Favorite fountain pens?

[Cheech]

I've noticed more than a few fountain pen users here. I was wondering what everyone's favorites were.

For me:

Best daily user: P51 vac
(With a Namiki VP as a close runner up)

Overall favorite: Pelikan 1000

[Austin]

My favorite is my Mont Blanc 146. My everyday pen is my Visconti Van Gogh.

[dwestenk]

My favorite and my everyday are one and the same: Pelikan 800!

36303

[oldschool77]

My favorite happens to be my only one at the moment which is a Cross ATX Juniper Blue Fountain Pen. I absolutely love it and am getting complements left and right when it is in use.

[Suzuki]

My favorite and my everyday are one and the same: Pelikan 800!

36303

Yup - just a damn fine pen - both aesthetically and in the performance department.

My Lamy 2000 is a close second - just an incredible pen for the price and I really like the Bahaus styling.

[Dennis]

Parker "51" Vacumatic. Others are not even close for me.

[Aevum]

Daily use, Lamy Safari,
Wish i could buy : Waterman serenite,

[superbleu]

Favorite ONE?!! Don't make me choose.

Some of my favorites are my Sailor Pro Gear, or my Vanishing point, or my Waterman 52v, or my Esterbrook J, or my Sheaffer balance with a Minuskin stub italic nib, or my vintage MB 344.

[glennz]

I agree with superbleu ... hard to choose a single favourite (or even a few as favourite).

But the pens I reach for most for daily use right now are my Pelikan M600, Pilot Capless (Vanishing Point) and a Reform Classico.

[kc0byy]

Parker 51 Aerometric. I have several.

[DMac]

My favorite current pen is a Pelikan M200

My everyday writer is a Lamy Safari, but I'm hoping to upgrade that to a Lamy 2000 after Christmas.

I'm also dying to try an old Parker 51. Anyone have one for cheap?

[chickpea]

Favorite M200 (easy)

Right now I only own a Lamy Safari, but that will change in ~4 months (saving my pennies).

[superbleu]

My favorite current pen is a Pelikan M200

My everyday writer is a Lamy Safari, but I'm hoping to upgrade that to a Lamy 2000 after Christmas.

I'm also dying to try an old Parker 51. Anyone have one for cheap?

There are quite a few for sale here
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?showforum=102
and here
http://www.pentrace.net/penmarket.htm


What's your definition of cheap? I have Vac filled in Demi size Parker 51 that was fully restored by Ron Zorn less than a year ago if you are interested.

[RichGem]

any one made in the '30s - '50s

[Suzuki]

I'm also dying to try an old Parker 51. Anyone have one for cheap?

Good luck with that!

If you want a nice writing pen in the same style, look for a Super 21 - NOS versions often go for under $30

[superbleu]

Good luck with that!

If you want a nice writing pen in the same style, look for a Super 21 - NOS versions often go for under $30

Good call Chris, although I have heard due to design or material used for the 21's the barrels tend to crack and fall apart after several years of use, although that's all hear-say to me.

Another option is to find a Hero 100 or 616, these are Chinese knock-offs of the Parker 51s you can pick up on the cheap on ebay Isellpens.com or hisnibs.com
I have a couple of each, they work pretty well, and if it happens to grow legs and walk away you won't be out a ton of coins. I actually use these more than my real P51, which spends most of it's time sitting in the drawer.

[glennz]

I managed to obtain some lots of Hero 616's, and gave them out to one of my project teams at the completion of a phase. Of the 30-odd distributed, around 22 are still in use after about 6 months. I also wound up with 4 dud's out of the 40 pens ...

[DMac]

Thanks for the advice guys. I've been keeping my eye on the FPN sale board, but I think 51s are still a little out of my price range. I could probably swing a Super 21, though, and I think that would give me an idea of whether I really want to spend the money on a 51. So that will be my plan for now.

[GarageBoy]

Lamy 2000 is my favorite day to day pen.
Pen with a little more vintage cool feeling- Sheaffer Balance

[DeaconKC]

Modern pen? Pelikan 215
Vintage? Esterbrook J
+1 on the Parker 21 and also consider the Parker 45, both great writers and a LOT more affordable than the 51.

[glennz]

But the 51 is the most fun, especially if you can get a Vac rather than an Aero

[Laz]

After reading this post, I want to pick up a fountain pen. I was thinking a Lamy Safari would be a good one to start with.

Should I order the fine or med point? I prefer the med point in my Cross ball tip pen, but I don't know how a fountain will compare. What are your thoughts or suggestions?

[DMac]

After reading this post, I want to pick up a fountain pen. I was thinking a Lamy Safari would be a good one to start with.

Should I order the fine or med point? I prefer the med point in my Cross ball tip pen, but I don't know how a fountain will compare. What are your thoughts or suggestions?

I'm sure someone with more experience will chime in here, but I own two Safaris and I would urge a fine point. Fountain pens are broader generally than ballpoints in the first place, and Lamys are known to have slightly wider nibs than other fountain pens. I personally write with an Extra Fine Safari as my everyday writer.

[superbleu]

Yep, get a fine or even and EF.
Lamy nibs and pelikan nibs run a bit wider than most other pens, and the Japanese pens like Sailor, Pilot and Platinum usually run a little finer than most pens for any given nib size.

The Lamy Safari pens are pretty bullet proof and low maintenance and make a good first fountain pen to get the feet wet.

[Cheech]

Thanks for the advice guys. I've been keeping my eye on the FPN sale board, but I think 51s are still a little out of my price range. I could probably swing a Super 21, though, and I think that would give me an idea of whether I really want to spend the money on a 51. So that will be my plan for now.

The nib is different between the two. The 21 (correct me if I'm wrong) is standard, and the 51 has a conical nib. You just can't see it because of the hood. I actually like the 21's. Not as nice as the 51's, but that's comparing it to the standard.

I have a couple NOS super 21's if you're interested. I may even be able to dig up a Demi 51 aero. If I can remember where it is... Let me know.

[MR.BurmaShave]

Delta Dolcevita
Pelikan Souveran 1000
Aurora Optima

my daily's are a Montblanc Starwalker and a lamy studio

[Cheech]

After reading this post, I want to pick up a fountain pen. I was thinking a Lamy Safari would be a good one to start with.

Should I order the fine or med point? I prefer the med point in my Cross ball tip pen, but I don't know how a fountain will compare. What are your thoughts or suggestions?

I'd say go to a shop and try them both out. Also, keep in mind that one manufacturer's fine is another manufacturer's medium.

Even if you don't have a dedicated pen store nearby, most art stores will have some. Although, if you're in LA, there should be a few.

[Suzuki]

Good call Chris, although I have heard due to design or material used for the 21's the barrels tend to crack and fall apart after several years of use, although that's all hear-say to me.

Another option is to find a Hero 100 or 616, these are Chinese knock-offs of the Parker 51s you can pick up on the cheap on ebay Isellpens.com or hisnibs.com
I have a couple of each, they work pretty well, and if it happens to grow legs and walk away you won't be out a ton of coins. I actually use these more than my real P51, which spends most of it's time sitting in the drawer.

The plastic on the 21 can be a little more brittle, but I've had no problems with the NOS one I bought several years ago. Also there are lots of parts around for these, so replacing a barrel is pretty cheap.

As for the comparison with the Heros - the 21 is a much nicer pen in terms of fit and finish (I'm comparing them to the Heros I owned about 5 years ago) and a better writter, I found all of the Heros I tried to be lousy, scratchy writers and binned them all.


I'm sure someone with more experience will chime in here, but I own two Safaris and I would urge a fine point. Fountain pens are broader generally than ballpoints in the first place, and Lamys are known to have slightly wider nibs than other fountain pens. I personally write with an Extra Fine Safari as my everyday writer.

I think the fine is a better choice than the EF - but if you can try them out that's the best thing to do.

Oh yeah, the medium is pretty broad - I have the medium and fine and the fine gets way more use.

The Safari is one of the best starter FPs out there - if you get one, make sure to get the excellent converter so you can use bottled ink.

[Ferannia]

It depends what exactly you are refering to; I prefer Japanese fountain pens because of their smoothness on a paper, uncomparable to any other nib, ever ! However, I still prefer piston fillers like Reform, Pelikan... But when it comes to a nib... Sailor - always, and forever.

[Nancy Boy]

Modern pen? Pelikan 215
Vintage? Esterbrook J
+1 on the Parker 21 and also consider the Parker 45, both great writers and a LOT more affordable than the 51.

I just ordered me a 215 for Xmas. It's my first fountain pen (besides the 1.50 one I got at a drugstore when I was 10).

http://www.montgomerypens.com/xlpicture.asp?product_id=5021

I can't wait to write with it!:001_smile

[Isaias]

I have about 25 to 30 FPs at home going from $2 to $110. My favorite ones are still the first 2 I bought. Lamy Safari ($20) and Pilot Varsity ($2). Smooth, comfortable, reliable and though. They lack some of the aesthetic values of my more expensive pens, but beauty ain-t everything in this life.

[GardenWeasel]

The Waterman LeMan 100 with fine nib has been satisfying my need for writing with a fountain pen...

[wksimple]

My favorite FP is this Sheaffer from the 1950's. It belonged to my dad and I use it as my everyday pen. I don't know the model designation, I think it may be an Imperial, but it has a medium 14k gold nib and a sterling silver barrel and cap. My absolute favorite!

[Prospero]

This is my favourite fountain pen:

The Lamy Accent 98 with Rhodium rings
http://www.ideate.nl/images/Lamy.jpg

[Dharion]

This is a Lamy logo which I use. (You've got me interested in a Pelikan M215... :rolleyes: )
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn299/Dhark1/fju498ghked.png

[DeaconKC]

I've got the Blue 215
http://store.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=swisher&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=191692531&Count2=108832955

[mneblung]

My favorite and my everyday are one and the same: Pelikan 800!

36303

+1

Followed by an old Pelikan 400.

[DMac]

I think the fine is a better choice than the EF - but if you can try them out that's the best thing to do.

Oh yeah, the medium is pretty broad - I have the medium and fine and the fine gets way more use.

The Safari is one of the best starter FPs out there - if you get one, make sure to get the excellent converter so you can use bottled ink.

I'd agree with you here. I forgot to mention that I prefer a finer point, so I like a fine point on most pens, which means an XF for the Lamy.

Also, a big +1 on the converter, is there any other way to write?!?!?!

[schadowrider]

It depends what exactly you are refering to; I prefer Japanese fountain pens because of their smoothness on a paper, uncomparable to any other nib, ever ! However, I still prefer piston fillers like Reform, Pelikan... But when it comes to a nib... Sailor - always, and forever.

I have a lot of "favorites" depending on what I'm using the pen for and the type of paper, etc..., and I too generally prefer the Japanese made nibs (although when an Italian made pen's nib is "on", it's fantastic! Even if a bit heavier in line than a Japanese made pen's counterpart...).

I agree the Sailor nibs are fantastic -- two of my everyday, "always in rotation", pens are Sailor 1911's -- a burgundy one with Rotring Brilliant Red ink in it and a Sterling Silver one with Aurora Black in it; both are XF's with excellent flow and not a hint of scratchiness to them.

But my absolute favorite FP is a Fine-nib Namiki Yukari Nightline - weight, balance, beauty, flow, smoothness, line, etc. The only thing I would change on this pen might be to have a version where the gold flecks and gold trim are replaced with silver!

[glennz]

Also, a big +1 on the converter, is there any other way to write?!?!?!
Piston filler, Vac filler or Aerometric filler > converter ... unless you like to have cartridges around for emergency use

[Aneurysm]

My fav daily pen? My trusty Fermo vanishing point!
My fav non daily? My Namiki Cherry Blossom

[DMac]

Piston filler, Vac filler or Aerometric filler > converter ... unless you like to have cartridges around for emergency use

Oh I agree completely, I was just referring to bottled ink versus cartridges.

And wksimple, beautiful Schaeffer!

[MJB]

1) Pelikan 800 red/black strip

2) Lamy Personna Black Resin and Titanium

3) Too many tied for 3rd to answer

[wksimple]

Oh I agree completely, I was just referring to bottled ink versus cartridges.

And wksimple, beautiful Schaeffer!


Thank you kindly. It will stay in the family forever.

[DMac]

Thank you kindly. It will stay in the family forever.

Those are the best kinds. In 20 years, when this thread pops up, I will be able to say that my favorite pen is a Parker Sonnet Cisele, which currently belongs to my father, that looks like this:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/dmcneely/Sonnet_Cisele_GT_FP.jpg

[glennz]

Those are the best kinds. In 20 years, when this thread pops up, I will be able to say that my favorite pen is a Parker Sonnet Cisele, which currently belongs to my father, that looks like this:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/dmcneely/Sonnet_Cisele_GT_FP.jpg

Nice series 2 Cisele! I have a series 1 (narrow gold band at base of cap). It is a bit of a slow starter, but has a lovely heft and sweet nib. I have it loaded with Rohrer & Klingner Verdigris ink right now ...

[tortswon]

For making a purely impressive signature, a Sailor King of Pen in red urushi fitted with a King Eagle nib. I sometimes sign Court Orders and when I use that, people know I mean business. :001_smile

For daily use, my Parker Big Red Senior circa 1928 fitted with a broad nib. A real thoroughbred of a pen that just likes to keep writing like a thoroughbred likes to keep running. The more I use it, the better it writes. Best, Sam

[norman931]

I love my Parker 51 vac, but it stays on my desk. For daily use, I carry a Hero 330. It is solid, well-built, writes smooth, and I got it for $15 including shipping from Hong Kong. The Lamy Safari is a good pen (I have a white one), but it is big and ugly.

[mparker762]

Pelikan 600 for me.

The wife alternates between her Parker Cisele and her Parker 45 Flighter.

[wksimple]

I kind of wish I hadn't found this thread. All I need is something else expensive to collect.....:mad2:

[ouch]

I don't have a fountain pen.:w00t:

[Cheech]

I just realized... No one claims the Parker 61 as a favorite?

[glennz]

I kind of wish I hadn't found this thread. All I need is something else expensive to collect.....:mad2:
But just like your shaving gear, you will enjoy making use of your collection, not just admire it :)

[glennz]

I don't have a fountain pen.
You should really correct that :wink:

You could always visit The Fountain Pen Hospital or Montgomery Stationers (or any number of others) the next time you venture to NY, NY.

[handlebar]

I own mainly italians: Omas Arco Milord in both HT and GT,Stipula Etruria an Florentia,Shaeffer Victoria, Omas Milord (old style),Montegrappa and a few others.I love my Conway Stewarts too!

Here are a few pics:

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h93/n7myw/Pens/7.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h93/n7myw/Pens/6-2.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h93/n7myw/Pens/9.jpg

These are my babies!!!!

Being a devoted member of The Fountain Pen Network,I can't help but show off!!

Handlebar

[GardenWeasel]

Nice! What is the 2nd from right in top and bottom photo please?

[kmarriner]

I just had a quick question. I was looking into a lamy safari with the converter.
But there are two things I can't figure out from reading online.

How do you fill the converter? I know its not a lever fill, what is it?
Also, do you need to write differently than normal with a fountain?

[Laz]

You should really correct that :wink:

You could always visit The Fountain Pen Hospital or Montgomery Stationers (or any number of others) the next time you venture to NY, NY.

Very Good. Where is the YET!

[handlebar]

Nice! What is the 2nd from right in top and bottom photo please?

That would be my ever delightful Stipula Etruria,my finest writer.

Handlebar

[handlebar]

I just had a quick question. I was looking into a lamy safari with the converter.
But there are two things I can't figure out from reading online.

How do you fill the converter? I know its not a lever fill, what is it?
Also, do you need to write differently than normal with a fountain?

A converter sit inside the shaft and you twist the end of the converter and watch the ink slide up the body of the converter. Simple and a great method of filling. I prefer piston fillers but if you really want a good idea as to other methods,go check out

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=11808

Hope that helps.

handlebar

[GardenWeasel]

ref: Handlebar's Stipula Etruria
It is certainly eye catching! Just beautiful!!

[kmarriner]

A converter sit inside the shaft and you twist the end of the converter and watch the ink slide up the body of the converter. Simple and a great method of filling. I prefer piston fillers but if you really want a good idea as to other methods,go check out

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=11808

Hope that helps.

handlebar
What would you recommend in a piston in the sub-60 range?

[superbleu]

What would you recommend in a piston in the sub-60 range?

Tough to find a piston filler in that price range in a main stream pen.
The Pelikan M200 is probably the closest, I think I have seen them sell for 65 new, the M150's may be cheaper, but these are very small pens, even the 200 is small for a lot of people.
Isellpens.com and oscarbraunpens.com are going to be the cheapest you will find these pens new.
One option is Reform which is a German made piston filler, not one of the big names but many people love them, there are a couple folks that sell them on Fountain pen networks, both of them have sold probably hundreds of them.

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=86234&hl=reform
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=84712&hl=reform

Jim, do you have any other ideas?

[DeaconKC]

Sub $60 you can find a Pelikan 150 from some different sources. They are a little smaller, but mine is a great writer and I like it even though I have large hands.

[glennz]

What would you recommend in a piston in the sub-60 range?

Look for people selling NOS Reform pens. The 1745 is a great little knockabout pen, you should be able to find it for less than $10 (before shipping). I have two of those myself, and have given away 5 or so. I also have five or six colleagues here at work using the same pen.

You should be able to find some Classico and Calligraph NOS Reforms around as well. Very nice writers both. I paid less than $20 for each of them on the 'bay.

All three models are piston-fillers.

[Isaias]

This is a Lamy logo which I use. (You've got me interested in a Pelikan M215... :rolleyes: )
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn299/Dhark1/fju498ghked.png

OH that one's awesome :w00t: very comfortable. Stiff nib, as most Lammys, but very smooth while writing. I had one engraved with my name but I "lost it" at school. I see a person writing with a Lammy pen that reads Isaias XX and you can be certain he's gonna get a huge can of whoopass.:mad3:

[handlebar]

What would you recommend in a piston in the sub-60 range?

It is tough to find piston fillers in that range except maybe a vintage pen on ebay,etc. There are a few new lower priced pistons but the quality sticks with the price. I bought a Montegrappa Cortina for $25 and it is a splendid pen. Found it on ebay as well.

The fun part is looking! Still, a converter pen is just fine. And one can always see how much ink is left.

handlebar

[kmarriner]

I will have to look into the 1745s and the m150.

[DeaconKC]

You will not go wrong with the Reform, very reliable but can have a very stiff nib. Also the Pel 150 is a fantastic pen. It's not fair to compare them though.

[Dubbya]

My favorite happens to be my only one at the moment which is a Cross ATX Juniper Blue Fountain Pen. I absolutely love it and am getting complements left and right when it is in use.

I've got the all chrome ATX and I love it. It's second only to my Pilot Vanishing Point with a Binder custom nib.

[SCWilson]

My favorites are my Aurora 88 (piston) and my Edison Harlad (eye dropper). Both have italic nibs. The Aurora has a bout a .9mm italic and the Edison has about a .75mm italic.

[tblech]

Over the years I have had several foutain pens, nothing remarkable to even be worth mentioning, includeing disposables, but the pen that has always caught my eye is the Parker Cloisonne, if I had the disposable income I would snap one up in an instant...

[Mandrake]

My favourites are my Pilot Vanishing Point, which I carry with me, and the MB 149 I keep in the office.

[kopio]

I have a couple of favorites....one being my Aurora Talentum, the other (right now anyhow) being my new Conklin Glider.

The glider is a great mid-range pen with a high end look IMO.

FWIW....I also really like my el-cheapo Hero...you can get a 10 pack on line for about $15 shipped. They're not exceptional pens, but certainly very good every day writers (and you don't have to cry if you lose one!)

[The Knize]

Waterman LeMan 100

[guru]

Just a plain old Sheaffer. Used to live in Fort Madison, Iowa where they make them, or used to.

[BarryR]

My Green Striated Pelikan m800 (medium) is my favorite FP. The size and weight are perfect for me and I love the way it looks, too.

[BalthasarR]

This is what I mostly use. It has excellent weight balance for me. I can write with it hours and still not get tired. Simply love it! (F Nib)

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z308/nuppo/DSddddssdsdC_0002.jpg?t=1242299624
Sorry for crappy pic.

[DrumDawg]

This is what I mostly use. It has excellent weight balance for me. I can write with it hours and still not get tired. Simply love it! (F Nib)

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z308/nuppo/DSddddssdsdC_0002.jpg?t=1242299624
Sorry for crappy pic.


which pelican is this?

I am intrigued by the pelikans and the lamy

i need a good everyday pen; with GOOD weight and is not that small (to counter hand fatigue)

suggestions??

[danek]

That's a Pelikan 215. I highly recommend www.richardspens.com, if you are shopping. I have purchased two pens from Richard and he tests, and if needed, adjusts the nib of every pen he sells. The steel nib gives a very nice tactile feel. Excellent writer.

[mparker762]

Parker 51, particularly the "Flighter" model. I gave one to the wife (a writer) for her birthday a few years back and she loves it as well.

[DrumDawg]

good weight to it; durable?

[BalthasarR]

That's a Pelikan 215. I highly recommend www.richardspens.com, if you are shopping. I have purchased two pens from Richard and he tests, and if needed, adjusts the nib of every pen he sells. The steel nib gives a very nice tactile feel. Excellent writer.

Yep. Pelikan 215 it is. Just refilled it with some Noodler´s Sequoia. :001_smile