The Pentertainment Podcast

Episode 120: Dipping into the Mailbag

In this episode, we catch up with answering your burning questions about fountain pens. The first one stirs the pot regarding the TWSBI/Narwhal drama. Tom shares whether or not he lets his kids use his fanciest pens. We discuss the group mentality behind what makes a valuable "status" pen. We lament over the disappearance of the Waterman Phileas. Plus, you may learn a new trick to see how many ways you can thread a screw cap. Write to us at pentertainmentpodcast@gmail.com

 

This week is a 2-for-1 sponsorship collaboration. My buddies at Luxury Brands of America and Goldspot Pens collaborated with Benu to introduce the new Talisman Shooting Star fountain pen. If you love a sparkly pen, your wish has been granted. The Shooting Star shines with shimmery blue resin mixed with floating holographic stars. The ends of the cap and barrel are made from luminous turquoise that glows in the dark after being charged in bright light. This limited edition of 300 pens is now available exclusively at Goldspot Pens. Please use my affiliate link below to help support the podcast.

https://goldspot.com/products/benu-talisman-fountain-pen-in-shooting-star&aff=3

As we discussed in a previous episode of the Podcast, Benu had moved from Russia to Armenia in protest of the Russian war in Ukraine. As the Shooting Star is the first special edition pen to ship from Armenia, LBA and Goldspot will donate 10% of the proceeds toward the International Rescue Committee (rescue.org). The IRC is sending vital supplies to over 5 million displaced Ukrainians.

 

Quick shout out to HeyJoo on Instagram, who we mentioned in this week's episode - https://instagram.com/heyjoo_stationery

Episode 119: No Ragrets

This week's episode is like a high school reunion of pens you've forgotten for decades. Do you have a deeper appreciation for pens you have stashed away? Or do you let them go like the Odd Oink? Do you regret letting any pens go? Are there ones that got away? Let us know at pentertainmentpodcast@gmail.com and, I swear, we'll dip into that mail sack on next week's episode.

 

If you'd like to shop for a new pen or try to get Tom fired, head over to our retail sponsor, Goldspot Pens at

https://goldspot.com?aff=3

Use promo code ROY to get an additional 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Esterbrook, Edison Pen Co., Narwhal, and TWSBI products.* Also, be sure to put #firetom in the order comments and you might get a special Pentertainment Podcast sticker with your order.

 

From our friends at Luxury Brands USA, distributors of the Platinum, Japan - we know that everyone is looking for luxury-level fountain pens for less. The Platinum Procyon Luster is one you should take a closer look at. It has a matte aluminum body with chrome trims and Platinum's patented Slip 'n Seal cap mechanism to keep the steel nib fresh with ink. It can also sip shallow pools of ink thanks to its unique ink feed design. The Procyon is a substantial pen without the premium price.

 

Lastly, don't forget to check out some awesome coffee at

 

brlcoffeeco.com

 

and use coupon code "roy" at check out to save money on some of the finest bean known to man!

 

The summer heat is coming soon. Get your beach bod ready with the PenBoyRoy official YouTube channel shirt. This shirt is too awesome to take off under any circumstances. Cannonball into the deep end with it on. Go to the wave pool with it on. Rock it on vacation with your toes in the sand. It's a conversation starter that will have people noticing your excellent taste in pens rather than anything else about your appearance.
 
https://www.inkjournal.com/collections/stickers/products/penboyroy-official-t-shirt-black

Episode 118: The Savage Oink

When the cat's away, the Odd Oink shall play. Tom talks about his role as "designated survivor" at the Goldspot Pens office this week while his bosses are on vacation. (I guess that means he can't be fired this week?) We also talk about his savage moment talking about the Parker Duofold Queen's Jubilee fountain pen. Fight me on this - Robocop vs. rebooted Robocop - which is better? E-mail pentertainmentpodcast@gmail.com to tell me I'm wrong. 

 

If you'd like to shop for a new pen or try to get Tom fired, head over to our retail sponsor, Goldspot Pens at

https://goldspot.com?aff=3

Use promo code ROY to get an additional 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Esterbrook, Edison Pen Co., Narwhal, and TWSBI products.* Also, be sure to put #firetom in the order comments and you might get a special Pentertainment Podcast sticker with your order.

From our friends at Luxury Brands of America - The Waldmann Tango Imaginations are now in stock at Goldspot Pens! Remember to use code “Roy” for an extra % off these amazing pens!!!

 

https://goldspot.com/collections/waldmann-pens?_=pf&pf_pt_product_type=Fountain%20Pen&aff=3
 
In 2022, Tom resolves to get rid of every last PenBoyRoy t-shirt in his home office. You can help. Click the link below and take one (or five) off his hands.
 
https://www.inkjournal.com/collections/stickers/products/penboyroy-official-t-shirt-black

Episode 117: Conkl-inception

Did Yafa "inception" my brain? I've been thinking a lot about Conklin lately and wanted to share my observations about new improvements to the pen design. Tom and I discuss lifetime warranties for pens, picking acrylic materials for exclusives, a Wancher ebonite pen, and answer a few e-mails, including a philosophical one to follow up the Cross X Liberty conversation we had a few episodes ago. If you'd like to ask us a question to answer on a future episode, hit us at pentertainmentpodcast@gmail.com

 

If you'd like to shop for a new pen or try to get Tom fired, head over to our retail sponsor, Goldspot Pens at

https://goldspot.com?aff=3

 

Use promo code ROY to get an additional 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Esterbrook, Edison Pen Co., Narwhal, and TWSBI products.* Also, be sure to put #firetom in the order comments and you might get a special Pentertainment Podcast sticker with your order.

 

Girologio leather is Some of the best leather in the game. They make pen cases from a single pen sleeve to a massive 96 pen briefcase. These cases are perfect for the pen aficionado, and will last you for years to come!

 

Don't forget to check out awesome coffee at brlcoffeeco.com and use coupon code "roy' at checkout for additional savings on all products on the brlcoffeeco.com website!

Episode 116: Grinding Fat-Bottomed Nibs with J.J. Lax

In this follow-up interview with nib meister J.J. Lax, we discuss grinding, tuning, and fixing fountain pen nibs. We get JJ's view on the best nibs out of the box, Bock vs. Jowo, and which types of nib grinds are the most popular. We also dispel the myth of the paper bag. If you have any nib-related questions and would like JJ to return to the show and answer them, e-mail us at pentertainmentpodcast@gmail.com 

If you'd like to shop for a new pen or try to get Tom fired, head over to our retail sponsor, Goldspot Pens at

https://goldspot.com?aff=3

Use promo code ROY to get an additional 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Esterbrook, Edison Pen Co., Narwhal, and TWSBI products.* Also, be sure to put #firetom in the order comments and you might get a special Pentertainment Podcast sticker with your order.

The new limited edition Waldmann Tango Imagination Dark Teal is coming soon! This is the very first exclusive pen to North America that Waldmann has ever produced and boy, is it a gorgeous pen! Each pen will be individually numbered out of 200 pieces. Available in Rollerball, stainless steel, and 18k gold fountain pen.

And by the way, the Tango imagination and quite a few pens from Waldmann and other brands that Luxury Brands were nominated for categories in Pen World Magazines Readers Choice Awards. So, if you are a subscriber to Pen World Magazine, go and vote!!
 
In 2022, Tom resolves to get rid of every last PenBoyRoy t-shirt in his home office. You can help. Click the link below and take one (or five) off his hands.
 
https://www.inkjournal.com/collections/stickers/products/penboyroy-official-t-shirt-black

Episode 115: Holy Flute Holes, Batman!

Breathe in, breathe out. Tom and I answer some e-mails sent to the pentertainmentpodcast@gmail.com address, including one about playing the flute. We also grapple with fear, talk about the latest Montegrappa Batman pen, and get into a strange and haunting conversation that might make you look at your pens (and pennies) in a different way.

 

If you'd like to shop for a new pen or try to get Tom fired, head over to our retail sponsor, Goldspot Pens at

https://goldspot.com?aff=3

Use promo code ROY to get an additional 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Esterbrook, Edison Pen Co., Narwhal, and TWSBI products.* Also, be sure to put #firetom in the order comments and you might get a special Pentertainment Podcast sticker with your order. 

I'll be frank - being a pen distributor isn't as sexy of a title as it sounds. Surprising, I know. However, our friends at Luxury Brands of America (LBA) do a phenomenal job at bringing the world's most exciting writing brands into the hands of North American fountain pen enthusiasts. One such brand is Waldmann. In Germany, it's more popular than bread (probably). However, not many people in the USA know about it. Luxury Brands imports them to spread the word about these amazing pens. After writing with the Waldmann Tango and the Tuscany fountain pens, I see the appeal. I think you should, too. 
 
In 2022, Tom resolves to get rid of every last PenBoyRoy t-shirt in his home office. You can help. Click the link below and take one (or five) off his hands.
 
https://www.inkjournal.com/collections/stickers/products/penboyroy-official-t-shirt-black

 

Episode 114: JJ Lax and the TWSBI vs Narwhal Debacle!

We dive into the drama between TWSBI and Narwhal with nib meister Joshua Lax (JJ Lax). Is TWSBI justified in its claim that the Narwhal piston mechanism is a copy? Who has the patent on the fountain pen piston mechanism? Where is the fine line between a copy and an original design? Tom, Joshua, and I weigh in on this hot button topic. Send your thoughts on the subject to pentertainmentpodcast@gmail.com

 

If you'd like to shop for a new pen or try to get Tom fired, head over to our retail sponsor, Goldspot Pens at
 
https://goldspot.com?aff=3

Use promo code ROY to get an additional 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Esterbrook, Edison Pen Co., Narwhal, and TWSBI products.* Also, be sure to put #firetom in the order comments and you might get a special Pentertainment Podcast sticker with your order.
 

The all-new GIOIA Bellavista is coming soon! Complete with an easy to clean piston filler, gorgeous cap band, ink window and exclusive resins, these are sure to impress. Check out the Luxury Brands Instagram page for more! 
In 2022, Tom resolves to get rid of every last PenBoyRoy t-shirt in his home office. You can help. Click the link below and take one (or five) off his hands.
 
https://www.inkjournal.com/collections/stickers/products/penboyroy-official-t-shirt-black

Episode 113: Studying...Oh look! A squirrel!

I take a break from my studies to record a podcast with my good friend, Tom "The Odd Oink," only to talk about... studying. Well, it's more about wanting to do everything but study. So, we take some time to talk about pens, including a new Homo Sapiens MAGMA I had to tune because it had a fishhook for a nib. If anyone has tips for studying with ADHD, please throw me a lifeline at pentertainmentpodcast@gmail.com

 

If you'd like to shop for a new pen or try to get Tom fired, head over to our retail sponsor, Goldspot Pens at

 

https://goldspot.com?aff=3

Use promo code ROY to get an additional 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Esterbrook, Edison Pen Co., Narwhal, and TWSBI products.* Also, be sure to put #firetom in the order comments and you might get a special Pentertainment Podcast sticker with your order.

 

From our friends at Luxury Brands of America - Marvel at the beautiful sight of the GIOIA Bellavista fountain pen. Equipped with an easy-to-clean piston converter, ink window, and impressive cap band, you're going to fall in love with these nibbed beauties. Coming soon to a GIOIA pen retailer near you, which, thanks to the internet, all of them are only a click or tap away.

 

In 2022, Tom resolves to get rid of every last PenBoyRoy t-shirt in his home office. You can help. Click the link below and take one (or five) off his hands.

 

https://www.inkjournal.com/collections/stickers/products/penboyroy-official-t-shirt-black

Episode 112: Episode One hundred and Twelve Monkeys

Content Warning: Tom and I discuss the recent announcement by Luxury Brands of America that Benu is moving their staff and pen manufacturing operations from Russia to Armenia. We also discuss improvements made to the retractable Platinum Curidas fountain pen, studying with blue light glasses, popping cans of seltzer, Socrates' fish funeral, and the strategy behind spoiler-free, limited-edition pen releases. Email us at pentertainmentpodcast@gmail.com to hurl all your hate towards the people who made this podcast.

 

If you'd like to shop for a new pen or try to get Tom fired, head over to our retail sponsor, Goldspot Pens at goldspot.com (there will be an affiliate link here as soon as I fill out the paperwork)

Buy at goldspot and use coupon code "roy" at checkout for extra savings!

https://goldspot.com?aff=3

Use promo code ROY to get an additional 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Esterbrook, Edison Pen Co., Narwhal, and TWSBI products.* Also, be sure to put #firetom in the order comments and you might get a special Pentertainment Podcast sticker with your order.

 

In 2022, Tom resolves to get rid of every last PenBoyRoy t-shirt in his home office. You can help. Click the link below and take one (or five) off his hands.

 

https://www.inkjournal.com/collections/stickers/products/penboyroy-official-t-shirt-black

 

 

Episode 111: Pretentious Pen Talk

When the chips are down and life seems bleak, leave it to the pen community to brighten your spirits. In this episode, Tom and I discuss the differences between resin, acrylic, and celluloid materials in making fountain pens. Is there a remarkable difference or are we just being pretentious? Also, can you write with fountain pens at a perpendicular angle? All your burning questions are answered - even the ones you never thought to ask. Email us at pentertainmentpodcast@gmail.com if you'd like to arrange Socrates' funeral or ask a question about fountain pens, or both!

 

If you'd like to shop for a new pen or try to get Tom fired, head over to our retail sponsor, Goldspot Pens at goldspot.com

Use promo code ROY to get an additional 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Esterbrook, Edison Pen Co., Narwhal, and TWSBI products.* Also, be sure to put #firetom in the order comments and you might get a special Pentertainment Podcast sticker with your order.

 

Boldly go where no inky savage has gone before! From our friends at Luxury Brands of America- Colorverse ink releases their newest limited edition ink set, New Horizons. Limited to 2006 pieces worldwide, this ink set commemorates the journey and discoveries that the New Horizon space probe uncovered! Launching March 1st.

 

In 2022, Tom resolves to get rid of every last PenBoyRoy t-shirt in his home office. You can help. Click the link below and take one (or five) off his hands.

 

https://www.inkjournal.com/collections/stickers/products/penboyroy-official-t-shirt-black