How many pens do you have inked?

**Slivovitz** · 05-03-2012, 09:37 AM

First, it's hard to believe this hasn't been a poll question here before, but I did search with both Google and the forum search function, and did not find it. It was suggested to me by a recent FPN thread, but without the poll.

I've been "into" fountain pens for a little less than a year now. Love my Esterbrooks, and like most of the rest. My focus at the moment is neither to acquire any more pens and inks, nor to get rid of any of the surplus. I am trying, though, to reduce the number of pens that actually have ink in them at one time. Not counting some disposables, I have 28 that are currently inked. Somewhat arbitrarily, I'd like to get that down to 12. When I tried to make a list of what those 12 would be, it wasn't that easy to eliminate some that I like to have available, but then, even 12 is probably overdoing it a bit.

By the way, I don't want just to flush out any of the pens that I don't use as much. The plan is to write with them until they're dry, then clean them out and set them aside for a while.

So, how many pens do other folks around here keep inked? Do you have opinions on how many you "should" keep inked?

**rockviper** · 05-03-2012, 09:43 AM

I generally only have one inked at a time. I'm a weirdo, I know

**strop** · 05-03-2012, 10:06 AM

Including my desk pen, which is always inked, I haves six going at present. I generally use one until it's empty, then clean and fluch it and replace it with another. Current lineup includes said Shaeffer desk pen circa 1885, Waterman Phileas F nib, Sailor 1911 F nib, a 51, Pilot 78 stub, and Levenger Truwrighter with cursive italic nib. The Glenmont, a 21, Preppy,and Stipula just went out of rotation.

**jumper** · 05-03-2012, 10:36 AM

2 for me. My Cross and my TWSBI

**Altair** · 05-03-2012, 11:11 AM

2 my ahab and 540, I do wanna get another ahab or the konrad.

**brianw** · 05-03-2012, 11:43 AM

Usually about 8

**jwhite** · 05-03-2012, 12:24 PM

Typically about four,

a black currently Namiki
a blue currently R&K Salix
a red currently Black Swan-English
a something interesting but none of the above currently Noodler's golden brown.

**oc_in_fw** · 05-03-2012, 02:35 PM

2 Ahabs (I have a hard time getting ink to come out of them

), a Cross Century, Lamy Al-Star, and Studio and a Parker Reflex

**Dave258** · 05-03-2012, 04:34 PM

At the moment, I only have 3 pens inked. My Safari with 5 o'clock shadow, Vanishing Point with Noodler's Black Swan in Australian Roses and my 51 Flighter with Waterman Black.
I did get my first Goulet ink drop today, so that will change quickly! I usually have more than 3 inked anyway!

**nemo** · 05-03-2012, 05:18 PM

I usually don't have many inked at the same time, probably only 4 or 5 (that I know of

)

**turtle** · 05-03-2012, 05:26 PM

8 right now.

**jochums** · 05-03-2012, 05:27 PM

I have no idea why i would have more than 2 inked at a time (which is the case at present)...others members may have some legit reason to have more, but for me my bold is inked with black(lamy 2000) and my medium is inked with blue (vp)...i think the blue with a smaller nib looks more professional...with the lamy b the blue almost looks like a crayon...ymmv

**oc_in_fw** · 05-03-2012, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by jochums

with the lamy b the blue almost looks like a crayon...ymmv

I use BSBs in my Lamys. I love the ink, and it is driving someone at works nuts. That is a "win-win" IMO

**Rudy Vey** · 05-04-2012, 03:03 AM

Six right now: Lamy Safari, Pelikan M400 and M 800, Platinum Motosu, Platinum 3776 with music nib, B&B LE
Forgot the Preppie with J Herbins Rouge Hematite 1670 - makes it seven

**chuckr9** · 05-04-2012, 04:18 AM

My count a little higher right now because Goulet's ink drop arrived yesterday!

**maxman** · 05-04-2012, 05:02 AM

3 usually. Not more than that.
Right now they are: Parker 51 special, Edison Glenmont, MB 149

**DogHair** · 05-04-2012, 06:59 AM

Two maybe three at the most. I usually stick with the same one until it's empty then switch.

**jumper** · 05-05-2012, 10:02 PM

Originally Posted by nemo

I usually don't have many inked at the same time, probably only 4 or 5 (that I know of

)

Coffee up my nose! Priceless statement Doug.

**Jimmy James** · 05-06-2012, 08:41 AM

I'll try to actually list what I have inked from memory.

Serwex 162 Navy
Serwex 162 Black
Serwex 362
Serwex 962
Camlin 47
Kreuzer
Lamy 99 Black
Lamy 99 Teal
Lamy Ratio Black
Lamy Ratio Olive
Lamy Safari Orange
Lamy Safari Apple Green (misplaced :( )
Lamy al-Star
Lamy 2000
Sheaffer Junior Balance
Sheaffer Craftsman
Namiki Vanishing Point
Noodler's Konrad Ebonite
Noodler's Ahab with Knox nib
Reform Classico
Bexley Simplicity
Bexley Corona
Edison Pearl
TWSBI Diamond 530 Clear
TWSBI Diamond 530 Orange
TWSBI Diamond 530 Green
TWSBI Diamond 530 Blue
TWSBI Diamond 540 ROC 100
TWSBI Diamond 540 Smoke
TWSBI Vac 700
Wality piston filler (I forget which model)

Okay, I should have chosen 30-50. I know I have too many pens inked. I do not recommend it. By the same token, I do think the value of a pen is directly proportional to how long it can stay inked. I'm pleased with every one of the pens listed.

**Miles** · 05-06-2012, 01:05 PM

More than 10 are inked up at the moment, but I really need to do some housekeeping, penwise. My semester wraps up in a couple of weeks, after which point there should only be around 4-5 pens inked and ready to go.