Do I really need every colour of [insert pen brand here]?

Published by Laura

12th Apr 2026

A couple of months ago Lamy revealed their 2026 Lamy Al-Star colours, Pine and Flamingo. More recently TWSBI released the Eco in Bahama Yellow, and Kaweco released the Sport in Lunar Shadow Green.

I have three Lamy Safaris and a Lamy Lx, seven TWSBI Ecos and eight Kaweco Sports. I absolutely DO NOT need any more of any of these pen models…but I want them!

Whilst logically I know that any of these new releases would write exactly the same as my existing pens, I find that I’m a real sucker for newly released colours, and for special and limited editions. And I think a lot of people are, which is why pen companies are constantly churning them out, so people like me keep buying. And that’s understandable, they’re businesses, they want to keep making money, and I, as a fountain pen fan, want them to stay in business.

But after a little while in this hobby, I have started to feel a little fatigued by the constant new releases, the constant FOMO that envelops you, and the constant feeling of wanting to buy more and more.

Ultimately I just want to enjoy my existing collection, but I find myself constantly attracted to the new. I could, of course, just avoid the internet, so I don’t learn about all these new releases. But I started this blog to be a part of the online stationery community because I love to be around other people with the same interest, and to see and be inspired by how other people use their stationery.

A lot of this is obviously a ‘me’ problem. Plenty of people in the fountain pen community are content with a small collection, or limit themselves to one of each model of pen (and how I envy their discipline!). But as someone who’s always been something of an impulse shopper in all areas of my life, I find it a real struggle to resist.

Ultimately, as long as I’m not spending beyond my means, I guess it isn’t a huge problem. I enjoy my pen collection, and I do use them all, generally cycling through them every few months. But there is something uncomfortable about recognising that you’re falling for a classic capitalist trap, but still being drawn in!

So are usually sucked in by new pen releases? How do you avoid buying too many of the same pen, or do you think it isn’t a problem?

2 responses to “Do I really need every colour of [insert pen brand here]?”

randomly_._rachel

12th Apr 2026

I ddefinitely have this problem, too. I try to help it by limiting to specific finishes or models. I “only” collect the TWSBI Mini and the Iridescent Kaecos, for example. And I’ll abandon a collection if the brand starts churning them out, like Benu did with their “shaped confetti” Talismans (Sakura, Wild Rose, etc.).

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chickenwrangler50

12th Apr 2026

Short answer? No.

But that’s hardly the point, is it? What do you seek and what do you gain from buying more of what you have? Some people are completists, and pen makers know that. You have accurately described their motivations.

If your finances allow and it makes you happy, no harm. If it has begun to annoy you that FOMO is controlling your life, there are options. Do what gives you joy, whether it’s collecting every new shade in some product or breeding the perfect designer canary or reading to refugee children. Luckily for you, misery is currently optional, so you are free to enjoy.

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