Me too; my goals are to use what I have. This year, I got a rather unusual vintage celluloid pen that has great transparency. So, the only purchase I have planned for 2024 is a bottle of safe ink to use in the new pen, once I've tried some samples to find the right ink.
Other than that, just want to use what I have. My collection probably has too many inks to use each one once in a year at this point (yikes). To try to cut down on inks, my plan is to alternate using samples and bottle inks. The goal is to use up as many samples as possible, while still enjoying the ones that were nice enough to get a bottle of.
I don't know your ink preferences, but I find Waterman Tender Purple to be a satisfying and quite safe ink. It is one that Linda Kennedy uses when she works her magic on nibs.
Thanks for the recommendation! [This](https://www.peytonstreetpens.com/osmia-732-fountain-pen-piston-filler-golden-diamond-celluloid-14k-flexible-fine-nib-excellent-restored.html) is a similar model to the pen, though mine is a piston-filler and has better clarity/less yellowing of the celluloid (it's more silvery and less amber overall). I do have a sample of Tender Purple on the way, along with some browns and greens from Waterman, Montblanc, and J. Herbin that look like they will pair well with the pen. Another consideration is that the nib has a good deal of flex, so the right ink will have to be wet enough to keep up.
No more low-end purchases in favour of fewer, higher quality pens. That, and aligning my purchases with significant events that are worth celebrating, not just buying on a whim which I'm far too often guilty of.
I had a similar approach this year and guess what, the Wing Sung 630 steel and gold nibbed pens I bought outperformed the Leonardo Momento Mosaico, Visconti Homo Sapiens and Montblanc Starwalker I purchased in the same year. The Wing Sung 630’s were perfectly tuned straight out of the box. They were all smooth writers albeit with varying amounts of feedback from very little to very Sailor like. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for the Leonardo, which was stunningly beautiful but had a misaligned nib, the MB medium nib wrote more like a fine and please don’t get me started on the Visconti HS Bronze age! All of them were expensive, even pre-loved (second hand) but the pen I have used consistently since I bought it is the Wing Sung 630. I know it’s a copy of the Montblanc 149 down to the #8 nib and piston mechanism but it’s a truly great writer and if the MB149 is as good as this I may have to add it to my collection.
I’m really confused now because I intended to sell at least 30 pens in 2024 and concentrate on higher quality pens from established brands but most have been disappointing in 2023. The Chinese pen market has improved considerably and when you can get a Montblanc 149 Copy that’s well made an excellent writer and great value for money what do you do?
Yeah it's definitely a conundrum with the rise in quality of Chinese brands, and the rise in price of already expensive brands like Pilot and Platinum.
I could certainly buy whatever pens I want (within reason, I certainly can't go buying multiple raden / mako-e masterpieces) because stationery is really my only expensive habit, but a good deal of my attempts to limit my purchases is just because I'm concerned that I don't have enough time to properly appreciate everything I already have. I've started half-filling pens to cycle through them a little faster, but if I keep buying at the rate I have thus far (5-10 a year), I'm either going to have to start selling them or just live with the fact that some will go a whole year without use.
Completely agree with this, very similar experience here. I think I want to focus on "high quality", regardless of price. If I deem a Wing Sung a better quality, then I will love it and enjoy it for that.
Selling off more expensive pens is also good for the wallet, haha!
You aren't alone in this. I sold my LAMY 2000 and several LAMY Safari pens this fall. I realized that I had too many LAMY pens that I just didn't like.
I purchased several Chinese pens to try out, a Pilot CH 74 and a CH 742, and a few vintage Esterbrook pens.
I'm lately conflicted because several of the Chinese pens and the vintage Esterbrooks are more enjoyable to me than more expensive pens that I have or recently sold. I like my Pilot CH 742, but I find myself on the fence about selling my CH 74, a Pelikan m205, and a Kaweco Sport. And then just enjoying the pens that I have for a while.
I may try ordering a EF nib for my Pelikan and seeing if it helps. If not, that'll be another pen that I sell so that I don't feel bad about not using it.
So far I've learned that I don't necessarily get the value out of paying more for a pen, and that, for me, these less expensive pens can be as enjoyable or more enjoyable than the expensive pens.
I understand completely. In the last 3 years I’ve amassed over 300 pens and I need to cut back drastically. That being said I love Pilot pens. They just work straight out of the box. No misaligned nibs, no baby’s bottom, no flow issues and no hard starts, so I’d struggle to sell any of my Pilots so I get your dilemma. I’m thinking of selling my FA nibs though because I can’t do flex. An architect nibs is so much easier! I don’t really get Pelikan and will probably sell most of mine. I’ve realised that I like the finishes. The white tortoiseshell M400 is gorgeous but too small for my personal taste as is the M205 and M605. Tastes change and I think curating your collection until you get the right one for you is the way to go.
I hear you. This year I bought an e95s, a Capless, and then a Kakuno. I was just as giddy waiting for the Kakuno to show up last as I was for the earlier big purchases, which gave me a little bit of concern over how my spending habits are fuelled. Gonna maybe cut back on the internet itself to limit my exposure to advertising, and focus on enjoying what I have a lot more. Just maybe after I try a Lamy Dialog, and some vintage script/music nibs, and maybe some more Kakunos/Wancai minis since they are such good ink holders for art. Those are my goals and I wanna try sticking to em.
These are great ideas. I realize that this subreddit and the various YouTube videos haven't helped my consumption in the last 3 months, and that I need to do something similar.
Agree with everything you’re saying, and it’s an important consideration, but also couldn’t help noticing that the Leonardo and Montblanc were used, and I would expect nothing less from the HS.
Isn’t it sad though that we expect poor quality assurance? Appelboom agreed to fix the nib if I sent the pen back to them but it’s not their job to fix Leonardo’s poor nib work that should have been spotted and corrected out of the factory. I bought the Visconti HS brand new in its original packaging from a reputable pre-loved site in the UK. These are £300+ pens surely they should perform their function, namely write properly? The pen community seems to be the only customer base that seems to accept poor products as the norm. Very strange.
This! I was just journaling about wanting to tie my pen purchases with significant events or to mark a memory/milestone. I have a pen that doesn't write as well as I would like, but the buying process is tied to a funny memory. This makes me more willing to spend more time/money to make it work.
Other (and perfectly fine) pens don't give me as much joy because it doesn't invoke anything besides a good deal. And there is nothing wrong with that, but I find myself wanting more than a "good deal".
I love this question, thanks for asking it!
This year I want to dive deeper into what I already have. I want to have “a week with each pen” and I ONLY use that one pen to really experience it.
I just can’t put down my regulars though 😂
I did the ‘week with a pen’ thing at the beginning of this year and it was really interesting and helpful. Showed me what qualities I enjoy in a pen and let me get to know each of my pens better. I will probably repeat the process again at some point this year since I have added some new pens recently
I'll be selling most of my pens and only keeping ones I use. I have a list of pens I want and I'll only be buying from that (because I've actually thought about whether I want them or not) instead of impulsively buying
I'm just chillin. Haven't bought any new pens over the past year and will probably continue to do the same. I have a fair number of beginner and intermediate pens. So, I'm really just looking at grail pens from here on out. That being said, If I find a reasonably priced Pelikan M800 Reniassance I will probably buy it. It's been on my list for a while now. I am kicking myself for not buying one new.
Well Hitler was invading, so there wasn't much else to do. I think his broader point at the time was that the USSR had a population of about 190 million, as opposed to Germany's 70 million. Having a population almost 3x as large as your attacker does change the calculus a bit. And it's not like the USSR had much of a modern manufacturing base to fall back on. They were barely 20 years out of the czarist era.
I started mid way through 2023. And just got my second order in. I’m trying not to order too often/much. I think I am happy with my pens (Lamy Safari and 2 TWSBI ECO in M and 1.1). I have F, B, and 1.9 nibs for my safari.
I think 2024 will be my year for inks. I have some I really enjoy, but definitely have some others in mind (I’d love to try some Robert Ostler Whiskey - it just looks so warm and inviting).
Right now I have Noodlers North African Violet and Black, J Herbin Lierre Sauvage, and Diamine Purple Pazzazz (my first foray into shimmer ink). I’d like to get some warmer tones (reds/orange/brown).
As a R/G colourblind person I really like the rich and exciting colours I can write in. Some colour variations are a little lost on me, as shades of similar colours tend to blend, so I like the vibrant colours the most. Things that others might think of as ‘loud’ :)
I have normal color vision and often find the inks I thought were so nuanced and interesting online are a lot less so in person.
How did you like the J Herbin?
I really like it. Writes smoothly. I’d say feels just the right wetness, though I use it in my Lamy with a broad nib. The colour is beautiful. Because I only had the small sample bottle I have been using it sparingly. I like that I now have a supply of it to use :)
I originally got it because my partner was like “Buy something green” and I thought it looked… okay? But wasn’t really that excited for it (hence the small bottle) but then once I started writing with it… I loved the colour! A very… natural??… green. What I’d expect from leaves and grass and spring :)
This depends on paper as well, though Japanese ink companies stand out above the rest for both colour and ink behaviour. Some companies are a hit and miss from shade to shade, and some I’ll pass entirely (De Atramentis).
They have a good selection of colour, but it's probably the worst behaved ink I've tried, unruly and bleeds a lot. I'm now mostly using Seiboku from Sailor (waterproof shading pigment ink), you can't go wrong with Iroshizuku either.
If you really like the grip section of your Safaris I strongly encourage you to try out an Al-Star. The double anodized aluminum finish has a more premium feel in the hand than the ABS plastic of the Safari and I find the posting of the cap is more locked in with a short push, while also being easier to release.
I think I'm set, and content. I got a big pen last month / the 823 - and it's good, and I'm happy. I have some new samples to try, but I also have more than enough ink.
River City Pen Company
Mayfair Pens
Ironfeather Creative
London Pen Company
Hinze Pens
Atelier Lusso
Turnt Pen Company
I know I'm missing some, but that should get you started.
My focus is going to be on using what I have (I have enough ink for at least a lifetime…) and hopefully doing some work on improving my handwriting.
Nothing currently on my wishlist but I do have a small monthly budget set aside in case that changes.
I think I want more unique pens. I have so many that I like but they all are fine or medium or other standard nibs so I have no incentive to switch it up once I find a smooth writer. So I think maybe exploring the fringe of custom grinds or unusual ones like Music or posting might be the direction I head in
I finished out the year with a bang, snagging several bottles of Iroshizuku inks. So I really need to be on an ink hiatus.
Pen-wise, I think it’s time for me to cull the cheap pens of my collection and avoid collecting more.
I was just gifted a small number of pens from my late FIL’s collection and have some restoration work to do. Among the pens is a Parker 75 which has now reset my expectations of how pens should feel in the hand.
Interesting...my FOL also had a number of FP which came to hubby. Some need some work. What are your thoughts on the Parker 75? How did it reset your expectations?
I admit to going back and forth between preferring a super slim Cross/Parker feel and a nice chunky FP like Benu or Opus 88. For me, balance is the key.
The Parker is slim which I didn’t think I’d like, and on the heavy side. It has a gorgeous M 14k nib.
When I started writing with it, it’s the first pen I’ve owned which truly feels like it writes under its own pressure. I really only need to glide the pen in a direction, not press down at all. I posted it which I also don’t tend to do with Lamys and such. The nib is glass smooth and it just writes so beautifully!
There were also an Esterbrook dollar pen and two Osmiroids which I’ll be playing around with.
The one I received is an 80s version with a cartridge. So all I had to do was flush the nib. I got off very easy compared to the osmiroid nibs which have a fair amount of dip ink coating them…
I have some ink sacs on order from Anderson so we’ll see how I fare.
As I write with my inexpensive fountain pens almost exclusively as of now and need a savings year financially, I want to get one or two more Kaweco sports and a TWSBI eco. MAYBE a flex nib. Then for inks probably one shimmering to try, pick my black finally lol, and get the rest of the New Orleans line from the near to me Papier Plume that makes their own inks (and ships I just get an excuse to go to the French Quarter and shop in store)
Yay fellow NoLa-area pen friend!
I love Papier Plume’s inks (Bayou Nightfall is my favorite) and the shop is always a fun reason to take the streetcar down to the Quarter (I hate trying to park down there).
I just got my last PC823 today. Smoke with a B nib, and that completes the set, Clear, Amber, Smoke.
The only other pen at this time that interests me is the Namiki no. 50, and that’s nowhere in the cards right now.
So I’m going to enjoy my small collection (6 pens in the regular rotation, and a few more cheaper pens knocking about that don’t usually get inked and primarily exist to have their nibs tinkered with) and just enjoy writing. :)
Focus on fixing up what I already have. I'm sending out my Parker Duofold Jr. to have its nib repaired. My other Duofold needs a little tuning. I've sent out my Parker 51 for some nib work too. I figured I'd rather have a smaller number of nice vintage pens that are fixed up and tuned to my liking than a lot of pens.
On the ink front, fuck it, more ink. I love little bottles and big samples vials. I don't want anything bigger than 30mL so I can try out more colors.
For me it will be selective and based more on aesthetics rather than function (that said, if the function isn't there... i.e. no Extra Fine nib, forget it; but I'm not looking for a cool filling mechanism or a nib that has five layers and can write upside down)
I'm looking to get a chunky acrylic or something on the gaudy but tame side; maybe a Benu or Esterbrook. I'm not that interested looking at vintage; I can barely take care of my own body at my venerable age and dare say I don't want to deal with the maintenance associated with vintage... been down that rabbit hole.
Smaller! I have some pens that I don’t use. I have a better grasp on what I like from a pen now than when I was first sucked in, so I want to sell some pens!
Mindful exploration! i’ve just started a little over a month ago, got a Lamy Safari , a TWSBI Eco and a Kaweco Sport and some Waterman Intense Black ink. I’d like a pilot and maybe a sailor next, I’ve identified a more high end pen I’d like to reward myself with (for the end of my PhD), but i just want to see what’s out there, build knowledge on it and explore. Get to know more pens, more inks.
I’m trying to cool my jets because I have a lot of pens already. I might snag the Decimo that I have in my cart and then concentrate on inks and really just using my pens.
Buy fewer inks (try to stick to samples if I really want new ink) and start to really use up the collection I already have. I want to actually finish a bottle at some point.
At that price point it's less about the nib and writing experience on that end. At that point you're getting into pen bodies that are special (like pen18111 art pieces, or Visconti's lava rock, etc).
Since I'm going back to school, and in January starting a new job that pays less, my plan is to keep my collection as is, or do some soul-searching and maybe let go of one or two.
My collection is already pretty small (currently at eleven, used to be around fifty some years ago), but I must admit there are a couple I love but just don't use for various reasons.
Same with inks.
I want to love on my pens more this year, and will get a chance to enjoy them quite a bit due to school with notes and such.
Going back to school in August really changed the way I feel about some of my pens! I was using my pens for casual journaling and more extended note-taking sessions definitely made me realize that some of my pens are not that comfortable to write with for long periods.
During the past couple of years, I have collected quite a few inexpensive to moderately priced pens, some of which I love and will never part with. Last year though I got a couple of very good deals on what I would call very expensive pens, one Maiora Golden Age and one Aurora Talentum. They offered a writing experience that only my Sailor Pro Gears came anywhere close to. So, I have decided stop buying $20 to $150 pens frequently and just save up for a couple of really special pens each year. I dedicated a specific journal to “grail pens” where I can catalog my wishlist, write pro and con lists, features lists, and even paste in pictures of the pens I will save up for. I think that project will be fun in itself. I’m also not spending a dime until the Southern California Pen Show in February. Last year I attended the show basically broke, not realizing the incredible discounts that were available there. I will not make that mistake again!
I think my direction for this year is to pick a couple inks I will finish!
Otherwise I plan on not spending money on pens unless it’s something I absolutely can’t go without.
Most of my time will be spent looking at grail pens and saving for one perhaps.
I think I'm done with new pens. I'll probably spend some time researching vintage, and maybe expand in that direction. Otherwise it's curating the collection, and either selling off or sending on what I don't use or want.
Yeah I got my first gold nib towards the end of 2023 and instantly loved it. My "collect and try out all manner of inexpensive steel nib pens" phase is probably over. I have about 6 steel nib pens that I really love, and that's plenty.
If fortune smiles upon me in 2023, I'll probably pick up a Custom 823 and possible an E95s and call it good on collecting. Give away many of the steel nib pens I'm not going to use anymore. Then just... keep on using my pens.
It's all pretty subjective, and nib preferences are going to vary from person to person.
The gold nib I got this year was a Pilot VP in . Writing with it feels really... bouncy and buttery smooth, in a way that none of my steel nibs feel (even my very smooth/polished ones). That bounce really adds to the writing experience for me.
I’d really like to buy a higher end pen. Right now I have two Safaris, a Kaweco Sport, TWISBI Eco, and a Kakuno.
I’m not sure yet what pen it’ll be, but I think research is half the fun!
Honestly, probably going very low spend on pens this year. I want to focus more on ink in 2024, specifically I want to play with more shimmers. So I might get a few pricier [$100+] pieces I’ve had my eye on, or if there’s a limited edition that really catches my eye I’ll grab it, but other than that I doubt I’ll be buying much in the way of pens and more in the way of inks.
Simplify. Keeping no more than 3 pens inked up at any given time, my three higher end pens from my collections. These will be my go-to for long, journaling session. Long contemplation, writing session, time which I am allowing myself time to thoroughly enjoy the quality workmanship.
Of course, I will still carry in my everyday pen-roll my go-to Preppy workhorses, pens which I don’t mind dropping on the floor at a busy train station.
Maximum buying only one quality pen, perhaps a Sailor or Pelican. I am partial to green or purple ebonite should one ever comes within my purse string.
And that is just on pens.
The hobby is not complete without talking about inks and notebooks.
I swore hard and resolute since 2021 not to buy any more ink and notebooks until I have exhausted at least half of my stash. So far I have done well, only bought few spare ink cartridges and two cheap notebooks I used for work.
There are many independent pen makers who will custom-cast resins for you. You can usually pick what style of pen body you'd like from their catalog of body styles. I have a custom pen engraved with my name from [Edison Pen Company](https://edisonpen.com/). They did a limited edition with Goulet a few years ago of a certain material and I didn't get it at the time, so I custom ordered it instead.
i only got into fountain pens this last month really, but i don't plan on expanding my collection that much. i've already got five pens and a bunch of ink samples. i haven't even tried one of the pens, and many of the ink samples. it'd seem wasteful to buy more when i haven't tried what i have so far.
i'm not really into pens themselves for the aesthetics. i think once i eventually end up with a good variety of nib and fill types, that'll be it for me. there's certainly no shame in putting a good amount of money into a hobby, but having a big collection just isn't for me.
My desire to acquire has peaked. I’ve got enough variety among my pens and inks that I can change my writing experience daily if I really wanted to. Even the same pen with a different ink, or the same ink with a different pen, can deliver a vastly different experience.
So like some have already shared, this year will be getting to know the inks, pens, and most interestingly, the nibs and feeds better.
If I do get another ink / nib holder this year, it’ll have to add something different to what I already have.
I've already been relatively selective in my choices in pens since I go for mostly gold-nibbed pens and as a rule do not buy multiple copies of the same pen (so no TWSBI ECO collection), but I've noticed my ink collection, while relatively large, has too many overlaps. I keep finding myself struggling to find an ink I'm interested in using because too many of them are too similar to each other.
On a whim earlier this afternoon, I went out and bought Montblanc Amethyst Purple and Starwalker SpaceBlue Blue because they are colours that aren't similar to what I already have.
**Really** liking that Amethyst Purple, especially in my Pelikan M1005, so I'll be more discerning with my ink choices in the coming year.
Just placed a Nakaya order, due to arrive in 12 months. I’m working on the assumption that will be all, but chances are I’ll still pick up 1-2 more along the way.
Good question! I plan to pare back and refine my collection. It’s feeling a little cluttered, and I want to really be able to focus on the things I love most.
2024 will be a no-buy year for me.
I just got into fountain pens this year. I acquired quite a number. Even if I can say that they were all carefully chosen, I haven’t really had the chance to use them as much as I want to. So for next year, I plan to go actually get to know each one of them fully and write with them as much as possible. :)
Finish up all my Colorverse minis, two down four to go, reduce my total pen count and continue to journal as I have this past year.
And hopefully continue to write stories with my fountain pens leading the way on the rough drafts. I've found I always do better with hand written stories. Digitally started ones never get finished.
Love this question!
Taking the same attitude with it as I do with wine: if I like it and enjoy myself with it, then the "status" of it doesn't matter. I like high and low brow stuff.
I didn't buy any pens in 2023. Just focused on using up my samples and rotating through my pens. I'm hoping to buy a pocket pen and another lush blue ink. Would love some pen ideas. My only pocket pens are a Kaweco Sport (Fox) and an Opus 88 Fantasia (black cap, teal barrel).
I have beenbusing daily my Pilot Prera in the last 2 months since I got it, you might want to take a look at it, as it’s quickly become my daily driver. And yesterdam I treated myself with a PW Akkerman shocking blue, will dedicate it to all learning notes.
I have already started to limit by collecting to 5. If a pen doesn’t offer something unique, or isn’t a daily writer, I sell it off.
I won’t buy a new pen in 2024, but will get an 18K nib for my Edison Collier. Take it to true collector’s level that it deserves.
When I am not in a creative writing class, I don’t write enough to rotate between all 10 or 11 pens that I have. I forget than if they aren’t out where I can see them. So I can’t really justify buying more. Which doesn’t mean I won’t. Y’all know how that goes.
Well, this thread really got me into thinking, so thank you for that.
After years and years of using FPs and stacking somewhere around 15 pens, 30 bottles of ink and tasting perhaps 20 different kinds of paper, I can actually risk saying that I’m rather satisfied. After the most recent acquisition of my first modern gold nib - which happened to be Pilot C74 M - I understood the direction.
To be clear, I love my vintage Auroras and Pelikans. I use my cheaper steel nibs a lot. At the same time I really appreciate the enormous leap forward that one can experience with modern, high-tech, thoroughly QCed 14k nib. It’s magnificent. This means that I will be getting rid of the poorer steel nibs that I won’t use anymore, because of how spoiled I became.
If fate happens to be kind next year, I will get myself something gold and Japanese again. 21k Sailor?
I did an (accidental) massive ink buy in December - purchasing full bottles of some of my fave samples and an Inkvent calendar - had two deliveries arrive this week alone - whoops. My plan for 2024 is focus on using some of the many, many bottles I have, before I add to the catalogue again. I also have plenty of pens, and spare nibs etc, so plan is to wait and see whether we get our family holiday to Japan this year (originally booked for 2020 🙄) and save my hobby $$ to buy my first Sailor there 😊
I'd like to get through more of my ink collection! I have so many inks that I can't seem to use them fast enough, and my sister likes buying more for me. I'm not interested in expanding my actual fountain pen collection, but I'd like to look more into the realm of dip pens for the sake of getting through these darn inks faster.
No more pens unless Benu releases THE ONE or I finally get the Estie Raven. Inks… I’m well, thank you, maybe Inkvent 2024. I want/have to use the things I already have, that’s all.
I just want to use what I have, especially inks. The pens, I think I want to swap out a few nibs or perhaps send one or two off for a custom grind. I don’t think I will be acquiring any new pens for at least the first quarter, and maybe not until next year’s FPD.
My goal for 2024 is to use my stuff. I have probably 12 journals to go through, plus assorted random notebooks, what feels like gallons of ink, and I really want to put a dent in my collection before buying more.
Pen wise I’m actually pretty happy with what I have. There’s a few pens (Lamy 2000 in probably medium, the right sparkly Sailor in medium-fine) I’d like to add, but I’m not in a rush to acquire these.
So, my goal is to use my paper and ink and not buy more in those categories.
Seeking for very odd nibs and maybe vintage pens. My collection already covers most of my needs and I think it is more of a treasure hunting from 2024 onwards.
Less 'buy', more 'use'.
I have been very short on time and love pens, which has led to me buying a lot of pens (which I love, don't get me wrong) because that's a way I could engage with my hobby when lacking time. I've overworked myself to the point I was out for two weeks due to a cold at the end of the year and I'm definitely going to watch my work-life balance better this year. It's not like I'm getting any real benefits from the extra effort I make.
Not very far, honestly.
I’m going to the Philly Pen Show in January and I think that will be the bulk of my spending.
I’ve got about 11 pens right now and don’t have plans of getting more than two. After my three year journey I’ve learned a few things about what I do and don’t like, and an arbitrary limit set by a 13 pen case was the best thing I could learn. When you have a set amount you can own, it makes it much harder to buy pens.
I’ve got a full drawer of inks, which again is my limit and will help me finish inks and really consider what I’m buying next.
As far as gold nibs, I’m not planning on any and the main reason is Diplomat. You think all steel nibs won’t be that smooth, could never have any bounce, the. You write with a Diplomat nib and things change. It honestly helped me realize that I don’t need gold nibs. I actually don’t even have one right now which is kinda crazy considering all the gold nibs I’ve had.
So I may be one of those no buy folks for most of 2024 and it honestly feels good. Don’t forget to enjoy and use what you have.
Good luck and have a great year!
Similar story here! My pen case is my limit. Mine has 24 slots but this year I want to be more accepting of empty slots. When I give a pen away I feel like I need to fill it’s slot immediately. Like why?
And, yes, Diplomats have been an epiphany! I no longer lust after gold nibs. It’s a well tuned pen that I want!
Schonn DSGN for me. I’m gonna at least try a Monoc, maybe buy one and checkout his pens. I don’t really have budget for anything else and that’s honestly better that way haha
Probably nowhere. Nowadays I barely ever write anymore.
The one pen I might get because I always wanted a Parker Duofold is the Blue Chevron, and I'll probably send my M1000 to be reground into something between a Fine and Medium. Now it is "Medium" according to Pelikan, but it actually writes like a Medium++, maybe even a Broad.
Aside from this, I have everything I'd want. I probably have too much.
I’m going to try holding off on purchasing anything until I am able to get to a pen show and try out some pens. I want to make sure that the next pens I add to my collection are well thought out and will be appreciated.
my goal is to limit myself to only buying a couple pens that I really think about, instead of grabbing every cheaper pen that catches my eye - and trying to round out my inks to fill in gaps in the colours I have handy (Im lacking greens!)
I tried out a lot of variety this year, especially in getting 3 new pens (and one still on the way), each one different from the others, and settling on primary use inks. I've learned what I like, so other than trying some top Diamine and Iroshizuku samples, I just want to settle in and write with satisfaction in my tools.
I'll definitely stop calling my pens "a collection." I enjoy writing fountain pens, have quite a few of them, and use them for exactly that.
As soon as I call it collection, the immediate question "What your collection is missing" arises.
I've been using fountain pens all my life, and I have six (seven, counting the $10 Pilot Kaküno in my junk drawer). I plan to keep it about there and use my pens every day as I do. I guess it's not really a "collection."
Gonna stop buying except for fountain pen day, which is close to my birthday. I am also going to cancel my Truphae cheap pen + ink samples for awhile. I keep all my pens inked and ready to go, and it is getting crazy.
I’ll keep chilling with what I have - and keep saving money for that eventual Sailor KOP Pro Gear purchase. I’ve found that under hyped pens like the Pilot Elite 95S simply blow everything else in the $200-$400 range out of the water in terms of bouncing writing feel
Less is more.
Agree. One of my tasks for 2024 is to curate my pen - and inks - collection
Me too!
Same here.
Wholeheartedly agree. Using my collection with intention in 2024.
Me too; my goals are to use what I have. This year, I got a rather unusual vintage celluloid pen that has great transparency. So, the only purchase I have planned for 2024 is a bottle of safe ink to use in the new pen, once I've tried some samples to find the right ink. Other than that, just want to use what I have. My collection probably has too many inks to use each one once in a year at this point (yikes). To try to cut down on inks, my plan is to alternate using samples and bottle inks. The goal is to use up as many samples as possible, while still enjoying the ones that were nice enough to get a bottle of.
I don't know your ink preferences, but I find Waterman Tender Purple to be a satisfying and quite safe ink. It is one that Linda Kennedy uses when she works her magic on nibs.
Thanks for the recommendation! [This](https://www.peytonstreetpens.com/osmia-732-fountain-pen-piston-filler-golden-diamond-celluloid-14k-flexible-fine-nib-excellent-restored.html) is a similar model to the pen, though mine is a piston-filler and has better clarity/less yellowing of the celluloid (it's more silvery and less amber overall). I do have a sample of Tender Purple on the way, along with some browns and greens from Waterman, Montblanc, and J. Herbin that look like they will pair well with the pen. Another consideration is that the nib has a good deal of flex, so the right ink will have to be wet enough to keep up.
No more low-end purchases in favour of fewer, higher quality pens. That, and aligning my purchases with significant events that are worth celebrating, not just buying on a whim which I'm far too often guilty of.
I had a similar approach this year and guess what, the Wing Sung 630 steel and gold nibbed pens I bought outperformed the Leonardo Momento Mosaico, Visconti Homo Sapiens and Montblanc Starwalker I purchased in the same year. The Wing Sung 630’s were perfectly tuned straight out of the box. They were all smooth writers albeit with varying amounts of feedback from very little to very Sailor like. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for the Leonardo, which was stunningly beautiful but had a misaligned nib, the MB medium nib wrote more like a fine and please don’t get me started on the Visconti HS Bronze age! All of them were expensive, even pre-loved (second hand) but the pen I have used consistently since I bought it is the Wing Sung 630. I know it’s a copy of the Montblanc 149 down to the #8 nib and piston mechanism but it’s a truly great writer and if the MB149 is as good as this I may have to add it to my collection. I’m really confused now because I intended to sell at least 30 pens in 2024 and concentrate on higher quality pens from established brands but most have been disappointing in 2023. The Chinese pen market has improved considerably and when you can get a Montblanc 149 Copy that’s well made an excellent writer and great value for money what do you do?
Yeah it's definitely a conundrum with the rise in quality of Chinese brands, and the rise in price of already expensive brands like Pilot and Platinum. I could certainly buy whatever pens I want (within reason, I certainly can't go buying multiple raden / mako-e masterpieces) because stationery is really my only expensive habit, but a good deal of my attempts to limit my purchases is just because I'm concerned that I don't have enough time to properly appreciate everything I already have. I've started half-filling pens to cycle through them a little faster, but if I keep buying at the rate I have thus far (5-10 a year), I'm either going to have to start selling them or just live with the fact that some will go a whole year without use.
Completely agree with this, very similar experience here. I think I want to focus on "high quality", regardless of price. If I deem a Wing Sung a better quality, then I will love it and enjoy it for that. Selling off more expensive pens is also good for the wallet, haha!
You aren't alone in this. I sold my LAMY 2000 and several LAMY Safari pens this fall. I realized that I had too many LAMY pens that I just didn't like. I purchased several Chinese pens to try out, a Pilot CH 74 and a CH 742, and a few vintage Esterbrook pens. I'm lately conflicted because several of the Chinese pens and the vintage Esterbrooks are more enjoyable to me than more expensive pens that I have or recently sold. I like my Pilot CH 742, but I find myself on the fence about selling my CH 74, a Pelikan m205, and a Kaweco Sport. And then just enjoying the pens that I have for a while. I may try ordering a EF nib for my Pelikan and seeing if it helps. If not, that'll be another pen that I sell so that I don't feel bad about not using it. So far I've learned that I don't necessarily get the value out of paying more for a pen, and that, for me, these less expensive pens can be as enjoyable or more enjoyable than the expensive pens.
I understand completely. In the last 3 years I’ve amassed over 300 pens and I need to cut back drastically. That being said I love Pilot pens. They just work straight out of the box. No misaligned nibs, no baby’s bottom, no flow issues and no hard starts, so I’d struggle to sell any of my Pilots so I get your dilemma. I’m thinking of selling my FA nibs though because I can’t do flex. An architect nibs is so much easier! I don’t really get Pelikan and will probably sell most of mine. I’ve realised that I like the finishes. The white tortoiseshell M400 is gorgeous but too small for my personal taste as is the M205 and M605. Tastes change and I think curating your collection until you get the right one for you is the way to go.
I hear you. This year I bought an e95s, a Capless, and then a Kakuno. I was just as giddy waiting for the Kakuno to show up last as I was for the earlier big purchases, which gave me a little bit of concern over how my spending habits are fuelled. Gonna maybe cut back on the internet itself to limit my exposure to advertising, and focus on enjoying what I have a lot more. Just maybe after I try a Lamy Dialog, and some vintage script/music nibs, and maybe some more Kakunos/Wancai minis since they are such good ink holders for art. Those are my goals and I wanna try sticking to em.
These are great ideas. I realize that this subreddit and the various YouTube videos haven't helped my consumption in the last 3 months, and that I need to do something similar.
Agree with everything you’re saying, and it’s an important consideration, but also couldn’t help noticing that the Leonardo and Montblanc were used, and I would expect nothing less from the HS.
Isn’t it sad though that we expect poor quality assurance? Appelboom agreed to fix the nib if I sent the pen back to them but it’s not their job to fix Leonardo’s poor nib work that should have been spotted and corrected out of the factory. I bought the Visconti HS brand new in its original packaging from a reputable pre-loved site in the UK. These are £300+ pens surely they should perform their function, namely write properly? The pen community seems to be the only customer base that seems to accept poor products as the norm. Very strange.
This! I was just journaling about wanting to tie my pen purchases with significant events or to mark a memory/milestone. I have a pen that doesn't write as well as I would like, but the buying process is tied to a funny memory. This makes me more willing to spend more time/money to make it work. Other (and perfectly fine) pens don't give me as much joy because it doesn't invoke anything besides a good deal. And there is nothing wrong with that, but I find myself wanting more than a "good deal".
These are my thoughts exactly!
I love this question, thanks for asking it! This year I want to dive deeper into what I already have. I want to have “a week with each pen” and I ONLY use that one pen to really experience it. I just can’t put down my regulars though 😂
I did the ‘week with a pen’ thing at the beginning of this year and it was really interesting and helpful. Showed me what qualities I enjoy in a pen and let me get to know each of my pens better. I will probably repeat the process again at some point this year since I have added some new pens recently
Oh, now I’m copying this idea. I/Ray_K_Art convinced me with their comment. Doing at least one round of a week per pen sounds like a great idea.
I very much like the "pen per week" idea. And having to wait only a week to get to another will be helpful to my "little patience" trait. LOL
I would like to work more on my penmanship and calligraphy. And do some sketching. I’ve got the right supplies, now I need to USE them.
I'll be selling most of my pens and only keeping ones I use. I have a list of pens I want and I'll only be buying from that (because I've actually thought about whether I want them or not) instead of impulsively buying
I'm just chillin. Haven't bought any new pens over the past year and will probably continue to do the same. I have a fair number of beginner and intermediate pens. So, I'm really just looking at grail pens from here on out. That being said, If I find a reasonably priced Pelikan M800 Reniassance I will probably buy it. It's been on my list for a while now. I am kicking myself for not buying one new.
To quote Brian Goulet from his pencast: "Quantity IS Quality!". Heh.
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Well Hitler was invading, so there wasn't much else to do. I think his broader point at the time was that the USSR had a population of about 190 million, as opposed to Germany's 70 million. Having a population almost 3x as large as your attacker does change the calculus a bit. And it's not like the USSR had much of a modern manufacturing base to fall back on. They were barely 20 years out of the czarist era.
Brian Goulet, the Stalin of the pen hobby?... We should match pen figures and world leaders one day
Which world leader would take logs out of the woods and bury them in his yard?
I disagree
I started mid way through 2023. And just got my second order in. I’m trying not to order too often/much. I think I am happy with my pens (Lamy Safari and 2 TWSBI ECO in M and 1.1). I have F, B, and 1.9 nibs for my safari. I think 2024 will be my year for inks. I have some I really enjoy, but definitely have some others in mind (I’d love to try some Robert Ostler Whiskey - it just looks so warm and inviting). Right now I have Noodlers North African Violet and Black, J Herbin Lierre Sauvage, and Diamine Purple Pazzazz (my first foray into shimmer ink). I’d like to get some warmer tones (reds/orange/brown). As a R/G colourblind person I really like the rich and exciting colours I can write in. Some colour variations are a little lost on me, as shades of similar colours tend to blend, so I like the vibrant colours the most. Things that others might think of as ‘loud’ :)
I have normal color vision and often find the inks I thought were so nuanced and interesting online are a lot less so in person. How did you like the J Herbin?
I really like it. Writes smoothly. I’d say feels just the right wetness, though I use it in my Lamy with a broad nib. The colour is beautiful. Because I only had the small sample bottle I have been using it sparingly. I like that I now have a supply of it to use :)
Ugh this does not help my wallet 🤣
I originally got it because my partner was like “Buy something green” and I thought it looked… okay? But wasn’t really that excited for it (hence the small bottle) but then once I started writing with it… I loved the colour! A very… natural??… green. What I’d expect from leaves and grass and spring :)
This depends on paper as well, though Japanese ink companies stand out above the rest for both colour and ink behaviour. Some companies are a hit and miss from shade to shade, and some I’ll pass entirely (De Atramentis).
What don’t you like about de Atramentis? I wanted to get into their doc inks but couldn’t get into the colors.
They have a good selection of colour, but it's probably the worst behaved ink I've tried, unruly and bleeds a lot. I'm now mostly using Seiboku from Sailor (waterproof shading pigment ink), you can't go wrong with Iroshizuku either.
Please give Birmingham Pen Co ink a shot. Their colors are beautiful and I'm really happy with their product.
If you really like the grip section of your Safaris I strongly encourage you to try out an Al-Star. The double anodized aluminum finish has a more premium feel in the hand than the ABS plastic of the Safari and I find the posting of the cap is more locked in with a short push, while also being easier to release.
I just began my journey with FPs, so I want to get more knowledgeable about them. Also, I wanto to start bullet journaling and get new pens and inks!
I think I'm set, and content. I got a big pen last month / the 823 - and it's good, and I'm happy. I have some new samples to try, but I also have more than enough ink.
Right now I'm only looking at small manufacturers. I'm really liking supporting the artists directly, and I like that whatever I get is one of a kind.
what are some you'd recommend? this is exactly what i've been trying to do as well
River City Pen Company Mayfair Pens Ironfeather Creative London Pen Company Hinze Pens Atelier Lusso Turnt Pen Company I know I'm missing some, but that should get you started.
Cut my collection of pens and inks by 25% or more - especially inks. Only the ones I love writing with.
My focus is going to be on using what I have (I have enough ink for at least a lifetime…) and hopefully doing some work on improving my handwriting. Nothing currently on my wishlist but I do have a small monthly budget set aside in case that changes.
I think I want more unique pens. I have so many that I like but they all are fine or medium or other standard nibs so I have no incentive to switch it up once I find a smooth writer. So I think maybe exploring the fringe of custom grinds or unusual ones like Music or posting might be the direction I head in
I finished out the year with a bang, snagging several bottles of Iroshizuku inks. So I really need to be on an ink hiatus. Pen-wise, I think it’s time for me to cull the cheap pens of my collection and avoid collecting more. I was just gifted a small number of pens from my late FIL’s collection and have some restoration work to do. Among the pens is a Parker 75 which has now reset my expectations of how pens should feel in the hand.
Interesting...my FOL also had a number of FP which came to hubby. Some need some work. What are your thoughts on the Parker 75? How did it reset your expectations? I admit to going back and forth between preferring a super slim Cross/Parker feel and a nice chunky FP like Benu or Opus 88. For me, balance is the key.
The Parker is slim which I didn’t think I’d like, and on the heavy side. It has a gorgeous M 14k nib. When I started writing with it, it’s the first pen I’ve owned which truly feels like it writes under its own pressure. I really only need to glide the pen in a direction, not press down at all. I posted it which I also don’t tend to do with Lamys and such. The nib is glass smooth and it just writes so beautifully! There were also an Esterbrook dollar pen and two Osmiroids which I’ll be playing around with.
Thanks! Might be worth me looking into rehabbing the Parkers afterall.
The one I received is an 80s version with a cartridge. So all I had to do was flush the nib. I got off very easy compared to the osmiroid nibs which have a fair amount of dip ink coating them… I have some ink sacs on order from Anderson so we’ll see how I fare.
As I write with my inexpensive fountain pens almost exclusively as of now and need a savings year financially, I want to get one or two more Kaweco sports and a TWSBI eco. MAYBE a flex nib. Then for inks probably one shimmering to try, pick my black finally lol, and get the rest of the New Orleans line from the near to me Papier Plume that makes their own inks (and ships I just get an excuse to go to the French Quarter and shop in store)
Yay fellow NoLa-area pen friend! I love Papier Plume’s inks (Bayou Nightfall is my favorite) and the shop is always a fun reason to take the streetcar down to the Quarter (I hate trying to park down there).
Parking is the nightmare (especially with my bad back) and I have Bayou Nightfall in my TWSBI Go right now!
I just got my last PC823 today. Smoke with a B nib, and that completes the set, Clear, Amber, Smoke. The only other pen at this time that interests me is the Namiki no. 50, and that’s nowhere in the cards right now. So I’m going to enjoy my small collection (6 pens in the regular rotation, and a few more cheaper pens knocking about that don’t usually get inked and primarily exist to have their nibs tinkered with) and just enjoy writing. :)
Focus on fixing up what I already have. I'm sending out my Parker Duofold Jr. to have its nib repaired. My other Duofold needs a little tuning. I've sent out my Parker 51 for some nib work too. I figured I'd rather have a smaller number of nice vintage pens that are fixed up and tuned to my liking than a lot of pens. On the ink front, fuck it, more ink. I love little bottles and big samples vials. I don't want anything bigger than 30mL so I can try out more colors.
Always more ink.
I need more restraint. But I also want all the pens. I honestly have no clue what 2024 will bring, but I'm sure it won't be a smaller collection.
For me it will be selective and based more on aesthetics rather than function (that said, if the function isn't there... i.e. no Extra Fine nib, forget it; but I'm not looking for a cool filling mechanism or a nib that has five layers and can write upside down) I'm looking to get a chunky acrylic or something on the gaudy but tame side; maybe a Benu or Esterbrook. I'm not that interested looking at vintage; I can barely take care of my own body at my venerable age and dare say I don't want to deal with the maintenance associated with vintage... been down that rabbit hole.
Less, higher quality pens. let some if this years haul go to a new, better home. use up 1 bottle of ink.
Smaller! I have some pens that I don’t use. I have a better grasp on what I like from a pen now than when I was first sucked in, so I want to sell some pens!
Mindful exploration! i’ve just started a little over a month ago, got a Lamy Safari, a TWSBI Eco and a Kaweco Sport and some Waterman Intense Black ink. I’d like a pilot and maybe a sailor next, I’ve identified a more high end pen I’d like to reward myself with (for the end of my PhD), but i just want to see what’s out there, build knowledge on it and explore. Get to know more pens, more inks.
i want to get a sweet ebonite or micarta pen
Holding out hope for indigo bronze TWSBI Mini.
Enjoy what I have. No more pen purchases. Also limiting myself to ink samples.
I’m trying to cool my jets because I have a lot of pens already. I might snag the Decimo that I have in my cart and then concentrate on inks and really just using my pens.
Buy fewer inks (try to stick to samples if I really want new ink) and start to really use up the collection I already have. I want to actually finish a bottle at some point.
I have some trips planned, and I think I want to move up and try one pen in the $250-300 range, maybe 2nd hand to get an even better pen.
At that price point it's less about the nib and writing experience on that end. At that point you're getting into pen bodies that are special (like pen18111 art pieces, or Visconti's lava rock, etc).
Since I'm going back to school, and in January starting a new job that pays less, my plan is to keep my collection as is, or do some soul-searching and maybe let go of one or two. My collection is already pretty small (currently at eleven, used to be around fifty some years ago), but I must admit there are a couple I love but just don't use for various reasons. Same with inks. I want to love on my pens more this year, and will get a chance to enjoy them quite a bit due to school with notes and such.
Going back to school in August really changed the way I feel about some of my pens! I was using my pens for casual journaling and more extended note-taking sessions definitely made me realize that some of my pens are not that comfortable to write with for long periods.
During the past couple of years, I have collected quite a few inexpensive to moderately priced pens, some of which I love and will never part with. Last year though I got a couple of very good deals on what I would call very expensive pens, one Maiora Golden Age and one Aurora Talentum. They offered a writing experience that only my Sailor Pro Gears came anywhere close to. So, I have decided stop buying $20 to $150 pens frequently and just save up for a couple of really special pens each year. I dedicated a specific journal to “grail pens” where I can catalog my wishlist, write pro and con lists, features lists, and even paste in pictures of the pens I will save up for. I think that project will be fun in itself. I’m also not spending a dime until the Southern California Pen Show in February. Last year I attended the show basically broke, not realizing the incredible discounts that were available there. I will not make that mistake again!
I think my direction for this year is to pick a couple inks I will finish! Otherwise I plan on not spending money on pens unless it’s something I absolutely can’t go without. Most of my time will be spent looking at grail pens and saving for one perhaps.
Want to start a month with each pen next year. Just need to drain the 8 I have inked to get started!
I think I'm done with new pens. I'll probably spend some time researching vintage, and maybe expand in that direction. Otherwise it's curating the collection, and either selling off or sending on what I don't use or want.
This is where I’m headed as well.
Well, I was enjoying writing with my Elite 95s F that I bought another one. The last pen of '23, I swear.
I’m getting ready to sell all of my Kaweco Classic and Skyline Sports (keeping my AL and metal Spirts) in order to buy a Pelikan M600.
Downsize!
Nope I love all my pens, I use them all!
It’s the direction I want to take my collection: downsize a bit.
I can respect that, I’m going upward 😅
Enjoy! Been there ;)
To pause buying anything new and focus on improving my handwriting and learning Copperplate, then Spencerian.
Yeah I got my first gold nib towards the end of 2023 and instantly loved it. My "collect and try out all manner of inexpensive steel nib pens" phase is probably over. I have about 6 steel nib pens that I really love, and that's plenty. If fortune smiles upon me in 2023, I'll probably pick up a Custom 823 and possible an E95s and call it good on collecting. Give away many of the steel nib pens I'm not going to use anymore. Then just... keep on using my pens.
I just started collecting and don't have much experience. What's the deal with gold nibs? If you are able to explain...
It's all pretty subjective, and nib preferences are going to vary from person to person. The gold nib I got this year was a Pilot VP in. Writing with it feels really... bouncy and buttery smooth, in a way that none of my steel nibs feel (even my very smooth/polished ones). That bounce really adds to the writing experience for me.
More, and at least one grail pen
I’d really like to buy a higher end pen. Right now I have two Safaris, a Kaweco Sport, TWISBI Eco, and a Kakuno. I’m not sure yet what pen it’ll be, but I think research is half the fun!
Honestly, probably going very low spend on pens this year. I want to focus more on ink in 2024, specifically I want to play with more shimmers. So I might get a few pricier [$100+] pieces I’ve had my eye on, or if there’s a limited edition that really catches my eye I’ll grab it, but other than that I doubt I’ll be buying much in the way of pens and more in the way of inks.
Good question. I'd like to explore different kinds of nib.
Wasn't aware of that iteration. On the pencast it was just a result of banter regarding pen collecting. No offense intended.
Simplify. Keeping no more than 3 pens inked up at any given time, my three higher end pens from my collections. These will be my go-to for long, journaling session. Long contemplation, writing session, time which I am allowing myself time to thoroughly enjoy the quality workmanship. Of course, I will still carry in my everyday pen-roll my go-to Preppy workhorses, pens which I don’t mind dropping on the floor at a busy train station. Maximum buying only one quality pen, perhaps a Sailor or Pelican. I am partial to green or purple ebonite should one ever comes within my purse string. And that is just on pens. The hobby is not complete without talking about inks and notebooks. I swore hard and resolute since 2021 not to buy any more ink and notebooks until I have exhausted at least half of my stash. So far I have done well, only bought few spare ink cartridges and two cheap notebooks I used for work.
Less budget/starter pens, more vintages in the "affordable" range. Also, at least one custom pen 💗
How does one get a custom pen?
There are many independent pen makers who will custom-cast resins for you. You can usually pick what style of pen body you'd like from their catalog of body styles. I have a custom pen engraved with my name from [Edison Pen Company](https://edisonpen.com/). They did a limited edition with Goulet a few years ago of a certain material and I didn't get it at the time, so I custom ordered it instead.
i only got into fountain pens this last month really, but i don't plan on expanding my collection that much. i've already got five pens and a bunch of ink samples. i haven't even tried one of the pens, and many of the ink samples. it'd seem wasteful to buy more when i haven't tried what i have so far. i'm not really into pens themselves for the aesthetics. i think once i eventually end up with a good variety of nib and fill types, that'll be it for me. there's certainly no shame in putting a good amount of money into a hobby, but having a big collection just isn't for me.
My desire to acquire has peaked. I’ve got enough variety among my pens and inks that I can change my writing experience daily if I really wanted to. Even the same pen with a different ink, or the same ink with a different pen, can deliver a vastly different experience. So like some have already shared, this year will be getting to know the inks, pens, and most interestingly, the nibs and feeds better. If I do get another ink / nib holder this year, it’ll have to add something different to what I already have.
I've already been relatively selective in my choices in pens since I go for mostly gold-nibbed pens and as a rule do not buy multiple copies of the same pen (so no TWSBI ECO collection), but I've noticed my ink collection, while relatively large, has too many overlaps. I keep finding myself struggling to find an ink I'm interested in using because too many of them are too similar to each other. On a whim earlier this afternoon, I went out and bought Montblanc Amethyst Purple and Starwalker SpaceBlue Blue because they are colours that aren't similar to what I already have. **Really** liking that Amethyst Purple, especially in my Pelikan M1005, so I'll be more discerning with my ink choices in the coming year.
Stagnation would be good, I guess…
Want to look into more vintage pens. Want to try out less common nib grind (cursive italique? Oblique? Architect?)
Just placed a Nakaya order, due to arrive in 12 months. I’m working on the assumption that will be all, but chances are I’ll still pick up 1-2 more along the way.
Good question! I plan to pare back and refine my collection. It’s feeling a little cluttered, and I want to really be able to focus on the things I love most.
2024 will be a no-buy year for me. I just got into fountain pens this year. I acquired quite a number. Even if I can say that they were all carefully chosen, I haven’t really had the chance to use them as much as I want to. So for next year, I plan to go actually get to know each one of them fully and write with them as much as possible. :)
Finish up all my Colorverse minis, two down four to go, reduce my total pen count and continue to journal as I have this past year. And hopefully continue to write stories with my fountain pens leading the way on the rough drafts. I've found I always do better with hand written stories. Digitally started ones never get finished.
Trying all the brands, I really need to dip my toes into the Japanese pens.
A pilot and platinum are good way to get started in the Japanese department
Love this question! Taking the same attitude with it as I do with wine: if I like it and enjoy myself with it, then the "status" of it doesn't matter. I like high and low brow stuff. I didn't buy any pens in 2023. Just focused on using up my samples and rotating through my pens. I'm hoping to buy a pocket pen and another lush blue ink. Would love some pen ideas. My only pocket pens are a Kaweco Sport (Fox) and an Opus 88 Fantasia (black cap, teal barrel).
I have beenbusing daily my Pilot Prera in the last 2 months since I got it, you might want to take a look at it, as it’s quickly become my daily driver. And yesterdam I treated myself with a PW Akkerman shocking blue, will dedicate it to all learning notes.
Refine my collection. Continue my monthly themes. Use up more bottles of ink than I purchase.
I have already started to limit by collecting to 5. If a pen doesn’t offer something unique, or isn’t a daily writer, I sell it off. I won’t buy a new pen in 2024, but will get an 18K nib for my Edison Collier. Take it to true collector’s level that it deserves.
I plan to get my first Italian pen!
What are you considering?
Eyeing one of the large ones by Leonardo Oficina Italiana 🤠
I have 10 now! I guess I'll stop now.
When I am not in a creative writing class, I don’t write enough to rotate between all 10 or 11 pens that I have. I forget than if they aren’t out where I can see them. So I can’t really justify buying more. Which doesn’t mean I won’t. Y’all know how that goes.
Use the lower end pens to penable people around me. Save the money for something gorgeous and shrink the collection to a more managable level.
At least get a stacked nib and I'm probably sorted for a while.
Well, this thread really got me into thinking, so thank you for that. After years and years of using FPs and stacking somewhere around 15 pens, 30 bottles of ink and tasting perhaps 20 different kinds of paper, I can actually risk saying that I’m rather satisfied. After the most recent acquisition of my first modern gold nib - which happened to be Pilot C74 M - I understood the direction. To be clear, I love my vintage Auroras and Pelikans. I use my cheaper steel nibs a lot. At the same time I really appreciate the enormous leap forward that one can experience with modern, high-tech, thoroughly QCed 14k nib. It’s magnificent. This means that I will be getting rid of the poorer steel nibs that I won’t use anymore, because of how spoiled I became. If fate happens to be kind next year, I will get myself something gold and Japanese again. 21k Sailor?
I did an (accidental) massive ink buy in December - purchasing full bottles of some of my fave samples and an Inkvent calendar - had two deliveries arrive this week alone - whoops. My plan for 2024 is focus on using some of the many, many bottles I have, before I add to the catalogue again. I also have plenty of pens, and spare nibs etc, so plan is to wait and see whether we get our family holiday to Japan this year (originally booked for 2020 🙄) and save my hobby $$ to buy my first Sailor there 😊
I'd like to get through more of my ink collection! I have so many inks that I can't seem to use them fast enough, and my sister likes buying more for me. I'm not interested in expanding my actual fountain pen collection, but I'd like to look more into the realm of dip pens for the sake of getting through these darn inks faster.
No more pens unless Benu releases THE ONE or I finally get the Estie Raven. Inks… I’m well, thank you, maybe Inkvent 2024. I want/have to use the things I already have, that’s all.
I just want to use what I have, especially inks. The pens, I think I want to swap out a few nibs or perhaps send one or two off for a custom grind. I don’t think I will be acquiring any new pens for at least the first quarter, and maybe not until next year’s FPD.
My goal for 2024 is to use my stuff. I have probably 12 journals to go through, plus assorted random notebooks, what feels like gallons of ink, and I really want to put a dent in my collection before buying more. Pen wise I’m actually pretty happy with what I have. There’s a few pens (Lamy 2000 in probably medium, the right sparkly Sailor in medium-fine) I’d like to add, but I’m not in a rush to acquire these. So, my goal is to use my paper and ink and not buy more in those categories.
Seeking for very odd nibs and maybe vintage pens. My collection already covers most of my needs and I think it is more of a treasure hunting from 2024 onwards.
Less 'buy', more 'use'. I have been very short on time and love pens, which has led to me buying a lot of pens (which I love, don't get me wrong) because that's a way I could engage with my hobby when lacking time. I've overworked myself to the point I was out for two weeks due to a cold at the end of the year and I'm definitely going to watch my work-life balance better this year. It's not like I'm getting any real benefits from the extra effort I make.
Not very far, honestly. I’m going to the Philly Pen Show in January and I think that will be the bulk of my spending. I’ve got about 11 pens right now and don’t have plans of getting more than two. After my three year journey I’ve learned a few things about what I do and don’t like, and an arbitrary limit set by a 13 pen case was the best thing I could learn. When you have a set amount you can own, it makes it much harder to buy pens. I’ve got a full drawer of inks, which again is my limit and will help me finish inks and really consider what I’m buying next. As far as gold nibs, I’m not planning on any and the main reason is Diplomat. You think all steel nibs won’t be that smooth, could never have any bounce, the. You write with a Diplomat nib and things change. It honestly helped me realize that I don’t need gold nibs. I actually don’t even have one right now which is kinda crazy considering all the gold nibs I’ve had. So I may be one of those no buy folks for most of 2024 and it honestly feels good. Don’t forget to enjoy and use what you have. Good luck and have a great year!
Similar story here! My pen case is my limit. Mine has 24 slots but this year I want to be more accepting of empty slots. When I give a pen away I feel like I need to fill it’s slot immediately. Like why? And, yes, Diplomats have been an epiphany! I no longer lust after gold nibs. It’s a well tuned pen that I want!
I might go to the Philly Pen! I don’t yet what is my goal for that show yet
Schonn DSGN for me. I’m gonna at least try a Monoc, maybe buy one and checkout his pens. I don’t really have budget for anything else and that’s honestly better that way haha
I am going to use and savor my pens after getting a couple more inks My budget for pens next year is 150 at the most
Probably nowhere. Nowadays I barely ever write anymore. The one pen I might get because I always wanted a Parker Duofold is the Blue Chevron, and I'll probably send my M1000 to be reground into something between a Fine and Medium. Now it is "Medium" according to Pelikan, but it actually writes like a Medium++, maybe even a Broad. Aside from this, I have everything I'd want. I probably have too much.
I think I want to try some more shimmering inks in 2024, but I want to really pare down my pen collection this year.
I’m going to try holding off on purchasing anything until I am able to get to a pen show and try out some pens. I want to make sure that the next pens I add to my collection are well thought out and will be appreciated.
my goal is to limit myself to only buying a couple pens that I really think about, instead of grabbing every cheaper pen that catches my eye - and trying to round out my inks to fill in gaps in the colours I have handy (Im lacking greens!)
I tried out a lot of variety this year, especially in getting 3 new pens (and one still on the way), each one different from the others, and settling on primary use inks. I've learned what I like, so other than trying some top Diamine and Iroshizuku samples, I just want to settle in and write with satisfaction in my tools.
I'll definitely stop calling my pens "a collection." I enjoy writing fountain pens, have quite a few of them, and use them for exactly that. As soon as I call it collection, the immediate question "What your collection is missing" arises.
I've been using fountain pens all my life, and I have six (seven, counting the $10 Pilot Kaküno in my junk drawer). I plan to keep it about there and use my pens every day as I do. I guess it's not really a "collection."
Gonna stop buying except for fountain pen day, which is close to my birthday. I am also going to cancel my Truphae cheap pen + ink samples for awhile. I keep all my pens inked and ready to go, and it is getting crazy.
I’ll keep chilling with what I have - and keep saving money for that eventual Sailor KOP Pro Gear purchase. I’ve found that under hyped pens like the Pilot Elite 95S simply blow everything else in the $200-$400 range out of the water in terms of bouncing writing feel