Why You Must Try 2mm Lead Holders vs. Wooden Pencils, Fountain Pens & Mechanical Pencils<br /> by [[Unnecessary Detail]] on YouTube<br /> accessed on 2026-09-20T23:24:15

reply to Kirk Jackson aka u/NashvilleTypewriter at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1wjidrf/what_words_could_we_use_to_better_describe_the/pal3wez/

This is great. I find it to be the case as well.

Watching other spaces like note taking applications (and methods), stationery, planners, notebooks, pencils, pens, fountain pens, etc. it repeats itself over and over. Some will really love a particular object which seems to work for them while others don't. Fora are filled with people asking, what do you like? how do you use it? when instead they ought to be attempting to figure out what they like and how they would use it.

Some turn their love of a particular thing into a religion (Apple vs. IBM comes to mind) which also tends to make others doubt their own choices and what might work best for them. Instead of experimenting around a bit to see what works for them, they take the supposed "magic" propounded by others and wrongly try to make it work for themselves. This is one of the primary reasons I tell potential new typewriter stewards to visit shops or type-ins so that they can put their hands on a variety of machines to see which "speaks" or works best for them and their needs. There are so many people limping along out there on dreadfully maintained machines because they haven't tried others (or even cleaned, oiled, and well-adjusted ones) and don't know what they're missing.

I was reading/listening to a series by APM recently called Sold a Story about how some academics and scientists created a "new method" for teaching reading and sold it as a products to school systems all over the country. While it managed to work for a terrifically small population, it was broadly wrong for the majority of people. Decades of harm was done to children and the educational space because everyone went with what these experts said (and which may have seemed logical) rather than doing some work, trusting testing and results, or continuing to experiment with a variety of strategies. Similarly, while computers and writing software may work for many, some of the older tried-and-true methods out there using tools like pencils, pens, loose paper, index cards, notebooks, notepads, and typewriters can provide dramatically different affordances in ways of working with them which are actually better for some of the things one might wish to accomplish with them. Some tools have the ability to speak to you in ways that others do not.

(P.S. Thanks for your observation as this may become the kernel of the introduction to the book I'm slowly working on.)

The 7 Best Pens of 2026<br /> by [[Melanie Pinola]] for New York Times Reviews by Wirecutter<br /> accessed on 2026-09-10T10:49:16

https://app.inq.live/

https://app.livescribe.com/

https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/1m5a26g/term_for_a_collector_of_fountain_pens/

Scriveiner Classic Fountain Pen Review by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eversharp

https://www.amazon.com/Sakura-Pigma-30062-Micron-Blister/dp/B0008G8G8Y

https://stationeryfestival.com/exhibitors

Elite Accessories<br /> 3428 Hauck Rd, Ste K<br /> Cincinnati, OH 45241<br /> (630) 945-2710

Represents the following stationery manufacturers in the US:<br /> - Kaweco (Germany) fountain pens - Kyo No Oto (Tag Stationery) inks - Oeda Letterpress (Osaka Japan) letterpress stationery - Onishi Seisakusho (fountain pens) - Diamine Inks (Liverpool, UK)

https://www.franklin-christoph.com/

Among various fountain pens, notebooks, and other papers, they sell archival quality 3 x 5 inch index cards suited to fountain pen use.

https://old.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/biobp1/npd_new_platinum_and_new_pangram_day/

Quick jovial pen whiz, grind me a flexy stub.<br /> via u/bizarro_kvothe at r/fountainpens

These are excellent. I love my 3776 pens.

I'd go with the Pilot Falcon, especially because I personally love the flex nib a lot more than the sturdy point of the Vanishing Point.

https://www.lochby.com/collections/frontpage/products/venture-pouch<br /> Lochby Venture Pouch<br /> $44.00

Acquired one of these in early 2023 on sale?

several internal sections including for pens. <br /> will easily fit a handful or so of 4 x 6" index cards for quick travel

https://www.cross.com/cr_en_us/at0452-22

Purchased as a gift on 2023-07-31

Uses standard Cross refills like Medium Ballpoint Refill #8513.

Purchased from JetPens.com on 11/19/2021

2023-07-02 With very minimal use, the cap plastic cracked against metal ferrule and broke without any forcing at all. Repair? Replacement? Appears to be a common problem with TWSBI pens.

https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2014/06/epic-refill-guide-rollerball-gel-and-ballpoints/

A solid list of pen refills and compatible options.

https://retro51.com/collections/retailer-exclusives/products/anderson-pens-palmer-rollerball

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohdesign/5815595176/

Mike Rohde has previously had luck with the Bic Gel 0.7mm refill chopped down to fit his Retro 51 pens. Similarly he's done the Parker Gel 0.7mm refill and the Pentel Energel 0.7mm refill chopped down to fit.

https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2015/10/ask-the-desk-retro-51-refills/

The Schmidt P8126 capless rollerball refill is compatible with the Retro 51 Tornado standard pens.

https://www.therefillguide.com/product-category/brand/retro1951/

In addition to their own branded rollerball refills, Retro 51 pens will also take a Parker style G2 ballpoint and capless rollerball refills.

Schmidt is another brand or compatible refills that is sold in Retro 51 packaging

Retro 51: New Pens, New Collaborations And New Ownership by Nancy Olson

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/accessories-and-software/stylus-pens-and-supplies/stylus-pens-&-supplies_pens/gx80k32882

It can't be a good sign that an academic who has spent over a decade studying notebooks and note taking still hasn't found the "perfect" organization method.

https://karaskustoms.com/

I should mention that the Stockroom Plus 4 x 6" cards I got a while back are great with even my juiciest fountain pens. They're some of the least expensive gridded cards I've been able to find and are a fraction of the cost of the Exacompta.

u/abbienormal, u/Alan_Shutko, u/CynTut all recommend Exacompta cards for fountain pen friendly use.

4x6": - Goulet Pens - White Graph $9.00 - White lined $9.00 - White blank $9.00 - Pastel graph $13.50 - Flotsam and Fork Pastel graph $9.50 - Anderson Pens $13.50 (multi-color) - JetPens Pastel graph $14.50 - Amazon White(?) grid $19.96

• Kokuyo
  • may be close in size but A or B style sizing

https://www.jetpens.com/blog/The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Pen-Refills/pt/231

https://cplong.org/2023/01/return-to-blogging/<br /> reply to https://hcommons.social/@sramsay/109660599682539192

IndieWeb, blogging, fountain pens?!? I almost hate to mention it for the rabbit hole it may become, but: https://micro.blog/discover/pens. Happy New Year!

https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2021/9/18/spotlight-on-the-nib-tailor

https://capenshow.com/

http://www.lainternationalpenshow.com/

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEXF3JgdHVY

Fountain pen network

ink journals for keeping track of pens, ink, and samples

ink review formats

swab books

q-tip swabs

ink sample vials and tray holders

a bulb syringe for flushing water through to clean pens is a good idea when doing many at a time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yye_pB0cZEM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulnW4du1704

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsDrWC1snag

@jessekelber @collin I'll second the Diamond 580, though if they're completely new, the ECO T may be a useful choice as the grip design helps to nudge a better grip for beginners. It's also a little less expensive (if they have fear of breaking or losing their nice new pen), and gives them space to dream upwards without breaking their own bank when you've turned them into a lifelong collector.

Digitize your notes: Step by Step Using Neo Smart Pen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Otj3x_9h2RM

Nothing brilliant. the Neo Smart Pen looks like a direct competitor to Livescribe with Anoto paper

https://nymag.com/strategist/article/sofia-coppola-favorite-pen.html

https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2021/06/jesi-answers-all-your-questions-about-tomoe-river/

Unlike many note taking manuals, Goutor advises that within the small list of rules and standards which he's laid out, one should otherwise default to maximizing the comfort of their note taking system. This may be as small as using one's favorite writing instruments or inks. (p28)

It's nice to see him centering self-care and small things which contribute to the researchers' mental health within note taking design and user interface.

http://www.styluslabs.com/

Write300.app

This looks like a lovely little pen for writing in one's commonplace book.

While only applicable to a small subsection of 330 index cards which were published as Mourning Diary, Roland Barthes apparently preferred blue ink pens.

There is apparently an English translation by Linda Coverdale of this interview was published posthumously by University of California Press in The Grain of The Voice

There's also another edition The Grain of the Voice: Interviews 1962-1980 by Roland Barthes; Translated by Linda Coverdale; Northwestern University Press, 384 Pages, 5.50 x 8.50 in, 8 b-w Paperback, ISBN: 9780810126404; Published: December 2009, https://nupress.northwestern.edu/9780810126404/the-grain-of-the-voice/

Is there anything else worthwhile in this interview about note taking?

https://ramblinggit.com/2019/03/14/jinhao-x-fountain.html

https://brainbaking.com/post/2017/07/fountain-pens-first-look/

https://www.rousette.org.uk/archives/lamy-2000-fountain-pen/

Sounds like it writes well, but I just don't like the look of them. Perhaps feel is more important?

https://www.rousette.org.uk/archives/twsbi-diamond-mini-and-ink-bottle/

What's the difference between a problem (addiction) and a hobby? Where does obsession fit in?

https://noodlersink.com/product-category/ink/

https://www.rousette.org.uk/archives/fountain-pens/

https://www.rousette.org.uk/archives/twsbi-go-fountain-pen/

Brief review of TWSBI Go fountain pen. Sounds relatively nice for a cheaper pen.

https://www.sliderulemuseum.com/Pencils.htm

https://www.carandache.com/us/en/

@kimberlyhirsh I'd generally repeat a lot of the same solid advice that @cygnoir gave you too, so I won't.

If you've got any local in-person shopping locations for pens and stationery, get out and try writing with a few to see how they look and feel. I've got a few local Maido stationery stores and the my local Vroman's bookstore has a huge pen counter and stationery section which have been helpful for trying before buying. Usually the staff are fans, so they can share a lot of details and advice as well.

Something inexpensive to start may be useful, but I find some of them can be hit or miss in terms of felling good in your hand or writing smoothly. It's more of a joy to have a pen you love the look and feel of, so trying before you buy can be invaluable. (As an example, lots of people love and highly recommend LAMY, but for me I just don't like their design or feel.)

Stores will also give you the chance to find out what nib size(s) you like and how juicy a particular pen may be. I tend to go for extra fine or fine for most circumstances in daily writing depending on the size I intend to write and in which notebook. I do have a few bold and specialty nibs for occasional special uses and fun though.

Depending on your budget, maybe start with something super cheap that you can play with, take apart, swap out nibs, beat up, or possibly loose. But if you're committed and like the experience, find something that brings you joy and spend a fair amount. One really great pen that you love to use can be better than an entire drawerful.

Trolling around youtube videos and reviews of pens, ink, and paper can give you a bit of experience and knowledge without busting the bank.

I have found that over the past several months, supply chain issues means that lots of popular pens may be out of stock (both online or at stores), so have patience if what you want isn't immediately available.

Finally, don't ignore some better quality paper to write on.

I've got an old one of these A&W Marquis fountain pens that only takes ink cartridges kicking around in a drawer. I knew they were relatively inexpensive and likely a simple "student" pen, but didn't know they were so inexpensive.

https://parkerpens.net/montblanc.html

History of Montblanc pens

https://www.jetpens.com/blog/The-Beginner-s-Guide-to-Fountain-Pens/pt/927

A simple, but reasonable primer. Didn't learn anything new sadly.

https://www.fountainpencompanion.com/dashboard

What a beautiful pen. Sad to see it's sold out.

<small><cite class='h-cite via'>ᔥ <span class='p-author h-card'>Bill Dunbar</span> in Bill Dunbar (<time class='dt-published'>11/05/2021 08:57:31</time>)</cite></small>

Purchased this yesterday on International Fountain Pen day.

The refill for the Cross White Bailey Light pen

See also: https://www.cross.com/cr_en_us/refills?refill_pen_technology=1212&writing_collection_refills=1214

https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2018/03/fountain-pen-review-pilot-prera/

https://www.jetpens.com/blog/The-Best-Pencil-Cases/pt/450

Reasonable overview of the types and styles that JetPens carries. Some reasonable ideas to be used when comparing other products as well.

https://www.twsbi.com/collections/fountain-pens/products/twsbi-eco-t-mint-blue-fountain-pen

https://www.twsbi.com/collections/fountain-pens/products/twsbi-diamond-580alr-prussian-blue-fountain-pen

Recommended by Halstead Bernard

https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2021/3/10/hierarchies-of-fountain-pen-friendly-paper

Overview and some recommendations about the most fountain pen friendly notebook brands.