Episode 128: TWS-BE or Not TWS-BE? That is the question...

Purchase Pen here: https://goldspot.com/?aff=3   No this is not click bait. Unfortunately The Odd Oink is no longer able to be a part of the show due to conflicting schedules. I'll explain more in the episode. In the meantime, I talk about retailer and brand loyalty, a concept that I myself have been dealing with in the recent months. I am interested in your options after hearing the episode.   Also, check out my affiliate links. Every purchase helps me out! One is for Goldspot (coupon code STEAMBOAT), and the other is for Girologio Leather pen cases ( coupon code PENSAVAGE10 ). goldspot.com/?aff=3   girologiomade.com/pensavage10   Follow me on facebook and instagram @penboyroy Be well be safe!

In this episode, Tom and I speak to our fellow Podcasters! Stars of the show, The Juicy Broads... it's another podcast about pens. I swear. We dive into an interesting conversation about... well... pens. Seriously... I swear.  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 Listen to the sponsorship section to get a discount code for 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Edison Pen Co., Esterbrook, Narwhal, Leonardo, 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.   If you've tumbled down the rabbit hole of fountain pen collecting, perhaps you'll find this adorable bunny in your Easter basket. Luxury Brands of America introduces the latest handpainted Benu fountain pen masterpiece - the Easter Bunny. This pen showcases a palette of traditional springtime pastel tones like pink, yellow, and light green. Each piece of the 100-pen limited edition is handpainted with a cute little bunny on the barrel along with the pen's serial number. Hop on over to your favorite Benu Dealer in mid-March to put this pen in your basket.

Gee shares how a one-person machine shop for automobiles (Karas Kustoms) turned into a fountain pen brand called Karas Pen Co. Tom and I ask Gee about how she went from the pharmaceutical industry to the pen industry and how her life changed for the better because of fountain pens. We talk about the designs of the heavy metal Karas pens, the antimicrobial benefits of writing with a copper pen, and the perks to joining the Karas Pen Club.   You can find an amazing price on their discontinued Render K fountain pens mentioned in this episode on the Karas website here - https://karaskustoms.com/ Drop Gee a line and let her know that the Pentertainment Podcast sent you.   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 Listen to the sponsorship section to get a discount code for 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Edison Pen Co., Esterbrook, Narwhal, Leonardo, 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.   If you've tumbled down the rabbit hole of fountain pen collecting, perhaps you'll find this adorable bunny in your Easter basket. Luxury Brands of America introduces the latest handpainted Benu fountain pen masterpiece - the Easter Bunny. This pen showcases a palette of traditional springtime pastel tones like pink, yellow, and light green. Each piece of the 100-pen limited edition is handpainted with a cute little bunny on the barrel along with the pen's serial number. Hop on over to your favorite Benu Dealer in mid-March to put this pen in your basket.

In this episode, we catch up with Bryce Gillett from Luxury Brands of America, who also happens to sponsor this multi-dozen-dollar podcast empire. "Biryce" spills the tea about the acquisition of Laban Pens in the USA, and hypothesizes about why the Platinum 3776 Chai Latte is selling so well. Is there such a thing as too much sparkly Benu? Find out in this fun interview.   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 Listen to the sponsorship section to get a discount code for 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Edison Pen Co., Esterbrook, Narwhal, Leonardo, 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.   You might be able to still find the Platinum 3776 Shape of a Heart Chai Latte at pen retailers like Goldspot when they arrive in March/April of 2024. The third in the "Shape of a Heart" special editions, "Chai Latte" has a matte finished resin body and cap with warm, cozy colors accented with rose gold trims and a 14kt rose gold nib. The cherry on top is the literal crown of the pen. The cap's finial has a dome that encloses zirconia with three gold hearts that were punched out from the nib manufacturing process. Gorgeous! Only 2,000 pens made.   Plus, the wait is almost over for the Endless Alchemy inks. The Alchemy ink bottle designs "ink"-courages you to play with your ink. Each bottle includes a special base. On one side of the base, you can tilt the bottle and roll it on its side. On the other side of the base, the bottle stands upright to allow direct vertical access into your ink.   Ballpoint pens suck. But, if you're going to write with a ballpoint pen, you might as well write with one that helps save the cute animals in the rainforest.    This Rainforest Retro51 is a Luxury Brands of America exclusive and is limited to 500 units worldwide. Inspired by the animals in the rainforest, Luxury Brands wanted to create a pen that you would love and give back some love to the world. With this in mind, Luxury Brands of America has partnered with the Rainforest Trust, one of the world’s leading Rainforest and Endangered Species Conservation organizations, and is now a member of the Rainforest Trust Corporate Conservation Circle. With the purchase of this pen, a percentage of the proceeds has been donated to the Rainforest Trust, ensuring that these beautiful animals and landscapes are here to stay for generations to come!   Get the Retro 51 Rainforest here - https://luxurybrandsusa.com/product/retro51/

Tom and I discuss the idea of having certified repair specialists for specific pen brands. Imagine if you have an issue with a Pelikan pen and, instead of going through warranty service, you can reach out to the retailer who will have a certified Pelikan repair specialist on staff to fix your pen. What do you think? Please let me know your thoughts and send an e-mail to [email protected]   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 Listen to the sponsorship section to get a discount code for 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Edison Pen Co., Esterbrook, Narwhal, Leonardo, 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.   Coming soon to your favorite pen retailer (see above) is a pen case with more room for your precious writing instruments. Introducing the all-new Endless Companion 10 Adjustable Pen Pouch – the perfect accessory for every writing enthusiast! After many requests for a larger case size, Endless has delivered in an incredible fashion! The 10-pen case features a leather divider which also acts as the notebooks holder. This feature allows the length and width of the case to be virtually the same as the 5-pen but it is thicker to accommodate the 5 additional pens! As with the 5-pen companion, the 10-pen Companion comes with one dotted pocket Storyboard notebook! As always, the Companion features Endless’ innovative adjustable pen loops so you can fit almost any pen! In addition, the cartridge/ converter slot that you all know and love is also still included in the 10-pen Companion!

Purchase Pen here: https://goldspot.com/?aff=3 As I rummage through my childhood, I discover that my love for the movie "The Good The Bad and The Ugly" has had an influence on my love of fountain pens. Kinda weird... but totally relevant. Trust me. Although my buddy, Lyman Good, isn't a sponsor of this podcast, I want to mention his work in the field of mental wellness. You can access resources and reach out at his website https://www.goodtheorywellness.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 Listen to the sponsorship section to get a discount code for 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Edison Pen Co., Esterbrook, Narwhal, Leonardo, 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.   Big announcement! Luxury Brands of America now distributes Laban pens! If you've followed my fountain pen reviews, you know that I'm a fan of Laban fountain pens. Especially, the 325 collection, which features an ivory-colored resin cap, end finial, and grip section with a gorgeous acrylic barrel and gold trim.   Here's my Laban 325 fountain pen review mentioned in this episode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lqzNTeUZrk Follow me on facebook and instagram @penboyroy Be well be safe!

I was excited to come across a pen I hadn't used in a while. It's durable, antimicrobial, and writes like a champ. Tom and I talk about this pen, plus we discuss Pelikan pens - both new and old.   Although my buddy, Lyman Good, isn't a sponsor of this podcast, I want to mention his work in the field of mental wellness. You can access resources and reach out at his website https://www.goodtheorywellness.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   Listen to the sponsorship section to get a discount code for 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Edison Pen Co., Esterbrook, Narwhal, Leonardo, 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.   Ink bottles just got a lot more exciting! Introducing the new Alchemy Fountain Pen Ink collection from Endless Stationery! With their fun-shaped bottle and a double-sided base, you can either play with your ink bottle on your desk or flip the cork base over to stand the bottle upright to fill your favorite pen! Each bottle comes with a story of inspiration of the alchemist's ability to wield each ink. Come with us on a journey to discover the new world of Alchemy inks from Endless Stationery!  All of the Endless Alchemy inks are suitable for use in fountain pens and dip pens.  Also available from our friends Luxury Brands of America is the Retro 51 Tornado Rainforest Limited Edition Rollerball pen. The only rollerball pen we will ever willingly talk about because it benefits a good cause. Get yours today here - luxurybrandsusa.com/product/retro51

Thanks to our friend of the podcast, @jjgtme, I now have embraced the Frankenpen Waldmann Titan with the titanium Bock #5 nib that he sent me. This one act of customization has made me take another look at the idea of Frankenpens. Plus, Tom and I discuss zombie apocalypses and Resident Evil.   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   Listen to the sponsorship section to get a discount code for 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Edison Pen Co., Esterbrook, Narwhal, Leonardo, 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.   Big announcement! Luxury Brands of America now distributes Laban pens! If you've followed my fountain pen reviews, you know that I'm a fan of Laban fountain pens. Especially, the 325 collection, which features an ivory-colored resin cap, end finial, and grip section with a gorgeous acrylic barrel and gold trim.   Here's my Laban 325 fountain pen review mentioned in this episode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lqzNTeUZrk   Also from Luxury Brands, a ssssssneaky new release is coming at the end of February! The Benu Viper will charm you with its captivating, hand-painted snake coiled around the barrel of the pen.

A pen of mine was lost for months. Finally, it surfaced, still full of green ink. I wanted to sign my name on a giant $1.32 rebate check from Rakuten. To my surprise, the pen wrote! In this episode, I share which pen it was. Tom and I also talk about some of our favorite controversial pen manufacturers. Plus, an update on my titanium watch band comparison.   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   Listen to the sponsorship section to get a discount code for 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Edison Pen Co., Esterbrook, Narwhal, Leonardo, 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.   Ink bottles just got a lot more exciting! Introducing the new Alchemy Fountain Pen Ink collection from Endless Stationery! With their fun-shaped bottle and a double-sided base, you can either play with your ink bottle on your desk or flip the cork base over to stand the bottle upright to fill your favorite pen! Each bottle comes with a story of inspiration of the alchemist's ability to wield each ink. Come with us on a journey to discover the new world of Alchemy inks from Endless Stationery!  All of the Endless Alchemy inks are suitable for use in fountain pens and dip pens.    Also available from our friends Luxury Brands of America is the Retro 51 Tornado Rainforest Limited Edition Rollerball pen. The only rollerball pen we will ever willingly talk about because it benefits a good cause. Get yours today here - luxurybrandsusa.com/product/retro51

Purchase Pen here: https://goldspot.com/?aff=3 My recent exploration into the world of Apple Watch Bands had me thinking about the parallels in the pen industry. Tom and I discuss pen manufacturing and whether pen brands will slap a name on cheaper pens and mark up the price. We raise questions about how much a pen is actually "Made in" a particular country and whether that matters. 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 Listen to the sponsorship section to get a discount code for 10% off throughout the Goldspot Pens store. *Excludes Sailor, Retro 51, Montblanc, Visconti, Edison Pen Co., Esterbrook, Narwhal, Leonardo, 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. Does your one, lonely pen need a companion? Bundle it up in Endless' new single pen case made from genuine handcrafted leather. These new Companion cases will soon be available at your favorite pen retailer that sells Endless notebooks and leather accessories (like Goldspot!). Follow me on facebook and instagram @penboyroy Be well be safe!