My ultimate conversation starter is that I am a collector of collections. I’ve noticed over the years that all of my hobbies or interests seem to come in the form of a collection. One collection that I’ve not shared on the blog is my love for fountain pens and fine writing instruments. I fell in love with this hobby in 2019 and have been slowly building my collection. In future posts, you can expect a look at the rest of my pens, but today I wanted to share my thoughts on this subscription box by Truphae.

Lately, I have been conscious of my spending, so I wanted to try out a subscription box that I could look forward to each month and be able to budget the amount I spend. I literally googled “fountain pen subscription box” without expecting many results. I had never heard of a program being offered like this by any of the online shops I frequent, so I was pleasantly surprised to find Truphae. This company was new to me, so I immediately searched YouTube for some honest feedback. I will admit, not all the reviews were savory, but I was still willing to give it a try at least for a couple of months.

I chose the mid-tier range of subscription; the Penthusiast box (Premium option). Each subscription tier has a Premium option. With the premium option you will receive full bottles of ink (30-50mL), versus the 4-5 ink samples (2-4mL). Here are the subscription box choices:

• Inkmeister Inkredible Box ($25-30): Includes (1) budget fountain pen and 4-5 ink samples or full bottle of pink (premium option) each month.
• Penthusiast Inkredible Box ($75-80): Includes a range of items from fountain pens, inks, ink sleeves/holders and journals. Popular and high-end brands included. You choose the items and preferences for your monthly box. Premium option includes 30-50mL ink bottles. Box valued at a minimum of $100.
• Collector Inkredible Box ($150-155): The highest tier subscription box with chosen premium fountain pen items from brands like BENU, Esterbrook, Aurora and Visconti. Premium option includes 30-50mL ink bottles. Total box valued at a minimum of $200.

Based on reviews online, I felt that I wouldn’t be satisfied with the lowest tier subscription and it would be possible I’d get duplicates of items I already have in my pen collection. The highest tier option was just too risky for me on a surprise box. There are several pens on my wishlist that would add up to that value, so I didn’t want to waste the funds. The Penthusiast option seemed the best way to go. I don’t own several variety of full bottle inks, so I was open to receiving a full bottle of anything.

I liked the option that I could pick and choose what was included in my box at this tier. I knew I wasn’t interested in pen holders or journals strictly inks and pens. I also have a preference for broad <B> nibs (because I have large handwriting) and certain brands I wasn’t interested in getting (like LAMY). At checkout I didn’t see my Buyer’s Notes saved, so I took the initiative to e-mail Truphae my box preferences to ensure I get what I expected.

The package was shipped out sooner than I expected; yay! The website indicated the first of each month. Since I was charged for April, I suppose the sent out my box right away for this month and I’ll be charged again for May.

LAMY Crystal Ink 30mL in Rhodonite (Photo Credits: Bing Search)

I held my breath as I opened the box…and saw a big LAMY logo peeking up at me. I was a bit taken back by this since I specifically said NO LAMY products, but to my surprise it actually ended up being one of my favorite items in the box. Here’s what was inside my first Penthusiast Inkredible box:

• LAMY Crystal Ink in Rhodonite (30mL)
• Kaweco Perkeo fountain pen Red <F> Fine nib
• Monteverde Rodeo Drive fountain pen in Iridescent Purple

Monteverde Rodeo Drive in Iridescent Purple (Photo Credits: GouletPens)

Based on Truphae’s pricing, my box valued at $101. However, the Monteverde seems to be on deep discount on most vendor websites for $28-34, versus its original $85. On Truphae’s website it’s marked down to $68. So, depending on where you shop you may have a better deal (like Amazon). All other items in the box were the same at all vendors ($16-17 each).

Kaweco Perkeo RB <F> nib (Photo Credits: Bing Search)

Overall, I was surprised and happy with this subscription box. These are items I would have not sought to choose for myself, but I am sure to enjoy! I hope May’s box is just as much of a hit. 🙂