DISCLAIMER UPDATE (6/24/22): TWSBI and Narwhal have released a joint statement which I cover in my most recent TWSBIgate post. While not completely satisfied with TWSBI’s response to the situation, I no longer feel the need to dissuade people from purchasing their products.
DISCLAIMER (5/1/22): Since writing this post, TWSBI has been involved in some unsavory actions, and I am currently boycotting them. For more information, refer to the #twsbigate tag page.
Like my previous tags posts, I’m adapting this from a YouTube video. This one comes from a Theresa is Dead video, in which she credits agapelovegirl as the originator of the idea. The general idea is that, based on your answers, you decide if you’re boujee.
For those unfamiliar with the term, Urban Dictionary defines boujee as “An abbreviation of the French “bourgeois.” A critical term used to describe people, things, and places that are definitively high-class.”
1. Would you rather buy one expensive/luxury item, or several items with the same amount of money?
It depends. Sometimes the more expensive pen is worth it, but sometimes the less expensive pens are. For example, I would take a Pilot/Namiki Yukari Urushi pen over 21 TWSBI 580 series pens. But I would take 4 Pilot Custom 74s over a Pineider $700(ish) pen.
2. When it comes to pens, do you believe you “get what you pay for?”
Again, it depends. Sometimes, yes. But Goulet Pens has a YouTube video about diminishing returns. Sometimes you pay more for the art of the design. But sometimes a pen is just, plain overpriced. And, other times, a pen performs far outside its price range. I’m looking at you TWSBI 580s and Pilot Custom 74.
3. What’s the most expensive pen you’ve bought with your own money?
Well, up until October 8, it was the Aurora 100th Anniversary pen. But, on the 8th, I bought the ARTUS Four Elements Fire. And, let me tell you, it’s SO worth it. It’s truly a piece of art that happens to write, just like its brother pen, the Four Elements Water. I love owning portable masterpieces, and that’s what the Fire is.
4. Are you willing to buy items at full price, or do you usually wait for a sale and/or discount code?
I try to wait if the items are standard issue. I don’t always succeed, because, well, patience isn’t my strong suit. And, obviously, limited or special edition items are “buy now if you want it” or risk them selling out. I have no problems saving money, though. Birthday and return customer coupons and holiday sales are fabulous.
5. Where do you shop for pens the most?
Bertram’s Inkwell. Since Bert’s is my “local” store, it’s where I go most often, and where I get to handle the pens. I’ve made more purchases at Bert’s than at any other store.
6. How often do you get nibs ground or tuned?
Not too often. I do tuned my own nibs as necessary, and sometimes I hand them to Jim if I’m having troubles with it. But I don’t often take nibs to others. That’s generally only pens with nibs that are too wide for me that I can’t get a replacement for. I have had a couple of Jowo nibs ground to cursive italic. Those are nice.
7. Do you prefer steel or gold nibs?
I don’t have a preference. I tend to prefer nibs that are super smooth over nibs with feedback, but I’ve got both gold and steel nibs like that.
8. Is the majority of your pen collection made up of pens above or below $250?
Definitely below. 72% of my collection cost me under $250. To be fair, not all of those pens are worth less than $250, i just paid less than $250. That includes gifts, trades, second hand purchases, etc. By MSRP, only 57.14% of my pens are less than $250. That’s still a majority, though.
9. Do you prefer high end or inexpensive cases?
High end. Cases definitely seem to be a case of “you get what you pay for.” Plus, my pens are expensive enough that I want to make sure they’re well protected. I have Girologio cases, a Franklin-Christoph penvelope six, some discontinued Visconti cases, Rickshaw sleeves, and — my favorite for traveling — my Detecool (although maybe that one isn’t high end).
10. Considering your answers, do you think you’re boujee?
Eh, not really. I have some boujee tastes, but I don’t think I’m truly boujee. As far as I’m concerned, the less expensive part of my collection, balances out the more expensive part.
What do you think? Would you agree with me, or do you think I’m boujee? If you decided to try the Boujee Pen Tag, share it with me. I’d love to see your answers. Or answer in the comments. If you enjoyed this post, check out my other Tags and Challenges posts.
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