Goulet Q&A Episode 179: Friction Fit Nibs, Brian’s Top Pen and Ink Combo, and A Slew Of Business Questions

How can you tell if your pen has a friction fitted nib and feed (without forcing or breaking it)?

• this one’s tough, because a lot of manufacturers don’t really want to advertise this feature
• it’s really a “hack”, with rare exception
• the few companies that embrace the nib swapping capabilities of their pens often do so with a nib housing that completely unscrews, like Aurora, Edison, Kara Kustoms
• pulling friction-fit nibs has some inherent risk, especially from the manufacturer’s perspective
• if you ruin something (without realizing it) then talk about how poorly your (insert brand) pen writes, that looks bad for them
• it really all boils down to trial and error
• honestly, most nibs are friction fit, you just have to know how to pull them without damaging them
• people like me that hack their pens apart will publicize it when they can, but there isn’t a single comprehensive list that I’m aware
• google the individual pen yourself if you’re curious, ask folks like me or my team, or just try it yourself (there’s risk here though)
• half the time I find out if they are just by going for it, but I’m fairly brazen at this point!
• Looking at my site with what I currently have, the VAST majority of nibs are friction-fit with these exceptions:
  • Aurora Duo Cart
  • Lamy 2000
  • Platinum Cool/Balance
  • *Pilot E95s, Sterling, VP/Decimo, are but require extra care
  • *Aurora gold nibs, Pelikan, are easier to just swap nib units

2) andrew_smithing- Instagram – (22:48)

What fountain pens would hold up to a rough day job? I am a part time bladesmith and full time machinist. Heating and air conditioning isnt a thing in either job, and I tend to bump into heavy objects. Summer it gets close to 120°f and winter its in the 40s.. my current fountain pens break or leak heavily. Thank you!

• you may be pushing the limits of practicality with such extreme conditions, just a heads up
• Karas Kustoms immediately comes to mind
• Lamy Safari
• Jinhao (any of them, really)
• TWSBI Eco
• These are all pretty tough, so I don’t think breakage will be so much an issue
• leaking maybe, especially with that heat, that will be hard to avoid

Do bottles of fountain pen ink have expiry dates?

• not often, and it can very a lot based on use and conditions
• it can go years and years
• store in a cool, dry place with the lid closed and minimal exposure to light for longest lasting
• Montblanc has expiration dates
• I can’t think of any other

Business – (34:53)

4) Renee O.- Facebook – (34:54)

I’ve been wondering what your management style is. What would you say is your greatest strength and weakness? Would your employees agree? You have a great team…Go Goulet!

• lead by example- I’ll try it myself first before expecting others to do it
• servant leadership- I bear the responsibility of my whole team, and will do everything I can to set up a supportive structure for them
• Strength- Futuristic thinking, and willingness to work towards win-win solutions whenever possible
• Weakness- work too hard! Care too much! ;) No really, I have two glaring ones.
  • I’m task-driven and very decisive, so I often overlook the impact that my actions have on others, especially emotionally, so I hurt feelings or give off the impression I don’t care, when in fact I really do
  • I am so looking towards the future that I seldom stop to celebrate accomplishments, for myself and others, and that can be demoralizing for my team

5) lowcountry_impact- Instagram – (45:03)

What 5 books, and in what way, have helped you build what your company has become? Thanks!!

• The Dip by Seth Godin– got me to quit making pens and go all in on retail
• Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk– why I make videos
• Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh– establishing company values
• EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey– hiring process, no debt, communication styles, service week, so much else
• The Advantage by Pat Lencioni– building a leadership team and organizational health

Personal – (55:31)

7) sweetiemonsquares- Instagram – (1:00:33)

This is more of a personal question, but it stems from my experience writing with fountain pens… Since watching your interview with Ryder Carroll, I have revisited all my bullet journals since 2013. I found that i have achieved many things in these few years but never really acknowledged or given myself credit for them. @gouletpens @brian.goulet What things in your past, big or small, can you now say you are proud to have accomplished?

• husband and father, less about accomplishment, more about living it out
• I wanted to work with Rachel, and we’re doing that!
• Read my journal from January 3, 2010, before I published a single video…

QOTW: What is your proudest accomplishment? – (1:15:50)


Thanks so much for joining us this week! You can catch up on any old Q&A videos you missed here.