Goulet Q&A Episode 30 Pt 1: Using Fountain Pens at Work

I had a lot of great questions this week, so I broke them out into two separate videos! Check out part 2 here:    • Goulet Q&A Episode 30 Pt 2: Using Fou...  

1) Emily W.- Facebook (3:43):
I'm lucky enough to work in a place where I can push the boundaries in terms of ink colors, and I want to make the most of it. I'm happy with my samples of Noodler's Army Green and Diamine Syrah, and I'd like to add a few more inks to the rotation. Do you have any recommendations for inks that are slightly out of the ordinary, but still work-appropriate?

2) Debasis G.- Facebook (5:51):
You know this whole thing about changing everything else for the sake of using a fountain pen is pretty lame. People should know which pens write well on the worst quality workplace paper. I would like to see recommendation on smooth writing extra fine nibs on copy papers. The point is mainstream folks should appreciate a fountain pen. And this is the philosophy that makes Nathan of Noodler's stand out.

3) Ryan G.- Facebook (10:07):
Suggestions: top bullet-proof daily carry pens. Challenge level: may be subjected to teenagers. Context: high school teacher who caves when asked, "Mr. Gilbert, can I try that pen?"

4) Wesley S.- Facebook (12:47):
My two major struggles in daily fountain pen use are how I carry them and the necessity of using cheap paper. Can you recommend some non-dorky ways to carry a fountain pen on my person (I'm worried my pants pocket will destroy a nice pen) and some blue inks that work well with cheap paper?

5) Michael H.- Facebook (16:14):
Should I feel bad that I like whipping out my Spencerian-inspired flexed script at work? Furthermore, should I feel bad for having the forethought to fill my vintage Watermans with inks that will perform well on the crappy paper at work? Most of the time the reaction is positive, but there's always that rogue look of "well doesn't he think he's special...".
 
6) Pascal D.- Facebook (18:47):
Not a question, suggestion to help out:
Keep a mini "travel" bottle of ammonia-based (the blue ones) cleaners (for windows), it helps clean up the fountain-pen inks on the hands when your pen decides to do a mess, or if you do an accident when filling it. (regular soap doesn't work - while still good to wash hands anyway.. but to remove ink.. use the blue stuff)

7) Brian HC.- Facebook (19:45):
I'm a big fan of heavy, solid pens like the Monteverde Nighthawk. Can you suggest any other heavy fountain pens in that price range or lower? The rest of the Invincia line doesn't count as an answer.

8) Calvin P.- Facebook (21:18):
In my line of work I have cause to write letters, notes, cards, etc. to high school and college students. First, what fun, vibrant, colorful inks are still easy on the eyes (i.e., could be used to write a long note or very brief letter)? Second, I often find when writing on postcards or in cards, that I get extreme feathering with almost any ink...any inks (other than Noodler's X-Feather) that I might get better mileage with? Thanks!

9) Ray C.- Facebook (25:14):
How would you recommend carrying your pen If all you happen to have are your notebook/planner, and your pen, and it's a hot day so you don't want to keep your pen in a shirt pocket because of body heat making the ink rise in the pen and possible causing a leak, or in some cases the getting the pen wet from sweat?

10) Sherah E.- Facebook (27:34):
The paper at work (okay, in school) is horrible, and bleeds badly when I use Liberty's Elysium on it. Given that I can't change the paper nor do I want to change the ink, what can I do? PS. Using a Japanese F nib.

11) Tom S.- Facebook (31:28):
What is a good 3ring loose leaf paper, plain and lines, for fountain pens and ink?

12) Shane H.- Facebook (34:17):
What would you suggest we say or do when someone expresses interest in fountain pens? I tend to get really excited, say everything that comes to mind, and I'm afraid that turns people off because it's too much information. Should we recommend a video? Or do something else? I was thinking that buying them an introductory pen (and the necessary supplies) would be a nice gesture, but that seems presumptuous, and might constitute an inappropriate workplace gift.

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