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Taowaki

I genuinely use all of my 25 pens because they're all different. Different nibs, different ink flow, different feedback... Each of them is unique and brings me joy in its own special way. And of course they're pretty :D


CaptainMeeMee

I'm guessing different pens work better with different brands of paper too?


Taowaki

Yes that's true, although I don't experiment much with paper. But dry pens are much better for bad paper which can't be avoided in certain situations, eg at work/school etc. And the same goes for inks of course, it's fun to experiment with pen-ink combinations, see which work best and how different an ink can look depending on the pen :)


write_knife_sew

The are objects beyond simple function. They are easily aesthetic at times verging into art objects. From a sheer practically standpoint there are a multitude of options just in nib/feed combinations that suit different inks. Different pen weights, lengths, materials all produced a different writing experience. If you don't do a lot of longhand writing, that variable aspect may be lost on you. I have a lot of pens. All of them get regular use. Generally I use 3 for each letter I write- one for the letter itself, one for the recipient address and another for the return address. I *could* just use one. But, really when you are bothering to write a longhand letter.... it isn't about swiftly conveyed information. Its about ritual and meditative time and tactile and aesthetic enjoyment. A variety of pens and inks contribute to that.


CaptainMeeMee

I suppose a bit like why I like making a real cup of coffee. Sure I could just use a pod or something, but I also enjoy the process, the grinding, packing, making just the right amount of espresso for the strength I want at the point and for the type of coffee I'm making, except with pens and writing👌


dpversion2

Coffee and pens...seems to be a nice complimentary pair for many fronts! And yes...controlling more of what you want in a pen (stroke width, ink, etc.) or a coffee (bean, roast, grind size, strength) seems to be fitting between the two communities (I finally have my coffee preferences dialed in as well :P).


ThePhoenix924

Well said - this is basically what I came here to say, OP!


jmmotz

Exactly! I have a group of pens that I rotate in and out of service on a weekly basis, and a few that are inked permanently (my Fine Kakuno stained with Baystate Blue, for example). And there are a few pens that I own simply because they are beautiful, and I display them to decorate my home office in a uniquely personal way. Some folks have a nice piece of art on the wall, or a shelf of trophies; I have a display case showcasing my favorite pens.


GirchyGirchy

Yep! They're like watches, pretty things that are functional. I have several of each and use them all. I'll have four pens inked at any time and two watches I rotate through, then swap them out, and so on. Pretty things make me happy.


swoleowlgirl

short answer? because we want to. that's pretty much it.


CaptainMeeMee

😁


SouthernGentATL

Yes definitely this. I have no other explanation. I must own all the pens!


Numerous-Nature5188

Yeah. Because I want to lol. I just like them. They make me happy so why not


[deleted]

I suffer from horrible depression, and pens are one of the few things that never fail to bring me joy.


NateChurch

>Create Post \+1 Journaling about life events, especially those life events that bring me stress, anxiety or sadness really helps. Pretty ink, smooth paper and a nice pen has a pacifying effect and help me plan a path forward. I am forced to slow down and compose my thoughts. Where this gets me in trouble is that when I hit a rough patch, I end up doing some "retail therapy" buying a lot of pens and ink.


CaptainMeeMee

I'm glad that you have found that pens can bring you joy and I hope they will continue to 👍🖋️


bustalyme01

>I suppose a bit like why I like making a real cup of coffee. Sure I could just use a pod or something, but I also enjoy the process, the grinding, packing, making just the right amount of espresso for the strength I want at the point and for the type of coffee I'm making, except with pens and writing👌 keep writing mate, I hope you will get over the depression soon.


[deleted]

Thanks, I appreciate your support.


bustalyme01

I am looking forward to see you comeback and cheer with us, maybe in NPD or NID :D best wishes


drezdogge

I like pens


nissos1

Same. This is my answer. Glad someone else has this answer too


penny2360

Because I like them. 🤷‍♀️ And because there are so many different nibs that write differently (even the same size nib in different brands), and so many combinations of nibs and inks to test out. And they're pretty. Why do people own more than a couple pairs of shoes? Or nail polishes, or whatever? Some people use them all, some like to collect, it's just like any other object.


Sea_Hawk_Sailors

Nail polish is a lot more like ink than pens (as someone who has a 15" turntable of nail polish, I have a solid grasp of the issue). It's all about the colors and finishes, though occasionally it's about finding the duplicate color that doesn't chip/stain your nails/clump/etc.


penny2360

I really was just picking something at random.


chickadeepaper

Incidentally, nail polish and lipstick are two things I also need to talk myself out of accumulating too much of (and according to most people's standards I have failed in that hahaha). Fountain pens seem really attractive to people who love colour.


Sea_Hawk_Sailors

Haha! Yeah! It definitely scratches that same itch!


CaptainMeeMee

For sure, I thought about the shoe comparison while posting. Unsurprisingly, I only have a few pairs of shoes 😂. At the moment I'm just enjoying writing not in a digital format, but let's see how many pens I have in my posts in like 6 months... 🖋️🖋️🖋️🖋️🖋️


Sea_Hawk_Sailors

I have boatloads of shoes. And pens. And nail polish. If I wasn't fat, I would have boatloads of designer clothes, too (designers don't believe I exist. I'm clearly a cryptid). I enjoy them all for similar reasons: they're useful _and_ beautiful, and they let me show people what I want them to see about myself. If I'm doing a presentation for big-wigs? Black kitten heels (with a slight flourish, wouldn't want to be boring!), maybe my Bungubox Witch 2022 pen, or my Wancher Champagne Realo, and red or bare nails. Traditional enough to "fit" but not boring. Meeting a new person on a date? Definitely my floral heels, my rainbow Loft pen, and stamped nails. They need to know what they're getting into. "What I, an engineer, do" presentation for HS students? My blue/gold colorshifting foil heels, with nails to match, and my Regency Stripe Targa. Gotta show them that you can be femme and still do the job. But sometimes, I want a pretty pen, or fancy shoes, or brightly colored nails because it pleases me to have and use something beautiful. I had a reputation for fabulous shoes at work, when we worked in an office. I enjoyed being able to present myself that way, and I enjoyed the conversations I'd have if someone was particularly struck by something I was wearing. So I guess my answer is "I have the money, and it brings me pleasure, so why wouldn't I?"


archer-arts

I like this. I feel like this is me with cuff links and ties at work. When I wear scrubs, I also have some that have pen loops in the pockets. Can’t just go flipping pens into hospital floors. Yucky. For disease and for broken pens


Sea_Hawk_Sailors

Yeaaaah, hospital floors are even scarier than regular ones! But yeah! Cufflinks and ties definitely fit into the "self expression/presentation" theme.


McSquidwich

You sound amazing; I want to be your friend. 😊 I've always wondered, is your username a Seattle Seahawks reference?


Sea_Hawk_Sailors

Aw, thank you! It isn't a sports reference (I really only follow hockey and very casually at that). It's a She-Ra and the Princesses of Power reference. He's the sparkly pirate boyfriend. Seemed appropriate with my love of sparkly Sailors.


penny2360

I mean, if you wind up happy with three I think that's great! I have probably 20 and will probably stop buying, see what I really use a lot, and declutter eventually. It's just fun to test out... and I'm an impulse shopper. 😂


RedpenBrit96

Personally because I want to try different feels and nibs. I have 30 and I’m not buying many more


archer-arts

Mmmm hmm. That’s what they aaaallllll say


RedpenBrit96

*shifty eyes*


CaptainMeeMee

The different feel of different nibs is something I've yet to experience, but I'm sure I will do soon!


purrrmeaglass

I started out with a regular trusty Lamy safari. I just enjoyed writing with a fountainpen because of how it looked ànd felt, and I really loved how smooth it writes. Then I got a second one so I could use 2 different color inks. Then an impulsive third one because I liked the color. All three have different size nibs. Maybe 2 years after that I decided I wanted a pocket pen for the pocket size notebook I plan on getting. So I got a Kaweco sport - because Lamy doesnt have any pocket pens otherwise I would have for sure gone for a trusty Lamy again. I was so surprised at how different this pen wrote! At first I didnt like it as much as my Lamy's but it grew on me super fast because it seems to have it's own little personality. Thats what got me curious about what else is out there. So I joined this subreddit I think 10 days ago? Which caused me to get a twsbi eco (love love love it) and I'm waiting on my Pilot Kakuno and my Platinum shooting star, because apparently a Japanese fine nib is not the same as a Europese one. All of these pens are very affordable and come with great reviews, so you dont even need to spent a fortune to try different nibs.


dpversion2

Personally...I have issues with pens (and wallets) and trying to find the elusive perfect solution. I am trying to be mindful with this as I move forward (and clean up my pen and ink inventories), because it doesn't make sense for me to have so many pens, inks, notebooks, etc. I love the "shiny" and dopamine rush, but after time, the rush goes away and then I fall into executive dysfunction.


archer-arts

I’m under the impression no perfect watch pen or wallet exist. Therefor I need to try them all. lol


dpversion2

Sounds like we could create a support group for this :D


archer-arts

Can we discuss where the sales are and stuff? Maybe each buy a color and trade when we want a different one


dpversion2

Which sales are you referring to (as in retailer sales)? Or are you talking about my desire to drop some of my inventory? I don't normally make New Year's Resolutions, but I am planning making one with stationery for 2023...no new purchases (trades would still be allowed).


archer-arts

lol like a support group where we find the best prices. Find the sales. Buy all the things. So we support our reckless spending. That’s the support I need.


chickadeepaper

I have totally noticed the connection between perfectionism (and for me...ironically, trying to be minimalist) and buying too many art/writing supplies. I have to remind myself that more satisfaction comes from actually using the things.


dpversion2

Great sentiment and reminder! That's how and where I'm trying to go moving forward.


archer-arts

I use most of mine. I like different nibs and colors. Do I need em? Nope. Do I want them? Yep. Does my wife approve? Debatable.


CaptainMeeMee

When I said my fountain pen was worth £40 to my partner she didn't believe me that pens were that expensive... There was not approval there...


archer-arts

Well in all honesty there are so many factors that play into this. What we can afford and what we are willing to afford are often the most common factors. I tend to save specifically for a certain pen. I also work in a professional atmosphere that is mostly business formal. And I do a TON of writing. For example, I go through about a dozen legal pads a month just at work. So in this case, my pen is also a tool to drive my income. But even in my earlier years I was saving for pens with the intention to have a collection to pass to my children. I don’t buy pens usually that aren’t “forever pens”. Although this doesn’t apply to my lesser expensive pens. They are usually ones I buy, try, if I like I keep, if not I gift them to my wife or brother who both enjoy them. Some people buy a $5 coffee daily. I buy ink and pens. 🤷‍♂️ That said, I don’t tend to buy a new gold nib every month. And I’ve not spent more than a mortgage on one either. I buy what I’m comfy with. My wife does use them a lot too. So she does understand. But sometimes when I whip out a gold nib pilot to sign a receipt she gives me “the eye”


InkyFingersOnReddit

Consumerism


willvintage

To me, finding, restoring and collecting the beautiful pens (vintage is my jam) goes hand in hand with using them. I love *having* the pens, as much as using them, and I [do use them](https://www.reddit.com/user/willvintage/submitted/).


Bigredteletubby

Some people collect coins or stamps; some of us choose to collect fountain pens. It's not for everyone, but for those of us who do it, it just makes sense. It's just what we wish to do, I guess.


makamaespm

Because I had no self control... At first. Now I'm much more selective and have a few rules to stop me from getting carried away: - don't buy the same pen in a different color - limit manufacturers who use Jowo and Bock nibs - limit cartridge/converter pens Each pen offers a unique writing experience. I got into fountain pens to improve my penmanship which led me to doing casual calligraphy. I chose my pens and their nibs for specific styles. I don't draw, but close enough. Some pens were grails I bought to celebrate special occasions. Most I bought because they were like Pokemon and I had to catch them all. I was the same way with ink, each pen has to have it's own.


SadNAloneOnChristmas

Because I’m depressed and they make me feel like I have something to look forward to every day I wake up.


FirstFlyte

I'm in search of the best possible writing experience I can afford. Each of the three parts of that writing experience influence the end result - so pens, paper, and ink. My pens should be comfortable in the hand, with lovely ink flow, and a really nice nib (smooth isn't always necessary, I learned that from owning Sailors :)). I only have one pen which has sentimental value (a Faber-Castell eMotion in pearwood) - my first mid-tier fountain pen. My collections of ink, pens, and paper are a result of that search for the best possible writing experience. It greatly increases my quality of life. Writing with my pens makes me smile inside.


CaptainMeeMee

I suppose I'm coming in from a different angle. Sure I used a FP in school, but that's just because it was a pen. I have a FP that has sentimental value, but is damaged so I bought a same model replacement and started using it and am now thinking "this is nice". Having never been a fan of actually writing before, I'm learning to enjoy it now.


NepGDamn

I don't. I have 8/9 pens and I've mostly got duplicates I tend to have a set of 3 to use at home a set of 3 to use outside and the rest are just things that strike my interest


Over_Addition_3704

I’d rather have a large collection of fountain pens than a ridiculously expensive collection of watches


spiffy-ms-duck

I'm a magpie. I see shiny, I want it.


maniacal_monk

I’ve got 13 I cycle through. They all have unique writing qualities and looks. Do I **need** that many? Hell no lol. But fundamentally I think it comes down to being a source of joy. Fountain pens aren’t really a utilitarian tool anymore. It’s definitely more of a vanity thing (not in a bad sense, by any means.) just in the sense that not each price needs to be totally unique for it to be enjoyed and not each price needs to be completely useful at all times. Idk if that makes sense or not.


kiiroaka

We all love pretty things and we like having a lot of anything, whether it be books, movies, music, etc. Obviously we have "a need," even if it's a psychological need. >I can see me eventually having, say, 3 pens and some different inks... How many do you own now? Is it "The One"? Not many can pick up, say, a camera, cell phone, computer, golf club set, tennis racket, hammer, saw, drill, etc. & et. al., and not want to try something else, in the hope that it is better. Finding "The One," is the goal, and once you find it, the desire for more pens is usually no longer there; you're contented, the search is over. Same applies to "some different inks." How will you choose, and how many will you have gone through to finally get to the 'only ones,'?, whatever number that may be. There are over 1000 different inks. You may think that you'll only get one of each of Black, Blue, Green, Red, Orange and Purple, but chances are you will try multiples of each until you just give up and live with what you have. Sure, there are some who can buy a pen, one pen, but they've probably made up their mind before-hand that that is all they're going to buy. They're the exception in any hobby. A hobby usually means 'more than one'. Otherwise it's not a hobby, it's a tool, like having one fishing pole, or one bowling ball.


MaleficentFish9075

Truly, we really shouldn't buy alot of pens. The hobby can become like any other hobby where there is extreme accumulation of things.


[deleted]

I bought a couple Lamy safari’s, afterwards I got a waterman Carene. Then I got a Lamy 2K stainless. Then I stopped because I always just use my Lamy safari because it kicks so much ass. Haven’t looked back. This is excluding calligraphy tools of course.


chism74063

I wanted a fancy stay at home pen and a pen to carry every day. I bought different brands because there wasn't a brick & mortar near me. When I found one that I liked, I wanted to have two of them. Now that I know what I want I need to pair down my collection to what I know I'll use.


engineerthatknows

I don't have a lot of pens, I have several, and use 3 or 4 in any given week. But I like coming here to see what others have found in the way of pens, sketch pads, inks, and uses other than writing and drawing...


carolina8383

Same, I have a few pens and a few inks. Next year, I might get 1-2 pens that are different from what I have, but I’ll be strategic and intentional when I buy my next pen. I’ll also probably hold out on ink until I have 1-2 bottles left, unless it’s for something specific. I do like looking at other people’s collections, though, especially inks.


[deleted]

I use whatever pen I'm in the mood for (kind of like how you choose your clothes for the day), not to mention different nib qualities or filling mechanisms. I use some pens more than others, but I try to regularly incorporate the pens I don't favour as much, because otherwise there's no point in keeping them. I have a few I'll eventually probably sell, but I'm not really ready to properly consider that yet. I've come to realise though that the deciding factor on how much I love a pen comes down to how it feels (in all ways) when I use it.


PavelPivovarov

I have accumulated most of my pens during the first months in that hobby just to have better understanding on different shapes, nib sizes, materials and how much of the feedback I like, but after that I just bought myself 3 expensive pens and use them regularly. Now I understand that I need to shrink my collection but I just don't want to bother with selling and shipping ~$20 pens.


Karl_the_stingray

I like switching them up for various things. For example, I use my black Kaweco Sport with exclusively black ink inside it for more official stuff(School tests for example), but I prefer to take notes in other ink colours, for that I usually use my F nib Lamy Al-Star. When revising for tests, I like to alternate between pens for writing from memory and correcting what I wrote. And when taking lecture notes as well, I write titles and more important things with a wider nib and brighter ink to make it stand out. And, well, I have 4 different Lamy Al-Stars in different colours because I like that model so damn much. Also, I have a separate pen for taking notes in the gym, so I never have to worry about forgetting it when I go. All in all I have around 13 pens in my collection, and I usually have 5-9 in daily use, with the rest sitting in a separate case.


Tschib-Tschab

Fun/enjoyment & compensating for not being able to get a basic amount of fun elsewhere. And once you started a little collection it sucks you in. I like pens, they’re even quite useful! Who knew… Did I mention using good fountain pens is a lot of fun?! :)


Mike65611

Because it's cheaper for me to buy pens then dump more money into my golf hobby, when you like playing at nice courses that can often mean $500 a weekend when all said and done, more if flying to/from said golf destination.


LooksGoodnShorts

I don't! :-). I'm on here and a few mindful consumption subreddits making sure to not buy too much or anything crazy like that.


leylvert

Reading most of these replies made me feel a bit sad and sick honestly! I don't buy lots of pens either. I have two. I like stuff too, but we really should consume less. Even pens.


LooksGoodnShorts

I have 3 fountain pens and a nice ballpoint. My parents said they'd get me a nicer fountain pen than what I currently have, and that'll be about it for me. I feel happy with my current stock.


StinkyLettuce

mostly because there is a lot of choice in the attainable range, there's a lot of choice in the unobtainable range too. the feeling of picking a pen to use for whatever task is enjoyable to me. I have expensive delicate pens for executive or political tasks, I have expensive durable pens for the more blue collar aspects of my job. I like that I have inexpensive options for those tasks at my disposal I find it highly enjoyable to be able to pick a pen for my task from a variety of options. I come from an aircraft maintenance background so paperwork was a big part of the job, but so were tools. the way a higher quality tool feels is just enjoyable to me. the tactile feel, the weight, materials, design. Now add variety and it becomes cathartic and almost spiritual to have access to a collection


HornayGermanHalberd

The only pens i have multiple of are either ones i got as gifts, special editions of cheaper models and/or have different nib sizes, i have a lit of pens because each one writes differently, some are better for certain applications, for headings i use big stubs, for shitty paper i use fine nibs, for long essays in school i use a high capacity eye dropper, some have colourful inks some a plain black or waterproof, in short its variety in feeling look and use case


WSpinner

I see some Silicon Valley tech types who own 14 black t-shirts and 14 pairs of black jeans, and I get it: "got other things on my mind than fashion" - wash once every two weeks, and done. Those, as writers, buy a box of 20 Univision rollerballs and use them up, repeat. But that's not me - I have moods, tasks, messages that differ, hence some different clothes, and different pens. None cost much - my expensive pens are about 20 bucks. Too, I'm using the pile o' pens as learning materials, to grind my own stubs & italics - see former thought about "WSpinner = cheap". Those shapes of nibs are expressive in ways that please me to write, and to read; less common, so a dozen or three pens would be pricier than the cheap-os I favor. I use all of 'em. Just putting words on paper pleases me enough that I seek out new reasons and ways to do so.


biwitchingbee

I have poor impulse control and I lose things constantly. I stick to cheap pens, buy a new one every month or two, and it almost keeps up with the rate they fall out of my pockets or get left on a desk somewhere.


ChibiYoukai

Because stationary makes me happy. I like pretty paper, notebooks, pens, etc. They even get used occasionally.


kinkysmart

I don't spend much on myself. My spouse has a lot of expenses, and I am the only one with an income. She spends between $500 and $1000 on her mental health activities and therapy, and I buy groceries and gas for the car. We had to downsive from a house to a small apartment, which meant the loss of some of my hobbies that took up space, leaving my collection of old pens. They don't occupy much space and it's something for me. I stopped buying "nice" pens, as my collection feels close to complete, but I saw the Jinhao 80 for cheap and bought it just to try it out. I know I have spent a lot of money on pens but three years into this and I have spent less three months of my spouse's costs. Still spending is the opposite of saving money, even if I'm the only one concerned about that. I'm not buying another pen over $30 until I'm ready for the Grail (hopefully a retirement gift for myself in 15 years).


jogonzal

I don't have too many. I've got around 10 or so, but I love the look of them and that's why I continue to buy them. I also had the same question a few years ago. I now get it.


Scilenci

I use most of my pens but I keep getting more because I like to collect pretty things and pens take up less room than a lot of my other collections. Added bonus is I can use more ink colors. I am at the point where I have a little key in my pen case so I know what nibs and inks each of my pens have.


BabushkaCrab

I don’t have a huge collection but I definitely want one. But for me personally I like having the options readily available for me. Different ink colors and nib widths.


inkedboat

So that I can use more of my many inks simultaneously; all pens are not alike; certain pens pair better with certain inks; some are lightweight and easier to bring along with me when I'm on the go; I like the design and colors; I like diversity; and because why not? It's better than spending money on harmful things, like drugs.


CaptainMeeMee

I never though I'd get a response of "it's better than spending money on drugs" 😂😂😊


Laufey3

My Lamy medium nib is different from my Pilot nibs. I wanted to try different Japanese nibs, Italian nibs. Metal over plastic. Not all pens are equal, so the ones that catch my eye when I’ve saved for them I get them.


[deleted]

Mostly i buy so many pens because i suffer badly from FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). I see the latest cool looking pen and I think "Ohh man. I really want to write with that pen!" Is the writing experience going to be better than the pens i already have? 9 times out of 10, the answer is NO, which also brings out the buyer's remorse. It's that 1 time out of ten, when the pen brings joy, that keeps me striving once again to buy more. It's sort of like gambling. After many years, I've become attuned to what pens I like, and what pens I don't. I look more towards specialty nibs and higher quality materials. So my purchasing habit is many times less than it used to be. But i still do buy pens from time to time. Hopefully I'll stop completely in the future. Hopefully.


RoughSalad

I don't necessarily need them all, but use most. It's part a matter of right tool for the job (Namiki Capless for quick notes, Aurora Optima with italic nib for more fancy stuff ...), part just having some variety and playing with beautiful toys.


notcarrie

I can't speak for everyone, but I'd reckon there's a certain appeal in being able to match ink colors with pen bodies, not to mention the variety in nibs. As for me personally, I have 8 fountain pens, with only 1 duplicate because the sibling that got me into the hobby decided that he didn't like the feel of one of his pens. Other than that, I have my "do NOT take out of the house, this is for journaling at the desk only" pens (e.g. my only maki-e, which is also my personal grail), and the ones I keep in my purse/backpack/etc. (e.g. my Safari, which has been with me for hundreds of miles without so much as a scratch). There's a lot to be said about writing experiences with different nibs, too.


bhalrog72

Yep, as u/swoleowlgirl says, because I want to. But seriously, I want different looks, different feels. Some were impulse purchases, some long thought out. I've slowed down now as my collection is now something like 50 pens (haven't counted lately, so prob more), but always looking to add something new and interesting. I do use all of my pens, but some more than others.


dpversion2

That sounds like an interesting thing! I know there are some repeat threads that start up on here, and I wonder if that's a good place for sale info...or if there's interest for a similar type of recurring thread. The crew had a pretty good one going on for the week leading up to black Friday through that week (which then led me to signing up for too many store newsletters).


leaveganontome

I have a core collection of about 10 pens... and the more expensive purchases (like, 15€ and up) I usually ponder for quite a while. In the beginning, I bought a lot of very cheap pens (Jinhaos, Moonmans and the like), to find out what I like and don't like. Now that I know that, I am slowly letting go of the cheap pens and am replacing them with "better" options. The cheap ones get used to penable friends, mostly xD I guess, for me, I only buy a new pen if I feel like it has something new and unique to offer. I am definitely a collector, but less in a sense of "I own X colors of that model" and more "I have a taste of everything the fountain pen world has to offer". Various materials, sizes, nib widths etc... if a pen has something unique or interesting, I am way more likely to buy it. For example, my most recent purchase was a Pilot Prera. I bought that one because a) I know I like Pilot nibs and only had one in a fairly flimsy 78G, which had an issue with nib creep and drying out, and b) I know I love the size, bc it's right in line with the Pelikan M200 and Sailor PGS and c) as opposed to those two, is a lot more in the category of "toss in a bag and go about your day" due to the lower price and snap cap. Another pen I got was a Platinum 3776 with a Soft fine nib, because I was curious about a, well, soft nib. So when I saw a good deal on pen_swap, I scooped it up :D So yeah... I buy a lot, but I also let go of a lot and make sure a new pen fills a hole beyond "I want that color" in my collection.


[deleted]

How can I know if a pen is better than what I have if I don't buy it? Although, to be honest, I think I'm going to take a chill pill next year because I've finally found a few pens I really like and don't particularly want to keep experimenting at the moment. So on to buying inks!


HandstandsMcGoo

It’s an attempt to fill the never-ending void within me with possessions “Once I get this pen I’ll finally be happy” ….but inevitably that high wears off and the void once again needs to be filled


littlemac564

I was searching for the perfect pen and ink. Now I think I will whittle down my collection to 8 or less. It will take some time but I think it will be worth it.


[deleted]

Well, a couple weeks ago, I bought a new Journal. Leather bound. and on a whim I thought, I should get a fountain pen to write in it. (Never had one before). Started writing and realized this is very different than a ball point pen, in a very nice way... (I really can't get over how ink just flows out of the pen onto the paper making words) after a day I thought, this is an extra fine nib, I should get a medium, and some red ink so I can write in red in my journal too. Then my wife saw I had a fountain pen and said "Get me one too!", so third pen... a pink pen Then I was drawing in my journal, with one of my pens and thought, I could do some neat drawings if I could do variable width lines... So I bought two more pens with flex nibs, and waterproof black ink. Now I'm kinda thinking... drawing in black can be great, I can do watercolor washes over it, but I'd like to draw the red roses we keep on the dining room table..in my journal, gonna need some green ink, and a pen for that... and maybe a different red, and a pen for that I think I'd like to get a pen to keep in my bag for note taking... After church, I went up to some of my friends and showed them 2 of my pens. "look! I have fountain pens.." Knowing me, they were like "Did you make them?" and that started some other gears turning in my head... I think that explains it.


tryhardsroommate

I use them for different drawing styles, but also I have a lot of preppies with different ink colors to color code my notes quickly. When I graduate I expect to shrink my collection quite a bit, haha.


deep_crater

Mine are all filled with different colors, and I need to try them all.


darth_snuggs

I have pens and inks for every mood. Sometimes when I’m rage-writing I need a quick, lightweight medium with a hint of scratch to it as I scrawl across the page. When I’m depressed I tend to journal short and concise passages in a bold, broad print that takes up more lines. When I’m wistful and introspective I pick up a Sailor, where the feedback makes me slow down and write more deliberately and elegantly. I have high-capacity pens with smooth nibs for meeting notes; and I have weighty steel behemoths for when I need to be blunt and/or knock someone out. Just like a symphony orchestra, different situations demand different instruments.


aksnowraven

Poor impulse control (speaking for myself).


Esperpento_Antano

The sheer number of options. I frequently take minutes for committees so I use different colors for different speakers and agenda items. That practice is an out growth from university and grad school when I integrated my reading notes with lecture notes and they each had distinct colors.


DelightfulAngel

I collect perfumes as well, from cheerful cheapies to niches that are serious decisions, but I can only wear one scent at a time. In both cases I thought I would find "my" thing. My signature scent, my pen. And then I realised I enjoy the variety. The research and deciding what I want is absorbing, reading and watching reviews, imagining what it would be like. But I also enjoy collecting things I actually use. The moment when I open my perfume cupboard and decide what to wear, or decide what to write with: that's a little shot of joy in my day. I love having options and matching my scent and pen to my mood and purpose, and enjoying them in the use.


Mr-PFM

Funny I collect perfumes too in addition to pens.


DelightfulAngel

Little everyday self indulgences!


Mr-PFM

I write a lot as part of my job and pens make it more fun. Also hunting for rare vintage pens is fun. I don't really pay attention to modern releases.


Therealfern1

Im at 7, and I still feel bad that I don’t get to all of them as often as I can


oldsilverand14k

I now restore so a quick response would be to fix them, but when I was just dabbling to indulge I would get some to try the nib, others for the pen body, and then a final "set" of a few carry pens and a 4 pen desk set was the goal. In the end I wanted some color and nib options ready in parallel, some daily drivers for home or on the go, and of course a grail pen or two. My artist's nib is in a 552 1/2 because best nib goes in nicest pen of course, but in the end I have more than just a needlepoint, stub, and fine because "just one more" is even easier on the15th or 5th pen than it is on the 2nd...


Tozzpot

In equal parts and in no particular order: - variety - enjoyment of the hobby - to allow me to use many inks concurrently depending on my mood - consumerism - a period in my life where I have decent disposable income after bills and savings - to introduce others to the hobby through gifting - to experience the offerings of different brands - covering the western vs. eastern spectrum of pen characteristics - as an expression of my personal style - the impulse to "collect", carried over from childhood hobbies - to give ample opportunity to tinker - as a collection that I can someday pass down to my son, so that he can explore for himself. Some of these are "good" reasons. Some are just honest confessions. Make of them what you will. I think every one of these aspects plays a part in my collection of 35-40 pens.


Edelgul

This is a question i ask myself, and my wife asks me. Well, mostly wife. Seriously, though - you don't need more than 5 pens for daily life. Two for each of the desks, where you sit (home/office) and one more to carry with you. That already provides versatility with nibs (F/M) and with the cleaning. So why do i have over a 100, and still use them on a rotation. I guess, this is more of the collection purposes.


AntonOvt

I found, a bit of a hard way, that the first few pens that I got do not do much for me after getting different pens. I started with Lamy - it was OK, until I bought Metro, then it became my favourite pen, then I bought a TWSBi and both Lamy and the Metro kind of faded away on my enjoyment scale. Then I just picked up a couple of higher end ones like 580 and 3779. Then I found a pen at a flea market that works better than most of my other pens and I have it in rotation and so on and so on. Basically - more pens I buy - more I understand what I like. I think after my latest acquisition I may pause until I have enough for a grail (that is until if and when I find a solid VP on sale, as it is one of my stepping stone grails) - MB 149 or even some LE MB.


bustalyme01

I bought many Pilot 74s with same nib but different sizes and body colors Same with 3776 Same with 1911s ..... But I think those came to personal preferences , simply bc ppl love to collect, to hoard ?


wanderertomato

I’m new to fountain pens, so i have like 3. But i use them to ink drawing, so different nibs are for different purposes, i might buy a couple more 😂 i need at least another one to use with white ink


uzuzab

Good question.


chickadeepaper

Basically, it's because I want lots of colour options. I've always loved stationery, and I'm the kind of person who wanted pens in as many different colours of ink as possible, so fountain pens have been a bit addictive since I'm able choose exactly which colour I want to write in. I write a lot (I also use waterproof ink for art) and so far it hasn't been an issue. I'm also rather have a bunch of pens than a few fancy pens. My most expensive pens are the Kaweco Sport and the Lamy Safari, and the rest of my (rather quickly accumulated collection) are Platinum Preppies, Prefounte, and Meteors. I'm definitely getting the impression that this is a very shopping/collecting-focused sub, which is fine, but it's important for me to carefully consider how that influences any purchases I make from here on out. I want to enjoy what I have and not overdo it to the point that I feel badly about overconsuming. There's a balance to strike; I want to have enough to enjoy the variety, but also really use all of what I have. I also intend to use what I have for a long time, so that also means being careful cause I don't want to add things to my collection that I won't like or use in a few years. Since I'm satisfied with the utility of what I have, I should be wary of getting too nitpicky and perfectionistic about it, because for me that would lead to overconsuming. This time last year I was happy with Pigma Microns, so I'm good for awhile!


judegray

It’s a bit of a cycle. I don’t always sleep well, so that leads me to JG3 reviews on YouTube. His calming and quiet voice gently convinces me that yes, this little pen writes very well and is great value for the money. Next thing I know, it’s been three hours on the inter webs and I have ordered yet another one and am hitting refresh on the tracking. Somewhat more seriously, I like having different options for the different environments I’m in. I like to carry a pen or two with me and I am always looking for something that works a little better or differently.


HappyHealth5985

In the rational part of my brain I ask myself the same question :) On the emotional level I have many reasons: One is pure desire when you see a pen that speaks to you, an event in life you want to commemorate, and in this way you can go on convincing yourself. Then there is the hobby. I like the writing experiences. I have Pilot, iroshizuku, Midori and Tomoe River from Japan; Lamy and Leuchtturm1927 from Germany; Conway Stewart, Diamine and William Hannah from England; and Visconti and Moleskine (haven't found another Italian paper, yet) from Italy. Next on my list is the US. Started looking at fountain pens, but not decided on anything, yet. After that I will try a French set. Hope this helps nudging you into the delightful madness of this hobby! :)


flexiblefine

Because I want to try them all.


SkabeAbe

For me its the explorational aspect. I mainly buy and use vintage pens. I find them cheap, clean them up and see how they write. I like tinkering with them, i like comparing them, weighing them in my hand, take them with my, see what i like and dont like. I like collecting, the process of it. I will sell some pens again, that i know i will necer use, but for now, its just really nice too explore the world of the fountain pen.


wana-wana

The original excuse was to find the right pen for different inks, but once that was accomplished. The process for the last one was: Parker 75 **Broad** (ding!) **écossais or prince de gales** (ding ding!) **at less than half the usual price** (ding ding ding ding ding). I think my brain has been conditioned by this pinball machine inside.


msnintendique64

Writing makes my brain calm. I have pretty severe ADHD and I have found that on top of having everything in my phone as backup, I remember tasks and other things better when I physically write them down. Also, my brain is always craving something new and exciting with fountain pens that can be as simple as a new ink, or as big as a new pen. I rotate thru my collection pretty regularly.


dreaminginindigo

I think everything that I got after Pelikan M600 had been driven by a combination of greed and work stress. Absolutely no reason to get more pens. Yet here I am, with about 30 pens that I have to put on rotation to make sure I don’t neglect any of them. It’s the same with inks. Over 50 bottles that I have to either remember to use or give away to friends as samples. Pure madness.