On Episode #685 of the Pen Addict podcast, Myke and Brad discussed the Top 5 pens list. Below I wish to write out my ideas/ramblings for additional information as a listener for ten years.
First of all, Brad and Myke did an excellent job debating the pros and cons of the Top 5. To this point I think the choices Mr. Dowdy has made are excellent. Not in the individual pens, but the categories. Each category answers specific question, and provides valuable commentary on the choices and selections.
For example:
"Notes: Outside of the ECO, I think you could load all of these pens up in a dice cup, shake it, and re-order this list without losing much effect. You can even add in other pens like the Opus 88, TWSBI 580, Kaweco Student, TWSBI Swipe, and more-all while staying under $100,"
Brad is excellently making the point that at this price point, it's a mixed bag. All of them good, but the selection overall is a bit restricted. With tariffs and price increases, the market of sub $100 is quickly eroding. So naturally, it's understandable that the category of "Next Fountain Pens" is getting squished. "Beginner Fountain Pens" is a category that needs to be there, and the $100-$200 is a goldilocks range for people seriously in the hobby. For many, myself included, spending more than $100 on a pen is a BIG hurdle, but it allows what I think is the real competition in the market. Thusly I think the $100-$250 should definitely be named "Top 5 Fountain Pens" With the next category being "Top 5 Fountain Pens for Hobbyists"
Where does that leave the sub $100? I think that the title should be "Top 5 Every Day Carry Fountain Pens." I can feel everyone shuddering by reading that. The EDC community and trend is very large, and a very specific design language. The SEO of calling it Every Day Carry is very lucrative, and could pull additional people into the hobby.
Alternatively, the "Top 5 Workhorse Fountain Pens" would suit the same bill. When I look at the current listing of the "Top 5 Next Pens" or maybe "Daily Drivers" even though i loathe that term.
- TWSBI Eco
- LAMY Safari
- LAMY Studio
- Kaweco AL Sport
- TWSBI Vac 700
It's clear that each of these pens, are the ones people are using everyday, every where and as much as possible. While not cheap, they can be lost/damaged, without too much fret. That's what this price point serves. The "I want to use a nice pen, but I'm worried about breaking it." Once you go above $100, those are precious and rare for most people to carry around all day, everyday.
My proposal for the 5 canonical categories, with subheadings in my own words, for fountain pens would be:
1. Top 5 Beginner Fountain Pens ($50, and under)
- You're interested in fountain pens, and need to know where to start.
2. Top 5 Everyday Fountain Pens ($100, and under)
- The work horses of the pen community, solid performers that will never let you down.
3. Top 5 Fountain Pens ($250, and under)
- The best of the best, hardened by the most competitive price category
4. Top 5 Hobbyist's Pens ($500, and under)
- Limited editions, one offs, maker pens and custom nibs.
5. Top 5 Collector Pens (NO Limit)
- No one NEEDS these pens, but they are mainstays in collections.
Please note that there are no bottom limits in any of the categories. This allows flexibility to put, say, the LAMY Safari in the "Every Day Fountain Pens" where it belongs. I'm also of the opinion that any non cartridge pen would not qualify for beginners. They're easy for after you get the hang of it, but having to buy a pen AND a bottle of ink is intimidating for most.
Now the fun part. The rest of the categories!
I'll give briefer explanations on my thinking of these:
Top 5 Micro Gel Ink Pens => Top 5 Ultra Fine Gel Ink Pens
Top 5 Pens In The Store => Top 5 Pens at The Store
(stylistic change because pens are at the store)
Top 5 Fountain Pen Ink Brands => Top 5 Fountain Pen Ink Brands
Top 5 Plastic Tip Pens => Top 5 Fineliners
(SEO optimization)Top 5 Paper Brands => Top 5 Paper Brands
Top 5 Multi Pens => Mulitliners are not it fam
Top 5 Ballpoint Pens => Top 5 Ballpoint refills
Top 5 Liquid Ink (aka Roller Ball) Pens => Top 5 Rollerball refills
(both this and ballpoints are more about the refills than the barrel. )
Top 5 Mechanical Pencils => Top 5 Mechanical Pencils
Top 5 Wooden Pencils => Top Five Traditional Wooden Pencils
Overall this was a fun exercise that I'm sure has many errors and incomplete thoughts. Questions? Comments? Concerns? Reach out to me on Instagram, or use this form.