What keeps you excited about pens?

[Spideysgirl]

I'm still a newbie but that keeps me excited about pens is the ink. There seems to be an endless amount of colors. It's mind blowing but exciting.

[Marsilius]

Ink and Nib and good paper (tied in 1st place).
Comfortable pen (2nd place).
Pretty or cool looking pen (3rd place).
Cool design themes like pens inspired by trains, planes, and skyscrapers (added and ongoing pleasure).

[RocketRyan]

Currently it's trying different nibs, but inks are a constant wonder.

[Kaputnik]

I don't know about excited, but I've realized that I really like to write, like to write by hand, and that the different characteristics of fountain and dip pen nibs add an extra interest to the process.

Not so much inks, although I do enjoy the variety.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

As someone who has found it nearly impossible to match accessibility with reasonable (not bargain) prices, I have found myself stalled. It is unlikely that I'll go hunting again. Never say never I suppose, but I wouldn't bet on it. I tried the custom idea, however that comes with extraordinary wait times for nice pens with bog standard nibs, pen models that are usually too short and/or don't post, absurd price hikes for minor changes to existing pens, and a degree of preciousness on the part of the makers that simply does not exist with the larger pen companies.

There's one, maybe two, pens that I could conceivably add to my pen case at the expense of selling others. Again though, buying with confidence is the biggest problem for me, as I have none left. Edit: unlike some I cannot afford to simply experiment with expensive pens.

Inks are interesting, and there are some stunning colours and behaviours available. And decent paper, journals and accessories, keep me writing.

[dfo]

I remain excited about fountain pens, because I love writing with them. I may never buy another pen, but I enjoy the textile feeling of writing each letter with a fountain pen that is lost with a ballpoint.

[KrazyIvan]

Writing. Note taking, letter writing, writing in cards for special occasions. Anything to do with writing with my pens.

[penwash]

Turning a broken/neglected/forgotten pen that someone can't wait to get rid of,
into something that another person can't wait to receive and write with.

[SIR]

Currently it's trying different nibs, but inks are a constant wonder.

+1

I remain excited about fountain pens, because I love writing with them. I may never buy another pen, but I enjoy the textile feeling of writing each letter with a fountain pen that is lost with a ballpoint.

+1

Writing. Note taking, letter writing, writing in cards for special occasions. Anything to do with writing with my pens.

+1

And... Calligraphy!!

[Waski_the_Squirrel]

The biggest thing for me is that I like writing with them. Even planning out a new class with a good fountain pen or two makes the task that much better. I just love words and diagrams on paper.

Aside from that, there is the joy of bringing an old pen back to life. And there is that materialistic search either for just the right pen or for the best expensive or cheap pen.

[Deb]

I agree with Penwash. And with older pens the variety is limitless

[Hawk]

Looking at this thread in a different way, it relieves stress for me. Whether it is purchasing, looking at them or writing with them I tend to unwind. Admitted, the purchasing part can be stressful.

[dfo]

Looking at this thread in a different way, it relieves stress for me. Whether it is purchasing, looking at them or writing with them I tend to unwind. Admitted, the purchasing part can be stressful.

I agree. I find that writing writing with a fountain pen has a meditative quality, such as in practicing mindfulness with each pen stroke.

[inklord]

I'm still a newbie but that keeps me excited about pens is the ink. There seems to be an endless amount of colors. It's mind blowing but exciting.

dto. And good paper.

[PaulS]

well, today I must be in the minority ..... reasons given so far for the 'excitement' seem to come from writers and lovers of ink and paper, but ............. I bet none of that emotion compares with the lust and passion of the collector
Hunting for the rare and not so rare makes the heart beat quicker - the unexpected that might turn up - the depression when they don't - getting something for £5 that is worth £100 even though you know you won't sell.
But that sort of passion isn't confined to pens, it runs through most of the interest that folk have for 'older' well made artefacts - the current rising prices on ebay etc., show how active collectors are, and although they occasionally 'write', mostly they shine and hoard.
Could be that we collectors are the real engine house that drives this pursuit, sustains interest - the down side being that it's possibly us that drives up prices.

Some tongue in cheek in my words, but collector's 'excitement' does have a lot to answer for, I'm sure

[inklord]

well, today I must be in the minority ..... reasons given so far for the 'excitement' seem to come from writers and lovers of ink and paper, but ............. I bet none of that emotion compares with the lust and passion of the collector
Hunting for the rare and not so rare makes the heart beat quicker - the unexpected that might turn up - the depression when they don't - getting something for £5 that is worth £100 even though you know you won't sell.
But that sort of passion isn't confined to pens, it runs through most of the interest that folk have for 'older' well made artefacts - the current rising prices on ebay etc., show how active collectors are, and although they occasionally 'write', mostly they shine and hoard.
Could be that we collectors are the real engine house that drives this pursuit, sustains interest - the down side being that it's possibly us that drives up prices.

Some tongue in cheek in my words, but collector's 'excitement' does have a lot to answer for, I'm sure

While I sincerely appreciate a collector's efforts - after all it offers guys like me many a peek into private museums of friends and acquaintances - I personally could never understand these accumulations. Oh, they do happen to me (I currently have over 20 pens) but the condition soon urges me to get rid of the surplus... glad you brought that in, though, almost got the feeling the pen collectors are currently in hiding on this forum!

[SIR]

glad you brought that in, though, almost got the feeling the pen collectors are currently in hiding on this forum!

Dirty little secret?! I honestly have no idea to what you are referring!

[PaulS]

the secret is not to count them - what you don't know can't make you feel embarrassed.

[penwash]

well, today I must be in the minority ..... reasons given so far for the 'excitement' seem to come from writers and lovers of ink and paper, but ............. I bet none of that emotion compares with the lust and passion of the collector
Hunting for the rare and not so rare makes the heart beat quicker - the unexpected that might turn up - the depression when they don't - getting something for £5 that is worth £100 even though you know you won't sell.
But that sort of passion isn't confined to pens, it runs through most of the interest that folk have for 'older' well made artefacts - the current rising prices on ebay etc., show how active collectors are, and although they occasionally 'write', mostly they shine and hoard.
Could be that we collectors are the real engine house that drives this pursuit, sustains interest - the down side being that it's possibly us that drives up prices.

Some tongue in cheek in my words, but collector's 'excitement' does have a lot to answer for, I'm sure

Paul, I don't think you're in the minority at all.

And I never understand the "shame" of collecting fountain pens (or any other interesting historical artifacts for that matter). I collect vintage cameras before fountain pens and saw the same thing. Most people in that hobby seem to be embarrassed that they enjoy collecting the cameras more than using them to take photos. I happen to enjoy photographing as much as I enjoy collecting the cameras, but I never feel the need to apologize or being bashful for my camera collection.

Just as today I enjoy writing and sketching with fountain pens as much as I enjoy restoring and collecting them.

[VertOlive]

Certainly, as PaulS mentioned, there's the thrill of the hunt (I'm still happily on the trail of the elusive Sailor Black Velvet).

Additionally there is the occasional pleasure of commissioning a pen and collaborating in its design.

Finally, above all, I love writing to my pen pals and using all those pens and ink to do so.