Writing Ink Pen Gift

[dougr]

I know from various posts that a number of our fellow Forum members are collectors and people that appreciate fine Ink Pens. If you were going to buy a gift of an Ink Pen for someone, what pen and where would you go to purchase on line. It would be recognizable to most as quality, be very useful and dependable, and be shipped to arrive within a week if ordered today or tomorrow. Price range would be $100 or under and hopefully a reasonable value....new. I am familiar with the Waterman's, Parkers, Cross, Tiffany, Mont Blanc, and the heavily marketed pens and like them because they are well known to be of lasting value.

[mdevine]

I prefer fountain pens. There are many excellent pens but for quality at that price, I would consider a vintage Parker 51. They remind me of vintage Gillette razors in that they are built to last.

[dougr]

Thanks mdevine and they have certainly stood the test of time as you mentioned.

[LouieGrandie]

This depends on the person you are giving the pen to. If they know something about pens then a Parker would be an excellent selection. However if they are just starting or are new to fountain pens then I would go with a Waterman or Cross. Something that can use a converter or cartridge for ease of filling.

[rickboone1]

It really depends on the person. You may be better to get a gift card for a pen website so they can choose their own. Some pen collectors may prefer a refurbished fountain pen, others may like BP's. What type of pen do they like? Ball points, roller balls, or fountain? What do they like in a pen? Do they want a wide line or a thin line? Or, something in the middle. And, an M nib is not always medium. In Lamy, for example, it is quite bold. At least to me. Pens are quite personal and particular gifts for the enthusiast. Some may enjoy anything you give them, others may be particular about how the pen writes.

Gives us moe details.

[superbleu]

Taste in pens are very personal. I wouldn't give a pen as a gift unless I knew exactly what they wanted.

[dougr]

Hi Rick, and thanks for some very perceptive questions about the recipient. It is for someone who is very difficult to buy a gift for and would recognize the best but not buy it personally. If a wet shaver or an appreciation of what we enjoy, it would be easy. It is for someone important and whom I greatly respect. And, I need it here early next week; by the way I am in the Frag sharing with you and too bad we are spaced too far apart on the rotation. Doug

[dougr]

Taste in pens are very personal. I wouldn't give a pen as a gift unless I knew exactly what they wanted.

Yes, I am running out of thoughts as SWMBO has said no to my other ideas; I usually give something unusual, local state recognized, and holds some utility.

[Jethro1984]

I agree with gift card so they can choose one they like. But I just purchased my first fine pen a few months ago via Penwa.com. Based out of NJ, they shipped pretty quickly and had great customer service. I picked up a Tombow ULTRA rollerball and a box of refills! Love the pen.

http://journalingarts.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/220x165/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/D/S/DSCN5226.jpg

[rickboone1]

To name a few that I know do gift certificates check:



gouletpens.com

jetpens.com

richardspens.com

[rickboone1]

Hi Rick, and thanks for some very perceptive questions about the recipient. It is for someone who is very difficult to buy a gift for and would recognize the best but not buy it personally. If a wet shaver or an appreciation of what we enjoy, it would be easy. It is for someone important and whom I greatly respect. And, I need it here early next week; by the way I am in the Frag sharing with you and too bad we are spaced too far apart on the rotation. Doug

Sweet. Which one? (train or library) Didn't know I had a frag person so close.

[binowatch]

Go with the gift card idea. I have given my wife a number of fountain pens over the years and sooner or later I wind up using them. Not that that is bad, its just not the intention of the gift. As a rule, women tend to be far more practical and less romantic about their personal use items like watches and pens. They often prefer quartz watches, roller ball and simlar pens. Men are more inclined to "put up" with the demands of a mechanical watch, a fountain pen, a DE or straight razor. I know my wife tolerates all my hobbies like this but when it comes down to actual use she opts for the quick, clean and practical.

[LouieGrandie]

www.nibs.com is an excellent site with a wide variety of pens.

[TheDoctor]

I know from various posts that a number of our fellow Forum members are collectors and people that appreciate fine Ink Pens. If you were going to buy a gift of an Ink Pen for someone, what pen and where would you go to purchase on line. It would be recognizable to most as quality, be very useful and dependable, and be shipped to arrive within a week if ordered today or tomorrow. Price range would be $100 or under and hopefully a reasonable value....new. I am familiar with the Waterman's, Parkers, Cross, Tiffany, Mont Blanc, and the heavily marketed pens and like them because they are well known to be of lasting value.

Sheaffer makes really nice pens for very competitive prices. I had one for many years. I also personally like Waterman. I can't recommend any online dealers but other members have already provided some. The Sheaffer has the advantage of being less popular than Waterman, etc. Also, unless you know that the recipient prefers fountain pens, I would stick with a ball point. Fountain pens do take some time getting used to, and Fountain pen ink is water soluble and not suitable for certain uses (such as legal documents, checks, and anything requiring permanent ink.

Good luck with your search.

[Bill Smith]

i prefer fountain pens. There are many excellent pens but for quality at that price, i would consider a vintage parker 51. They remind me of vintage gillette razors in that they are built to last.

+1

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

Doug:
Pens can be a very tricky subject because it is such a very deep and personal preference (fountain, rolleball, ballpoint). I would try to discreetly (in around-about way), ask the deserving what their preference may and go from there. :thumbup1:

I for one love Montblanc and I have a Rollerball "Starwalker" pen which I enjoy immensely because of it's weight and bulk.

http://images.bidorbuy.co.za/user_images/705/1178705_100905223652_mbsw7.jpg

http://www.fahrneyspens.com/ProductImages/Large/p21744B.jpg

Christopher :badger:

[dougr]

Sweet. Which one? (train or library) Didn't know I had a frag person so close.

Actually both and yes we have exchanged PM's; I just changed my avatar for the holidays. Doug:thumbup1:

[dougr]

GREAT STUFF FELLOWS:thumbup: I have been slapped with an awful cold yesterday which put me in the dumps and these suggestions really helped. Thanks for all of the suggestions, decision points, and online sellers. Doug


Go with the gift card idea. I have given my wife a number of fountain pens over the years and sooner or later I wind up using them. Not that that is bad, its just not the intention of the gift. As a rule, women tend to be far more practical and less romantic about their personal use items like watches and pens. They often prefer quartz watches, roller ball and simlar pens. Men are more inclined to "put up" with the demands of a mechanical watch, a fountain pen, a DE or straight razor. I know my wife tolerates all my hobbies like this but when it comes down to actual use she opts for the quick, clean and practical.


www.nibs.com is an excellent site with a wide variety of pens.


Sheaffer makes really nice pens for very competitive prices. I had one for many years. I also personally like Waterman. I can't recommend any online dealers but other members have already provided some. The Sheaffer has the advantage of being less popular than Waterman, etc. Also, unless you know that the recipient prefers fountain pens, I would stick with a ball point. Fountain pens do take some time getting used to, and Fountain pen ink is water soluble and not suitable for certain uses (such as legal documents, checks, and anything requiring permanent ink.

Good luck with your search.


Doug:
Pens can be a very tricky subject because it is such a very deep and personal preference (fountain, rolleball, ballpoint). I would try to discreetly (in around-about way), ask the deserving what their preference may and go from there. :thumbup1:

I for one love Montblanc and I have a Rollerball "Starwalker" pen which I enjoy immensely because of it's weight and bulk.

http://images.bidorbuy.co.za/user_images/705/1178705_100905223652_mbsw7.jpg

http://www.fahrneyspens.com/ProductImages/Large/p21744B.jpg

Christopher :badger:

[LuckyR]

I would consider Pelikan. Keep in mind that if you are not getting a fountain pen, the writing experience is from the cartridge. The pretty pen is just a shell to hold the cartridge.

[rickboone1]

I would consider Pelikan. Keep in mind that if you are not getting a fountain pen, the writing experience is from the cartridge. The pretty pen is just a shell to hold the cartridge.

:blink::blink::confused1:confused1

[Vikingfan]

My Uncle is making pens ,I don't know what they write like but he is offering something unique.
http://www.yorkandbeyond.com/

[Vikingfan]

http://www.yorkandbeyond.com/images/Penpics/StandardClose01.jpg

These pens are created from Wood taken from the South Transept of York Minster Cathedral after the Fire of 1984. The 13th Century Oak is turned by a local wood turner to create these beautiful pens.

Each pen is unique in design due to the nature of the natural grain contained in the Oak. The pens are presented with a certificate of authentification signed by the Superintendent of Works for the Dean and Chapter House of York Minster.

The Pens can be used for every day writing.

Presented in a protective Black Felt Sleeve.

Standard Blue Ink Twist style ballpoint pen. The Ink can be easily replaced.

This is a chance to own an original piece of York Minster Cathedral

£14.99+£1.50pp

The standard edition of the Minster Oak pen is constructed of "normal" ballpoint pen parts and can be replaced once the ink is exhausted

[dougr]

Thanks everyone and you had some really great suggestions and advice that was of great help. I went with a cased CROSS PEN in SILVER with a black ballpoint cartridge and a vintage book, out of print, of one of his favorite subjects. The Cross pens are tough and have a lifetime warranty; I still have a dozen from a previous corporate life and they have the company logo on the pocket clip. So, it is not a fountain pen nor exclusive but like many of you said, pens can be personal things.:thumbup: