Pens; Fountain, Rollerball and the Like [Archive]

TimmyBoston

10-06-2006, 10:42 PM

rtaylor61

10-06-2006, 11:45 PM

I use a Lamy Safari, a Waterman Charleston, and Pilot G2 gel pens. Nothing else.

Randy

Suzuki

10-07-2006, 02:28 AM

My experience is that the Montblank rollerball refills are lousy. Try some aftermarket refills - they're cheaper and at least as good as the OEM versions.

fuerein

10-07-2006, 03:42 AM

I'm starting to really like fountain pens, granted the only ones I have right now are Levenger True Writers, which are relatively cheap ($52), but they work well in my experience.

As for outside fountain, sadly my favorite pen is cheap, non-refillable Pilot Precise V5 Rolling Ball (Extra Fine). Nothing I have yet to come across in the way of rollerball/ballpoint pens rights as cleanly, nicely, and finely.

Suzuki

10-07-2006, 04:58 AM

I have one "nice" rollerball, it is a Conclin Nozack - $50 dollars, but it uses good Schneider (sp?) refills that only cost $3.50. (I actually have a Montblanc RB, but I don't use it - in fact, I don't even know where it is). If I want to use a rollerball, I use one of the disposables I keep around - the Pilots are great. I also have converted all of my ballpoint pens to the gel ink refils.

I have several fountain pens - the best value by far is the Pelikan Go that I bought on e-bay for like $8. Its a "school" pen made by Pelican for highschool and university students, so its cheap, but solid. The nib is one of the best steel nibs I've used and its got a plunger mechanism (basically an internal syringe), which means you have to use bottled ink, but it holds a ton of it.

The other good inexpensive FPs I have are the Lamy safari - great workhorses with good nibs and Lamy makes a very good converter so you can use bottled ink instead of cartridges.

My two favourite FPs are (i) my Lamy 2000, which is a Bahaus design pen in black and stainless with a partially hooded gold nib. This pen is also a plunger-type and (ii) my Pelican 800 - plunger/gold nib - this is the best writing pen I have.

If you decide you like FPs, it may be worth looking at a pen with a gold nib - he Lamy 2000 can often be had for $100 or even less on the Internet, but there's lots of others at this price point. While I enjoy all of my FPs, the ones I turn to most often are the ones with gold nibs, as I just find them to write more smoothly.

The other sugggestion I have is to see if you FP's can take a converter - this is basically a syringe type insert that replaces the cartridge, but lets you use ink from the bottle - cheaper and allows you to try other brands of ink than what comes in the cartridges. One of my favourite brands of ink is Waterman - I always keep a bottle of blue-black in my desk. Not surprisingly, different brands of ink have different characteristics and can work better in certain pens. The Waterman is a consistent performer in all of my pens.

Stauff

10-07-2006, 04:59 AM

I am mostly a Caran d'Ache man myself. I love the ecridor collection, especially with the retro-style pattern engraved. These pens have existed since the fifties (the pencil since the 20's) and are made of brass plated with silver and coated with rhodium. Rhodium is said to be more rare than gold and will never ever-in contrast to silver- tarnish. My pens really SHINE. The fountain pen nib is 'only' rhodium-coated iridium, but it writes far better than any 14K nib I have ever tried. The Goliath ballpoint refill is one of the best there is: very consistent and smooth, never leaky and -the name says it- HUGE: will write 600 A4 pages. The roller ball is nice as well. Those Swiss really know how to build a pen...:biggrin:

MasonM

10-07-2006, 05:04 AM

For work I am limited to ball points, but for everything else I prefer fountain pens.

The Montblanc roller ball refills are terrible. While Waterman is considered an inferior pen I rather like them. I have several of their roller ball and fountain pens. I just use a Cross ballpoint for work.

ratcheer

10-07-2006, 05:40 AM

I have a Mont Blanc fountain pen, a Cross fountain pen, and garden variety PhD ballpoint and Pilot G2 gel pens.

I love both fountain pens, but my Cross writes smoother and more easily. Both are a pain to use (I don't write many letters, anymore - they would be great for that), so I rarely use them anymore. My writing is mostly just short notes when at work.

I used the PhD ballpoints for a couple of years and really like them, but then I discovered the Pilot G2. It writes as smoothly and prettily as a very good fountain pen, the ink dries almost instantly, and they are very cheap. I have honestly never written with anything better.

Tim

dszpiro

10-07-2006, 06:07 AM

I started collecting fountain pens about 15 years ago and over that period have managed to collect quite a few. Here are a few of my thoughts on the popular brands:

- Generally, I think Mont Blanc pens are over-rated. I have had a few, including a 149 that I have owned for 20 years (the "Fat Boy" of the MBs). The pen has leaked ink at the top of the section since the day I bought it despite having been back to MB three times. When I use this pen I know I will have little stripes on my middle finger.

- Generally, I think Waterman pen are under-rated. Many models - like the LeMans and Edson - are built on brass sleeves and have a luxurious solid, massive feel about them. The Edson is actually my daily writer for the past year: it has a beautiful nib that is integrated into the section of the pen and is sufficiently stiff so that you don't have to hesitate to let someone unfamiliar with fountains pens give it a try.

- I want to like Sheaffers more than I do, but I have been disappointed. As a collector of the PFM models, I was very anxious to acquire a Legacy when it was introduced. Unfortunately, the original Legacy had problems: poor system for attaching the cap that left marks on the section; scratchy nib. Sheaffer has since revised the pen (it is now the Legacy II), but I can't bring myself to purchase another one.

- As German pens go, I prefer Pelikan over MB. I have an 800 that feels like a BMW in my hand.

- My Parker Duofold is a very nice, dependable writer, if somewhat underwhelming. I am thinking about getting a new model 100 as it is designed with the appearance of the classic model 51 but on a slightly larger scale.

Of course, there are many opinions on vintage pens as well. At the end of the day, writing with any decent fountain pen is far more enjoyable than writing with a ballpoint IMHO.

Cheers,

Suzuki

10-08-2006, 04:47 AM

I agree that the Waterman pens are under-rated - the Phileas is one of the best bargains out there ($30 - $35) and I often recommend it with a fine nib for folks who want to try a FP without blowing the bank. I also have a Carene - I get a ton of comment because of the unusual nib shape and the black/amber lacquer.

I too am underwhelmed by Sheaffer and no longer own any of them.

The MB (not to flog a dead horse) as a line is the most over-rated on the market. A friend has a $400 MB with a nib that is worse than that on the kit pen (and we're talking about a $15 FP kit) that someone made for her - she uses the kit pen more than the MB!

Scorpio

10-08-2006, 05:49 AM

I mostly collect vintage Sheaffers from the 20's through the 60's, lever fillers, touchdowns, snorkels love them all. I have a few modern but I get more out of vintage FP since I can tinker with them, resac, trade nibs on my Esties. I also find Mont Blanc's to be over rated, more of a status symbol than a good pen. My two Lamy's are fantastic writers with any ink.

ratcheer

10-08-2006, 06:00 AM

mmp13

10-08-2006, 07:11 AM

I find it very interesting that poeple often have the same interests. We are all here because we wetshave, many with DE or straights. Then I see this thread about pens and that people collect them, use them and all enjoy a fine writing instrument. I too love pens. I am in a different position than some because I actually make the ones that I use.

As you may know from some of my other posts on getting some brush heads from China I am a wood turner. The whole reason that I got into woodturning was to make pens. I agree with most of what has been said here since I currently have a Mont Blanc refill in my RB and I hate it.

This is not an advertisement but I thought you all might like to see some pens (yes I sell them but please do not take this as an advertisement, I just thought you may like to see some).

My website is www.mpoeller.com/pens.htm.

TimmyBoston

10-09-2006, 02:27 AM

My experience is that the Montblank rollerball refills are lousy. Try some aftermarket refills - they're cheaper and at least as good as the OEM versions.

Are there other refills that will work in a Montblanc LeGrand other than the offical Montblanc version since it is an unusually large rollerball and the refill itself threads in?

TimmyBoston

10-09-2006, 02:35 AM

I find it very interesting that poeple often have the same interests. We are all here because we wetshave, many with DE or straights.

I think this is true because so many of us are classical thinkers with somewhat old fashioned tastes. We appreciate a good task and carrying it our properly with the best instruments. Also think about how many cooks we have here; most adult men don't cook, but look at the percentage here. Most of us are anomalies who come together because of the uncommon traits that we all share.

rikrdo

10-09-2006, 03:16 AM

Does anyone have any experience with Namiki ?

More specifically....the Vanishing Point ??

Dapper_Dave

10-09-2006, 03:50 AM

I didn't like the Montblanc rollerball and ended up exchanging it for a ballpoint. My complaint was with the cap. It didn't fit securely on the end of the pen while writing. The alternative was to constantly take the cap on and off. Not convenient. I also have a Montblanc fountain pen but it seems the only time I use it is when signing and addressing Christmas cards or when writing in my journal.

My favorite pen of the moment is the Parker Duofold rollerball in the amber check pattern. If I can figure out how to post a pic I will as it is truly gorgeous.

Suzuki

10-09-2006, 04:19 AM

Does anyone have any experience with Namiki ?

More specifically....the Vanishing Point ??

Good pens and nice nibs (tend to run a little narrow). The only downside is they use small cartridges/converter, so need to be refilled often.

The other issue is that the pocket clip is at the tip of the pen (basically runs down from the tip as opposed to the end so that the pen is clipped into a pocket tip up), which interferes with some peoples' grip when writing.

A very handy pen for someone who wants an FP for everyday use that they can treat like a ballpoint (in/out of pocket without having to cap/uncap).

LX_Emergency

10-09-2006, 04:24 AM

This is not an advertisement but I thought you all might like to see some pens (yes I sell them but please do not take this as an advertisement, I just thought you may like to see some).

My website is www.mpoeller.com/pens.htm.
You might not mean it as an advertisement but expect an order from me within the next halfyear :smile: those things are just plain gorgeous. For a very decent price as well if your prices are still like the ones that you've sold so far.

I'm VERY impressed. :a47: Most likely My dad will get one for his B-day this coming year as well I think.

kozulich

10-09-2006, 05:30 AM

I agree that the Waterman pens are under-rated - the Phileas is one of the best bargains out there ($30 - $35) and I often recommend it with a fine nib for folks who want to try a FP without blowing the bank.

I agree wholeheartedly with this post. Of my half-dozen or so Fountain Pens, the Waterman Phileas is by far the best value for the money. Looks great, feels solid, writes like a dream. I use it daily at work, and have never had any problem whatsoever. I have a rotring that is also a solid performer, but just doesn't have that same panache. A couple shaeffers that just plod along, and a kit pen turned from wenge with a german iridium nib that performs quite well - almost as well as the waterman.

mmp13

10-09-2006, 05:43 AM

You might not mean it as an advertisement but expect an order from me within the next halfyear :smile: those things are just plain gorgeous. For a very decent price as well if your prices are still like the ones that you've sold so far.

I'm VERY impressed. :a47: Most likely My dad will get one for his B-day this coming year as well I think.

LX, Thank you for the kind words. I have some more expensive (higher quality) pens in the works too. It just so happens that you did not see any on the website for sale right now since I sold the last one to a co-worker in Japan. I came to find out that the Japanese have high regard for fine writing instruments.

catatonic

10-09-2006, 08:49 AM

My daily writers: a small arsenal of stainless steel/black plastic Parker Jotters. black Ink only.

My special occaision writer (last time it was used was to write a Sonnet for a woman I felt strongly for years ago), a Brass fountain pen. Some european maker, bought it for $50 when I was in norway. Writes like a Sheaffer, but I like the textured brass look far better.

I also used to have a stainless steel Parker fountain pen, but I managed to damage the nib :(

dszpiro

10-09-2006, 05:10 PM

When it comes to value for money in a fountain pen, one of my favorites is the Lamy Safari (http://www.lamy.com/en/endverbraucher/produkte/schreibsysteme/fuellhalter?writesystem=1&program=0&targetgroup=1&language=2&prodgroup=1&highprice=0&lowprice=0&newest=0&ref=self&produktid=146&detailmode=overview). It is well-built, durable, and the steel nib writes much better than many gold nibbed pens that I have used. They cost about $20.

I have several Safaris. Because they come in various colors, I actually have them filled with the matching color ink!

Cheers,
Danny

MasonM

10-09-2006, 05:14 PM

I think this is true because so many of us are classical thinkers with somewhat old fashioned tastes. We appreciate a good task and carrying it our properly with the best instruments. Also think about how many cooks we have here; most adult men don't cook, but look at the percentage here. Most of us are anomalies who come together because of the uncommon traits that we all share.
I believe that you are correct in this assertion. I know that I am attracted as much to the "retro" aspect of wet shaving as the closeness of the shave.

I wear a fedora most of the time, love 1940s style clothing and music, and am generally an all around old fashioned sort.

I appreciate quality and most of what is produced today is anything but. I'm also a pretty good cook.

catatonic

10-09-2006, 06:14 PM

Wow, I found two more fountain pens....

a knurled brass Parker (France), gold nib

a brushed stainless steel Pelikan (Germany)

Both are pretty nice pens...I just need to find cartridges for them.

EL Alamein

10-09-2006, 07:18 PM

I have two fountain pens that I treasure. The first is a black Omas 360 that I use for special correspondence such as Christmas cards, invitations, thank you notes etc. The second is an old SheafferS run of the mill pen from a year that God only knows. The SheafferS is dear to me because it once belonged to a priest at the private prep school I attended. He was a very revered and holy man who when he passed away in my sophomore year was rumored to be worthy of canonization. So it is a relic in that sense. I don't use it anymore but keep it if only to remind me of the example he gave in life.

Chris

joel

10-09-2006, 07:57 PM

Does anyone have any experience with Namiki ?

More specifically....the Vanishing Point ??

Have one.... love it. The fine point is like an extra fine point - yet it still somehow writes smooth as silk! VP's can be a touch finiky when it comes to your selection of ink, however the Pilot/Namiki ink cartridges work outstanding, and are incredibly easy to use. Noodlers ink also works particularly well if you choose to use the little bottle feeding plunger - however the ink cartridges will last longer.

One thing to mention.... it is actually a "Pilot Vanishing Point" - as all new VP's are branded pilot, however the markings are descrete. The only exception to this however is the NAMIKI Raden vanishing point, which is basically a black VP with ground up abalone shell in finish of the pen... however it is 2.5X the price.

I own the new "Slate Gray" color and it is really one heck of a nice pen at a superb value. :smile:

ravkesef

10-09-2006, 08:14 PM

Fountain pens, you should know, have their devotees and their web sites, etc., in a manner similar to what we wetshavers experience. It's a whole new world out there! We write on computers, because that's the way life is today. but when I can, I write with a fountain pen because it's genteel, the pen takes on a character that you've given it, and my handwriting, somewhat egregious, is neater with a fountain pen because I'm forced to write slower, and hence take more care with each letter. Each night I sit down with my Moleskine notebook and write out my journal for the day. I could do it on the computer, and would have the benefit of searching, indexing, etc., but there's something very comforting about sitting down and writing your thoughts out by hand, slowly and carefully, thinking each thought through before setting it down.
My pens:
Mont Blanc Meisterstueck 149. Sorry, this program doesn't make umlauts, so I had to spell the word out in full.
Waterman Opera see it here (http://www.penseller.com/pages/waterman.htm). If you can find one, be prepared to pay upwards of $500 for it. This one's a bit heavy, but it's my favorite, and writes smoother than the Mont Blanc
Lamy (3 of them actually) the AL-Star, the Vista, and the Safari. pretty much the same pen, just different appearance, because you never know when you might need a "different" pen. It came with a fine nib, which I replaced with an EF from Pendemonium. I find the EF works better for me--forces me to write slower.
Cross Century II Gold
Rotring 600 2--black and silver, (good luck finding one.) Again, I've replaced the nibs on these with EF. Good writing, but with a steel nib.
That's it for the class act. Now--for excellent writing, the G-2 is hard to beat. Writes just like a fountain pen, except that the nib doesn't develop the kind of character that a classic writing instrument does. And here's the thing--the cheaper fountain pens have steel nibs, while the more expensive ones are gold, rhodium, etc.--and they will eventually shape themselves to the way you write, giving your hand a distinctive character. That's what makes them better than Gels.
and by the wya, when you whip out that fountain pen to sign something, it brings out the ooohs and aaahs. Also, I have found that for certain correspondence, a hand-written note is hard to beat. People appreciate that you've done this for them, and it puts you in another league.
A fountain pen is like a good razor and a brush. You could get your words out in other ways, just as you can remove facial hair with different ways, but there's something about the timeless art of a fountain pen.
:thumbup1:

TimmyBoston

10-10-2006, 04:32 AM

Does anyone know of a pen forum?

kozulich

10-10-2006, 05:00 AM

Has anyone tried an italic nib? I've been intrigued by them. I think the flair they give to writing is awesome.

FriscoSoxFan

10-10-2006, 05:16 AM

I'm very prone to losing pens, so i go with either the Pilot Varsity disposible fountain pen for $4: http://www.coloradopen.com/product/1132/327

The otherone I like is a new pen caled the UniBall "Jetstream" available at office depot.

rikrdo

10-10-2006, 05:17 AM

Has anyone tried an italic nib? I've been intrigued by them. I think the flair they give to writing is awesome.

You may be referring to Calligraphy pens.
They are wonderful to use but not practical for everyday writing IMHO.

unless, of course, you are a monk.....

srajguru

10-10-2006, 05:43 AM

Does anyone have any experience with Namiki ?

More specifically....the Vanishing Point ??
I've got one- use it every day. The nib is a bit more flexible than other FP's and takes a bit getting used to ..but it's a great pen. The retractable nib makes it easier to use if you are taking notes intermittently.

kozulich

10-10-2006, 06:11 AM

You may be referring to Calligraphy pens.
They are wonderful to use but not practical for everyday writing IMHO.
No, not as broad as calligraphy nibs, but they are a very fine chisel point, sometimes slanted one direction. The other nib that I'd love to try out is a flex nib. Anybody use those?

Suzuki

10-10-2006, 06:46 AM

No, not as broad as calligraphy nibs, but they are a very fine chisel point, sometimes slanted one direction. The other nib that I'd love to try out is a flex nib. Anybody use those?

I've not used a calligraphy nib, as its impractical and I'd just make a mess with it! However, I do have one pen with a broad stub nib (its like a calligrapy nib with the ends rounded/alternatley, its like a standard nib that's been flattened). I only use this pen for correspondence as its just too broad for me to use everyday and I have to slow down when I write. While the stub does not allow the same fine-to-thick line variation you get with an italic, it does provide considerably more than a standard nib and looks quite nice when used on a card or decent quality stationary.

I have one older pen with a very flexible nib - its amazing the amount of line variation you can get with a flex nib. However, you do have to get used to it, as most modern pens (steel or gold nib) have much stiffer nibs than was previously the case and do need a light touch to get the most out of them.

Italics, stubs and flex nibs are all a lot of fun, but tend to be impractical for everyday writing. However, its nice to have a couple of "special" nibs for when you want your writing to make more of a statement.

Trev1960

12-06-2006, 12:41 PM

Here are the main pen forums that i go to, a great deal of good information and helpful people.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/225159/

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?act=SC&c=7

msandoval858

12-06-2006, 12:51 PM

I've avoided getting in to pen collecting because the last thing I need is another AD to fund :biggrin:

I did however obtain one of these just the other day and I love the look and feel of it.

http://www.paradisepen.com/paradise/product.asp?s_id=0&dept_id=20246&pf_id=PAAAAABKDOBMHCDJ&ad_id=GoogleBase&key_id=38011_DOUE&

RichGem

12-06-2006, 01:02 PM

I have a few of what I call "Good" pens. I have a 144 Montblanc Meisterstuck Fountain, a Montblanc Le Grand Rollerball, and a Waterman Carene Rollerball. Honestly, I don't know very much about the higher end manufacturers. Lately, in my occasion reading, I have read a lot of criticism about Montblanc and in my opinion the Waterman is a better pen than the Montblanc rollerball. Do you think it's the refill? Don't get me wrong, the Le Grand is absolutely gorgeous and the casing is very well made and it's big and macho and stury as hell, but a Waterman, which is cheaper IMO writes better.
I am looking for particular information on my specific pens and to encourage general discussion of high end pens. Discuss!

Hi Timmy,
I collect vintage fountain pens. MountBlanc is criticised in cognoscenti circles because they are basically all name-driven hype and at the end of the day, many think, a very poor product. Their "precious resin" that they use for their pens is nothing more then a very brittle plastic. Users have reported pens shattering, yes shattering, when dropped on soft floors from table tops, etc. This just shouldn't happen. And then there's the price!

I routinely use fountain pens that are 50-75 years old and they perform like they were just made. The price is way better too. If you want a recomendation, that's the way to go, IMHO. Oh, and vintage pens are much lighter and designed to be used for long periods of time. Modern pens tend to be much heavier (supposedly people associate this with better quality) and really can't be used for extended writting periods becuase of this.

Best,
Rich

surfanimal

12-06-2006, 01:04 PM

Fountain pens are one of the only reasons I HATE being left handed.

RichGem

12-06-2006, 01:24 PM

Have one.... love it. The fine point is like an extra fine point - yet it still somehow writes smooth as silk!

Just FYI, Japanese pens tend to be in actuallity one grade finer than the Western marking, I guess due to the need for fine lines for Japanese writing. Thus, a Japanese "fine" is a Western "x-fine."

galopede

12-06-2006, 02:02 PM

Another fountain pen fan here!

My favourite from my small collection is a Pelikan 400, lovely buttery smooth gold nib. I also have a pelikan 200, essentially the same as the 400 but a bit plainer and a steel nib, which I reckon is almost as good as the gold.

Others in the collection are a Japanese Sailor 1911, nice chunky one that, an Italian Aurora, another very smooth writer and a collection of cheaper pens such as an East German copy of the Pelikan, a couple of cheapo Chinese pens which are far better than they ought to be for the price!

It's like the razors - which one shall I use today...

Gareth

Shermdog

12-06-2006, 06:53 PM

I use an Aurora for my everday FP. Gold nib and extra fine for my small writing. I love it...very affordable too for a gold nib pen.

MJB

12-06-2006, 07:16 PM

Pens--I LOVE pens.

Let's be fair: Mont Blanc pens are NOT bad pens--pricey, yes. Bad--by no means. Not my favorite but NOT bad pens.

There are many great pens, IMO there are three truly super fountain pen peformers. Ink and paper play a huge role in performance as does technique. Here is the drum roll for the MJB top three fountain pens: (1) Pelikan 800, its big but man its perfect! great ink flow, responsive, smooth, perfect, (2) Waterman Edson, it also big and heavy so can be hard on the hands over time and (3) Parker Duoford, it can only get so good. I've loved many others but these are the three that truly stand out for me. As far as my favorite ink--Aurora black, there is nothing so smooth, and so black.

The vanishing nibs are nice but the clip interferes with the grip--nibs are finer than other so a fine is really an extra fine-fibne overlap, medium is a fine-medium overlap, and broad is a medium-broad overlap.

LX_Emergency

12-08-2006, 01:16 AM

I have 4 fountain pens:

1) (and definately my number one) my Matthew Poeller Gentleman's pen custom with Spalted and Birdseye maple. It's such a gem and I get jealous looks from people wherever I take it. It's VERY smooth writing and just a wonderfull piece to use.

2) My silver plated Parker '75. Simple pen, yet elegant and quite fluent.

3) My fine tipped chinese green and copper colored pen. For $15 including shipping and a free extra pen this is a wonderfull writer for when I want to do smaller work. Once I found the right angle for use I started really enjoying it.

4) My red simple parker that takes cartridges. Simple, plastic, decent writer and low priced. Used all over the world for a reason.

Mama Bear

12-08-2006, 01:24 AM

Have any of you ever used a Filcau pen? They are from Italy...

Sue

LX_Emergency

12-08-2006, 01:25 AM

Fountain pens are one of the only reasons I HATE being left handed.

oh yeah...and I'm a lefty. I don't mind. Takes a bit of extra practise at first and now I don't even notice it anymore.

Sam

12-08-2006, 06:14 AM

I got some Retro 51 rollerballs and am impressed by them. I had fountain pens but sold them as I have to sign documents and take quick notes and many times, court forms require black ink. ALso write in my bible and it bleeds through.

LX_Emergency

12-08-2006, 08:43 AM

That's true, you can't take notes in holy scripture with fountain pens because the paper is so thin.

ponyplayer

12-08-2006, 10:36 AM

Hi all,

I've been using a few of the Uniball Gel Impact RT pens and they seem to be pretty nice for office notes and such. The one problem is that the ink takes a few seconds to dry and can cause smears which is not uncommon with a lot of similar products.

Patrick

orpheus

12-12-2006, 04:45 PM

oh yeah...and I'm a lefty. I don't mind. Takes a bit of extra practise at first and now I don't even notice it anymore.

Lefty here, too. I started using fountain pens years ago, and found - to my amazement - that 1) I enjoy writing with a fountain pen more than anything else, and 2) my penmanship is actually much better (some have said "beautiful", but that's going a little far! :smile: ) than with any other type of pen. A bit of practice is called for, but the learning curve is (or should be) quite smooth and quick. The main thing is to try a bunch of different pens and nibs and see what you like. They all have such different characteristics. A good pen shop should let you do this.

Try different inks and papers, too. Be careful to use only fountain pen ink - not india ink or other kinds - they can damage the pens. But there is a wide variety of fountain pen inks out there. Some dry faster than others, and these can be good for lefties. I usually use Pelikan or Waterman inks, but then I tend to be rather conservative. Noodlers inks are relatively new to the market (made by a VERY knowledgable pen-lover) and are used by many fountain pen enthusiast. Some of their colors are gorgeous.

Also, there are pen shows all over the place (at least in the USA) throughout the year. At these, one can pick up a lot of knowledge and quite a few good bargains. Very nice folks, too.

Pen show calendars:
In the USA: http://www.susanwirth.com/2000.htm
In Europe: http://www.freewebs.com/euroshows/

If you're looking for web resources, a great place to start is with Richard Binder: http://www.richardspens.com/. Richard is a fine gentleman, and very well-respected in the pen world. He sells some pens, but his main thing is pen repair, restoration, and customization. He gives great advice about pens, and using a custom "Binderized" nib (I have a few) is a real pleasure. His website also has a very good links page.

The main thing to remember, if you're new to fountain pens, is that you don't have to spend a mint to get a really nice pen. Check out Richard's site and some of the others he links to; you might be surprised what you can get for well under $100.

My current rotation is mostly modern:
Pelikan 400 (extra-fine nib)
Rotring 600 (extra-fine)
Parker Vacumatic (fine nib, mid-1940s)
Waterman Expert (medium nib)
Waterman Rhapsody (medium stub nib customized by Richard Binder)
Parker 1940s Vacumatic (bold italic; this one belonged to my mentor - his widow gave it to me after his death. My prize posession.)

I also had a pen made by Sailor (Japanese company). Wonderful pen, great and smooth writer - perhaps the best nib I've ever tried. I sold it, though, because it just didn't fit my hand. (So nice that we can be so picky!)

Finally, there is this: http://www.nakaya.org/eindex.html. Custom hand-made pens by Japanese master artisans. (These are expensive, no question. But one day I'll get me one. Yes indeed. :smile: )

Panamag8or

12-15-2006, 05:51 PM

Call me old-fashioned, but I just can't get into the new fountain pens. I have an early '50's Parker 51 Signet (gold-filled), and an old Sheaffer Sentinel TM. Actually, the Sheaffer is only a year old, made from 50 year old parts. My Grandfather sold and serviced Sheaffers, and I had someone build me a pen from parts that I sold him. So, technically, the Sheaffer is new. I rotate them depending on the metal in my tie clip that particular day, either gold or silver.
Both write like a dream.

I also have a Sheaffer White Dot Touchdown desk pen in a store display base, with the name of my Grandfather's store engraved in it.

KingSlug

12-15-2006, 10:57 PM

rtaylor61

12-15-2006, 11:02 PM

I post certain pens. It depends on the weight of the pen.

Randy

Suzuki

12-16-2006, 05:37 AM

I almost always post my caps - most pens seem to be designed to have better balance with the cap posted.

Panamag8or

12-16-2006, 02:51 PM

Do you post your pens? I was always taught to hold the pen cap in with my ring finger and pinkie with the hand I am writing with (I actually write with both and am not dominant handed). To post a pen was looked down upon in my family and among my instructors. My wife says its a quirk of a few well educated europeans and some gay men. She always has a smirk when I do it even with the cheapest pens.

I dont buy many used pens because of posting marks. So the question is do you post? Is it wrong? Am I crazy?

If I'm just uncapping to mark something off of a list, or jot a few words, I just hold the cap in my left hand, while writing with my right. If I'm writing more than a sentence or so, I usually post it, since I like the balance with the cap posted, like Suzuki said.

orpheus

12-16-2006, 08:47 PM

Usually I do not post. I like the pen to feel very light in my hand, and posting detracts from that. Also I worry about posting marks (although I've only seen a few with this problem, so for me it's not a a very compelling reason). I hold the cap in my non-writing hand.

However, this is a compelling reason, taught to me by an old pen freak: if someone asks to borrow your pen for a moment, hang onto your cap. This reduces "pen loss" (whether intentional or not). Few people are going to walk away with a capless fountain pen.

Cywydd

12-20-2006, 10:45 AM

The Parker 51 is a classic. It has a hooded nib for quick drying ink, a refillable bladder and writes smooth. They aren't made anymore, I got mine from billspens.com.

mmp13

12-20-2006, 11:54 AM

Not sure of the "right" answer but I can tell you that there are some pens that I sell that are made to be posted and some that are not.

I sell wooden (handmade on my lathe) pens. The Americana style that I like feels better posted and the pen has povisions (so as to not mark) for that. The Gentlemen's pen however is not supposed to be posted. First off it does not fit and secondly I think that it would throw of the weighting.

I think that you should be able to contact the manufacturer. It seems to me that it would have been though of by the designer on whether the pens was supposed to be posted or not.

MJB

12-27-2006, 04:07 AM

My two pens as of the past week.

For the past week I have settled on two pens.

They are a black/gold Montblanc LeGrand ballben with a black broad refill and a Burgundy/gold LeGrand rollerball with blue medium refill. The size of these pens is very comfortable for me. The Legrand roller refills are much better than the standard IMO. The pens are special also because both were gifts (used) from patient and the Burgundy and gold is no longer made and the resin on the black is the "old recipe" resin.

I can look down at the color and select the pen that I want correctly. The LeGrands fit fell in my pocket--even though big down make this obnoxious bulge and even though refined not "blingy"--I like refinement, not bling.

The only downside is the roller ball lasts about 4 days and they are $6 a refill!

doctorsimon

12-27-2006, 04:53 AM

I've been a fan of Cross fountain pens since I was 14. Sadly I've lost a few of them over the years (a sad result of not working from a fixed desk.) But I've been loyal to them because they have a distinctive classic style (so do Montblanc pens with their Matterhorn inspried logo) and because when there have been problems they've fixed them without charge, question, or delay. Amazing customer support. We bought one for our wedding to sign all the paperwork with, and this will god-willing be an heirloom for all future births, bar-mitzvahs, weddings, etc...

The Americans here should be proud to have such a great pen manufacturer.

Panamag8or

12-27-2006, 06:49 AM

If you're looking for web resources, a great place to start is with Richard Binder: http://www.richardspens.com/. Richard is a fine gentleman, and very well-respected in the pen world. He sells some pens, but his main thing is pen repair, restoration, and customization. He gives great advice about pens, and using a custom "Binderized" nib (I have a few) is a real pleasure. His website also has a very good links page.

I totally missed this the first time around, but Richard is the fellow that built my Sheaffer. I am going to have him overhaul my desk pen next.

supercarl

12-30-2006, 02:42 PM

i have a st dupont fidelio - beautiful cap, opening an dclosing is like a german car door... luxury.

for day to day I use a few Hero 329's - highly recommended, although very fine point :)

javyn

12-31-2006, 06:04 PM

As a gift, I received this Cross pen/pencil set. (Actually I've had it for years, but just re-discovered it going through my desk drawers. These were made in USA.)

http://www.wishlist.com.au/images/Products/GI05/350105_L.jpg

Also a "Porsche" pen made by Faber Castell...this one is new.

http://www.faber-castellusa.com/bausteine.net/img/showimg.aspx?biid=13429&id=19775&domid=1010

Panamag8or

01-01-2007, 04:52 PM

javyn

01-01-2007, 08:36 PM

Never much cared for them until recently. It's a nice set though, and you're right...everyone has/gets Cross pens as gifts :smile:

kozulich

01-02-2007, 08:15 AM

Kind of off-topic but not totally: Do you guys ever have trouble using red ink in your fountain pens? I tried using waterman's red in my rotring, and I found the nib oozed a reddish paste/sludge where it joined the barrel. Figured it must be the pen. Tried the same red in a platinum pen, and the same thing occured. So now I'm thinking, OK its not the pen, its the ink, both pens have worked well with black and blue and blue-black inks. So I went out and bought a bottle of Private Reserve Dakota Red, and also Panache ink. Same problem with both of those inks. What gives? Surely theres a way to use red ink without this happening. It's quite a mess. Gets on my hands, etc.

supercarl

01-02-2007, 12:45 PM