Nathan Tardiff talks with Brian Goulet

[BlkWhiteFilmPix]

Brian Goulet of Goulet Pens recently posted a video of his talk with Noodler's Ink founder Nathan Tardiff

https://blog.gouletpens.com/2018/07/goulet-guests-nathan-tardif-founder-of-noodlers-ink-co

Enjoy

[Medieval]

He's much younger than I expected him to be.

[Jon Szanto]

He's much younger than I expected him to be.

It's a stunt double. ;)

[KKay]

Thank you for posting the video. I really enjoyed learning more about Nathan T. Brian did a good job asking him questions too!

[Chemyst]

Brian Goulet of Goulet Pens recently posted a video of his talk with Noodler's Ink founder Nathan Tardiff


Just one “f”, please.

[SIR]

I certainly gained a little more appreciation for N.T. and his work from that interview... i'm still very wary of his products though.

[Pterodactylus]

At least he seems to be quite inventive to present quality issues of his products (each batch is different) not as a flaw but as a feature instead.

All his „security“ arguments are irrelevant and more than wildly constructed.
He seems to see himself as hail bringer and rescuer of the FP world, but this is simply not true.
There were and are plenty off permanent inks before and after Noodler’s start, as well as really affordable pens (with higher quality at the same price) from a variety of reputable companies (but maybe not known and available at the village he came from).

I canˋt withstand to smile when he talked about laser resistance of Baystate Blue, knowing that sun exposure will erase it very quickly and almost complete from the paper.

But it was informative and allowed me to add Noodler’s to the one man show corner, which I was not aware off (but which explains a lot).
Don’t get me wrong, I know that he has created some spectacular showcase inks (awesome shaders) which I also like (despite the possible flaws and quality issues).

One thing I have to admit and admire is his engagement to bring back (somehow) flexible nibs to the masses.

For sure he is a enrichment of the scene (no matter if you like his products or not).

[SIR]

Brian Goulet of Goulet Pens recently posted a video of his talk with Noodler's Ink founder Nathan Tardiff


Just one “f”, please.

This (https://fpgeeks.com/forum/showthread.php/7896-Banned-From-FPN?p=171985&viewfull=1#post171985), again?!

[KKay]

I love his products, and I have many of them. I especially like his permanent inks, and many of his pens. I have never seen anyone in the fountain pen world be the brunt of such ridicule, besides Nathan. That is okay. He is doing what he loves, and he makes a living off of it. There are plenty of Noodler's threads pro and con. I personally enjoyed the interview, and I hope to see more. I also look forward to what he comes out with next. The Boston Safety Pen and the Neponset are two of my favorite pens.

[Jon Szanto]

I have never seen anyone in the fountain pen world be the brunt of such ridicule, besides Nathan.

By his methods, manners, and manufacturing decisions in his product lines, he invites this. I don't think he minds it a bit, as it is a case of self-generating publicity.

[KKay]

I think he is the main reason flex pens have become such a hot item. His company seemed to be a threat initially to the traditional companies. I think that is where some of this comes from. Nathan makes pens that you don't need special tools to use, and you can get a piston type plunger at a very reasonable price. You can also put any nib in them that you want that fits, and he designed them that way on purpose. Some of his pens are not made for beginners though, and do require you to tinker with them. That could be good or bad, depending on the customer. His quality control could be better, but he is a one man operation. Both of my Safety Pens were perfect right out of the box. I have been quite happy with almost everything I've gotten from his company. Neither of those Safety Pen nibs needed any work, and wrote well from the start. The Konrads needed to be tuned, but also did well. I think his pen clips need to be checked to make sure they are all straight.

[Jon Szanto]

I think he is the main reason flex pens have become such a hot item.

I think this is very true. It's just a shame that he never seemed to improve his own product enough to make a difference. I tried some of his 'flex' pens when they first came out and wish they would have worked better, but they did cause me to venture into the world of vintage flex. NT came at a good time, prior to the (new) era of cheap-but-good-quality Chinese pens. I hope he is able to continue to ride on the reputation he has at this point, but I also hope he will look at his product line and business and do a bit of re-invention. Nothing stands still and being an obstinate contrarian will only get you so far. It will be interesting to watch.

[KKay]

Jon, I think he has improved. So I guess we will have to agree to disagree on this. He is not trying to be an upper tier pen maker. He is trying to make fountain pens that work well and are affordable. He sees a need, and he fulfilled that need. Sure he could make a pen that would blow your socks off, with an outrageous price, but he doesn't go that route. I think the man is a creative genius. The Safety Pen uses o-rings, which is an improvement on the old cork seal design. He could've put a nib on there that would be impressive, but he kept the price low. One of my Safety Pens has the stock nib, and it is just fine for everyday use. I also have a vintage nib in the other Safety Pen. The Safety Pen can run ink in it, that most other pens would not be able to. I would like to see an ink window at the bottom of it, but that would raise the price. I am using regular fountain pen ink, as well as inks like Emerald of Chivor. (not to mention permanent ink) One day I will probably get some of that ink he made just for these pens, but I can't find any. I will probably use India ink in this one of these days too. This is an ebonite pen, with an ebonite feed. If you look at the prices the big names wanted for something like this, you can see why I am elated to have this 55 dollar pen, that is wonderful.

I also like the fact that he has artwork on his ink labels. Often his inks are named after something in history, especially American history. So what some may find a negative, I see as a positive. I particularly like the ink he makes exclusively for pen shops such as Dromgoole's. I think Nathan must be a workaholic, I don't know how in the world he gets everything done. Yet he still comes up with new pen designs on top of the ink. I am not in love with every ink he makes, but I do have several. They don't just sit there on a shelf, I use them all. One day I will get Chisholm Trail, and Green Marine. They have been on my wish list for quite a while. I've tried them both, and love them.

[Jon Szanto]

NT has a passionate fanbase, and he's certainly met your pen and ink needs. Enough said.

[Pterodactylus]

I doubt that „he comes up with new pen designs“ personally.
As far as I know all his pens are Indian pens labeled/branded as Noodler’s.
I do not know if the new designs are exclusively created for Noodler’s or just rebranded as the older ones.

What I know is that the Ahab for sure was no Noodlerˋs original design (even he make it sound like this).
The pen Noodler’s call „Ahab“ was made and sold by an Indian company quite a while before the introduction as „Ahab“.
I do not remember the Name of the company, but interested people for sure can dig it out (Google is your friend).

[KKay]

I looked for a while, but didn't see anything. FPR also has their pens made in India, and they sell strictly branded Indian pens as well. Most fountain pen makers from the beginning have taken ideas from other pens, and used things they liked in their pens. Some could be considered a clone. I like the historical aspect of the safety pen. It may look very similar to a Moore pen. That is just fine with me. I don't know of another company that makes these at affordable prices. I am sure someone will in the future. Someone can appreciate the safety pen, and prefer the old cork seal. Frankly I don't want a cork seal, I'd rather have o-rings, which are easily replaceable. I don't have to spend but about a dollar or less to replace the seal. I'd hate to know the price of replacing a cork seal, in a vintage pen. To each his own though. That is why pens come in all shapes and sizes. I'd love to see more old designs brought back to life. It would make my day.

[Pterodactylus]

Itˋs not that difficult to find.

The Indian company is Kanwrite, they designed and brought out the Kanwrite Heritage Flex pen.
Even the flex nib is the same and not a Noodlerˋs invention or design


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DijkF7oayCA

The Nib Creaper is a rebranded Kanwrite Standard Flex pen:
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/298454-kanwrite-standard-flex-nib-fountain-pen-review/

And also Chelpark sold a clone/rebranded Version as Chelpark Maverick (without the flex nib):
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/189154-noodlers-piston-fillers-secret-identity/


So at least all the earlier Noodler’s pens were just rebranded versions of existing Indian pens, neither the pens nor the flex nib were designed or invented or created by Noodlerˋs.

And all the marketing bla bla of the Noodlerˋs owner, like: we designed, invented, developed, manufactured, engineered ...... is just what it is, marketing bla bla......

You can say the Noodlerˋs founder is a very good marketing, PR and business man, and promoted the pens much better than the creators under his own brand, but you should not trust everything he say in his videos.

[KKay]

Itˋs not that difficult to find.

The Indian company is Kanwrite, they designed and brought out the Kanwrite Heritage Flex pen.
Even the flex nib is the same and not a Noodlerˋs invention or design


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DijkF7oayCA

The Nib Creaper is a rebranded Kanwrite Standard Flex pen:
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/298454-kanwrite-standard-flex-nib-fountain-pen-review/

And also Chelpark sold a clone/rebranded Version as Chelpark Maverick (without the flex nib):
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/189154-noodlers-piston-fillers-secret-identity/


So at least all the earlier Noodler’s pens were just rebranded versions of existing Indian pens, neither the pens nor the flex nib were designed or invented or created by Noodlerˋs.

And all the marketing bla bla of the Noodlerˋs owner, like: we designed, invented, developed, manufactured, engineered ...... is just what it is, marketing bla bla......

You can say the Noodlerˋs founder is a very good marketing, PR and business man, and promoted the pens much better than the creators under his own brand, but you should not trust everything he say in his videos.

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/189154-noodlers-piston-fillers-secret-identity/

Please read what Goulet said. There are at least 3 posts by them. Without Noodler's early pens, there would not be a flex craze in the USA, in my opinion. You know why there is a craze that has been going on? NOODLER'S made it affordable to test the waters. I already knew his pens were not made in the USA. I will keep using my affordable pens, and the enjoying them. His pens let me know that I loved flex/semi flex, and I didn't have to spend a lot of money to find that out. I can easily replace any of those nibs with anything I want. So people can spend a lot of money, or a little. The best thing is, we have a CHOICE now, that we didn't have before. I have several of his pens, and will continue to add more in the future.

[Pterodactylus]

Perfectly fine if you are enjoying his products :)

But it is not true that he invented these things.
And it is not true that he made pens affordable.
There are hundreds of affordable pens with excellent quality out there, also before Noodler’s (and I consider his (at least the earlier ones) not as good quality (I cannot talk about the newer ones because I do not own them).

You could have buyed a Kanwrite Heritage with the flex nib for about 10-15$ also before Noodler’s bought the rights for it.
You might not knew that it existed but it was there.
The Kanwrite Standard even for less money.

What you can claim is that he made it broadly available in the US (which was quite clever from business point of few).

Not that it would matter, but why do you think that the pens are now made in the USA?
I really doubt that, if I would have to guess I would say that they are still produced in India by Kanwrite.
Which would make sense, as production of that pens most likely would be too expensive to make much profit if produced in the US. (Just as the “America First” Baseball caps from Trumpty Dumpty, which were made in China)

Talking about semi flex nibs, you have also the choice to buy FPR flex nibs in several pens (also made in India), which are also affordable.

I have both FPR and Noodler’s (EMF modified nibs), they behave almost the same (and need modification to be considered really as flexible).

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1745/41918559214_76ce1916b4_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26Sczey)flex is fun (https://flic.kr/p/26Sczey) by Ptero Pterodactylus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/117783735@N07/), auf Flickr

(Serwex MB flex EMF ..... ESS Registrars Blue/Black)


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5702/23285507664_0a96761520_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BtEjb5)
Show_response_845 (https://flic.kr/p/BtEjb5) by Ptero Pterodactylus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/117783735@N07/), auf Flickr

(Waterman BCHR 12 1/2 ..... Diamine Ancient Copper)
(Serwex MB flex EMF ..... ESS Registrars Blue-Black)


So my conclusion, nothing wrong with the Noodler’s founder, he is a clever business man (but no pen/nib inventor or hail bringer for the community)

[stub]

I am usually the last one to defend Nathan Tardiff (though not a Noodler's hater either) but my impression was that long before Noodler's he was doing things that not a whole lot of folks were doing. I have, in the past, seen a bunch of his nib work and repairs inding some interesting vintage Sheaffer music nib conversions and such.

I don't really dig that many Noodler's products (I literarally don't own any other than a single bottle of ink that I never use) and don't dig his way of being in the world all that much but I think he deserves a little credit for being out ther doing stuff in the pre-internet fora days (maybe not literally 'pre' but back before everyone & their mother was online and doing social media, etc).

I am NO expert but my impression was that he was in this whole pen game long ago and did a lot of stuff even pre-Noodler's. I think you can see that also with his attempts to bring back the safety pen.

Folks who know please chime in.

-k--

[Lloyd]

I am NO expert but my impression was that he was in this whole pen game long ago and did a lot of stuff even pre-Noodler's. I think you can see that also with his attempts to bring back the safety pen.

-k--

Not only was he in the pen game, he was one of the top restorers. He started as a kid.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[KKay]

Perfectly fine if you are enjoying his products :)

But it is not true that he invented these things.
And it is not true that he made pens affordable.
There are hundreds of affordable pens with excellent quality out there, also before Noodler’s (and I consider his (at least the earlier ones) not as good quality (I cannot talk about the newer ones because I do not own them).

You could have buyed a Kanwrite Heritage with the flex nib for about 10-15$ also before Noodler’s bought the rights for it.
You might not knew that it existed but it was there.
The Kanwrite Standard even for less money.

What you can claim is that he made it broadly available in the US (which was quite clever from business point of few).

Not that it would matter, but why do you think that the pens are now made in the USA?
I really doubt that, if I would have to guess I would say that they are still produced in India by Kanwrite.
Which would make sense, as production of that pens most likely would be too expensive to make much profit if produced in the US. (Just as the “America First” Baseball caps from Trumpty Dumpty, which were made in China)

Talking about semi flex nibs, you have also the choice to buy FPR flex nibs in several pens (also made in India), which are also affordable.

I have both FPR and Noodler’s (EMF modified nibs), they behave almost the same (and need modification to be considered really as flexible).

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1745/41918559214_76ce1916b4_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26Sczey)flex is fun (https://flic.kr/p/26Sczey) by Ptero Pterodactylus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/117783735@N07/), auf Flickr

(Serwex MB flex EMF ..... ESS Registrars Blue/Black)


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5702/23285507664_0a96761520_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BtEjb5)
Show_response_845 (https://flic.kr/p/BtEjb5) by Ptero Pterodactylus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/117783735@N07/), auf Flickr

(Waterman BCHR 12 1/2 ..... Diamine Ancient Copper)
(Serwex MB flex EMF ..... ESS Registrars Blue-Black)


So my conclusion, nothing wrong with the Noodler’s founder, he is a clever business man (but no pen/nib inventor or hail bringer for the community)

What I find interesting is that there are so many out there who go to threads such as these, and go out of their way to besmirch him in any way possible. If you don't like him, or his products, why go to the threads at all? The vintage flex snobs who buy expensive pens seem to also say at best it is a semi-flex pen. I have seen that time and time again. In fact reading some posts by well known people made me avoid Noodler's products for a while. Then someone sent me an ink sample that was Noodler's, and you know what, I LIKED IT A LOT! I liked it so much I bought that ink. Then I began to try more samples. I think some of the flack is most likely stemming from his thoughts on history, and his artwork on the ink bottles.

I don't believe I ever said Nathan made the pens in the USA. How many modern pens come with an ebonite feed these days? Sure FPR does, and so does Noodler's. The Neponset nib is glorious, but often times it takes quite a bit of tinkering to get it set right. Once you get it set right, it is best to leave it alone. I have 3 of them, and I have adjusted 5 in total. They do loosen up as you use them, and they do take some pressure. I am very satisfied with how they perform for the price. I have a local buddy who also has a Neponset. He is mostly a vintage pen collector/user. He probably likes safety pens more than any other. He has a few vintage safety pens. I showed him the Boston Safety Pen video before they were released in the USA. My friend bought 3 right off the bat. He loved the Noodler's Boston Safety Pen. Then the Chestnut color came out, and he bought 3 more. If they have a red ripple, he will most likely buy that one too.

[Pterodactylus]

Kay, what are you talking about?
Are you sure you read and understand the posts in this thread?

Who besmirch your hero?

I presented you some facts about the products of Noodlerˋs owner (which are contrary to what he claims in his videos), nothing more, nothing less.
I can’t help you if you do not like that he just bought existing pens including their Flex nib from Kanwrite and claimed to be his invention (and sold it at a higher price as the original manufacturer).
But maybe you prefer alternative facts.

As said he is a clever business man.

And you have no right to tell somebody if he has the right to participate here or not.

Nobody attacked you because you like his products, neither on personal nor general level.

I treat your post above as apersonal offense in several aspects.

And if you would be a regular reader here you would know that Iˋm in no way a vintage flex snob.
I would recommend that you search on FPN for the EMF mod, which I came up with (not just bought from somebody else) to modify Noodlerˋs and FPR nibs to become “real” flexible nibs.

And also here I can’t help you, these nibs are no full flex nibs in their default state.
They are with good will semi flex nibs with their Chuck Norris flexibility.
If you can´t see and agree to this fact I would have to claim that you have no clue about flex nibs, sorry.

But they can be modified to become full flex nibs.

I hope this is clear enough.

[SIR]

neither the pens nor the flex nib were designed or invented or created by Noodlerˋs.

Certainly contradicts Mr. T's suggestion in the interview regarding detractors saying he couldn't cut the nib so deep...

[KKay]

Kay, what are you talking about?
Are you sure you read and understand the posts in this thread?

Who besmirch your hero?

He is not my hero, but I do admire what he has done with fountain pens and ink. I also like the fact he is a proud American who gives American historical names to some of his ink.

I presented you some facts about the products of Noodlerˋs owner (which are contrary to what he claims in his videos), nothing more, nothing less.
I can’t help you if you do not like that he just bought existing pens including their Flex nib from Kanwrite and claimed to be his invention (and sold it at a higher price as the original manufacturer).
But maybe you prefer alternative facts.

The link I provided earlier disputes that. http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/189154-noodlers-piston-fillers-secret-identity/
<<<It does say on the Noodler's website that it was a collaborative effort between various US states, Switzerland, and India...>>>
I would imagine not many in the USA ever heard of Kanwrite pens, much less used them back then. There were problems with the Kanwrite pens that were not duplicated with the Noodler's pen. A post on the link provided speaks of that. What about the later pens? Nathan could go into detail about this, but I would just bet he is tired of defending himself against the constant onslaught of negative statements. He would be so busy doing that, he wouldn't be able to handle his business. Some of his ink is great, and I love them. Some of them are lovely, but don't dry well. Some of his ink is meant for paper many on this board do not use, such as cheaper paper. So some will feather, or have issues because of it. I am speaking up because somebody can't even post a video with an interview of the man, without the attacks starting. Other new people will be afraid to try his products like I was at first, just because of the mud slinging that never stops.

As said he is a clever business man.
]Agreed.[/B]

And you have no right to tell somebody if he has the right to participate here or not.

Nobody attacked you because you like his products, neither on personal nor general level.

I treat your post above as apersonal offense in several aspects.

And if you would be a regular reader here you would know that Iˋm in no way a vintage flex snob.
I would recommend that you search on FPN for the EMF mod, which I came up with (not just bought from somebody else) to modify Noodlerˋs and FPR nibs to become “real” flexible nibs.

I didn't say YOU were a vintage flex snob. But I have seen many instances of it. In fact I cannot recall one Noodler's thread without an attack of some kind. He never claimed them to be full flex. My Neponsets in particular do offer more flex than most paper can handle. You don't have to put as much pressure on them as the Ahab/Konrad initially. They are not a wet noodle, but they aren't far from it.

And also here I can’t help you, these nibs are no full flex nibs in their default state.
They are with good will semi flex nibs with their Chuck Norris flexibility.

As I said, he never claimed any of his pens were full flex. You cannot expect full flex in this price range...period. I have seen some modern pens that claim to be flex, that cost a lot of money.
If you can´t see and agree to this fact I would have to claim that you have no clue about flex nibs, sorry.

But they can be modified to become full flex nibs.

I hope this is clear enough.

Oh it is plenty clear enough for me. I will enjoy my pens and ink regardless. I don't always jump in on every attack thread. His products are not perfect in every way. I am satisfied, and so are many others. Otherwise he would not have a thriving business. If people don't ever respond when the attacks start, new people will not know what they are missing out on. Especially for those who don't have much money. I loved the look of flex/semi-flex, and wanted to try it. I did not want to spend a lot of money to try it out. Once I did try it with a cheap pen, I found that I wanted more and even better pens. I do have a vintage flex nib in one of my Boston Safety Pens. It is not a full flex, but it makes me happy.

[Jon Szanto]

Oh it is plenty clear enough for me. I will enjoy my pens and ink regardless.

That is all that matters. The rest is noise.

[Pterodactylus]

Oh it is plenty clear enough for me. I will enjoy my pens and ink regardless.

That is all that matters. The rest is noise.

Very true, I would also sign this. :)

[dapprman]

As a Brit it's often interesting going through threads like this, but also at times rather painful. I watched the video to see what the diversive fuss is about. Over this side of the pond he's just seen as another boutique ink producer and one who's products are hard to find, I only know of one place in the UK (in fact Europe) that sell some of his inks and they do act a little fanboish about him. The only things we really know is he's marmite in the US - you either really like or hate him, same for the inks. Over here his inks are considered good value, but ones to use with caution (and yes over here one of our top pen repairers (who hates the term nib meister) also warns against Nathan's inks).

BTW can I assume he started Noodlers before Private Reserve or L'Artisan Pastellier started their ink ranges? (this is an honest question, not meant to be a dig).

[Jon Szanto]

BTW can I assume he started Noodlers before Private Reserve or L'Artisan Pastellier started their ink ranges? (this is an honest question, not meant to be a dig).

L'AP is definitely a more recent line. I did a quick dig and found no specific info for the start of either of the other lines of inks. I'm up to 10 years in the more recent interest of mine in pens/inks, and it seems to me that I was both Noodlers and PR being sold by Goulet Pens in their earliest days of retail, though my memory could be off.

Which leads to one other item: being a remarkably small operation, Tardif was a niche product-maker who started mostly through retailers, and when the Goulet Pen Co started their own small, family-run business, they began selling and promoting his products. In the modern era (last decade or two) when fountain pens have become fun and fashionable again, the GPS has made big inroads into the youth/noob market here in the United States. They inspire a great deal of loyalty and support (i.e. fandom) and I think have had a *lot* to do with the Noodlers success. It makes sense: a disrupting and iconoclastic story (Tardif), inexpensive product line and avid fans waiting for the next video to drop about a new ink or cheap pen. I can easily see why the products are better known and sell more here in the States, but his inks have managed to make a mark overseas as well. it will be interesting to see how the explosion of ink manufacturers and product lines will eventually affect his business.

Speaking of which, here is Part One (http://www.peneconomics.com/blog/2015/5/29/brand-analysis-noodlers-ink-part-1) of a two part article on the Noodlers brand. It is written from a business perspective but with a good knowledge of the pen world as well.

[Sailor Kenshin]

I haven't watched the interview yet....but I am so pathetic that I did not even know what Noodler's was until I joined an innerwebz fountain pen forum.

[SIR]

I did not even know what Noodler's was until I joined an innerwebz fountain pen forum.

Nor did I, but quickly did I learn.

[Sailor Kenshin]

Is that really Nathan Tardif? I'm used to watching his pen and ink videos, and THOUGHT his voice sounded different. I could easily be wrong.

[Dragonmaster Lou]

Is that really Nathan Tardif? I'm used to watching his pen and ink videos, and THOUGHT his voice sounded different. I could easily be wrong.

It's him. I met him at the Commonwealth Pen Show last year.

[Sailor Kenshin]

Is that really Nathan Tardif? I'm used to watching his pen and ink videos, and THOUGHT his voice sounded different. I could easily be wrong.

It's him. I met him at the Commonwealth Pen Show last year.

Excellent; thanks. :)

[Chrissy]

Thank you for posting the link to this interview. :) I really enjoyed watching the video and found out much more about Nathan Tardif than I already knew, which admittedly wasn't much. ;)
He was younger than I always pictured him to be too. :) :thumb:

[BlkWhiteFilmPix]

Thank you for posting the link to this interview. :) I really enjoyed watching the video and found out much more about Nathan Tardif than I already knew, which admittedly wasn't much. ;)
He was younger than I always pictured him to be too. :) :thumb:

YW, Chrissy.

He's a character, resulting in some fascinating names for inks.

[Spideysgirl]

I enjoyed the interview very much. I am a huge fan of his inks. I have several of his inks and like them all. I am on a quest to try as man as I can. One things about Noodler's I do not believe are the allegations that the ink will " eat" sacs in vintage pens. The whole idea of that happening seems so far fetched.

With that being said, I do think some of his inks are gimmicky, like the highlighter inks, and the dry erase inks.






Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

[Jon Szanto]

The stories assert that the Baystate series' alkalinity damages sacs. I've used Baystate Blue in an older Montblanc 149, a 146, and three Pelikan M800's without any problems.

The pens you mention do not use sacs. There are other inks besides the Baystate series that don't seem to play well with latex, primarily in the red spectrum. Besides sacs, some feeds have been known to be damaged. Beyond that manner of physical damage, there is also the problem of some of the inks being highly prone to staining transparent pens, which have become far more common (the pens) in the last 10 years or so).

The one thing many would wish for is a bit more transparency from the guy, but he likes to keep his image/character front and center. His schtik has certainly worked, in addition to some good products.

[Dragonmaster Lou]

I happen to like a couple of his inks (Heart of Darkness and Massachusetts 54th), but I'm pretty careful about what pens I put them in and both of these inks are known (to the best of my knowledge) to be reasonably well-behaved. I generally try avoid his "wackier" inks, and I certainly wouldn't use any of his inks in vintage pens. Then again, I wouldn't use the vast majority of inks on the market in vintage pens either, so it's not just a Noodler's thing.

[Kulprit]

With that being said, I do think some of his inks are gimmicky, like the highlighter inks, and the dry erase inks

I don't think these are gimmicky at all (which is not to say he doesn't have gimmicky inks). I don't use dry/wet erase markers so I have no use for his wet-erase inks, but I do use his highlighter inks. I go through highlighters like crazy. Even before they run dry, the felt tips often get torn up or stained by inkjet inks. A Pilot Parallel solves filled with one of Noodler's highlighter inks solves all those problems. Once I made the switch I couldn't imagine going back.


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[ShugPug]

A Pilot Parallel solves filled with one of Noodler's highlighter inks solves all those problems.

Why haven't I thought of this before?! What a fantastic way to stop throwing plastic away!

[BlkWhiteFilmPix]

With that being said, I do think some of his inks are gimmicky, like the highlighter inks, and the dry erase inks

I don't think these are gimmicky at all (which is not to say he doesn't have gimmicky inks). I don't use dry/wet erase markers so I have no use for his wet-erase inks, but I do use his highlighter inks. I go through highlighters like crazy. Even before they run dry, the felt tips often get torn up or stained by inkjet inks. A Pilot Parallel solves filled with one of Noodler's highlighter inks solves all those problems. Once I made the switch I couldn't imagine going back.

His Firefly is much more brilliant under normal light than Pelikan's Yellow Highlighter ink. The glow of the glowworm (https://youtu.be/2zOoAPn3OjQ) in the drawing was done with a brush pen filled with Noodler's firefly.

Next time I refill my Pelikan M205 Yellow Highlighter pen, it will be with Noodler's Firefly.

[Kulprit]

A Pilot Parallel solves filled with one of Noodler's highlighter inks solves all those problems.

Why haven't I thought of this before?! What a fantastic way to stop throwing plastic away!

And if you have size constraints that won't allow you to use something as long as a Parallel, Platinum makes a highlighter version of the Preppy. That would still leave you dealing with felt tips, but they sell replacement tips for when the original gets all torn- and gunked-up.


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[Deb]

I happen to like a couple of his inks (Heart of Darkness and Massachusetts 54th), but I'm pretty careful about what pens I put them in and both of these inks are known (to the best of my knowledge) to be reasonably well-behaved. I generally try avoid his "wackier" inks, and I certainly wouldn't use any of his inks in vintage pens. Then again, I wouldn't use the vast majority of inks on the market in vintage pens either, so it's not just a Noodler's thing.

I agree with that.

[KKay]

I have Navajo Turquoise in my Esterbrook right now. I do not plan on trying his Baystate series, but I've dabbled with many others. I doubt if I would put a Warden Series ink in my sacs. All the rest though, would most likely be fair game. I have 2 Warden Series inks, at least two to three permanent/bulletproof inks, and several others. I love all the ones I've purchased.


I enjoyed the interview very much. I am a huge fan of his inks. I have several of his inks and like them all. I am on a quest to try as man as I can. One things about Noodler's I do not believe are the allegations that the ink will " eat" sacs in vintage pens. The whole idea of that happening seems so far fetched.

With that being said, I do think some of his inks are gimmicky, like the highlighter inks, and the dry erase inks.






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[Woody]

Interesting interview. Someone once told me that they've never had two bottles of one color exactly the same. I can attest to that. Ottoman blue, and Nightshade are my examples. I will continue with Ottoman though. Love the stuff.

[mlp2147]

I truly enjoyed the interview... as well as most of Mr Tardif's commentary on his videos and I like the handmade small batch approach as I feel this is sorely missing in today's society.

[picautomaton]

I would love to know if Noodlers inks are made from clothing dyes given that they bond to cotton.

[calamus]

Itˋs not that difficult to find.

The Indian company is Kanwrite, they designed and brought out the Kanwrite Heritage Flex pen.
Even the flex nib is the same and not a Noodlerˋs invention or design


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DijkF7oayCA

The Nib Creaper is a rebranded Kanwrite Standard Flex pen:
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/298454-kanwrite-standard-flex-nib-fountain-pen-review/

And also Chelpark sold a clone/rebranded Version as Chelpark Maverick (without the flex nib):
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/189154-noodlers-piston-fillers-secret-identity/


So at least all the earlier Noodler’s pens were just rebranded versions of existing Indian pens, neither the pens nor the flex nib were designed or invented or created by Noodlerˋs.

And all the marketing bla bla of the Noodlerˋs owner, like: we designed, invented, developed, manufactured, engineered ...... is just what it is, marketing bla bla......

You can say the Noodlerˋs founder is a very good marketing, PR and business man, and promoted the pens much better than the creators under his own brand, but you should not trust everything he say in his videos.

As The Bard pointed out, there is no new thing under the sun:

https://danielkirchheimercom.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/blotting-out-the-truth-v39-3.pdf

[welch]

I would love to know if Noodlers inks are made from clothing dyes given that they bond to cotton.

I think he uses an additive that binds with wood or cotton fibers. Saw it mentioned someplace, although I don't remember the additive and Tardiff never publishes the chemicals he uses.