Educate me about fountain pens

[xmacro]

Having just gotten into DE shaving, I'm curious about fountain pens now - I know almost nothing about them or whatever types there may be, so whatever info you guys can lay down would be much appreciated. Different types, styles, etc - all appreciated

Thanks for any help

[wimbouman]

Basically the fountain pen is to writing what the DE is to shaving.
Comfortable, hassle free, effective and stylish enough to satisfy the gentleman for everyday's needs, and better than the common used alternatives.

You may like to consider buying a TWSBI 540, it is a transparant pen that will show you how everything is put together and how they work. At a very reasonable price, also.

[DunEdinRanger]

Here's what you need to know from someone who use Fountain Pens in grammar school, and then never again until last November.

1. You don't miss what you've never had.
2. Once you dry yourself with a fine towel, you won't go back to rags.


Once you get your toe in the water, you might as well come in all the way.

Fountain Pens write smoother, and easier than ballpoints. There is no effort. It glides across the page.

The analogy to DE's is Spot On! as the Brits would say. With a multiblade, you have to press down hard and as we all know, shaving was considered a chore.

The same with writing! I can now write with an instrument few people use, and with an ink even fewer can get; only 288 bottles were made of 5 O'Clock Shadow. How cool is that?

But is it for you? More than likely, yes! There are different types of Nibs, filling mechanisms, and prices run the gamut from around $1 to upwards of several thousand.

This page may help - Richard Binder's Reference Page (http://www.richardspens.com/?page=ref/00_refp.htm)

We haven't even talked about inks yet!

[chuckr9]

Fountain pens allow you to enjoy writing - just like DE or Straight razor shaving allow you to enjoy shaving more.

[Greyfox]

You will look for reasons to use your fountain pen. This will evolve into things like keeping a journal and writing down your thoughts. Indirectly it will improve the quality of your life. If you think I am kidding buy just one and judge for yourself. BE WARNED. As I recently discovered, despite my best efforts, there is no such thing as just one fountain pen even if ( maybe especially if) your first one is a great pen.

[IronHammer]

...
This page may help - Richard Binder's Reference Page (http://www.richardspens.com/?page=ref/00_refp.htm)
...

Marvelous, Lou! Thanks for the link! And so timely, too!
Todd

[DunEdinRanger]

Marvelous, Lou! Thanks for the link! And so timely, too!
Todd

You're welcome, but you may not be thanking me after your credit card bill arrives.

[Groat]

I would add to the list that I've found a good fountain pen can help improve your handwriting. Because you no longer need to use downward pressure to write as you would with a cheap ballpoint, your fine motor skills are better able to form letters.

[Angry__Panda]

Basically the fountain pen is to writing what the DE is to shaving.
Comfortable, hassle free, effective and stylish enough to satisfy the gentleman for everyday's needs, and better than the common used alternatives.

You may like to consider buying a TWSBI 540, it is a transparant pen that will show you how everything is put together and how they work. At a very reasonable price, also.

I would disagree that they are hassle free. Just like a DE or a straight razor they require a bit more effort than your every day ball point or roller ball...But just like DE and straight shaving it is well worth it.

I'll tell you a little story which pretty much confirms what most people have said here;

Back, going on about a decade ago, my parental units had moved me away from my friends to a new place that I HATED. To make up for it, my mother agreed to buy me a fountain pen, I honestly can't remember why I wanted one at the time, just because I have always been into the older, more traditional type things in life I guess. I am also very fond of modern design. So when my little eyes discovered the Lamy 2000, I HAD to have it. Of course I got it, used it a few times and filled it up, etc. but then as most younger gentlemen I got bored of my new toy. So I put it down and had though I had lost it till earlier this year. So I still don't know where my original ink is (though I am sure it is in a box somewhere) but I ran out and bought some new ink (Mont Blanc Mystery Black in case you were curious), filled the pen, and started bringing it to work. I work in a kitchen, there isn't a lot of writing involved ATM. However, like most people have said, you start looking for excuses to use your quality pen. I used to not make a list of the prep I needed to do in the morning, now I make sure I have my list first things first. I used to not like to write the prep list for our prep cooks, now I am practically running to grab it so I can do it heh. Pretty much it is well worth the small effort in upkeep provided you find a pen you enjoy.

Finally I want to disagree with the people talking about one pen not being enough, but I am a victim to enablers on this site (both in shaving and now in pens). Now I will own two fountain pens, three when the TWSBI 700 is finally released. I think it is possible (depending on how much you write on a daily basis) to stick with one or only a couple pens though provided you can keep track and get one you really enjoy using :) . Good luck and let us know what you end up getting ;) .

[maxman]

I wrote today with a cheap ball point and my writing was worse than before.
There is nothing (I'll even capitalize it for emphasis) NOTHING like writing with a fountain pen.
It's smooth and effortless. You actually will want to write.
The best description I can give is what I said about traditional wet shaving.
If you have to do it, you might as well enjoy it.

[xmacro]

Well, just picked up a TWSBI 540 with fine nib off Amazon and an inktank of Noodlers Heart of Darkness Ink (good reviews . . . and I liked the name. Sometimes I'm a sucker for cool names). So we'll see how it goes

[maxman]

You won't be disappointed with that. The 540 has become my new go to pen at the office

[cwnidog]

Well, just picked up a TWSBI 540 with fine nib off Amazon and an inktank of Noodlers Heart of Darkness Ink (good reviews . . . and I liked the name. Sometimes I'm a sucker for cool names). So we'll see how it goes

Oh dear! You may not realize it, but you've just taken your first step on the road to a pricey addiction - congratulations, now you're one of us. Might I suggest that you stop by the Fountain Pen Network at http://www.fountainpennetwork.com ? A nice group of people with a lot of experience, happy to help the newcomer. It's a lot like B&B, actually, with product reviews, a marketplace section, and just a ton of helpful stuff.

[DunEdinRanger]

I would add to the list that I've found a good fountain pen can help improve your handwriting. Because you no longer need to use downward pressure to write as you would with a cheap ballpoint, your fine motor skills are better able to form letters.

Beautiful, elegant, cursive letters in a great variety of colors!