Help with Pens! Need a suggestion!

**Ru4scuba?** · 11-22-2009, 08:04 AM

All,

I'll freely admit, I'm clueless about pens

...but SWMBO recently got a Parker catalogue in the mail and it had me intrigued.

So, now I find myself contemplating a pen purchase, something that I can use 5 days a week for work, so a professional daily writer. Also something modest (sliver, black, gray tones) that will go with my suits which I wear daily.

I'd prefer to get away from Ballpoints and try either a Rollerball or Fountain, but at the same time I dont want one that is very high maintenance.

Thinking $100 tops...I really like the look of some pens with screwcaps or those that are two tone (silver black etc)....also looking to buy preferably new or if vintage, something really reliable. Only downside to vintage buying is having to hunt for it.

Any suggestions?

**betat** · 11-22-2009, 08:46 AM

Check out Fountain Pen Hospital
http://www.fountainpenhospital.com/

You can find new, vintage, roller ball, fountain from most major manufacturers. I am partial to Visconti and Pelikan. Have fun shopping!

**Ru4scuba?** · 11-22-2009, 08:48 AM

Thanks for the link...but what to get? I'm a pen Newb!

**mparker762** · 11-22-2009, 08:52 AM

There are a number of Parker 51's in FPH's vintage section. Those pens are some of the most reliable daily users ever made. Absolutely bulletproof. My wife (a professional writer) has a Parker 51 "Flighter" that she loves.

**SmoovD** · 11-22-2009, 08:54 AM

Bunch of choices...you may want to check out:

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/fo...ex.php?act=idx

It may all seem very familiar.

As for me, I keep three cheap fountain pens (less than $25/each) filled for daily use. I would also recommend:

http://www.isellpens.com/

**leighton** · 11-22-2009, 09:10 AM

Sailor Sapporo pen. Period. If you can get a 1911 for $100 get that.

**Ru4scuba?** · 11-22-2009, 09:23 AM

Originally Posted by mparker762

There are a number of Parker 51's in FPH's vintage section. Those pens are some of the most reliable daily users ever made. Absolutely bulletproof. My wife (a professional writer) has a Parker 51 "Flighter" that she loves.

Gotcha...but FPH has those Parker 51s for $225...a bit much for SWMBO to jump at!

I was looking for something under $100.

**LeverTime** · 11-22-2009, 09:29 AM

Most vintage pens, if properly restored, are quite reliable. These were made in an era when FPs were meant to be used on a daily basis, and I would recommend them over almost any modern pen. In addition to the Fountain Pen Network, there are a number of restorers who sell vintage pens online. Here are some links to people I have dealt with in the past:

Pentiques

Ron Zorn

Richard Binder -- He updates this page at the beginning of the month, and his stock usually sells quickly.

Most of these are over $100, but there are a few on each site that fit your budget.

Good luck, and watch out! This hobby can burn through money MUCH faster than wet shaving!

**Ru4scuba?** · 11-22-2009, 09:33 AM

What do folks think of the Hero knockoffs? Any good over the long term? Not usually a fan of buying knockoffs myself, but hey...if they work...the Hero's look quite nice.

**LeverTime** · 11-22-2009, 09:40 AM

Originally Posted by Ru4scuba?

What do folks think of the Hero knockoffs? Any good over the long term? Not usually a fan of buying knockoffs myself, but hey...if they work...the Hero's look quite nice.

I used to have a Hero 100, and it was pretty good. I also had a Hero 616, and it was functionally similar, although it felt a bit cheaper. However, if you handle both a "51" (the pen it is based on) and a 100, you can quickly tell which is a better pen. In my opinion, considering that a "51" is only 2x the cost of a new 100, it's not worth bothering with the 100. Furthermore, the "51" will maintain most of its value should you decide to resell it, the 100 probably will not.

**danek** · 11-22-2009, 09:59 AM

I vote for a Pelikan 205 or 215 from www.RichardsPens.com . I LOVE mine! Very smooth, very good flow, nice size for comfortable writing.

**Ru4scuba?** · 11-22-2009, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by danek

I vote for a Pelikan 205 or 215 from www.RichardsPens.com . I LOVE mine! Very smooth, very good flow, nice size for comfortable writing.

Those are some nice looking pens!

**Ru4scuba?** · 11-22-2009, 10:05 AM

Are fountain pens good for travelling? Do the changes in pressure at altitude change cause problems with the pen?

**LeverTime** · 11-22-2009, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by Ru4scuba?

Are fountain pens good for travelling? Do the changes in pressure at altitude change cause problems with the pen?

It depends on the pen. In general, the consensus seems to be that you will have the best luck if the pen is either full or empty (ie: not half full). Some people recommend a Parker "51" because it was designed to handle pressure changes if it is carried with the nib upright. I usually carry piston fillers (Pelikan) and never had a problem.

**Ru4scuba?** · 11-22-2009, 10:14 AM

I'm looking at the Pelikan M215. Really like the look and cost of this pen, but I travel quite a bit.

How often do you travel with your Pelikan? Never had any leaks, spills etc?

Whats a piston filler?

**BarryR** · 11-22-2009, 10:16 AM

I'd go Fountain Pen all the way! It's like the wetshaving of writing. I basically write exclusively with FPs and can't figure out why ball points got so popular. You can get unlimited expert advice from Fountainpennetwork.com.

Originally Posted by betat

Check out Fountain Pen Hospital
http://www.fountainpenhospital.com/

You can find new, vintage, roller ball, fountain from most major manufacturers. I am partial to Visconti and Pelikan. Have fun shopping!

They're well known, but you can get a better deal from an individual on Fountainpennetork.com.

Though it's more of a risk than buying from a store, that BB is a bit like B&B. Mostly upstanding members.
PS: I heard about wetshaving on B&B / SMF from FPN.

Originally Posted by mparker762

There are a number of Parker 51's in FPH's vintage section. Those pens are some of the most reliable daily users ever made. Absolutely bulletproof. My wife (a professional writer) has a Parker 51 "Flighter" that she loves.

A 51 is a great standard vintage pen. I got one off Ebay for about $50 in excellent writing condition (you do need to beware with Ebay, of course). They're also often for sale at FPN's marketplace. You could also post a want to buy.

Originally Posted by leighton

Sailor Sapporo pen. Period. If you can get a 1911 for $100 get that.

I have the larger 1911 and love it, however there's no "period" in a recommendation for a $100 fountain pen. There are lots of great choices.

Originally Posted by Ru4scuba?

What do folks think of the Hero knockoffs? Any good over the long term? Not usually a fan of buying knockoffs myself, but hey...if they work...the Hero's look quite nice.

I have few Heros. I don't love them but they write reasonably well, are easy to buy off ebay, and for $15 you might be able to find out if you like fountain pens.

There are also some other good FPs available for under $40, Lamy Safari and Waterman Phileas are popular options. If you 're sure you're going to stick with FPs I'd go with something better though.

Originally Posted by danek

I vote for a Pelikan 205 or 215 from www.RichardsPens.com . I LOVE mine! Very smooth, very good flow, nice size for comfortable writing.

Another great choice!

Also, for new pens, check out Pam Braun at Oscarbraunpens.com for excellent prices and a stellar reputation.

**Ru4scuba?** · 11-22-2009, 10:22 AM

Thanks for the tips! Checking out Oscar now...

**danek** · 11-22-2009, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by Ru4scuba?

I'm looking at the Pelikan M215. Really like the look and cost of this pen, but I travel quite a bit.

How often do you travel with your Pelikan? Never had any leaks, spills etc?

Whats a piston filler?

I travel with mine, carried nib upright in my shirt pocket, and have never had a problem.

A piston filler is a type of ink filling system. Most modern pens use a cartridge, or a converter. Pelikan uses a piston system when fills exactly like a cartridge; the nib is submersed in ink, a knob is twisted, ink is sucked up through the nib into a holding area. RichardsPens.com has a very good write-up of the various filling systems.

**statius** · 11-22-2009, 10:41 AM

May I suggest a Pilot Vanishing Point? Great pen and perfect for everday use and carrying on your person. NOt much cooler than a clickable fountain pen!

**Cheech** · 11-22-2009, 10:47 AM

Oscar Braun has some great prices. Never purchased anything from her, but the prices look great.

I have several Pelikans (HUGE fan) and have never had a problem traveling with them.

In terms of how a piston filler works: Think about the piston in your engine. The sleeve is the pen body. There is a piston inside, operated by a knob at the end opposite the nib, that moves back and forth. As the piston moves, it creates suction or pressure in the body, either drawing in ink or expressing ink.

Richard Binder's site is chocked full of info. Here is the link to his explanation of piston fillers:http://www.richardspens.com/?page=re...ers.htm#piston. Richard Binder's site covers the history, models, makes, fillers, nibs, and about everything else you can think of. I've heard it said that Richard Binder is one of the few remaining true nibmeisters (Yes, there's a few others such as John Mottishaw). Having had one or two of his nibs, I can agree that Richard Binder is the man.

In terms of traveling, I've traveled with full pens, but I am a paranoid sort. I've taken the habit of emptying my pens before hand and refilling them upon arrival. SWMBO worked in biotech and brought home these super-cool, cheap little containers that hold about a penload. I can ask what they are if you like.

In terms of recommendations, I'd say to start with something inexpensive to see how it works for you. Don't get me wrong, I love fountain pens and I think they're the greatest thing since sliced bread (maybe before sliced bread?). However, I know that they're not for everybody. The Heroes are decent and really inexpensive. Also, the Parker 21 is really inexpensive and a solid pen that will grow with you.

For inks, as I posted before, I'm a fan of Private Reserve, SWMBO loves Noodlers. Waterman Florida Blue is also a standard. It is important to note that inks have personality traits all their own, far beyond color. One of the nice things about fountain pens is that you can change inks as frequently as you like. And inks are fairly inexpensive.