Fountain pen starter kit suggestions

[justinp]

Hey folks--

I'm interested in buying a fountain pen on the cheaper side of the equation as an element of a plan to improve my penmanship (which is: bad.) I'm thinking a Hero 616 with a fine tip.

My question is this: what is the best source to purchase from, and what do people recommend as a good, cheapish all-rounder ink in blue or black?

Thoughts?

[Gray Wolf]

For my fountain pens, I like Noodler's ink. I usually get it from e-bay.

[i_shaved_something]

Waterman makes a nice starter kit with a Phileas that I thought was pretty good. Has everything you need to get going:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d.html/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/186-3746891-2651461?a=B0006G2LBE

May be able to find even cheaper if shop around, think I got mine at Staples or Office depot on sale a few years ago but not sure if they still stock the kits.

[invizable]

The Pelikan 4001 cartridges are also very nice if you'd like to avoid refiling for now. Noodlers and Private Reserve are great options, as mentioned.

[LouieGrandie]

While the Chinese pens are cheap the quality can vary quite a bit. As for where to by my suggestion would be www.isellpens.com which carries a large selection of Chinese pens. Most major pen companies have "starter" pens so I would suggest looking at pens such as the Pilot 78G or the Waterman Phileas. As for ink, there is no "bad" ink out there but be aware that not all inks are alike. Noodler's is a very lubricating and free flowing ink while Aurora is pretty quick drying. I guess you could call it a "drier" ink.

You should expect to spend around $100-$125 for a good quality pen you can use every day and be of good enough quality to hold up to daily use.

[Dave258]

I also just bought my first fountain pen. I went with the pilot 78g and ordered it from jetpens.com. The pen was only $12.50 and came with a converter so you don't have to worry about ink cartridges. Spend more then $25 and they ship free. I got it from Cali to NY in like 3 days.
I used the pen a bit yesterday. It takes a bit to get used too, but I do like it. I wonder what a higher quality pen would feel like. I already have my eye on a TWSBI!
Good luck, and have fun!

[perogee]

I already have my eye on a TWSBI!


Do it!! :biggrin1:
It is a fabulous pen, I fell in love nearly instantly as soon as I had it in my hands

[Dave258]

Do it!! :biggrin1:
It is a fabulous pen, I fell in love nearly instantly as soon as I had it in my hands

I did. Ordered it today... TWSBI fine nib and a Lamy Safari med nib to try one out. And a bottle of Noodler's Aircorp Blue Black.
Once I used my Pilot 78g more today, I figured that a better quality pen would be an even bigger pleasure to use.:biggrin1:

[DunEdinRanger]

Justin

There is a seller on Ebay who will sell you 10 Hero 616's for about $15, shipped.

I used Noodler's Ink in them and haven't had any problems. I use them sign time cards.

Good Luck, you're on the Primrose Path.

[LouieGrandie]

I wonder what a higher quality pen would feel like.

If you are in or close to New York City you should go by the Fountain Pen Hospital there and try out some Waterman, Parker, Pelikan, Sailor and Pilot fountain pens. A higher quality pen will almost always have 14-21K gold nibs and will be very smooth. You will also find that some pens write very "wet" or very "dry". If possible look at the difference in the line between a Mont Blanc 146 and a Pilot Vanishing Point.

[njpaddy]

I have a $50+ Aurora Style and a $12 Pilot 78G (Med) and the Pilot writes as smooth as the Aurora. I'm using Noodlers Blue-Black and Noodlers Black Swan In Australian Roses inks.

[Dave258]

I have a $50+ Aurora Style and a $12 Pilot 78G (Med) and the Pilot writes as smooth as the Aurora. I'm using Noodlers Blue-Black and Noodlers Black Swan In Australian Roses inks.

I was wondering if I would like med nib better.

[LouieGrandie]

You have to remember that the Pilot and Sailor nibs write a size smaller than European pens. Pilot in Med would be like an Aurora Fine.

[njpaddy]

You have to remember that the Pilot and Sailor nibs write a size smaller than European pens. Pilot in Med would be like an Aurora Fine.
The Aurora Fine and Pilot Med seem to be the same size, about the equivalent of my 0.7 med Uni-ball gel pen.

[DunEdinRanger]

I have a "rule" with Single Malts. Let's say the base price of a 10/12 year old Single Malt is about $45 with tax.

I ask myself "Is that $90 bottle of Ardbeg Uigedail twice as good as regular Ardbeg?" And the Ardbeg 10 is pretty good!

So with Fountain Pens, (and I know BrianW is gonna love this), I ask myself is that $12 Pilot twelve times better than a Hero 616? :confused1

If we take the $12 Pilot as the baseline, then is the $50 Fountain Pen four times as good?
Of course, sometimes you just have to say "What The Heck!" and splurge whether it be a 15 year old Balvenie Single Malt, or a nice fountain pen.

[justinp]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I managed to snag a write-tested Hero 616 and five fills' worth of Noodlers Black for 8 dollars shipped from the 'Bay, so I think that'll be a good start. I'll report back!

[DunEdinRanger]

And so begins your journey down the Primrose Path. :thumbup:

[brianw]

I have a "rule" with Single Malts. Let's say the base price of a 10/12 year old Single Malt is about $45 with tax.

I ask myself "Is that $90 bottle of Ardbeg Uigedail twice as good as regular Ardbeg?" And the Ardbeg 10 is pretty good!

So with Fountain Pens, (and I know BrianW is gonna love this), I ask myself is that $12 Pilot twelve times better than a Hero 616? :confused1

If we take the $12 Pilot as the baseline, then is the $50 Fountain Pen four times as good?
Of course, sometimes you just have to say "What The Heck!" and splurge whether it be a 15 year old Balvenie Single Malt, or a nice fountain pen.

Simple answer...... yes

[Vintage Razor]

Looks like no turing back for me eh? I decided to purchase some fountain pens... I have purchased 2 pens and will be here soon. Lamy Safari and a Russian Soyuz. I am thinking of getting Parker 21, 51 or Waterman Phileas.

[Troggie]

My wife really hates all of you enablers.. I have been looking to get a fountain pen for a while. Now I find this thread and she is not going to be happy:lol::lol:

Quick question.. have any of you used the throw away pens by Pilot and if so are they any good? The reason I ask is I would love to use these at work so I can leave them there ( cleaning services tends to keep items they deem "valuable" sometimes ) so if I forget to grab the one at home I have something to use besides the horrible bic pens they have for our use.

[aimsport]

http://www.gouletpens.com/ would be a worthwhile place to visit. Check out their video blogs and a 5 ink a month sampler... very very cool.

and of course the http://www.fountainpennetwork.com

If US based, you could run down to a local Target store and get a Pilot Plumix and get started today. Then you could go to Staples and get a Pilot Varsity. (The nib/feed you can pop off, clean out the barrel, and load with whatever ink you want).

And be sure to try one of the chinese Jinhao 325's or 321's. Or get a 10-pack of Hero 616 Doctors (the larger kind) and find a few 616 in there that are extraordinary... what fun!

It's endless.

[LouieGrandie]

If you are looking for disposable I would go with the Pilot Preppy over the Varsity. Pilot Preppy (http://www.jetpens.com/index.php/cPath/214_371) Much better pen and a better writer. Plus you can use cartridge and refill!

[Jaybh1974]

I just started using my first fountain pen.. I went with a Lamy Safari with a fine nib.. and Pelikan Brilliant Black Ink.

All together, it costs me about 35 bucks.

I went with penboutique.com for the pen, and a store near me for the ink.

[Dave258]

My Lamy Safari and TWSBI should be delivered today :w00t::w00t:

[aimsport]

If you are looking for disposable I would go with the Pilot Preppy over the Varsity. Pilot Preppy (http://www.jetpens.com/index.php/cPath/214_371) Much better pen and a better writer. Plus you can use cartridge and refill!

I have many Preppy's. They write well, but the plastic is hard and they can be a bit fragile. Fine for a desk, but not so fine for carrying around. The Varsity is a rugged softer plastic and has never cracked or leaked. Caps on some of my Preppy's have stopped staying clicked on.

YMMV. OP could try both without much investment.

[ambrose]

I love the Diamond 520 TWSBI!!!

Excellent choice! I have the extra fine nib :thumbup1: mines loaded with noodler's red black.

Its smooth, perfect start, great flow, no skipping, big ink piston chamber you can see, fully able to disassemble, and a German nib! :w00t:

Now Ive got to work on my penmanship! :blush:

[Dave258]

I love the Diamond 520 TWSBI!!!

Excellent choice! I have the extra fine nib :thumbup1: mines loaded with noodler's red black.

Its smooth, perfect start, great flow, no skipping, big ink piston chamber you can see, fully able to disassemble, and a German nib! :w00t:

Now Ive got to work on my penmanship! :blush:

Nice pen! My TWSBI did not make it today. I guess tomorrow. My Lamy Safari M nib did though, with noodler's aircorp blue black... Love it! I love the size of the pen, and how smooth it writes. I was not sure about the Med nib, but that is great also.
Hopefully the TWSBI makes it tomorrow!

[Groat]

All this TWSBI talk is killing me. I'm trying to hold out for the TWSBI vacuum filler, but it's getting tough. I already have more than enough pens, but there's always something out there that looks interesting.

[DunEdinRanger]

My wife really hates all of you enablers.. I have been looking to get a fountain pen for a while. Now I find this thread and she is not going to be happy:lol::lol:

Quick question.. have any of you used the throw away pens by Pilot and if so are they any good? The reason I ask is I would love to use these at work so I can leave them there ( cleaning services tends to keep items they deem "valuable" sometimes ) so if I forget to grab the one at home I have something to use besides the horrible bic pens they have for our use.

That's what the Hero 616's are for. I use them to sign Time Cards which are printed on heavy cardboard stock. A 10 pack costs about $15 delivered. I also have a bottle of Private Reserve "Black Magic Blue" in the desk for them.. Even if one disappears, I don't really care.

The Jinhao X450's are very smooth writers. I bought a set of 5 for $25 which included 2 Baoer's (and sold the Baoer's).

[Sullybob]

Please tell me more about the TWSBI pens.

How durable are they? I like to carry a pen around in my pants pocket. I don't mind if they get dinged up but I do mind if they crack or chip.

I read that the nibs are Schmidt steel nibs, which means nothing to me. :blushing: How are the fine nibs? I have a Lamy All Star with a fine nib and its way to big for me, I also have a Pelican with an extra fine nib and its just a little bit to big.

Any other random thoughts you would care to include, I'd love to hear more about these pens.

[Dave258]

Please tell me more about the TWSBI pens.

How durable are they? I like to carry a pen around in my pants pocket. I don't mind if they get dinged up but I do mind if they crack or chip.

I read that the nibs are Schmidt steel nibs, which means nothing to me. :blushing: How are the fine nibs? I have a Lamy All Star with a fine nib and its way to big for me, I also have a Pelican with an extra fine nib and its just a little bit to big.

Any other random thoughts you would care to include, I'd love to hear more about these pens.

I am not sure about the nib yet as I did not get mine yet, but for durability, there is a youtube video of a person repeatedly throwing or dropping their pen from at least waist height with no ill effects. Now, I doubt you would do that with your pen...

EDIT: Found the link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fAqVczQO0Y)

[DunEdinRanger]

I am not sure about the nib yet as I did not get mine yet, but for durability, there is a youtube video of a person repeatedly throwing or dropping their pen from at least waist height with no ill effects. Now, I doubt you would do that with your pen...

EDIT: Found the link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fAqVczQO0Y)

Ok. I think I will be getting a TWSBI

[Legion]

Rather than the Hero 616, I would spring the extra and get a Hero 100.

More expensive, but a much smoother nib. I have one which I use with Noodlers forest green ink. Works well.

Once you get the bug, get yourself a vintage Parker 51.

[perogee]

Please tell me more about the TWSBI pens.

How durable are they? I like to carry a pen around in my pants pocket. I don't mind if they get dinged up but I do mind if they crack or chip.

I read that the nibs are Schmidt steel nibs, which means nothing to me. :blushing: How are the fine nibs? I have a Lamy All Star with a fine nib and its way to big for me, I also have a Pelican with an extra fine nib and its just a little bit to big.

Any other random thoughts you would care to include, I'd love to hear more about these pens.

Since I have only had mine about a week, I cannot attest to their durability. However, from the moment I inked mine up and started to write with it, it has been complete love (mine is an EF with Iroshizuko ink, I have a fine on the way :thumbup1:)
It is a wonderful pen for the price, and by the sounds of things, will only get better.

[Sullybob]

Thanks for the link Dave. I'll definitely be ordering a TWSBI soon.

[DeaconKC]

The Parker 45 with adapter is one of the finest pens you can find. They also do not demand the premium of the 51. As far as a budget, excellent pen, look for a Pelikan 150, it is a piston filler and a great bargain, I carry it, one of my 45s or a Pilot 78 daily, and I work as a Parole Agent and they stand up to the abuse very well. I love MB, Private Reserve and a surprise ink here, but Shaeffer Skrip Black ink is one of my favorites, it seems to flow well in any pen it goes in. Welcome to the world of FPAD.

[bhorsoft]

Fountain Pen Hospital has a wide variety of vintage and new pens in all price ranges. You can find some for as cheap as $29.95 up into the thousands. I've bought several from them for daily use. They also have a good selection of inks.

[PozzSka]

I have a Parker Reflex (inexpensive, but writes OK)

I also have the Shakespeare pen (from Benton Clay, also very affordable, and I like it a lot).