Goulet Q&A Episode 167: Wet and Dry Inks, Tips for Fountain Pen Shows, and the Most Beautiful Fountain Pen Nibs

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In this episode, I talk about wet and dry inks, pro tips for attending fountain pen shows, and the most beautiful fountain pen nibs.

This week:

got back from Disney!

New/Upcoming Products - (1:42)

Pens/Writing - (8:34)

1) isaaccapps- Instagram - (8:37)

Does a hooded nib have any function other than just looks?

it sure does!
it keeps the nib wetter so it doesn't dry out
it allows the user to grip closer to the tip without getting inky fingers
it often fills at a lower point than other pens, so it doesn't require as much ink in the bottle

2) travelluxuryandleisure- Instagram - (12:57)

What are some of your favorite nibs? Not in terms of their functionality but in terms of their intricate design. Great videos and great company!

Visconti, especially two-tone
Pelikan two-tone gold nibs
Montblanc does a good job with their nibs
Namiki nibs are pretty, especially the massive Emperor nib!
there are many others I've seen, I just don't have in my personal collection

Ink - (17:57)

3) Justin C.- Facebook - (18:10)

I hear the reference to "wet" inks and "dry" inks. What determines wet or dry? Every ink I've come across has been liquid and very wet :) Could you give a brand level description of wet and dry inks?

all FP inks are water-based, so they're all "wet", really
it's like how some wines are considered "dry"
it has to do with how much it flows onto the page
Pelikan 4001 inks are generally referred to as the driest of inks
most other brands are varied, and up for a lot of debate as to what's wet and dry
it's more nuanced, about specific inks really
wetter inks usually have longer dry times
Aurora ink is considered very wet, same with Noodler's Eel
you may want to sample and experiment
check out individual ink reviews on GPC and see how people are rating them

4) thatlepakluck- Instagram - (31:28)

What is your favourite "novelty" ink? Or an ink that you think more people should really be using?

Noodler's Blue Ghost is my favorite novelty ink
Dusty purples:

href="http://ift.tt/2mmDSmz" target="_blank">Rohrer and Klingner Scabiosa, J. Herbin Poussière de Lune, Diamine Damson, Robert Oster Purple Rock
Troubleshooting - (38:05)

5) tfarahat- Instagram - (38:14)

What is an alternative for silicone grease?

In hardware stores, it can sometimes be labeled as plumber's grease (and should say something about it being clear silicone)
NOT plumber's caulk, very different!
I've heard of others successfully using Vaseline or Aquaphor, I don't know if these are quite as inert and non-reactive as silicone grease but they can work in a pinch!

Personal - (42:18)

6) _marcos354- Instagram - (42:25)

I'm attending a fountain pen show any pro tips?

research ahead of time, see what vendors will be at the show (especially if you want nib work)
nibmeisters often work up a list ahead of time or immediately when the show opens, so go for that first if you need that work done
set a budget, know how much you want to spend and maybe even bring cash
see if there's a map or listing of vendors when you first arrive
if you're looking for something rare/specific, consider a pre-show pass or just gun right for that thing as soon as you can go
do a full lap of the show, spending 30-60 seconds at each table and move on, take note of specific tables you want to come back to
complete the lap and then revisit the specific tables
wear comfortable shoes!
bring clothing that can hold a number of pens
bring a phone or camera for pics
bring a notebook of your own, ink too ideally
consider going with a fellow pen geek, it's more fun that way
consider bringing a lunch, sometimes you have to travel a bit to get lunch and that's precious time away from pens!

7) drchristine74- Instagram - (54:24)

I am a huge fan of GPC and I just wondered if you're aware of other hobbies that seem to connect with fountain pens? What I mean is that I found FPs and you guys through my knitting community. A lot of knitters seem to love them too, which I find strange. And I feel that I need to note that I'm 40 and not all knitters are old grandmas. There is a major influencer in the knitting community who also loves FPs and she has helped many of them join her

knitting is definitely one (Ravelry)
wet shaving (Badger and Blade)
technology/electronics
photography
cigars, typewriters, watches, knives
calligraphy/bullet journaling/mixed media
writing/drawing/cartooning (obvious, probably)
Legos

QOTW: How old were you when you first discovered fountain pens? - (1:00:00)

Thanks so much for joining us this week! You can catch up on any old Q&A videos you missed here.

Write On,

Brian Goulet