Episode 19 With Azizah of Gourmet Pens

In this engaging conversation, Azizah of Gourmet Pens shares her journey in the stationery world, discussing her extensive experience with fountain pens, inks, and papers. She highlights her passion for creating inky messes and her love for collaboration with various pen makers. Azizah also reflects on the impact of social media on the pen community, the importance of fostering connections, and her ongoing projects, including classes and upcoming collaborations. The discussion emphasizes the joy of using stationery and the supportive nature of the pen community.

Show Links

http://www.gourmetpens.com

https://gourmetpensshop.com

https://www.gourmetpensclub.com

https://www.instagram.com/gourmetpens/

https://www.youtube.com/gourmetpens

https://www.patreon.com/gourmetpens

https://penworld.com

https://gourmetpensshop.com/products/dc-pen-show-2025-casual-broad-edge-calligraphy

https://gourmetpensshop.com/products/dc-pen-show-2025-inky-messes

Takeaways

Azizah is known for her inky messes and passion for fountain pens.

She has between 80 to 120 pens inked at any given time.

Eyedroppering pens helps keep ink fresh and ready to use.

Her favorite pen setup is the Opus 88 with a Pilot Parallel nib.

She has a reasonable collection of about 150 inks.

Tomoe River paper is her top choice for writing.

Azizah encourages people to embrace inky messes and creativity.

She values the supportive nature of the pen community.

Azizah aims to create a welcoming environment for all stationery enthusiasts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Azizah and Gourmet Pens

01:06 Inked Pens and Creative Process

03:37 Favorite Pens and Opus 88

08:46 Ink Preferences and Selection

15:15 Paper Preferences and Recommendations

22:16 Stationery Adjacent Items and Organization

23:33 Organizing the Chaos of Fountain Pens

26:03 The Allure of Collectible Stationery

27:00 The Birth of Gourmet Pens

28:59 The Impact of Social Media on Stationery

36:56 Collaborations and Creative Journeys

46:12 The Supportive Community of Pen Makers

48:01 Writing for Pin World Magazine

51:49 The Evolution of Podcasting in the Pen Community

56:11 Upcoming Collaborations and Classes

59:58 Future Plans for Gourmet Pens

I Tracked Down the Pen That Keeps Selling Out Everywhere!

After months of chasing restocks and monitoring pen forums, I finally tracked down the almost mythical Uniball Zento Signature 0.5mm! This pen has become the holy grail of 2025 for pen collectors and writing enthusiasts alike—selling out instantly everywhere and popping up on resale sites for triple its retail price. If you’ve been wondering what all the hype is about, or if this elusive rollerball is really worth the chase, you’re in the right place.

**CORRECTION UPDATE**
I don’t know how I missed it, but the silver model is .38 not .7

What’s Inside This Review:
Unboxing & First Impressions: Get a close look at the Zento Signature’s sleek metal body, magnetic cap, and that signature Uniball ink formulation.

Head-to-Head Comparisons: Watch as I put the Zento Signature up against some top-tier rollerballs and ballpoints from companies like Retro 51, OHTO, Spoke Design and more. I also talk about swapping out the refills to better suit your writing needs.

Scarcity & Hype Check: With retail prices hovering around $27-34 (if you’re lucky enough to find one!) and resale prices soaring over $100, is this pen truly worth the hunt? I’ll break down the writing experience, ink performance, and overall build quality to help you decide.

Why This Matters for Pen Fans
The Zento Signature isn’t just a pen—it’s become a status symbol in the stationery world, thanks to its limited availability and rave reviews for its smooth, feather-resistant ink and premium feel. If you’re a collector or simply love a great writing experience, this video will help you figure out if the chase is justified.
Have you managed to snag a Uniball Zento Signature, or are you still on the hunt? Drop your stories and tips in the comments below!

I ordered my pen from Yoseka Stationery. Be sure to get on their email stock alerts, as that is who I was able to pick one up before they sold out.
https://yosekastationery.com/products/uni-zento-signature-model-0-5mm

If you want to try out new refills in your pens, check out the selection from Vanness.
https://vanness1938.com/collections/refill-main-menu

Don’t forget you can use the code DWRDNET to save 10% on many items from Vanness, so go on and grab some new refills to give new life to your existing pens.

Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8f3UwW0iTebo52QOQIYUcA/join

The DWRDNET Stationery Feed Episode 19 With Azizah of Gourmet Pens

In this engaging conversation, Azizah of Gourmet Pens shares her journey in the stationery world, discussing her extensive experience with fountain pens, inks, and papers. She highlights her passion for creating inky messes and her love for collaboration with various pen makers. Azizah also reflects on the impact of social media on the pen community, the importance of fostering connections, and her ongoing projects, including classes and upcoming collaborations. The discussion emphasizes the joy of using stationery and the supportive nature of the pen community.

Show Links
http://www.gourmetpens.com
https://gourmetpensshop.com
https://www.gourmetpensclub.com
https://www.instagram.com/gourmetpens/
https://www.youtube.com/gourmetpens
https://www.patreon.com/gourmetpens
https://penworld.com
https://gourmetpensshop.com/products/dc-pen-show-2025-casual-broad-edge-calligraphy
https://gourmetpensshop.com/products/dc-pen-show-2025-inky-messes

Takeaways

Azizah is known for her inky messes and passion for fountain pens.
She has between 80 to 120 pens inked at any given time.
Eyedroppering pens helps keep ink fresh and ready to use.
Her favorite pen setup is the Opus 88 with a Pilot Parallel nib.
She has a reasonable collection of about 150 inks.
Tomoe River paper is her top choice for writing.
Azizah encourages people to embrace inky messes and creativity.
She values the supportive nature of the pen community.
Azizah aims to create a welcoming environment for all stationery enthusiasts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Azizah and Gourmet Pens
01:06 Inked Pens and Creative Process
03:37 Favorite Pens and Opus 88
08:46 Ink Preferences and Selection
15:15 Paper Preferences and Recommendations
22:16 Stationery Adjacent Items and Organization
23:33 Organizing the Chaos of Fountain Pens
26:03 The Allure of Collectible Stationery
27:00 The Birth of Gourmet Pens
28:59 The Impact of Social Media on Stationery
36:56 Collaborations and Creative Journeys
46:12 The Supportive Community of Pen Makers
48:01 Writing for Pin World Magazine
51:49 The Evolution of Podcasting in the Pen Community
56:11 Upcoming Collaborations and Classes
59:58 Future Plans for Gourmet Pens

Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8f3UwW0iTebo52QOQIYUcA/join