Using Your Collection

[Shangas]

To buy something without using it is a waste of money.

 

To use something without caring for it is recklessness.

[leod]

I only buy the ones I plan to use. although i do have some that were used on early accumulation and I am planning to give away (well at least that's the story that I tell the significant other :roflmho:)

[penguinmaster]

I've finally overcome that issue. The way I look at my collection is I have users and I have show pieces. Some of the stuff in my collection is just because I like the way it looks, want to have one, or whatever else it may be. Just the nature of having it makes me happy. Other pens it's writing with it that makes me happy.

 

I don't think every pen in a collection is meant to be written with. Perfect example, I picked up a Eversharp Symphony Demonstrator for my collection. I also have 4 other Symphonies that I use all the time. I have no interest and no need to ink up a rare piece just for the pleasure of writing with it. The demonstrator to me is a piece of history and I'd rather preserve it intact as restored and original as possible.

 

To each his own though!

[Montblanc owner and lover]

as you say each his own thoughts...personaly i use all my FPs and it's by writing and comtemplating them at the same time that i take my pleasure

[m13a8]

I try to not let myself buy pens that I'm not going to let myself use!

[requiescat]

I don't personally buy pens if I don't think I will write with them, because for me that's the point; but given the amount of time I spend looking at beautiful pen photos, I can totally see the attraction of collecting some simply for the viewing pleasure. I just figure that since I have limited resources and I really do love using them, it makes sense for me to acquire with a focus on users.

[EKE]

I really don't have any interest in buying a pen that I wouldn't use in my daily routine. It an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to make notes in a business meeting with a beautiful 65 year old Esterbrook.

[Osquest]

When I first read the thread title I expected the theme to be getting to use all the pens. I only buy pens I will use and carry around. I don't baby my pens. I try not to be careless but know I will be at times. I won't put a favorite pen in my pocket if I'm heading out for some fun where I'm likely to be careless, but I will take it to work. And they survive well. When I head out with a pen I don't really decide based on value, but which I want to use.

 

That said, I have lost two fountain pens over the years. One a Lamy Safari which I left in my desk at work (unlocked) and it walked. Not to insult the Lamy, but it was left there knowing it was relatively cheap and replaceable. Interestingly, the one next to it stayed.

 

The second was a Bexley Submariner I really liked, a favorite at the time. I must have dropped it as it vanished between work and home. I looked all over for it. I became more careful after that but I still wasn't willing to head out to work without my favorite.

 

I see your point, but for me the bigger loss would be not using them.