10 Things Fountain Pen Collectors Should Do at the End of the Year

Every fountain pen collector knows that a year with your pens isn’t just another page turned in the planner. It’s a story of ink-stained fingers, nib discoveries, and chasing the perfect line. The end of the year isn’t just about resolutions or holiday lists—it’s about reflection, refinement, and readiness for the next chapter. Here’s a thoughtful guide to what every collector should do with their collection before the clock strikes midnight.

1. Revisit Your Origins

Take your first fountain pen in hand—yes, that one. The Pilot Metropolitan, the Lamy Safari, or maybe the Montblanc 146 you splurged on before knowing what “piston filler” meant. Hold it. Write with it. Remember why you started this journey.

Your first pen tells a story that deserves revisiting every year. Maybe it’s been sidelined for newer acquisitions, but its significance hasn’t dimmed. Clean it, ink it, and let it remind you of the magic that made you fall in love with writing.

2. Conduct a Full Inventory

How many pens do you have? Really?

Pull them out—all of them. From the drawer, the display case, the “I’ll organize this later” box under the bed. Line them up. Make a list. Name, nib size, filling mechanism, condition. It’s not just about organizing; it’s about accountability.

Do you still love them all? Are some forgotten, unloved, and inkless? An inventory isn’t just about what you own; it’s about understanding what your collection says about you.

3. Clean Every Single Pen

Yes, all of them. No exceptions.

Even if it means you spend an entire Saturday soaking feeds, rinsing converters, and scrubbing nibs with a toothbrush. Think of it as a meditation—a way to connect with your collection on the most tactile level. The satisfaction of seeing a perfectly clean nib is worth it.

And while you’re at it, check for wear and tear. O-rings need replacing? Converters sticking? Nibs scratched? A well-loved pen deserves the care it needs to keep writing for decades.

4. Retire the Pens That No Longer Serve You

Not every pen is forever.

That beautiful but heavy Visconti you convinced yourself would feel better in the hand—it’s okay to let it go. Or the limited edition Sailor Pro Gear with the gold accents that clash with your preference for silver trim. Pass them on. Sell them, trade them, gift them to someone starting out.

Curating a collection means making room for pens that align with where you are now—not where you were last year.

5. Rediscover Forgotten Gems

Sometimes, the pens you overlook are the ones that deserve your attention most.

That vintage Parker 51 with the smoothest medium nib, tucked away because your tastes turned to modern demonstrators. Or the TWSBI Vac 700 you set aside because cleaning it felt like a chore. Give them a chance. Ink them with something new—try a shimmering ink, a bold red, or an earthy brown. Let them surprise you again.

6. Evaluate Your Inks

A fountain pen collection isn’t just about the pens; it’s about the inks, too.

Open the drawer or box where you keep them. Look at the bottles you bought on impulse—the ones that promised “sheen like no other.” How many of them have you used more than once? Swatch them out. If an ink doesn’t inspire you anymore, find someone it might.

And for the inks you love? Restock. There’s no shame in buying your fourth bottle of Iroshizuku Kon-peki. It’s your handwriting’s signature shade, after all.

7. Refresh Your Display

A good collection deserves to be seen.

Maybe your pens are displayed in a leather roll that lives in a drawer. Or a handmade wooden case on your desk. Consider upgrading. A glass display box, a pen tray with felt lining, or even a wall-mounted case can elevate how you experience your collection.

Displaying your pens isn’t about showing off—it’s about appreciating them as the works of art they are.

8. Journal Your Year in Ink

There’s no better way to close out the year than by writing about it.

Take your favorite pen, your favorite ink, and a blank notebook. Write about the moments you’ll never forget and the ones you’re ready to leave behind. Write about your collection—what you’ve learned, what you’ve let go of, and what you’re hoping to find in the year ahead.

This isn’t just for posterity; it’s for clarity. Writing helps you understand why collecting fountain pens matters so much.

9. Plan Your Next Acquisition

Every collector has a wishlist.

Is next year the year you finally get that Nakaya Decapod? Or the year you explore custom nibs? Maybe it’s time to dive into vintage—an Eversharp Skyline or a Parker Duofold that feels like a piece of history.

Plan it. Research it. Budget for it. The joy of anticipation can be as rewarding as the acquisition itself.

10. Share Your Passion

Fountain pens aren’t just tools—they’re connections waiting to happen.

Post your favorite pen-and-ink combination on Instagram. Write a letter to a friend who’s never seen a fountain pen in action. Host a pen meet-up in your city. Or simply start a conversation with someone who notices the shimmer of your ink.

Sharing your love for fountain pens isn’t about convincing others to join you—it’s about celebrating something that brings you joy.

A Year in the Life of a Collector

At the heart of it all, a fountain pen collection is a reflection of its owner. The pens you’ve chosen, the ones you’ve let go of, the inks you’ve adored, and the letters you’ve written—they all tell your story.

As the year ends, take the time to honor that story. Not just for what it’s been, but for what it’s becoming. Because collecting isn’t just about the pens—it’s about who you are when you’re holding them.

Write well. Collect wisely. And may your nibs always glide effortlessly into the new year.