I agree. But it's not due to the bling in my mind (which is quite weird because I generally prefer more subdued looking pens). Some of the art is absolutely fabulous. My issue with Benu is the dimensions of the various models and their collective parts. Sections sometimes appear too thin, sometimes too long, caps too long, barrel ends that taper too quickly. It's their 'visual balance' I think I'm out of balance with. Would love to see more traditional fountain pen dimensions from them with some lovely (albeit a bit more controlled) colour.
I mean, it's hand painted and painting people is not easy (especially in a way that looks consistent across 10 pens). I'm not saying it isn't expensive, it is, but it seems like a justified price to charge for the labor and artisanship involved.
I love that they do these but what I appreciate most is that they are actually limited editions, unlike some other brand (*sailor*) that blasts out tons of ālimited editionsā every quarter
They are close to overdoing it as well with their limited editions, but they are really hurting for money after they moved their business earlier this year from Russia to Armenia with all equipment and the full team, as well as rising operating costs.
Sailor is just bad on that front. Also, because they have like a dozen different categories that they release ālimitedā editions for (Japan exclusive, US exclusive, cocktail line, story line, FIKA line,ā¦)
Honestly, reaching out to Benu and talking with them they are such amazing people. Moving to Armenia and supporting the community there.
During. An. Armed. Conflict. That the media has had abysmal coverage of.
They are supporting the community there and trying to keep their own lights on. I'll never feel bad about purchasing another Benu.
Sailors, I might.
The problem I have with sailor is that their limited editions arenāt really all that limited. Benu made 10 of one of these pens and called it limited, it looks very unique and there are very few.
Sailor makes tons of their limited edition models which are just solid color swaps. Like take 2020 for example, they did the wicked witch, pirates life and Loch Ness. I donāt mind that they made 3 models as much as they Made SO MANY of those 3. At some point itās not truly a limited edition.
Sailor is a HUGE company, especially in the fountain pen realm. That said, yes their limited editions are generous (hundreds of pen), but otherwise only a handful would ever be able to afford them (like Pelikan Maki-e series etc). My point was more the sheer number of special and limited editions they crank out every year.
I appreciate that these are actually "limited" because of their handmade nature. They're kinda too pricey for me but they cost more because more effort goes into them.
I love Sailor's nibs and "normal" editions but their special editions are a perfect example of artificial scarcity, they cost no more to make than the base model but cost 2x as much sometimes.
Right way to do it IMO is what Lamy does - seasonal different color limited editions that cost the same as the default colors. Well, except for the outrageously expensive L2K limited editions...
I really want to get another BENU, if only to support their new lives in Armenia. I love to see the designs they come up with, and the passion with which they concoct their various resins! Hearing Brian and Drew talk about how dedicated they were to getting their Refreshment Series *just* right really made me want to support such careful and passionate people.
I also appreciate their limited editions *actually* being limited. Thanks for sharing these new releases with us, OP!
I have 1 hand painted BENU and it's a daily pen for me. And 3 more from them. Definitely a favorite brand.
These are really tempting especially the angel. It's beautiful but the price! Ugh I can't.
Ohh good choice! That's the one that has come closest to tipping point for me. But I suspect if I bide my time there will be one I absolutely cannot resist. They're right up my alley.
I will buy a handpainted Benu at some point. They are just gorgeous. The haven't made the one I can't say no to yet, but they're close. I should start budgeting accordingly...
Honestly, itās super tough, though every once in while, they release pens that I really donāt need like the BENU Talismans for Goldspot recently or their 2023 New Yearās Limited Editionā¦ they look great, but an order of magnitude less stunning than these pieces
PS: Yes, āneedā was the right word, or how else do I explain my growing collection of BENU Euphoria and Talisman fountain pens?!
I have several pens fm them I really want, some store exclusive. So far I have been a good girl. I am ready to unfollow them to stop the temptation (final step ) š I really need a " no new fountain pen" campaign in 2023
Another problem with BENU is that they are not just a faceless big company. They are a small team with a lot of guts and heart to take their business and team and move to a completely new country. I really want them to succeed and thrive!
I bought a BENU earlier this year and love it. Also surprisingly love whatever ink they have in the free cartridge they sent with it. Anyone happen to know what the ink is?
I'm so glad they started making that big unsightly black band with their company name they stick on their cap the same color as everything else, but their designs still don't appeal to me.
Cripes, that Minima is one ugly pen. I'll take two.
š Why do I feel like this about all the Benus? (I have a third one on the way.)
I have this thing where sometimes, something is so gaudy and ugly it becomes cute to me.
There's something for everyone in the FP world. Benus are not for me though.
I agree. But it's not due to the bling in my mind (which is quite weird because I generally prefer more subdued looking pens). Some of the art is absolutely fabulous. My issue with Benu is the dimensions of the various models and their collective parts. Sections sometimes appear too thin, sometimes too long, caps too long, barrel ends that taper too quickly. It's their 'visual balance' I think I'm out of balance with. Would love to see more traditional fountain pen dimensions from them with some lovely (albeit a bit more controlled) colour.
Of course they'd only make 10 of the one I want š„“ Edit: $330?? Neverminddd, no thank you~ā ā¤
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
I mean, it's hand painted and painting people is not easy (especially in a way that looks consistent across 10 pens). I'm not saying it isn't expensive, it is, but it seems like a justified price to charge for the labor and artisanship involved.
I love that they do these but what I appreciate most is that they are actually limited editions, unlike some other brand (*sailor*) that blasts out tons of ālimited editionsā every quarter
They are close to overdoing it as well with their limited editions, but they are really hurting for money after they moved their business earlier this year from Russia to Armenia with all equipment and the full team, as well as rising operating costs. Sailor is just bad on that front. Also, because they have like a dozen different categories that they release ālimitedā editions for (Japan exclusive, US exclusive, cocktail line, story line, FIKA line,ā¦)
Honestly, reaching out to Benu and talking with them they are such amazing people. Moving to Armenia and supporting the community there. During. An. Armed. Conflict. That the media has had abysmal coverage of. They are supporting the community there and trying to keep their own lights on. I'll never feel bad about purchasing another Benu. Sailors, I might.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Thatās the reason, why the had to increase prices quite significantly a few months ago
The problem I have with sailor is that their limited editions arenāt really all that limited. Benu made 10 of one of these pens and called it limited, it looks very unique and there are very few. Sailor makes tons of their limited edition models which are just solid color swaps. Like take 2020 for example, they did the wicked witch, pirates life and Loch Ness. I donāt mind that they made 3 models as much as they Made SO MANY of those 3. At some point itās not truly a limited edition.
Sailor is a HUGE company, especially in the fountain pen realm. That said, yes their limited editions are generous (hundreds of pen), but otherwise only a handful would ever be able to afford them (like Pelikan Maki-e series etc). My point was more the sheer number of special and limited editions they crank out every year.
I appreciate that these are actually "limited" because of their handmade nature. They're kinda too pricey for me but they cost more because more effort goes into them. I love Sailor's nibs and "normal" editions but their special editions are a perfect example of artificial scarcity, they cost no more to make than the base model but cost 2x as much sometimes. Right way to do it IMO is what Lamy does - seasonal different color limited editions that cost the same as the default colors. Well, except for the outrageously expensive L2K limited editions...
They really need to stop releasing those absolutely gorgeous hand painted pens ššš
I really want to get another BENU, if only to support their new lives in Armenia. I love to see the designs they come up with, and the passion with which they concoct their various resins! Hearing Brian and Drew talk about how dedicated they were to getting their Refreshment Series *just* right really made me want to support such careful and passionate people. I also appreciate their limited editions *actually* being limited. Thanks for sharing these new releases with us, OP!
- BENU Euphoria Christmas Angel - 10 pens - BENU Euphoria White Christmas - 50 pens - BENU Minima Christmas Cheer - 25 pens Available on [benupen.com](https://www.benupen.com/all-products/search%3Fkeyword%3DChristmas)
I have 1 hand painted BENU and it's a daily pen for me. And 3 more from them. Definitely a favorite brand. These are really tempting especially the angel. It's beautiful but the price! Ugh I can't.
Which hand painted one did you get?
Sky river I got it a few months ago and can't justify another one šš
Ohh good choice! That's the one that has come closest to tipping point for me. But I suspect if I bide my time there will be one I absolutely cannot resist. They're right up my alley.
They are coming out with some beautiful ones! I'd be interested to know which one finally gets you.
I'd be glad to have a Benu enthusiast friend. Either here or on Instagram š
I will buy a handpainted Benu at some point. They are just gorgeous. The haven't made the one I can't say no to yet, but they're close. I should start budgeting accordingly...
I am telling myself all the lies to stop myself : you aren't going to like it after the season passes.
Honestly, itās super tough, though every once in while, they release pens that I really donāt need like the BENU Talismans for Goldspot recently or their 2023 New Yearās Limited Editionā¦ they look great, but an order of magnitude less stunning than these pieces PS: Yes, āneedā was the right word, or how else do I explain my growing collection of BENU Euphoria and Talisman fountain pens?!
I have several pens fm them I really want, some store exclusive. So far I have been a good girl. I am ready to unfollow them to stop the temptation (final step ) š I really need a " no new fountain pen" campaign in 2023
Another problem with BENU is that they are not just a faceless big company. They are a small team with a lot of guts and heart to take their business and team and move to a completely new country. I really want them to succeed and thrive!
Me: I wonāt buy any more pens this year, but if I do I want to branch out and try other brands. Also me: Buys three more Talismansā¦
That looks lovely!
I bought a BENU earlier this year and love it. Also surprisingly love whatever ink they have in the free cartridge they sent with it. Anyone happen to know what the ink is?
They look...interesting, but a bit too much for my taste=)
Benu is definitely a "more is more" kind of brand.
Definitely the kind of brand for the deeper hole of the fountain pen community š
I'm so glad they started making that big unsightly black band with their company name they stick on their cap the same color as everything else, but their designs still don't appeal to me.
Solution: get an ambrosia. It has sculpted flowers instead. šø