee, a fude de mannen in a very pretty demonstrator-ish body. I also finished 3.5 sketchbooks of different sizes so far and refilled my fudes over 5-6 times. It's been a little empty not buying anything and window shopping is losing its charm too, but I'm really happy with how much I'm drawing and using my supplies. I got into fountain pens because of my art wife, haha. We share a lot of art supplies and I remember her bringing a 55 degree fude two years ago. At that time I didn't really know how to use it but it piqued my interest in fountain pens. I picked up the fude again last year to see if could use it better and now it's the ONLY thing I use for drawing. I love the 55 degree one.
3.5 sketchbooks is such a great accomplishment! Is that in one year? :O
Yah! I've been seriously drawing a ton since December. Each notebook is around 60-80 pages and I'm actually working on form and foundation. It eats up a lot paper but I love seeing the progress and changing up the inks.
That's so great, I'm glad you're enjoying yourself so much!
i'd say this year i'm on a "low-buy" trying to steer away from impulse purchases and stick to my wishlist. this month i ordered two pens i'd been planning for awhile (before price increases put them out of my budget for good) and repurchased two staple inks i'd run out of. i've budgeted for 2-3 additional pen purchases this year but for the most part i'm trying to let go lesser used pens and get to know my collection and tastes better. i got into fountain pens because my mother always used one growing up. she kept a leather datebook that i thought was so glamorous and i remember her making orders from gouletpens and jetpens when they first shipped to international addresses. i've tried to penable my closest friends with little avail, hence me turning online for community and meeting others who enjoy the hobby. i've met some lovely folks here and i'm grateful to be part of this sub. :)
Isn't it such a great group of people? I don't have any local pen friends either, so I really appreciate the community here. I can picture your mom's fancy datebook, and why it made such an impression on you!
I've stuck to my no-buy for fountain pens themselves, which is what I'd set out to do :D we'll see how long I make it (I have one exception I've allowed for, but haven't found a pen that fits it, so the no-pen-buy continues!) I came really close to breaking it for one of the new hongdian year of the rabbit pens, but so far am resisting\~
You’ve got this! Feel free to check in if you ever need to be dissuaded. 😅
Thank you for the encouragement! I'm pretty proud of myself for making it a month, to be honest, haha :D
Haha. You should be! Every month is something to celebrate!
Hehe, well, i just got into fountain pens in January, so i did the opposite - bought 4 pens, two notebooks, ink cartridges, converters and of course bottled ink and two more nibs. So now i feel i have enough to explore... However, now i can say that I'm not going to buy anything more for the rest of 2023 and all my additional wishes go on my wishlist for family and friends to take care of ;)
We’ve all been through that beginning, which I think is why we’re here. 😂 Welcome though, and I’m happy you’re enjoying yourself with the new hobby!
My 'no buy' is going quite well from the pen perspective. I bought another Prera CM overnight 12/31-1/1, so I don't count that (let's hear it for late night amazon shopping). I didn't say that I wouldn't buy INK this year, though I think my recent Olivine purchase may be it for some months. I have a lot of samples to get through. Whenever I see something on here that I think I want, I write it down in the back of my journal. If I still want it months later I may make a purchase... and I've left an out for me to buy a pen for my birthday in September, if there's a 'must have' out there. Thus far there isn't. I was looking through an older journal, and noticed Robert Oster Smokescreen - a past fave which wasn't currently in a pen. I inked up the grey Decimo, and it made me so happy! This morning I picked up a different pen that I hadn't used in a bit - total joy. So I think that 'shopping' my own stash is going to be the way to scratch that itch this year.
Shopping your own stash is a great idea. Someone else has a “pentations” journal too, to keep track of what they’ve been tempted by. I think it’s a great idea!
If you can get over the FOMO that will work. I can see with the individual pen makers that FOMO would be a huge problem... so I don't look at them! :D
Oh, Is that what January is? ... oops. I have 9 in my current rotation, soon to be ten with the arrival of new inks ( love ya Birmingham pens) I first got in to the pen habit via a lovely boyfriend when I was in high-school. It was a valentines Lamy bundle from Dromgoolies in texas. I no longer have that pen, or boyfriend, and I'm currently trying to bring my current boyfriend into the habit. Bit of a note, if you go on and on to a significant other about pens and they just gawk at you like you've grown another head and are spouting nonsense in Aramaic, leave and find another partner, that one is trash. Current boyfriend pays attention, asks questions about what is, or why is, and couldn't make me feel more heard as a person.
Every month is "no buy" month if you join the no buy group, haha. Otherwise there are no specific requirements. A mark of a good partner is definitely being willing to listen to what interests you!
To recap, my rules/exceptions: * I may request one new pen (no ink!) from my parents for my birthday or Christmas but not both * Any ink I finish may be replaced with the same pack size or the next pack size up of the same ink, except Livid Lime which would be replaced with 30ml Kelly Green * I may buy fountain pens from charity shops if their features are new to me (e.g. piston fill, Japanese EF) and/or likely to put them in my top 4 pens * If I want to make any further exceptions I must debate them in two of the monthly No Buy threads first I have actually found my first month of firm no buy vastly, vastly easier than the previous year of 'OK but do it sensibly'. Apparently an automatic no saves me a lot of brain cells XD The Petrol Al-Star was briefly somewhat tempting but I already have two Lamy pens and I don't love their nibs that much. Didn't spot anything remotely interesting in the charity shops. I do need to debate with you all one exception as per my fourth rule, but I don't actually know what it is yet - I'm having trouble with one of my converters, and I suspect the solution is going to be buying some silicone grease and toothpicks, or buying a new converter. Foolishly I have not yet presented the problem to the sub at large yet for further opinions on the best course of action. It's not entirely unmanagable though, so I'll probably press through another couple of months. Bonus - update on my second [IDIC challenge](https://i.imgur.com/VCCqkhk.png) status as of today! Yes there's a new ink at the top there - Diamine Little Lou was gifted to me (used) by a colleague without any further use for it. I'm not going to make myself complete that row if I don't feel like it as I go as it's not one I would have chosen for myself, but it is a nice buffer against any feeling that I might need to get something in that part of the colour wheel. As for how I got into the hobby, I was not penabled; I discovered fountain pens myself from a sustainability perspective (ha!). I would however without hesitation penable anyone who sounded remotely interested in a heartbeat. The more the merrier!
I don't think requiring maintenance items should count against your no buy, since it's just keeping your regular stuff working. I'm not the person to troubleshoot with but I will say as someone who is NOT mechanically inclined that I've managed to take apart and grease several TWSBIs without incident, and it made me feel very pleased to fix them. Love your IDIC chart!
I guess the purpose of this kind of check in is to make my spending decisions in the best way possible - yes, maintenance bits are fine, but there's a risk of stretching that definition without a sanity check. And for example right now, as things stand, any purchase would be a bad one because I haven't investigated what the actual problem is deeply enough yet. It is so satisfying to get a thing working \^\_\^
I’m not great at it, I watched a YouTube video about eight times just to do it. 😂 I hope you can get to the bottom of what the issue is!
The IDIC seems like a fun challenge. I don't really have a problem with buying ink/pens/stationary, so I'm not doing a no buy. After approximately 5-6 years into the hobby I have 6 pens, one of which was a giveaway win, and depending how you count 12 (if counting colorverse sets of the same colour as 2 bottles) and some samples. The 2 2 bottle colorverse sets I have my partner got me for Christmas. But I think I may try the IDIC just for fun and to change up Ink/pen combinations as I tend to stick with certain inks in certain pens. Thank you for the idea
My no buy is in the style of I have a set small list of pens to save for or grab if I see a mega deal etc that I can't deviate from (it's around 7 pens long and meant to last the whole year if not longer). I did get one pen in January but it was one from that list, so I'm pretty pleased with myself. It was the Jade Eco, there was only one left in stock and it was the only place I knew that still sold it. I had my eye on it for ages so as soon as it got to 1 left in stock, I weighed up if I really was going to get it and I did. I've used to every day since getting it so I would say it was well worth it :D
I still use all my Ecos regularly, I know they get a bad rap but it’s a great little workhorse pen for me!
Same! All of mine have been amazing writers out the box and I've never had any cracking. I prefer my ecos to my 580 too. I've had bad luck with Lamy and one bad nib from kaweco so I do get why people don't like twsbi from QC but I've been very lucky with Ecos. It was also part of my list that didn't break the bank so was good for the mostly no-buy ;v;
[удалено]
Hey, Ty, please don't beat yourself up. If buying a bottle of ink could help you through a really rough time, that's alright. I get anxious too, so I definitely get it. What colour of Manyo did you get? I love those inks so much. I'm glad that you still have your job but I'm sorry there's so much pressure for you there.
[удалено]
It sounds like a very nice green for you to enjoy!
If you felt better after buying it (and thankfully it was a bottle of ink and not an expensive pen!), then therapy worked! Congratulations on falling into the Sailor rabbit hole :) It's great you got such a bright and cheerful colour too!
Hey ty, I’m previously from the tech industry, so I do read about the news on it. I won’t say I understand your worry, but I hope that you’re feeling better as you use the ink. My sister is in said industry, and I see her stresses as well. While we are being mindful of our purchases, I would think of this ink bottle as a reward for getting through the situation, and handling being in the office after so long. And green’s a good colour!
I got into the hobby through my parents. I always used a fountain pen for writing (I just learned with it at school and never stopped) and when I was about 18 my teachers were complaining about my bad handwriting and my broad lines. So my parents decided to give me a good pen with a fine nib. After trying a few at the store, I got a GvFC Intuition. Over the next 5 years, I broke one, lost one and got one stolen, buying a new one each time. After the third one, the Intuition was discontinued so I had to get another model so I got a Pelikan M600 which is still my workhorse ten years later. I still wanted to give fate the finger and get a last Intuition, so when I got my first substantial paycheck, I looked for it. That took me down the rabbit hole, I discovered reddit and this sub, but I have my M600 and my Intuition, so I don't have a strong urge to get new stuff (except one or two 'grails'). In the meantime I discovered the world of inks and I just moved to the US and I couldn't take all my inks. I got a few samples in the secret santa and I really like some of them, so i will probably relent at some point, but so fat I try to hold off, moving to a new continent is expensive. Would I penable my best friend? They probably already know about fountain pens, if they don't want to use them, it's their choice.
I love this long history of FP use. Did the initial Intuition help your handwriting?
I had to practice, but the simple fact of going from a B (or even a BB) to a EF made my handwriting easier to read, so yes.
I got into fountain pens back in 2016, the same year I got a TN. It just felt like if I get a TN, then fountain pens would just naturally follow! My first pens were the Lamy Safari, Kaweco Sport and Pilot Kakuno. 2023 will be a "no buy with exception" year! The only exception was hunting down the Sailor x Yoseka refresh and I gave myself a year to get it, except luckily (?) I managed to get it this month. I'm really hoping this will be the only pen I get this year, but since I will be in Japan, I'll allow myself to get a few bottles of ink. Budget will depends how well my Etsy shop does!
What’s your Etsy shop?
DMed you in case I'm not allowed to share it :)
Ooh. I can’t blame you there, if I was going to Japan I’m afraid no buy would be right out the window! I’m glad you found the pen you wanted!
No fountain pen purchases for me this month! 🥳 I did do some damage on Sticker Day, but kept my total stationery spending below €100. Which I realise is still quite a large sum, but progress is progress! I'm so glad you're still doing this "series" in 2023! As for my journey down the rabbit hole... I actually bought my first fountain pen on a whim quite a few years ago and was perfectly happy using it with just black Pilot cartridges up till February 2022. The thought of trying more pens and inks had been at the back of my mind for a long time, and I don't know what clicked then but one day I just found myself taking the plunge and making my first ink sample purchase... I actually have a planned purchase coming up to penable my partner. I will probably be getting him the new Lamy AL-Star in Lilac and a black Pilot Lightive, and he will of course have access to my inks 😊 Contemplating getting the Petrol AL-Star for myself and I'm also very tempted by the Pilot Prera with a nib, but I'm not sure if I'm comfortable spending €45 on a pen I've never tried in person (mostly worried about it being too small). I'm still in the process of setting my low-buy parameters, but my tentative goal is to cut my stationery spending in half compared to 2022.
Oh dear, I didn't know about Sticker Day, and that may be for the best. The present for your partner sounds lovely!
It's funny. It would be easy to lie on the internet. But this wonderful camaraderie we have all built encourages us to be honest and transparent. I broke my no buy in January. I limited myself though to a limited edition ink. Or rather one that I have trouble finding. I have learned I cannot just window shop (at least when it comes to pens) So I've told my partner - no more pen shops unless I'm prepared to buy. So no more pen shops. I do know I will also break my no buy for the al star special editions. So that is my allotment for the year. Last year was 9/12 months no buy. I'm going to try and stick to 10 this year - so reduced buy? I got into fountain pens because I started journaling. I had to do it for therapy/mental health reasons to try and kick my absolutely awful anxiety problem. I wanted a nice pen to write with. So I got a metro. I would penable a friend! But none of them so far are interested.
There's no need to lie, it's all good! 9/12 months is still a really good success rate. I hope you'll enjoy the ink! Going into a stationery store is so fun, I really can't blame you. I haven't been to one in ages. :D
This year i decide not buy more pens. But I'll need to buy some ink, because I have some bottles almost empty
Hey, you’re the one who knows best what you need! If you run out of inks, that’s a clear need.
On the other hand, getting into pens has helped cut back other impulse buys considerably: that bottle of wine? I could buy a bottle of ink for that! Even if I don’t pull the trigger on buying something pen-related, I’m stashing aside some extra cash for the moment that just the right item appears….on sale…with a coupon…in the basement.
Impulse purchases can definitely be an issue for many things! Being mindful is tough but really pays off, I think. (I’m still not there myself, but I’m always trying to improve too!)
Well, on the subject of the no-buy: How much did I spend on things that were not essential? 120.01€. Well, maybe more like 98.50€ if you count new undershirts as essential, haha! How much of that 120 was on fountain pen or stationary stuff? None. I wanted to start on a no-buy not because of budget concerns, but because I wanted to start appreciating what I own more - particularly my very large collection of inks - and because I wanted to save up for one very big pen purchase in November for my birthday (a Lamy Dialog CC, to be exact). What I found was that when I stopped looking at pen / stationary stuff, I started looking at my desk and what I had more, and almost all of that 120€ was spent on actually organizing my stuff so I could use it more - basically, storage and organization. Oh, and a good chuck of it was on stamps for letter-writing, haha! I now ink fewer pens up, and use them more as a result, since I've made a pleasant space for myself to write in. So that's basically what I discovered on no-buy month no. 1: I have so much stuff, I needed to get organized, and now that I saw it, I'm using my desk more. I like that not buying new things has made me start to use my existing things, rather than just admire them as shelf possessions. We'll see what happens after February! To answer the specific questions: My sister penabled me while visiting me in Germany. She could absolutely not believe that I was here and not buying Lamys, especially since the local pen store in my town still had a few Lamy Safari Dark Lilacs left (I think they were 2 years out of production by then?). She bought one for herself, "convinced" me to buy one for myself and told me I wouldn't regret it, and off we started on a long slide downhill, from extra-fine nibs to double broads. Would I penable my best friend? Why yes, my husband saw what I was doing, dug through his grandfather's collection, and pulled out all the inherited Gehas, Pelikans, Osmia, and Montblancs... and then decided that he liked the colorful AL-Stars better, and off he went. Now we're just two big fountain pen nerds sharing a collection bigger than anything our local shops carry!
That's a really sweet FP story, both your sister and your husband. I'm glad that organization has helped you see and use what you have! Having your things arranged in a welcoming way can make such a difference.
Hi! Happy January to you & to all the no/low buy friends new & old. :) I didn't buy anything pen-related in January, and honestly I didn't even feel overly tempted. As I've mentioned before, I'm determined to use up at least one bottle of ink in 2023 (I've never emptied an entire bottle - just samples), and I've definitely been getting a dopamine hit each time I refill a pen from my Sailor Shigure bottle (the one I'm working on first.) It feels similar to the joy of a new ink, just in reverse! Unfortunately, I really succumbed to other sorts of impulse purchases this month (clothing, way too much takeout, etc.), so I'm disappointed in my January budget & spending overall, but I'll just try to learn and move on. I first got into the hobby during 2020. I had already been using a Hobonichi Techo for several years as my planner, and kept reading how great the paper was for fountain pens. Being stuck at home & wanting some extra beauty in my life during that time led me here! And I've penabled several close friends, two of whom have stuck with it as far as I know. :)
Happy January to you, too! I'm so impressed you're working on emptying a bottle, when you finish it, feel free to link here to your triumphant "Bottoms up!" post. I'd love to see it but can't guarantee I will, otherwise. It's been a rough month for takeout here, too. We spent half the month sick. What can you do! That's the first time I've heard of someone starting with the Hobonichi to fountain pen pipeline instead of the other way around!
I will for sure share my empty bottle here when I get there. It's a one cartridge at a time journey :)
I bought two inks which broke my 'don't buy ink until you empty a bottle/sample' rule. But I am close to emptying two samples, so I don't feel too bad about it. Plus I'd been looking at those inks for a while. I've not used them yet though because I've been busy trying to empty two samples >.< Soon I hope. In any case, the lack of immediate use was a good reminder that I have this rule for a reason. I can't use all the inks all the time. I might as well go slow and work through my sample first. No pens were purchased and no pens were lusted after. Having a 'don't buy pens aside at pen shows' rule has been really good at making me focus and appreciate my pens more. I took one pen out of rotation, put one back in, and fiddled about with nib swapping. It's been fun. **How did you first get into the hobby? Would you penable your best friend, and why?** I learned to write with fountain pens and I've always written with them, but didn't get into the hobby per se until about a year ago. I treated myself to a new pen after getting a raise at work. I was bored one day and wondered if there were other inks than blue and black out there. And wow! Was I in for a shock at just how much is available! I'd penable a friend but only if they showed interest. Most of my friend don't, so I don't. I do have a friend who likes nice stationary and I consider penabling her every now and again but I have a feeling she'll always prefer her other pens.
Some folks are well-suited to fountain pens, and some just wouldn't enjoy them, and that's fine! My husband gets frustrated now when there's no "normal" pen available in the house for him to use, haha. Don't buy pens aside from at pen shows sounds like a solid rule!
True. I suspect my friend would find it too much faff, and I live to far away to take care of maintenance for her >.< Thanks :) I figured it would help with making an informed buying decision as I would get to try the pen and hold it to check it's right for me. Plus I can save up for something nice if I want.
I've been reading through this thread, and I've noticed our responses would be eerily similar. I got roped into re-filling my "fun-coloured" ink stash early this year because of a sale at a local retailer, but I haven't touched any of the new bottles yet. I'm using up the last droplets of my old stash first, they might last me untill the end of this week. There really is no rush. I love the colour I'm using currently and I'm sure I'll enjoy writing with the next one as well. I'm trying not to let the anticipation of future joy overshadow and spoil the joy of today. I saw a coworker in passing with a Safari dangling from their lanyard and got curious because it was my first time seeing it in person. I'm content with my current pen lineup though. I've also learnt to write with FPs, so they were always a part of my life as simple tools. Only a few years back Reddit opened my eyes that there's colour in this world - that was the real start of thinking about FPs as something more, something that's not only comfortable and utilitarian, but can also be fun. On the other hand, they're still just tools. I wonder, is it easier for us - people who know FPs from outside the hobby - to keep the balance between buying and actually using FPs, inks and paper? I might have been kind of "passively influencing" my friend who likes stationary and art to try fountain pens, mentioning them from time to time, just like they gush about their pencils and watercolours, even though I'm probably the least artistic person they know. We all like our favourite tools and I respect that. It's fun to learn new things and share stuff that might broaden the other person's horizons, even if we might not catch onto every hobby or preference the other person has.
> I'm trying not to let the anticipation of future joy overshadow and spoil the joy of today. A hard lesson to remember at times. >I wonder, is it easier for us - people who know FPs from outside the hobby - to keep the balance between buying and actually using FPs, inks and paper? It could be. In a sense, it's probably easier to remember that, as you said, they are just tools to be used. I like your technique of passively influencing. We've definitely gushed over various bits of stationary with my friend, especially notebooks. We each have far too many notebooks >.<
Started out with a metro and a bottle of waterman for maybe 40$ total. I used a little less than half the bottle before I decided this was something I wanted to stick with/ spend money on. Now I’ve found myself spending too much this month, but this time of year I buy myself things for birthday/ Christmas. So I can say certainly I won’t be spending money on pens until the fall. Still it’s hard to see spending so much in a short amount of time
I love the restraint of using half a bottle before buying more! You’re someone who will have empty ink bottle photos one day. 😍
I bought a pen that was already on my wishlist before I started, then decided to add ink. My first utter failure in an ink bottle. At least I learned something about myself I can apply to future shopping. If it's not high contrast I will not like it better in person. Pale inks no matter how beautiful do not belong in my journal. I bought my first pen as a young teen to write my first novel. Then learned what I was writing was a journal with stories in it. My best friend runs screaming into the night when I start talking about my writing hobby at all, but I'm having good luck adding ink to my daughter in law's life.
Aw, I'm sorry to hear that the ink didn't work out. I hope you can trade it maybe to someone for something different, or sell it! I'm glad your daughter-in-law likes ink, at least, haha.
Haven’t purchased this month and Penchalet is onto me. Just received an email from them telling I have a %10 discount. I won’t fall on that evil trick.
You're only saving 10% of your money if you were already going to buy that item at full price (which you weren't going to, that's why you are here!). You save 100% of your money if you just don't buy it at all.
Oh no! I found I had to unsubscribe from all my favourite shops, last year at the start of this. It's a lot harder to resist temptation when you're getting offers right to the inbox.
I'm not on a no-buy, but I stopped myself from buying some inks. Theres the pressure of discounts, but I reminded myself that there will be another opportunity. Also in the meantime I can try my current inks in different nibs and explore them more.
Yeah, that’s definitely true! I bought way, way too many inks and now find them a bit overwhelming.
I've been good this month! I didn't purchase anything new, I generally avoided the temptation to browse-with-intent-to-buy, and I only seriously considered purchasing something a couple of times. Overall, I'm happy with what I've got! I wouldn't mind a couple of new inks (mostly to replace "old" ones I'd be using/giving away), and I'm still eyeing that Opus 88 Koloro. This is probably the most contented I've been, however, so I'm fairly happy. To answer the question, I got into fountain pens while I was helping out at a local wood shop. I was browsing through a catalogue one day, a fountain pen kit caught my eye, and since I had wanted to get into fountain pens for the last couple of years, anyway, I bought it. It certainly wasn't the best pen money could buy, and I don't really use it anymore, but it got me in the door (and now I can say I made my first pen, which I think is cool). It took me a couple of months to place an order with Goulet, but once I did, I knew this would be an unending obsession for me. Well, I've already penabled my best friend, so yes I would! I was in Cincinnati earlier last year, and since I was aware of a pen shop there (Appointments), I had to visit. Funnily enough, the day before I visited the pen store, I got a text from my friend (who knew I was into FPs) with a link to a podcast episode about air travel and fountain pens. That led to a conversation about what made fountain pens so different from "normal" ones, and since I could tell she was interested, I decided to buy one for her. I ended up choosing a Kaweco Sport with an extra-fine nib (I felt comfortable doing this because I could inspect the nib myself), and she loved it! (It just felt appropriate to get a Skyline Sport in the Skyline city!) Since then, she's gotten almost as into them as me, which has been really fun.
Congratulations on the solid month! I love the intro story and to hear that you already penabled your best friend. I didn't know it was called the Skyline city either, haha. What a gift to share such a neat hobby with a great friend!
Oh god, has it been a year of these no-buy posts now? I remember these from last year. I don’t think I’ve spent on anything stationery related since last March (Toronto Fan Expo) because I reduced my notifications from this sub. Anyways, I’m on a no-buy at least until July for Comic-Con.
Yeah, it’s been that long. What even is time? 😬 That’s a good long stretch to be purchase free!
i started my fountain pen hobby in 2017 cos i wanted to level up on my colour pen obsession. i write a journal daily and trying to use up all my ink (about a dozen bottles) - i use different colours for different things
So far I’ve gotten nothing, and probably won’t until at least March when it warms up. It doesn’t stop me from looking at pens and inks, though. I first got into the hobby when I started noticing posts from the subreddit showing up every so often. Eventually I decided to get a pen and see what all the fuss was about, and it just took off from there. The end of February marks two years since I’ve been penabled!
It’s nice to look! I love seeing everyone’s beautiful pens and writing/ink/art. 😍
The 50% off platinum curidas bundle at Goulet and the new 1/100 Peter draws limited edition killed me, but starting in February I’m on no buy strictly. I graduate college in may and will probably need to move and I need the money for a new place to live!
Still in a state of disarray... too many challenges and activities crammed into the month... plus loosing my Silver Flighter during the confusion... 🥴
I have neither the inclination nor the willpower to go low- or no-buy, but I'm super proud of all my pen friends out there who are making those goals and working towards them! I AM trying to get more use out of my huge pen/ink/stationery stash, though. I have crazy amounts of swatching to do, for one thing. And I started using an A6 Hobonichi for ink purposes--I'm using the monthly calendar pages to swatch different color families and then will use the daily pages to write about the corresponding ink. Like why I bought it or what the color reminds me of or something having to do with the name of the ink, etc. Not being able to come up with anything to say about an ink when my brain just naturally finds connections between things whether I want it to or not is probably a good sign that it's an ink I should sell or give away.
I hope that you have a great time swatching and appreciating your inks!
I already caved... one order came in yesterday. Placed another today. Lol 😆.
Well, tomorrow is a new month. 😅
Yay I made it to the end of 2 months not buying anything. But I think some time this month I will take the plunge towards getting one of my grail pens. Its a shame Conid's returned at a $1000 price point
2022 was the year of the pen for me. Really put a dent into my budget. I decided that while I wouldnt no spend in 2023, I would be more reasonable. Only going for a couple pens if they were at a certain price point, no more ink until I go through a full bottle, etc. I got a lamy 2000 for a little over $100 this month with a free bottle of ink, so I'm satisfied. That's my only pen purchase this month. As for how I got into pens, I went to a local college for a regional club event/competition in highschool as a freshman. In the little store it had a bunch of pens, and a no name fountain pen starter set. I bought it hoping to look sophisticated to all the girls at the event. Didnt work how I wanted, got ink on me, and fell headfirst into the smoothest writing experience possible. Still enjoy the hobby 10 years later.
No fountain pen-related purchases so far in 2023! I don't buy very often anyway, so that helps. I first got into fountain pens around 2019 because of my bullet journal. I've been bullet journaling almost 6 years, and over time, I've tried different supplies to find my style. Fountain pens have an important place now (hello pen loop!) I know my best friend well enough to know it isn't exactly their thing, but I will happily penable some coworkers that have expressed interest in my pens.
Ooh, bullet journals are so cool! I’m impressed you’ve been doing it for six years!
I’m on a low buy this year as I have almost filled my pen case. Only a couple more spots and the rule after we that is one in one out. This month I did buy a pen, but only after selling of four others. So my wallet ended up with a surplus, which was good and instead of going to pens, it went to work that needed done on my car. Only other purchase was two samples to avoid buying two bottles. I have previously bought ink without samples, and those are the bottles I’m trying to finish this year as well. I’m only planning on getting one other pen, whenever Gravitas makes their Ultemate Vac available. It does feel good to wait and remind myself that I want exactly one pen. I know the price and it can fit within the cash back budget I have saved on my credit cards. The rest of the cash back will go to ink, but not now. Im practicing patience and buying little to nothing. I got into fountain pens on a whim twice. The first time I filled up three journals with one pen and one ink, oblivious to this sub and the wide world of fountain pens. The second time, five years later, I dove in head first after a pen that showed up when I was looking for “EDC” ballpoints/rollerballs and I’m glad I went this direction (despite what my wallet says) because I don’t really like all metal pens and I much prefer seeing the ink sloshing around and the like.
Demonstrator pens are the BEST! I love them so much. Selling four pens and buying one sounds pretty darn reasonable to me.
I'm not officially in this, but I didn't buy any fountain pens in January. I did buy some paper and other stationery related supplies that rang up about a $60 bill. I did buy a pen in November and in December. I'm really trying to hold out for something special for my next pen, so I'm not opposed to maybe going to a pen show to look and try a lot of things and more "make a list" for when I am more ready to pull the trigger. I didn't buy many pens last year, and I'm at a good place with my pen collection. It's really a matter of getting one or two more pens that really speak to me and that's it. I may start selling some that I don't use as much.
You’re welcome to check in anytime you like. :) Nobody has to sign any documents, haha. (Too bad, choosing a pen/ink would be fun…)
Ended up breaking my no-buy for a pen I'd been wanting (Narwhal Key Largo) BUT I sold multiple pens before I bought it. I also went through my collection and gave pens I no longer wanted/didn't use to my sister, which saved her some money as well! "How did you first get into the hobby?" I noticed my coworker using one of his pens one day in 2021 and asked about it. Then I found a couple of cheap Zebra fountain pens and a Pilot Varsity at a craft store, bought myself a couple of Diplomat Magnums from Goulet...and fountain pens quickly became an obsession lol "Would you ever penable your best friend?" I have penabled one! I got her a pink Varsity when I visited and she messaged me a couple of months later saying "where can I get more of these pens I used up all the ink in this one" Next time I came down I gave her a couple of Sanrio Platinums I bought off AliExpress As for another of my best friends...she's a big fan of Pilot G-2s, so I might have to introduce her to Pilot's fountain pens someday...
:D Yes, excellent! Keep the penabling rolling, haha. I hope you enjoy your new Narwhal!
I failed almost instantly when the month started, but it was only to replace a broken pen and to get some ink that wasn't black or blue. Still under 10 pens and I'm going to keep it that way, but would prefer to bring it below 5. Once I dip below 5 pens I'll look into buying more, but for the time being, I'm good with what I have. I first got into that hobby back in 2019 because I wanted something less wasteful for work. I would always use the Pilot V5 and was constantly throwing them out until I discovered fountain pens. Later found this sub and stumbled upon my first 2 fountain pens, Pilot Metropolitan and Petit1(4 pack). I now have added a few more Pilots(2 Kakunos, Parallel, Falcon) and Majohns(A1, C4). The Kakunos were to test out other nib sizes in the Pilot entry level family to figure out my preferred size. That 4 pack of Petit1s helped me penable a few coworkers and my supervisor. I also refill their cartridges when they run out of ink, so they're helping me use up my ink to make room for more. I'd love to penable more people at work, but they're not really interested.
I bought my last 2 Sailors in Dec so I can say I am still in the no buy zone this year. Got a bottle of ink though a few days ago. I think I am good for at least until early summer. My weakness is normally some special edition Platinum or Sailor which I got way way too many already. I still have a few I got last year that I haven't opened yet. What I want the most now is a nice quality pen case to organize my collection.
Steady as she goes. The other day I looked at but did not buy a bottle of Waterman serenity blue, even though it's one of the least expensive ink options around here. 😄 My fountain pen journey started with being given a family heirloom (a Sheaffer 5-30 flattop) and restoring it. Heck yeah I've penabled my besties, most recently in the form of rehoming pens culled from my collection. Just sharing the joy of writing with analogue tools. 🖋️❤️
Ugh, if you were local I’d just give you my bottle of Serenity Blue. I just don’t reach for it often! I’m glad you have friends who now like fountain pens too, haha.
Am trying to do a no buy for the rest of the year after realising that how much I use FPs (though definitely drying to do so more!) and how much I have is enough without buying more inks that'll take me a while to use up. I did not manage it in January - no pens, but one order made for some pen supplies, which I did want for various reasons, and then two bottles of ink to make up shipping costs, one to make another ink I have a more favourable colour and the other because I had a sample and really liked it and the ink seems to be going out of production. Were they really necessary? Not really, but I'll enjoy having them, and getting them really solidified the 'okay, now you really have to just window shop and no buying no matter how much. So, next month, hopefully I'll be back with no money spent on anything FP related. As for me getting into the hobby, that was strictly last year June or so when I was looking for rollerballs as I realised liquid ink pens were better for my handwriting, and then threw a stub nib fountain pen into the mix because it looked pretty and didn't realise it was a stub until later. It spiralled from there - I'd used FPs about 5-7 years ago, but I hadn't known that inks beyond Parker Quink existed, and I'd only had like three pens, two of which didn't suit my tastes anymore. (The last was given to me by my father when I'd lost a Lamy AL-Star back then, because he was also an FP user and lover many years ago - as is his sister, my aunt, so it's been really fun connecting with them through this unlikely shared hobby - which I still love and use to this day.) Now I got to buy pens that I liked aesthetically and explore the world of inks (of which I now have enough that it'll take me several years at least to use them all. Hence, this year's attempted no buy.) As for penabling others - my close friends listen to me ramble even though it isn't for them, but I sort of penabled another friend who wants to do more calligraphy but wanted to see what it was like with a flex fountain pen, since they found dip pens a bit of a faff, and I was able to rec them some brands and sites, as well as some advice on taking care of a pen especially with shimmer inks they're planning on using. Their first FP is arriving soon; so, that was fun!
That sounds fun to share a hobby with a friend and your family members, too! Best of luck for next month, you can do it!
I didn't fail too badly in my no-buy, and got 1 ink that I know I had sampled, used up, and loved. The Pilot Decimo is still looking so tempting though, I am deciding to at least hold off until my birthday. I got pen-abled by my friend's mom - she got me a Pilot Metropolitan CM nib which was so fun. I would not pen-able my best friend as she works in a hospital, and ballpoint is required for most documents.
Oh yeah, that makes sense about the hospital. A few doctors on the sub use them, I guess it must depend on the specific rules! The Decimo seems like it’d be so handy. I hope you enjoy it if you get one for your birthday.
I found this sub interesting, and I have 3 fountain pens (all Cross). I've been tempted a couple of times to buy another pen (and I didn't put any restrictions), but I've bought a converter, and my first bottle of ink. I bought a bottle of Thornton's Brown ink. I've been very happy with it, and that may have eased the itch for a while.
Oh that's good, I hope you'll enjoy the ink!
I did purchase a pen and replacement nib this month but I feel okay about both because they replaced holes left by selling pens I wasn’t using at the tail end of last year - I sold like 12. The goal is to maintain a no buy through to the holidays where I might gift myself one of my remaining wishlist pens. My introduction to the hobby was about 3 years ago after I asked my brother about pens I saw him unboxing. He gifted me a Benu pen a while later for my birthday and I dove headfirst in. I amassed a lot of pens quickly before finally whittling down what I would consider my priorities to be in a pen and selling the rest. My best friend is a much more pragmatic person than me lol, I can’t imagine her picking out a bunch of inks and leather accessories like me but I could see her being a 1 pen with black document ink kind of fountain pen user so maybe I’ll pick her brain about it and consider a gift down the line.
"One pen with black document ink" is such a character study, haha. I feel like I know her a little bit just from that information. I kind of love this idea of "describe yourself as a fountain pen user in a few sentences," that could be a fun topic...
Aww, that story about your friend is really cute! A few of my friends have expressed interest. One asked about pens last night as a general question in our Slack, and when I replied, they said "I was wondering how long it would take until I saw '\[Sea\_Hawk\_Sailors\] is typing...'". I felt very seen. I hope I was able to help them get started, and I've invited them to come by and try my pens if they so choose. My selection is more limited now, because I've been getting rid of pens I don't reach for, but I think I still have enough for someone to get a solid idea of likes and dislikes. I have bought four pens this month, but they were all some variety of pre-planned. The first three were wish-list items from late 2022 and the fourth was the exception pen I'd left in my 2023 no-pens resolution. I've been writing with it since Sunday and I love it. I've been feeling stressed and have been unwell, and I know those two things lead to me buying things I don't need. It's much easier to avoid looking if I'm out and about, or to focus on personal projects if I'm not stressed. So it's something I need to be wary of. I'm counting on my wish-list to get me through.
I love that your friend knew, haha. "The Pen Whisperer has arrived..." I'm sorry you're under stress and not well lately. Focusing on your wish list is a good strategy, or giving yourself love and care in other ways! I hope things will get better soon.
Thank you. I appreciate the well wishes.
Got through the month without buying anything! I was tempted a few times by some vintage and custom pens, but they were all just a bit more than I really wanted to spend on them, so while I may never see those specific ones again, I remain content. As for penabling, I got one friend into fountain pens last year, but the rest don’t seem interested, but that’s already one more than I expected. They rest will simply get occasional fountain pen letters instead.
Who doesn't love a fountain pen letter?! Congratulations on making it through the month!
I cheated a little bit by ordering two pens in late-ish December so I got to enjoy their arrivals this month. Honestly haven’t really been that tempted though — I think it’s been helpful just to have the “no pen spending” rule in place. I also have some clothing shopping rules in place this year — no new clothes, secondhand only, with exceptions allowed for “slow fashion statement pieces” I really love — which have been a little less successful because I’m spending more time shopping for secondhand clothing online, haha (and individual purchases are often easier to justify since they tend to be relatively low-cost). The “no exceptions” pen rule is working much better!
I forgot to include my answers to the questions, haha! I was interested in fountain pens as a kid, and my brother and I both convinced our parents to buy us pens from the Levenger catalog. I think I used mine a little, but got frustrated with the “messiness.” When I was in my early thirties I took a summer class (prereq for grad school) that had me taking lecture notes 3-6 hours per day every weekday. I used a ballpoint pen. My hand started aching all the time, and I looked around for better options. Got a Lamy Safari and the rest is history! I’ve tried to penable my best friend, but it didn’t stick. He got way more interested in drawing inks, though, and now does frequently use dip pens in his artwork!
Doing great ! I don't have impulse issues right now. I online shop and I'm fine. No new additions to my wish list either. I'm enjoying using and getting to know what I have. I'm almost through my endless journal. So I'll be picking the next one. Just picked and inked my pens for February. I'm excited. Emptied a sample bottle in January too. How I got started... I've always journaled. Wrote poetry and stories. I just happened upon a pilot metropolitan and got several nib sizes and Yama budo ink, I believe it was. Used them for years. A lady saw my pen and recommended Twsbi. From there I added a few more pens and inks. Discovered TRP and midori. So, I discovered the notebooks and planners through my pens. I do try to penable anyone who is interested in my pens or ink. One was successful. She currently uses disposable fps. Maybe one day I'll get her in a preppy or kakuno. My friends support me for sure. I've got a giftcard I'll use at some point for new ink, maybe a pen. I've gotten pickier about my pens since I know what I like.
Ooh new month inks! Did you go with a colour theme? :D
Not really a theme. I picked writers blood for February letters to friends and personal journal. In Lamy 2000 so i can get to know it more. Haven't used it much. For accents and cards caramel shimmer. Sailor 1911 broad. Faith journal and notes will most likely be syo ro. And thinking of using the prera again this month. Only combo I haven't inked yet so it may change. I'll try to post January inked later. I'm trying to evaluate pens and inks.
I’m trying a low-buy with a $40 monthly budget for art supplies & pen stuff to be more conscious of my purchases. I can put money towards larger purchases but any money not spent or allocated at the end of the month goes into general savings. Went a bit over budget this month because of an unexpected opportunity to buy an EF petrol Safari (a pen I’ve wanted since I found out it existed) for a reasonable price. And I don’t regret it at all, I love the pen and it makes me smile every time I look at it on my desk. It also means that I will not be purchasing the Al-star Petrol, which was going to be my February purchase. I also bought a drawing glove to help with smudging and skin oils and a replacement set of empty pans for my travel watercolor palette. I’d hoped to be able to put these on February’s budget but they’re from an independent maker and his leadtimes are a bit extended right now. I need them in time to get them filled & dried before I leave for my trip at them end of the month so they got ordered this month. Next month will hopefully just be a thin travel journal that I can tuck in the back of my sketchbook and another sample vial of DA document fog grey so I can mix another batch of the color I’m taking with me. As to the topics: I got into fountain pens last May when I was looking for waterproof brown ink that wasn’t as much of a pain to use in my dip pens as acrylic. Discovered that ink samples exist, bought a bunch, and started exploring pens as a way to use my ink on the go. Bought my first pen (Pilot metro F) when I was in NoLa and got try it out at Papier & Plume. Would I penable my best friend? Only if they expressed interest first- I’m weird about trying to get others interested in my hobbies. I always feel awkward.
I hope you have a nice trip, it sounds like it’ll be fun! I hear you, I don’t really promote my hobbies to folks unless they ask.
Thanks! I’m super excited about it! Just need to make final decisions on pens & inks to bring…
I haven't bought any pens this year, because I've been buying some records. Although, being my birthday 2 weeks ago, my friends surprised me with a Visconti travelling inkwell! The price always put me off and I could never bring myself to buy it, so I'm super grateful for the gift. Now I can never worry about my Homo Sapiens running out of ink. As for the question, I started off with fountain pens when I saw a Pilot Metro at my local bookstore, which I had the mechanical pencil variant of. So, I decided to buy it, and the rest is history. My best friends are already deep into this hobby, so it saves me some hassle....
Oh, that’s so nice! I’ve seen those inkwells mentioned, they seem very handy.
I penabled myself and my younger sister (she has my Kakuno and preppy now, inherited from yours truly)! A close friend too, with some Lamy. I’m getting her to test out for one that suits her grip better now when there is time hehehe. It’s a good success. I received things from last month ordering, and I refreshed a [buddy](https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/10pzpk0/not_new_pen_but_refreshing_an_old_buddy_with/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) just yesterday before the beginning of February, so it’s new yet not new. Just a new barrel, not pen. And that’s part of my rules this year so it counts 😎 Hopefully I’ll hold out till my birthday at least, and also October (got on waiting list for a custom one from Turnt Pen Co). Since the start of last week, I’m also beginning on something that I was afraid of doing perviously, which is [plotting and attempting to write a story now](https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/10p5pju/end_of_the_first_month_so_started_making_my_goals/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf). And pens seem to be helping 😃
Awesome, I'm really happy for you! I hope it'll bring you much joy! :D
Failed 3 times over.
No purchases this month!! My 2023 goal is a super specific low buy: only the Diamine Reddit inks and a Pilot Vanishing Point. Just saw that the Diamine inks will be available in March so looking forward to that… also looking forward to the “right” vanishing point color to go on sale. I don’t know what that is yet- but looking forward to investigating this year. As for how I got into fountain pens, I’ve loved stationary and pens for years. Previously was using Muji gel pens and Uniball One pens and thought, “there has to be a better way!”— specifically to buy in bulk and have a consistent pen to use (I’d started to run into issues finding gel refill cartridges from a consistent vendor locally.) I decided to check out the local LAMY store and bam, the rest is history~
I bought ink on penswap. Bargain carts and Bungubox inks at discount which would normally be more expensive due to shipping from Japan or marked up by local retailers due to shipping from Japan. Aside from those purchases I was good. Pen show is next month. I expect I’ll be buying things next month. 😅
Fair enough. I often think I'm probably lucky not to live anywhere near a pen show!
I’m not sure if I’ll buy anything at the pen show. Lately I’ve been feeling like I have enough and I need to spend the year trying out what I have and determining what stats and what goes. Even the last few sailor and pilot limited editions haven’t caught my eye despite being cute. So maybe I won’t buy anything at the pen show? The exception might be storage or if they have like REALLY GOOD DEALS. I guess we’ll see what happens when you make this follow up post next month. 🤣
I definitely broke my no spend earlier this month. But have been doing well! I've resisted getting the new benu pen, kiwi inks and new notebooks. Pretty proud of my restraint!
I already failed :( I was not thinking about or desiring any particular pen, as my collection grew significantly last year and I truly am content with it. A YouTube Short of the Narwhal Nautilus Year of the Rabbit caught my eye just before bed a few nights ago. I love white pens. I do not like colorful pens and I wish all my black pens were white or a light neutral color. Went to bed without ordering, but as soon as I woke up I placed the order. Honestly, I felt a little pang of regret minutes after buying the pen. That was a big impulse purchase! My goal for this year is to get enough karma on this account so I can start selling the pens that don’t spark joy. So, I am telling myself that I can undo this later if I don’t enjoy the pen. Congrats to everyone who has made it through January without caving in!
I hope you’ll really enjoy the new pen! Just a little bit of posting and interacting should get you the karma you need quickly. I hope this post helps and you can use penswap soon!
My no-buy is going well so far! I'm really glad there's a group of us that want to minimize buying, whatever the reason. I realized last year that I have more pens and inks than I use, and it was kind of overwhelming me to think about taking care of a small gaggle of pens. Even though I have a comparatively small collection and there are a bunch out there that are gorgeous and that I want, I want to really use and love the pens and inks I have. The only things I'm planning to buy this year are refills/replacements for ink if I happen to finish a bottle (I may allow myself to count finishing one of my Sailor tester vials as finishing a bottle, if there's one I really want a full bottle of and would use), as well as any maintenance items. I'm even contemplating trimming my collection this year. I first got into the hobby about fifteen years ago by a friend who gifted me my first pen, a silver-green Lamy Al-star. That was my only pen for a while, until another friend in one of my classes showed me her pen collection a few years ago. I 100% would penable my best friend - I've been penabling my dad.
I’m glad it’s going so well for you! I found at a certain point that my pens got overwhelming, too. It actually felt better when I had less. 🥹
I haven't bought a pen since July 2022. The new Leonardo in house nibs are tempting, but I have other priorities for the moment. I got into fountain pens after trying to write thank you notes for an employer I was leaving back in 2015. I started out trying dipped nibs and it wasn't a fun experience. I picked up a Pilot Metropolitan and it's quickly grown from there to a collection of 209 pens. I rotate through them all often.
I unsubbed from Penswap middle of last year. Much less buying since then. My husband bought me ink late 2022 and that’s been the last pen-related new items. I got into the hobby because of a Levenger catalog back in the day. Started off with a Rotring 600 that Levenger showcased. If people seem interested in fountain pens, I am happy to discuss and buy them a cheap pen. I’ve given away a couple to friends.
Good thinking with the unsubscribe. I should honestly do that, too!
I was wondering why everyone was talking about no buy this month. i've inadvertently been doing a no buy since last may when i got my pilot custom 823. but damn i've been trying to get my hands on a mb 149, aurora 88, gold nib leonardos, etc. MUST. RESIST!
Be strong! I think the posts from last year kinda crept into the collective consciousness. I feel like I’ve been seeing more people talking about their spending? But also, inflation? I didn’t mean for it become a whole thing, but enough folks seem to appreciate it that I’ll keep it going for this year. :)
I've amassed a bit of pens lately from kind redditors sending some / Christmas, and I feel ready to whittle down the collection - eleven is overwhelming for me. I'm not technically on no buy, but it feels good to know I've hit an edge. I have a Galen case in the mail, and I think I'll restrict myself to that + the one I've already been using (seven or eight pens?) and save the stub nib for special occasions.
It’s good to choose a benchmark “maximum amount,” helps you to know when it’s time to shuffle some. I found I couldn’t appreciate them all once I reached 15.
I didn’t know this was happening. I’ve bought six. In my defense they were all relatively inexpensive vintage Chinese ones that I like.
In February I'll be making my first fountain pen purchase since September-- my partner and I are going to a town with a fountain pen store and I will be buying some ink in person! Pretty sure they have Diamine and Herbin so I want to get Diamine in dark blue and dark green (two colors I don't have in bottles; I've sampled some options and not fallen in love with any so I'm going with Diamine since it's cheap) and Herbin Terre de Feu if they have it for sentimental reasons. No samples used up lately. Two of my pens are inked from bottles-- Kon-peki and Green Goddess-- and my Metro has Taccia Sharaku Koiame which I *want* to get in a bottle but am hesitant because I do have Lamy Bronze (though I prefer Koiame).
I bought two typewriters. That was admittedly less expensive than if I bought pens. So not a complete failure.
January was an easy no buy for me but it always is. I’ve never seen a new color or limited release around this time that has tempted me. But I struggle so hard in the spring and summer. Spring because I love all the pretty pastels that come out. Summer because I love the bright colors. I’ve got a list of like three pens I’ll allow myself to buy this year if I happen across them at a good price and the correct nib size. Otherwise no new pens and no new ink for me. I have a stash I will gladly use since it hasn’t gotten as much use as it could. I do need to buy a converter for one of the pens I have but I need to figure out which size first to hopefully prevent myself from buying multiple that don’t work. As for how I got into fountain pens, that was back when I lived in Japan. I had a good sized friend group into all things stationery. It started out as a planner group but we expanded pretty quickly from there into everything else (washi, stickers, gel/rollerball pens, cutting machines, and down the rabbit hole we all went). I’ve been into those types of things since I was a kid. Some in the group were using fountain pens at the start and I went into a local Japanese stationery store and saw these cute little Pilot pens with smiling faces on the tip in pastels (those pastels man, they get me every time). So I bought a purple one with purple cartridges and off I went. I loved it immediately and used it exclusively for like a month. I didn’t buy any more fountain pens while living in Japan and I deeply wish I had. Sailor fountain pens are some of my favorites and I just know there would have been gorgeous limited edition ones if I had looked for them. But now I own many pens and use them as often as I can. My whole stationery friend group has moved out of Japan and in different directions (that military life tho) but we still keep up with each other and penable each other often. I’m currently wait to find out how much longer we’ll be living here before I go making another local pen group and start penabling more people.
That sounds like such a fun time when you were living in Japan! It’s cool that you keep in touch with the other folks, too. I hope you’ll be able to make a local pen group wherever you land on a permanent basis!
No New Ink 2023. I didn't feel that much tempt-ink-tation at all. So far, so good.
Staying the course! 🙌
I made an exception, since I have been meaning to pick up some Tomoe River since early December but things just kept getting in the way. I actually finally got some today, but other than that I've bought nothing. No temptations to buy any new inks so far. It's been nice actually going through all of my samples and trying to get a new ink in my rotation every week. I've actually even developed new love hate relationships with my pens too! My workhorse Safari that I used through college for note taking has become my least favorite pen in my collection and I'm considering just giving it away. I also regained my love for my Pilot Falcon and have been sketching with it daily. So far, unless I find a crazy good deal on my list of grail pens, I'll probably not buy anything else this year! Except to just restock my paper.
It sounds like you’ve reached a state of pen perfection!
I managed to make it through January without buying any pens and only 2 bottles of ink. It probably helped that I got a Pilot Custom 823 for Christmas so I feel somewhat satisfied for the moment. I bought my first fountain pen 20+ years ago. It was a Sensa Meridian. I knew nothing about fountain pens but I had to have it. I somehow lost the cap to it. Determined to never spend that much money on a pen again (lol!), I got a couple of Nemosine Singularities. I still have them almost 20 years later. They were at my office when we went full remote in early 2020. I went a few months with no fountain pens when I found this sub. Thanks? The TWSBI Vac700 Iris had just been released and I kept seeing posts about it and it was that same feeling of I have to have it all over again. I keep having that feeling. So now I have a lot of pens. As far as penabling, I got my boyfriend with my TWSBI Swipe with a stub nib. Now he has a lot of pens. My youngest son uses a glow in the dark Eco all the time. I gifted Platinum Plasirs to 3 of my coworkers for Christmas and they are hooked. I think there are worse habits to have.
There definitely are worse habits to have! The 700R Iris was my first ✨fancy✨ pen too, and I still love it! Why is it so beautiful.
It’s so pretty I had to get the Diamond 580 to match!
Ooh! I saw that was coming out but I said NO indeed haha 😂
Haven't spent any money this month on fountain pens but would have liked to sell some. Oh well, hopefully in February
Last pen related thing I bought was in mid December, a pineider arco for getting into college. This is entirely bc I’m broke lol. I only buy pen things every few months, for my bday or Christmas or another special occasion.
My bday is in a week and I’m hoping someone gets me the Twsbi vac700r iris 🤞
oooo I love this idea! I'm currently restricting my future purchases to one pen a month (*if I remember to buy them)* ! To make it a little more fun, I decided to match the inks I have already have in my collection. (luckily I have only a few lol) For Feb, I got a TWSBI Diamond in Punch Pink with a broad nib, just so I can finish this ink ( *J.Herbin Rouge Grenat*) by the spring or summer time. :D I got into this hobby pretty randomly. I've always wanted to use pens like this for a looong time, but I never really got into it until last October. With all the colors and features of the inks, i found it therapeutic to sketch or draw with them. I wish I had someone to share this with, but most of my friends are not into fountain pens and are far from enjoying it ;-; I wish everyone well during the year!
We’re your friends!!!
It definitely seems common that many folks come here for camaraderie when real life FP pals are hard to find. I hope you enjoy your new TWSBI!
I only did so so. I slowed way down, but still bought five pens and a bottle of ink. I find it so hard to not buy a new vintage pen when I see it. It may not be there the next day and so I pull the trigger. I need to stop looking…….,,,
Quite well so far! Everything I've been tempted by I've put on a list and I'll examine later - for example, the lilac Lamy Al-Star. I already have an Al-Star I don't really reach for, so I can either get rid of that to make way for the lilac, which I like better, and make it one I do reach for, with the nib and right ink pairing (I haven't found it yet), or just have neither. And Pelikan's Rose quartz ink - I'll wait for proper swatches because I already have lots of pinks! One thing I have done though is get in touch with someone to have some work done on the nibs on pens I already have. Love the pens, nibs are meh, so I'm thinking that once that's done, I'll be so pleased with them I won't be always wanting to try new pens. Famous last words! I made a list and there's actually only a few pens I would really really want, at least until any new ones come out!
This Month was interesting for me. On the whole fairly positive with only 2 Fountain pen-related purchases in January. Some Sheaffer Ink Cartridges as I only had one I've been refilling for several months, but I now have several Sheaffer pens, and this was cheaper than getting a converter. (The Piston ones are about £17-20 now, which seems excessive). I also bought a device that should allow me to convert my parker 61 from capillary filler to Quink Mini cartridges, this was £11. I was quoted £65 for a full conversion that includes carefully drilling the barrel to accept full-sized cartridges or a piston converter. So this seems like a worthwhile option to try if I can't get the capillary action working again. (I'll be picking my pen up at the march London Pen show along with a couple of my other pens that I sent for repairs/ servicing as I don't want to risk the postal service again). Total Spend for the month: About £20 I feel kind of bad however because I have bought a couple of pens on r/Pen_Swap earlier today. (But it's 1st of Feb so I can say that it's feb that's been ruined, not January🙈) It was a Majohn/Moonman P136 and a Jinhao 95 Fude for a total of £22 inc postage. It was just too good of a deal not to go for. (I've never tried a Fude Nib before, and I'm looking forward to having a stub nib pen to use while I wait until March to get back my stub Parker 51 that went in for repair). I'm very tempted by the New Purple Lamy Al-star, and my partner has forbidden me from buying more pens as we are currently in the process of buying our first house. (Don't tell her about the P136). However, my parents said that they might get it for me for my Birthday. To Make up for the P136, I will probably relist some my pens on penswap to thin my collection a bit. I think I will also take them along with me to the pen show in march as I may be able to offload some there. As for your questions, my first introduction to the hobby was in school I had Lamy Al-star silver blue that I used for ages until my pencil case got stolen. (I've still not replaced this pen) I then stopped for a while. When I started my teacher training in 2020, I went digging through some drawers of old stuff and found a pack of Lamy Cartridges and decided that I should buy a pen to use them with. I picked up a Green Al-star on Ebay. Shortly after, I decided that I needed matching ink and so bought a big bottle of Diamine soft mint. And then the rest is history. As for penenabling others, I have tried to get my partner into the hobby, but it doesn't seem to be for her. the best I've been able to do is give her a rollerball Al-star. She has tried some my pens, but can't see the point in them and is perfectly happy with a biro. That being said, I've successfully penenabled some of my colleges at work with Disposable Safaris, Preppys, etc. And my students in Y11 always seem to be interested in whatever pens I'm using, (I had loads of comments about the Shark pen I was using this week.) I've also sent pens and ink in several redditgits/givingifts exchanges as part of bigger gift under the guise of sharing my hobby with others.
So far, so good. No new purchases here. Tempted to get a sample of Kon-Peki, but I didn't, and it was nice to learn that it is very similar to the Crystal Planet I do have and like.
Nice, great work! There are a lot of great ink duplicates out there, it helps with the FOMO, I find.
The fountain pen no buy has turned into a low buy this month. I’ve been excessively scrolling on fountain pens, but only pulled the trigger on a Pilot Capless. Some last year purchase is finally on the way, so I shall be occupied for a while lol. > “How did you first get into the hobby? Would you penable your best friend, and why?” I was randomly on Reddit homepage and saw the post from this sub, which is still the highest voted post of all time as of today, that introduced me to this hobby. I had been carrying my Lamy Safari for about 8 years then, and the spark was almost instant. I probably would not penable my best friend, because he doesn’t really care about material stuff and loses/breaks things all the time. I let him use *some* of my fountain pens in my presence (͡•_ ͡• ) for emergency. I might consider penable him once we run out of gel/ballpoint pens.
Haha, fair enough! I guess whether penabling should happen really depends on the friend!
The pen exception from my no-buy is on the way. Still deciding on the ink exception. My no-buy extends to other parts of my life as well as this hobby and the temptation is real, but so far, so good. My first pen was a Lamy Safari in Pink. Hated it, really did, so I jumped right into a Twsbi and that was it, I was in love. I think I must have seen the Lamy on social media or something, I liked the aesthetic and remember thinking “damn, $30 for a pen is a lot” LOL oh man, little did I know. It did take me a few years into the hobby before I jumped to pens over $100 and then to gold nibs. My friends love my pens, they love my inks, but they have not been interested in really trying them out. I think there’s gotta be something different about us that love fountain pens.
Hah, I had that same Safari in pink as my first pen! I also hated it! Then I got a TWSBI and loved it. Similar taste, apparently.
I’m doing a donate/sell/low-buy year. I donated a bunch of beginner pens to 2 teachers. I listed some inks on r/Pen _Swap and mailed out 3 boxes yesterday. I still need to list and sell some little-used pens. I did make a few purchases: replacing 10 inks I didn’t use with 2 bottles of ink that I’ve sampled and loved (Yama-Budo and Sei-Boku). Also got a Jinhao 80, ordered 2 new nibs for existing pens, and made 2 pens from kits. Goal is no more pens until Chicago Pen Show—I’d like to try a vintage Sheaffer 440 in person or a handmade pen, but not buy unless they are in my budget. Also in the next year, I’d like to find either a camping pen—something solid aluminum or brass that can take a beating—or a chatelaine pen that is more delicate and can be worn on a pendant. My rules for buying are that any pen must have a decent grip, be easy to clean and must be significantly different than all the other pens I own—no copies in different colors. Also trying to spend less than $100; if I want to spend more, then I need to sell something. I’m trying to reduce my collection down to fit in the 24-pen case that I have. This is harder than it should be! I’ve tried to penable family members and friends, but so far, I’m alone in my pen obsession, haha. I got into fountain pens in art class in college. My drawing professor had us cut dip pens from reeds. I loved the ink and then found out about fountain pens, but didn’t get really into them until the pandemic.
Cut dip pens from reeds! That’s amazing. We didn’t do that in any of my art classes, now I wish we had. We did potato print portraits, haha. I think your goals sound very clearly defined and achievable!
Thank you! I’m grateful that you’re leading this discussion. It’s too easy to over-buy in this hobby ;)
I’m being tempted by either a Kaweco Special Brass FP or a Copper Liliput. I’d love either by trying to talk myself out of both. My first pen was a TWSBI Eco followed by the Brass Wave Liliput and finally a Sport. I haven’t really touched the TWSBI or the Sport though, the Liliput is just so lovely. So I’m trying to ask myself if I don’t use what I have, why’d I buy another pen? I’d surely end up neglecting either the new pen or the existing Liliput. But then there’s the temptation that I could have *two* lovely metal pens inked by classy dark inks. And the Cult Pens winter sale doesn’t help either. I need help.
My honest thought is that two pens are not necessarily better than one. I've had too many pens inked (15) so that the ink in some of them would start to dry up and then they actually became a problem. It got overwhelming. Enjoy the lovely metal pen to the fullest, maybe give yourself something to write about? Otherwise, there will always be another sale. You can wait a few months and see if you still really want what you thought you did right now!
Thanks! The Copper Liliput has been on my radar since I got the Brass Wave. In fact I wanted both for over a year now but I’ll sit on it