I first did this post almost exactly four years ago — the timing is just a coincidence — and decided to give it another go. The idea behind this post is pretty straightforward: if the below pens were first announced/released today, would I buy them? Suspend disbelief for the duration of this post. Imagine that none of these pens have existed in this world before today. And I’ll tell you if I would buy them.
Instead of Jim choosing the pens this time, I used a random number generator. Every pen in my Airtable database has a unique number based on its purchase order. I’ve also included the year I purchased or received each pen, just for funsies.
1. Aurora Sun Moon Lake Moonlight – 2020
I was thrilled to have the Sun Moon Lake when I first got it. Looking back, though, while I still love the appearance of it, I’ve matured past the point of being satisfied with pens that are merely pretty. I’ve learned that I don’t really care for Aurora nibs — I don’t feel that they’re anything special — so I wouldn’t buy this again.
2. Pilot Custom 743 Black – 2021
Sadly, even though my Custom 743 had the FA nib — hence why I bought it — it just wasn’t what I was looking for in a flexible nib. I’ve been spoiled by Gena’s and Les’ Spencerian nibs. I would not buy this guy again.
3. Stanford Pen Studio Jabulani The Royal Tribute – 2025
So… I don’t think The Royal Tribute counts, since it was a commission rather than a pen available for anyone to buy. But, since it came up, I’ll give you an answer. By now, I’m sure you’ve seen my post about my fantastic Bumbledore tribute pen. Not only would I buy this pen again a thousand times over, but you literally could not pay me enough to give it up.
3a. Lamy Joy Black – 2017
Since the original third pick doesn’t really count, I generated another random number and ended up with the Lamy Joy. When I got it, it was a good pen for me. I got to play with the stub nib, and that was useful. But, with my collection of modified nibs today, this pen has no place in my collection.
4. Tamenuri Studio Flat Top Kawari-Nuri and Nashiji Nuri – 2021
I would absolutely buy this Tamenuri Studio pen again. I was enchanted by the design and workmanship when I bought it, and I still am. I love the color combination and the gorgeous radiance that cameras just can’t capture.
5. 18111 Red and Gold Hearts – 2020
I don’t know if I’d buy this pen again. I love 18111 pens, but this is still a “pretty ink stick,” and I’ve got an embargo on buying more of those. I’m happy to have it in my collection, but I don’t think I’d miss it if I didn’t have it, since I have three other pens by Mr. Nakama. For the purposes of this post, and to stay true to my current pen-purchasing rules, let’s say I wouldn’t buy it again.
6. Den’s Pens Arawn – 2023
I would absolutely buy the Arawn again. The cap is an amazing fidget with its various planes and indents, and Den is an awesome human who I’m happy to support.
7. Gravitas Rose Gold Aluminum & Black Skulls – 2021
I was eager to buy this pen from a friend because the design is amazing. I thought I could deal with the horrible metal-on-metal scraping sound when I open and close it. Unfortunately, I quickly learned that I couldn’t. So it’s a hard no on buying this guy again.
8. Lamy Lx Marron – 2019
I also wouldn’t buy this Lamy again. I’ve long since learned that I’m not particularly enamored of the Safari/Al Star/Lx/Joy nibs. It’s a pretty pen, and I enjoyed the brown/rose gold combo while I had it, but I wouldn’t choose to add it to my collection now.
9. TWSBI Diamond Mini White Rose Gold II – 2020
I would definitely purchase the Mini RGII if it were released today, mostly because I’m collecting the TWSBI Diamond Mini series. It doesn’t hurt that I thoroughly enjoy the writing experience with these pens.
10. TWSBI Go Sapphire Blue – 2018
And we end on a negative note. I was excited to buy the TWSBI Go when it first came out, assuming that it would have a similar writing experience to the 580 series. Unfortunately, it turned out to have a serious issue with the nib drying out. I didn’t keep it very long, and I wouldn’t buy it again if given the chance.
Thanks for reading to the end, I hope you enjoyed this post. Do you agree with any of my decisions? Do you own any of these pens? If so, would you buy them again? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.
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