View Full Version : Obsessive Entry Into Hobby
Liquid360
December 13th, 2016, 02:23 PM
I was given the gift of a Montblanc fountain pen when I graduated from high school in 1989. It sat in a box until a month ago when I decided to give it a shot. Fast forward to today and my tiny writing desk has zero room for writing, filled with ink and pens. I suspect this isn't "normal"?
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naimitsu
December 13th, 2016, 02:26 PM
This isn't abnormal either ;)
I think my ink collection may have been similar in size to yours after a month too :D
Pterodactylus
December 13th, 2016, 02:43 PM
At least my story is also similar to yours, the number of pens grew rapidly.
At some point I even tried to hide the arriving packages with new pens and inks from my wife, but of course this plan failed.
But at some point of time I got the feeling that I already have all type of nibs, and sizes and filling systems and many different materials.
Then my hunting time was over and I didn't bought a pen since a couple of years.... ok not really true I bought my wife one as a present last year.... but this does not count as it was not for me.
So currently Iīm really pleased with my collection (I do not know how many I own, I guess between 70 and 80) and donīt feel the need to buy another one.
So don't worry, the searching and hunting time is (somehow) normal...:.ok normal might be not the best word..... but it will end at some point (sooner or later for most of us).
FredRydr
December 13th, 2016, 03:37 PM
Thirty days? Well, it's not unusual, but it's good advice that you stop and think about the direction of your collecting. When I started, I bought too many expensive modern pens of a couple of marques before I discovered the wider world of fountain pens at pen shows. Now, my modern to vintage ratio is probably about 30:70, and my pens bring me more enjoyment than when I had only expensive modern pens. I am primarily a "user" than a collector, but I do buy and sell at shows.
Get yourself to a pen show to see the whole landscape.
Fred
Scooby921
December 14th, 2016, 11:24 AM
This isn't abnormal either ;)
I think my ink collection may have been similar in size to yours after a month too :D
THIS
She went from no fountain pens to a dozen in a couple months. Then there were the crazy number of ink samples from Goulet and Anderson which began to clutter the office. It was enough to prompt me to spend an entire weekend researching fountain pens, trying to understand why she'd gone crazy over writing instruments. And then I was hooked and had purchased three pens in two weeks. Over the course of a year and a half now I've probably owned twenty different pens. I keep itching to buy something new which strikes my fancy, so I move other pens along to make room (money) for the next one. I haven't gotten quite so crazy with inks yet as I feel like I want to change it up so often that buying a full bottle of anything doesn't really make sense. A 2mL sample is enough for a couple weeks before I decide to try another shade of something. I only own a few full bottles, some of which were purchased because it was impossible to get just a sample.
DavidtheGnome
December 14th, 2016, 11:42 AM
There was a time where I rapidly acquired more, then I started selling pens off as I get a better idea of what I want. While there are a number of pens I would enjoy owning their are only a handful that I plan to buy in the near future. I do try and by pens I have never handled before used as that is my only way to "test drive" them to see if they fit my hand and writing style. I wish there was a brick and mortar pen store within driving distance but there is not.
naimitsu
December 14th, 2016, 02:48 PM
I do try and by pens I have never handled before used as that is my only way to "test drive" them to see if they fit my hand and writing style.
Go check out the Gatherings page. There might be a bunch of people within an hour drive of you and they're usually more than willing to let you have a go at their pens during the gathering.
Or see if someone is willing to do a pen loan or exchange. Or chat up Brian at Edison Pens. He's really friendly and could probably answer a lot of questions about pen construction.
We're a pretty friendly bunch here :)
VertOlive
December 14th, 2016, 05:03 PM
I suspect this isn't "normal"? ----looks like you're right on schedule, if a little spendy for a newcomer. Enjoy!
Lady Onogaro
December 14th, 2016, 10:59 PM
Whoa! I bought a few pens in the first month, but not Montblancs. Looks like a focused collection, though.
amk
December 16th, 2016, 02:49 AM
What's not 'normal'?
* you already have a lovely box sitting there on your desk. Most of us acquire the pens and then worry about where to put them, since the coffee mug is now full and if we repurpose coffee mug no 2, we'll be condemning ourselves to life without Java.
* no Iroshizuku ink yet? seriously?
* You've already taken the plunge on that lovely Delta orange instead of taking years to get your courage up.
Nice collection. Welcome to the hobby. Get a bigger desk. :-)
Liquid360
December 16th, 2016, 02:46 PM
The box is actually an unused humidor. I also have a fondness for pipe smoking and cigars. I love ritual activities.
I actually am awaiting an order of Iroshizuky ink. It was among the most highly recommended.
I got the two Deltas a couple weeks ago and love them! I much prefer the size of them along with the MB149 and I agree that orange is beautiful and makes for quite a striking appearance.
Thanks and nice to meet you guys.
What's not 'normal'?
* you already have a lovely box sitting there on your desk. Most of us acquire the pens and then worry about where to put them, since the coffee mug is now full and if we repurpose coffee mug no 2, we'll be condemning ourselves to life without Java.
* no Iroshizuku ink yet? seriously?
* You've already taken the plunge on that lovely Delta orange instead of taking years to get your courage up.
Nice collection. Welcome to the hobby. Get a bigger desk. :-)
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SIR
December 17th, 2016, 02:20 PM
Welcome aboard, and now you need to get a Sailor!
Liquid360
December 17th, 2016, 03:03 PM
Welcome aboard, and now you need to get a Sailor!
I saw the Sailor King listed as a terrific large pen. Might pick one up next. Thanks!
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SIR
December 18th, 2016, 01:03 AM
Many, besides myself, will insist you visit engeika.com (http://www.engeika.com/product-list/178) for supplies of Sailor pens at highly competitive prices.
:)
amk
December 18th, 2016, 04:30 AM
If you like that Delta orange you ought to look at the Edison Collier in Persimmon Swirl. Not quite the same wonderful sunshine colour, but it might push the same button.
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