WTB: A Fountain Pen [Archive]

Sluggo

03-23-2009, 06:26 PM

Brodirt

03-23-2009, 06:30 PM

There are many choices for new reasonably priced fountain pens and you should try a few to find what pen/nib combo works best for you. Think of the pen like your razor, and the nib like your blade and the B&B mantra...YMMV.

Aurora makes a fine entry level cartridge pen for under $30. I have several of their pens, both fountain and ball point, and have used them for years without complaint. I promised my young daughter, a budding artist, a fountain pen as a gift and picked her up a resin body Aurora for $20 in Italy this past summer when the exchange rate was at its worst. You can likely do around that if you look hard enough.

Austin

03-23-2009, 06:31 PM

Check out Duke pens here:

http://isellpens.com/duke.htm

They are one of the better Chinese pens offered plus they are cheap. This would be a good starter pen.

erudolph

03-23-2009, 06:33 PM

Sluggo, if you just want to give one a try to see how it suits you, the Pilot Varsity disposable fountain pen might be a fun first outing.

mmack66

03-23-2009, 06:44 PM

A Lamy Safari is a nice, inexpensive pen. They are pretty sturdy as well.

Brodirt

03-23-2009, 06:46 PM

The pen I bought for my daughter:
http://www.thedailyplanner.com/images/Aurora_Ylw_FP.jpg
Cheapest price I could find fast on line, $39:
http://www.thedailyplanner.com/aurora-style-resin-fountain-penmustard-p-10465.html?cPath=114_64_1145_1843

Dubbya

03-23-2009, 06:48 PM

Check out Duke pens here:

http://isellpens.com/duke.htm

They are one of the better Chinese pens offered plus they are cheap. This would be a good starter pen.

Duke is actually a Chinese company that makes its pens in Germany. Sort of like some of the crap straights on the bay... only in reverse... and a good product.

To clarify that rambling, Duke makes good pens.:cool:

Edit to add:
Also at that sight, they sell the Pilot 78G. It's sort of the Tech of the pen world. Cheap, reliable, widely available, and if it's the only one you have, you could have done much worse.

Also, for Japanese and Chinese fountain pens, add a nib size to get the western equivalent. Asian M= Western F and so on.

DisBeAliG

03-23-2009, 06:48 PM

I've been a pen freak since I was a little kid. Have a look at these 2 sites as they are both pretty quality pens. The Rotring is more average these days but probably a good starter pen. The Faber Castells are definitely among the higher-end but they are beautifully crafted and the weight and balance to them is simply awesome.
I have the initial and it is a very sleek looking aluminum pen...the finish is brushed and polished over different parts of the pen. But both will last you a very long time.

Couldn't find a direct link on the rotring site so...
http://www.goldspot.com/prodView.cfm?partno=48005

http://www.graf-von-faber-castell.com/13999/The-Collection/Fountain-Pens/GvFC_index.aspx

Gilgamesh2003

03-23-2009, 06:53 PM

isellpens.com (no affiliation) has a huge selection of very inexpensive Chinese fountain pens, and great customer service to boot. Duke and Hero pens are generally pretty good although they're manufactured in huge numbers in China so you do run across some quality control issues.

Lamy pens are generally bulletproof, especially the Safari and Al-Star lines. The Waterman Phileas is easy to find at Staples or Officemax and is generally an excellent starter pen - it's around $40.

If you want a current production fountain pen and are willing to spend about $75 you can't do much better than a Pelikan m200 from Richard Binder (richardspens.com). Binder is probably the best current "nibmeister," and the Pelikans are reliable and elegant. If you want a vintage fountain pen that's a whole other story - vintage pens are generally vastly superior to current production pens, but you kind of need to know what you're doing to be sure that you're not overpaying.

EDIT - if you use a cartridge/converter or get a pen with a real filling system I recommend Waterman ink - it's kind of the Proraso of ink, a classic with amazing performance. Pelikan and Parker inks are good too, as are Sheaffer inks (in about that order). Waterman is extremely gentle on the pens and has a great glide on the page. Steer clear of Montblanc ink (and the pens, which are adequate but incredibly overpriced).

Austin

03-23-2009, 06:57 PM

Duke is actually a Chinese company that makes its pens in Germany. Sort of like some of the crap straights on the bay... only in reverse... and a good product.

To clarify that rambling, Duke makes good pens.:cool:

Edit to add:
Also at that sight, they sell the Pilot 78G. It's sort of the Tech of the pen world. Cheap, reliable, widely available, and if it's the only one you have, you could have done much worse.

Also, for Japanese and Chinese fountain pens, add a nib size to get the western equivalent. Asian M= Western F and so on.

Thanks for the clarification. I certainly agree.

bokaba

03-23-2009, 06:58 PM

Hey Sluggo, I have an inexpensive fountain pen I bought from New for Men in Canada on eBay. It is no Waterman, but has a nice heft. It is not the smoothest, but it worked for me. Let me know what you think. It take standard international cartridges (I have a million so I'll give you a couple) and an ink well insert (if I can find it).

http://imgs.inkfrog.com/pix/newformen/1f_002.jpg

http://imgs.inkfrog.com/pix/newformen/1e_002.jpg

BarryR

03-23-2009, 07:05 PM

Agree with much of the above. Dukes are decent pens and extremely good for the price. Also, there are many, many very good fountain pens in the under $100 range. A vintage Parker 51 is one excellent option (can usually be found for about $50).

If you want more information, I suggest you check out http://www.fountainpennetwork.com (http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/). They have some FAQs on this subject and you could also post questions.

Like the BST here, theirs has many honest people, some of whom might have a pen to sell that matches your needs or just give you excellent advice.

Sluggo

03-23-2009, 07:13 PM

WOW Thanks everyone for the great information...looks like I have somemore internet time in front of me doing research!

Preston Sterling

03-23-2009, 07:18 PM

Moose

03-23-2009, 07:19 PM

+1 on the Lamy and Waterman Phileas.

My favorite bottled ink is Noodler's Bulletproof Black. I haven't used cartridges in a long time, but Waterman are readily available.

Another good site to check out is www.pendemonium.com. No affiliation, but I've bought stuff from them for some time and never had a problem.

BarryR

03-23-2009, 07:24 PM

WOW Thanks everyone for the great information...looks like I have somemore internet time in front of me doing research!And we all forgot to mention that fountain pens are absolutely delightful to write with. I used to basically dislike writing until I started using fountain pens about eight years ago. Changed my whole outlook.

Go figure, the old-fashioned, non-disposable (and wet as opposed to gel) method works better. It just takes a little more care and a little investment. I actually learned about wetshaving from a posting at FPN (Fountain Pen Network) mentioning it and (I think) directing me to B&B!!

Sound familiar!? :wink:

Warning though -- as you'll see from the FPN website -- FP acquisition disorder can be every bit as bad as RAD & SBAD!!

Preston Sterling

03-23-2009, 07:25 PM

A couple of folks here have already mentioned Lamy pens and I thought I would 2nd (or 3rd!) these.

I've had a bunch of different Lamy pens and have loved them all. A little more on the "modern" side... but I personally love the look of them.

The Lamy Safari is a great pen (fountain or roller ball!) and its available in a wide range of colors at a reasonable price.

Something I forgot to mention about the Lamy Safari writing tools.. all of the caps have a different mark on top of them (some have an "X" others have a "-".

So if are like some folks and need to carry a fountain pen, roller ball and mechanical pencil in the inside pocket of your jacket at the same time you can easily distinguish between the different tools without needing to take them out an open the caps... a little gimmick, but one that I love!

gugi

03-23-2009, 08:20 PM

I really like my parkers 51. If you want a great classic to test the waters I'd say get one of these.
I think thefountainpennetwork is a good place to look for one. I got my favorite one there.

Gilgamesh2003

03-23-2009, 09:11 PM

An aerometric Parker 51 is probably, without exaggeration, the best fountain pen ever made. Fountain Pen Network is one of the few places where you might be able to get a restored, working model for under $100.

fisherprice

03-24-2009, 12:16 AM

I will, if I may, affirm the recommendation for a Waterman Phileas. $40 gets you a solid pen that tolerates being dropped... unlike the resin-body Mont Blancs.

(I now have a steel barrel pen because of my drop habit.)

Sluggo

03-24-2009, 06:37 AM

Well I took the plunge and ordered a Lamy Al-Star (in Ocean Blue), a converter, and black pelikan ink...shipped under $50. Not too bad, but I am sure it will get worse.

hkfrost

03-24-2009, 06:53 AM

Are fountain pens pretty much out of the question for left handers, being that the hand drags along the wet ink smudging and making a mess?

radaddict

03-24-2009, 06:54 AM

Well I took the plunge and ordered a Lamy Al-Star (in Ocean Blue), a converter, and black pelikan ink...shipped under $50. Not too bad, but I am sure it will get worse.

You've just taken the first step on the road to (insert ominous music here) FPAD!! Cangrats!! Fountain pens are great. BTW, those antique stores where you look for vintage razors, may also have some vintage fountain pens. Wander around FPN. It's a great source for fountain pen (both old and new) info.

RayG

03-24-2009, 06:56 AM

Depends on what you are looking for. For a vintage, I'd look for one that's been restored. For a new pen, I usually recommend a Pelikan M600 or M400. I'd get them from Richard Binder (http://richardspens.com/).

mach88

03-24-2009, 06:58 AM

waterman hemisphere - matt black and gold!

MikeLip

03-24-2009, 07:08 AM

Are fountain pens pretty much out of the question for left handers, being that the hand drags along the wet ink smudging and making a mess?

No. You might have to experiment with inks or a different grip. Some inks dry very fast, some not so much. Pelikan inks seem to dry very quickly.

You might want to look at Sheaffer. Also Waterman sells a wonderful starter pen. And it WILL be a starter pen! If you think you have aquisition syndromes now, wait until you get into fountain pens.

I'd start off at Richardspens.com or Swisher pens. Richards is ALWAYS my first choice.

In fact, go to Richards and get a Pelikan M200 with a FINE nib. Forget gold nibs and get steel. They write just as well. Richard will make sure your pen is right before he ships it. And a Pel M200 is a wonderful pen by any standards. It's also a piston fill, so you can write forever with it unlike a cartridge/converter pen with it's little bitty reservoir.

Any questions, ask me. I've been doing this a while! :biggrin: I have way more pens and inks than I do shaving stuff. And I have a LOT of shaving stuff!

MikeLip

03-24-2009, 07:14 AM

Well I took the plunge and ordered a Lamy Al-Star (in Ocean Blue), a converter, and black pelikan ink...shipped under $50. Not too bad, but I am sure it will get worse.

Lamy sometimes makes a nice pen. Their nibs are VERY stiff and much broader than I like though. My Al-stars eventually all leaked - poor seals around the cc section. The 2000 however is an amazing pen. I have one and a Studio, both in EF nibs. Even the fine is way too broad.

Moose

03-24-2009, 07:22 AM

I have way more pens and inks than I do shaving stuff. And I have a LOT of shaving stuff!

Do you happen to have an old style Rotring 600 you need to find a loving home for? :biggrin:

MikeLip

03-24-2009, 07:26 AM

Do you happen to have an old style Rotring 600 you need to find a loving home for? :biggrin:

I do have one. But no, it's not for sale! :)

MikeLip

03-24-2009, 07:30 AM

Oh yeah, a place to go to feed your addiction;

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com

Bye! See ya! :) Come back when you are broke and covered in ink stains!

Moose

03-24-2009, 09:00 AM

Been there. That reminds me, one of these days I need to renew my PCA membership.

linuxidiot

03-24-2009, 10:00 AM

Liking the Rotring Esprit Special Edition look so far. I have been wanting to get one, but never ran across the name Rotring or Lamy before.

http://www.montgomerypens.com/product_detail.asp?product_id=2362

Psychdude

03-24-2009, 10:01 AM

Lamy sometimes makes a nice pen. Their nibs are VERY stiff and much broader than I like though.

+1
Have the Lamy Safari and love it. Had to get the EF nib, for sure though.

linuxidiot

03-24-2009, 10:24 AM

Well I just bought the Rotring 600 Newton based off some of the reviews I read and well I liked the copper color going on ;)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=330315265561

really liked the Lava design with an EF nib, but wasnt willing to spend $150 on a pen that would mainly be used to write a couple of checks a month and to carry around.

Moose

03-24-2009, 10:33 AM

I'm in the same boat. One day I'll break down and get the copper Newton.

I think I'm going to have to resume my pen rotation. I had a Parker 51 and Esterbrook SJ restored that need to be put through their paces.

Well I just bought the Rotring 600 Newton based off some of the reviews I read and well I liked the copper color going on ;)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=330315265561

really liked the Lava design with an EF nib, but wasnt willing to spend $150 on a pen that would mainly be used to write a couple of checks a month and to carry around.

Sluggo

03-24-2009, 12:09 PM

Look at the power of my thread!! Noobs like myself getting started, and seasoned users like Moose getting re-started!

erudolph

03-24-2009, 12:11 PM

Sluggo, have you decided what to start with yet?

Sluggo

03-24-2009, 12:41 PM

Yep, a Lamy Al-Star in Ocean Blue (I originally got the fine nib, but called and changed my order to the EF nib), a converter, and black pellikan ink. Should ship tomorrow!

erudolph

03-24-2009, 12:47 PM

I'm interested in hearing feedback on how you like it. This thread sent me to the shelf where I found a couple of old Esterbrooks... and a Namiki Vanishing Point fountain pen that I'd forgotten I had.... :-)

MikeLip

03-24-2009, 12:58 PM

ateace

03-24-2009, 12:58 PM

Tell me this isn't happening.

I had FPAD for a couple of years, then I went to automatic watches. Then, about a year ago, I started with DE shaving.

Now, back to fountain pens?

:mad2:

Sluggo

03-24-2009, 01:03 PM

If a Mod thinks this post needs to be moved, please do so.

This has drifted away from a BST discussion/

guru

03-24-2009, 01:17 PM

This is a shot in the dark, but in the interest of doing things the old fashioned way...

Anyone out there want to part with an average fountain pen? This would be my first so I don't want something that will explode all over my suits.

Thanks everyone!

If you don't have one, your suggestions on which pen I should be looking for would be helpful!

Wouldn't want to part with it, as I use my Sheaffer to write letters. Yes, actual letters on linen paper. I like my old Sheaffer, made in Fort Madison, Iowa, and can still recommend them. There are probably better, or at least more expensive, pens out there, but for about $60 a very good pen. And, yes, I can carry it in my pocket without fear of leaking.

andrew98

03-24-2009, 01:36 PM

Ah, the VP. I had to buy a couple of them before I realized I hate them :)

That's too bad. I really like the vanishing points.

Another good website to feed the addiction is www.nibs.com (http://www.nibs.com)

I think John Mottishaw is a great restoration specialist. He restored my great grandparents' and grandparents' pens for me (all old Parkers, each engraved with their names... way cool). He did a wonderful job.

Good luck with your new AD, Sluggo. I have some good modern starter pens for sale if anyone needs one. Clearing out my collection... most of it.

FPs were also my obsession before shaving. They're very useful, satisfying tools to start using. I have a half dozen or so I rotate through. I highly recommend owning A FP.
:lol:
-Andy

Moose

03-24-2009, 01:59 PM

Gee, thanks Sluggo. :biggrin:

But seriously, some of you say the Lamy nibs are on the wide side? I have the medium, and a spare italic nib. One of these days I will work on improving my handwriting. The italic even makes my chicken scratch kinda elegant.

Dubbya

03-24-2009, 04:53 PM

Well I took the plunge and ordered a Lamy Al-Star (in Ocean Blue), a converter, and black pelikan ink...shipped under $50. Not too bad, but I am sure it will get worse.

Nice pull. I don't think that anyone has ever been disappointed with a Lamy.

Depends on what you are looking for. For a vintage, I'd look for one that's been restored. For a new pen, I usually recommend a Pelikan M600 or M400. I'd get them from Richard Binder (http://richardspens.com/).

+1 on Mr. Binder. He is a true Nibmeister(one who takes the good and ordinary fountain pen and makes it AWESOME.) He even does touch-up work on brand new pens that he sells just to make sure his customers are happy. Super nice guy to deal with too.

Are fountain pens pretty much out of the question for left handers, being that the hand drags along the wet ink smudging and making a mess?

Google "over the top left handed." It's a way of holding a pen without dragging your hand.

I'm interested in hearing feedback on how you like it. This thread sent me to the shelf where I found a couple of old Esterbrooks... and a Namiki Vanishing Point fountain pen that I'd forgotten I had.... :-)

Hooooooooray Esterbrook. The crack cocaine of fountain pens. Easy to find, cheap, and an AD all of their own.

andrew98

03-24-2009, 09:09 PM

Esterbrooks are indeed an AD all their own. I'm getting rid of 5 right now.

A Pilot 78 G (http://isellpens.com/pilot.html) is one of my favorite pens. It's dirt cheap, has a unique filling mechanism, and the broad stub nib is very smooth to write with. Fun pen. Note: The cap screws on.

-Andy

TimmyBoston

03-25-2009, 01:58 AM

Check out a Reform. It's a great inexpensive fountain. I think it writes wonderfully.

rikrdo

03-25-2009, 02:01 AM

I think that was #1,000,000, Tim Ol boy !!

I'll say I really love my 1950's Parker 51. Never a problem, always writes nice and smooth

linuxidiot

03-27-2009, 08:54 AM

Austin

03-27-2009, 09:01 AM

Anyone have any recommendations where to pick up ink cartridges at a decent price? The 2 cartridges my Newton is coming with should last me awhile, but still would like to know a reputable place to get them from.

Locally, you can probably pick some up from Office Depot, Staples and Paradise Pen. On the internet, you can pick them up here:

http://swisherpens.com/

Sluggo

03-27-2009, 09:03 AM

When I get home today I will have a Lamy waiting for me!!

linuxidiot

03-27-2009, 09:11 AM

When I get home today I will have a Lamy waiting for me!!

Nice! I am waiting on mine to arrive, I have been anxiously checking my mailbox for my pen!

thanks Austin, I wasnt sure if there was anything different about the cartridges or not :blush:

RoyalKooparillo

03-27-2009, 09:17 AM

When I get home today I will have a Lamy waiting for me!!

Excellent! My Charcoal Safari EF is my go-to workhorse.

kingfisher

03-27-2009, 02:33 PM

If you like fountain pens, I find pentrace.com to be friendlier and more accessible than fountain pen network. There is a "green board" at pentrace where you can get great deals on fountain pens.

Agree that Richard Binder is the best. richardspens is a great place to shop.

Finally, check out edisonpen.com. This guy named Brian Gray designs and makes his own pens. They're beautiful and can be completely custom ordered. He also has a web cam where you can watch him making pens on the lathe.

(I've had FPAD for about 15 years. I have lots and lots of pens, including pretty much all the ones mentioned in this thread and a bunch more up into the $300-$400 range.):frown:

BarryR

03-27-2009, 02:59 PM

Anyone have any recommendations where to pick up ink cartridges at a decent price? The 2 cartridges my Newton is coming with should last me awhile, but still would like to know a reputable place to get them from.I wouldn't count on 2 cartridges lasting more than maybe a week of writing (give or take a week since I don't know who much writing you'll be doing or how much ink will flow out of the pen).

I refill cartridges. It's really easy and allows you to top them off. I use a syringe and IV catheter tip.

PS: another really good source for pens with excellent prices is Pam Braun http://oscarbraunpens.com (http://oscarbraunpens.com/). Excellent reputation; she doesn't do any nib customizing though.

Austin

03-27-2009, 03:13 PM

Anyone have any recommendations where to pick up ink cartridges at a decent price? The 2 cartridges my Newton is coming with should last me awhile, but still would like to know a reputable place to get them from.

You may also want to consider changing to a converter. You will be able to use bottled ink. It will be more economical and the choice of ink colors is astounding.

silvanos

03-27-2009, 08:07 PM

Well I was glad to see this thread and start doing some research, but now I find out fountain pens pose some issues for lefties? Any lefties here at badger & blade who write with them?

BarryR

03-27-2009, 08:14 PM

Well I was glad to see this thread and start doing some research, but now I find out fountain pens pose some issues for lefties? Any lefties here at badger & blade who write with them?
I'm a righty, but plenty of lefties use FPs. My understanding is that there can be some some smudging issues and adaptations to make. You might want to check out http://www.fountainpennetwork.com (http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/) for more info.

You may also want to consider changing to a converter. You will be able to use bottled ink. It will be more economical and the choice of ink colors is astounding.Another fine idea. I forgot to mention it (duh) as I prefer the higher capacity of a refilled cartridge to a converter. But either way works fine.

morrisnk

03-28-2009, 09:50 AM

I just got into fountain pens last week and now I'm a proud owner of a Waterman Phileas and a 1940's Sheaffer Vacuum-Fil with a Triumph nib. I'll be sending the Sheaffer off to be restored soon. Of course, with the fountain pen addiction you're going to have to try out tons of different notebooks and papers. There's a whole Moleskine notebook movement going on out there. I picked one up at Barnes and Noble the other day, and then I picked up a couple of Moleskine clones at Staples and Target (Markings by C.R.Gibson).

Rudy Vey

03-28-2009, 06:30 PM

A great, if not the best starter FP is the Lamy Safari. But, check also my website in regards to pens, fountain pens, rollerballs and ball points.

bluepunk18

03-28-2009, 07:07 PM

A Lamy Safari is a nice, inexpensive pen. They are pretty sturdy as well.

+1 on Safari's. They are nearly bomb-proof as fountain pens go. I bought one after reading a review in which said reviewer (to test durability) drove over the pen with his Volvo :eek:. It was scratched, but survived fine. They are affordable, come in a variety of colours, and if you do manage to break it, you can order new parts directly from Lamy. They also have great customer service, as I've had to order a new cap for mine, after having it twist in my jeans-pocket. If you want something fancier, they offer them in aluminum.

Sluggo

03-29-2009, 03:30 PM

BarryR

03-29-2009, 04:00 PM

Well, I got really excited to get home on Friday and use my new FB...but USPS has lost it. It arrived at my local PO but has not been delivered (either to my house or any house)...it is sucked into the black hole of sorting I guess...good thing it was insured.I wouldn't be surprised if it got delivered tomorrow. USPS tracking lacks precision. It's fairly uncommon for items to actually get lost. Hang in there!

Sluggo

03-29-2009, 04:14 PM

Sadly, I spoke with the Postmaster. It says it was scanned Thursday AM at the local PO, but they can't find it and it was not put on a truck for delivery.

Todd at isellpens.com has been helpful though!

BarryR

03-29-2009, 05:16 PM

Sluggo

03-30-2009, 05:32 PM

well my pen arrived today, and I am HOOKED. the converter did not make it so that kind of sucks but it too is on the way.

One question, is it normal to have a little ink on the top of the nib?

morrisnk

03-30-2009, 07:04 PM

well my pen arrived today, and I am HOOKED. the converter did not make it so that kind of sucks but it too is on the way.

One question, is it normal to have a little ink on the top of the nib?

Glad to hear that you got it. I think that the term for having ink on the top of the nib is called "nib creep". Check out the glossary from Richard Binder: http://www.richardspens.com/ref_info/glossary/N.htm

As to whether or not it's normal, maybe someone else can comment on that.

DarkAudit

03-30-2009, 09:02 PM

Grats. I just found myself a Parker 21 at a local shop for just $5. Water test went well. Ink is inbound. Next item in my sights is an Esterbrook J. If the WTT doesn't pan out, I may put those razors up for sale, then try my luck on the 'bay or FPN.

Fnord5

03-30-2009, 09:11 PM

That's too bad. I really like the vanishing points.

Another good website to feed the addiction is www.nibs.com (http://www.nibs.com)

I think John Mottishaw is a great restoration specialist. He restored my great grandparents' and grandparents' pens for me (all old Parkers, each engraved with their names... way cool). He did a wonderful job.

Good luck with your new AD, Sluggo. I have some good modern starter pens for sale if anyone needs one. Clearing out my collection... most of it.

FPs were also my obsession before shaving. They're very useful, satisfying tools to start using. I have a half dozen or so I rotate through. I highly recommend owning A FP.
:lol:

-Andy

How much for a starter?:blush: