Editing The Pen Addict 364/transcript (section)

== Personal Gear Selection ==


'''Brad Dowdy:''' Yeah, thanks. Thanks. Thanks for letting me like I could not drop it on you. Let's drop two bombs in the middle of the episode. In the middle of the episode on Myke. But hey, it's got to get out there. And I figure, you know, around the pen show discussion, it would be had. So speaking of pen shows, Myke, you can have a pen show online at our friends at Pen Chalet. So this episode of the Pen Attic is brought to you by Pen Chalet. They sell authentic, amazing rollerballs, fountain pens, ballpoints, mechanical pencils and so much more. They have all of your favorite brands like Monteverde, Pelican, Lamy, Pilot, Namiki, Sailor and Kaweco and are, of course, an authorized dealer. They have fast and reliable customer service. They run special discounts twice a month, including closeout specials every two weeks. They're always adding new styles of pens every month, as well as the brands I mentioned earlier. Pen Chalet sells limited edition pens and all the accessories you need, like pen carrying cases, pen holders, refills, fountain pen converters and so much more. They have free shipping on orders over $50 in the US, but they also sell internationally with very reasonable shipping rates. Pen Chalet has low prices on high quality pens and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. So go to penchalet.com and click the podcast link at the top of the website. Enter the password for penaddict for this week's special offer and get the code you need to save 10% on anything at Pen Chalet. So, Myke, this is the time where I go to penchalet.com and I click on the button radio podcast and I put in the word. You see, usually I do this while Myke's reading, but this time I had to read it. Man, I'm way ahead of you. I've been browsing these offers while you've been talking. All right. So they're on it, like right out the gate. I see one of my personal favorite pens, Myke, the Pelican M101 in gray blue. It's this year's model. I really like that pen. They also have the Diplomat Excellence. I know you're a diplomat. I know you're a big Diplomat fan, right?

'''Myke Madison:''' I am. Yeah. And they've got that brass excellence in the A2, which is a really nice slip cap pen.

'''Brad Dowdy:''' Yeah. Yeah. So they got, as always, they have a wonderful selection of special products. Head over to Pen Chalet and check them out. Use the offer code PENADDICT in the radio podcast link. And thanks so much to Pen Chalet for sponsoring Relay FM and The Pen Addict. All right, Myke. So we talk about a lot of pens and a lot of stationery. And I know when we see each other, there's another thing that we talk about. Hey, what's that? What's that bag you got there? What bag are you carrying today, Myke? You have a bag problem. I'm just going to lay it out there. You have a bag problem. And I say that lovingly because I have a bag problem too. So why? You seem to be recovering for your bag problem though, whereas I feel like I am not.

'''Myke Madison:''' Yeah. I mean, well, so for those of you who don't know out there, my full-time job is I'm a college professor. And so that means I'm on campuses. It means I'm going from building to building and office to car. I have to carry a bunch of stuff. And so the reason I have a bunch of different bags is that it depends on what I'm carrying as to what a good method is. Or sometimes I have to dress up. So I need something that looks a little bit fancier. Or sometimes I'm just going like incognito student style. And I'm wearing a hoodie and jeans. And I just need like a sling or a messenger to go with that. But I've got to carry books. I've got to carry notebooks. I've got to carry a computer. I've got to carry all my bag of necessary stuff. The Chase Reeves always got to have you never want to see you bag that goes from bag to bag with me. So I mean, I feel like there are a lot of different use cases. And that's why I end up with a lot of different bags. Plus, I mean, they're cool, man. Yeah.

'''Brad Dowdy:''' You know, this sounds a lot like picking out the pen that you need. A lot of pens fit a lot of different situations. And man, they're cool. So you end up with too many of them. So what kind of things have you been carrying recently? Because I guess in all the years I've known you and the same goes for me, we have bag turnover, just like pen turnover. So we don't ask like, what are you carrying? We ask, what are you carrying now? Like, what's the current setup for your bags? What are you liking?

'''Myke Madison:''' So I've got like three that I've been in pretty heavy rotation right now. The first is my nomadic backpack, which I got as a Kickstarter, I don't know, a year and a half ago or something like that. And it's kind of a slick kind of techie looking, you know, black on black bag. It's like very structured. So it stands up on its own. It's got a zillion compartments for all my junk. And it's really kind of my favorite backpack at the moment. And I've only, I was looking through my collection of bags and I've only got like two backpacks right now. And the other is an Osprey that I've had forever and those things never wear out. But that's more, you know, I don't know, kind of outdoorsy technical looking than the nomadic. And then I've used a couple of messengers. I've been using this Rickshaw medium zero messenger for, I don't know, maybe two years ish, I guess. Yeah, something like that. And it's it's kind of the perfect size for just going to class like it carries my my MacBook, it carries a couple of notebooks, it carries my planner set up, you know, all that kind of jazz. I just throw it in there. It's very comfortable and nicely organized for me. And then the one that I carry when I need to carry a lot of stuff and I don't feel like carrying a whole backpack is I've got this peak design everyday messenger. And I forget what the size is, but it's the bigger one. So I bought that secondhand from my friend Jim. And so it's like been to the top of mountains and all kinds of crazy stuff. But that thing is so versatile and awesome.

'''Brad Dowdy:''' So, yeah. So I the bigger backpacks like I go in and out of like bigger stuff to carry all the things smaller stuff to carry a few things. That's why I kind of like what you said about the Rickshaw Medium Zero. It's kind of like the just right for just enough type of stuff. So like and I've gone through, as you mentioned, you know, I've I've called my my bag and backpack herd a little bit. What's left? I have like two bags left. I have a brown buffalo conceal bag and the Patagonia kind of like the briefcase backpack style one, which I'm surprised I didn't sell that one. Yeah, but I I'll just have to I just, you know, got to got to promote them. But I I sold most of my bags because I decided that the Tom Benz Synapse 25 liter was going to be the one bag essentially for my backpack carry, even though like I'll admit I kept two bags behind a bow your bullpup and a Topo Designs dome paper mountain briefcase. Both of those for like specific, very specific reasons. Like they're very I don't know. I just think they're cool stories behind them. Like the the bow gear is like a very highly custom that they never offered. And the Topo and don't paper one is just cool because it's stationary theme. But what I carry every day now is the Tom Benz Synapse and it holds a lot of stuff. And I had ordered the 19 a while back. And that's just like I've told you in person. It looks like the little Hello Kitty backpack on on my back. You know, I'm broad shouldered and Sam. Yeah. Yeah. You and I have the kind of the same fit on our across our backs and you need a little bit wider strap, bigger bag. And the Tom Benz Synapse is going to be it for me. Hopefully it feels like it like I took it on a trip this weekend and it just holds all the things like correctly. And I like it a lot. So did you did you take that as like a one bag carry? I didn't just because my wife was taking a suitcase. So I just threw a bunch of clothes. Yeah. So this carried like I had to carry I carried a laptop and iPad, a Yeti microphone, like a bunch of notebooks. And it was just maybe half full, like if that. So it was good. It worked out well for that, although it was heavy. Like that was too much stuff. I wouldn't normally carry like a microphone. But I had a I had a portable recording session that I needed to do. I'll be on. Stay tuned for the 1857 podcast next week for all you listeners out there. I'll be a guest on there. So we recorded that earlier this week. But yeah, it's I think it's going to be good. Like I'm very content with it in that I can just have it be the one. And like you said, the the what is the Chase Reeves like the hidden bag called? Like I was tired of chasing that all over the house, right? Because it would end up in bag. Then I'd switch bags and forget which bag it was in. And I have to keep finding it and relocating it to the current bag. So it's like I need the one bag. So that's the one for now. Awesome. The other thing I use on an almost daily basis, but for different reasons, is the brown buffalo tote. And actually, they don't have this model listed on their site right now, but they have a different tote bag listed. This is a mega heavy duty. Like it's almost like a tarp material that I just use to carry like all of my shipping stuff. Anytime I'm shipping knock or pen addict or spoke pens, like I'll load that thing down and take it to the post office. And that's a daily use bag for me. It's like a 30 liter tote bag, something like that. Very heavy duty, like very over built and over killed, but I kind of love it and I use it every day. So trying to stick with those. I can't guarantee it, right? There's no guarantees in bags, just like there's no guarantees in pens and paper and stationery, right? Yeah. Well, your use case might change, you know, and you'll need a new thing. At least that's our excuse. Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. But Myke, Moo, there's no, we don't need to make excuses for Moo because they're an awesome company and you know about them. And we're going to talk about that in a minute. So this episode of the pen addict is brought to you by Moo. Moo is an online print and design company specializing in customizable business cards, postcards, stickers, and more for your business. You don't want to get caught out by not having a business card at that important moment. And with Moo, you can be prepared to show your creativity whenever the opportunity arrives. The quality of Moo's business cards is one of a kind. And with special finishes like gold foil, raised spot gloss, and letterpress, Moo's business cards are so unique, help get your business to stand out from the crowd. But if you are not into designing your own card, Moo recently rolled out new templates for business cards, drawing inspiration from trends they've seen amongst their most creative customers. Even though business cards are Moo's core product, their full suite of products includes postcards, invitations, letterhead, stickers, and flyers, allowing you to seamlessly promote your brand. They even make amazing quality notebooks available in both soft cover and hard cover. Whatever you need, Moo have you covered with their easy customization options. And if you're not familiar with Moo, you can order a free sample pack on their website to try out their different products. So now, Myke, you mentioned, and I didn't know this going into it, your business cards come from Moo. How is that?

'''Myke Madison:''' They're great. I've been using Moo for several years, ever since I've been getting business cards, really, and business, like my blog cards. And they have these ones that are made out of like recycled t-shirt material. And I found out you could write on those with fountain pens.

'''Brad Dowdy:''' And so that was an instant buy for me. Whoa. Okay. Now that sounds like something I need to get into. And if you need to get into that, you can go to Moo.com and find out more. Get 15% off your order when you spend $50 or more by using the code PRINTMOO at checkout. Once again, that's the code PRINTMOO to get 15% off when you spend $50 or more at Moo.com. Our thanks to Moo for their support of the pen addict and all of Relay FM. Moo. Let's get physical. Wow. So, yes, we need to get some physical business cards made, Myke. So, I will work on that. Now, when we set up this episode, or I guess I should say when I pressured you into doing this episode at the last minute, I kind of panicked, right? It's like, you know, I know what we can talk about, but I have to change the direction a little bit. So, what do we do when we need a little help filling out show topics? We ask the listeners. And in this case, Myke, the listeners... The listeners hooked us up. The listeners came through. So, I apologize in advance that not only did I not copy down all the questions because there were so many of them, Myke and I went through and called them even further. So, we weren't here for two hours today. But the questions were amazing, and I really appreciate everyone sending them in to us. So, we have quite a list here that we're going to try to get through, some quicker than others. But I think it's going to be fun. So, you ready for this? Yeah, let's go. All right. This one's from Twitter. F-Z-N-L-A-M. Ask TPA. If you were going to Mars and could bring along two pens and a bottle of ink, as well as one notebook, what would be your go-to for reliability and writing pleasure? This is a very loaded question, which is why I left it. Like, it's very basic or extremely specific, depending on how you wanted to take it.

'''Myke Madison:''' Yeah. I mean, do you want to go first? Do you want me to? You go for it on this one. All right. So, as far as a couple of pens, they said two pens and a bottle of ink. So, I guess I'm going to go two fountain pens, because, you know, why not? So, first, I got to get a sentimental pen, which is this Franklin Kristoff Panther 40 that Audrey got me years and years ago, way before she was associated with Franklin Kristoff. And I love that pen. It's got a bit of a personal story. And second, probably a diplomat arrow, because everybody knows I love those things. And probably, like, the new Volute one that I just got, because it reminds me that water exists. And then, for a bottle of ink, I mean, you got to go volume if you're stranded there, right? So, or you're going to be there for a couple of years anyway. So, I'm going to go with one of those giant jugs of, like, Pilot Blue Black or something. Oh, man, you got me on that one. And then, for a notebook, like, the user didn't say what size notebook. So, I'm going to go with this Rodia dot pad, but, like, the number 38 one, which is an A3, because I feel like that'll get, that'll give me enough paper.

'''Brad Dowdy:''' Yeah, that's a good call. Like, you don't have to be portable. You might be, like, stuck in a bubble. So, you can have a big pad to spread out, right? Yeah, right. So, I'm going to go with the Pilot 823 for a fountain pen. And then, I'm going to go with my County Comm Embassy pen for a Fisher Space Pen refill. I just kind of have a feeling that might come in handy a little bit. Because you're in space. Yeah.

'''Myke Madison:''' Oh, why didn't I think of that? Yeah.

'''Brad Dowdy:''' So, like, it could be kind of tricky. And I don't know exactly what situations I'll run across in Mars. And I might want that. And we'll see how that goes. And to fill it up, fill up the fountain pen, I was thinking Pilot Iroshizuku Shinkai. But, man, the giant bottle of blue-black is the correct answer, I think. Like, that, because I, number one, because I love that ink. And number two, that's a lot of ink. So, as far as the notebook, I'm actually not as particular on that. And I would probably have gone for, like, the Rodia A4 pad, which is something that just lives on my desk. And I use it just constantly for everything. So, you know, I think those are reliable pens. And I like yours that you had a little story, right, with yours. So, it'll give you, like, some good memories. You know, what if you're on Mars alone? You know, you might want some good thoughts up there, right? So, speaking of Audrey, this is from BeCouncil87. Now that she's at Franklin Christophe, do you get free grinds on your pens?

'''Brad Dowdy:''' Yes.

'''Myke Madison:''' I would hope so. Absolutely. I know Audrey is a really, she is a really good nib grinder. And so, if I ever have a pen that doesn't work well, instead of screwing it up myself, I will give it to her and she will make it excellent. Yeah. I did recently try to fix a pen and kind of messed it up. So, like, before I mess this up any worse, I'm just going to let Audrey deal fix it for me. Yeah.

'''Brad Dowdy:''' She's the best and I love her work. And, like, I'll just buy nibs to have nibs and let her grind them just so I have them to put in my other, frankly, Christophe pens. Since we're on this topic, not in the list, do you have a favorite nib grind? Is there a preference that you say you have a majority of over other nib grinds?

'''Myke Madison:''' Probably by volume. It's going to be like a broad sig, which is the Franklin Christophe custom grind. It's in between an italic and a stub. Yeah. Yeah. Something like that. Broad stub, broad sig, something like that.

'''Brad Dowdy:''' Yeah. One of my favorites, except I would do it probably on a fine. That's the one where, like, you like a little bit broader lines and I like a little bit finer lines, but we both like that same grind. That grind really, really works for me. All right. Our friend, Mr. Jonathan Brooks, wants to know, with all of your inky experience, what's your most sought-after ink characteristic? Sheen, shading, saturation, color? What do you look for in a good ink for you personally?