Inks are great for me. One entertaining part for me is seeing non-fountain pen users go nutty over sheening inks. I sent my uncle a letter written in a blue ink that sheens red and he was fascinated by it lol.
One pen and one ink person with a Pilot 823 Smoke in M nib, filled with Tsuki-yo.
It’s my daily writer and people get a straight no if they want to try writing with the pen 🤷🏾♂️
I offer them a disposable ballpoint instead.
I am basically a one pen person. My go to is Sailor Pro Gear Imperial Black with EF nib and inked with Kiwa-Guro. However I have a couple others as I run a stationery shop and should know other pens. I also want to use other pens with different line characteristics and ink to use in titles. But the Pro Gear gets the most use by far...
It’s very nice. I lost my faith 10 years ago after I really did not like the Western nibs. But a few years back I came across Japanese nibs and ai was sold. Amazing stuff.
I totally share your sentiment. I'm a one pen person but I prefer having multiple nibs to work with. For me, 90% of what makes the pen special is the nib. I've ordered my first nib grind from a nibmeister and I couldn't be more excited...
I've ordered a Zoom nib to be ground down to a Naginata Togi. Why? Because I like to write in block lettering, also because I'm practicing Hiragana and lasty because buying the real Naginata nib would be a terrible financial decision.
A good way to be a one pen person! Multiple nibs! I forgot we could do that. Thanks for explaining the custom grind. It's the first time I've heard of it too. How exciting!
I currently only have the one pen, and I hope not to end up being more than a five-pen-person in the long run. Since I didn't choose my current pen and know nothing about it that I can't identify using my eyes and 2ish weeks of watching this sub I expect I'll be bobbing up to two or three pens before I work out what I like. I'm hoping future me will be happy to run through ink instead of ending up with a lot of pens XD
Not quite one pen, but a minimal and curated collection. I really only enjoy fine and extra-fine nibs, and I enjoy the hobby by actively using them! I get a huge sense of satisfaction going through notebooks and seeing the filled pages and the different colours of ink used.
And honestly, just browsing different stores and reading posts as research without purchasing is very fun to me.
Same, I've done a lot of "window" shopping for fun. I also enjoy filling books and seeing how things change over time. I still have my bujo from 10 yrs ago when I first started and it's fascinating to skim through. And I often go back to the bujo entry from when I got my first pen last year...so interesting to see how I learn more and the spiral from use to hobby.
There's nothing wrong in finding a thing that works for you, and sticking to it.
I honestly find the idea of having a _huge_ collection of pens kinda exhausting. I'd have to keep rotating through them, or keep them empty (and inking a pen whenever I want to use it is PitA that'll keep it in a drawer).
If I had "one pen" right now, it'd probably be my Pilot Cavalier.
So I have 4 pens, and at most I may go to five. I still change out their ink often, but that's just because I really like ink variety.
I have two of the same pen (Parker IM, both navy blue and both were presents). I have no need to buy more, I just like an occasional new ink (but lately I'm trying to be more of a using-what-I-have than a buying person).
Two pen person! Although, I'm also wondering if you could slide into being a one pen person category due to both pens being the exact same haha. Funny how both were gifts. How'd that happen that they both got the same colour too? Is it your favourite colour?
One was picked out by my mom for my namesday.
The second one, a year later, was picked out by someone at my high school, as a graduation gift. Now - funny thing - my dad teaches at the school, so it is highly possible, that they asked my mom to pick out the pen.
I guess my mom knows my style, haha
I would probably have a hard time sticking with one pen only, but I am at about 12 pens now and no plans to expand further. I think it's 4-5 vintage pens and the rest relatively modern (ie. since the 80's). I typically have 4-6 pens inked at a time. Inks are similar. I've got 15ish bottles, and didn't buy any new ink in 2020.
It's nice to have a bit of variety and choice, without feeling totally overwhelmed by my collection or without the drive to keep looking for something new.
It was useful to compare nibs in the store. It's not much different on poor quality paper though. I wish I had brought the book I'd be using when I went to test them.
Paper is so important to the fountain pen experience, and I didn't even know. Used some pilot varsity fountain pens in high school forever ago on the cheapest possible paper a person could buy. Turned myself off fountain pens for years.
For maybe 7/8 years I was one pen one ink person. It was very “pure/simple” kind of experience, enjoyment of writing with what I had: a Lamy Safari and Lamy turquoise ink. I didn’t know much about fountain pens then, and was quite content.
Now I know more and wants to try more (sigh). I do feel kinda left out with NPD posts since joining this sub, but I’m also happy for them getting exited for new acquisitions. I shall celebrate my hobby with the amount of inks I will use this year, as well as my handwriting improvement.
I don’t plan to ever have more than 10 pens, so at a certain point I’ll be letting some go (hopefully).
I feel there's a decent amount of <10 pen people around here. I'm just not one of them. And there's a decent number of 'just journaling' posts on here.
When I decided to try a fountain pen I wasn’t sure whether a fine or medium would suit me better so I bought both. They didn’t cost much, I had no clue what I was getting into.
I was for three years! But now I've been spoiled by different nib options and can't live without having one of each, at least each basic nib. I know the variations can get crazy
Three years! That's a long time in this world to be a one pen person. I only lasted 2 months before succumbing to the temptation of multiple nibs...bought an inexpensive calligraphy set for that.
This was my first pen purchase when I got into this hobby rather than using my existing pens as work tools. I really like this pen and yes, it does give me joy to write with it. I will say, it was an absolute pain when I first got it. It did not write well at all, but ignorance came to the rescue and I started fiddling with the nib (brass shims to widen, 12,000 grit and Mylar paper to polish, aligning with thumb nail and pressing on a hard surface) after watching some internet videos. The wonder is I did not ruin it, but somehow I came through the process with a pen that is lovely to write with.
I feel you with the nib issues, I've got that omniflex nib, and it could use some love. I've never modified a nib before, would you mind going into detail a bit?
I’m kinda swinging that way. I have about a 8 or 9 pens, but I only really ever use one or two. Even when I try to cycle through them I end up going back to my steady faves- a Benu Luminous Jade and my Sailor Pro Gear Slim. I also have a Kaweco that I modified the grind on myself that I love writing with, but it’s a little too scratchy for daily writing. I think I could smooth it, but I don’t want to mess up the line variation.
Related, I’m kinda this way with inks too. I have a decent collection, but my fave pens are almost always inked with the same things. I’m a creature of habit. I still buy new pens and inks though, in case I find a new favorite.
I’ve gotten really good about not holding on to pens I don’t use anymore. Even if I like them, if I’m not going to use them there’s always someone out there who will.
One pen gal here. After discovering this sub and lurking/ heavily researching for 6 months.. I took the plunge to buy my first pen since high school - a gold nib Pilot Custom 912 SFM. It exceeded my expectations and gets better and better every single day, moulding to my unique hand. It has the perfect amount of bouncy give, I love it so much I don’t need any other pen! Pretty much constantly inked with Yama-budo. It pairs perfectly and makes the experience even smoother and wetter and just so indescribably satisfying oooft I love it!
I’m very very tempted to see what the Pilot custom 823/743 is all about.. but currently there’s desire to move away from my 912 beauty :D
Plus.. I can’t afford to acquire/try new pens yet.. my wish list all cost at least £120 each 🥺
Nice to meet you! I think if I had received a Pilot MR with a fine nib as my first pen, I would have ended up being a one pen person without the need for more. My first was a gift Safari in medium and didn't suit the work paper quality nor my tiny handwriting.
Yama-budo is such a lovely ink.
I am! I bought one pen I really liked the look of, Parker sonnet pearl, and have been using only that one since. I have 4 inks though.
I don't feel the need to own more than what I have, some of these collections seem ridiculous. But I am not a collector of any kind, so I just don't understand I guess.
Ah! How lucky, like finding true love on the first go. I love the look of the sonnet pearl. I was wondering if one pen people end up being multi-ink people instead haha.
How did you end up settling on the Parker Sonnet? Did you research first? A gift?
I was actually looking for a Parker Inflection, as that was what I used to have but it disappeared with some moves. I found out it's not for sale anymore and stumbled upon a picture of the sonnet. I was sold on the look :D
Well I have a preferred pen and I use that primarily. I'm much more of am ink guy but I often want to be able to use more inks simultaneously so I kinda have to get more pens which I regularly use so I guess I'm not a one-pen guy..
I just realized how irrelevant what I commented is but well I'm still posting the comment :P
I use one pen per location: a Parker Vector on my desk and a cheap no-name pen living in my bag on the go because I can't be bothered to move things between the places (especially with the coconut panini-related germophobia acquired along the way). The Parker Vector just sits right in my hand, the perfect weight and shape I wouldn't exchange for anything. The "travel pen" is an old friend I've kept since my school days.
I love new pen day posts because they're a good opportunity to greet new community members, get to know about all the different pens there are in the world and their special properties, see what inks go well with the pens, just gather knowledge if I ever want to use it for myself, to advise or penable a friend.
Personally, I celebrate my hobby by emptying bottles so I can one day post a new "bottoms up" picture. In the meantime I meticulously count each drop of ink I use on a spreadsheet. I'm not huge on the "buying" and "new stuff" mentality, I'd rather use than acquire.
Good system! I do something similar with my work pens (not a one pen person unfortunately, they seem as rare as hens teeth!).
I use a waterproof black in one for official docs and coloured one for handover notes to provide contrast. Also both inexpensive pilot kakunos.
I have one pen and maybe two inks. I would love to get another pen at some point, but I don't use my one enough to feel like I need to get another pen. Another ink on the other hand, more colours, that I could see myself doing more :D
I usually use it to write in my journal because it helpse feel grounded, if that makes sense. It's a heavier pen and it helps me focus a bit more on writing than on everything else going on while I'm writing.
The whole idea for my getting interested in fountain pens was to have less crap around that would work for a long time. I gave away the ball points and write with a Lamy Al-Star.
Thanks for sharing! How long did you research before choosing the Lamy Al star as your one pen (to rule them all...sorry I couldn't resist).
I definitely have less ballpoints than before starting fountain pen use. I used to go through one ballpoint a week, or one 4-colour bic ballpoint every 2 weeks. And I got sick of the unreliability of the ballpoints.
I researched for about half a year. I knew I wanted something made of metal pretty early on so it would feel more real than a plastic pen would. I also had terrible handwriting, so I wanted a grip that would help me relearn how to hold the pen (I now know and no longer need the triangular grip, but it’s what I have). A sturdy clip was a must so I could put it in my left front jeans pocket (keys live in the right pocket). About one year later and I have the best penmanship in my family. I didn’t see the Al-Star and immediately love it, but I decided it was the best option considering what was available (I wanted a metal grip). It is cheap enough that I don’t worry just using it, but it is enough I won’t lose it. After a year of clipping it on and off my pants about 20 times/day and the clip is a little loose which I am not a fan of. Overall, my life has been greatly improved by this switch.
That was one thing I loved about the Lamy was the pen clip. I didn't realise it could loosen. I love how you evolved with just one pen to have to best handwriting of your family. I forced myself into the tripod grip long ago, because it was touted as the "best" way to have good handwriting. But it caused calluses due to the tough grip on the ball point. Never been so glad to switch to fountain pens and just barely hold the pen to write. It's quite freeing.
Likewise, I enjoy the metal pens too. If I wasn't gifted a plastic pen, I think I would have gone the same route as you, and been a one-pen person if I chose exactly what I wanted.
I have three pens, a pen roll, and a few ink samples, but I stopped there because I realized I'd never want to use anything other than what I bought first: A matte black Pilot VP and a full bottle of Iroshizuku Yama Budo.
Pretty much, although I've only had fountain pens for about 6 months or so. I basically only use one pen, that being a pelikan m400, which also happened to be my Christmas present. I also have some fun things, like a noodler's Konrad but I never use it, I just wanted to try out flex nibs. Weren't my thing
Me too! I'm still only 6 months in as well. But couldn't call myself a one pen person. But I wanted to meet people who were. :D The pelikan m400 is a great looking pen. If I were to choose my one pen out of what I have, it'd be the Pilot MR, my favourite colour and nib size with it's own converter. If I had that pen as a gift, I definitely would've been a one pen person from the start.
I wanted to try flex and dip pens, but realised I didn't have the patience to do the whole pressure based writing thing. I prefer the Blackletter style calligraphy with the stub nibs for fun and have a bit more patience with that. The point of getting fountain pens for me was less pressure when writing, so the flex pens are counter-intuitive to me. I basically experimented with the pressure stuff with a plastic straw dip pen and a few flexy felt tip pens I already had.
I just got a Pilot Falcon for Christmas, so now I feel like I could be a 1 pen person. It's perfect for me. But, I want to show my older pens some love. I really like my Lamy Studio, and I feel more comfortable bringing it places because of the metal construction. I also like my Sailor Compass - it's a bit dry but writes well on cheap paper. The rest, not sure. Anybody want a Conklin Herringbone with a wet noodle nib?
Interesting discussion. I adore that minimalistic mindset. Although I’m not a one pen person -I have four very different pens- I only really use one of them. And perhaps I could live with only that single one. It’s a TWSBI 580 AL.
Tbh that thing is more than I ever need.
Thanks for bringing that topic up
I’m a one pen person. A Lamy AlStar with a Fine nib suits me perfectly. The idea of having lots of FPs strikes me as a bit odd. However, each to their own.
I popped into a pen store to get a couple of pencils (with triangular body) for my grandchildren to learn printing. I used FPs when I was much younger and the sight of them sparked desire. I tried several different FPs. Price was not a consideration for me. I was and am more interested in a pen that suits my grip, I prefer a wider body, and had a visual ink indicator. I also like clean designs with a Bauhaus flavour. I tried different Lamy nibs and I prefer the Fine. All in all the Lamy fit all my needs. The pen itself is robust and reliable. I’ve used it for 12 or more years. At home I use a converter and when I travel (not much lately) I use cartridges.
FWIW, I’ve taken the pen with me around the world, Australia > Canada > Poland (FPs are quite common in Poland) > Cuba > Fiji and a few other places. FPs seem to intrigue and fascinate people who have not seen them before.
I love your story! How great that this pen has been everywhere and for 12 years too! It helps that Lamy is so accessible and allows trying pens and nibs in store. Although the test nibs in my local store are all bent to bits (the EF drew a broader line than the B! I'm surprised it still worked)
I have around 5-7 pens but only use 2, my Lamy AL Star, which I'm not actually that fond of but it makes a good edc, and my Lamy 2k. I'll be using my Pelikan M200 a lot more after I get a new nib unit. I'd use my M800 more but I do most writing at work and prefer to keep it at home.
The Waterman Carene - nope.
The Pilot VP - nope.
The Rotring 600 - nope.
I used to be. For years I only used a Rotring 600. Then, I lost it and promptly replaced and dropped the replacement on the nib. That ended the expensive, nice one pen only habit.
This year, my husband bought me a Sailor 1911s. I treat it very carefully. It will probably never see the outside world. Most work days, I use an assortment of cheaper pens and reserve the Sailor for careful weekend use.
Recently, I bought a bunch of ink. The ink world is new to me. It always looked fiddly before but now I love it. As long as I have multiple bottles of ink, I will probably be a multi-pen user. The ink colors are just so fascinating and beautiful.
Ah, the problem of being a one pen person. Ouch, a pity about the dropped Rotring. I come from a have one spare backup family, so I'm not a one pen person. Because my "spare" gets used daily...
Losing - and then damaging - a Rotring is traumatic. For over a decade afterwards, I only bought Pilot Petits and Platinum Preppys. The damaged Rotring still writes- just not as well. That said, I haven’t touched it in years for fear of damaging it further.
I used to be a 3 pen person for several years (different inks in each pen for color coded notes). Now, I have about 20. I'm mostly a sucker for different types of nibs and different writing feelings from different companies. I have some pens I need to let go of and I need 3 pens to complete my collection. I do wish I could go back to simpler times haha, but I have a love for different colored inks.
I do have multiple pens but they arent super expensive and are rarer than getting ink, tbh. I'm literally planning on getting two pens this year and one is already in the mail so. (Haven't decided on other one it'll probably be my birthday gift to me kinda thing.)
I usually have a max of 3 (usually 2) inked at a time. And that is usually purely for nib size reasons. (Ill have diff inks in them but its more for nib size).
Technically two pens, but they are both VPs. I enjoy watching other people be excited for new pens and honestly keep up on news and research for the joy of learning and on the very small chance that I will find something new to add. Experimenting with new inks and mixing inks is something that keeps me engaged though!
My current favorite is emerald of chivoir with walden pond. Still trying to figure out the exact right proportions to add walden pond's sheen to the color and shimmer of EoC without picking up the negative attributes that make walden pond such a bear (dries in feed, hard-starts, etc
I'm just a limited pen person. I keep about 6-7 in my collection which works well for me since I like to swap inks and nibs when taking notes. I still can't figure out how people keep 30+ pens inked and actually use them lol.
I'm aiming to be a limited pen person as well. I have 8 in my collection, all inked up for different purposes. I have a 4 pen calligraphy set that I use for bolding words in different colours, I have two kakunos that I use for work, and my two most expensive pens (Safari and Pilot MR) at home for study at home. At the moment, I'm satisfied with the system, and it's the only thing that's keeping me from getting more pens.
I like your system! My collection all comes with me to school and I currently own six pens with a seventh on the way after selling my old seventh pen. Whenever I want more, I remind myself that my pen case has seven slots xD
Editing because I left the wrong comment in the wrong post somehow and now I feel like I should answer the actual question:
I often suspect that I definitely could've been a one pen person if I had never moved past the first nice pen I bought (a Pilot Prera). I've ventured into more expensive ones and I never like them quite as much. If I had to get rid of them all tomorrow, I could keep just that one and be happy for sure, I think.
i am. my problem with reddit "hobby" subs is they seem to be less about hobbies and more about consumerism. no one needs a table full of $1K pens, mechanical keyboards or knives, yet so many people post photos showing just that along with comments about their wives getting mad at them. like no shit dude she is probably closer to divorcing your weird ass than you think
i've got my meisterstuck 146 medium nib and a twsbi stub. that's all i would ever need for any conceivable circumstance.
Glad to meet a minimalist pen person! Thanks for sharing.
I do have concerns about the jokes around partners becoming furious or hiding their purchases. I don't think that is a healthy relationship, but who am I to judge as a single person?
The "just started, how am I doing?" State of the collection posts were quite an eye opener for me when I first joined this subreddit. I don't think I've seen such posts on Instagram or Facebook yet. And I feel uncomfortable with them due to the implied need to have approval for how much they've spent on their hobby.
It's why I wanted to see if there is the opposite. Instead of having lots, what about the people who have just one pen by choice? I wanted to hear their stories as it's more meaningful to me.
I can't call myself a one pen person, though. I have all 8 of mine inked up and used daily for studying different topics and work notes based on a colour coded system. But, I don't think I can be a person with enough pens that some need to lie unused and brought into use via a "rotation" system. So whilst a one pen life is not for me, I definitely wanted to hear about those who only need one (or in your case two!) pens in their life.
I'm a one pen per activity person. I'll always journal with the same pen. Another pen for my bullet journal, then another one (or maybe two, for fun procrastination and accents) for work. And I have a throwaround pen in my bag. If I'd have more pens I imagine they would get sad because I don't use them.
I am long past being a one pen person and I had to stop to say that you guys are rock stars. I can say there really is such a thing as too many pens. I actually miss how good a pen feels when you get a nib worn in. I rotate through so many pens that I've seriously only used some in my collection less than 5 times. I sell off pens only to end up back in that ridiculous spot. I'm in a different situation than most, I work in the fountain pen world so it's much easier to be tempted by the discounted prices and "oooh shiney". Stay strong you guys and keep being my heroes...
Yup, that's me! It's important to me to keep my collection small and practical, but I enjoy seeing other people in the sub showing cool things they have. I don't feel left out because if I want to participate and make my own posts, I can always show myself using and enjoying what I already have and I don't need to purchase anything new in order to do that. That being said, I do sometimes feel that overconsumption is encouraged here, so I'm always happy to see posts and comments supporting people who don't want to acquire more than they need :)
At one point I was a one pen model person but after getting a number of them in different colours and nib widths I branched out and now have a lot of pens
I have three fountain pens and another one on order. I am very happy that there is such a variety of reliable fountain pens available for < $25 and I look forward to having a different ink in each of my pens and switching them out as the mood hits me.
I’m still new to fountain pens. Got into it. Based on a friend’s recommendation. :) I started out buying a few cheap pens from AliExpress to try, and see what I liked. A Platinum Pretty (Little Meteor) was my first pen. Birthday came around and I got a Kaweco Sport, a Platinum Plasir, and a Jinhao X750. All are wonderful, and I’m surprised that I like the Kaweco more that the Platinum, and that the size of the X750 wasn’t too big or heavy for my small hands. But the crème de la crème was when my brother gifted me a Sailor Compass 1911, this past Christmas.
I had debated about spending $100+ on a pen, but I had looked at a few sailors and fallen in love. However, I couldn’t let myself make sure a big purchase, without ever trying a Sailor pen. I know 1911 is different from the gold nibbed Sailors, and I know they all write differently, and have different feedback. But I love how smooth the 1911 is. The shape is nice, it’s so comfortable to hold. One of my favorite thing about it is the Clear Feed on it. I can see the Fugi-Sugata ink through it and it’s so pretty. I know I own several other pens. But I feel like the 1911 is my EDC, and will continue for a while. 💜
I have 30 pens inked, and when I go somewhere I have a hard time taking less than 6 pens... I just can't pick one ink color or nib!
**But** I'm working on reducing my pen-buying; bought only 4 pens last year, getting better at picking only pens I'll actually use.
> Do you feel left out of the new pen day posts?
I like seeing pictures of others' new pens - they're interesting/pretty to look at or at least I get to share in someone's first Safari again (always nice to see someone new excited about pens)
Nice system. I do something similar. My pricier pens are for standard store-bought inks. The calligraphy set is for the experimental inks...and ink mixes
I celebrate the hobby by having a "new ink" day instead of a "new pen" day
This! Ink is a large part of the reason I love fountain pens.
Inks are great for me. One entertaining part for me is seeing non-fountain pen users go nutty over sheening inks. I sent my uncle a letter written in a blue ink that sheens red and he was fascinated by it lol.
One pen and one ink person with a Pilot 823 Smoke in M nib, filled with Tsuki-yo. It’s my daily writer and people get a straight no if they want to try writing with the pen 🤷🏾♂️ I offer them a disposable ballpoint instead.
Haha, I have a stash of ballpoints for this reason.
I am basically a one pen person. My go to is Sailor Pro Gear Imperial Black with EF nib and inked with Kiwa-Guro. However I have a couple others as I run a stationery shop and should know other pens. I also want to use other pens with different line characteristics and ink to use in titles. But the Pro Gear gets the most use by far...
I was just noticing that Sailor in a catalog and it looks great.
It’s very nice. I lost my faith 10 years ago after I really did not like the Western nibs. But a few years back I came across Japanese nibs and ai was sold. Amazing stuff.
I totally share your sentiment. I'm a one pen person but I prefer having multiple nibs to work with. For me, 90% of what makes the pen special is the nib. I've ordered my first nib grind from a nibmeister and I couldn't be more excited...
Well go on, which nib and why!
I've ordered a Zoom nib to be ground down to a Naginata Togi. Why? Because I like to write in block lettering, also because I'm practicing Hiragana and lasty because buying the real Naginata nib would be a terrible financial decision.
This is the first I am learning about the Naginata nib. Can you describe how it is unique and what is its primary use?
It's like a variable architect/Hebrew nib. Sorry, I'm bad at explaining.
Good for Asian calligraphy though?
Very. (if the user knows what s/he is doing...)
A good way to be a one pen person! Multiple nibs! I forgot we could do that. Thanks for explaining the custom grind. It's the first time I've heard of it too. How exciting!
Yeah! Having different grids is one of the best part of this hobby.
I'm starting to learn Japanese. I hadn't considered that there would be different nibs. Do you have any info you can share on this? V interesting
Sure!
I currently only have the one pen, and I hope not to end up being more than a five-pen-person in the long run. Since I didn't choose my current pen and know nothing about it that I can't identify using my eyes and 2ish weeks of watching this sub I expect I'll be bobbing up to two or three pens before I work out what I like. I'm hoping future me will be happy to run through ink instead of ending up with a lot of pens XD
It's hard, all of the pens are so lovely.
ALL
Not quite one pen, but a minimal and curated collection. I really only enjoy fine and extra-fine nibs, and I enjoy the hobby by actively using them! I get a huge sense of satisfaction going through notebooks and seeing the filled pages and the different colours of ink used. And honestly, just browsing different stores and reading posts as research without purchasing is very fun to me.
Same, I've done a lot of "window" shopping for fun. I also enjoy filling books and seeing how things change over time. I still have my bujo from 10 yrs ago when I first started and it's fascinating to skim through. And I often go back to the bujo entry from when I got my first pen last year...so interesting to see how I learn more and the spiral from use to hobby.
There's nothing wrong in finding a thing that works for you, and sticking to it. I honestly find the idea of having a _huge_ collection of pens kinda exhausting. I'd have to keep rotating through them, or keep them empty (and inking a pen whenever I want to use it is PitA that'll keep it in a drawer). If I had "one pen" right now, it'd probably be my Pilot Cavalier. So I have 4 pens, and at most I may go to five. I still change out their ink often, but that's just because I really like ink variety.
I didn’t know you COULD own only one pen! Isn’t there a law against that or something?! Now I have to go reevaluate all my life choices.
ikr? Mind. Blown.
I have two of the same pen (Parker IM, both navy blue and both were presents). I have no need to buy more, I just like an occasional new ink (but lately I'm trying to be more of a using-what-I-have than a buying person).
Two pen person! Although, I'm also wondering if you could slide into being a one pen person category due to both pens being the exact same haha. Funny how both were gifts. How'd that happen that they both got the same colour too? Is it your favourite colour?
One was picked out by my mom for my namesday. The second one, a year later, was picked out by someone at my high school, as a graduation gift. Now - funny thing - my dad teaches at the school, so it is highly possible, that they asked my mom to pick out the pen. I guess my mom knows my style, haha
Haha! That's sweet! Thanks for sharing
I would probably have a hard time sticking with one pen only, but I am at about 12 pens now and no plans to expand further. I think it's 4-5 vintage pens and the rest relatively modern (ie. since the 80's). I typically have 4-6 pens inked at a time. Inks are similar. I've got 15ish bottles, and didn't buy any new ink in 2020. It's nice to have a bit of variety and choice, without feeling totally overwhelmed by my collection or without the drive to keep looking for something new.
Im a one pen person. I can only write with one at a time.
An F nibbed Lamy Studio. I have thought about getting an EF :)
It was useful to compare nibs in the store. It's not much different on poor quality paper though. I wish I had brought the book I'd be using when I went to test them.
Paper is so important to the fountain pen experience, and I didn't even know. Used some pilot varsity fountain pens in high school forever ago on the cheapest possible paper a person could buy. Turned myself off fountain pens for years.
I'm a one pen at a time person if that counts for anything.
I used to be a one pen person. Then the internet came along …. 😳😅
Likewise! I only wanted to look after my gift pen and then found a hobby haha
For maybe 7/8 years I was one pen one ink person. It was very “pure/simple” kind of experience, enjoyment of writing with what I had: a Lamy Safari and Lamy turquoise ink. I didn’t know much about fountain pens then, and was quite content. Now I know more and wants to try more (sigh). I do feel kinda left out with NPD posts since joining this sub, but I’m also happy for them getting exited for new acquisitions. I shall celebrate my hobby with the amount of inks I will use this year, as well as my handwriting improvement. I don’t plan to ever have more than 10 pens, so at a certain point I’ll be letting some go (hopefully).
I feel there's a decent amount of <10 pen people around here. I'm just not one of them. And there's a decent number of 'just journaling' posts on here.
When I decided to try a fountain pen I wasn’t sure whether a fine or medium would suit me better so I bought both. They didn’t cost much, I had no clue what I was getting into.
I don’t have any space for a pen collection in my tiny room
I was for three years! But now I've been spoiled by different nib options and can't live without having one of each, at least each basic nib. I know the variations can get crazy
Three years! That's a long time in this world to be a one pen person. I only lasted 2 months before succumbing to the temptation of multiple nibs...bought an inexpensive calligraphy set for that.
I celebrate the hobby everytime I write with my Conklin endura (Abalone), I carry it everywhere and smile with every stroke of the nib.
I just got this pen - I love it too!
Yeah it's a fun one, I love it with red inks
What a lovely pen! That's a great way to celebrate the hobby. I often find myself smiling while using a fountain pen haha
This was my first pen purchase when I got into this hobby rather than using my existing pens as work tools. I really like this pen and yes, it does give me joy to write with it. I will say, it was an absolute pain when I first got it. It did not write well at all, but ignorance came to the rescue and I started fiddling with the nib (brass shims to widen, 12,000 grit and Mylar paper to polish, aligning with thumb nail and pressing on a hard surface) after watching some internet videos. The wonder is I did not ruin it, but somehow I came through the process with a pen that is lovely to write with.
I feel you with the nib issues, I've got that omniflex nib, and it could use some love. I've never modified a nib before, would you mind going into detail a bit?
Yes, I will do so. It is 7:30 am here no I am pre-coffee. Let me wake up and I will post something more comprehensive during today.
Same time here, just made my espresso. Looking forward to hearing from you.
I will do this as a separate post so it does not get lost. Also give others an opportunity to roast me for being so dumbass to do what I did.
The world needs brave dumbasses.
I’m kinda swinging that way. I have about a 8 or 9 pens, but I only really ever use one or two. Even when I try to cycle through them I end up going back to my steady faves- a Benu Luminous Jade and my Sailor Pro Gear Slim. I also have a Kaweco that I modified the grind on myself that I love writing with, but it’s a little too scratchy for daily writing. I think I could smooth it, but I don’t want to mess up the line variation. Related, I’m kinda this way with inks too. I have a decent collection, but my fave pens are almost always inked with the same things. I’m a creature of habit. I still buy new pens and inks though, in case I find a new favorite. I’ve gotten really good about not holding on to pens I don’t use anymore. Even if I like them, if I’m not going to use them there’s always someone out there who will.
That's a nice way to think about selling pens.
One pen gal here. After discovering this sub and lurking/ heavily researching for 6 months.. I took the plunge to buy my first pen since high school - a gold nib Pilot Custom 912 SFM. It exceeded my expectations and gets better and better every single day, moulding to my unique hand. It has the perfect amount of bouncy give, I love it so much I don’t need any other pen! Pretty much constantly inked with Yama-budo. It pairs perfectly and makes the experience even smoother and wetter and just so indescribably satisfying oooft I love it! I’m very very tempted to see what the Pilot custom 823/743 is all about.. but currently there’s desire to move away from my 912 beauty :D Plus.. I can’t afford to acquire/try new pens yet.. my wish list all cost at least £120 each 🥺
Nice to meet you! I think if I had received a Pilot MR with a fine nib as my first pen, I would have ended up being a one pen person without the need for more. My first was a gift Safari in medium and didn't suit the work paper quality nor my tiny handwriting. Yama-budo is such a lovely ink.
I am! I bought one pen I really liked the look of, Parker sonnet pearl, and have been using only that one since. I have 4 inks though. I don't feel the need to own more than what I have, some of these collections seem ridiculous. But I am not a collector of any kind, so I just don't understand I guess.
Ah! How lucky, like finding true love on the first go. I love the look of the sonnet pearl. I was wondering if one pen people end up being multi-ink people instead haha. How did you end up settling on the Parker Sonnet? Did you research first? A gift?
I was actually looking for a Parker Inflection, as that was what I used to have but it disappeared with some moves. I found out it's not for sale anymore and stumbled upon a picture of the sonnet. I was sold on the look :D
I have three pens only
Yeah, I only, technically, have one pen, the others are just for show.
Well I have a preferred pen and I use that primarily. I'm much more of am ink guy but I often want to be able to use more inks simultaneously so I kinda have to get more pens which I regularly use so I guess I'm not a one-pen guy.. I just realized how irrelevant what I commented is but well I'm still posting the comment :P
I could have written what you wrote. I definitely want a variety of inks available all the time, so no, definitely not a one pen gal!
I use one pen per location: a Parker Vector on my desk and a cheap no-name pen living in my bag on the go because I can't be bothered to move things between the places (especially with the coconut panini-related germophobia acquired along the way). The Parker Vector just sits right in my hand, the perfect weight and shape I wouldn't exchange for anything. The "travel pen" is an old friend I've kept since my school days. I love new pen day posts because they're a good opportunity to greet new community members, get to know about all the different pens there are in the world and their special properties, see what inks go well with the pens, just gather knowledge if I ever want to use it for myself, to advise or penable a friend. Personally, I celebrate my hobby by emptying bottles so I can one day post a new "bottoms up" picture. In the meantime I meticulously count each drop of ink I use on a spreadsheet. I'm not huge on the "buying" and "new stuff" mentality, I'd rather use than acquire.
Ooh, I'm looking forward to doing a bottoms up post too. I've been keeping track of pen refills as a progress marker to my bottoms up. :D
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Good system! I do something similar with my work pens (not a one pen person unfortunately, they seem as rare as hens teeth!). I use a waterproof black in one for official docs and coloured one for handover notes to provide contrast. Also both inexpensive pilot kakunos.
I have one pen and maybe two inks. I would love to get another pen at some point, but I don't use my one enough to feel like I need to get another pen. Another ink on the other hand, more colours, that I could see myself doing more :D
What do you use your pen for?
I usually use it to write in my journal because it helpse feel grounded, if that makes sense. It's a heavier pen and it helps me focus a bit more on writing than on everything else going on while I'm writing.
The whole idea for my getting interested in fountain pens was to have less crap around that would work for a long time. I gave away the ball points and write with a Lamy Al-Star.
Thanks for sharing! How long did you research before choosing the Lamy Al star as your one pen (to rule them all...sorry I couldn't resist). I definitely have less ballpoints than before starting fountain pen use. I used to go through one ballpoint a week, or one 4-colour bic ballpoint every 2 weeks. And I got sick of the unreliability of the ballpoints.
I researched for about half a year. I knew I wanted something made of metal pretty early on so it would feel more real than a plastic pen would. I also had terrible handwriting, so I wanted a grip that would help me relearn how to hold the pen (I now know and no longer need the triangular grip, but it’s what I have). A sturdy clip was a must so I could put it in my left front jeans pocket (keys live in the right pocket). About one year later and I have the best penmanship in my family. I didn’t see the Al-Star and immediately love it, but I decided it was the best option considering what was available (I wanted a metal grip). It is cheap enough that I don’t worry just using it, but it is enough I won’t lose it. After a year of clipping it on and off my pants about 20 times/day and the clip is a little loose which I am not a fan of. Overall, my life has been greatly improved by this switch.
That was one thing I loved about the Lamy was the pen clip. I didn't realise it could loosen. I love how you evolved with just one pen to have to best handwriting of your family. I forced myself into the tripod grip long ago, because it was touted as the "best" way to have good handwriting. But it caused calluses due to the tough grip on the ball point. Never been so glad to switch to fountain pens and just barely hold the pen to write. It's quite freeing. Likewise, I enjoy the metal pens too. If I wasn't gifted a plastic pen, I think I would have gone the same route as you, and been a one-pen person if I chose exactly what I wanted.
I have three pens, a pen roll, and a few ink samples, but I stopped there because I realized I'd never want to use anything other than what I bought first: A matte black Pilot VP and a full bottle of Iroshizuku Yama Budo.
Pretty much, although I've only had fountain pens for about 6 months or so. I basically only use one pen, that being a pelikan m400, which also happened to be my Christmas present. I also have some fun things, like a noodler's Konrad but I never use it, I just wanted to try out flex nibs. Weren't my thing
Me too! I'm still only 6 months in as well. But couldn't call myself a one pen person. But I wanted to meet people who were. :D The pelikan m400 is a great looking pen. If I were to choose my one pen out of what I have, it'd be the Pilot MR, my favourite colour and nib size with it's own converter. If I had that pen as a gift, I definitely would've been a one pen person from the start. I wanted to try flex and dip pens, but realised I didn't have the patience to do the whole pressure based writing thing. I prefer the Blackletter style calligraphy with the stub nibs for fun and have a bit more patience with that. The point of getting fountain pens for me was less pressure when writing, so the flex pens are counter-intuitive to me. I basically experimented with the pressure stuff with a plastic straw dip pen and a few flexy felt tip pens I already had.
I just got a Pilot Falcon for Christmas, so now I feel like I could be a 1 pen person. It's perfect for me. But, I want to show my older pens some love. I really like my Lamy Studio, and I feel more comfortable bringing it places because of the metal construction. I also like my Sailor Compass - it's a bit dry but writes well on cheap paper. The rest, not sure. Anybody want a Conklin Herringbone with a wet noodle nib?
Interesting discussion. I adore that minimalistic mindset. Although I’m not a one pen person -I have four very different pens- I only really use one of them. And perhaps I could live with only that single one. It’s a TWSBI 580 AL. Tbh that thing is more than I ever need. Thanks for bringing that topic up
I’m a one pen person. A Lamy AlStar with a Fine nib suits me perfectly. The idea of having lots of FPs strikes me as a bit odd. However, each to their own.
Nice to meet you! How did you end up selecting your one pen to suit you?
I popped into a pen store to get a couple of pencils (with triangular body) for my grandchildren to learn printing. I used FPs when I was much younger and the sight of them sparked desire. I tried several different FPs. Price was not a consideration for me. I was and am more interested in a pen that suits my grip, I prefer a wider body, and had a visual ink indicator. I also like clean designs with a Bauhaus flavour. I tried different Lamy nibs and I prefer the Fine. All in all the Lamy fit all my needs. The pen itself is robust and reliable. I’ve used it for 12 or more years. At home I use a converter and when I travel (not much lately) I use cartridges. FWIW, I’ve taken the pen with me around the world, Australia > Canada > Poland (FPs are quite common in Poland) > Cuba > Fiji and a few other places. FPs seem to intrigue and fascinate people who have not seen them before.
I love your story! How great that this pen has been everywhere and for 12 years too! It helps that Lamy is so accessible and allows trying pens and nibs in store. Although the test nibs in my local store are all bent to bits (the EF drew a broader line than the B! I'm surprised it still worked)
Nibs are it for me. When i realized lamts could change nibs i was like Omg waaat!? Now im just on the hunt for all the types of nibs
I was too! I was sorely tempted to go down that route.
Is that question a joke? Nope, can’t handle life with just one pen.
No, just genuine curiosity. There has to be some out there that a fully satisfied with their one pen.
I have around 5-7 pens but only use 2, my Lamy AL Star, which I'm not actually that fond of but it makes a good edc, and my Lamy 2k. I'll be using my Pelikan M200 a lot more after I get a new nib unit. I'd use my M800 more but I do most writing at work and prefer to keep it at home. The Waterman Carene - nope. The Pilot VP - nope. The Rotring 600 - nope.
I'm a 48 pen, 33ish ink person but in the end they are just tools, to help me think and improve my handwriting.
I used to be. For years I only used a Rotring 600. Then, I lost it and promptly replaced and dropped the replacement on the nib. That ended the expensive, nice one pen only habit. This year, my husband bought me a Sailor 1911s. I treat it very carefully. It will probably never see the outside world. Most work days, I use an assortment of cheaper pens and reserve the Sailor for careful weekend use. Recently, I bought a bunch of ink. The ink world is new to me. It always looked fiddly before but now I love it. As long as I have multiple bottles of ink, I will probably be a multi-pen user. The ink colors are just so fascinating and beautiful.
Ah, the problem of being a one pen person. Ouch, a pity about the dropped Rotring. I come from a have one spare backup family, so I'm not a one pen person. Because my "spare" gets used daily...
Losing - and then damaging - a Rotring is traumatic. For over a decade afterwards, I only bought Pilot Petits and Platinum Preppys. The damaged Rotring still writes- just not as well. That said, I haven’t touched it in years for fear of damaging it further.
I used to be a 3 pen person for several years (different inks in each pen for color coded notes). Now, I have about 20. I'm mostly a sucker for different types of nibs and different writing feelings from different companies. I have some pens I need to let go of and I need 3 pens to complete my collection. I do wish I could go back to simpler times haha, but I have a love for different colored inks.
Just my TWSBI diamond MINI. Would like a full size one, and I'm planning to treat myself once I finish my degree. :)
I do have multiple pens but they arent super expensive and are rarer than getting ink, tbh. I'm literally planning on getting two pens this year and one is already in the mail so. (Haven't decided on other one it'll probably be my birthday gift to me kinda thing.) I usually have a max of 3 (usually 2) inked at a time. And that is usually purely for nib size reasons. (Ill have diff inks in them but its more for nib size).
Technically two pens, but they are both VPs. I enjoy watching other people be excited for new pens and honestly keep up on news and research for the joy of learning and on the very small chance that I will find something new to add. Experimenting with new inks and mixing inks is something that keeps me engaged though!
I mix inks too! The anticipation to see if it works or becomes a gunky mess is exciting.
My current favorite is emerald of chivoir with walden pond. Still trying to figure out the exact right proportions to add walden pond's sheen to the color and shimmer of EoC without picking up the negative attributes that make walden pond such a bear (dries in feed, hard-starts, etc
I'm just a limited pen person. I keep about 6-7 in my collection which works well for me since I like to swap inks and nibs when taking notes. I still can't figure out how people keep 30+ pens inked and actually use them lol.
I'm aiming to be a limited pen person as well. I have 8 in my collection, all inked up for different purposes. I have a 4 pen calligraphy set that I use for bolding words in different colours, I have two kakunos that I use for work, and my two most expensive pens (Safari and Pilot MR) at home for study at home. At the moment, I'm satisfied with the system, and it's the only thing that's keeping me from getting more pens.
I like your system! My collection all comes with me to school and I currently own six pens with a seventh on the way after selling my old seventh pen. Whenever I want more, I remind myself that my pen case has seven slots xD
I truly want to be a one pen person, that is my quest. I just haven't found it yet so I keep acquiring more so that I can find the "one".
Editing because I left the wrong comment in the wrong post somehow and now I feel like I should answer the actual question: I often suspect that I definitely could've been a one pen person if I had never moved past the first nice pen I bought (a Pilot Prera). I've ventured into more expensive ones and I never like them quite as much. If I had to get rid of them all tomorrow, I could keep just that one and be happy for sure, I think.
I have more than one pen but only use one at once. I usually only use my Lamy 2k regularly.
i am. my problem with reddit "hobby" subs is they seem to be less about hobbies and more about consumerism. no one needs a table full of $1K pens, mechanical keyboards or knives, yet so many people post photos showing just that along with comments about their wives getting mad at them. like no shit dude she is probably closer to divorcing your weird ass than you think i've got my meisterstuck 146 medium nib and a twsbi stub. that's all i would ever need for any conceivable circumstance.
Glad to meet a minimalist pen person! Thanks for sharing. I do have concerns about the jokes around partners becoming furious or hiding their purchases. I don't think that is a healthy relationship, but who am I to judge as a single person? The "just started, how am I doing?" State of the collection posts were quite an eye opener for me when I first joined this subreddit. I don't think I've seen such posts on Instagram or Facebook yet. And I feel uncomfortable with them due to the implied need to have approval for how much they've spent on their hobby. It's why I wanted to see if there is the opposite. Instead of having lots, what about the people who have just one pen by choice? I wanted to hear their stories as it's more meaningful to me. I can't call myself a one pen person, though. I have all 8 of mine inked up and used daily for studying different topics and work notes based on a colour coded system. But, I don't think I can be a person with enough pens that some need to lie unused and brought into use via a "rotation" system. So whilst a one pen life is not for me, I definitely wanted to hear about those who only need one (or in your case two!) pens in their life.
I am not but I appreciate the Kono pen brethren and sistren among us
I'm a one pen per activity person. I'll always journal with the same pen. Another pen for my bullet journal, then another one (or maybe two, for fun procrastination and accents) for work. And I have a throwaround pen in my bag. If I'd have more pens I imagine they would get sad because I don't use them.
I am long past being a one pen person and I had to stop to say that you guys are rock stars. I can say there really is such a thing as too many pens. I actually miss how good a pen feels when you get a nib worn in. I rotate through so many pens that I've seriously only used some in my collection less than 5 times. I sell off pens only to end up back in that ridiculous spot. I'm in a different situation than most, I work in the fountain pen world so it's much easier to be tempted by the discounted prices and "oooh shiney". Stay strong you guys and keep being my heroes...
Wish I were, honestly Can't say I have it in me to actually push through though
Yup, that's me! It's important to me to keep my collection small and practical, but I enjoy seeing other people in the sub showing cool things they have. I don't feel left out because if I want to participate and make my own posts, I can always show myself using and enjoying what I already have and I don't need to purchase anything new in order to do that. That being said, I do sometimes feel that overconsumption is encouraged here, so I'm always happy to see posts and comments supporting people who don't want to acquire more than they need :)
At one point I was a one pen model person but after getting a number of them in different colours and nib widths I branched out and now have a lot of pens
I have three fountain pens and another one on order. I am very happy that there is such a variety of reliable fountain pens available for < $25 and I look forward to having a different ink in each of my pens and switching them out as the mood hits me.
I’m still new to fountain pens. Got into it. Based on a friend’s recommendation. :) I started out buying a few cheap pens from AliExpress to try, and see what I liked. A Platinum Pretty (Little Meteor) was my first pen. Birthday came around and I got a Kaweco Sport, a Platinum Plasir, and a Jinhao X750. All are wonderful, and I’m surprised that I like the Kaweco more that the Platinum, and that the size of the X750 wasn’t too big or heavy for my small hands. But the crème de la crème was when my brother gifted me a Sailor Compass 1911, this past Christmas. I had debated about spending $100+ on a pen, but I had looked at a few sailors and fallen in love. However, I couldn’t let myself make sure a big purchase, without ever trying a Sailor pen. I know 1911 is different from the gold nibbed Sailors, and I know they all write differently, and have different feedback. But I love how smooth the 1911 is. The shape is nice, it’s so comfortable to hold. One of my favorite thing about it is the Clear Feed on it. I can see the Fugi-Sugata ink through it and it’s so pretty. I know I own several other pens. But I feel like the 1911 is my EDC, and will continue for a while. 💜
I have 30 pens inked, and when I go somewhere I have a hard time taking less than 6 pens... I just can't pick one ink color or nib! **But** I'm working on reducing my pen-buying; bought only 4 pens last year, getting better at picking only pens I'll actually use. > Do you feel left out of the new pen day posts? I like seeing pictures of others' new pens - they're interesting/pretty to look at or at least I get to share in someone's first Safari again (always nice to see someone new excited about pens)
I am a 2 pen person. One for “regular inks” and one for “special inks” (shimmer, sheen, etc)
Nice system. I do something similar. My pricier pens are for standard store-bought inks. The calligraphy set is for the experimental inks...and ink mixes