Recommendations for Starter Fountain Pen

[Shave Ice]

Aloha Gents.
I am interested in getting a fountain pen. I own a few Waterman ballpoint and rollerball pens already but am interested in get a fine fountain pen to sign important documents and such. I figure I'd like to spend around $100 to see if a fountain pen is right for me.

Any recommendations?

Or should I just go up town right away?

[TimmyBoston]

A Pelikan M200 from Richard Binder. He is a great pen maker who will examine your pen personally to ensure it works flawlessly before he sends it to you, his prices are also competitive with prices on Ebay, etc.

Depending on nib size it will run between $70-$100. A tremendous value, I will never give up mine.

http://www.richardspens.com/

Richard's Pens, without a doubt, your best option.

[Suzuki]

If you thought shaving acquisition disorders were bad, you've entered a whole new world with fountain pens!

The recommendation for Richard Binder's site is a good one - his ordering process is a little complicated because you order your pen body and nib in separate steps, but its no big deal.

Since its your first fountain pen, I would suggest sticking with a steel nib - that keeps the price down and the steel nibs are more forgiving of excess pressure being put on them by people who've used nothing but ball points their whole lives.

The Pelikan 200 series is an excellent range and Pelikan makes a very nice steel nib. The only thing you need to know is that the Pelikan is a piston-fill pen - the body of the pen holds the ink and this is filled with an internal "piston" operated by the end of the pen (it's actually threaded and turns) much like a syringe. This means you can ONLY use bottled ink - no refill cartridges.

A very good "starter" fountain pen is the Waterman Phileas - very nice classic lines, very good quality for the price. If you get this one, try to get it in a fine nib (a good pen shop should be able to change out the original nib/feed unit for free), as the standard medium nib is a little wide for most people's tastes - but may be just fine if you are primarily going to use it for signatures. A great pen that can be found for $50 or less - this was my first "good" fountain pen that I bought 10 years ago and I actually used it yesterday.

For around $100, you can find the Lamy 2000 (they generally sell for a bit over $100, but often can be found online/on sale for $100. This is a contemporary designed pen in a black and stainless design that some find a little austere - I think its great and the fact that the pen has been in production for over 40 years does say something in this regard. It is without a doubt one of the best buys in a quality fountain pen available today. The reason I say this is because you get a very good firm GOLD nib (almost all pens in this price range have steel nibs), a huge ink tank (piston fill - good mechanism, but a little more delicate that that of the Pelikans) in a nice size of pen (bigger than the Pelikan 200).

There are lots more recommendations and it really comes down to what you like in design - I tend to like more classic/simple designs - others like more modern/flashy.

For $100 you have lots of options and its largely a matter of personal taste.

The only thing I recommend is that if you do get a pen that takes the pre-filled ink cartridges, buy the converter, which allows you to use ink from a bottle.

This sounds fiddly, and it is at first, but the benefit is that you can use any brand of ink in a converter, while you're limited in what may be available in the cartridges. Also, bottled ink is way cheaper than the cartridges.

[Tony Miller]

The Phileas is a nice start, I have one I use quite often with a medium nib. I also have a Namiki Vanishing point that rarely leaves my hand with a very fine nib that suits my writing style better.

If interested in a cheap start I have a second Waterman Phileas, black, new in the box I'd be glad to sell for $30 shipped. Office Depoot has them for $39.88. Nice pen but my tastes have changed so that one of these is enough.

Tony

[jfrancisco]

I too recommend Richard Binder's pens. I have two m200s that he customized for me and I use them extensively. Every pen he sells, he adjusts the nib so that it works the way it should. I have a colleague who also likes fountain pens. He has all kinds of problems with his pens because the ink does not flow as it should and spends more time frustrated and using a ball point. Get one that works from the very beginning, that way you will have the opportunity to give fountain pens a real chance. I have from inexpensive pens up to several hundred dollar vintage Parker Pens and yet I always use my m200.

http://www.richardspens.com/

[Bahamianlvr]

I also recommend getting a pen from Richard Binder. I was fortunate enough to catch him at the D.C. pen show this year and bought my M200 from him there. You can be sure that the pen writes well when he sends it to you.

I'm really starting to love my Parker "51" special though. It never leaves my front pocket and I'm finding that I use my other pens just for journaling at this point. Richard also restores vintage pens with quite a few of them coming within your price range. There's something to be said about writing with a pen from the '40's... Kinda like shaving with a razor from the same period. They just don't make 'em like they used to.

Mind what Suzuki said though, fountain pens can be quite addictive!

[SilkySmooth]

It would depend on a few things:

1. The size of your hand or the size pen you would like

2. How often you are using it. If you're doing a lot of writing, you would probably prefer a plunger filling mechanism because they hold more ink.

3. The type of nib you prefer interms of flexibility, size (fine,med,bold,double bold), or italic versus regular. Also many older pens have more flexible nibs than new pens. Also the type of material makes a difference in the way the pen writes (14K is more flexible than 18K....Sounds like it should be the other way around because 18K is softer than 14K).

4. The reason why you're using it. Do you need something flashy for signing your name in front of others, or will it just be for personal use, or what? Do you want something new or used?

5. The earliest that you need the pen. Ebay has some great sales on pens, but you have to keep an eye out for them. I purchased a new Pelikan M1000 a couple of years ago for just under $100. That's great considered that it's retail price is $500.

==Tom

[farace]

I'm really starting to love my Parker "51" special though. It never leaves my front pocket and I'm finding that I use my other pens just for journaling at this point. Richard also restores vintage pens with quite a few of them coming within your price range. There's something to be said about writing with a pen from the '40's... Kinda like shaving with a razor from the same period. They just don't make 'em like they used to.

I most often switch between a "51" Special and a Sheaffer Statesman Snorkel. Richard is restoring a 1939 Vacumatic and a brown-striped Sheaffer Vac-fill for me now, as well as straightening the nib on a '70s Pelikan 120.

With a $100 budget, you can find some very nice pens, whether you decide on new or vintage.

[CyclicSheep]

I would recommend one of the Faber Castell Ambition pens.

I like the weight and balance of these pens, and they have a simple/elegant look to them. They are a bit too cylindrical and thin compared to typical pens, but I find that refreshing sometimes.

And like others mentioned, take note of other factors, like nib size.

If you have small loops in your handwriting, you'd probably want a finner nib size. When you go to the store, they typically offer a pad of paper and some ink for you to try out the pen and it's various nib sizes.

And then, after the pen, is paper! Clairefontaine paper might be a good place to start.

[doctorsimon]

I've always been happy with a Cross foutain pen, sadly lost two in the past few years. They've repaired without question nor delay in the past when I broke a pen by dropping it.

Good looking pens from a great company to deal with.

[Dennis]

I have a Lamy Safari, a Waterman Phileas and a Parker "51" Vacumatic. Among them, the Parker is far and away my favorite. The pen is absolutely perfect in my opinion. The Lamy is an outstanding value for $20 and if you are thinking about trying out a fountain pen, that is where I would start. No sense in spending $100 and then finding out it is not really for you. The Lamy comes in many different colors and schemes, it won't break your bank if you lose it, and it is a really, really nice writing pen. I use the Phileas just about everyday too. I am just not really enamored with the pen though. It is on the "fancier" side with gold tones and blue marbling and that is approaching a bit too much for my style. I got a great deal on it which was why I bought it. It too, though, is an excellent writing pen. The Namiki VP (esp in Orange) is on my WANT list.

Dennis

[Rufus]

As this is your first FP, I don't think you should go cheap. On the other hand, a quality new FP can easily be obtained for under $100. In this regard I'd recommend a Bexley Simplicity and a Pelikan M200, both of which can be purchased from Richard Binder for $85 and $70, respectively, plus shipping. Even less expensive is the Waterman Phileas, which I understand is a well-liked pen, but I've not used one. You may want to check-out the Fountain Pen Network for reviews on all three pens as well as other suggestions for an inexpensive FP.

[duna]

That's not a 'real' tip, but I used a Parker fountain pen (model '25') for 18 years with utmost satisfaction and without a single problem. Every time I wrote a page it was a total pleasure, a happy experience, to fly over every type of paper with that superb writing instrument. I never attained again such a pleasure in writing (and I used to write a lot) after an idiot lost the pen I used every day for eighteen years (the bigger idiot, myself, gave the pen to the lesser one, though). All others fountain pens are still in the drawer (including some nice ones, like the sterling silver Cross I bought trying to find a substitute) and I used disposable Bic pens since. Hmmm never tried a Pilot ... maybe...:mellow:
Anyway, if you by chance spot a decent 25, buy it, and use it. It's a marvel. Strong but smooth, once adapted to your hand. I wrote up to 20 pages in two hours without a problem and with no effort, ballpens never came even close.

[Shave Ice]

It would depend on a few things:

1. The size of your hand or the size pen you would like

2. How often you are using it. If you're doing a lot of writing, you would probably prefer a plunger filling mechanism because they hold more ink.

3. The type of nib you prefer interms of flexibility, size (fine,med,bold,double bold), or italic versus regular. Also many older pens have more flexible nibs than new pens. Also the type of material makes a difference in the way the pen writes (14K is more flexible than 18K....Sounds like it should be the other way around because 18K is softer than 14K).

4. The reason why you're using it. Do you need something flashy for signing your name in front of others, or will it just be for personal use, or what? Do you want something new or used?

5. The earliest that you need the pen. Ebay has some great sales on pens, but you have to keep an eye out for them. I purchased a new Pelikan M1000 a couple of years ago for just under $100. That's great considered that it's retail price is $500.

==Tom

1. My hands are large. I like thick pens. I bought the Waterman ballpoint and rollerball pens because of their classic style and girth.

2. will probably use occasionally a few times a week.

3. I have always pressed really hard when I write. I used to routinely break the points off of lead pencils. I guess that means I need a hard nib.

4. I would be getting it for personal use. I am not one for flash for other people's approval. I like fine things that look unique and work well.

5. I am in no rush for the pen. I am a pateint person and am willing to wait until the right deal comes along.

Thanks for taking the time to help me understand what I maybe getting into.

[WithTheGrain]

Thanks to Shave Ice for posting this thread, I have been thinking about the same thing. After reading these posts, I think I figured out my first pen. I am looking at the Pelikan 215 over at Richard's Pens. It is based on the 200, which seems to be popular. Is this a decent choice? What do you guys think of nib choices? I figured going with medium to start, but who knows.

[rtaylor61]

I agree with Dennis about the Lamy Safari. It is my daily user, and if it gets lost, then I'm not out much. I don't use it daily because it is cheap, but because I enjoy using it. One other option to consider. OfficeMax and Office Depot both sell the Pilot Varsity Fountain Pen. It's a disposable. I bought a multi-pack for around $8 bucks (it's been a year or two) and found them reasonable. The quality of the ink is a bit lacking, but they write smooth, and you would get a chance to see how writing with a FP differs from what you are currently using.

Randy

[TimmyBoston]

OfficeMax and Office Depot both sell the Pilot Varsity Fountain Pen. It's a disposable. I bought a multi-pack for around $8 bucks (it's been a year or two) and found them reasonable. The quality of the ink is a bit lacking, but they write smooth, and you would get a chance to see how writing with a FP differs from what you are currently using.

Randy

That is a great suggestion, Randy! I had no idea there were even disposable pens, really a great way to try a fountain.

[Suzuki]

1. My hands are large. I like thick pens. I bought the Waterman ballpoint and rollerball pens because of their classic style and girth.

2. will probably use occasionally a few times a week.

3. I have always pressed really hard when I write. I used to routinely break the points off of lead pencils. I guess that means I need a hard nib.

4. I would be getting it for personal use. I am not one for flash for other people's approval. I like fine things that look unique and work well.

5. I am in no rush for the pen. I am a pateint person and am willing to wait until the right deal comes along.

Thanks for taking the time to help me understand what I maybe getting into.

Specific comments to your responses.

1) Then you may find the Pelikan 200 on the small size - I do, and I have very average-sized hands.

2) Then don't spend a lot - since it may collect dust most of the time. If you decide you want something nicer, that's great, but I would start at the cheaper end of the spectrum.

3) You definitely should stick with a steel nib - which will save you some $$.

4) Do you like classic or contemporary - the Lamy Safari is a very good pen for the $$ - if you like the contemporary design.

Seriously, you don't need to spend anywhere near $100 for a decent occasional use pen with a steel nib.

Here's a site with lots of good prices - I've linked you to the fountain pens by price page so you can take a look.

Lamy makes some very nice pens for under $100 - their steel nibs are great - firm and smooth. Also, I find that my Lamy pens don't tend to dry out - even if they're not used for some time - which is a consideration if your pen may go for extended periods without being used.

[WithTheGrain]

I agree with Dennis about the Lamy Safari. It is my daily user, and if it gets lost, then I'm not out much. I don't use it daily because it is cheap, but because I enjoy using it. One other option to consider. OfficeMax and Office Depot both sell the Pilot Varsity Fountain Pen. It's a disposable. I bought a multi-pack for around $8 bucks (it's been a year or two) and found them reasonable. The quality of the ink is a bit lacking, but they write smooth, and you would get a chance to see how writing with a FP differs from what you are currently using.

Randy

Thanks for the tip on these randy. I have decided that I want a pelikan m215 for christmas, but I picked up some varsity pens up today to hold me over. They cost 7.95 for 3, so same deal as it was for you.

[Shave Ice]

Thanks folks...I am going to pick up some of those disposables right now.
I had my eye on that Pelikan M215 too. The Lamy's maybe too contemporary for what I am looking for. Although the Parker 51's are very stylish.
I think something more traditional like the Waterman would be my style.

But I am going to hold off for now.

With the B & B Brush on its way to fruition I have to prioritize where my paycheck goes...the hazards of being afflicted with multiple ADs :c4:

Thanks for all the information everyone..

[Isaias]

And then there is EDT AD

There are the Halolilai and Hero pens. If you are getting varisity, I recomend to pass them and start with those. So cheap that are disposable. Of course, the quaility can be tricky, but at $5 the pen, it does not really hurt. And if it does work, (a chance of 90%) you will get something that looks and feels 10 times more expensive.

[gus]

I own 10 or so pens. I love them all, use them all, appreciate all.

But if I were a true beginner FP I would buy a Namiki Falcon fine tip. I would use it with cartriges or good bottled ink, like Aurora or Namiki (super-tidy) cartriges or bottled.

Then I would buy a new Namiki Falcon Medium Point, sending my beautiflully black semi-new Namiki Fine to "His Nibs" to have an italic point put on it. It's beautiful for even the most ordinary writing.

The Namiki point, in any form, is an engineering miracle and (like all Falcons) puts personality into writing.....heavy when angry..light when wanted..ordinary writing very regular... and sofisticated when desired.

A little over of your $100 range but at $140 each not far. Even if you only buy one. I'd bet you........I hope you like black.

I know you will be happy with the greatest pen to come out in decades!

Gus

[rtaylor61]

And then there is EDT AD

There are the Halolilai and Hero pens. If you are getting varisity, I recomend to pass them and start with those. So cheap that are disposable. Of course, the quaility can be tricky, but at $5 the pen, it does not really hurt. And if it does work, (a chance of 90%) you will get something that looks and feels 10 times more expensive.

I totally forgot about the Hero pens. I've got 5-6 floating around. Check with isellpens.com for the Hero selection.

Randy

[tm3]

i usually think that starting slow is the way to go. so i'd probably recommend a lamy safari or waterman phileas (kultur).

but, i have realized that i now own pens costing from $20 to well over $100 and there seems to be no correlation between price and performance. some of the less expensive pens work flawlessly while some of the pricier ones don't start easily, skip, and stay in the drawer. i personally can't tell any difference between a steel nib and a gold nib.

so, i think the best way to tell if a FP is for you is to start with a properly working FP and that road leads to richard binder. my namiki VP with his custom nib is my favorite pen overall.

[WithTheGrain]

And then there is EDT AD

There are the Halolilai and Hero pens. If you are getting varisity, I recomend to pass them and start with those. So cheap that are disposable. Of course, the quaility can be tricky, but at $5 the pen, it does not really hurt. And if it does work, (a chance of 90%) you will get something that looks and feels 10 times more expensive.

Speaking of Hero, what do people know about their Parker 51 ripoffs (Hero 200 i think). I am just curious what their performance is like. Everyone states that you NEED a 51, but I am not in the mood for a 150 dollar pen that I have to mess around with ebay to find. Is the hero a likely replacement to get the feel of a 51 without all the nostalga tax?

[mental]

Does the ink from fountain pens take longer to dry than "normal" ballpoint pens? I am left-handed and so while I'm interested in trying fountain pens, I'm concerned about the smudge/smear potential because of the way that I write.

[norman931]

Does the ink from fountain pens take longer to dry than "normal" ballpoint pens? I am left-handed and so while I'm interested in trying fountain pens, I'm concerned about the smudge/smear potential because of the way that I write.

Pelkan makes a variation of their inexpensive Pelikano pen for left-handers. I don't think it works well for everyone, but, at around $20, might be worth a try.

Norm

[tm3]

Hero "51" copy: i've read mixed reports on these. some praise them mightily as almost as good as the 51 but for far less $, while others complain about scratchy nibs, leaking, etc. i've been tempted to pull the trigger myself until i reflect on chinese copies of other products that i'm familiar with and then decide i don't want to risk even $20 on winding up with a piece of junk. you might get more detailed info on fountainpennetwork.com.

ink smearing: various FP inks do have different drying times. i can't comment personally but have seen your question voiced at fountainpennetwork.com. i can however say that if you want quick drying rollerball ink that feels almost like a fountain pen the lamy M66 refill delivers. it fits the lamy swift, and possibly other, rollerball pens.

[SilkySmooth]

Does the ink from fountain pens take longer to dry than "normal" ballpoint pens? I am left-handed and so while I'm interested in trying fountain pens, I'm concerned about the smudge/smear potential because of the way that I write.

They do take longer to dry than balpoint.

[mental]

They do take longer to dry than balpoint.
That said, how many of the fountain pen users here are lefties? Does this pose an issue? Nothing like ending up with smudged pages (and fingers).

[SilkySmooth]

I would start out with a cheap Lamy Safari fountain pen in medium. When posted, they are long enough for your big hand. The nib is hard, but you should try to lighten your touch when writing otherwise you'll be tearing through your pages. You would probably have the same problem if you bought a fine point, so I'd stay away from them for awhile. You brobably press hard to compensate for writing fast. Slow down your writing and enjoy the pen. Also too much pressure can damage a nib, and if you're using a pen with a flexible nib, you'll have a blotchy paper full of ink. The Lamy Safari's nib is pretty rigid, so starting out you wouldn't have that problem.

Later, I'd move up to a more expensive pen. Many have more flexible nibs and can be customized to your liking (ie the Namiki Falcon Fine point which many use to write copperplate/spencerian, or a nice Conway Stewart, Pelikan, Omas, etc.)

Also the Safari accepts cartridges or a large converter which is larger than most of the other brands. The converter will let you draw ink from a bottle or well.

I prefer bottled ink and I prefer to have it stay on the paper and not smudge. I usually buy Noodlers ink because it is waterproof once dry which is great in preventing forged checks. Their black ink is one of the darkest around. I also enjoy mixing colors (of the same brand) to make something of my own. Noodlers ink also seems less runny than most ink on the market.


Here's a nice site that sells all of the products I've listed

www.swisherpens.com


www.penhero.com has every manufacturers site along with a huge list of dealers.

www.nibs.com does really neat custom nibs, they do repairs, sell pre-owned pens and have examples of how certain nibs perform.


Happy writing



==Tom

[WebGeezer]

That said, how many of the fountain pen users here are lefties? Does this pose an issue? Nothing like ending up with smudged pages (and fingers).

There is no reason a left-handed writer cannot use a fountain pen.

Change your hand position if necessary (under the line rather than over the top), use finer nibs and quicker drying inks. Alter your writing style.

I am left-handed and use pens of various sizes, widths, and ink supplies. It's just a question of learning how to use them. Get some fresh paper, set aside some free time, and simply play with writing/scribbling/whatever.

Now that any excuses have been eliminated, start writing. :thumbup1:

[kwk285]

I have been thinking about acquiring a fountain pen for a while. My biggest concern is the mess. I wear a suit and tie for work everyday. I have heard that some fountain pens leak.

Is this a common problem?

[ouch]

There is no reason a left-handed writer cannot use a fountain pen.



Yeah, in Hebrew.

[tm3]

I have been thinking about acquiring a fountain pen for a while. My biggest concern is the mess. I wear a suit and tie for work everyday. I have heard that some fountain pens leak.

Is this a common problem?

the only FP leaking that i have heard of is with the cheap chinese pens.

the only pen that has ever leaked on me was a levenger rollerball. leaked on, and ruined, a new pinpoint cotton dress shirt.

[farace]

Vintage pens can and will leak if they haven't been rehabbed with a new ink sac. Sometimes, especially with Esterbrooks, the original ink sac may still be intact and pliable, but it's still around fifty years old and if one is worried about ruining a shirt, it would be good to replace it.

[WebGeezer]

Vintage pens can and will leak if they haven't been rehabbed with a new ink sac. Sometimes, especially with Esterbrooks, the original ink sac may still be intact and pliable, but it's still around fifty years old and if one is worried about ruining a shirt, it would be good to replace it.

Good point. Note that this commonly applies to "lever fillers"(*). If the sac goes, the leak will be from the lever box. The cost of professional repair/refurbishment is cheap compared to a new suit and should last considerably longer.

If you're worried, go with a modern piston-filler or cartridge/converter. There are no openings in the pen body through which ink could seep. This leaves only the nib which, if properly seated in the section, should also never leak.

The truly trepid and/or prolific penners might go with an eye dropper system.

(*) I'm leaving out discussions of vac, twist, blow, coin, snorkel, etc.

[Daves]

I have Watermans, Pelikans and Mont Blancs and I know that a lot of it is personal writing style. I prefer to write with a narrow tip pen. I have a Waterman that cost me $ 400.00 ten years ago. It is my pen of choice. It has a very narrow tip and this is what I need. If you can try out different pens and tips, before you buy, it would be a good idea. I have 2 Pelikans and the tips are too flexible for me. I prefer drawing from a bottle.

Lamy Safari is a great pen. They have different size tips and I believe an Italic tip as well. That might be a good place to start. The Safari uses cartridges.

Good luck!

[bbqncigars]

For nice writing nearly indestructible pens, I prefer my Lamy AL Star XF and my Rotring F. Another nice (and cheap!) large pen is the Wality 69L (http://isellpens.com/airmailpencompany.htm). I love my Namiki VP, but one shouldn't use much pressure with that nib.

Just my ¢2.

Wayne

[setherd]

hero 329
similar to a 51 but a little thinner

cheap and writes very well

I love mine... I love my parker 51's more :)

[Shave Ice]

Had a little left over from the last paycheck...

I have ordered a Lamy Safari (white - fine point), cartirdge converter and Noodle Blue-Black and Black ink from Swisher Pens.

I have been playing with the Pilot Varsity pens this past week (looks like its been discontinued at Office Depot and being phased out in Office Max in Hawaii). This brief experience has taught me to lighten up on my pressure and write in a more flowing manner.

I guess I am on my way...thanks everyone for your wise counsel.

[mental]

Thanks to this thread, I contacted Richard Binder and he's been most helpful and polite. He asked me quite a number of questions about the way that I write and sent me a link to some pictures illustrating various ways of gripping the pens, for comparison. I think I'm going to be getting a Pelikan M200 soon!

Man, joining B&B has turned out to be an expensive proposition... :lol:

[Ecuador Jim]

1. My hands are large. I like thick pens. I bought the Waterman ballpoint and rollerball pens because of their classic style and girth.

2. will probably use occasionally a few times a week.

3. I have always pressed really hard when I write. I used to routinely break the points off of lead pencils. I guess that means I need a hard nib.

4. I would be getting it for personal use. I am not one for flash for other people's approval. I like fine things that look unique and work well.

5. I am in no rush for the pen. I am a pateint person and am willing to wait until the right deal comes along.

Thanks for taking the time to help me understand what I maybe getting into.


My mother taught me to use a FP when I was a kid. I was fascinated with them. The main point she impressed upon me was the need for a light touch.

I tend to be a heavy "presser" with ball points, but learned to let a FP "glide".

I'd agree that the Waterman is a great start.

[SilkySmooth]

Had a little left over from the last paycheck...

I have ordered a Lamy Safari (white - fine point), cartirdge converter and Noodle Blue-Black and Black ink from Swisher Pens.

I have been playing with the Pilot Varsity pens this past week (looks like its been discontinued at Office Depot and being phased out in Office Max in Hawaii). This brief experience has taught me to lighten up on my pressure and write in a more flowing manner.

I guess I am on my way...thanks everyone for your wise counsel.

Congrats!

Personally, I would have chosen a darker color to hide the ink, but to each his own.


==Tom

[Aneurysm]

I've been using my Vanishing Point for a few years now and I absolutely love it. It's my daily pen and it's been working flawlessly. I agree with the recommendations of the Lamy Safari, and the Pelikan m200 and I don't think you can go wrong with either of these. I'd haven't had much luck with the Hero pens, bought one when I was in Shanghai, nib was smooth but the pen leaked on me and after a while the gold finish on the body started to tarnish. Not my type of pen, maybe it's just bad luck but I dun think I will try one again

[farace]

I love my vintage pens, but I keep telling myself that if I get a new job I'll treat myself to a Vanishing Point. They're really neat.

[SilkySmooth]

I've been using my Vanishing Point for a few years now and I absolutely love it. It's my daily pen and it's been working flawlessly. I agree with the recommendations of the Lamy Safari, and the Pelikan m200 and I don't think you can go wrong with either of these. I'd haven't had much luck with the Hero pens, bought one when I was in Shanghai, nib was smooth but the pen leaked on me and after a while the gold finish on the body started to tarnish. Not my type of pen, maybe it's just bad luck but I dun think I will try one again

I have one of the older Namiki Vanishing Points. It's a neat concept. The nib seems to skip a little though, and sometimes I need to use a little pressure to get the ink flowing. Do you have the same style? Maybe it's a design flaw from the first run.


==Tom

[Shave Ice]

Congrats!

Personally, I would have chosen a darker color to hide the ink, but to each his own.


==Tom

Thanks! I am loving my Lamy. I too worried about the white color, but its held up thus far. I think the modern design of the pen calls for a non-traditional color. Like you said, "to each his own" thanks again.
:smile:

[SMG]

It would depend on a few things:

Also the type of material makes a difference in the way the pen writes (14K is more flexible than 18K....Sounds like it should be the other way around because 18K is softer than 14K).

==Tom

While 18K is softer than 14K it is also alot more difficult to control. The issue is that 18k is SO soft that it will usually spring (catastrophic failure where the tines flex so much that they bend near the breather hole and will not retun)instead of flexing back to alignment. Modern gold formulae for nibs does not lend itself to Vintage style or amount of flex. Meisters can add flex to a nib, but they are still not the same as vintage.

18k is usually not found on alot of pens these days, unless they are for the European market. Some countries in Europe will not allow a manufacturer to call the nib Gold unless it is 18K or higher. That said, I believe that Sailor still makes 21K nibs.

I personally recommend to anyone who askes one of two pens, the M200 or the Namiki Vanishing point. The reason is the same, interchangeable nibs for varied lines. These pens are robust and not overly expensive. My last VP was $65 on FPN or PT cannot remember which. These pens allow the user to purchase nibs from different nibmeisters and try out stubs, Italics, etc without having to invest in a new pen. Besides, if you don't like the nib, most of the custom ground stuff can be sold at little loss on the Pen Boards.

Cheers,
Sean

[SMG]

Does the ink from fountain pens take longer to dry than "normal" ballpoint pens? I am left-handed and so while I'm interested in trying fountain pens, I'm concerned about the smudge/smear potential because of the way that I write.

I am a lefty and have no issue with using fountain pens. I have found that Sailor Jentle Blue and Private Reserve American Blue dry quickly enough on good paper that there is little issue with smearing.

That said, make sure you use good paper. Clairfontaine, Rhodia and Moleskine are good.

I am what pen users refer to as a "hooker", a left handed overwrighter. There are specific formulae of ink from Swisher pens that will dry nearly instantly, and they are nice colors too.

Cheers,
Sean

[Hobbesoxon]

How about a Parker "Sonnet"? I think I've had one, of various kinds, since I was a boy... about two decades now. Solid, reliable, classic! They should come it at about $150 or so. Thoroughly recommended. :)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[bman40]

I concur with Suzuki - the Waterman Phileas is a good starter pen. I have a Sailor 1911, which is a lovely pen, and Parker Duofold, also nice (but $400 + might not be worth it - luckily it was a gift).

Lately I have been making my own - using pen kits and my wood lathe - there are some beautiful acrylics and celluoids out there... fountainpennetwork.com, penturners.org might be a place to look for people who sell their pens...

*Hey: I'll trade you a custom fountain pen for a Fatboy!!

Barry

[housemaidsknee]

to buy FPs online is Oscarbraunpens.com. Don't know if this has already been covered - classy operation, great prices. Website leaves something to be desired, but the prices and service are worth it. Pam is awesome.

[Austin]

I would recommend the Lamy Safari or Duke pens. You can get a Duke here:

http://isellpens.com/index.htm

[Pudu]

...

The only thing I recommend is that if you do get a pen that takes the pre-filled ink cartridges, buy the converter, which allows you to use ink from a bottle...


+1

Definitely get the converter when you get your pen. Filling your pen from a glass inkwell is so much more satisfying than slapping in another disposable plastic cartridge.