Top 10 Fountain Pens of 2021

This is MY personal list of my top 10 best fountain pen experiences of 2021. I have selected my personal favourites from all of my reviews. Please let me know YOUR favourite experiences of the year in the comments below.

Please feel free to use the chapters provided below to skip to various parts of the review.
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Chapters:
00:00 - Start
00:27 - Introduction
03:08 - Penbbs 323 Galaxy
04:39 - Hongdian 1841
05:39 - Pilot Decimo
06:22 - Sheaffer Student Pen
07:58 - Ranga 3C
09:06 - Moonman Ti200
11:16 - Kaigelu 356
13:02 - Jinhao Centennial
14:01 - Penbbs 456 Black
16:12 - Leonardo Furore Galaxy
17:41 - #1 Pelikan M800

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Concerto No. 3 in E major, Op. 8, RV 293, "Spring" by Antonio Vivaldi, in HD quality!
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CAUTION: The following video has an unusually high VHQ (video humor quotient). Viewers are advised to refrain from consuming carbonated beverages while watching. Any liquid spewing out of your nose is YOUR responsibility.

[gregchristopher]

I value your opinions. Keep it up. You aren't afraid to piss people off. I like that.

[yominrak]

The Hongdian 1841 is definitely resin, I have one Montblanc 146 and the texture of MB and HD are the same, the HD 1841 is slightly lighter than MB due to its tinier barrel and shorter than the MB pen, the HD 1841 has some heft and weight to it, very well polish. If you have a chance to borrow one MB 146 perhaps you can compare against this HD 1841.

[MrCabimero]

Bravo! Thank you for another year of fine reviews. Congratulations on your Pelican and your birthday. I took the plunge into PENBBS this year and have not been disappointed. The long blade nibs are addictive- I love writing with them ( I like thick nibs, I cannot lie) due to the thick lines. Same deal with the Calligraphy nib. Santa just delivered a Ranga Model 5 with a gold 8 size nib in chestnut- after seeing how beautiful your chestnut model was, I can't wait to open mine Christmas Day. You have opened my eyes to a world I did not know before; writing with my fountain pens has been such a joy and a wonderful diversion throughout the pandemic. I can''t thank you enough for all you have taught me. Please know you are appreciated. Happy Holidays to you and your family.

[getmartincarter]

Very entertaining channel, with humour and a technical approach to evaluating pens lacking in other YouTube channels .

[edwardwiper]

Great selection Doug but unfortunatley i miss out on the penbbs 456 black they had all gone by the time i got out of work & could use my mobile.YOU have reminded me, i have found one on Aliexpress, it as cost me but im happy, Ilike the writers blood & i can see me having to purchase the oxblood when my bank account recovers in the newyear.Great review as usual.

[davidmcguigan]

You lucky ba....!!! LOL! Thanks, Doug and congrats on another fun pen year! My best in 2021... Kanwrite Heritage, translucent amber,
with an FPR super flex nib, lots of fun. Also, a Crocodile acrylic, cracked ice amber that I have not seen on other pens and,
or course, a crocodile clip and on the nib, great fun again! Cheers!

[williamcrane]

Kudos and props for this video format, i.e., the primary focus on the writing demo with a smaller pip in the lower right of frame. Merry Christmas!

[alaincuerrier]

Bought a second hand M805 Blue and it was inked with Asa gao. Next day, I bought a bottle of that ink. Love Pelikan pens. But will need to try those others you have mentioned! Thanks.

[thorhilda]

Some comments:

10) The Hong Dian collections numbered 18xx seem to me to be of higher quality than their other models and they have a nice #6 nib.
8) My first fountain pen was the Sheaffer Viewpoint (I still have it and use it often). My second was the Student in black, just like yours. I've put its feed and nib in an Airmail 71J because I find the Student too skinny.
6) I am very surprised because when I watched your review of the Ti200 I was left with the impression that you didn't like it, you thought it was too expensive for nothing.
5) You made me want to try this nib <NMF>.

Thank you for this subjective ranking. Even if it reflects only your tastes, it gives us relative references for our reactions. each of us.

[Sonicman]

This is a great list. The Ranga Abhimanyu is my fav Ranga model. Though I thoroughly love the flat top #4, and the conicle top model as well.. Ranga is a stand up company too. Asa~gao is one of my fav inks this year. I’m obsessed with the Franklin Christoph M SIG (stub italic gradient) nib grind by Audrey, I bought the #20 in Sept, for my birthday.. and I just found one in a midnight blue diamond cast which rocks my socks off, it’s got a M Franklin Christoph nib, their nibs are some of the best steel nibs out there. Edison nibs are also very well tuned. I adore the Pelican nib look.. I have yet to buy one. My most expensive pen is an Aurora and it is stunning. Anyway.. that’s my pen chat for now. Great vid. Love your channel

[sadmanislam]

Nice to see a top 10 list. I can't wait to find out what your top pens are this year.

[stefanwood]

Honestly, the best fountain pen experience was finding your videos and following - then purchasing - many of the pens that you have reviewed. It revived a long dormant hobby of mine, one that I shared with my father when we would get up at 4 in the morning to drive to Kutztown Pennsylvania to hunt for vintage fountain pens. My favorites are also the Pen BBS 456, Ranga 5, the limited edition Platinum preppy, the Bobby modified Wing Sung (?), and my all time favorite Kanwrite Heritage with full flex nib, one of the best sub $50 pens I have written with. I look forward to finding most of these pens in next week's worst pens of 2021 ;o). And every time I watch your video I glance over to Etsy and the PenBBS store and today I ended up spending a C note on a pair of calligraphy nibs, another 456 in Starry Night, and for kicks a Marshmallow 322. As usual, my wallet hates you. Keep up the good work!

[johnsomers]

Fun collection! Looking forward to your 2022 collection. I'm glad you chose a Pelikan!

[davidanderson]

I hate these top 10 videos. I want to buy them all. You have given me some food for thought on a number of pens. Great video, Doug!

[TheNightowl]

This past year, 2021, is the year I acquired a Pilot Elite/E95s EF (I have the Elite ordered directly from Japan, which is different than the Korean Elite), a Platinum 3776 Century Black Diamond with a UEF nib, AND the Pilot Falcon (resin version) in SEF. Not only are those the highlight of my pen year, but they are the highlights of my pen writing life!

[hagrid]

Perfect Doug, some of those have graced my desk and the Kaigelu long blades found themselves installed as well. A couple of hiccups along the way, still fun of course! Thanks as usual for your insights... Entertaining video as usual.

[squeakynib]

Now my wallet is recoiling as I have to go on a little shopping spree. What a great list! I love the balance and insight you provide. Keep the videos coming, I just love your point of view.

[erincarmack]

Thank you for more of your valuable penabling information. Just when I think I don't need anymore pens, you come out with tempting recommendations. I appreciate the time you put into making your pen reviews. Looking forward to the 10 worst list. Happy holidays!

[Guderina]

Thanks Doug, as a proud owner of several pens that enters 2021 list, I have to agree with your choice. I wish to you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[stevenjohnson]

Love the video .
The pelikan is a stunning pen . Wonderful nib great balance just shouts quality. Enjoy x