Goulet Q&A 276: Setting Up A New Fountain Pen and What Makes Nibs Scratchy

For links to the products mentioned and Brian's answers, check out the Q&A 276 blog post:

In this Goulet Q&A episode, Brian talks about what he does with my fountain pens the most, step 1 when getting a new pen, and how we can objectively state which nibs are smooth or scratchy. Enjoy!

1) @christian.prentice93 - Instagram (04:21)
What is the thing you do most with your fountain pens? Do you have a favorite activity involving your pens? (Journaling, Calligraphy, etc.)

2) @mindthebodynl - Instagram (08:57)
I have a Platinum 3776. I have been considering expanding my gold nibbed fountain pen collection by getting a Lamy 2000 or a Pilot VP. But later realized that getting one of these pens would not necessarily widen my collection in terms of writing experience that much perhaps, given that all three of them have relatively stiff gold nibs. What would be some options you'd recommend for a relatively affordable gold nibbed pen that has a more flexible nib than the Platinum 3776 (the Lamy 2000 and the Pilot VP)? #gouletqa

3) Kimiko C. - Facebook (21:22)
What is step one when receiving a new pen? Flushing entire nib? With what? (I read there can be residual oils left on them!?) Do I then have to let it dry for 24 hours?"

4) Amy A. - Facebook (34:42)
As a person fairly new to the fountain pen world, I find myself extra anxious about the cycle of filling the pen and cleaning it. Any advice on how to get over this anxiety/fear?

5) Rung W. - Facebook (39:13)
What are the pros and cons of heavy vs light-weighted pen? Why a person might prefer one over another?
 
6) Caroline F. - Facebook (48:44)
Tell me about options for a red shimmer ink! There are a handful on Goulet and I'd love to know which one you like best.

7) Curt A. - Facebook (52:53)
I keep seeing complaints about "scratchy" nibs. It's a term that needs some definition (and a discussion of causes) because there cannot be THAT many terrible nibs out there. What some people see as a "terrible, scratchy nib" might just be feedback to others. And of course, there's the whole issue of writing angle and pressure.

QOTW: On a scale of 1-10, 1 being really scratchy 10 being really smooth, where would you rate an acceptable level of nib smoothness for yourself? (01:06:38)

Shop at GouletPens Store:
Read GouletPens blog:
Like GouletPens on Facebook:
Follow GouletPens on Twitter:
Follow GouletPens on Instagram:
Follow GouletPens on Pinterest:

Goulet Pens,fountain pens,writing,goulet q&A,goulet qa,episode 276,ep276,276,brian goulet,questions,answers,open forum,ask brian,scratchy,nib,shimmer,ink,soft nib,first thing to do,pen,pilot vanishing point,