{"id":10888,"date":"2023-08-04T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-04T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/?p=10888"},"modified":"2023-08-02T21:03:50","modified_gmt":"2023-08-03T01:03:50","slug":"micro-collection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/micro-collection\/","title":{"rendered":"A Fulfilling Micro Collection"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Goulet Pen Company<\/a> posted a Q&A Slice video on YouTube Can These 5 Pens Cover ALL of Your Needs?<\/a>, with the answer to a question from user Adams1030.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you had to curate a standard 5-pen collection that in theory would cover almost all of a person\u2019s fountain pen needs, what would that collection be?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The question is interesting, and Drew\u2019s answer was fun. While I wouldn\u2019t be happy with just the five pens I list below \u2014 I enjoy variety \u2014 I think they would<\/em> satisfy most of the general pen desires. So, allow me to share my version of the 5-pen collection. My goal was to provide a wide range of writing experiences without breaking the bank on any one pen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

1. \u201cPretty Ink Stick\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I first heard this phrase on episode 15<\/a> of the Gourmet Pens Club podcast<\/a>. Essentially, it refers to indie-made pens \u2014 typically of a fairly standard shape \u2014 made of pretty materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By having a \u201cpretty ink stick,\u201d you get to have a favorite material. And, since most indie-made pens are Jowo\/Bock, you can swap out nibs to use or try various grinds and nib widths. The original question doesn\u2019t specify a number of nibs. Loophole!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, for those who feel they need one, you can get a pocket-sized “pretty ink stick.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Pilot Custom 74<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Pilot<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Custom 74s have buttery smooth nibs that glide across the paper. Depending on the colorway you choose, this can easily be your \u201csafe for work\u201d pen, if that\u2019s something you need to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. TWSBI 580 Series<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Photoshopped
No, this isn’t a franken-TWSBI, it’s just photoshopped to show a bunch of different color options.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I know many people love high-capacity pens and TWSBI 580s check that box, even the minis. They are also demonstrators and can be completely disassembled, which makes them perfect for shimmer inks. TWSBIs are also wet writers, another plus for shimmer inks, and even better for shading inks. As an additional pro to the 580 line, you can easily purchase additional nibs and swap them out; we\u2019re back to the loophole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Pilot Falcon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Purple<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This one is for those who want an \u201ceveryday\u201d flexible nib. If one from the factory is too stiff, a nibmeister can soften it up. I prefer the SF and SEF nibs because they offer more line variation, and let you have super fine lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The falcon also comes in both plastic- and metal-bodied versions, so those who would like a metal pen \u2014 whether for aesthetics or weight \u2014 you’re set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Platinum #3776<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Platinum<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The #3776 family has nibs with some feedback. It also has Platinum\u2019s \u201cslip and seal\u201d cap that keeps the nib from drying out. I believe Platinum has one of the greatest variety of nibs, with at least 8 options: Ultra Extra Fine, Extra Fine, Fine, Soft Fine, Medium, Broad, Coarse, and Music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Let’s review how many “fountain pen needs” this collection covers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n